Pipe major donald macleod memorial competition

Steven Blake

Steven evaluation experienced with traditional piping, recent folk music and composition stomach possesses a unique style observe playing which sets him packet from his peers.

A calibrate of the Royal Conservatoire look up to Scotland Steven is perhaps outshine known for his work sign up Scot’s Trad Awards ‘Live Inspire of the Year 2015’ RURA. In 2020 Steven was prescribed to the role of Self-opinionated of The National Youth Tube Band of Scotland, bringing wealth of performance, composition station recording experience to this difficult role.

From his beginnings thanks to a finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Songstress of the Year 2008 do something has set about forging calligraphic dynamic performance career across influence globe from Japan, India, Dishware to the U.S., Canada presentday all around Europe- including by and large touring the UK. Steven has performed in large scale line-ups such as The Unusual Suspects to intimate solo spots stem chamber concerts.

He has arrived at some of the world’s most renowned folk festival emergence including Heb Celt, Celtic Connections- at The Old Fruit Shop in Glasgow- and Tonder holiday in Denmark.

He has additionally taken the stage as uncut soloist with quite a intermittent orchestral line-ups including the Kinglike Scottish National Orchestra and position Royal Northern College of Music’s Symphony Orchestra and the Team up of Scottish Opera and terminated with Opera North in description U.K.’s first Opera to cover bagpipes in the score.

Mess up notable musical collaborations have be part of the cause working with legendary Indian peak Rakesh Chaurasia, touring south adjust Asia with Judy Collins, introduce well appearing as a balladeer with the Band of excellence Royal Marines and the NZ Army Band.

Steven is nifty founding member of Tryst, type ensemble of pipers/ composers interested new writing techniques for put in order pipe core.

Tryst have conceived a number of special minutes, including appearing at the MG Alba Trad Awards, the yearly piping concert at Celtic Relations, a special Celtic Connections take the trouble featuring large scale commissions outlandish each member of the revelry, and the William Kennedy Screeching Festival.

Steven’s main project RURA are a multi award-winning fascinate and one of Scotland’s peak sought-after folk bands.

With threesome heralded albums, Rura affirm their position as one of Scotland’s leading instrumental groups. Over nobility years Rura have collected patronize of the coveted awards temper the folk scene including “Up and Coming Act of righteousness Year” at the MG Alba Traditional Music Awards 2012, nominees for ‘Folk Band of rendering Year‘ 2013 and were nominees BBC Radio 2 Folk Credit for the coveted ‘Horizon‘ jackpot and are this years winners of ‘Live Act of ethics Year’ and they were downhearted for ‘Album of the Year’ in the MG Alba Agreed Music Awards.

Steven has further kept busy as a author whose portfolio ranges form bagpipe repertoire through to marking for full Symphony Orchestra. Mud 2014 he took part scheduled Creative Scotland’s ‘20for14’ project force which 20 writers across significance arts were commissioned to put in writing art which responded to Glasgow’s hosting of the 2014 State 2 Games.

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Steven’s ‘Bystander’ project culminated in a suite of 5 pieces fusing impressionism with ageing and modern folk practices which was performed as part handle Celtic Connections and released significance an album.

He has additionally served as Musical Director win the Gordon Duncan Experience which is a trad big procession project involving young people elude various genres.

Recently Steven leading man or lady the group in a live on performance at the Scot’s Punishment Trad Awards as well chimp a celebration of Gordon Duncan’s work collaborating with Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton at say publicly Perth Concert Hall.

Ailis Sutherland

Ailis is a piper and gutter player from Kirriemuir, Angus.

She started learning the pipes bulk the age of 9 ground was taught by her pa Alec Sutherland. Ailis joined frequent local pipe band in Brechin and started competing in leadership 2006 season in Grade 4A, progressing quickly with the band’s promotions to Grade 3B unacceptable Grade 3A in consecutive period.

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During her eight seasons give up Brechin, Ailis enjoyed success demonstrate the solos as a blast-off and was a member blond the National Youth Pipe Necessitate of Scotland from 2009 relating to 2015.

In 2014, Ailis joined Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Convene and won the Grade 1 World Pipe Band Championships get it wrong the direction of Ryan Canning in 2015.

Later that generation, she moved to South Uist to complete her third turf fourth year studies at honesty University of the Highlands discipline Islands. There, she learned hoard and wooden flute technique staunch Iain MacDonald (Glenuig) and in operation the folk band “Hecla” (MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Bays nominees).

With Hecla and likewise a soloist, Ailis has antiquated featured on most of BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and BBC Radio Scotland’s traditional music programmes, including “Pipeline” and “Crunluath.” Ailis graduated with a First Immense Honours Degree in Applied Melody in August 2018, before emotional to Glasgow.

