Read the latest news, updates and announcements about Queensland pipe bands, pipers and drummers below.
Have an announcement or update you’d like us to share? Send details to our secretary.
Scots News Magazine: Dec/Jan edition out now
The Christmas edition of Scots News magazine is packed with stories, events and prize giveaways. The magazine’s editor, Carmel Audsley, is always keen for stories about pipe bands, too, so if you have a story to share (or upcoming events to promote), make sure you get in touch via scotsnews@iinet.net.au. View the December 2020 / … Continue reading Scots News Magazine: Dec/Jan edition out now
Gone Piping: November edition
The November 2020 issue of Gone Piping eMagazine is now freely available for download. This issue features: Memorizing Music Better and Faster The history behind “The piper’s warning to his master” Appropriate footwear Review of Gannaway bags Reviews of solo chanters Piping contests before the Great War. Visit the School of Piping website to download … Continue reading Gone Piping: November edition

2021 Virtual Burns Night
The University of Glasgow in Scotland has invited pipers from around the world to participate in a unique, virtual and global celebration of Burns Night in January 2021. The University’s Centre for Robert Burns Studies has invited over 2000 international Scottish societies, pipe bands, Burns clubs, and Scottish dance groups to participate in the initiative, … Continue reading 2021 Virtual Burns Night

VP75 – Our Piping Tribute
Pipe Bands Australia are championing a musical tribute on 15 August 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Known as ‘VP75 – Our Piping Tribute’, the project requires players to register; learn a tune called ‘VP 75 – Lest We Forget’, which has been composed by Mark Saul specifically … Continue reading VP75 – Our Piping Tribute

National officer appointments announced
The following appointments have been made in accordance with the Rules of Pipe Bands Australia. National Secretary: Dr John Ralph John has been playing for more than 30 years and for the past 22 years has been pipe major of St Andrews Caledonian, Launceston, guesting with bands in several states and competing and performing overseas … Continue reading National officer appointments announced

Examination enrolment now available online
This article was originally posted on Pipe Bands Australia on 7 May 2020. Enrolment for Pipe Bands Australia’s Australian Pipe Band College examination can now be lodged online. The online enrolment links have been added to the national website on the education and training pages for piping, drumming, drill and dress, and rules and administration. … Continue reading Examination enrolment now available online

Resignation of National Officers
Pipe Bands Australia have announced the resignations of: National Secretary Steve Patterson Nation Principal Rules and Administration Jamie Forsyth National Committee Member James Cowie The announcement (download PDF copy) reads: 3 June 2020 Gratitude and appreciation for national service Pipe Bands Australia acknowledges with gratitude the contribution of three highly valued members who have stepped … Continue reading Resignation of National Officers

Fraser Martin – 2nd edition of Bagpipe Music Book out now
Fraser Martin has released the second edition of his Bagpipe Music Book, now available in digital format for free from his website. Fraser is a renowned piper all over the world, and is well known to many in the Queensland community. He describes himself as “a musician who, from time to time, plays bagpipes in … Continue reading Fraser Martin – 2nd edition of Bagpipe Music Book out now

Chris Gray – new album out now
Chris Gray – acclaimed piper and composer, former Scots College tutor, and previous Queensland competition judge and recitalist – has launched his new self-titled album. The album features highland pipes, whistles and piano performances, with all original compositions rooted in the tradition of folk music. It also features the talents of Innes White (acoustic guitar), … Continue reading Chris Gray – new album out now

Applications open – Peter Cook Scholarship
Applications for the 2020 Peter Cook Scholarship – which assists in the encouragement and advancement of pipers – are now open, and will close on 30 June. The scholarship was established last year with the bequest from Peter’s estate and is jointly administered by Pipe Bands Australia and Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association. Awards totalling … Continue reading Applications open – Peter Cook Scholarship