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The Blog Log 
 
  Bruce Gandy at London's Bratach Gorm  Bruce Gandy had an amazing month of October into November,
placing second at the Glenfiddich Championships andListen and enjoy The Unjust Incarceration by Bruce Gandy. Bruce's resume over the last few years has been swelling over the top. In Bruce's own words "In 1998, after an eight-year absence from the Northern Meeting at Inverness, I returned to the world’s top competition and won the Competing Pipers Silver Medal, along with 2nd in the jig and hornpipe and 3rd in the Strathspey and Reel. I returned for the Gold Medal in 1999 and was fortunate enough to win both the March and Strathspey and Reel but no prize in the medal. The medals did come, however. I won the Inverness Gold Medal in 2002 and I was able to capture the Oban medal the following year (2003). Following that, I also captured the 2003 Bratach Gorm [Blue Banner] at the London Contest, and I have been very honoured to compete in the Glenfiddich Championship". This past year was Bruce's 7th trip to the Glenfiddich, earning the honour by winning the US Piping Federation Competition in June. Look for more from this most talented musician. Bruce teaches piping full time in Halifax , Nova Scotia. He is one of the few to successfully use Skype over the internet. So successful is his teaching that three of his students were invited to play at this year's George Sherriff Memorial Competition in Hamilton, Ontario. You can contact Bruce through his website at http://www.brucegandymusic.com/
Bruce leading the soloists to the field, the day after winning the Oban medal in 2003
Get Them Now!
eLessons on CD
The Captain's Corner has published Bagpipe Lessons on CD for the years 2006, 2007 2008 and 2009. Each CD consists of a complete year's tuition on a weekly schedule - written notes, music, drills and audio for each lesson. Pricing averages $1/week as each CD can be ordered for $52(CAD) plus $5. All CD's come cased with an index for easy lesson retrieval. To order yours now, click on the CD image to the right.
Click to Sample the eBook Format of the 2008 Lessons
Go to the Classroom for 50% discounts for subscribers. Become a subscriber today and receive the same bonus offer.
Who would find these lessons of value? All teachers, pipe majors - all students from beginner to advanced... anyone interested in becoming a better player.
Designed by Willie McCallum and Stuart McCallum
 
November 26, 2009
One of the best kept secrets for pipers at large is the huge inventory kept by Steve Scaife at Ceol Sean Music and it is available to the piping community for very little. Steve has been working tirelessly over the years scanning old manuscripts and books to CD, organizing them into files and indexing all. You can contact Steve through his website www.CeolSean.com . In a recent letter, he made the following Christmas announcement:
We’re having a Year-End Sale with the following specials!!
#1) Our “5 Plus” offer. Order any 5 or more Ceol Sean CD’s and receive a 10% discount. That’s right, order any 5 CD’s and we’ll take 10% off the total price for your purchase
#2) Our
“10 Plus”
offer. Order any 10 or more Ceol Sean CD’s and receive a 20%
discount.
#3) Our
“20 Plus”
offer. Order any 20 or more Ceol Sean CD’s and receive a 30%
discount. And in addition to taking 30% off the total price of your order,
we’ll also include a free copy of our Master Index CD. This CD
is a complete guide to all 6,500 plus tune settings in all of the Ceol
Sean collections, and it’s an easy way to scan through our full list of
tunes.
These specials combined with our low prices are a great opportunity to build
your collection of Ceol Sean CD’s or to get a great deal on a Christmas gift
for the piper on your list. And
don’t forget……Ceol Sean ALWAYS provides FREE SHIPPING with every order,
regardless size or location!!
These special offers are good from now
until January 1, 2010. We encourage you to order early to allow for
delivery before December 25th. We have secure on-line ordering
at www.ceolsean.com, and your inquiries are welcome at
scaifes@comcast.net.com.
Happy Holidays!!
Steve Scaife
November 23, 2009
Pipe Major Don Forgan(left) and Russ Hamilton presenting the 2009 George Forgan Award Most pipers and drummers will agree that we participate and play the instruments out of the sheer love of the music and the camaraderie it offers at our various competitions, performances, parades and meetings. Seldom do we ever think of awards for past involvement and especially for one's self. Well, last weekend was special. The Captain received an award - totally out of the blue, so to speak. And when the time came to thank the Hamilton Police Pipe Band for the recognition, I was tongue tied, misty eyed and totally inept and unprepared. I thank all responsible for the George Forgan Meritorious Service Award and especially Pipe Major Peter Aumonier for the following very kind words.
