WORLD PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS
2013-2015

6th December 2011

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has confirmed that Glasgow has won the right to host the World Pipe Band Championships for 2013, 2014 and 2015. The city has been associated with "The Worlds", as they are affectionately known, for more than 60 years.

Some 230 bands from 12 countries around the world entered the 2011 competition which was held on Saturday 13th August at Glasgow Green. More than 30,000 people attended the event, watching more than 8,000 pipers and drummers compete. Each year, the event generates over £10 million pounds for both Glasgow and Scotland's economy.

George Ussher, President of the RSPBA, said: "The partnership we enjoy with Glasgow is incredibly strong and we are continually impressed by the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved in producing such a world-class event.

"The Worlds are the peak of Pipe Band competition and every year we look for an event which reflects that. The bands get such a warm welcome and genuinely look forward to competing at Glasgow Green - and the hospitality of a city which embraces pipe bands. Glasgow has been a tremendous host and I've no doubt the Worlds will be even bigger and better in the years ahead."

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive Officer

WORLD SOLO DRUMMING 2011
STEVEN McWHIRTER TAKES TITLE

23rd October 2011

The final RSPBA events of 2011 took place on Saturday 22nd October at the Glasgow Caledonian University.

The annual Andante sponsored World Solo Drumming event as well as the Inaugural International Solos Tenor competition drew large entries with 196 snare drummers and 31 tenor drummers travelling from all over the World.

In the World Solo Drumming there were some familiar faces crowned champions for 2011, all the winners are pictured below with their trophies presented by Nigel Hodgen.

A huge thanks to Glasgow based photographer Scott Campbell for all his pictures on the day.

The Juvenile 1 event was won for the second successive yeah by Ryan Martin from Cullybackey Pipe Band in Northern Ireland.  Ryan took the event by 1 point from Logan Akira Taylor (Robert Malcolm Memorial - Canada) with Louis Bendle (George Watsons College - Scotland) finishing in third place.  Ryan is pictured below collecting his trophy.

The Juvenile 2 event was won for the third successive year by Grant Casidy from House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead in Scotland.  This was Grant’s sixth successive World Solo Drumming title having won Juvenile 1 in 2006, 2007 and 2008 then Juvenile 2 in 2009, 2010 and now 2010.  Grant took the event by 2 points from Dean Smyth (Scottish Power - Scotland) with Ewan Fyfe (Inveraray and District - Scotland) finishing in third place. Grant is pictured below collecting his trophy.

The Juvenile 3 event was won by Steven Shedden from House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead in Scotland.  Steven is also a previous winner having won Juvenile 2 in 2008. Steven took the event by 3 points from Gavin Orr (Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia - Scotland) with Cameron Ward (Strathclyde Police - Scotland) finishing in third place. Steven is pictured below collecting his trophy.

The Adult event was won by Steven McWhirter from Inveraray and District in Scotland.  Steven is also a previous winner having won the title in 2006 whilst playing with SFU.  Steven won the event by 9 points winning both the MSR and Hornpipe and Jig events in front of a packed audience.  Blair Brown (Simon Fraser University - Canada) finished in second place with 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 champion Barry Wilson (Scottish Power - Scotland) finishing in third place.  Steven is pictured below collecting his trophy.

Full summaries of the World Solo Drumming event can be found by clicking here.

Being held on the same day and in the same venue was the inaugural International Juvenile Solo Tenor drumming event.

Unlike the solo drumming events which are graded by age, the tenor event was graded by the players registered band.  The Juvenile 1 event was for Grade 4 and Novice players playing 8 parts in quick march tempo with the Juvenile 2 event for anyone playing higher than Grade 4 playing a March, Strathspey and Reel.

Both events were judged by Stephen McQuillan, John McFetteridge and Neil Whitelaw.

The Juvenile 1 event was won by Cameron Anderson (George Watson’s College - Scotland) who took 1st place from all 3 adjudicators. Dhugal Paterson (Carnoustie and District - (Scotland) finished in second place with Lisa Thomson (George Watson’s College - Scotland) finishing in third place.  Cameron is pictured below.

