PIPING AND DRUMMING | HIGHLAND DANCING | ATHLETICS


PIPING AND DRUMMING

KSW extends a special appreciation to our corporate sponsors whose contributions made this competition possible:
Piper of the Day: North American Stainless
Drummer of the day: North American Stainless
Grade 4 Pipe Band Competition: The Caledonian Society of Cincinnati
Grade 5 Pipe Band Competition: Alexander and Associates
The Al Smith Piping award: The Scottish Society of Louisville

Band and solo piping and drumming competitions are held at almost every Scottish festival in the world to give serious musicians the opportunity to measure themselves against others at their expertise level (grade) and to get evaluations, advice and suggestions from the judges who are among the best pipers and drummers in the world. The general rules which govern these contests are defined by Regional Pipe Band Associations. KSW competitions are sanctioned and regulated by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association, EUSPBA.

At least one drumming, one ensemble and two piping judges adjudicate band contests. Solo competitors are assigned only one judge. Judges are expert musicians in their own right and must be qualified by the sanctioning Association. Contestants are evaluated solely on the quality and expertise of their performance. Dress, marching and drill capability are not measured but appropriate attire is required.

Each judge makes his evaluation on a score sheet, on which he assigns up to 100 points, identifies problems and adds helpful comments. The Chief Steward's staff tallies these score sheets and band results are announced at the closing ceremonies and awards presentation. Solo event results are posted at the judge's tent as each contest is completed.

Grading is based on tone and tuning, execution and expression, and clean starts, stops, and transitions from tune to tune. Good tone and tuning are achieved when the instruments are in tune with themselves and, for bands, each other, and provide a full and pleasing blend of sound. Execution and expression applies not to the tunes played, but how they are played. Execution deals with unison (bands - all notes and ornaments played together) and precision (all notes and ornamentation played properly). Expression determines whether the same tune is boring or interesting. Expression is probably the most subjective of the criteria as it cannot help but be influenced by each judge's personal preference. Finally, for bands, all of the instruments must start and end cleanly and together, without early or late individuals, and the "breaks," or transitions between tunes (which often involve tempo changes) must also be clean and precise. Bands are also judged on “ensemble” which has to do with how well the pipes and drums blend together, the tunes compliment each other, and the drum settings fit the music.

All of these factors are a function of experience and practice, and these levels differ widely among both bands and individuals. In order to make contests equitable, a grading system has been established to ensure that everyone competes at the proper level. Bands are graded 1-5, Soloists as Professional, Amateur 1-4, and practice chanter.

Not only do these competitors, band and solo, spend months of hard work preparing for these competitions, they travel for hundreds of miles to attend them. Please be sure to let them know that their efforts are highly appreciated.

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