"I think your readers should be aware of the special presentation made
to you. The George Forgan Meritorious Service Award for service to piping
has been given out to select individuals over the past few years. The idea
for the award came from a small group of the Hamilton Police Pipe Band who
felt it would be good to recognize those, from the PPBSO, who have made
significant contributions to piping and pipe bands. An ad hoc committee was
formed and it was decided to name the award after our Senior Pipe Major's
(Don Forgan) late father George. George served as president of the PPBSO
during some of it's best years.
The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions
to piping over a long period. Your leadership brought pipe bands from
Ontario and, indeed North America, onto the World stage during the 70's and
early 80's. You and your Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band helped pave the way for
bands to achieve success at the highest level. These visionary efforts were
part of what made you an obvious choice for the award. In addition to this,
your work as a teacher and adjudicator, throughout the world has helped to
raise standards everywhere. And you always serve as a great ambassador for
piping throughout the world.
So now you join previous recipients (Bob Worrall and Andy Donachie)
- PPBSO members who have made significant contributions and whose character
represents all that is good in our art.
Kindest Regards,
Peter Aumonier "
Indeed, I am humbled - many thanks to all involved.
October 21, 2009 Peel Police Toy Drive
It was great to read on the
PD Online the heart-warming story of the Peel Police Pipe Band.
If there is a Champion Supreme award for charity and community
involvement, it must go to PM John Cairns' crew from Peel Regional! If you can possibly make the trip, all donations will be accepted at the band's practice on Saturday, November 7th, at the Peel Regional Police, Emil Kolb Centre, 180 Derry Rd. E., Mississauga, Ontario between 11 am and 1 pm. For those that cannot make it, gifts can be mailed to the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band, c/o PO Box 32, 1978 Winslow Cres., Brights Grove, Ontario N0N 1C0 Canada. Toys and monetary donations will assist this very worthwhile cause.
October 15, 2009 Just When We Are Talking About The CoP
It never fails - mention something and all
of a sudden a related issue comes to the fore. It was just 2 days
ago that the late Scott MacAulay
October 7, 2009
Scott MacAulay To Receive Award Posthumously
On October 13th, a special honour and recognition will be bestowed upon the late Scott MacAulay, (1956 – 2008), as he has been named a recipient of the 2009 Mayor’s Medal of Honour for the City of Summerside, PEI. This award was established in 2003 to recognize those who have displayed special accomplishments or achievements, including the demonstration of outstanding contribution to the social, economic or cultural life of Summerside. Selection committee members include Chairperson Mr. Paul Power, Ms. Marcia Whalen and Mr. Terry Shea MacAulay, who grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, was one of the world’s best bagpipers. He became the founding Director of the College of Piping and Performing Arts of Canada in 1990. He grew the facility from a two bedroom bungalow to a multi-million dollar facility with practice rooms, dance studio, amphitheatre along with offices and a boardroom. He had adjudicated, taught and performed extensively throughout the United States, New Zealand and Canada. He won many North American and Scottish solo piping competitions, and has received awards and distinctions for teaching and composing. His efforts have made the College of Piping and Performing Arts of Canada in Summerside a leading international centre for excellence in Celtic performing arts education. Scott was instrumental in the resurgence of the Celtic cultural heritage. MacAulay’s infectious personality attracted great supporters, along with world class instructors and judges from around the world. His work has led to partnered relationships with Summerside’s two sister cities, Dunedin, Florida and Sterling, Scotland. As a visionary, entrepreneur, mentor and teacher, the legacy that he has built and left at the College of Piping and Performing Arts of Canada will ensure that the Celtic tradition will continue to grow in Summerside and Prince Edward Island. He was awarded the Diploma of Piping and the Senior Teacher’s Certificate by the Institute of Piping in Glasgow Scotland and also received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. Mayor Basil Stewart stated, “Scott MacAulay was a world renowned piper and music educator and was an outstanding citizen of Summerside whose tireless efforts benefited Summerside and Prince Edward Island.” The presentation of the Mayor’s Medal of Honour will take place on Tuesday, October 13th at 7:00pm, in the Council Chambers of Summerside City Hall, with a reception to follow. The public is invited to attend.