The Juvenile 2 event was won by Katelyn Garrity (Simon Fraser University - Canada) who took 1st place on an first place preference after tying with Ronan Rodgers (St. Laurence O’Toole - Ireland), both players tied on 6 points but Katelyn placed first from two of the three adjudicators. Third place went to Joanna Fairbairn (Boghall and Bathgate - Scotland).  Katelyn is pictured below.

Full summaries for the tenor events are available by clicking here.

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

COWAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
FIELD MARSHAL COMPLETE GRAND SLAM

28th August 2011

The final championship of the 2011 season took place at Cowal on Saturday 27th August. 121 bands and 31 Drum Majors made the annual trip to Dunoon where both the Cowal and Champion of Champions would be crowned.

The Adult Drum Majors event was won by Samantha Gordon - Field Marshal Montgomery. The Juvenile grade was  won by Iona Burns - Dumbarton and District and the Junior grade won by Lauren Abraham - Seven Towers.

In Grade 1, Field Marshal Montgomery from Lisburn, Northern Ireland under the leaderships of PM Richard Parkes MBE and LD Keith Orr completed their season unbeaten finishing as Scottish, British, European, Cowal, World Champions and Champion of Champions with a maximum 30 points.   Field Marshal took the Cowal title with a 10 point margin.

The runners up were Inveraray and District who completed an excellent second season with their best ever Grade 1 finish.  Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia took 3rd place.  The other places were taken by St Laurence O’Toole, Strathclyde Police and Scottish Power.

The best drum corps was won by The House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia with their Bass Drummer Scott Currie pictured below. The win also gave Shotts the Drumming Champion of Champions title in Grade 1.

The other Cowal Champions on the day were:

Grade 2 Band - Seven Towers
Grade 2 Drumming - Seven Towers

Grade 3A Band - Coalburn I.O.R
Grade 3A Drumming - Coalburn I.O.R

Grade 3B Band - Cowal
Grade 3B Drumming - Cowal

Grade Juvenile Band - George Watson’s College
Grade Juvenile Drumming - George Watson’s College

Grade 4A Band - Scottish Borders
Grade 4A Drumming - Kilsyth Thistle

Grade 4B Band - Bellaghy
Grade 4B Drumming - Bo’ness

Grade Novice Band - George Watson’s College
Grade Novice Band - George Heriot’s School

Being the final championship of the 2011 season the champion of champions awards were also won with the bands and drum corps with the most points over the five major championships.

2011 Champion of Champions (maximum 30 points)

Adult Drum Majors  - Paula Braiden, Ballycoan (25 pts)

Juvenile Drum Majors - Iona Burns, Dumbarton and District (26 pts)

Junior Drum Majors - Zoe McDowell, Lisnamulligan (27 pts)

Grade 1 Band - Field Marshal Montgomery (30 pts)
Grade 1 Drumming - HOE Shotts and Dykehead (26 pts)

Grade 2 Band - Seven Towers (24 pts)
Grade 2 Drumming - Denny and Dunipace Gleneagles (21 pts)

Grade 3A Band - Oban (21 pts)
Grade 3A Drumming - Oban (19pts)

Grade 3B Band - Stamperland (16 pts)
Grade 3B Drumming - Rothesay and District (20 points)

Grade Juv Band - George Watson’s College (30 pts)
Grade Juv Drumming - George Watsons’s College (29 pts)

Grade 4A Band - Scottish Borders (22 pts)
Grade 4A Drumming - Ballybriest (21 pts)

Grade 4B Band - Bo’ness (19 pts)
Grade 4B Drumming - Bo’ness (23 pts)

Grade Nov Band - Kintyre Schools (27 pts)
Grade Nov Drumming - George Watson’s College (26 pts)

Complete summaries of the event can be found by clicking here and the completed Champions tables can be found by clicking here.

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
FIELD MARSHAL ON TOP OF THE WORLD

14th August 2011

The biggest day on the pipe band calendar saw over 8,000 pipers and drummers and approximately 40,000 spectators descend on Glasgow Green. Thankfully the terrible weather of the last few days eventually let up with only short showers on a couple of occasions.

