The most important stories of ’17

SEPTEMBER

Move to change SPJA conflict policy

Leaked messages from a handful of members of the UK’s Solo Piping Judges Association indicated that all was not well with the organization’s policy that prevents teachers from adjudicating their pupils. Led by Australia’s Malcolm McRae, the attempt to rescind the policy would not gain traction, but would contribute to significant upset later in the year.

Blair digital chanter promises to rock piping

Murray Blair’s latest innovation is seen by many as a leap ahead in terms of technological advancement for the Highland bagpipe. The practice chanter-sized instrument can connect with MIDI-enabled gear to integrate Highland pipe music with a world of music and musical instruments.

RSPBA regrades Peel Police along with member bands

Despite agreeing not to, the RSPBA took it upon itself to regrade a non-member band when it decided that the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band of Ontario did not meet the Grade 1 standard at its events. The band subsequently agreed to move to Grade 2 and, rather than sulking, magnanimously embarked on an assertive program to build back to Grade 1 status.