September 16, 2009 Home from Alaska ! Just in from an adventure - one of those life experiences that you reach out and grasp. Five of us - 4 pipers and a musical conductor flew to Anchorage, Alaska on September 5. From there we caught a Pilatus 8 - seater for the two hundred mile journey west to the village of Iliamna, population 150. The final leg was in a Beaver to the Lower Talarik Creek, population 0, where we touched down on a lagoon and made our way to set up a base camp for the next 7 days. Bears and more fish than you can imagine highlighted our week - 9 wt. fly rods needed to land the huge rainbows and occasional Coho salmon as the fish charged upstream on their annual spawning and feeding runs. Bears, the grizzly type abounded! We were in their country and they were boss. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that we had to keep our cool and treat their habitat with respect - and that we did!
Brown Bear (Grizzly) crossing Talarik Creek Brother Rod, face to face with the landowner!
Rai Behnert of Juneau fishing ahead of storm The Captain with a good sized rainbow trout
George Campbell with a trophy sized Rainbow The glacial Newhalen River near Iliamna
Rod, Rai, Captain, George, Henry Rai with a rainbow just before releasing it
August 23, 2009 To the Victor ...... ....goes the spoils. Just back from perhaps the best trip ever to the World's Championships in Glasgow. Piping Live was superb - concerts, CD and book launches and a host of band performances every day in George Square. But the true rewards must go to the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band - crowned 2009 World Champions. Not only did they amass 5 firsts form the 8 adjudicators, but also capped the week off by winning the best drum corps in a squeaker over the House of Edgar, Shotts and Dykehead...congrats to lead drummer Reid Maxwell
Certainly, the World's week is a time to renew friendships and meet people from around the globe. The highland games at Perth was no exception.
RSPBA International Adjudicators Sam Young, Nat Russell and Ken Eller with SFU's Neil Dickie (centre) and Reid Maxwell (right)
July 27, 2009 Jimmy Yardley An icon in American piping circles passed away on July 24, 2009. Jimmy Yardley was known certainly to all on the west coast for his contributions to the California piping scene. For players of my generation, he stood shoulders above others as that one person whose name was synonymous with high standards of piping and piping stewardship. His grand daughter sent the following obituary, which appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle:
"James Cameron Yardley Sr. Died July 24, 2009 in Santa Rosa, CA, at
the age of 84. "Jimmy" was born March 13, 1925 and raised in
Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland. Jimmy was born into a piping family,
I know I speak on behalf of all pipers and drummers, when I offer condolences to the Yardley family.... Jimmy was truly legendary in our time. Peter Aumonier wrote me this wonderful tribute to Jimmy:
Hi Ken.
June 15, 2009 The Midwest School of Pipes and Drums
St. Johns Northwestern Military Academy in beautiful Delafield,
Wisconsin was the home base this year for the
MSOPD, expertly
organized by the trio of Ron Bowen, Sarajane Trier and John Giese.
This school superseded the Milwaukee School after a 10 year
run under director Tom Cobb and his late wife Kay. There were over
80 registered students this year, so the economy had
The 2009 George Sherriff Memorial Competition The 14th annual George Sherriff Memorial was held in Hamilton, ON on Saturday, November 21, 2009. As always, the crew of volunteers spearheaded by event organizer Bob Worrall did a splendid job, bringing professionalism to this major amateur event - great ambience in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church - superb playing and listening conditions with a concert-like atmosphere The enthusiastic audience was treated to light music and piobaireachd by 10 performers from as far away as Hong Kong, Oregon, Washington State, New Jersey, Maine and Texas. Ontario and Nova Scotia pipers represented Canada. The panel of adjudicators represented the best in competitive and musical experience. Jack Lee from Surrey, BC; Reay MacKay from Orillia, ON; Stuart Liddell from Inverary, Scotland.
With wins in the 6/8 March and Piobaireachd events, the overall winner went to Richard Gillies of Portland, Oregon. while winner of the MSR was Houston, Texas resident, Anthony Masterson.
Richard Gillies Anthony Masterson Listen to Richard Gillies' winning Piobaireachd The MacLeod's Salute Listen to Richard Gillies' winning 6/8 marches Cameron MacFadyen and The Heights of Casino Listen to Anthony Masterson's winning MSR Pipe Major Willie MacLean, The Doune of Invernochty and The Blackberry Bush
The day was filled with many other excellent performances. In my opinion, the standard was as high as ever, thus making the task of adjudicating quite daunting. I congratulate the judges on selecting Liz Dunsire's A Flame of Wrath for Squinting Patrick, second in the piobaireachd event.
