The Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board (PDQB) has made changes to the drumming syllabus for both snare and bass/tenor examinations. This relates mainly to the performance element of the examination and was implemented to align with the performance requirements of the piping examinations. This work was carried out by the […]
Donald Lindsay, the inventor of 3D-printed smallpipes, whistles and practice chanters, will be the subject of an interview on BBC Scotland’s The Nine programme on Friday night. Donald, pictured, who is ensconced in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on Ascension Island, will be talking about his ‘print and play’ […]
The literature of the Highland BagpipeThe works of Angus MacKay (Raasay). Part 3 – his manuscripts By Captain John A. MacLellan When Angus MacKay died in 1859 his widow either sold or bequeathed his collection of manuscripts to Michael MacCarfrae who was piper to the Duke of Hamilton at Brodick Castle, […]
The Literature of the Highland Bagpipe The works of Angus MacKay (Raasay)Conclusion – Ceòl Beag By Captain John A. MacLellan. In addition to his tremendous contribution to the art of ceòl mòr, Angus MacKay also made a worthwhile addition to what was at that time a meagre stock of ceòl […]
The literature of the Highland bagpipe The works of Angus MacKay (Raasay) – Part 2By Captain John A. MacLellan Until 1838 the only book of Piobaireachd available to pipers was Donald Macdonald’s collection of Piobaireachd which contained 23 tunes. In 1836 Angus MacKay released the prospectus for his book, which […]
The literature of the Highland bagpipe The works of Angus MacKay (Raasay) – Part 1(Introduction) By Captain John A. MacLellan Angus Mackay of Raasay has been described by the late Archibald Campbell of Kilberry as one of the two most important pipers in 19th century piping. I would go further […]
The literature of the Highland bagpipePioneers of bagpipe notation – Angus MacKay (Raasay) By Captain John A. MacLellan Much of the early bagpipe music was published by the Glen family who came to Edinburgh from the Kingdom of Fife, just across the Firth of Forth. By the mid-1830s the brothers, […]
As Bagpipe.News suggested almost a month ago, the organisers of The Argyllshire Gathering have decided to hold this year’s MacGregor Memorial competition online. The organisers haven’t yet discounted holding the final in person, however. A spokesman told us: “Clearly, we [the Argyllshire Gathering] would be guided by the government and […]
Place is important in music, and understanding the place that one is from, bides in, or looks to for inspiration, is a central part of traditional music in particular. It is with this in mind that I am going to ask for your help. But first, bear with me while […]
A major problem in piping is keeping the instrument in good tune. The greatest number of requests we get is for information on choice of reeds, setting of reeds and how to produce best tone. Understandably, reed-makers are not all that desperate to reduce their incomes by teaching everybody to […]
