Rating History for Salt Lake Sites: World Beat
Reminder: These ratings are subjective. They are from anonymous reviewers. They are posted for your entertainment. Often businesses rate their site high and competitors low. The polling mechanism is not scientific!
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| Link | Rate | Votes | First | Last |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bagpipe Blog SLC | 10.0 | 3 | 11/15/08 | 08/5/09 |
| Desert Wind World Beat Music | 9.6 | 5 | 02/11/04 | 06/15/07 |
| Salzburger Echo | 8.7 | 3 | 07/22/03 | 10/23/08 |
| Utah Bagpiper | 8.7 | 3 | 10/21/08 | 11/20/08 |
| Stonecircle | 7.3 | 3 | 04/20/04 | 08/29/08 |
| Galloway Highlanders | 7.3 | 19 | 10/26/05 | 01/27/10 |
| Salt Lake Scots - old comments | 5.6 | 89 | 07/3/03 | 05/30/09 |
| Callanish | 5.0 | 3 | 10/6/05 | 02/23/08 |
| Idlewild | 4.7 | 3 | 10/6/05 | 02/23/08 |
| Salt Lake Scots Pipe Band | 3.3 | 4 | 05/30/09 | 09/1/10 |
| ## | Comment |
|---|---|
| 1-40 , 41-80 , 81-94 | |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots Pipe Band (2010-09-01 19:53:22). Old lies never die. Poor reporting by Brian Carlson. Monday night they we will be performing with the Salt Lake Scots Pipe Band. It’s the same pipers and drummers you see during the Days of ‘47 Parade. (They haven't done that parade in years. Not enough profit in it for them). They've placed in the top 6 at the World Pipe Band Championships a few years ago. (Their greatest lie. In their last outing they placed 29th of 30 at the world championships. The year they claim they placed 7th, they actually didn't make the cut for the final competition). They were the official pipe band for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games here in Salt Lake City. (Another self created promotion by the band, another lie). |
| 10 | Bagpipe Blog SLC (2009-08-05 16:32:54). The guy who runs this blog is totally hot. I wonder if he is attached? |
| 10 | Galloway Highlanders (2009-06-16 20:37:44). This is what a pipe band website should look like. It looks like an update since the last time I visited their site and it is fantastic! I just reviewed the Salt Lake Scots site and I think they could learn something from Galloway on how to identify your band to the public. Great job! |
| 5 | Salt Lake Scots Pipe Band (2009-06-16 20:21:05). At least the band has a web presence which has been hit and miss. This site is good, but isn't great. It is entirely flash driven which means it takes way too long to load and there is no way to "skip" the flash. Since the site has been up it hasn't changed a bit and is badly in need of an update. Perhaps the biggest problem with the site is that it lacks anything that gives the band an identity. No tunes or repetoir, few photos, no history to speak of, the calendar is woefully out of date and nothing to identify exactly who the Salt Lake Scots are. The band is a good band - too bad their website doesn't reflect that. |
| 6 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2009-05-28 15:22:10). I heard this band was recently moved to grade 4. Best of luck in the coming competition season. |
| 8 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2009-05-26 09:29:32). I've popped in and read the comments here from time to time, but have never posted. I'm quite amazed at the vitriol that gets spouted here. Quite an embarrassment to any of us that are associated with piping in Utah. Just wanted to indicate that I have no qualms about Ed Best's character or ethics as a judge. When we at the WDPB have been bested, it has been with good reason, and I've always found Ed's critiques to be on-target and applicable. None of the previous comments were made by me nor any in my corps to my knowledge. I for one empathize with the Scots as they are going through a rough year. I have always felt a healthy competition between our two groups and feel that having local competition drives both groups to improve. I sincerely hope that they can weather this storm and come out better for it. Mike Postma - D/S Wasatch & District |
| 10 | Galloway Highlanders (2009-05-22 08:57:43). A great band and really wonderful people. Good luck this competition season. |
| 10 | Galloway Highlanders (2009-04-15 10:45:21). I am a member of the SL Scots. And I must say that the Galloway Highlanders have always been super awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| 10 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2009-04-14 17:14:49). I cant believe thats this people that rate the scots so low are wasting their time. maybe those people could be "practicing" their pipes so that they can get better. Thanks for the good comments. The SCots will kick some ass this competition season. SLS Rules!!!!!!!!!! |
| 1 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2009-04-11 18:24:46). Come on!!! I'm looking at the WUSPBA judges page and I notice that there's a new Drumming judge. The current DS of the Salt Lake Scots! Wow!! That guy is an idiot!! He can't even spell his own name right let alone a drumming score sheet. My faith in the current WUSPBA adjudicator system is definately wavering. |
| 1 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2009-03-04 22:14:17). IT IS YOU THAT IS KEEPING THE GREAT BASIN IN THE DARK AGES! Honestly people I have listened to you bash my brother, Mom, Bands, and myself and I have had enough and needed to post this, but I feel a little more hateful and immature in doing so. I feel sorry for you hateful people. Sincerely, Dusty Gunn (look'ma no mask!!!) Peace and love My hopes are that we can come together and chill out and get back to haven't fun again. Thanks for all the people who believe in the same cause as myself. If you haters believe what your saying is true then stand your ground and let the people know your names! |
