Boghall, Haddington, Inveraray, Polis up for Trad Music Award
Four pipe bands will be in the running to be named “Scottish Pipe Band of the Year” by the 2009 Scots Trad Music Awards, decided by popular online voting commencing on November 2nd.
Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia, Haddington, Inveraray & District and the Strathclyde Police made the cut after nominations were considered by the Scots Trad Music Awards organizers.
ScottishPower gained the 2008 Scottish Pipe Band of the Year award, along with several other piping-related events and artists, such as Piping Live! receiving the Event of the Year designation.
The Haddington Pipe Band has received attention for its organization of successful events in 2009, while Boghall & Bathgate, Inveraray & District and the Strathclyde Police enjoyed successes in competitions, performances and community events throughout the year.
The nomination comes at a time when the future of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band is in doubt, with sources close to the band saying that it is unlikely to continue.
“This is an amazing honour for Haddington Pipe Band,” said Pipe-Major David Leckie. “To be nominated for Scottish Pipe Band of the Year when there are so many outstanding bands throughout the country is really wonderful, and we hope this is a reflection of the work we do to support community events and to encourage youngsters and others to take up the pipes and drums. Now it’s up to the public to decide who wins the award and, of course, we’d be really delighted if people choose to vote for us.”
According to Hands Up for Trad spokesman Simon Thoumire, the criteria for selecting finalists for the Pipe Band of the Year category comprises:
- Competitive success within relevant grade
- Rapid or significant improvement
- Interaction with/ impact on community
- Teaching activity
- Musical impact – CDs/concerts/experimentation, etc.
- Positive media attention
- Success in overcoming difficult circumstances
Thoumire said that many nominations are received, and that a panel of judges narrows them.
Those wishing to vote for their favourite pipe band can do so starting on Monday, November 2nd, via the “Hands Up For Trad” website. Voting continues until November 20th.
The awards ceremony will be held in Dumfries, Scotland, on November 28th, with the Scottish Pipe Band of the Year being announced, along with other categories, including Album of the Year, Composer of the Year, Live Act of the Year, Scottish Folk Band of the Year, Up and Coming Artist of the Year, and Venue of the Year.
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