Fife kids urged to take part in online pipe band championships

The event is being organised by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust.

Convener David Johnston said: “We had cancelled the event for 2021 – but then a number of school tutors contacted us asking for the event to go online to help keep young players focused and give them some fun in lockdown.

“So we have slimmed the event down to just one class – the innovative Freestyle Class where pipes and drums combine with other instruments and singers to give a modern twist to traditional music.”

Schools are being asked to express interest in taking part by February 7 and already eight have signed up.

The competition will be broadcast online across the weekend starting March 26.

The public will have the chance to cast their vote in a live People’s Choice event on March 28.

Some of Scotland’s top musicians will judge the event, including Gary Innes, box player for Manran and presenter of BBC Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’ and Craig Munro of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Craig said: “Amazing music can be created and orchestrated online now using apps, and this competition opens up a world-wide audience for the youngsters.

“All bands have to do is film their entries using music apps and submit them for judging by 14 March. Registrations close on 7 February.”

The Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust offers help and cash grants to councils, schools and parent groups for piping and drumming tuition in Scottish state schools.

It also has the world’s biggest free bagpipe loan scheme, lending instruments to hundreds of young players across the country.

The SSPDT is currently supporting the delivery of in school pipe and drum tuition to over 3000 pupils in Scottish schools.

More details of the competition can be found on the SSPDT website – www.sspdt.org.uk.