Some of the best pipe band musicians from around the globe have answered the call of a Fife drum instructor in a unique project designed to raise funds for the NHS.
Renowned drummer Paul Brown, a former member of the world championship winning St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band, has called on some of the biggest names in the world of pipe band to contribute to a specially-collated book of music that is to be sold for charity.
The limited edition collection will feature previously unpublished and specially written music and despite the fact the finished publication has yet to return from the printers, Paul has already been inundated with enquires from enthusiasts around the world.
“Like everyone else I’ve been sat home isolating and have been inspired by the news reports of those hospital staff working on the frontline putting their own lives at risk whilst working to care for others,” said the 46-year-old, from Crosshill.
“Then I hit on the idea of creating a unique pipe band music book that could be sold and the proceeds given to the NHS charities in Scotland.”
Over the next four weeks, Paul, who owns Kingdom Thistle Pipe Band Supplies and regularly travels the world as a music instructor and competition judge, used his contacts to make the project a reality.
Entitled The Blue Book of Contemporary Bagpipe Music and limited to just 550 copies with 75 pieces of music from 37 composers, the publication is already being hailed in as a must-have for any piper’s personal library.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of those who have got involved.
“I’ve been lucky to be provided music for some of the biggest names including Alen Tully, Pipe-Major of the famous St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band from Dublin, Lorne McDougall who has previously created music for Disney Pixar films including Brave, Finley MacDonald, director of the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, and Stuart Cassells, founder of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
“I’ve already had people enquiring from from as far afield as South Africa, Australia, Canada and the USA so hopefully the book will help give a little back to those doing so much to keep us safe right now.”
More information can be found at www.kingdomthistle.com
