The Piper's Dojo

09/01/2025

Is There A Better Way To Grade Band Contests? (Dojo Conversations Episode 141)

Is there a better way to score pipe band competitions?

This week, Andrew and Jim look at an unlikely comparison for inspiration: gymnastics. From artistic vs. objective elements, to the challenge of ranking large fields fairly, to the ever-present issue of bias, the guys explore what the world of sports can teach us about how pipe bands are judged. What makes a fair system? Should pipe bands stick to ordinal rankings? Would point-based scoring bring more consistency? And how do we balance tradition with the need for innovation?

Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com

Here’s what we cover this week:
00:00 – Andrew’s secret gymnastics passion revealed
01:32 – Jim’s school days and flexibility struggles
03:00 – Comparing movement and body types
04:50 – The basics of gymnastics events and routines
06:00 – Artistic vs. objective elements in gymnastics
07:15 – How gymnastics is scored: D and E panels explained
10:00 – The challenge of making subjective performances objective
12:00 – Pipe band scoring vs. gymnastics scoring
14:00 – Why not just rank gymnasts? The case for point-based systems
16:00 – The problem with ordinal ranking in pipe bands
18:00 – Handling ties, large fields, and the importance of standardization
20:00 – The “big three” for judging bagpipe performances: sound, technique, musicality
23:00 – The complexity of creating a fair, repeatable rubric
25:00 – Bias, recency, and the human side of judging
28:00 – The need for more judges and the realities of competition logistics
31:00 – The importance of strong, sustainable institutions
34:00 – Innovation vs. tradition in competition systems
36:00 – Final thoughts

08/25/2025

Rethinking Solo Rankings: EUSPBA's Greatest Hits Program (Dojo Conversations Episode 140)

Ever wondered how you can really tell who the top solo pipers are across a massive region like the Eastern United States?

This week, Andrew introduces Jim to the new EUSPBA Greatest Hits program – a ranking system that takes a bunch of measures into account, rather than just aggregating total points.

They discuss why it matters, the challenges of ranking players across a huge geographic area, the problems with the old points system, and how the new approach brings a more fair way to rank players that could bring back some excitement and participation across the region.

Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com

Here’s what we cover this week:
00:23 - What is the EUSPBA Greatest Hits Program?
02:31 - The Challenge of Acronyms & Association Names
04:44 - Andrew’s Role on the Executive Committee
06:36 - Why the EUSPBA is Unique (Size & Scope)
08:46 - The Problem with the Old Points System
13:26 - How the Greatest Hits Program Works
15:10 - Real Examples: How Standings Change
18:44 - New Metrics: Unique AGLs & Big Wins
22:00 - How the System Affects Upgrades
25:53 - Incentives & What’s Next for the EUSPBA
29:15 - “It’s Been One of the Greatest Hits” (Outro)

08/18/2025

08/18/2025

Tuning's Surprising Secret Enemy (Dojo Conversations Episode 139)

Are ceiling fans secretly ruining your tuning? And what’s actually essential to keep in your pipe case?

In this fun and practical episode, Andrew and Jim crack open the listener mailbag to tackle three big questions from the community.

First up, they dive into how to set up a practice space that actually makes you want to practice (spoiler: it doesn’t have to be fancy). Then they break down the surprising ways ceiling fans can throw off your tuning – yes, really! – and wrap up with a great list of must-have items every beginner should carry in their pipe case (hint: corks, wax, and maybe a lucky chess piece?).

Got a burning question of your own that you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com

Here's what we cover this week:
00:00 – Intro & Banter
01:15 – Practice Space Tips
12:10 – Ceiling Fans & Tuning
22:40 – Pipe Case Essentials
27:10 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

08/11/2025

The Tunes That Changed Everything (Dojo Conversations Episode 138)

Ever wondered where some of the most loved tunes today came from?

In this episode, Andrew and Jim dive into the life of John McLellan of Dunoon – one of the most iconic figures in Scottish piping. As of 8 August 2025, it's been 150 years since McLellan was born, and the guys take the opportunity to explore what made his music so powerful, memorable, and ahead of its time.

They chat through the cultural and historical backdrop that influenced his tunes, unpack how his personal experiences shaped his writing, and take a look at how his legacy still echoes in the piping world today.