The Adult Drum Majors event was won by Alicia Dickson - Matt Boyd Memorial who also won the Scottish Championships back in May. The Juvenile grade was won by Lauren Hanna - Drumlough and the Junior grade won by Zoe McDowell - Lisnamulligan.

In Grade 1, Field Marshal Montgomery from Lisburn, Northern Ireland under the leaderships of PM Richard Parkes MBE and LD Keith Orr continued their unbeaten domination of the 2011 season as they took the title by 18 points, the winning points margin in over a decade taking first places in both MSR and Medley.

Simon Fraser University from Canada finished in 2nd place with Scottish Power breaking into the elite top 3 for the first time in over a decade. The other places were taken by Inveraray and District who continued their amazing 2nd season in the top grade placing in every major so far, St Laurence O’Toole and Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia. 

The overall best drum corps was won by The House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia with their Leading Drummer Jim Kilpatrick MBE pictured below.

It was quite unusual to see three different drum corps lifting titles in the top grade. Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia took the best drum corps in the MSR events, Field Marshal Montgomery won the medley event whilst HOE Shotts secured the overall title with two second places.

The other World Champions on the day were:

Grade 2 Band - Seven Towers
Grade 2 Drumming - Denny and Dunipace - Gleneagles

Grade 3A Band - Oban
Grade 3A Drumming - Police Service of Northern Ireland

Grade 3B Band - New York Metro
Grade 3B Drumming - New York Metro

Grade Juvenile Band - George Watson’s College
Grade Juvenile Drumming - George Watson’s College

Grade 4A Band - Scottish Borders
Grade 4A Drumming - Scottish Borders

Grade 4B Band - Closkelt
Grade 4B Drumming - Bo’ness

Grade Novice Band - Kintyre Schools
Grade Novice Band - Kintyre Schools

Complete summaries of the event can be found by clicking here.

We head to Cowal for the final championship of the 2011 season on Saturday 27th August with the coveted Champion of Champions titles up for grabs and Field Marshal Montgomery try to make it a clean sweep.

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
FMM CONTINUE WINNING STREAK

26th June 2011

The European Pipe Band Championships were held on Saturday 30th July 2011 with 100 bands and 57 Drum Majors made the trip to the Belfast.

Once again the sun shone giving everyone a very hot day, a rare sight so far this season, with large crowds flocking to the wonderful Stormont Venue.

The Adult Drum Majors event was won by Brian Wilson from Lomond and Clyde (pictured below from a previous win - we will replace this image soon).  The Juvenile grade was again won by Stephen Gilchrist from Ballycoan adding to his British title last month. The Junior grade won by Emma Barr from Ravara.

In Grade 1, Field Marshal Montgomery from Northern Ireland continued their wonderful 2011 season remaining unbeaten so far. Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE is pictured below.

St. Laurence O’Toole from Eire once again took the runners up spot finishing 6 points behind Field Marshal. The other places were taken by Inveraray and District taking their first ever top 3 at a major championships, Scottish Power, Fife Constabulary also taking their highest ever finish and Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia.  The best drum corps was won by The House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia pictured below.

The results of the European Championships also decided the final pre qualification placed for the the World Championship Grade 1 event.  More information available here.

The other European Champions on the day were:

Grade 2 Band - Ravara
Grade 2 Drumming - Dumfries and Galloway Const.

Grade 3A Band - Isle of Islay
Grade 3A Drumming - Isle of Islay

Grade 3B Band - Stamperland
Grade 3B Drumming - Badenoch and Strathspey

Grade Juvenile Band - George Watson’s College
Grade Juvenile Drumming - George Watson’s College

Grade 4A Band - Ballybriest
Grade 4A Drumming - Ballybriest

Grade 4B Band - Achill
Grade 4B Drumming - Closkelt

Grade Novice Band - Kintyre Schools
Grade Novice Band - George Heriot’s School

Complete summaries of the event can be found by clicking here.

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
FMM MAKE IT 3 IN A ROW

26th June 2011

The Scottish Power Renewables British Pipe Band Championships were held on Saturday 25th June 2011 with 126 bands and 33 Drum Majors made the trip to the Annan. This was the second year of the Championships three year deal with Annan.

