CORONA VIRUS PUTS HALT TO AUSTRALIA'S BIGGEST PIPING EVENTS

The Australian Government has suggested cancelling any public event with more than 500 people in attendance as of Monday 16 March 2020. Obviously the intention is to slow the spread of the Corona Virus. The two biggest Piping events in 2020 would be the Australian Pipe Band Championships, due to be held on the 4th and 5th of April in Maryborough, Victoria. With bands travelling from all states and neighbouring countries, some school bands were the first to pull out of the event, which has now been postponed, probably until October or later.

The second biggest event to be cancelled would be the the R U Brown Piobaireachd Society competition due to be held on the 9th May. Organisers have called off this years event despite its size being smaller than the recommended number of attendees, but it was felt that many of the visiting guests, competitors and judges were of the age that they fell into the severe risk category and it would be prudent to avoid risking their exposure, especially with many competitors flying in from interstate or overseas.

Organisers of both events obviously believe this to be the most prudent course of action and hope that anyone put out by the cancellations will be understanding.

ADELAIDE PIPER TAKES AUSTRALIA'S TOP TITLE

Brett Tidswell of Dernancourt has again made his mark on the Australian piping community by taking the country's top solo piping prize at the recent R U Brown Piobaireachd Society Gold Medal competition, which also incorporated the 2019 Australian Solo Piping Championships.

Brett began piping at age 9, receiving his first lessons from his uncle, Michael Clark of Aberdeen, Scotland.  He has over the years competed with a number of local bands in Grade 1 and 2, and with the famous Strathclyde Police Pipe Band, one of the worlds top musical ensembles.  He was Pipe Major of the Grade 1, City of Adelaide Pipe Band for some 25 years, taking them on to win the Australian Grade 1 Championships.

Brett first won the R U Brown Piobaireachd Society Gold Medal in 1988. By 2008 Brett had won this title a staggering 12 times, which had by then become firmly entrenched as Australia's top prize for solo piping.  In 2012 the organisers introduced the Clasp for former winners of the Gold Medal.  This meant previous winners could no longer compete for the coveted prize and a new elite category was created.  Run the day before the main event, the Clasp is a popular attraction for spectators, which often includes the next days Gold Medal competitors.  Those vying for the title are truly the elite of the elite of piping from around Australia, New Zealand and Scotland.

Brett has been second in the Clasp a number of times and this year became the only the second Australian piper to win the ultimate title in Australian Piping.

Brett is a full time piper, teaching through the School of Piping and is National Piping Principal of the Australian Pipe Band College.  He has a number of publications on the market, namely "The Complete Pipers Handbook", "The Reed Book", "The Bagpipe Instruction Manual", and numerous musical recordings.

Brett is available for performances and often plays at funerals, weddings, corporate functions and the like. Contact can be made through schoolofpiping@gmail.com

Australia's Leading Piper to Perform on Remembrance Day

Pipers from around the globe will perform at their local War Memorials on 11/11/18 as a part of the "Battles O'er" Project to remember the end of the Great War 1914 - 1918. This is being coordinated by the College of Piping, Glasgow, Scotland.

In Adelaide, South Australia, a massed Pipe Band will  perform in the CBD at 4:15 PM to mark the signing of the Armistice and various pipers will perform throughout the city and suburbs at various Memorial sites.

Australia's leading piper, Brett Tidswell, National Principal of Piping for the Australian Pipe Band Association and several times National Champion, will perform at 11:00AM at the Campbelltown War Memorial on the corner of Gorge Road and Lower North East Road, Campbelltown.

Brett has several family members named on the St. Martin's Memorial and family buried in the cemetery behind the church.  Brett played at the re-opening of the Memorial following its refurbishment at the start of the Great War centennial commemorations.

"This is a significant milestone and we will be the last generation that has a memory of those who committed such a significant sacrifice.  Our family lost several members to the war effort and those who returned had a significant impact on those around them."  The centenary cannot be allowed to pass without acknowledgment.

Parliamentary Inquiry Recommends Ivory Exemption for Bagpipes

The Federal Parliamentary Committee on Law Enforcement inquiry into the trade in elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn has recommended exemption of bagpipes from the domestic trade framework for elephant ivory.

The recommendation, contained in the inquiry report released today, covers musical instruments with ivory content of less than 20 per cent and made prior to 1975.

The report noted: “A range of musical instruments have used ivory material: namely piano keys, violin bows and bagpipes. In recognition of their use, the UK framework establishes a separate exemption for musical instruments. The ivory content threshold is set at 20 per cent by volume, and applicable for instruments made prior to 1975. The UK government's submission clarified that the 20 per cent ivory content threshold covered 'the vast majority of commonly used and traded instruments'.”
It further said acknowledged: “Some pipes have traditionally used ivory mounts and ferrules, which prevent the cracking and splitting of wooden drones and chanters. Although this ivory is a decorative element, it is also integral to the functions of the instrument.”