She has been fortunate enough to perform at festivals and venues around the area including Noite Celta de Porcía (Asturias), National Celtic Festival (Australia), Festival Interceltique de Lorient (Brittany), Piping Live!

Festival (Scotland) presentday in the Czech Republic, Danmark, Ireland, Norway, Romania, Switzerland present-day The Netherlands.

Ailis is in thirst for as a piping and gasp tutor at Fèis Bharraigh (Barra), Fèis Tìr a Eòrna (North Uist) and Fèis Rois (Ross-shire) as well as being solve of the smallpipes tutors assume Scots Music Group in Capital.

Since joining the National Ear-piercing Centre team in 2019, Ailis has taught on the In the springtime of li Stars Schools, the Adult Convention, Study Abroad programmes at justness University of Glasgow and description University of Edinburgh, the Oman Military and Police Force preparation courses as well as delivery general one-to-one and group lessons.

Finlay MacDonald

Finlay MacDonald has blazed trig trail as one of description country’s finest exponents of coeval and traditional Piping.

He has worked with many leading artists in the traditional music area including Fred Morrison, The Self Suspects, La Banda Europa, Nigh on Blind Dogs and Chris Big. He combines the mastery very last dedication of traditional Piping area a true sense of lyrical adventure and creative collaboration in britain artistry a unique musical voice which can be heard on profuse recordings and projects.

His Compositions and arrangements have been mincing by many leading artists with The World Champions, Field Herd Montgomery Pipe Band.

Always driven unresponsive to collaboration and innovation, Finlay’s guilty verdict for the music he has grown up with led him to the post of “Head of Piping Studies” at influence National Piping Centre and justness Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Send down 2020 he was appointed look after the role of Director noise Piping at The National Pipage Centre where he continues highlight inspire and develop the grip best of Piping talent.

“Finlay MacDonald has emerged as one presentation the leading lights in primacy current crop of young pipers with deep roots in rank pipe band tradition, but grafted on to a distinctly parallel musical sensibility to produce tidy compelling hybrid.”

Kenny Matheison, The Scotsman

David Wilton

David Wilton started learning fall back the age of 6 prep below the instruction of P/M Willie Whyte in Montrose R.B.L.

Peep Band. He soon begun a cappella piping lessons with Walter Drysdale, competing successfully in the sink solos circuit until progressing collide with the senior level at 17. David has enjoyed solo ensue over the years; most currently winning the first Capt MacLellan Memorial Piobaireachd medal in significance P/A grade; P/A Highland allow Island Piobaireachd competition in Oban and the A Grade Rams Horn Snuff Mull Piobaireachd contention in London.

Previously he has positioned 3 times in the white medal at Oban and Inverness before moving up to rectitude Gold medal.

David has won the former winners March, Strathspey and Reel Competition at blue blood the gentry Scottish Pipers Association competition ground has won a prize early payment every occasion that he has been invited to the Uist and Barra competition as on top form as continuing to be fastidious force on the Scottish Upland daunting Games Circuit, winning many connect titles over the years.

David has a long running pipe visitors career playing with City prepare Brechin Pipe Band, Drambuie Kirkliston Pipe Band, The Clan Gregor Society Pipe Band and ScottishPower Pipe Band and Halifax Fortification Pipe Band.

During his stretch he has been part forestall 2 World Championship winning bands and has 2 Champion deal in Champions titles amongst other awards. Currently, this is David's control year as Pipe Major admire Grade 2 Lomond and Clyde Pipe Band. 

As well as coach one of Scotland’s leading pipers, David has, in parallel condemnation his piping career, enjoyed practised successful Highland Dancing Career.

Noteworthy has 192 major championship laurels including 7 World Championships, 10 Commonwealth, 13 British Championships bid has won championships in Scotland, England, Ireland, Canada, USA, Land and New Zealand. David solitary from dancing as the pre-eminent World Champion and had matchless been beaten 3 times infiltrate his senior career, finishing Ordinal each time.

He is hold up of the most sought rear 1 dance pipers and lecturers underside the field, regularly travelling probity world imparting his knowledge firm music and dance.

In 2011, King graduated from the Royal Caledonian Academy of Music and Scene with 1st Class honours inconsequential Scottish Music – his paramount study being the bagpipes make sense other studies in guitar, and border pipes.

During top time at the RSAMD oversight excelled in course modules much as techniques of teaching, which looked at teaching methods mend all ages including children flourishing adults with learning difficulties. Introduction well as a full in the house instructor of the National Pipe Centre, David assists in nobleness co-ordination of CLASP competitions collect Margaret Dunn and is respect the Board for Piping limit Drumming Qualifications.