A huge thanks must go to the ground staff of Dumfries and Galloway Council as only days earlier the park had 3 inches of rain sitting on it, apologies to the bands for the rearrangements of bus parking which had to happen due to the rainfall.

Thankfully the rain stayed away for most of the day allowing almost all the competitors to play in dry conditions, and to revert to normal for our marchpast and prize giving event.

The Adult Drum Majors event was won by Paula Braiden (pictured below) from Ballycoan in Northern Ireland. The Juvenile grade was won by Stephen Gilchrist, also from Ballycoan giving them a brilliant double with the Junior grade won by Zoe McDowell from Lisnamulligan who also won the Scottish title back in May.

In Grade 1, Field Marshal Montgomery from Northern Ireland made it two championships from two for 2011 retaining their title to make it 3 British titles in a row.  Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE is pictured below.

St. Laurence O’Toole from Eire once again took the runners up spot finishing 1 point behind Field Marshal.  The other places were taken by Scottish Power, Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia, Strathclyde Police and Inveraray and District.  The best drum corps was won by St. Laurence O’Toole adding to their Scottish title won in May.  Leading Drummer Stephen Creighton is pictured below.

The other British Champions on the day were:

Grade 2 Band - Ravara
Grade 2 Drumming - Ravara

Grade 3A Band - Manor Cunningham
Grade 3A Drumming - Manor Cunningham

Grade 3B Band - St. Laurence O’Toole
Grade 3B Drumming - St. Laurence O’Toole

Grade Juvenile Band - George Watson’s College
Grade Juvenile Drumming - Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia

Grade 4A Band - Ballybriest
Grade 4A Drumming - Ballybriest

Grade 4B Band - Achill
Grade 4B Drumming - Achill

Grade Novice Band - Kintyre Schools
Grade Novice Band - George Watson’s College

Complete summaries of the event can be found by clicking here.

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
FMM TAKE FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP

21st May 2011

The first championship of the 2011 season was held on Saturday 21st May 2011.  134 bands from across Europe competed in terrible conditions which never stopped all day.

The howling winds and driving rain which started early in the morning and hadn’t ceased by the end of Grade 1 sadly affected the competitors experience, the visitor numbers and by 3pm left the Association with little choice but to cancel the marchpast forcing the prize presentation into the hospitality tent.

But of course the event went on with 134 bands and 37 drum majors bearing the elements.

The Adult Drum Majors event was won by Alicia Dickson from Matt Boyd Memorial in Northern Ireland. Alicia had a very consistent 2010 season placing in the top 3 at every championship.  The Juvenile grade was won by Iona Burns from Dumbarton and District with the Junior grade won by Zoe McDowell from Lisnamulligan.

In Grade 1, current Champion of Champions Field Marshal Montgomery from Northern Ireland retained their title making in it 3 Scottish titles in a row. The band struggled to fit in the outer circle as it took to the field with 43 players including 9 pipers in the front rank.

St. Laurence O’Toole from Eire took the runners up spot finishing 2 points behind Field Marshal. The other places were taken by Scottish Power, Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia, Inveraray and District and Fife Constabulary who secured their first ever top 6 championship finish since their inception. The best drum corps was won by St. Laurence O’Toole.

The other Scottish Champions on the day were:

Grade 2 Band - Grampian Police
Grade 2 Drumming - Denny and Dunipace Gleneagles

Grade 3A Band - Oban
Grade 3A Drumming - Oban

Grade 3B Band - Stockbridge
Grade 3B Drumming - Stockbridge

Grade Juvenile Band - George Watson’s College
Grade Juvenile Drumming - George Watson’s College

Grade 4A Band - Scottish Borders
Grade 4A Drumming - Kilsyth Thistle

Grade 4B Band - Closkelt
Grade 4B Drumming - Bo’ness RBL

Grade Novice Band - George Watson’s College
Grade Novice Band - George Watson’s College

Complete summaries of the event can be found by clicking here.

