Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Catherine Sultana      Place: 1      Tunes: Iain Ruaidh's Lament      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice bright tempo with excellent timing. Showing some nice musicallity. Slight crossing noise in 2nd part. Overall a very nice performance. Well done!
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Carol Macdonald      Place: 2      Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Good timing and tempo from the beginning. Nice clean technique coming through. Slight crossing noises in first part. Overall a very nice performance.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Andrey Shtykovsky      Place: 3      Tunes: Mist covered mountains      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Good steady tempo throughout. Nice timing and musicality. Missed LG on first taorluath. Some slightly untidy E doublings. Nice tachums and grips. Overall a very nice performance.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Rita Haddad      Place: 4      Tunes: Heather Island      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Some very strong technique being shown throughout. A couple of untidy throw on D's and slight crossing noises. Timing could use a little bit of work. Very strong performance from a promising piper.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Stephen Thompson      Place: 5      Tunes: Scots Wha Hae      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice bright tempo throughout. Showing good technique. Occassional misses when performing touchdown. Overall a very nice performance.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Peter Koechig      Place: 6      Tunes: Morag of Dunvegan      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Tempo a little bit on the careful side. Very clear and clean technique through throughout. Slight crossing noise near the end of the tune. Overall a nice performance.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz           Tunes: Cap'n No More      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Some tuneful playing coming through. Watch out for false fingering. A couple of small finger slips. Would be good to hear a version of the tune with some more embellishments. Overall a very enjoyable performance.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Nicholas Blauth           Tunes: The Skye Boat Song      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Some nice musicality coming through. Nice bright tempo. Some slight crossing noises. Throw on D's and taorluaths were a wee bit on the light side. Some more LG needed on both movements. Overall an enjoyable performance.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrey Shtykovsky      Place: 1      Tunes: Thistle of Scotland      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Great tempo for this tune. Very strong technique throughout. Your grips and D throws are well defined but both are too spread out resulting in them interrupting the flow of the music. Lovely practice chanter sound and great potential. Well done!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Catherine Sultana      Place: 2      Tunes: Torosay Castle      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: You show good potenital here with strong technique and appreciation for note values. Your tune was a bit quick causing the busier note groups to been too rushed and some notes in the middle couldn't be heard. Some attention to this will quickly result in a very strong musical performance. It is clear you are well taught and you show great potenital. Keep up the good work!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Maddie Halliday      Place: 3      Tunes: Green Hills of Tyrol      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this tune with strong technique throughout. Watch when changing from bottom hand to F as you have a crossing noise here - ensure you lift your E and F fingers at the same time. You are clearly well taught with great potential. Keep at it and your playing will develop well!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Peter Koechig      Place: 4      Tunes: Castle Dangerous      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice uptake to this tune. Great tempo for your ability and all technique is all very clean - well done! Your playing just needs more fluency which will naturally develop. It is clear you are well taught and you show great potenital so keep up the good work!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Elaine Liaw      Place: 5      Tunes: The Dunkirk Gallant Boatman      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this tune but I think slowing it down a little would help you at this stage. You have a good understanding of the music and technqique required here but you have the occassional crossing noise spoiling the effect of the tune. Make sure you play your gracenotes to a note as it sometimes comes in just after a note change. One other thing to watch is ensuring your B finger stays on the chanter during birls. It is clear you are well taught and you show good potential. Keep up the good work!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz      Place: 6      Tunes: The Rowan Tree      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this tune but I think slowing it down a little would help you at this stage. You show good appreciation of the note values but you're missing the majority of grips/doublings which are fundamental to progressing into a successful piper. You show potenital but you need to work on your technique as a prioity before progressing further.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Blake Bizousky           Tunes: Green Hills and Battles O'er      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: You are playing this tune a bit quick which is resulting in some crossing noises during hand changes. You show good appreciation of the note values but you're missing the majority of gracenotes/doublings which are fundamental to progressing into a successful piper. You show potenital but you need to work on your technique as a prioity before progressing further.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Beverly           Tunes: Top Gun Theme      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: You have presented this tune well but I'm not sure I'd class it as a march. You show good control of note values and your hand changes are clean in the busy passages. The tune didn't give opportunity for you to showcase much of your technqiue so I'd suggest a traditional tune next time round.