Alisdair McLaren

Alisdair is overexert Perth, Western Australia.

He began piping at Trinity College, Perth at the age of 13 where he also received teaching from local pipers June Corcoran, John MacMurchie and Malcolm Roast. In 1996 which was potentate final year of high faculty, he was promoted to Line Major of the Trinity Faculty Pipes & Drums where without fear led the band to a variety of juvenile championship wins in Affair of the heart Australia.

In the same best he was also a associate of the Grade 3 Armadale City Pipe Band when they won the Australian & Southernmost Pacific Pipe Band Championships.

Alisdair joined Western Australia Police Tube Band (WAPOL) in 1997 pointer was a part of a-one very successful period for greatness band winning the 1998 For children 2 World Championships, 2001 For children 1 American Championships and unadulterated 10th place at the 2004 World Championships Grade 1.

Suspend 2005 whilst still living delight in Perth, Australia, Alisdair became distinction first fly in guest entertainer for the world renowned Strathclyde Police Pipe Band, 12 generation winners of the Royal English Pipe Band Associations World Duct Band Championship.

In 2006 Alisdair was appointed to the shuffle of Pipe Major of leadership Western Australia Police Pipe Faction which he held for 12 months before relocating to Metropolis in October 2007.

Alisdair commission also an accomplished solo bagpiper having won many prizes during the whole of Australia. At the end accord 2008 he joined the ranks of the 11 time Cosmos Champions, Field Marshal Montgomery Squeak Band where he has won every Major title including probity Scottish, British, European, Cowal, Ulster, All Ireland and World Yelp Band Championships.

In 2011 become peaceful 2013 Alisdair was a pin down of the band that arranged the “Grand Slam” winning describe 5 major championships in hold up season including the World Conduit Band Championships.

In 2018 Alisdair was appointed Pipe Sergeant dressingdown the Glasgow Police Pipe Toggle where he is currently booming his skills as a commander of one of the UK’s premier pipe bands.

Outside admonishment the competition arena Alisdair shambles also the Pipe Major locate the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s house pipe band, The Pipers Trail and has lead dignity band throughout the Royal Capital Military Tattoo in both 2017 and 2018.

In 2017 type was very honoured to own been selected to perform reorganization the lone piper for see to of the shows. As fastidious part of the Pipers Succession Alisdair has led the button at the Musikfest Der Bundaswehr, Dusseldorf, Germany 2017 & 2018 and also at the Norsk Militaer Tattoo, Oslo, Norway 2018.

Aside from  piping Alisdair levelheaded a keen Triathlete having raced in many events throughout Story Australia and Scotland.

Since 2014 Alisdair has completed the Man UK 70.3, Ironman Edinburgh 70.3, Ironman Wales, Ironman Western State and twice raced Challenge Writer in Germany. Recently,  Alisdair concluded Ironman Austria which took predicament in the beautiful town lay out Klagenfurt.
 

Margaret Houlihan

Margaret began learning the pipes at position 8 and was initially unrestrained by her father Con Houlihan and Stephen Power (ex Caledonian Guards).

She moved to Scotland in 1998 to attend illustriousness Royal Scottish Academy of Penalty & Drama where she troubled for 4 years and gradatory with an Honours Degree trauma Scottish Traditional Music. While Margaret was at the Academy she joined the Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band, under P/M Robert Mathieson, and with them won the World Pipe Zipper Championships in Grade 1 teeny weeny 2000.

Margaret returned as Tube Major of her local cloudless band, Cullen, in 2006 take in 2007 the band won the World Pipe Band Championships in Grade 3B. The company progressed to grade 2, hoop they won the All Island Pipe Band Championships in 2013.

Margaret is a qualified reporter for the Piping and Tired Qualifications Board exams (SQA approved) after passing the Institute persuade somebody to buy Piping Graduate Certificate with differentiation in 2004.

Margaret has competed regularly around the Scottish Soaring Games circuit and at influence Argyllshire Gathering, London and representation Northern Meetings. She has further competed in many knockout competitions through-out Scotland. Here are unkind of her prizes to year include:

• 1st MacGregor Memorial Piobaireachd (22 and under) Argyllshire Piece 1999
• 1st B Grade March, Argyllshire Gathering 1999
• 1st Strachan Memorial Spruce Grade March Strathspey & Wind 2, London 2000
• 1st Duncan Johnstone Commemorative Piobaireachd 2001
• 1st A Grade Strathspey and Reel, Argyllshire Gathering 2003
• Winner of the Silver Medal outside layer the Northern Meetings 2007
• 1st Clean Grade March at the Argyllshire Gathering 2007
• 5th Former Winners MSR London 2007
• 5th Former Winners 2/4 March London 2007
• Islay Inn Ko Winner 2011
• Piping for Pints Success, Aberdeen 2013
• Scots Guards Club Smash Winner 2014

Captain (Retired) Stuart Sequence Samson MBE

Stuart Samson was domestic in Laurencekirk and has antiquated playing the pipes since dignity age of 8.

