*NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS*
International Bagpipe Day - 10 March
International Bagpipe Day is on 10 March every year - a day initiated by The Bagpipe Society to celebrate the world's many bagpipes and piping traditions. Bagpipes have been played since antiquity (or thereabouts); they are a design classic! This annual event, initiated by the Bagpipe Society, aims to celebrate the world's bagpipes and piping traditions. The Bagpipe Society encourages groups around the world to organise grass-roots events such as lectures, concerts, conferences, school events, museum talks and dances. More information about events planned around the world of IBD can be found on the Bagpipe Society's website or IBD Facebook page.
'Itchy Fingers'
A new CD by Pam & Dave
'Itchy Fingers' features Dave Bail on Scottish smallpipes and Pam on button accordion. The versatility of Pam & Dave - and their instruments - are showcased in 14 tracks on the CD, playing together or featuring in solo tune sets - they blend so well together. As well as some favourites from Scotland & Ireland, Pam & Dave perform tunes from other nations as well as some of their own compositions and variations. A very enjoyable CD - well done Pam & Dave!
To get your copy, contact Dave via davobail@gmail.com.
New 'Overseas' Class for LBPS Competition
The Anniversary Trophy - a New Open Class for Overseas Members
From The Lowland & Border Pipers' Society...
As part of the celebrations to mark the Society’s thirty years of promotion of Border music, the Committee has decided to re-instate the class in the annual competition open to overseas members. For this purpose, we have chosen to define ‘overseas’ as meaning those outwith the UK and Ireland. In the past, there was such a class but it proved technically difficult to run and it fell into abeyance. Technology has moved on and the recent tune competition demonstrated that it was fairly simple for members to submit sound recordings electronically.
The rules are essentially the same as for the open classes in the annual competition; in this case, however, restricted to overseas members. Entrants may play either Scottish smallpipes or Border pipes and may play any tunes of their choosing. This must be a solo performance. Recognising the aims of the Society, we would encourage the inclusion of, at least some, Border tunes. The judge(s) will take into account the appropriateness of the repertoire. Performers are asked to play a set lasting between 3 and 4 minutes. Should performances be outside the allotted time, 15 seconds ‘grace’ will be allowed; beyond that marks will be deducted. There will be only one exception allowed to this time constraint: should a performer play a Dixon variation set (just Dixon, not Dixon plus other tunes) and it exceeds the permitted time, there will be no penalty. Only one entry per member is permitted.
Entrants should send, electronically, sound recordings to George Greig by 9th March 2014 who will collate the entries for the judge(s). Late entries will not be accepted. Results will be announced at the competition. In entering, members accept the Society’s right to put winning performances onto the website. No fee will be charged for entry to this class.
Should any competitor wish to submit a video recording, this will be welcome but it must be in addition to a sound only recording and judging will be on the basis of the sound recordings only.
How to learn music faster:
ideal practice methods for adult musicians
Dick Hensold is one of the foremost Northumbrian smallpipers in North America. He has performed overseas and has taught Northumbrian smallpipes at workshops in the United States, Canada, and Northumberland. He also plays Swedish bagpipes, Medieval greatpipes, Highland pipes, recorder, seljefløyte, and low whistle, and is an active composer, studio musician and theater musician.
Pipers may be interested in Dick's article about proven learning methods for adult musicians. The article can be found on Dick's website here: http://www.dickhensold.com/playfaster.html.
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