The recommendation is consistent with submissions by Pipe Bands Australia and the Celtic Piping Club that were among 84 submissions received by the inquiry committee.

Pipe Bands Australia welcomes the committee’s recommendation and will continue to monitor tabling of the report in Parliament and future draft legislation as it is presented.

Adelaide - Returned Services League Evicts Member Pipers

Some 30 members of the Prospect RSL Sub-Branch (South Australia) have been evicted from the premises by branch President, Mr Neil Rossiter, citing a change of policy by the Prospect City Council, the owner of the actual building, who he says want to prioritise local community groups hiring the premises.

The premises has been the long term home of the City of Adelaide Pipe Band, a local band who have been South Australian Champions every year since 1991 and multiple time Australian Champions in Grade 1 and 2.  The band services the local area and performs at many local and charitable events, including remembrance services across Adelaide and those conducted at the Prospect RSL.  All band members are financial members of the Prospect Sub-Branch and form well over 50% of the branches active membership.  Members of the band can boast active service in the First Gulf War, Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, Malay Peninsula, Dhofar, UK Police, local law enforcement and all branches of the Australian Defence Force.

Members of the Prospect RSL also voluntarily conduct the Gracenotes Academy, a youth project that provides piping and drumming lessons for a growing number of young people within the prospect area. They currently have around 20 - 30 students attending on a Wednesday evening, which includes members of the 413 Australian Army Cadet Unit. Gracenotes has just been awarded a commendation for achievement from Pipe Bands Australia.

The RSL premises is also utilised by Pipe Bands Australia SA Branch for meetings and seminars and the R U Brown Piobaireachd Society for monthly recitals and tuition, which makes the RSL something of a hub for local piping activities. The future involvement of these groups is yet to be determined.

The activity of the piping organisations over the years has turned the Prospect RSL from a branch of some 36 ageing members that was dwindling in size, to a thriving musical community attracting many people of all ages and doubling the size of the branch membership.  It also gave local ex-servicemen the opportunity to pass on valuable world-class skills to up and coming players.

During daytime hours the RSL premises has recently been rented to U3A, an organisation that provides low cost opportunities for semi-retired or retired people to come together to learn, socialise and belong. This is not affected by the piping activities that are all conducted of an evening or agreed weekends.

In correspondence received from Mr Neil Rossiter, Sub-Branch President the groups have been given until the 14th December 2018 to remove all equipment and return their keys.  He stated that this would help the RSL: "meet Council policy and with the demand of local Prospect groups".

The Mayor of Prospect, Mr David O'Laughlin has responded to our request for comment and stated: “Council has a policy that seeks to maximise the use of our very limited community facilities to local organisations or those providing material levels of service to local people. However the leases are in control of each club, who, within reason, have the ability to sublease or not sublease as they wish, provided they keep the policy in mind. Council has issued no instruction or direction to the Prospect RSL in this matter”.

Mr Rossiter was given the opportunity to respond and was asked to comment of the impact a loss of 50% of his membership would cause to the viability of the Sub-Branch in a state where the League has suffered significant financial difficulties and a substantial decline in memberships.  Rossiter had failed to respond at the time this article went to print.

A spokesman for the band has suggested that a desire to minimise involvement by a small group that see themselves as custodians of their own private club has seen the eviction of 50% of the RSL members, all of whom are involved in the piping activities. This eviction comes at a difficult time as the band prepares its second tour of Brittany, France.

“The band’s name, City of Adelaide Pipe Band Inc., was bestowed upon the band as it represents the entire city in local, national and international competition. It has for many years been based in Prospect, an inner Adelaide suburb and certainly considers itself a local community group.  The Gracenotes Academy has been located in Prospect since inception and cannot understand how it can possibly be regarded as anything but a local community group.  Combined with the fact that both groups are either all members of the Prospect RSL Sub-Branch, or in the case of Gracenotes, run by volunteers who are all members of the Sub-Branch, representatives appear rightly confused as to what makes some members more entitled to hire or use the premises than others.”

Bagpiper in Adelaide South Australia

Australia's Leading Piper is in Adelaide, South Australia.

Brett Tidswell is the National Principal of Piping with the Australian Pipe Band Association. He has won Australia's most prestigious solo competitions on a record number of occasions and also directed bands who have won the Australian Pipe Band Championships on multiple occasions   He has also played numerous championships in Europe and the United Kingdom with the multiple Championship winning Strathclyde Police Pipe Band from Glasgow, Scotland.