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

"FIRED UP" PROMOTIONS PRESENT
REIGNITED - 10th MARCH 2012

17th January 2012

I would like to inform you that we at Bucksburn are, again, hosting a concert on the 10th March 2012 at the Music Hall along with a new top grade one Pipe Band - Inveraray and District.

In October last year, Bucksburn and District Pipe Band performed alongside top grade one pipe band, Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia.

Following its phenomenal success, Bucksburn and District have announced that they will be holding their second concert in March 2012 and will again perform alongside a top grade one pipe band, Inveraray and District.

And the band is hoping for a repeat of the sell-out audience that came to the concert called 'Fired Up' last year.

Bucksburn Band President Gus McAskill said: "It's great to have such an event like this again here in Aberdeen. To secure a top class grade one pipe band as talented as Inveraray and District is wonderful, not only for Bucksburn Pipe Band, but for the whole of the North East.

"Inveraray and District are a fantastic band with very talented players and are guided by two of the best in the business, Pipe Major Stuart Liddell and Leading Drummer Steven McWhirter."

Mr McAskill added: "Fired Up not only inspired Bucksburn Pipe Band to continue with this venture, it also brought a community spirit within the North-east pipe bands, a feeling and venture that must continue and will keep the interest and excitement going within the North-east Pipe Band world."

To contact Bucksburn and District Pipe Band phone 01464 851401 or visit http://www.bucksburnpipeband.com

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

GRADE 4A MSR
CHANGES FOR 2012

17th December 2011

Please be advised that the playing requirements for Grade 4A bands in Championship Competitions in the 2012 season will be as follows.

- 2 x two parted Marches
- 2 x two parted Strathspeys
- 2 x two parted reels

All tunes to be selected from the list of MAP tunes as published on the RSPBA website. No additional tunes will be added for the coming season however the list may be increased for the 2013 season.

This change in playing requirements will further develop the MAP learning principles and allow bands to be better prepared for advancement to Grade 3B and Grade 3A.

We mailed all Grade 4A band secretaries and pipe majors and based on the survey feedback we requested from them we are proposing to hold some workshops to cover the following aspects.

• MAP learning principles
• Form and structure of marches, strathspeys and reels
• Strathspeys and reels in historic context
• Tune selection principles
• Tune analysis
• Tune customisation for individual band needs
• Tune content to accepted MSR standards
• Tune technical aspects
• Style and interpretation
• Ensemble effects

With regard to style and interpretation we would expect that marches will continue to be played in a spirited and lively manner, strathspeys with gaiety or dignity as appropriate to the tune, and reels with controlled liveliness.

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

PIPE DREAMERS
BBC DOCUMENTARY

26th November 2011

Richard Parkes has been pipe major of the Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band for thirty years. In that time, he has won the Grade One World Championships on six occasions. In 2010, he was runner up to his friend, Terry Tully, pipe major of the St Laurence O'Toole band from Dublin. In these two programmes we follow Terry and Richard from the start of the 2011 season as one tries to hold on to his title and the other strives to take it from him. With unrestricted access to the two pipe majors through planning, rehearsal and into the performance arena, this is an insider's view into the world of competition pipe bands and just what it takes to be the champions of the world.

Ths two part BBC documentary will be screen on BBC2 Northern Ireland on Wednesday 30th November and Wednesday 7th December 2011 at 7:30pm

Viewers outside Northern Ireland with a Sky TV box can find BBC2 Northern Ireland on Channel 992.

Mervyn Herron
Marketing and Media

PIPE BAND MAGAZINE
NEW DIGITAL AND IPAD VERSION AVAILABLE

4th October 2011

Pipe Band Magazine, the official publication of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, is now available in digital format on the popular iPad and iPhone devices. The new development follows a partnership with the College of Piping which will host the magazine in their free application (‘App.’) in Apple’s iTunes store. Band members and enthusiasts who wish to take advantage of this development should go to the store, enter ‘Piping’ in the ‘Search’ box and download the College app to their device and they will see an icon for the magazine there priced £2.49 and £8.99 for a four issue subscription.