Got a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com

Here’s what we cover this week:
00:00 – ChatGPT as a tour guide
01:50 – The Scottish Enlightenment, John Knox, and the rise of literacy
04:40 – The impact of universal education on Scottish society
07:00 – Scotland’s literary and musical giants: Hume, Smith, Burns, Scott
09:15 – John McLellan’s background and the 150th anniversary
11:00 – What makes McLellan’s tunes so special?
13:00 – The role of nostalgia and romanticism in piping
15:00 – Musical literacy, family influence, and McLellan’s musical skills
18:00 – The explosion of printed music and the military pipe band system
21:00 – Why did so many great composers emerge in the late 1800s?
24:00 – The “Bagpipe Musical Enlightenment” hypothesis
27:00 – The enduring influence of McLellan and his contemporaries
30:00 – Reflections on creativity, tradition, and innovation in piping
33:00 – Closing thoughts: McLellan’s legacy and the evolution of bagpipe music

08/07/2025

A huge thank you to Stuart, Kenny, and the entire McCallum Bagpipes team for their incredible hospitality during a special behind-the-scenes visit yesterday. Our International Meetup participants loved getting a firsthand look at the craftsmanship, history, and heart that goes into every McCallum instrument—and, of course, picking up a few treasures from the shop while we were there!
McCallum Bagpipes Ltd

08/05/2025

Thinking about switching to sheepskin pipe bag?

The tone is legendary, the feel is traditional... and the maintenance? Let’s just say, it’s a long-term relationship, not a one-night stand...

But don’t let that scare you off. With a little know-how and a few good habits, your sheepskin bag can last longer, play better, and sound amazing.

The tone is legendary, the feel is traditional... and the maintenance? Let’s just say, it’s a long-term relationship, not a one-night stand.

08/04/2025

The Nitty Gritty of Playing With Sheepskin (Dojo Conversations Episode 137)

Ever wondered what makes a sheepskin bag so special – or so tricky?

Last week we covered the broad pros and cons of sheepskin – this week, join Andrew and Jim as they do a deep dive on the mysteries, mishaps, and maintenance secrets of sheepskin bags.

From airtightness to seasoning rituals, and the eternal debate between tradition and convenience, this episode is packed with practical tips and stories.

Got a topic you'd like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com

Here's what we cover this week:
0:00 – Welcome, episode intro, and why sheepskin matters
1:00 – Who should care about sheepskin? (Hint: not just the pros)
2:00 – Sheepskin vs. synthetic: sound, cost, and effort
3:00 – Airtightness: myth-busting and real-world experience
4:00 – The pain of tying in a sheepskin bag (and why it’s worth it)
5:00 – Jim’s embarrassing tie-in story
7:00 – How to avoid bag-destroying mistakes
8:00 – Maintenance checks: pulling out stocks and prepping for big events
10:00 – The all-important first seasoning: step-by-step
12:00 – Why Andrew kneels on his bag (and you might want to, too)
14:00 – How often should you season? (And why less is more)
16:00 – Storage tips: humidity, “pipe humidors,” and what to avoid
18:00 – Trade-offs: when to go sheepskin, synthetic, or moisture control
20:00 – The science of condensation, dew points, and why it matters
22:00 – Advice for beginners, intermediates, and advanced pipers
24:00 – Final thoughts: keep it simple, experiment, and enjoy the journey

07/28/2025

Should you switch to a sheepskin bag? (Dojo Conversations Episode 136)

Why do some pipers prefer a sheepskin bag?

In this episode, Jim and Andrew dive deep into the world of hide bagpipe bags – especially the legendary sheepskin. They draw some surprising parallels between Linux and sheepskin bags.

Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned piper, or just bagpipe-curious, you’ll get the inside scoop on why sheepskin bags are so beloved, what makes them tricky, and whether they’re worth the investment.

