Every year, there is likely in your house (also) some decision making around
what things would be good to purchase as gifts for young pipers and drummers.
I know that for them, the answer often lies outside the musical realm: game cubes,
DVDs, cell phones, etc.
Here are some ideas to assist you to bring some balance to the whole thing, should you wish to!

And, if you are part of a family that doesn't celebrate Christmas or the holidays this way, these make great birthday gifts too!
SPBA's "Sound Advice 2006"

What better present than money toward attendance at the 2006 summer school? The school has a top cast of instructors, the more economical tuition in the country, and happens July9-14, 2006.

 Where to buy this stuff.

St. Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band
"The Dawning of the Day"

This Dublin-based pipe band is one of the World's best and most entertaining, and this is a recording of the August 2005 concert in Glasgow.
The Worlds - DVD
Volume 1

This was the first time this has been done, and the reviews are mostly good, although there were a couple of issues surrounding quality of sound on some tracks giiven outdoor conditions, etc.

P/M Donald MacLeod's Collection of Bagpipe Music
Volumes 1-6

This is one of the classic collections that every piper needs to have as they develop. It can also be purchased in a bound version, but the individual books are likely more affordable at about $25 each.
P/M Willie Ross's Collection of Bagpipe Music
Volumes 1-5

Willie Ross arranged many of the traditional and early 20th century tunes that are now so common, and his collection is still great, especially for pipers looking for competition tunes.

Doug Stronach Snare Tutor
Volume 1

Doug is an excelent tutor, and one of the World's best leading drummers. Even experienced drummers will find ways to improve their understanding and technique.
Drum Scriobh2

Software for writing drum scores. There is also one for pipers called "Bagpipe Music Writer." They are designed for use on IBM -type computers.

100 Years of Pipe Band Drumming

This is a collection of drum scores for tunes from the greatest lead drummers of the 20th century. Fascinating exploration of the history and styles of pipe band drumming.
The Kilberry Collection of Ceol Mor

This is a collection of about 100 piobaireachd, which makes a great gift for the young player getting into the "big music" [ceol mor].

Gordon Duncan
"Thunderstruck"

This CD is by one of the pipers who has been successful in solos, band and "folk" piping. Gordon is an amazing talent, and this recording is very listenable.


The Pipers' Handbook

I always felt that the apostrophe was misplaced in the title of this slim volume, but there you go. It's a great little volume that includes technical information about making pipes work, and history of the music and players. It was published in the 1970s, so it's not "up-to-date" but still a great buy.

The Scots Guards Collection of Bagpipe Music
Volume 1

This is a standard collection of tunes that they will use all their piping life. Competition tunes, slow airs, some piobaireachd.
The Scots Guards Collection of Bagpipe Music
Volume 2

More great tunes, and also a very useful book. Has more modern jigs and hornpipes, plus a wider variety of competition tunes, and more piobaireachd.

Alex Duthart Drum Settings
Volume 2

Alex Duthart was the best drummer of his time, and arguably the most influential pipe band drummer of all time. He was respected and known by the world's best drummers in other fields, such as jazz, R&B, etc. for his exceptional technique. Many of these drum settings to standard tunes are still played in whole or part by drum corps all over the world.


Alex Duthart Drum Settings
Volume 1

Alex Duthart was the best drummer of his time, and arguably the most influential pipe band drummer of all time. He was respected and known by the world's best drummers in other fields, such as jazz, R&B, etc. for his exceptional technique. Many of these drum settings to standard tunes are still played in whole or part by drum corps all over the world.

Piper & Drummer Magazine

PD Magazine is an excellent magazine for pipers and drummers, and it is produced in Toronto. While it covers a lot of Canadian material, it is also full of great articles on the wider world scene.
Piping Today Magazine

Piping Today Magazine is published by the Piping Centre in Glasgow, Scotland. It covers widely the Highland piping scene, and also other kinds of bagpipes. It is lmore geared towards pipers than drummers.

World Pipe Band Championships

Every year, the championships are recorded in Glasgow, and these make exceptional learning tools for kids in bands. Volume 1 from each year features the top seven bands in the world.
Solo Drumming Championship

A recording for drummers: you get to hear the best players in the world playing their solo sets. Great learning again, altho' [like the Worlds CD] possibly not a high "excitement factor" after a few listens.

Mark Saul

Mark Saul is a piper/composer from Australia whose material is very good, and very far removed from "regular" piping. This is the kind of CD you could play again and again. Another in this vein is Gordon Duncan's "Thunderstruck".
The Piper & The Maker

Hamish Moore is a Scottish bagpipe maker who speacializes in "other" pipes. He makes smallpipes, Border pipes, and Highland pipes in "A". This CD features a number of top players playing Hamish's pipes at a concert last winter.

Inverness Rain Cape

These are VERY handy on cold and wet days. They come in 3 sizes and if you buy a little large, will last for years with care.
Jack Lee

This is part of "The World's Greatest Pipers" series. All of these CDs are great, and Jack's is particularly good.

Ezeedrones

These drone reeds are an excellent purchase for pipers.
All these products are available from suppliers close at hand, and far away. Prices vary depending on supplier. Try these options:

• The Ceilidh Surprise [1359 Broad Street] 347-4377- Mary has a good stock of books, CDs and other gear for pipers and drummers. Also lots of food and novelty items.

• Tartantown - you can do online shopping at their secure web site, or you can call toll-free 1-877-800-KILT to order. The two people you are mostl likely to talk to are: Jean [who is from Saskatoon and taught dancing there for years]; or Terry [who manages the store, and knows our bands well.]

• Thistle Highland Enterprises - Dave is from Saskatoon, and has had this business for a few years. He doesn't carry a large stock, but has great service and good prices. (306) 934-4924