Perhaps the best sounding bagpipe of all belonged to Thomas Harrington of Glenholme, Nova Scotia. A rich harmonic blend of chanter and drones resonated throughout his MacKay's Banner and for this he was rewarded with third prize in the piobaireachd.
The 2008 Champion, Bobby Durning from Milltown, NJ was not to be denied. A fourth in the piobaireachd, third in the 6/8 march and a second in the MSR secured him second place overall. Listen to his MSR, The Knightswood Ceilidh, Caber Feidh and Broadford Bay.
One of the pleasant surprises of the evening was the presentation of the George Sherriff Memorial trophy and banner to Richard Gillies. The presenters were Jamie Sherriff, grandson of George and his son, Tyler (great grandson)
Pipes Donated by McCallum Bagpipes, Kilmarnock, Scotland
Drawing the unenviable position of playing first on in the first contest fell to Glenn Walpole of Tiverton, Ontario. For his initial performance in the Sherriff, he played an excellent selection of 6/8 marches early in the morning. His "John MacColl's Farewell to the Scottish Horse and Dr. Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering" gained him the fourth place nod in the 6/8 march contest.
Fifth place in the piobaireachd went to Brendan Culver making his debut at the Sherriff. He acquitted himself well with the Lament for the Viscount of Dundee. If there was a prize for preparation in the tuning room for your performance on stage, Brendan would most assuredly take top honours. He presented himself to the judges with pipes in tune, a small play down and then right into the Viscount... most impressive. And finally, the Captain's Corner award for teacher of the year - unanimous selection by the committee! It must go to Bruce Gandy with three students in the Sherriff - Richard Gillies (The Champion), Thomas Harrington and Chris Lee (Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong). Congratulations Bruce on setting high standards and to your students for attaining them!
Bruce Gandy and Andrew Berthoff, Editor, PD Online
Angus MacColl and Jack Lee Recital
Ontario School of Music, June 25, July 2, 2009 Once again the instructor recital series at the Ontario School of Piping and Drumming in Aurora was huge success. The overflow audience of 150 were treated to the finest of piping. Click on the images of Angus MacColl and Jack Lee to download and listen to some great airs, strathspeys, marches and reels... the best! 
 Other performances from this week included Jim McGillivray, Bruce Gandy, James MacHattie and Reid Maxwell. They will all be posted over the the next few weeks. Hope you enjoy world class piping and drumming. Georgetown Highland Games - June 13, 2009
Grade 1 Bands
1. The Scottish Lion - 78th Fraser Highlanders 2. The Toronto Police Pipe Band 4. The 78th Highlanders, The Citadel
Grade 2 Bands
1. The Hamilton Police Pipe Band 2. The Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band
Grade 4 Bands
1. The Hamilton Police Grade 4 Pipe Band 2. The Paris - Port Dover Pipe Band
Download, listen and click on
A Piping Sensation!
The Corner just received
perhaps the best Celtic CD of the year to date... and it has come from one of
the younger, yet most experienced pipers from the Ottawa Valley area of Ontario,
Peter
Purvis. As is often the case, an artist is better known outside his homeland
and such is the case for Pete.
The William Livingstone Snr Memorial - 2009
The William Livingstone Snr. memorial was held on May 9 at the
Officer's Mess of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, James Street Armouries,
Hamilton, ON. A tremendous day of piping awaited the panel of adjudicators which
included Andrew Berthoff, Ed Neigh and Donald Lindsay. There were 10 competitors
from across North America vying for the black banner and winner's title.
Emerging victorious with wins in both the
piobaireachd and light music was James P. Troy from Victoria, BC. A
close contest prevailed for second overall between Alex Gandy of Dartmouth, NS
and Andy Rogers, of Fredericton, NB Once again, credit must be given to Julie Stewart and her committee from the Niagara Hamilton Branch of the PPBSO for their annual efforts in presenting this contest for over 30 years. Although attendance was sparse, the level of enjoyment was high. Once again, those that enjoy good piping should be reminded of this date each year.
Click to download and listen to all the winning performances.
Sparse Crowd at the Livingstone
The Metro Cup - 2009
The Metro Cup - each year attracts the best of the best. This year was no exception, with Willie McCallum returning to defend his 2008 overall championship win. Challenging him would be the cream of the UK competitive circuit - Roddy MacLeod and Gordon Walker plus a host of other Scottish and North American professionals. It was no surprise that Alasdair Gillies from Pittsburgh was in top form to take the coveted medley performance. Alasdair has been playing at the top levels for countless years (and countless Inverness Silver Stars to his credit as well). Listen to Alasdair's award winning medley by clicking on the image to the left. Many thanks to Shawn Husk for the recording and to Alasdair for granting permission.