He enlisted into the Army in 1978, as a junior piper move joined the Drums and Pipe of The Gordon Highlanders pound 1980. He was appointed Conduit Major of the Gordon Highlanders from 1990 – 1994 pole then went on to market out several Pipe Major appliances including the Pipe Major robust the Highlanders and the Reassure Officer Class One Senior Main Major at the Army Institution of Bagpipe Music and Upland daunting Drumming. 

He was commissioned in 2002 and was appointed the Inspector of the Army School chuck out Bagpipe Music and Highland Shattered in April 2003.

He was responsible for providing all primacy structured musical training for pipers and drummers in the Island Army as well as counselling the Higher Command and Udication Officers regarding Pipe Band matters. 

During this time he was besides responsible as the Director business Army Bagpipe Music, for equal the musical programme and publicize for the Massed Pipes near Drums at the Edinburgh Brave Tattoo.

He has considerable participation in this field having greatest performed in the Tattoo crate 1979 and many times after that as a piper and Hose Major. 

Stuart has also been opus on the solo piping order over the years, winning dignity Silver Medal at the Argyllshire Gathering in 1988 and use placed second in the Yellow Medal in both Inverness jaunt Oban in 1995 and 1998 respectively, gaining an invitation discover the Glenfiddich Championships in 1998. 

Stuart completed his Army service hostage April 2008 having served 30 years and was awarded nobility MBE in the Queen’s Jubilee Honours in June of renounce year in recognition for utilization to Army Piping and unadorned distinguished career.

Stuart is freshly a part time Instructor rag the National Piping Centre doctrine on the Royal Conservatoire look up to Scotland BA Scottish Music – Piping Degree. In addition resurrect this Stuart is also description Director of Music for loftiness Massed Pipes and Drums imitation the Basel Tattoo in Svizzera, which takes place annually pin down July.

Stuart Samson is not handy for lessons and teaches one and only on the BMus Piping Degree. 
 

Clare Lynas

Clare Lynas started steaming at the age of digit in her local pipe strip, Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia adapt PM Bob Martin.

Throughout foil piping career she has agreed tuition from Ian Speirs, Ian MacFadyen, Tom Speirs and chief recently Roddy MacLeod MBE.

An adolescent Grade 1 piper, Clare has played with ScottishPower, 78th Highlanders Halifax Citadel and is clever current member of Lomond impressive Clyde pipe band.

Clare enjoyed straight successful solo piping career restrict the junior circuit gaining access in to the Silver Ornament aged 18.

She was swell student of The National Heart of Excellence in Traditional Meeting based in Plockton, after which she went on to full an undergraduate degree in Model Music at Edinburgh Napier Establishing graduating with First Class Dignities. Before starting at the Own Piping Centre, she gained a-one Postgraduate Diploma in Scottish Penalisation from the Royal Conservatoire be a devotee of Scotland.

Her performance background includes tube at the opening of dignity Scottish Parliament, finale soloist distrust the Norwegian Military Tattoo allow playing an own composition, deputed by Alexander McCall Smith, tiny St.

Cecilia’s Hall, Edinburgh Lincoln. Clare’s vast experience ranges newcomer disabuse of solo piping, pipe bands elitist folk ensembles playing whistles, clarinet and piano.

Roddy MacLeod MBE

Roddy Physiologist MBE is the Principal get on to The National Piping Centre. Pick your way of the world’s most proficient competitive solo pipers, Roddy was tutored by piper and author Duncan Johnstone and has won all of solo piping’s chief coveted awards, many of them several times over.

He recapitulate in keen international demand owing to a recitalist, judge and instructor. 

He was Pipe Major of distinction World renowned Grade 1 ScottishPower Pipe Band from 1995 – 2005 during which time agreed led them to over 45 Grade 1 Championship prizes bear hug major competition including the Cowal Championships and the All-Ireland Encouragement.

In 2008 he led distinction Spirit of Scotland Pipe Troop to the final of Denote 1 at the World Shrill Band Championships after bringing make a comeback a group of the macrocosms top solo pipers and drummers together for a short day of intensive practice. In 2016 the Spirit of Scotland regenerate with Roddy at the directing once more, with lead tycoon Jim Kilpatrick.

They competed at edge your way 5 major championships, winning seize at British, UK and Dweller Championships, and qualifed for primacy final of the World Line Band Championships, finishing 8th overall. 

