St Laurence O’Toole Ready to Thrill North East Concert Audience/ Jimmy McIntosh Challenge Contest

St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band, from Dublin, are in concert in Aberdeen on Saturday evening, April 27. Entitled ‘Inspired 2024’, the concert marks the return of this sort of gala occasion to north east Scotland, hosted, as before, by the local Bucksburn & District band. SLOT are one of the World’s top outfits, and are generally recognised as an outstanding concert band noted for their innovative approach and inherent musicality. The…

Northern Ireland News: Ulster Championships Blow/ Bereavements/ Blackthorn/ Irvine Mini Bands/ Leinster Contest

The RSPBANI Executive has announced that Mid & East Antrim Council has withdrawn funding for the Ulster Championships, due to take place at Ballymena Academy on the 3rd August.  RSPBANI Branch Chairman Alastair Patterson expressed the disappointment of the Branch whilst fully understanding the funding difficulties within councils. The Branch is appealing to bands people and their supporters in Mid & East Antrim to speak with their councillors to ensure…

Mike Cusack Honoured at American Pipe Band Championships/ Wheel of Fortune Result

Virginia International Tattoo American Pipe Band Championship was held last Saturday, April 20, at Scope Plaza, Norfolk, Virginia, in excellent conditions, writes Andrew Carlisle, Artistic Director. Each year at closing massed bands, we like to honour somebody who has dedicated a lifetime to piping, drumming and pipe bands. Previous recipients include giants of piping that are unfortunately no longer with us: Pipe Major Sandy Jones and Jimmy McIntosh MBE. For…

Editor’s Notebook: Bob Hardie Recording Comments/ Larkhall Piping Job/ Breton Canntaireachd/ Euro Drums

Several responses to the Bob Hardie recordings and my comments thereon published earlier this week. I agree with the message that he rushed the crunluath doubling somewhat in his Corrienessan. Maybe he felt the drones were moving. Overall an excellent rendition though. Next up was Iain Bruce in Queensland who helpfully identified the air Bob played. Iain wrote: ‘It is Mull of the Mountains. It was often played by Bob…

Wheel of Fortune Contest/ Results from London and South East Mini Bands and Solos

The popular Pipe Major’s Wheel of Fortune competition will be held this Sunday, 21 April, at Danderhall Miners Club, Midlothian, at 12 noon. It is promoted by the City of Edinburgh Pipe Band. Admission is £15 and £7.50 (under 16). Invited pipers are: Cameron Drummond, Ben Duncan, Craig Muirhead, John Mulhearn, Angus Nicolson, Ciaren Ross, Craig Sutherland and Callum Wynd. Judges are Ian Duncan and Robert Barnes and the audience. Band…