| 1 | Stonecircle (2009-03-04 22:11:18). I try to avoid this sites mindless babbling, but I decided to see if any of the "adults" that continue to cause pointless contention within the piping community is ridicules! And the completely un-true comments made about Ed Best are total lies. To question his ethics and morals is offensive when he has gone out of his way time and time again to our little bubble out here to judge us, including staying extra days to instruct anybody that wanted to learn. And as for those bad drummers that are playing with the LA Scots being recruited is far from true. I should know cause I am one the drummers being accused of misconduct in the whole thing. Myself and the others involved with this went on are own free will to try to expand are knowledge and playing abilities, know what is wrong with that? And the other thing that gets me is this. Why are you people focusing only on the LA Scots? When we're not just the only ones trying to see life out of your bubble. Its sounds a little one sided to. I don’t know? So what are you real reasons? Are you in a Grade 3 band? Jealousy? Or you just a child? I don't know cause your to big of a coward. |
| 1 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-11-05 19:57:36). 5) For whoever said there are more bands in the state of Utah, given its geographic/demographic span compared to Scotland, is wrong. There are literally hundreds of bands in Scotland. The difference between Scotland is this: there is a greater spread of ability within bands, meaning there are bands graded 1 to 5 (roughly half of the world's grade 1 bands are in the UK, just to give an idea). In Utah we have two grade 3 bands and all the rest are graded 4; the only option left is to find a group that best fits a players personality as well as their goals to develop as a player. Unfortunately, most of the groups have become very insular because they're afraid of losing players. My advice is this: find a group that fits you, play in it, and be content that others have, will, or should do the same. Cheers, Justin Howland |
| 5 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-29 11:40:22). During my days as a SL Scot, I had the opportunity to meet many great people, and have many great experiences. After leaving a group such as this, the unfortunate truth is that feelings get hurt, animosities develop, and doubt is cast on both sides. When you add in personal conflicts, the feelings only deepen. Occasionally this boils up through no fault of either group, and aquaintances and associates jump eagerly to the defense. Some comments have been made in regard to the judging at SL by some of those people, and many have crossed the line. Therefore I would like to take this opportunity to apologize directly to those who have felt wronged in this. There has not been any official question as to the legitimacy of the drumming competition, its judge, or his ethics to my knowledge. Apologies to him and his family for any headache this false accusation may have caused. I believe that there are plenty of lessons to be learned here, and I hope we can all do so. Sincerly, Michael Gibbs |
| 10 | Utah Bagpiper (2008-10-29 02:27:06). John, you have my utmost respect as a piper. I’ve been a fan of your blog for some time. Having a few friends in common, I hope we meet someday. If you’re ever interested in coming out and jamming with the Heathens you have an open invitation. Dave Glad |
| 5 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-29 02:17:41). I received a request on the Heathen Highlanders comment page asking me to “reign in” a fellow Heathen who has been posting negative comments about the SLS. My reply to that is simple. I understand his animosity towards the Scots. From my experience playing with them for many years I have a lot of the same opinions. However, I’m reading plenty of comments obviously from members or a member of the Scots attacking the Heathens on our talent, to that I say put your chanter where your mouth is! We have pipers that will play circles around most in the state on a bad day. To be frank, why don’t we all grow up, make comments on facts and stop flinging dirt?? Dave Glad |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-28 19:05:32). WOW! Can't say you didn't have that one coming! |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-28 18:30:31). It does sound like a professional deal to me. Money exchanged for services rendered. Sounds like prostitution. |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-28 16:10:34). Pictures? on what web site? Not their own, that's for sure |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-28 15:29:26). If everything is "above board" then why is the issue of whether or not to allow the Scots members to play in the LA band being voted on at the WUSPBA AGM later next month? Issues that do not test the by laws are not voted on, and certainly not at a meeting this large. Legitimacy aside, the question of Ed Best's judging is not at stake, but I believe that the rules do have stipulations about not recruiting. The problem we have here is that the one who would investigate these claims is the local branch president. None other that the D/S of the SL Scots, who is one of the drummers involved. Perhaps there has been no wrong doing, but it sure looks like the proper people are involved if they wanted to cover it up. Use your own moral judgment. |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-28 08:46:38). I am no fan of the Salt Lake Scots, but I would never question the objectivity and ethics of Ed Best. He is a qualified judge and I have no issues regarding his skills. |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-27 23:16:48). "More