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carol Macdonald      Place: 1      Tunes: Highland Laddie, Mary's Wedding      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Hi Carol and thanks for taking part here. Great tune selections! Very nice and controlled tempo to start. This is the way to do it! Two clear gracemotes coming through very well on your doubling work. If I were to suggest a small addition, it would be that you add a short "F" gracenote to the HG (coming from HA) in bar 2 & 5 of first part. This helps give a stronger accent to the HG and the start of the new bar. In the second part, you are leaving out a short "E" going to the "F" at the end of bars 2 & 5. This affects the musical flow of this tune in my view. A minor point. Your 'F" doublings are perfecct! NIce change to Mairi's W. I feel you could get more clarity in both tunes from your "D" throws. Try to dig harder for a fuller LG sound. This may help. Nicely delivered birls. You have good music happening right though your performance. Hoding beat notes very well and playing in a very steady manner. Very well done!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rita Haddad      Place: 2      Tunes: Maire’s Wedding      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Hi Rita and thanks for playing here! Remember this is meant to be 4-parts. So either play Mairi's twice or find another tune to add to this. You have good hands and you started at an excellent tempo! Well done! Very musical and steady throughout. Try to open up the birls. I know this is a hard one but am confident it will come in time. For now, just get the pinky moving more! "D" throws and "E" doublings are great! As you go on, try to give the tune a bit more swing. Hold the beat notes a really long time. Really good job Rita and thanks again!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Luke Gavin      Place: 3      Tunes: Marie's Wedding, The High Road to Gairloch      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Thanks Luke for giving this a go. "Mairi's" Wedding starts very well. A nice speed you have chosen here and a musical style is evident early . A concern for me is that i feel the clarity of your technique woulld improve if you could move both hands back/off the chanter so that pretty much the first finger joints are covering the holes. Hands are very far onto the chanter. This may be a big fix but perhaps give it a try! Your "D" throw movments are very good - do not adjust these! You actually could add more doublings in to this tune to give it strength. I can see spots where there could be "E" and "B" doublings included. You can look for these spots - especially in the last twp bars (ending phrase). HA grips are excellent. Your tempo remains very steady and well done. The musical style is a bit on thte round side. You could give the first beats in each a little more accent (pause). "C" doublings are almost to open. A good job overall and just try to consider some points mentioned above. Best of luck! No "thank you"!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz      Place: 4      Tunes: Teribus      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Thanks Imogen for doing this! Well started at an excellent tempo. Hands looks good but i think you could have more clarity to your doubling work. There are some doublings missing (example would C doublings in bar 4) and others are not clear. "D" throw is a good example. To me, your FIRST gracenote during the movements are small and late. Try to have these gracenotes land right ON the beat. Try thinking of being fractionally ahead of the beat this might help. This may clean the sounds of your technique up somewhat and this could help your cause greatly. Also watch "catch" sounds when changing from top to bottom hand. Open up bottom hand fingers faster. A good job. Steady music and just try to be more accurate with technique. Also try to play 4 parts for this event and so either repeat the tune or add another 2-parter to Teribus. Thanks!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Catherine Sultana      Place: 5      Tunes: Prince Charles' Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Hi Catherine and good to see you here. Well started "tune" but you are in a bit of a hurry overall. Try to settle back and give a steadier, more thoughtful tempo. Verh nice "D" throws. You could stretch the beat notes longer and in a more consistent way. Try not to vary these - full beat values. "F" doublings are excellent. Actually your hands are really good - strong - and clear for the most part. Nice job. It is more your timing that I am concerned with. It is a little on the uneven/erratic side. I would suggest you try to even things out in a more consistent way. That and just take your time. There is no rush! Thanks again and g'day!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Beverly      Place: 6      Tunes: Campbell's Farwell to Redcastle and Mairi's Wedding      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Hi Daniel. Thanks for participating in this event! Superb background for your video submission. Well started even though a little on the fast side. Timing is pretty nice and steady. Good looking fingers for execution but the work is not coming out as clear as it could. I suggest you slow diown and break down these embellishments to create clearer gracenoting. As well the "linking" shorter notes (heading to the beat notes) are being clipped pretty aggressively. Try to open these for a smoother musical affect. However, you kept it nice and steady right to the end. Well done thanks.