And then there was the overall champion of the Metro Cup, Willie McCallum, of Bearsden, Scotland ... Willie successfully defended his title with a third place in the Piobaireachd and a runner-up spot in the medley. Such consistent playing is the trademark for Willie.... In order to champion the Glenfiddich so many times (last count was at 8), Willie has to be the most versatile player in the world today - as attested also by the trophies on his mantle - 7 times the Dan Reid Champion - and 6 senior MSR events at Oban or Inverness plus both Gold Medals. Listen to Willie's Lament for the Children that brought him 3rd in this year's Piobaireachd Event. While you are at it, have a listen to his medley good for second prize in the medley event to Alasdair. Thanks to Willie for his permission to post these fine recordings.
Winter Storm 2009
Winter Storm 2009 is history, but the music lives!...what a contest,
what a weekend !...happy to be a part of it and share the winners with you. The
Gold Medal Piobaireachd was a toss up between Jori Chisholm (pictured left) and Glenn Brown with
Yori prevailing with the "Lament for the Dead".
Others playing well to the standard included Alasdair Lee and Will Nicholls from the west coast and Roddy Weir and Neil Hall from Scotland. Now the Ceol Beag was an interesting final of six players and once again Alex Gandy prevailed to take the Gold Medal. What a day of good playing. Please enjoy the following recordings.
Alex Gandy and Glenn Brown
Gold Medal - Jori Chisholm - Lament for the Dead Silver Medal - Alex Gandy - The Piper's Warning to his Master Gold Medal - Glenn Brown - The Battle of Auldearn, Setting No. 2
Ceol Beag
John MacColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage, Caber Feidh, Neil Angus MacDonald, Joe McGann's Fiddle, and Angus John MacNeill of Barra
Bonnie Ann, Tulloch Castle, The Sound of Sleat, Finger Control, and Amanda Clarke
Now to look at some of the other great performances.... 2nd in both the Silver Medal and the Ceol Beag was Alastair Lee from British Columbia.
Alastair Lee
Silver Medal - Alastair Lee - A Flame of Wrath For Patrick Caogach Ceol Beag - Major Manson's Farewell to Clachantruschal, Caber Feidh, The Sheepwife, The Drunken Landlady, Wee Marie
Thanks to the competitors for allowing this broadcast.
Alex Gandy
When looking around North America currently, it is easy to spot the players of the future. These same players are players of the present, each making their mark on the professional competition scene at an early age.
Alex Gandy from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia is one of the most experienced of the under 25 set in the country. He has few peers when it comes to accomplishments on the international scene. Interesting enough, the main players in the same league all come from one common stock - the BC connection in Victoria and Vancouver and that is where Alex's tutor and mentor, his Dad Bruce, hails from. Alex has won the jigs at Oban (2007),with Bruce second; he has won the World's Pipe Band Championship with Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band (2007) and has competed successfully on the tough Scottish Highland Games circuit for three years. In addition to this, he is a second year university student at St. Mary's in Halifax. You will be able to hear him in preparation for the upcoming season in Scotland and Canada as he gets ready for a recording he will soon be sending the CPA for grading purposes. There is no doubt that Alex is his Father's Son, and hopefully will follow in the same footsteps as Bruce.
Listen to Alex Gandy playing three selections - a slow air, hornpipe and 2 jigs - a MSR - the piobaireachd "The Piper's Warning to his Master".
Some Great Music - Fiddle and Bow
Colin
Grant, Sydney, Cape Breton
Every so often you discover a musician that plays pure
soul. Even more surprising when that player is the son of a good
friend. Colin Grant's father, John, a doctor in Sydney played for
the Captain in the 80's as part of the Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band.
Recently I received a copy of his latest CD, self titled, Colin
Grant. It combines spirited reels and driving jigs with a little for
everyone. Pipers will relate well to this foot stompin' music. If
only we could bring such lift to our highland pipe playin'. Some of
the titles are very quaint...or should I say unique. Try
"Drive 'er Like Ya Stole'er", "Bee Flat", "Jingrant on the Sheepskin
Fiddle" (his Dad) and "Off the Beaton Track", which I am sure is in
reference to the great Beaton fiddlers from Cape Breton. Well
anyway, I hope you enjoy this track entitled "The Bow and Arrow
Set", as much as I do. His CD and itinerary are both available at
the Colin Grant
Website.