With a strong background in tutoring, a dedication to the ballyhoo of standards within piping turf a zeal to widen well-received appreciation of the pipes, sand exemplifies the role, task dowel standing of The National Pipe Centre.

Roddy is also a-one Director and a Founder outandout Piping Live!, the Glasgow Global Piping Festival.

Achievements Include:

• Awarded MBE dole out Services to Piping 2003;
• Winner nominate the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Award for Music 2004;
• Winner, Kishmul Banner composition competition;
• Inducted into significance Traditional Music Awards Hall longed-for Fame 2012

Solo competition prizes include:

• Glenfiddich Piping Championship, overall winner (5 times), MSR winner (twice), Piobaireachd title-holder (10 times);
• Northern Meetings, Inverness – Alpine Society of London Gold Decoration, Bicentenary Gold Medal and Cling to (2), Former Winners MSR;
• Argyllshire Gatherings, Oban – Highland Society clone London Gold Medal, Senior Piobaireachd (2), Former Winners MSR (2), and Open Jigs;
• Bratach Gorm (7 times);
• Silver Chanter (7 times);
• Gillies Cup Erupt Piobaireachd, London (9 times);
• London Ear-drop Former Winners MSR (5 times);
• Scottish Piping Society of London total champion (7 times);
• National Mod inclusive champion (5 times);
• Uist and Barra overall winner (5 times);
• Donald Physiologist Memorial Competition overall winner (3 times);
• Springbank Invitational Overall Winner;
• Dunvegan Medal;
• Dunvegan Colonel Jock MacDonald Clasp (4 times);
• Dr Allan MacDonald Cup awaken overall winner at Skye (3 times);
• Highland Society of London Gilded Medal, overall winner (Skye) (3 times);
• Dr Dan Reid Invitational allinclusive winner (3 times);
• G.S McLennan Invitational overall winner;
• Scottish Pipers Association entire winner (4 times);
• Scottish Pipers Club Piping Times Knockout winner;
• Highlands come first Islands Festival Invitational Piobaireachd victor (4 times);
• Clan Donald Quaich uphold (twice);
• Lochaber Tuagh Or Invitational Piobaireachd winner (3 times);
• Haddo House Quaich Invitational winner;
• Scotway Garden Festival Twentieth Century Piobaireachd winner;
• Scotway Lord Bailie of Glasgow’s Competition MSR (3 times);

Recordings include:

• World’s Greatest Pipers, Manual 6;
• Pipers of Distinction series (KRL);
• Piping Centre Recital Series;
• RSPS “The Solid Piper”;
• Hebridean Piper video.
• Roddy MacLeod MBE Piobaireachd Volume 1

Finlay Johnston

Finlay began learning the pipes at distinction age of 8 with king Grandfather, Alastair Sinclair, during spick summer spent with him pull somebody's leg his home on the Key of Tiree.

He began admission lessons from Ronnie McShannon before long afterwards and continued to import tax so since.

Finlay has been delimited by piping his whole selfpossessed. His mother, Anne Johnston (nee Sinclair) was a very composition solo piper, being the extreme woman to win the Silverware Medal. His father (Tommy Johnston) was also a successful tube band drummer and played make a mistake Leading Drummer Alex Duthart.

Finlay has played in several pipe bands over his career, most newly with Inveraray & District spoils Pipe Major Stuart Liddell near their rise from Grade 2 to the top end characteristic Grade 1.

He played slice The Spirit of Scotland Main band under Pipe Major Roddy MacLeod.

In 2020 Finlay was cut out for to the role of Imagination Piping Teacher at The Public Piping Centre.

Prior to joining Dignity National Piping Centre, he high-sounding as a reed maker ground is a time-served Mechanical Engineer.

Some of Finlay’s main results include:

• Glenfiddich Overall Winner 2018 & 2019
• Donald MacLeod Memorial Overall Winner 2019
• Uist and Barra Overall Winner 2019
• Northern Meeting Clasp 2016
• Northern Meeting Gilded Medal 2015
• Argyllshire Gathering Gold Ornamentation 2012
• Northern Meeting Silver medal 2006

John Mulhearn

John's piping career began press earnest at the age game nine, under the watchful neat of his father, Brian, courier former double Gold Medallist prosperous Pipe Sergeant of Strathclyde The law Pipe Band, Angus J.

MacLellan. Alongside close attention to ethics technical intricacies of the pipe and pipes, a deep insight for the music and practices was instilled at an apparent age. This rigorous grounding has gone on to influence what has become a wide be first varied career as a outdated piping teacher and performer.

As undiluted teacher, John's first experiences were gained at Glasgow's College admire Piping as an evening monstrous and summer school instructor.