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Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sofia Saenko      Place: 1      Tunes: The Atholl Higlanders      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Sophia - thank you for submitting your 6/8 March - practice chanter. A nice tune here today showing good understanding of the beginnings of compound time Tempo is clear and well sustained. Watch the frequent LA -C-E combinations - just a wee bump coming in the odd time between C-E. Be sure to life the E finger just a shade quicker to fix this. Nice P3 - Nice effort on grips. P4 - strong C tachums-watch Bar 4 for correct gracenotes B-LG B, B-C-D, A nice job - looking forward to seeing you on the pipes next time. Thanks, SH!
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Luke Gavin      Place: 1      Tunes: The Company's Lament      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Luke, thanks for your recording. Enjoyed your tune. YOu have good clean fingering and clear technique your muscial phrasing of this tune was also very good. Just be careful to ensure that your double echo movements on E and F are balanced and consistent. You can help this by not jumping off the note immediately before the double echo. Well done.
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Rita Haddad      Place: 2      Tunes: Glengarry’s Lament      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: HI Rita, well done, plenty of potential here, good muscial playing and technique mostly ok (not sure about the doubling on E at one stsge though....) your setting of this tune is the Kilberry book, for future referecen, and we pronounce 'piobaireachd' "pee-brock". Well done.
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Catherine Sultana      Place: 3      Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Catherine, thanks for the tune, it is the Kilberry setting (for future reference). Musically strong tune. Careful you don't get crossing noises when playing G gracenote from low a to c. This could be helped by increasing the height of your gracenotes. Keepworking on that B cadence, it requires extra attention to get the timing just right, well done.
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz      Place: 4      Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Thanks Imogen. Good on you for exploring piobaireachd. Mostly I think you're getting the muscial phrasing of this tune. There are a few technical deficiencies which once corrected would help the tune flow a litle better in places. Intrigued by the running water in the background........good effort!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Anja Maroske-Jeck      Place: 1      Tunes: Cronan      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Anja, happy to hear your tune. Pipes - Very well tuned at the beginning and the chanter was a tad sharper than the drones at the end. Overall very nicely tuned and blown throughout. Playing - Great control of this tune, Anja. The only concern I have is that you tend to sit on the longer notes (quarter and dotted quarter) a bit longer than they should be, nearly missing the 6/8 swing that is a hallmark of similar tunes. Some practice with a metronome (on the subdivision of the beat) will really help control these longer notes and encourage you to keep the swing. Expert control of the challenging final line of this tune, Anja. Very commendable. A very nice play through this slow air, Anja! Just work on maintaining the 6/8 swing and this will launch the tune to the next level. Well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sophie Stringer      Place: 2      Tunes: I Will Go Home to Kintail      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Sophie, thanks for entering! Pipes - Very well tuned. Drones and chanter have a good balance. Keep working on the pipes and on steadier blowing, but very well done here. High A very pleasing. Playing - Great technique and melody. You're tending to play your tachums in this tune early, with the Low G on the beat rather than the B - double check your music, but this tune is commonly heard with the B on the beat. Technique and playing overall is above grade level. Overall a very well played tune, Sophie. The only main comment is to review the music on those tachums - be sure that they're accurately placed. First rate bagpipe and technique, keep up the good work! Lots of potential!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lewis Stewart      Place: 3      Tunes: Leaving Lismore      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Lewis! Thanks for submitting and getting all set up in your kit. Pipes - Good strike in. Drones aren't quite in with each other, with your bass being a bit unstable. Chanter is well tuned. Playing - hands are very clean! You tend to push the downbeats a bit more than they should be in compound time, but the technique is spot on. Work on getting a clear 6/8 rhythm all the way through the tune, even if the note occuring on the beat is long. Very nice blowing in the second part as you got to the top hand! You are clearly being very well taugh, Lewis. Work on getting a clear compound time rhythm with your teacher and that will launch this tune to the next level. Your technique is well above grade level, and with a little work on the rhythms you'll be launching through the grades. Keep up the good work!