Do You Remember The Red Hackle Pipe Band?
The 99P price tag is proof enough of the date of this album jacket (1971). The Red Hackle Pipe Band was a top contender through that time period. Under the leadership of John Weatherstone, BEM, MBE, they competed for several years at the CNE in Toronto. Beside PM Weatherstone in the photo is Malkie MacKenzie, the well known RSPBA adjudicator. On the right is PS Ian McIntyre - all old friends. Thanks to Allan Skalazub, ex Triumph Street Pipe Band, we have a recording of the Red Hackle in 1979. The opening tune has been the object of a long search - entitled "'Miss Laurie Jean Chilton" and composed by Iain MacCrimmon of Dundee, Scotland (formerly Edmonton, AB). Many knew this tune as the Triumph Street Pipe Band and it is good for the books that the correct name is published here. Many thanks to Iain. Click on the photo to download the Red Hackle at the World's Championships in 1979.
A Taste of the Todd Bar Recital 2008
Angus MacColl from Benderloch, Scotland - no doubt one of the best solo players in the world today. He just happens to have a lock on the Todd Bar Recital, year after year and 2008 was no exception. Listen to his fabulous March, Strathspey and Reel: The Highland Wedding, The Caledonian Society of London and Mrs. MacPherson of Inveran
Bruce Gandy
The US Piping Federation is an annual major for solo competitors held every June . Along with the champions banner, the winner often gains entry into the prestigious Glenfiddich contest later in the year at Blair Castle. Bruce this year took the double by winning both the MSR and Piobaireachd. This is quite common turf for Bruce as he won the London Society Gold medals back to back in 2002 and 2003. The Corner, as always, thanks Bruce for allowing the broadcast of his Leaving Lunga, Arniston Castle and The Brown Haired Maid
 Jack Lee Jack is one of the consummate performers of our age. Not only is he the holder of the coveted Gold Medals at both Inverness and Oban, but also the Pipe Sgt. of the five time World Champion SFU Pipe Band. His experience and accomplishments are all encompassing. It was a pleasure to spend a week with him at the Ontario School of Piping and even more of a thrill to attend his evening seminar on piobaireachd, from where this recording was made. Thanks to Jack for permitting it to be posted here. I hope you enjoy one of the great tunes - a set tune for the 2009 Silver Medal.
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Most importantly is that the drive is continuing in spite of the
trailer being located. Half of the toys destined for needy families
were missing. Band Manager, Bill Baines contacted the Corner this
week with the following message: "
posthumously received the Mayor's Medal of Honour in a ceremony at
the Summerside City Council. Today I received my monthly Piping
Times from the
statement
I
was certainly impressed with the standard of play in the final.
Depending on your vantage point, four performances really shone -
SFU, FMM, SLOT and the Strathclyde Police... However, the qualifier
in the morning was once again plagued by bad weather , inconsistent
performances and less than adequate tonal quality. Those brave souls
that sat in the rain to hear it all, unanimously agreed that there
has to be a better alternative to the current system. If that is not
enough, not one of the morning qualifiers played to a standard in
the final that would garner them a prize. 
and
started playing bagpipes at the age of nine. During WWII he served
as a piper in the Black Watch and marched in the village of Le
Deliverande, Normandy, July 1944. In 1964, he moved to San Francisco
to play in the San Francisco Caledonian Pipe Band, where he later
became Pipe Major. After retiring from the band, he was a respected
senior judge at numerous piping competitions. He was a proud man who
worked hard all his life to raise his family, and took great pride
in his life achievements in the piping world. His contributions to
piping history will be remembered for generations among the pipers
of Scotland, Canada and everywhere else his music touched. Jimmy is
predeceased by his wife, Isabella (Ella), survived by his sister
Jenny Duncan and family of Australia; eight children and their
spouses Wilma and Dave, Janice, Elizabeth and Jose, Patricia and
Bruce, James Jr., Tracy Yardley, Isabella and Jim, Jeanette and
Pete; 16 grand-children and five great-grandchildren. He is loved
and will be missed by all. Dad you made us proud to be "Yardley's"
and proud to be Scottish. Your imprint is forever in us all, say hi
to Mum. "
Glenn's
Battle of Auldearn was first class as well...you will hear both.
The Silver Medal was a superb contest. Alex Gandy played The Piper's Warning to
his Master to a silver medal standard as good as it gets.