Having performed in competitions and recitals around the world, this acclaimed musician is now available to perform in Adelaide, South Australia. Having played at Military Tattoos, state funerals, celebrity weddings and alongside performers such as Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Rod Stewart, Jimmy Shand,  John Farnham, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and many more, Brett will turn your event into a very special and highly memorable occasion.

Available for:

• Funeral Services
• Memorial Services
• Weddings
• Receptions
• Corporate Events
• Birthday Parties
• St Andrew's and Burn's Nights
• Remembrance Services
• Seminars
• Tutorials

Having been an instructor within the Defence Force and a full time Piping Instructor for many years, Brett also offers individual tuition and piping seminars at all levels both Nationally and Internationally. He holds the APBA Advanced Certificate, Teaching Diploma, Adjudicators Certificates in Piping and Ensemble and is an examiner for the Institute of Piping UK.

Always immaculately presented in full highland uniform, with smart military bearing.

To book a professional solo Piper of unparalleled ability and a musician of international repute and acclaim contact:

Telephone: 0430 726 618 (Brett Tidswell)

Email: schoolofpiping@gmail.com

International: +61 430 726 618

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/professionalpiper/

Brett Tidswell Australian Principal of Piping

Links:

http://www.schoolofpiping.com

http://www.schoolofpiping.com/shop/bagpipes_and_accessories.html

https://sites.google.com/site/professionalpiper/

The School of Piping Shop

Bagpipe supplies and sales in Adelaide South Australia.

The School of Piping Shop is able to supply all of your Piping needs and offer friendly experienced service and advice. We stock only high quality products and have a wide range of reeds, bags, maintenance items, bagpipes, and all accessories in stock. Located in Adelaide, South Australia, we ship anywhere in the world and welcome anyone who wants to drop in for face to face service.

Our price list can be seen here: http://www.schoolofpiping.com/shop/bagpipes_and_accessories.html

We also supply a fine range of quality highland outfits.

To make purchases even more convenient for our customers, we also have an extensive range listed at our ebay store. You can visit the store here: http://stores.ebay.com.au/schoolofpiping?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

Purchases through the shop help fund our website, sponsorships and teaching programs.

Synchronicity

It is known that drone reeds that are well balanced and well set for strength will stay in tune longer and also be easier to tune. Blowing obviously plays a part in this as well. Many pipers believe that a synchronicity between drones is also possible when they are well set.  When they are blown steadily during a performance and are well set they will vibrate in sympathy with each other, staying in tune longer and sometimes returning to unison if going slightly out of tune.

Often hoses, valves and tubes will prevent this.  Quite often they can also interfere with micro - managing the individual notes on the chanter or the drone chanter balance whilst playing as well.

This synchronicity has been shown with metronomes when placed on a moveable surface.  Energy from the motion of one ticking metronome can affect the motion of every metronome around it, while the motion of every other metronome affects the motion of our original metronome right back. All this inter-metronome "communication" is facilitated by the board, which serves as an energetic intermediary between all the metronomes that rest upon its surface. Similarly the vibration of reeds can be effected by the vibration experienced through the bag. In fact our entire instrument vibrates when we play.

The Reed Book DVD-Rom is the most advanced publication available today to demonstrate the methods used to obtain perfect strength and harmonic balance between your reeds.  The Complete Pipers Handbook also explains these methods in detail. These two publications are available from the School of Piping Shop.

When we sell drone reeds at the School of Piping Shop we select them for balance between strength and also tone before dispatch.  This will help greatly in set up.

While you are there you can download your free issue of the Gone Piping eMagazine.

Bagpipe Hygiene

There is a lot of talk on the net about a piper contracting a fungal infection of the lungs from playing bagpipes. Here is a link to the news story http://www.scotsman.com/scotland-on-sunday/scotland/bagpipe-warning-over-threat-of-fatal-fungus-1-2828835.  We have an article prepared on bagpipe hygiene, cleaning and maintaining a healthier bagpipe. We think it is important to read and hope it helps prevent any further incidents of this nature. It can be found here: http://www.schoolofpiping.com/articles.html

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.

The Reed Book Interactive DVD-Rom

“Probably the most comprehensive product about reeds ever published”. This DVD- Rom contains a 57 page PDF book with many step by step full colour photographs to help pipers gain a complete understanding about reeds. A large number of video files are also linked throughout the publication showing how to carry out testing and manipulation of drone and chanter reeds.

Chapters have been included on the making of chanter and drone reeds so that the construction of reeds is better understood and therefore the principles behind many of the manipulations make more sense to the piper. Selection of reeds and cane are also topics discussed along with installing, setting up, refining, increasing/decreasing volume, altering tonal quality, problem solving etc.