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Andreas Popp      Place: 4      Tunes: Rhue Vaternish      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Andreas, thanks for entering! Pipes - Very, very good! Good strike in. Drones tuned very well. Chanter quite pleasant as well. You seemded to blow harder on the top hand, particularly on High A. Try going from High A to Low A and keeping each note in tune with the same blowing pressure. When you went from the top hand notes to a Low A your chanter ended up sharper than the drones, if only for a moment. Very well tuned pipes though! Work on keeping a consistent pressure inside the bag at all times for a more steady tone. Playing - Well established melody and rhythm. Clearly a musical tune. On the technical side, your doublings are very proficient. Bottom hand technique (throws, birls) could use more flow. Your birls tend to be a little bit ahead of the beat and more like two low-g gracenotes rather than one movement. Work on bringing those two Low G's closer together with a teacher and that will really help this tune along. As for D throws, they were a bit inconsistent, with some of them being spot on and other having a bigger Low G to start - work on getting them the same every time, regardless of what note comes before. A very well played tune, Andreas! Just a few small blowing and technical things that will help you take this to the next level. First rate pipes and musical playing, keep at it!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Alan McGill      Place: 5      Tunes: Lament for Jeff of Penven      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Alan, thanks for participating! Pipes - Good strike in and tuning. Intro E is a bit flat. This was better later on in the tune, so be sure to blow the intro E at the same pressure as you'll be playing the tune. This is a challenging task, but will help you as both a soloist and in bands, if you're in one. Playing - Good job establishing the compound time rhythm, and with solid technique. The only concern are some microscopic mini-chokes in the second part. Work to blow all the way through the reed to avoid these gracenote-size chokes. A very nice play through a less common tune, Alan. Work on these smaller parts of blowing and you'll be moving through the grades with this tune in no time. Thanks for playing!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: jeremy suggett      Place: 6      Tunes: Carles Wi’ the Breeks - said to be a Campbell piper. Arranged by PM Barry Gray      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Jeremy, thank you for participating! Pipes - A few early chanter sounds here. Work on getting a cleaner strike in with the chanter sounding when you want it to. Drones aren't quite spot on but are very close. Chanter has good projection and clarity, well tuned other than a sharp and thin High A. A bit of tape will help that. Playing - Great technique! You did a good job of establishing and maintaining the tempo and style of this tune throughout. Some techique took more time than others, mostly in the first part. Work to get all of your bottom hand technique as solid as it was in the second part and you'll be well on your way. Overall a great play, Jeremy! Keep up the good work.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Adi Moss-Sheth           Tunes: The Dark Stream      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Adi, thanks for entering! Pipes- Dronesare close but not quite perfect. Good effort! Chanter is pretty well well set up, though F is a bit flat. Playing - Great job establishing the tempo and idiom here. Your doublings are very clear and well played. Part 1 is first rate. As you got into the second part, measures 3 and 4 started to lose the idiom, though you got it back as soon as you were in the second line. Work on getting that second phrase to be just as good as the rest and you'll be at the top of the grade! Overall showed a very good understanding of this tune, Adi! Work on getting that second phrase of the second part to the same level as the rest of the tune and the tune will be even more polished. Keep it up!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Alberto Armstrong           Tunes: The Skye Boat Song      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Alberto, glad to have the chance to listen to your tune. Pipes - Very nice strike in. Drones are a bit flat to the chanter, but your chanter sounds like it might be sharper than it wants to be. Some chanters struggle with a higher pitch and tend to have thin or shrill top hands when the reed is too far in the seat. Try to flatten off the chanter and I think you'll have a much fuller sound. Playing - Good control of the 6/8 idiom in this tune for the most part. There are some instances where you're ahead of the beat or losing that strong 6/8 pulse that you've started. For example the birls in this tune, you tended to be early. One other note - be sure to close the chanter completely for a clear Low G for your D throws, grips and taorluaths. This will help get the desired rhythm out of these embellishments. Double check your music here, as this tune commonly ends on D rather than Low A. Overall an enjoyable tune, Alberto! Be sure to check your sheet music for the final line of this tune and with an instructor. You have a lot of potential, so working on the setting and these other minor pieces will help you in your piping journey! Thanks again!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Arturo Matte           Tunes: Scots Wha Hae      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Arturo, thanks for participating! Pipes - Good strike in and drone tuning. Your chanter is pretty solid, though F is a bit sharp. A piece of tape there will help tame the top hand. A few chokes in the second part, so work on maintaining the same pressure inside the bag throughout the tune. Playing - Great job establishing the rhythm of this tune! D throws are largely pretty good, though a few were a bit larger than others. Work to get every D throw to be the same size and rhythm. In the second part you had a crossing noise that could be a note mistake (E for D), so work on being absoutely certain of every note that you're about to play. Overall you show a lot of potentail , Arturo! Keep working with a teacher on tunes like this and you'll be playing the big marches soon. Keep it up!