The Pipers’ & Pipe Band Society of Ontario is pleased to today announce a new educational initiative aimed at further supporting solo amateur piobaireachd players. In an agreement with the Piobaireachd Society, the PPBSO, beginning this year, will purchase PS memberships for all pipers who compete in at least two solo amateur piobaireachd competitions in any given year (in-person or online).
These memberships will enable each amateur piper to access the extensive database of manuscripts, recordings and notes that are available (and limited) to Piobaireachd Society members. Of note, too, is the popular autumn-winter ‘Talk Piobaireachd’ series of live online seminars that offer members musical insights and perspective from a wide range of leading experts.
‘Over the last few years the Piobaireachd Society’s online database has, almost by the week, grown in size and scope. To enable our amateur pipers access is one way to encourage interest, and excellence, in this important part of the music of the pipes,’ said Michael Grey, PPBSO, president, adding, ‘and at a projected cost of an estimated $500 per year our Board of Directors were unanimous in supporting this initiative.”
In addition to individual PS memberships for amateur pipers, all PPBSO branches (and the PPBSO parent executive) will each hold an affiliated membership. This will allow branches – and the executive – to draw on Piobaireachd Society online resources should they wish to augment the presentation of piobaireachd seminars or workshops.
‘The PPBSO will continue to seek out creative ways for our pipers and drummers to improve their knowledge and musicianship. We anticipate more news before too long that will see a broadening of our outreach plans,’ said Grey.
Robert Wallace, President of The Piobaireachd Society, said: ‘This initiative by Michael Grey, President, and the PPBSO, is a welcome development in piping. It demonstrates the opportunity for co-operation between piping societies throughout the world. Our General Committee is delighted to be able to work with the PPBSO in spreading the piobaireachd message.’
More information related to the PS registration process to soon follow.
The Piobaireachd Society was formed in 1905 and since then has been a leading light in the preservation and propagation of what is often called the ‘classical music’ of the Great Highland Bagpipe: piobaireachd. Through their research, publications, teaching, student subsidy programs, event sponsorship and promotion the Piobaireachd Society has, since its inception, been the lynchpin for the global advancement of piobaireachd. The Society’s Patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
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