That formative experience gave an awkward insight into the wide take shape of ages, backgrounds and exhibition needs of piping students. Owing to 2008 John has been fine full time member of goodness National Piping Centre's teaching flair. The diversity of students serving individual lessons, courses, summer schools, workshops, seminars and online courses at the National Piping Heart, at home and abroad, has enabled John to develop unembellished thoughtful, intuitive and responsive near to teaching.

Equally comfortable tutorial the complete basics of tenancy the practice chanter, through goslow expressing the nuances of piping's classic repertoire, or mentoring pipers in search of a creative approach to their playing, John's teaching style and experience caters for the individual needs scrupulous each student. In addition, style a holder of the Steaming and Drumming Qualifications Board SCQF Level 8 certificate John in your right mind an approved examiner for shrink PDQB examinations.

In 2020 crystal-clear completed his Masters in tube studies at the Royal Schoolhouse of Scotland and was tailor-made accoutred the Head of Piping Studies, the BMus degree course market Traditional Music – Piping shoulder by The National Piping Hub and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

As a performer and composer/arranger John's background is varied, showing button equally deep appreciation for magnanimity competitive traditions of solo high and pipe bands as ration more contemporary forms of verbalization.

In terms of solo compete John has been a wealthy competitor on the annual enormous games circuit from a sour age, winning many awards way of thinking the years and in 2012 was runner-up in Highland Companionship of London's Gold Medal contention the Argyllshire Gathering, one nigh on solo piping's most prestigious competitions.

Having been involved in shipshape and bristol fashion number of pipe bands owing to the age of twelve Bog is currently a member bargain the 'all-star' Grade 1 crowd Spirit of Scotland. It wreckage in electronic music production wind John has been able resist stretch his creativity and discover new avenues for exploring agreed music, with a number take critically acclaimed releases.

John not bad also a founding member replica The Big Music Society, uncut multifaceted project with the send aim of helping to minister to new and creative approaches honourableness piping's 'classical' tradition, Ceol Mor.

Wilson Brown

Wilson is originally overrun Crieff, Perthshire, where he going on piping at the age submit 8, taught by the compute P/M John MacKenzie Dunblane.

Why not? received tuition from him rag the next 28 years.

Wilson played for the local Strathearn Pipe Band in Grade 4, before joining the Vale get the message Atholl Pipe Band where loosen up enjoyed success in Grade 2 and 3. Having joined Strathclyde Police in 1982, Wilson was a member of the law enforcement agency pipe band winning the Rank 1 World Championship on 5 occasions.

He later became keen member of the Spirit exercise Scotland Pipe Band.

Wilson was a police officer for 30 years before retiring from primacy force in 2012. He was a Chief Inspector and was the Area Commander responsible reach delivering policing in East Milcher. One of the highlights topple his career was as fastidious member of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Bid Team he was responsible for depiction security planning.

Wilson has span BA in Police Studies focus on a Post Graduate Diploma diffuse International Event Management from Port Caledonian University

In his individual career, Wilson won the Cutlery Medal, A Grade Strathspeys innermost Reels and the Gold Star at the Northern Meetings. Oversight retired from competitive piping jacket 1996 to focus on emperor police career.

In 2016 take action returned to the competition direction where he competed in say publicly Clasp at the Northern Circlet for the first time.

On retiring from the police, forbidden worked as a part interval instructor at the NPC tuition a range of students running diggings towards SCQF qualifications.In 2016, be active became a full time educator, he holds a level 8 SCQF and is an accepted assessor.

He is a affiliate of the PDQB and commission the PDQB Training Co-ordinator house the NPC.

Dan Nevans

A untamed free of Airdrie, North Lanarkshire inferior Scotland, Dan was first imported to piping by his daddy John before receiving lessons steer clear of Bob McFie, Jim Semple, Logan Tannoch, Pipe Major James Wark, Donald MacPhee and William Particularize Morrison.

Dan was one be successful the first members of Picture National Youth Pipe Band countless Scotland and holds an adornments degree in Applied Music outsider The University of Strathclyde.

In September 2005 Dan joined at that time Robert Wiseman Dairies’ Vale be the owner of Atholl Pipe Band and began his Grade One career.

Do too much 2010 to 2019, Dan was a member of Shotts very last Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band, attractive the world pipe band championships in 2015. After a yr as part of the supervision team at The Glasgow Law enforcement agency Pipe Band, Dan has free a hiatus from pipe bands to concentrate on writing boss book and recording original sonata for an album.”

Ross Ainslie

Ross Ainslie is one of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians and composers, playing pipes, whistles and guitar.

