Mid Argyll Pipe Band: the next generation going boldly

There was the Mid Argyll Collection book launch event and the unique Random Aspekts project, both  born from a strategic rehearsal programme conducted by Wild Biscuit, the Argyll-based music and project management company, with members of the Mid Argyll Pipe Band. Both of these initiatives have been significant waymarks in the band’s development and in its stylistic repertoire.

Following this, Wild Biscuit have been working with MAPB throughout the summer on a new live performance set which premiers at the Broadisland Gathering in Ballycarry,  Northern Ireland on 4th September 2010.

Two concert shows are scheduled at the event, including solo and group performances and a live exclusive of the MOVE soundtrack.

As part of the concert development the Wild Biscuit team have worked with band members on some original compositions, adding the trademark ‘twist’ to new arrangements and assisting the band in stage craft and performance technique.

The PA system will be supplied by Loft Sound who are one of Ireland’s largest provides of PA equipment and service some of Ireland’s major festivals.

Wild Biscuit Director John Saich says: ‘As in everything we’ve worked on with the band since 2006, this concert project has been about working towards a goal. The Wild Biscuit sessions have shown the importance of team work, focus, self belief, connecting to music and working to a plan. We think the September shows themselves will be the icing on the cake but as we always say, it’s the preparation that counts.

‘It has been a fairly intense schedule and we’re really delighted so many band members have not only worked hard and risen to the challenge since the beginning of the year, but also taken a remarkable leap in self confidence as a result’.

Along with the main daytime stage performance in Northern Ireland, Wild Biscuit have been working on an evening ceilidh performance set. This will see some of the newer members of the Band take up their small pipes and showcase their talents outwith the normal Pipe Band parades.

Wild Biscuit is to continue its work on composition with some of the Band members during the remainder of 2010. Initial sessions have seen the beginnings of eight new compositions awaiting development and Wild Biscuit look forward to producing the results, adding the names to the list of prolific composers to emerge from Mid Argyll – a new generation’s contribution to the repertoire of Scotland’s Traditional Music.

The Wild Biscuit team is pretty hot.

There’s the celebrated musician and composer, John Saich, with a ten year membership of Celtic roots band, Capercaillie and a host of appearances with major musicians like, for example, Oasis, The Cranberries, Bob Dylan, Hothouse Flowers and Van Halen. John Saich has also composed scores for television including commissions for BBC Scotland, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

There’s Mags Russell, a renowned project manager and someone who has more creative ideas n a day than many have in a lifetime.

This has been an innovative and productive collaboration. Wild Biscuit have offered their availability to the Mid Argyll Pipe Band out of an informing commitment to musical development and with an upfront insistence on professionalism in those they work with. This too is a significant contribution to the attitudes that will help drive Argyll forward.