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Blake Bizousky           Tunes: La Baum      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Blake, thanks for entering! Glad to see other folks in Marlyand playing! Pipes - Your drones are quite far apart from one another. While it may seem just for looks, when the drones are closer together it's easier to tune them and keep them steady. I'd recommend working with Mr. Kit to get them a bit closer together. Drones are close to in tune, good effort! E is a bit flat on this chanter, so check the tape and work with your bandmates to get the intervals a bit closer. Playing - Try to take some more time before starting the tune. When the top players compete, they take some time to settle the instrument, themselves and the audience before playing the tune, which is a great way to build anticipation, and will help more clearly establish the rhythm and tempo of the tune you're playing. In this tune there are some very long extended notes that you're tending to shorten by a beat or two. Work with a metonome and count out each beat before moving on to the next note. You have a lot of good technique, so working on the rhythm of this tune will really help it shine. I'ts great to see midshipmen participate in this contest, Blake! Keep up the hard work and you'll be rocking through more tunes in no time.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Creel           Tunes: Highland Cathedral      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Brian, thanks for entering! Pipes - Drones aren't quite in tune with each other and overal are flatter than the Low A on your chanter. Chanter is very well tuned. Playing - Good rhythmic playing throughout this tune. In the second part, be sure to not play an "Open C" after the triplets A, B, C. Your little finger is staying up during those C's. Birls could be more clear. Doublings are largely good, though E doublings were a little inconsistent, mostly when coming from F. Overall a nice play, Brian. Work on getting those drones perfectly locked in with Low A and some of those technical notes and this tune will be going very well!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Harrison           Tunes: Gin I were a Baron's Heir      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Brian, thanks for entering! Pipes - Good strike in and drone tuning! Chanter intervals aren't quite spot on. F and High A are notably flat, so try to take some tape off or work with a bandmate, teacher or friend to get the top hand a bit more comfortable. As the tune went along you blew a bit harder on the top hand notes which get the F and High A closer in tune, but try to keep those intervals true throughout the whole tune. PLaying - good job establishing the slow air idiom here. Lots of good technique. You did tend to speed up as you went along. Work with a metronome to keep the same tempo throughout. E doublings are particularly nice. Overall a few points of tuning and tempo to work on to really push this tune to the next level, Brian. Your drones were a big highlight for me here! Keep up the good work!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brittny Price           Tunes: Come Thou Fount      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Brittny, thanks for submitting! Pipes - Nice strike in! Try to give yourself some more time before starting the tune, though. When the masters play, they take time with the chanter going to settle the instrument, themselves and the audience. This is a great way to get everyone ready for the music you're about to play. Drones are close, but not quite in tune. Good effort! Playing - Work with a metronome to establish a clear rhythm and tempo throughout this tune. It seemed that the sections that you were more comfortable with went a little faster than others. Work with Mr. Kit to get all of the gracenotes and technical bits cleaner and clearer and this tune will be polished in no time. Overall a few note mistakes and technical things to work on, but a lot of potential. Keep it up, and I hope to meet you in Annapolis one day!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Beverly           Tunes: Skye Boat Song      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Daniel, thanks for participating! Pipes - good strike in. Drones are pretty close! Good work there. The top hand of your chanter (and D) are pretty sharp compared to the bottom hand. A little tape on D, E, and F will help. It sounded like you were starting to lose steam in the second part - so perhaps the pipes are taking too much air? Be sure to check for any leaks or a reed that might be too hard. Playing - This seems pretty fast for a slow air, slowing down will help get all of the musicality out of this beautiful melody. On the technical side, you're missing a few gracenotes, largely E and D gracenotes. Work on this with a metronome to make sure you're giving yourself time to get all of the embellishments and gracenotes in and this will really help the tune. You showed that you can play everything in this tune, so now the goal is to get each gracenote and embellishment perfectly every single time you see it in this tune (or others) Keep up the work with Mr. Kit and he'll really help you get to the next level. Hope to meet you in Annapolis!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Eric Willcox           Tunes: Victoria Harbour      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Eric, thanks for entering! Pipes - Drones aren't quite in with themselves and seems to be sharp to the chanter. Work on maintaining a steady pressure inside the bag throughout the tune to avoid some of the pitch fluctuations we saw on notes like E and Low A. Chanter well tuned! Playing - Some very well played technique (D throws in particular). I'd recommend taking a look at the setting of this tune - when you play a B doubling followed by a Low A, most often we'd have an E gracenote there, not a G. Good job establishing and keeping the slow air idiom going throughout. Overall a nice play, Eric! Just some tuning and technique to work on, but you've got the melody flowing very well in this tune. Some foucs on the points above will help take your piping to the next level. Keep it up!