than a professional relationship with the Salt Lake Scots"? Sounds like a professional deal to me, the band paid him money, and he took one of their drummers off their hands. You're seriously questioning the ethics involved with marrying a former SLS drummer? Wait till prop 8 fails in California and it will be legal for him to marry the male drum sergeant as well. Won't THAT rock your world?!?!?! The bottom line is this. You are all hateful, malicious people, bashing each other while feeling superior. And when you're done with each other you drag in innocent parties who are exponentially smarter than you and who knows how the world of pipe bands works. Check out the WUSPBA bylaws. No ethics have been violated, no rules broken. Your accusations about unethical leading and judging of drum corps are completely unfounded and cross the line of slander. Easy and comfortable to do behind the cloak of anonymity. You're a coward. |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-27 18:12:59). As a member of another local band, I am appalled to find out that Ed Best has had a more than professional relationship with the Salt Lake Scots!! To top this off, several key members of the Scots drum corp are supposed to start playing with Ed's band in L.A. next year. Not only should there be some sort of ethics violation proposed, but any wins by the Scots drummers under Ed should be revoked, and the ability to judge should be taken away from Mr. Best as well. Maybe even his own ability to compete! Its just this sort of thing that the Scots try to sneak past other bands that causes the animosity. Certainly if this situation were reversed, the Scots would be all up in arms, probably threatening to sue again. Too bad there is not a rating of 1 or lower. This is not the end of this issue. |
| 3 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-27 16:44:37). The piping community in Utah is sick and twisted. There are more bands in a smaller area here than just about anywhere else outside of Nova Scotia or Scotland. The funny part is that they all broke off of each other. No one band can claim to have had its members unaffected by the other bands in the area. Each band has its own problems, and each band seems to thrive in part on the malice, spite, and petty differences they hold for the other bands. This is amplified when a member leaves one band and joins another. The Scots have had a greater portion of members that left, and it does happen more often than most, but its not a problem that is synonymous with one band. |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-27 11:35:55). The Salt Lake Scots were the premier pipe band of the 2002 Olympics, yet I don't remember seeing them at all in any of the coverage of the events... There were several members of other groups featured on a story about the Olympic village where they were entertaining the athletes, though. Not seen, not heard, so what. |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-27 06:32:43). Wouldn't it be easier to play as a group if there are fewer drummers? This only seems to make sense. Its easier for 2 or 3 guys to play together than it is for 5 or 6. The reason the Scots fielded a smaller, therefore "tighter" drum corp is because they could only muster 7 pipers. You can't go out with more than 1 drummer to every 2-3 pipers, otherwise the balance is thrown off and the ensemble judge will crucify you. Why could they only produce 7 pipers? Perhaps we are looking at a classic Salt Lake Scots melt down again, as members get fed up and pack their bagpipes for better and less negative things. Just a theory, but one that has been played out by the Scots over and over again... |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-26 22:52:10). “Yes, they did, with a judge that they have paid to have work with them in the past and who is MARRIED to a former SLScot drummer. Not very legit if you ask me. Drumming only counts as 25% of the overall score. You get your facts straight! The band itself still didn't win, and dropped out of the second competition AFTER hearing the W&D pipe band. I believe that drum line lost to the W&D drum line at Payson, with the same judge after it was pointed out that he had a previous affiliation with the Scots. Makes their win at Salt Lake seem un-sportsmanlike. Sounds more like they bedded the judge. If you need verification, please go to the WUSPBA web site and look for yourself. Its all there. This is another problem that the Scots seem to have. The Drum corp seems to forget that they are PART of a band. Not a drum band, but a PIPEBAND. It does no good for the drummers to play together as a corp, if they ignore what is going on with the pipers. Until they play as a unit, they will always be a second hand band with a slightly better than average drum line, still placing behind other bands that know how to play as a group. |
| 10 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-26 19:57:54). Get your facts right!! The SLS drumline won first place at Salt Lake games this year against a very good and very large W&D drumline. So, now you know!! |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-26 19:31:14). I think there were 30 or 40 bands in the grade the day the Scots came in DEAD LAST. I believe they played down to grade 4 as well. Don't talk the talk unless you can walk the walk. The Scots have been wheelchair bound for years now. |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-26 08:33:01). If you look hard at the amount of people who have left the SLS, can you really sit back and think that these individuals are the ones at fault? For every current member of the band, there are at least 2 or 3 people out there who left the SLS due to bad experiences. Are the odds really