(P.S. Make sure to tune in next week for some nitty gritty about hide bags in part 2…)

Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com

Here’s what we cover this week:
0:00 – Browser privacy, Chrome vs. Brave, and why Jim prefers Linux
2:41 – Introducing the sheepskin bag: “the Linux of bagpipe bags”
4:39 – Does the bag really affect the sound? The science and the skepticism
7:13 – Andrew’s journey: from hide to synthetic to sheepskin (and back again)
11:06 – Jack Lee’s advice and the quest for the perfect tone
14:48 – The sheepskin epiphany: does it really sound better?
17:23 – Hide vs. synthetic: what’s the real difference?
21:49 – The trade-offs: cost, maintenance, and lifespan of sheepskin bags
27:20 – Is sheepskin right for beginners? Why it might not be
31:36 – Daily playing, seasoning, and keeping your bag in top shape
36:06 – Moisture control: sheepskin vs. canister systems
41:07 – High-level competition: why even the pros sometimes switch to synthetic
44:28 – Hybrid solutions and the “holy grail” of bagpipe sound
47:13 – Final thoughts: is sheepskin worth it, and who should try it?

07/24/2025

🥁 WE HAVE A WINNER! 🎉

A massive shoutout to everyone who joined in and played the Tuning Game during our June Tuning Game Challenge!

In total, 911 players submitted 18,460 times, racking up an incredible 33,000 contest entries throughout the month. Your dedication and consistency were truly next level!

But there can be only one winner... so congratulations to Tom Chalmers from Ontario, Canada, who scored a brand new set of McCallum SL4 MacRae Bagpipes by Stuart Liddell from McCallum Bagpipes Ltd – the grand prize in our June Tuning Game Challenge!

Tom showed up consistently throughout the month, sharpening his tuning instincts and proving that just a few minutes a day really does make a difference. He's delighted to have now received his pipes (including a custom engraved plate) and a merch pack from McCallum.

👏 A HUGE thanks once again to McCallum Bagpipes for sponsoring this challenge and donating such a stunning set of pipes – your support helps us continue encouraging pipers to improve daily around the world.

07/21/2025

How To Strike In Like A Pro (Dojo Conversations Episode 135)

Last week we looked at how maintenance, set up, and your bag can all massively help or massively hinder your strike ins.

This week, Jim and Andrew break down how to actually execute a perfect strike-in, and how to get it right every time. They share the top mistakes pipers make, introduce a three-pronged method for success, and explain why air pressure and rhythm are everything. You'll also hear tips for syncing with your drum corps, tuning on the fly, and building confidence through solo practice.

Got a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com

Here’s what we cover this week:
00:00 Introduction and Recap
01:02 Calibration and Strike Ins
01:17 Common Mistakes in Striking In
03:40 The Three-Pronged Attack
05:50 Advanced Techniques and Tips
14:17 Air Pressure and Final Tuning
16:30 Perfecting the E Note
16:59 The Role of Drummers in Synchronization
17:35 Mastering the Pipe Band Rhythm
18:12 Step-by-Step Guide to Pipe Band Attack
20:36 Importance of Practicing Alone
23:54 Why a Good Attack Matters
26:32 Handling Mistakes and Moving Forward
30:27 Final Tips and Resources

07/14/2025

How To Fix Your Floppy Strike-Ins (Dojo Conversations Episode 134)

Are your strike ins leaving you deflated?

This week, Andrew and Jim break down the real reasons your pipes might not be cooperating – from leaky bags and floppy setups to calibration quirks and climate curveballs. Plus, a little banter about band camp and Misty Mountain mugs to kick things off. Make sure to check back next week for Part 2 of this practical chat about how to improve your strike in technique!

Got a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com

Here's what we cover this week:
* 00:00 – Band camp flashbacks
* 01:05 – A light Middle-earth geography squabble
* 02:46 – Bagpipes and golf: where obsession meets art
* 03:34 – Calibration 101: getting your drones to play nice
* 05:46 – Strike-in theory vs. what actually happens
* 11:30 – Making calibration part of your daily routine
* 14:55 – Cane reeds: fragile, finicky, but oh-so sweet
* 16:10 – Climate chaos and the Scotland setup struggle
* 16:30 – What “efficiency” means in real life and piping
* 17:34 – The mechanics of a clean strike-in
* 19:27 – Why setup is everything
* 21:15 – Fine-tuning your reeds and drones
* 31:15 – Floppy bags and other setup saboteurs
* 33:48 – Wrapping up: what’s next in part 2...