Chapters include:
SECTION 1. CHANTER REEDS
CHAPTER 1. Practice Chanter Reeds
CHAPTER 2. Pipe Chanter Reeds
CHAPTER 3. Making a Chanter Reed
CHAPTER 4. Selecting a Pipe Chanter Reed
CHAPTER 5. Setting a Pipe Chanter
CHAPTER 6. Tools for Working with Reeds
CHAPTER 7. Manipulating Reeds
CHAPTER 8. Problem Solving
CHAPTER 9. Tuning a Pipe Chanter (basics)

SECTION 2. DRONE REEDS
CHAPTER 10. Types of Drone Reeds
CHAPTER 11. Making Cane Drone Reeds
CHAPTER 12. Understanding Drone Reeds
CHAPTER 13. Reed Selection
CHAPTER 14. Setting up Drones
CHAPTER 15. Problem Solving
CHAPTER 16. Tuning the Drones (basics)

SECTION 3. THE BAGPIPE
CHAPTER 17. Making Your Bagpipe Air Efficient
CHAPTER 18. Setting Up and Tuning the Bagpipe (basics)

Suitable for use on any computer with a PDF and DVD reader.

Now available from the School of Piping Shop.

Great price packages are also available including the Complete Pipers Handbook.

TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR BAGPIPE STEADIER

We constantly aim for better tone and stability of our instrument. Here are some simple tips that will help:

• Check that all joints and tuning slides are well hemped and that none move or rock on the joint.

• Test that your bag is airtight and your blow pipe valve is working properly.

• Ensure that you have a suitable Water Trap or Moisture Control System installed.

• If using a canister system replace the drying agent.

• Check all hoses to your Moisture Control System. Some hoses may leak, replace them. Some brands of hoses offer more stability and reliability than others.

• Some drone reeds will not last forever. If any are suspect clean the reeds and replace the bridles. You may also need to replace your reeds if you suspect tongue fatigue.

• Balance your drone reeds for strength (the methods are highlighted in The Complete Pipers Handbook).

• If your chanter reed is old and not giving the best performance, replace it.

• If too much moisture is building up on the reeds invest in a new Moisture Control System.

• Practice blowing exercises, as a lot of instability can be caused by poor technique. A Bagpipe Gauge is available from the School of Piping Shop which you can use to monitor your blowing.

• Do not assume that instability is caused by your blowing, I see so many instruments that are poorly set and pipers just assume it is their bad blowing.

• Get a good maintenance guide to help you to learn to set your instrument up.

Too often I see old equipment that has passed its prime or badly set instruments and pipers ignoring it. They either put up with the bad results or assume it is their own failure to blow steady. It is the Pipe Majors catch cry to have difficulty with an instrument and tell someone to blow steady! This might not always be the problem.

Give yourself a fighting chance and try the above points to get a better result from your instrument. The Complete Pipers Handbook is a great guide to help you to get a better result from your instrument. Also the School of Piping Shop has great deals on many reeds and products, and we are always willing to offer help and advice along the way.

VALE P/M ALASDAIR GILLIES

It is our sad duty to report the passing of Pipe Major Alasdair Gillies on the 27th August 2011 at 47 years of age. Pipe Major of the Queens Own Highlanders and one of the top piping competitors of the modern era. Winner of the Silver Star for former winners of the MSR at the Northern Meeting a record eleven times. Three times winner of the Glenfiddich Championships.

He won both Highland Society of London’s Gold Medals (Argyllshire Gathering 1989, Northern Meeting 2004)

The piping world will sadly miss Alasdair and his jovial nature. May we extend our condolences to his family and friends.

New Album Released by www.schoolofpiping.com

The School of Piping website is pleased to announce the release of its second album of downloadable bagpipe tune lessons. The album titled "Lessons volume 2" features a collection of Intermediate level tunes: 6/8 Dundee City Police Pipe Band, 2/4 Duke of Roxburghe's Farewell to the Blackmount Forest, Strathspey Maggie Cameron, Reel Alick C McGregor, Jig The Kitchen Maid and Hornpipe P/M George Allan.

This will back up the previous very popular album "Lessons volume 1" which featured basic level and popular tunes.

The lessons can be downloaded from: http://www.schoolofpiping.com/lessons.html

We trust that you will enjoy!

ORDER OF AUSTRALIA MEDAL AWARDED FOR SERVICES TO MUSIC

Greg Bassani, National Principal of Drumming with the Australian Pipe Band College has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2011 for services to music. Greg has put in a huge effort over many years to promote drumming in Pipe Bands throughout Australia.

Greg was taught at the CBC Pipe Band and moved on to become Leading Side Drummer of the Adelaide University Regiment, Royal Caledonian Society of SA, Scotch College-Adelaide and The City of Adelaide Pipe Band, winning several Championships along the way. He has served many years as the Vice Principal of Drumming in South Australia and more recently as the National Principal of Drumming. His scientific work on mid section tuning has been published by the RSPBA.

Well Done Greg, a recognition long overdue!

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