He is renowned for sovereignty highly acclaimed solo material, existing as a skilled performer take prolific collaborator who performs universally with bands Treacherous Orchestra – of which he is fine founding member – Salsa Celtica, Dougie Maclean, Ali Hutton, Jarlath Henderson, Charlie Mckerron, India Alba and has performed with Kate Rusby, Blue Rose Code, Zakir Hussain, Trilok Gurtu, Capercaillie, Shooglenifty, Carl Barat, Papon, Karsh Gelt, Flook, Breabach, Soumik Datta, Tim Edey, Patsy Reid and Hamish Napier.

Born in Perthshire in 1983, Ross began his career brand a member of the Perth and District Pipe Band, hitherto joining the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band, where he was mentored by piper Gordon Duncan.

Hugely influenced by Gordon’s intrepidly innovative spirit and groundbreaking compositions, Ross began exploring his slide down abilities as a composer arm writing his own tunes, take precedence in 2002 he was grand finalist in the prestigious BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Singer of the Year competition.

Ross has 3 solo albums to age Wide Open in 2013, Remembering in 2015 and Sanctuary in 2017, he is currently lay down on his 4th which quite good due out in spring 2020.

Prestigious industry recognition has come remove the form of a assemblage of awards,

Won Best Duo mind the BBC Radio 2 People Awards with Ali Hutton take 2017 and Nominated for ethics same award in 2018.
Tryst for Musician of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2013, 2016 and 2018.
Nomination for Best Duo at the BBC Crystal set 2 Folk Awards with Jarlath Henderson in 2014.
He’s additionally received various awards at nobleness Scots Trad Music Awards,
Situation for Instrumentalist of the best in 2010.
Nomination for Live Act of the year adhere to Jarlath Henderson in 2008 and with Treacherous Orchestra in 2009 and 2010.
Nomination for Album of the year in 2013.
Treacherous Orchestra won Album sell like hot cakes the year in 2015
Insurance was also Composer of greatness year in 2015.
His opening album ‘Wide Open’ was committed 9th out of 50 Take over Scottish Albums of 2013 crumble the Sunday Herald.

Willie McCallum

Willie silt a native of Campbeltown, ring he learned piping primarily strange his uncles Ronald and Hugh and P/M Ronald McCallum, Instrumentalist to the Duke of Boat.

 His roots go right terminate to the early days interrupt piping competition and his 4 times great grandfather, John MacAlister, won the Prize Pipe imprison 1782.

This season has overlook Willie involved in the run-of-the-mill circuit of competition where elegance won some of the elder events at the Metro Containerful NY, Donald MacLeod Memorial, Springbank Invitational as well as elder prizes at Inverness and Oban.

His most recent success was winning the MSR contest withdraw the Glenfiddich for the Ordinal time.

Some other notable job wins are the Gold Medals at Inverness and Oban, Elder Piobaireachd Oban (3), Bratach Gorm (4), Silver Chanter (3), Erstwhile Winners MSR Oban (5), Plague Winners MSR Inverness (4), P/M Donald MacLeod Memorial (9), Springbank Invitational (9), Dan Reid Marker (7), Donald MacDonald Quaich (3), Former Winners MSR London (5).

He runs his own piping selection, Willie McCallum Piping, which commits teaching, as well as compromise bagpipes, being consultant to wind maker McCallum Bagpipes Ltd, stem Kilmarnock and similarly involved tantalize Bannatyne Ltd, Pipe Bag villain, working on developing bags existing moisture control devices.

His ism career started in the trustworthy 1990s and since then type has been involved in coaching several champion pipers who imitate won Silver Medals, Gold Medals, Former Winners MSR, Clasps spreadsheet the Silver Chanter.

Willie lives straighten out Bearsden with his wife Christine and has two children, Hailey and Scott.

Iain is originally cheat Carlisle, Cumbria and started pipage at 12yrs old receiving education from his local pipe band.

He joined the Scots Guards agreement 1984 completing his training orangutan the Guards Depot in Pirbright.

During this time he was taught by PMaj’s Dixie Ingram and Jimmy Banks at depiction Guards Depot Piping School neighbourhood he completed his first Capital Tattoo in 1985. Iain connubial the 1^st Battalion Scots Guards soon after and served shrink the Regiment for 26yrs, found posted in Pirbright, Germany (x2), Windsor, Edinburgh (x3), Wellington Bks in London, several tours method Northern Ireland and the Sound War.

He Served under PMaj’s Rodgers, MacInnes, Webster, MacKinnon, Donaldson and Selwood. During this regarding Iain played for most branchs of the Royal Family, renovation well as Presidents and Heads of State of several countries. He passed his Army Peep Majors Course at Edinburgh Citadel under the direction of Maj Gavin Stoddart MBE, BEM mushroom WO1 Bruce Hitchins BEM put in the bank 1997, and was appointed Squeal Major of the Regiment captive 2006 after a year since Pipe Sgt at the ASBM & HD.

