Bagpipe Pressure Gauge (manometer)

For many years now I have been using a pressure gauge manometer as a teaching tool. Every piper in our youth band has access to one and all learners are encouraged to use one.  They assist in learning good blowing technique and arm control by providing instant feedback.  The gauges are highly responsive and unlike a water manometer you get the complete indication of what you are doing wrong as you do it. Our experienced pipers are also encouraged to practice with one from time to time.

The gauge goes further than just indicating unsteady blowing to show as you play any drop or increase in pressure.  It is common for many pipers to increase pressure during faster tunes or drop pressure in slower tunes.  Also to vary pressure within tunes that they are not confident playing.

The Bagpipe Pressure Gauge is an invaluable tool that will help pipers at any level. We stock them at the School of Piping Shop for just AUD$50.00 + Postage (or AUD$70.00 with a heady duty School of Piping zip up case). Contact us at schoolofpiping@gmail.com to order one or purchase direct from our site at http://www.schoolofpiping.com/shop/beginners_publications.html

Bagpipe Maintenance Kit

The School of Piping (publishers of  The Complete Pipers Handbook) are pleased to announce the arrival of its new maintenance kit bags.  This is a nylon zipper bag, designed to fit exactly into the front pocket of a Bagpiper case, measuring 32cm X 14 cm X 6 cm. They fit a wide variety of maintenance items and can be purchased for only AUD$20.

You can fill the kit with a wide range of our products or purchase them as a complete maintenance kit containing: A roll of waxed hemp, a utility knife, a roll of tuning tape, 4 x nylon brushes, 4 x rubber stock stoppers, 3 x drone stoppers, a pull through, Maker's Choice bore oil, Maker's Choice joint lube, a silk swab and a pair of small scissors.

Purchase can be arranged by emailing: schoolofpiping@gmail.com
The Bag can be purchased directly online here:  http://www.schoolofpiping.com/shop/beginners_publications.html

More items can be seen at our online SHOP.

New Lessons Downloads for Intermediate Level Exercises

We have prepared a series of Lessons to accompany the Exercise routine posted on the School of Piping site. The routine is based on scalic exercises and features a repetition of scales like many professional musicians play to build strength and consistency of technique, accuracy with beat and pulse and muscle memory. A great way to rapidly improve your playing, build your playing up before a contest, or just giving your technique a good spring clean! An article and manuscript is downloadable as well as audio lessons. They can be found on the Audio Lessons page of the School of Piping website by clicking HERE. We hope you enjoy the routine and find it beneficial. Articles on exercises, good practice habits and performing can be found in The Complete Pipers Handbook, available from the same site. www.schoolofpiping.com

VALE DONALD MacPHERSON We are sad to report the passing of piping legend Donald MacPherson. Aged 89 Donald was one of the most respected and successful figures in the solo piping world. Donald holds the record for winning nine Clasps at the Northern Meeting. He also won the Senior Piobaireachd at the Argyllshire Gathering 15 times, 6 former winners MSR at Inverness, the list goes on and on. Donald generously passed his knowledge to many students who have also had considerable success in the world solo piping scene. Through them and his many recordings his music will live on. We pass our sincere condolences to his family, we know he will be sadly missed.

Learn Bagpipes or Drums in Adelaide South Australia

The SA Youth Pipe Band provides high quality, very inexpensive tuition for young people who want to play bagpipes or drums in a Pipe Band environment. The band is run under the umbrella of the City of Adelaide Pipe Band. Tuition is provided by Brett Tidswell (National Principal of the Australian Pipe Band College), Andrew Fuller (1998 World Pipe Band Champion) and Olav Goud (World Solo Drumming finalist).



The SA Youth Pipe Band recently won both elements of the Grade 4 Pipe Band section at the 2012 Mt Barker Highland Gathering, highlighting the quality of tuition available through this prestigious organisation.



Practices are conducted at the Prospect RSL Hall, Wilcox Ave Prospect from 7.30PM on Tuesday evenings. Those young people wishing to participate should contact secretary@adelaidepipeband.com or phone 0435 272 313.

More can be discovered about learning Bagpipes in this article.

We look forward to a bright future in Pipe Banding.

Piobaireachd Tuition DVD-Rom

We are pleased to announce the launch of the "Piobaireachd Tutorial" DVD-Rom by P/M Bill Robertson. This is an excellent resource with an e-tutor running through all piobaireachd embellishments complete with video links breaking up each movement and demonstrating how it should be played.



The DVD also provides manuscript and audio lessons for 15 tunes and an authoritative historical story behind each of the tunes. Tunes covered are: McDonald of Kinlochmoidart no 1. The Little Spree. Lament for the Old Sword. Campany’s Lament. Too Long In this Condition. Old Woman’s Lullaby. Alastair Dearg. Catherine’s Lament. Salute to Donald. Massacre of Glencoe. Sir James McDonald of the Isles. Pretty Dirk. Donald of Laggan. Munro’s Salute. Rout of the McPhees.

We believe this to be the best resource of its type available and are proud to be associated with Bill's work. You will find the DVD on our Beginners Publications page by clicking HERE.

Bill was a prize winner in the BBC piobaireachd composition competition, winner of the Highland Brigade Piobaireachd medal and the Piobaireachd Society NZ Gold Medal. He has been a pupil of P/M Hugh Fraser, P/M Willie Ross and P/M Donald McLeod. Bill himself was Pipe Major of The Royal Scots.



In addition we also offer Bill's "115 Piobaireachd Turorial" DVD-Rom. A vast resource that is unsurpassed. You will find the DVD on our Advanced Publications page by clicking HERE.