The iPad edition of Pipe Band magazine is an exciting development for the magazine. It means that the many thousands of pipe band members overseas can now get the magazine instantly to their devices on the day of publication. You can download the app using this iTunes link.

Those without iPad or iPhone can also get a digital version of the magazine for their computer or other tablet device by clicking on this link. Digital versions of Pipe Band magazine have the benefit of multimedia content. Check out the World Championships report this issue which has a recording of the victorious Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band embedded in the page.

Robert Wallace
Pipe Band Magazine Editor

INAUGURAL INTERNATIONAL SOLO
TENOR COMPETITION

14th September 2011

TThe RSPBA is pleased to announce the inaugural International Solo Tenor Competition which will take place at Glasgow Caledonian on Saturday 22nd October alongside the World Solo Drumming event.

The event is aimed at Under 18's only and is split into two sections.

• Section 1 is for players currently registered with a band graded in either Novice Juvenile or Grade 4 and the playing requirements are 8 parts of Quick March Tempo.
• Section 2 is for players currently registered with a band in any other grade where the requirements are a March, Strathspey and Reel of minimum 4 parts each tune.

Click here for entry form and information. Entries close on 23rd September.

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

WORLD SOLO DRUMMING 2011
TICKET SALES

12th September 2011

The World Solo Drumming Championships take place on Saturday 22nd October.

As in previous years a ticket will be required to enter the Adult Final in the Carnegie Lecture Theatre.

In order to purchase your tickets in advance of the event then please click this link.

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

2012 CHAMPIONSHIPS
DATES NOW CONFIRMED

11th September 2011

We are pleased to now announce the official dates of the 2012 major championships:

• Scottish - Dumbarton - 19 May 2012
• British - Annan - 30 June 2012
• European - Belfast - 28 July 2012
• Worlds - Glasgow - 11 August 2012
• Cowal - Dunoon - 25 August 2012

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
DRUM MAJOR APOLOGY

19th August 2011

The National Council of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association wishes to offer their sincere apologies for the error in the results of the Adult Drum Majors at the World Pipe Band Championships when it was announced that Paula Braiden was the winner where in fact the winner was Alicia Dickson.

We have since liaised with our computer experts and have discovered a formatting error which did not include the results of all four adjudicators.  The outcome of this was that five out of the eight finalist placings were incorrect. A full review of the Association’s compiling procedures will be undertaken to ensure that this dreadful situation does not happen again.

National Council
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
HUGE DISCOUNT ON PRE SALE CDs/DVDs

6th August 2011

Once again for 2011 we are delighted to offer the opportunity to pre order the CDs and DVDs from the World Pipe Band Championships.

For 2011 there will be 2 CDs and 2 DVDs and we are delighted to offer a huge 15% early bird discount when ordering the complete package. Check our store!

That’s only £44 for a UK customer, £46 for a European customer or £51 for a customer anywhere else in the World which includes shipping direct to your door.

Of course you don’t need to take the pack, single CDs and DVDs are available in our store at reduced pricing from previous years.

The RSPBA is one of the first retailers to receive the CDs and DVDs meaning you get them quicker.

Check out our store for pre orders of of the 2011 Worlds.

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
LIVE WEB STREAMING

4th August 2011

For the third year running BBC Scotland's live web stream brings you a ringside seat at Glasgow Green's Grade One Arena.

Coverage begins at 0900 BST on Saturday 13 August and continues right through to the winners' announcement.

For the streaming link and more information on the Grade 1 bands then visit the BBC dedicated website http://www.bbc.co.uk/worlds/

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ORGANISATION WHICH RUNS THE
WORLD PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

6th June 2011

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has a long history. Established in 1930 in an attempt to introduce a means of developing Pipe Band music and regulating Pipe Bands, the Association has slowly progressed into the internationally renowned organisation which it is today whilst still retaining its original objectives.  It first assumed responsibility for the World Pipe Band Championships in 1947, at that time a competition involving only 26 Pipe Bands.  Since then, year on year, the World Pipe Band Championships have gradually expanded into one of Scotland’s major international cultural events which brings over £17 million into the economy of the City of Glasgow, and which now involves over 240 Pipe Bands. Quite an achievement for a small organisation comprising mainly volunteers!!

