Get tuned in to online pipe band contest

The Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships are going online to beat Covid-19 – and Monklands youngsters are being urged to take part.

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

The public will then 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 worldwide audience for the youngsters.

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

More details of the competition are available at www.sspdt.org.uk

Note perfect North Lanarkshire schools’pipe band has achieved greatness in the past, including being chosen to perform in the Tartan Day parade in New York City in 2019