For Your Information...

As I was trolling around the internet, I came across the 2008 World Pipe Band Championships Blog. There are a couple different blogs but most interestingly is one from Wilson Brown (see pictures below) - Chief Inspector of the Strathclyde Police, member of the Spirit of Scotland (one of my favorites!) and quite a funny character. Please visit the link below as it outlines the week the band had leading up the Worlds.
http://www.theworlds.co.uk/blogbrown.html#3june

Enjoy!
JLT

Photographing the Art...

Please check out the Features page on http://www.pipesdrums.com/ (will require subscribed LogIn/Password). Photographing the Art is the result of numerous photo shoots in Glasgow and beyond that Ryan set about doing during the week of the Worlds, a visit to Cape Breton and other adventures during the summer. Complete with comments from the photographer herself, this provides a deeper insight into the piping world. Such thoughtful images!
Ryan is heading back to Cape Breton in October for the launch of her exhibit in correlation with the Nova Scotia Gaelic Council's Cainnt mo Mhàthar (My Mother's Language) Project. We are wishing Ryan a successful showing and are quite certain that this project will raise awareness for the Gaelic language.
On a side note, if Facebook is on your list of favorite website to visit, please join the Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band Group. This group was set up by Jason Paguio, a talented Drum Major from California who represented the Spirit this year at the Worlds. A video of our medley in the final as well as an video interview with Roddy MacLeod, Angus MacColl and Jim McGillivray from STV is featured.
-JLT

To End the Season....

Last weekend = Labour Day = Pleasanton Highland Games....James W. headed off to sunny California to judge in probably the most pleasant place to pipes and drums. Many thanks to the organizers of a wonderful games that is by far the most diverse and colorful in the piping circle.
The weekend before, right after we returned from Scotland, James P. ventured to the High River Highland Games in Alberta. More thanks to the organizers of that games for great hospitality.
Now we are into September, which proves to be a quieter month for us all. The Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band is back into weekly practices in preparation for a road trip at the end of the month. The band is heading off to Leavenworth, Washington, to participate in the Autumn Leaf Festival. An interesting town with Bavarian influence - this will be an unforgettable trip!
On a sadder note, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Scott MacAulay. The Director and Chief Executive Officer of the College of Piping & Celtic Performing Arts in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Scott was a prominent figure in the piping community and will be sorely missed.
-JLT