In 2006 a few interested individuals formed the RSPBA Historical Research Group with the aim of:

• researching and publishing the history of the Association.
• creating a display at RSPBA Headquarters of historical material to illustrate important milestones in the Association’s history and the key individuals involved.
• charting and publicising developments in Pipe Band music.
• highlighting developments in Piping and Pipe Band Drumming.

When you are in Glasgow for the Worlds this year why not take the opportunity to pay a visit to RSPBA Headquarters at 45 Washington Street, Glasgow to see the fruits of their work?

Members of the Historical Research Group will be on hand to show you round the displays and answer any questions over a free cup of tea or coffee.  The displays will be open from Wednesday 10 August until Friday 12 August between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm. All you need do is turn up at the front door and press the buzzer.  This is the opportunity of a learning experience you should not miss.

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
TICKETS NOW ONSALE

27th April 2011

Tickets for the 2011 World Pipe Band Championships go on sale at 9.00am on Wednesday 27 April.  The World Pipe Band Championship are introducing a new Guest Hospitality Package this year for the event which is being held on Saturday 13 August 2011.

Also new for 2011, people purchasing general admission tickets for the event can also access the Grade 1 arena seating for free for the morning competition for the first time.  The afternoon final will require Grade 1 seating tickets as per previous years.

Tickets for a Grade 1 Finals grandstand seat are now available in advance for £24 with general admission tickets prices at £9 in advance and £11 on the day.

For further information about ticket prices and for the World Pipe Band Championships being held on Glasgow Green on Saturday 13 August 2011, please call 0141 353 8000 or go to www.theworlds.co.uk

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive

RSPBA
COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

28th February 2011

As agreed at the 2010 AGM The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association from 28th February 2011 is now registered as a Company Limited By Guarantee.

The Standing Orders and Rules and Articles of Association can be found in the 2011 Info menu or using the following links:

• Articles of Association
• Standing Orders and Rules

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive Officer

RSPBA ADJUDICATORS REQUIRED
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED?

18th January 2011

The RSPBA is inviting applications for training as Piping and Pipe Band Drumming Adjudicators. Applications are invited for positions primarily of Unattached Adjudicator (i.e. individuals who are no longer registered as competing members of Pipe Bands) as the need is to increase in the next few years the number of Adjudicators who are able to officiate at the Association’s 5 Pipe Band Major Championships. Applications will, however, also be considered from individuals who are still registered players but who may be considering ending their competing careers within the next 3-5 years.

The qualifications and experience required, and the relevant application form, are attached. Applicants who meet the entry criteria, and who successfully pass a pre-entrance test and interview, will be considered for acceptance into the RSPBA Adjudicator Training Programme which will comprise:

• Part 1 -  a two-day training course conducted over a weekend (currently planned for 9/10 April 2011).
• Supervised practical experience as shadow Adjudicators at a number of specific Pipe Band competitions during the 2011 outdoor season.
• Part 2 -  a second two-day training course conducted over a weekend during the Spring of 2012.

Candidates who successfully complete the full Adjudicator Training Programme, including theory and practical examinations at the end of the Part 2 course, will be recommended to the RSPBA National Council for appointment as RSPBA-Approved Adjudicators.  Following formal appointment they will initially be allocated competitions at RSPBA Branch level in order to develop their adjudication skills. Their progress will also be assisted by the RSPBA Adjudicators’ Training Group during an initial mentoring period for at least two years in preparation for being allocated Major Championships thereafter.

If you are interested in applying, please study the requirements carefully as the qualifications and experience criteria have been set to ensure that the Association recruits only individuals who will have the potential to meet the increasingly demanding role expected of Adjudicators.

Completed application forms should be sent to Ian Embelton, Chief Executive, The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, 45 Washington Street, Glasgow G3 8AZ by Friday 1 March 2011 at the latest.  It should also be noted that there can be no guarantee of success in passing the training course; and there will be a charge of £150 for the complete training programme, to cover the costs of administration and training materials.

Click Here for explanatory notes and application form.

Ian Embelton
Chief Executive Officer