in favor of the band having done no wrong? Any bookie in Vegas would laugh at you if you bet on the bands side. Unfortunately, there are current members who would agree over the fact that the SLS are not being run for anything other than the personal agenda of certain individuals and their minions/gestapo/daughters. The process for moving to Grade 2 is very simple, you have to be topped out in the G3 competitions. Basically you have to be winning everything you play, and I don't think the SLS have come in first anywhere for the better part of a year. They certainly don't play at a G2 level, unless you think that bad tone, loud drones, flat tuning and ragged playing are G2. Problem with piping is that everyone without an education thinks they know what they are talking about. Try listening to a few Grade 2 bands. You will be pleasantly surprised by the improvement. |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-25 19:53:49). Members of the Salt Lake Scots are NOT ALLOWED to teach others in the privacy of their own home. All teaching has to be done through the privately owned and operated Celtic Center, which is run by the McMaster regime. Not only does this limit the control over who is being taught, but it limits the content to include only the best rhetoric against the other bands that the Scots seem so "willing to help." Honestly, I wonder where you have been for the last 15 years. I have many contacts outside of the Scots, as well as numerous within the Scots, and many in the pipe band scene in general. Group that with a vast knowledge of the Scottish association, the WUSPBA, and piping outside of the backwards state of Utah, and your points can be undone in a laughable amount of time, and with no real work on my part. You speak of pearls before swine, yet you put no knowledge or intellect behind your prattle. I hear the Scots are tossing the hornpipe at the start of their set for Cullen Bay. That was an old UPB parade tune wasn't it? You forgot to give the Scots a 10 last time you logged on... |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-25 16:10:32). The Salt Lake Scots have NEVER even been offered a grade 2 position, in any official capacity, by any registered judge or association, US or Canadian. Get your facts straight. As far as other bands are concerned, Wasatch & District beat the Scots, with more players, at Salt Lake as well as Payson, and the Scots scratched on their MSR at both games. Not the practice of a Grade 2 pipe band, and certainly not because of their "superior playing ability." The Scots continue to attempt to get along with other bands in public, and back stab and belittle in the privacy of their little clubhouse. Students are taught that its the "Scots way or the highway", and again this is not the mark of a band out there to better the piping community. A community which just a few years ago the Scots actually were suing for "defamation of character". Again, not a real team attitude. Please get better informed, you spout half truths like a member of the McMaster dynasty. |
| 6 | Salzburger Echo (2008-10-23 10:56:50). Certainly takes a developed ear for this kind of music. Well played, but all sounds the same... |
| 4 | Galloway Highlanders (2008-10-23 10:54:17). Adequate grade 4 that holds its own within the other local incestuous pipe bands in the area |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-23 10:41:19). Whatever happened to the days of real productions by the Scots for their concerts? When we saw true creativity and talent, instead of stupid piper tricks and stolen ideas from other bands? Missed are the days of elaborate set pieces like Stonehenge, and the comedic show-downs between pipers and drummers. The only "new" pieces we see are stolen directly from other bands CD's, or youtube videos. It would be refreshing to see the Scots and their dancers come up with a few original concepts of their own. About the time you start to be able to think outside of the box, the Scots start to push you out, and this creates the old, stagnant atmosphere we see year in and year out. Too bad... |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-22 17:08:44). To say or even think that the Scots are ready for Grade 2 is preposterous!! They can't even place first at their home games, and they did not play an MSR in either Salt Lake or Payson. This was with a ringer judge for drumming no less, as Ed Best is married to a former SLS drummer. Last time I looked, an MSR was required in Grade 2. Certainly they should not be moved up if they can barely field the 6 pipers necessary for a mini-band. This smacks of the earlier post about them "re-building" because their members eventually open their eyes to the misconduct of the band leaders and leave, disgusted by the manipulations and lies they have been fed for so long. Also, Dusty Gunn should not be allowed to post about himself. Shameless. |
| 8 | Utah Bagpiper (2008-10-21 14:37:48). Good blog, good info, and some great pics. Keep up the good work. |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-21 14:33:04). Sounds as if you know the same people that I do. All I can say is Amen, brother, Amen. |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-20 19:40:53). Hey SLS members. You know you pay in a month what high level Canadian grade I bands pay in a year in "dues." This is yet again a case of personal gains at others expense. Namely yours. |
| 2 | Salt Lake Scots - old comments (2008-10-18 22:07:36). Ever notice the Scots have to "re-build" every 5-8 years? Wonder what they are doing wrong with their members that requires that. They always bounce back, but there is something drastically wrong with how they are managed and run. |
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