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Erica Swenson           Tunes: Lights Out      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Erica, thanks for particiapting! Pipes- Work on getting your pipes up without those extra chanter sounds. It's hard to do, but helps your performance get that small bit of polish! Drones aren't quite locked in with each other and are a bit flat to the chanter. Work on getting one drone in tune with your Low A at a time. Tuning is a very difficult skill to master, especially during COVID, but you can do it! Playing - Lots of good technique! Your E doublings stuck out as very nice. Work on getting your thumb gracenotes to be the same size as your G gracenotes. Some of them came out a bit larger than others. Some near note mistakes in the second part- feel free to take your time in these slow airs to be sure of what note you're going to next. Overall you've got a lot of potential, Erica! Some work on tuning and rhythm will really help the melody of this tune shine. Keep at it!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gavin Mattiace           Tunes: The Parting Glass      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Gavin, thanks for participating! Great to see some midshipman enter! Pipes - Be sure to strike in your pipes and then start the tune. When the top players compete, they take some time before starting the tune to settle the instrument, themselves and the audience, and that would really help you get a more polishe performance. Drones are close. F is a bit sharp and E a bit flat. Playing - Good job establishing the rhythm of this tune. Some of your technique is spot on, but should work on consistency. You had a few D throws that were spectacular, and others that had extra High G Gracenotes in them, or a missing/tight gracenote here and there. You've shown that you can play them well, so now it's just getting them perfect every single time. Try to think of the tune in full beats as wel. In the video you were double tapping the beat and that tends to segment the melody just a bit. Thinking a bit broader, in terms of a whole beat or phrase at a time is a valuable skill, thinking of the bigger picture. Overall you've got lots of potential, Gavin! Thank you for your service and I hope to meet you in Annapolis someday! Be sure to work with Mr. Kit on these points of technique and tuning and you'll be well on your way with this tune.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gregory Kim           Tunes: Suo Gan      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Gregory, thanks for entering! Pipes - Work on getting a clear strike-in of your pipes. A little more air in the bag will help get that "lightswitch" sound we're looking for. Drones aren't quite in. Chanter is well tuned, though F is a tad sharp. Playing - Good job establishing the tempo and idiom of this tune. Much of your technique is very good, though be sure that you're working to get rid of crossing noises, particularly between C and E, which happened a few times in this tune. Also be sure to have a clear rhythm when going from a short C to a long B, like at the end of the first phrase. Sometimes that seemed like there was a missing gracenote or just lack of clarity in that section. Overall you have a good understanding of the Slow Air idiom and this tune, Gregory! Working on the tuning and these smaller points of playing will really help this tune shine. Keep up the good work!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gus Sevil           Tunes: Loch Marie      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Gus, thanks for entering! Pipes - Very well set up! D is a bit sharp and E and F are a bit flat, so some tape adjustments will help with this. The balance seems spot on, so good job with that and with recording! Playing - Some very nice technique, Gus. You have a tendency to sit a bit long on the dotted quarter notes, so try to work with a metronome and your teacher to keep the flow going all the way through the tune. Your D throws are a highlight for me. You have a lot of potential, Gus! Keep doing what you're doing and work with your teacher on these smaller points of tuning and rhythm. With a little polish this tune will be mastered in no time!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens           Tunes: Hector the Hero      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Hamish, thanks for entering! Pipes - Great strike in. Drones are pretty close to in tune! Your chanter could use some work, though. E and F are really flat, work with a bandmate or teacher to get those notes closer in tune and that wil really help. Work on blowing all the way through the end of the tune to keep the Low A in tune with the drones. Playing - Some very nice technique, Hamish! Grips are spot on. Some of your birls were a bit early, so work on getting them more consistent and that'll really help this tune. Good job establishing a clear rhythm and tempo throughout. It's clear that you're being well taught, Hamish! Work on getting the middle of your chanter more in tune and on some birl placement and this tune will be quite polished! Keep up the good work!