The 14th annual pipes|drums New Year’s Honours

2015 Product of the Year

Piobaireachd Society Collection Book 16

The latest in the collective tome of the Piobaireachd Society, Book 16 was anticipated and welcomed as another important preservation of piping’s greatest music. Not without criticism, the collection features works that will certainly be heard at least at the major gatherings when compositions are set for the medals and senor events. In 2016, Piobaireachd Society Collection Book 16 was the clear favourite with or panel, taking 47 per cent of the vote.

Panellists’ comments:

“A tremendous amount of effort goes on behind the scenic to produce these books for our benefit. Many unsung heroes.”

“Overall most important for the art.”

“Another historical volume which will outlive (in popularity) all the rest on the list.”

Also considered (alphabetical order):

The Blockbuster Collection, by Ryan Canning – the Shotts & Dykehead pipe-major put it all together, amassing his collective works often heard in the medleys and concerts of Shotts and his previous band, Field Marshal Montgomery.

Ceol Mor for the Great Highland Bagpipe Presented in the Balmoral Tradition, by James McIntosh – a beautifully put together product that many will see as McIntosh’s lasting physical contribution, complementing his prodigious teaching. Said one panelist: “Great production values, and loved the presentation and historical aspects. Sometimes, too prescriptive and the use of note values don’t always make for easy reading/playing of scores, but once used to the manner of writing there is a lot there for the student.”

Ceol Chaluim Pipe Music Collection – quietly introduced at Piping Live!, this collection will hopefully not fly under radar detection for the world’s pipers, as it celebrates the music of the late Calum Campbell of Benbecula.

Pipes & Sticks on Route 66 – the engaging documentary by John McDonald of Pasadena, California, who followed along the peculiar 2013 journey of several of the world’s greatest pipers and drummers as they made their way along the famous nostalgic US highway. “Highly entertaining and original,” said one panelist.

The Winnipeg Collection, by Nathan Mitchell – a well-received collection with all proceeds going to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Mitchell’s work is nicely assembled and laid out in a high-quality product, with several compositions rising to the top. “A great book of music, with an eclectic mix of music and composers with all proceeds going to a worthy charity.”