HEADQUARTERS NEWS

All Change At the Trigger

T

he commands ‘Band ‘shun!’ and ‘Get Ready!’ could become a thing of the past following a new rule change agreed at the

Association’s AGM. From now on bands that wish to remain with their instruments on the shoulder at the contest arena fl ags will be entitled to do so. Previously the rules were that pipes had to be taken down and placed under the arm before the pipe major brought the band to attention ready for the two introductory rolls. Some bands felt that this system was harking back to a military past and had nothing really to do with musical presentation. Moreover, every time the pipes were moved there was a risk of something going wrong, a drone top coming off , or tuning being aff ected. Now it is up to bands to choose for themselves the routine they adopt. One prominent pipe major told the Pipe Band Magazine: ‘T is is something I have felt strongly about for a number of years. Bands are trying to give of their best and surely it is the music they produce that matters, not the ceremony prior to their performance. Anything that increases

CHRISTINE HONOURED

     congratulations to its Dancing Convenor Miss Christine Lacey who was honoured by HM The Queen with an MBE in her New Year Honours List. Christine is seen receiving her award from HRH Prince Charles. Read more about Christine's wonderful achievement and career on p6.

2 APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine

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