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There developed in Scotland a warlike form of music called in Gaelic Piobaireachd in English, pibroch. It became the national classical music and had many variations. These were taught on the Island of Skye by one John M'Crummen, professor at the Skye Bagpipe-College. His pupils, illiterate Highland lads, could not read music so were taught verbal note-equivalents, thus:
hodroho, hodroho, haninin, hiechin
hodroha, hodroho, hodroho, hachin
hiodroho, hodroho, haninin, hiechin
hiundratalateriri, hiendratatateriri
hiundratatateriri, hiundratatateriri
When the clans gathered in old Scotland there were always bagpiping contests. At every public meeting the piper played to enliven the audience. In 18th century football matches, each team had its bag- piper who entered the field and played the pibroch during the game to inspirit the players. When the clans broke up the art died down, and for many a year was pursued only by individual musicians.
At the Banff Festival the old contests are revived. There were 14,000 people (most of them in kilts) watching the outdoor piping and dancing contests. Among them were kilted Lieutenant-Governor Robert Randolph Bruce of British Columbia and William Egbert of Alberta, and the Rev. Charles William Gordon (Ralph Connor), Canadian Novelist author of The Sky Pilot, To Him that Hath, who conducted an open air religious service at Lake Devil's Cauldron. Some of last week's events were:
Piobaireachd. Pipers had to play the warlike Cumha-Mhican-Toisich (Mackintosh's Lament). They were judged on their interpretation and feeling, technical facility and smart appearance. First prize: $75 and a gold medal for the best Piobaireachd piper in Canada. Winner: Norman McPherson of Hamilton, Ont.
Marches. Pipers could choose from a list of tunes, were judged on their spirited playing, marching time (85-90 beats per minute), upright carriage. Winner: Pipe Major Stephen McKinnon of Montreal.
Strathspeys and Reels. Pipers could choose their piece from a list including: The Sheep Wife, Take Your Gun to the Hills, Over the Isles to America, The Rejected Lover. Winner: Piper Hector McDonald of Montreal.
Youths. Boys between 16-21 contested for Best-Boy Piper in Canada, played the same tunes as their elders. The winner got a gold medal and $10.