David Johnston - Xanten
Wallace Bagpipes would like to congratulate our Germany agent David Johnston (Piperscorner Shop) for winning the Bagpipe Association Germany (BAG) open solo Piobaireachd competition among stiff opposition at the Highland Games held in Xanten, West Germany on Sunday 20th June. David played a marvellous rendition of the Little Spree on his Wallace Bagpipes with temperatures at a very low 7 degrees. The judge was Willie McCallum, who commented on his nice steady sounding instrument and perfect execution and flow of this very nice tune.
David went on to pick up a second place in the senior Hornpipe and Jig and a third for the senior MSR competition judged by R.T. Shepherd.
David reported that his instrument helped him achieve this success, by staying steady and constant throughout the performances.
Wallace Bagpipes once again gave their support to the piping world by sponsoring the College of Piping U.S. Summer School at Hilbert College, Hamburg, New York in conjunction with our U.S agents The British Shop, Buffalo.
You can see here that the instructors at the New York Summer School were some of the very best – Robert Wallace, PM Robert Mathieson, Barry Donaldson, Iain Donaldson, & Craig Munro.
Read below Principal Robert Wallace thoughts on the week,
The first ever CoP New York School was a resounding success. 18 students came forward for exams at various levels and all passed. The closing concert heard music from all the instructors including a quartet from Shotts. The two main classes also performed sets learned that week to great applause from the audience. Top student Iggy Suarez from Fort Lauderdale received a voucher for a set of pipes courtesy of Wallace Bagpipes. Local piper Michael Swain received the runner up prize of a wooden practice chanter courtesy John Walsh Bagpipes. Thanks to the sponsors of both these prizes. Principal Robert Wallace thanked the British Shop for their great effort in organising the school. In addition he thanked the staff at Hilbert College for accommodating everyone so well and for their friendly and courteous manner. The College will be back at Hilbert next year so look out for early registration details. If 2010 is anything to go by places will be eagerly sought after. Check out our New York Gallery and CoP Facebook for a host of pictures which will give you a flavour of the week. Thanks to all those who came along and enjoyed a College education!
