March to the Majors: a 2016 watchlist

Up from under

Glasgow Green will see some new and returning antipodean bands this year, with Manawatu Scottish and New Zealand Police back for more, the former after several years away, and a welcome return of Australia to the program, with the still-new-to-Grade 1 City of Whitehorse making the long trek. New Zealand’s Canterbury Caledonian has elected to take a pass on the 2016 World’s, unfortunately, after several consistent appearances in the Final. And not nearly as far under but still south, Bagad Cap Caval of Brittany is reportedly making a return to the World’s after a few years away.

Look to the future 2

There might be closer watch on Grade 2 than usual, and it could be a big year for Johnstone, which captured the grade at last year’s World’s, and many expect the band to be promoted to Grade 1 after the season’s battle’s o’er. But watch Glasgow Skye with new L-D Arthur Cook and a revamped drum section, and new Lomond & Clyde Pipe-Major David Wilton, a surging MacKenzie Caledonian, plus other factors in what could be an even stronger grade this year.

The 2016 pipe band season at the top is sure to be one of the most interesting in recent memory, with new leaders, new dynamics and new challenges making for a new and lively summer ahead.

We’ll be hanging on to every note, and hope that you hang on to every word of coverage from pipes|drums.