Latest News
Blu Zebra in partnership with Ceoltóirí Éireann Regional Dún Uladh Centre, the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association NI Branch (RSPBANI) and Ciaran Elizabeth Doran, Museum Curator are delivering a unique project celebrating Musical Traditions in the Ards and North Down area. This is a PEACE IV EU funded Programme, managed by SEUPB in conjunction with Ards and North Down Peace IV Partnership, and in conjunction with the match-funders for the Council’s action plan, The Executive Office, Northern Ireland and the Department for Rural and Community Development, Ireland. The project brings together an eclectic mix of bands, musicians, singers, and dancers from a rich heritage including Ulster-Scots – pipes and highland dancers, Traditional Irish Musicians and Irish dancers, a concert flute band alongside contemporary musicians.
Thanks to Cleland Memorial Pipe Band for participating in the project.
See the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ktoBBcD_-Es
Please see the attached full press release.
The JAC Committee have taken the decision to cancel this year's All Ireland Solo event,
This decision was based upon many factors including the availability of a suitable venue, travel restrictions for adjudicators and competitors and current social distancing guidelines
We would encourage all NI bands to log on to the portal that has been set up to allow you to vote at the upcoming RSPBA HQ AGM,
Your votes are submitted on and counted by the online form,
On the day of the AGM, the chair of the AGM will relay all votes cast to the meeting,
This will ensure that your band's vote is counted at the AGM,
The portal also has a section for submitting questions,
Voting will close at 10am on Thursday 25 June 2020,
You should have received your logon details from RSPBA HQ,
If you have not yet received them, please ensure that you have checked your junk email
Due to the Coronavirus, the Branch meeting scheduled for the 28th of March has been cancelled.
Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) the following competitions have been cancelled.
- 11th April, Ulster Solos
- 9th May, Ards and North Down
- 16th May, County Fermanagh
- 30th May, Mid Ulster
- 6th June, Antrim and Newtownabbey
- 21st June, Lisburn and Castlereagh
- 4th July, All Ireland Championships, Swords
- 8th August, Ulster Championships, Ballymena
- 22nd August, Champion of Champions, Newcastle
Updated Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pipe Band College NI have reviewed current the situation. In response to the increasing number of cases in Northern Ireland, and across the UK, the college has decided to postpone all school examinations which were due to take place on 28th March. This postponement will be indefinite due to the ongoing situation. Furthermore, we have decided to bring forward the end of the teaching term. Saturday 14th March will be the final teaching day of the term.
We understand that there will be disappointment for students who have been working towards examinations. We however feel that it would be irresponsible to bring students and examiners from across Northern Ireland and Scotland into a single venue at this time.
All exam fees will be refunded as soon a possible. We will also ensure that students will be fully prepared for the examinations whenever they occur.
Pipe Band College NI, 13 March 2020
We have made the decision to cancel the Ulster Solos due to the COVID-19 outbreak
The World Solo Drumming Qualifier has been postponed, New date TBC
Piobaireachd lessons scheduled for this Saturday, 21st of March with Glenn Brown at Cookstown Primary School have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Glenn is available for lessons via Skype, glennfbrown11@hotmail.com.