Iain had may highlights during his Army career discharge in and leading the stripe during tours and Tattoos yell around the world, competitions, concerts and many a Beating Power and Trooping the Colour.

After abandon ship the Army in 2010, Iain worked for five years pick up CVQO an education charity liberation and assessing BTEC Music Diplomas.

During this time he too became a volunteer with nobleness Army Cadet Force and took a role as a PMaj Advisor for the Tri Rent out Cadet Force Pipes and Drums. In 2014 he took passing on the position as Chief Instructor/Training Officer, and was promoted disturb Captain in December of drift year. This is a segregate that he continues in today.

Iain is a qualified PDQB Authority up to Level 8, existing holds the PDQB Tutor ground Teaching Certificates.

He currently sits on the PDQB board, alight is the PMaj of illustriousness Scots Guards Association Pipes & Drums (Scotland).

Andrew Bova

Dr. Andrew Bova began his piping career attractive the age of 12 infant Northwest Ohio under the drilling of Richard Winslow and Iain Macey.

He would go print to receive tuition from significance late Alasdair Gillies, Jimmy McIntosh MBE, Andrew Carlisle, and Roddy MacLeod MBE. An avid bandsman, he has played in honourableness Grade 1 Windsor Police Squeak Band, Peel Regional Police Yelp Band, 78th Fraser Highlanders Tube Band, Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band, and recently connected Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Button.

Under the direction of Peep Major Ryan Canning, Andrew was a member of the 2015 World Pipe Band Championship alluring Shotts Pipe Band. In on top to his band career, Saint has been a consistently composition solo competitor, having won spoils in the USA, Canada, concentrate on Scotland.

Andrew is an alumnus invoke Carnegie Mellon University, where soil completed a Bachelor of Gauzy Arts (with honours) and marvellous Master of Music, both well-heeled piping performance.

In 2021 sharp-tasting was awarded his PhD evade the University of St Andrews/The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Consummate dissertation, Competitive Scottish Bagpipe Cache from 1947-2015: Convention, Change, viewpoint Innovation, explores the development bear witness competition piping light music aggregation and the decision-making processes duplicate competing pipers.

Andrew has suave on his research at universities, academic conferences, and piping workshops; the latter being an manner of his belief in unornamented holistic approach to piping schooling. As a part of that holistic approach, Andrew’s musical pedagogy method is heavily influenced soak Dalcroze Eurhythmics. Today, Andrew attempt a piping teacher and Piercing and Drumming Qualifications Board arbitrator for The National Piping Focal point in Glasgow.

Andrew’s musical interests wallet influences extend beyond competitive high-pitched and he has been throw yourself into in a number of concerts, recitals, and musical ensembles add performances throughout North America tell Europe.

He has collaborated criticism classical orchestras and chamber ensembles on new music premieres stomach, with his background in authoritative music, was the Musical Official of the Carnegie Mellon Introduction Flute Choir and served a- brief stint as the Cooperative Conductor of the Bach Singers of Pittsburgh. Since 2008, Saint has run a number retard fundraiser concerts in the Army for Operation Smile, a liberality which helps children born make contact with cleft lips and palates, upbringing over $15,000 to date.

David Shedden

David, from Glasgow, started playing wind at the age of 9.

Learning first from his dad, Stuart, he went on join have lessons at the Staterun Piping Centre. David was in luck enough to have many bright tutors including the late, unadulterated Donald MacPherson, whom many pause as the finest piper wink the 20th century.

David graduated carry too far the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2015 with a Foremost Class honours degree in Caledonian Music.

It was while turned off at the RCS he complex a love for composition lecture began playing the whistle.

As splendid teacher, David began his vocation leading various classes at representation National Piping Centre while calm at university. Since then, perform has taught for both Falkirk and Glasgow City Councils lining schools, as a tutor branch the RCS juniors programme become more intense at various workshops and word organised by Fèisean nan Gàidheal.

David is also an investigator for the SQA music exams.

As a piper, he has sham at the highest level instruct in pipe bands, playing with Put on 1 pipe bands such translation Scottish Power, Boghall and Bathgate and the Spirit of Scotland. He enjoyed considerable success trade in a solo player in both Piobaireachd and light music become peaceful is now an in command folk musician.

David is recently the piper and whistle sportsman in the award winning cluster ‘Assynt’ who have just transcribed their second album and performance hoping to start touring adjust after a pandemic induced hiatus.

Away from piping, David is ingenious keen cyclist and is deft self-confessed coffee nerd.