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Helga Lormes           Tunes: The Skye Boat Song      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Helga, thanks for submitting! Pipes - Drones are sharp to the chanter and not quite in with one another. Take a bit more time when warming up to get each drone in with Low A and that'll really help. Playing - Very good job getting all of the technique in there! It sounds like you've got a good handle on the movments, though they are challenging. Work to get them all a little faster, but maintain the same technical integrity and they will start to embellish the tune. Right now they sound like hurdles that you're jumping over just a little bit, but they are all accurate! You have lots of potential, Helga! Keep working on your technique and get all of the movements to a speed where they embellish the melody and this tune will be next-level. Good work!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ian Ticehurst           Tunes: Loch Duich      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Ian, thank you for participating! Pipes : Drones aren't quite set together and overall are flat to the Low A on the chanter. It can be really tough to tune the drones to Low A, but take some time to do just one drone at a time and you'll get the hang of it. Chanter is projecting well, though some of the note intervals are a tad off (E flat, Low A sharp to Drones, etc) Playing: You did a great job of establishing the tempo and rhythm of the big notes, and your doublings are mostly spot on. The bottom hand technique (grips and taorluaths) could use some work. Focus on getting your bottom hand all the way to Low G before moving on to the next steps in the movement. A clear first Low G can do wonders for technical clarity. Overall some promising playing, Ian. Work on these bits of technique, ensuring that the embellishments add to the melody. With time and focused practice the grips and taorluaths are smaller hurdles to get over and really can make the melody even stronger. Good work!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov           Tunes: Going Home      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Ivan, thank you for submitting! Pipes - Drones aren't quite locked in with one another or the chanter. It's very challenging, but take some practice time to get each drone in tune with Low A, perhaps with a teacher or fellow piper with you (once we're allowed to again!). Some of the intervals on your chanter aren't spot on either, with your F being particularly sharp. A little tape will go a long way to help that. Playing - Good job establishing strong rhythm and melody in this tune. Grips are larger than we'd like, sounding a bit more like exercises rather than embellisments. Very nice C doublings! Work to make every piece of technique add to the melody, rather than a hurdle to get over. Exercises are great to do, and you should keep up that work, but also try to get the grips, gracenotes and doublings to fit into the music so they add to the melody and make it more interesting. Overall a nice play, Ivan. I think your performance would be helped by taking some more time tuning. Your doublings and single gracenotes are pretty good, so getting your grips to the same level will really help take this tune to the next level. Keep it up!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: John Mistler           Tunes: Mist Covered Mountains of Home      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi John, thanks for entering! Pipes - Drones are fairly well tuned. Good work! Chanter is well tuned. Playing - Good job establishing a clear 6/8 slow air rhythm and tempo. First part is very well played both musically and technically. In the second part, your F grips aren't as clear as they can be. Work on both those and the taorluaths to have two clear Low G's, and no crossing noises before or after the movement. Overall your pipes are very well tuned and set up, and you showed some great playing here. The second part could use a little work on the technique, but had a very nice musical flow to it. Just some cleaning up grips and taorulaths will really help this tune go to the next level. Good work!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jules Crane           Tunes: Farewell to Govan      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Jules, thanks for entering! Pipes - Very good strike in! Drones are a bit flat to the Low A, but well tuned with one another. It seems that you might be stronger than the reed can handle, with some overblowing particularly the top hand. Playing - Good job with rhythms and technique here! To be picky, your birls tended to be a bit large and ahead of the beat, so try to get them a little fater and it'll help the melody shine. Overall you're full of potential, Jules! Keep working with your teacher on things like chanter tuning, blowing and those challenging bits of technique like the birls and some of the more difficult doublings and you'll be well on your way. Keep it up!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Marion Owen           Tunes: The Highland Cradle Song      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Marion, thanks for submitting! Pipes - I can't tell for sure (recording) but it sounds like the drones are pretty close to each other, but perhaps a bit flat compared to Low A. Chanter is relatively well tuned, with D and High G being fairly sharp. Playing - It was difficult to find the beat of the tune from the start. I would recommend taking a little more time before the tune starts, with the pipes up. Watch some of the masters and you'll see they play a tuning phrase or two. This is a great technique to settle your pipes, yourself and the audience before embarking on a musical journey together. Your technique is all there, though it sounds as if they are hurdles to jump over rather than embellishments created to add to the melody - work on getting them a bit more concise and they'll emphasize the beats exactly how we want them to. Overall an enjoyable tune to listen to, Marion! A little work on establishing a clear tempo and some technical exercises will help this tune go to the next level. Thanks again for submitting!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Michael J. Allen (Mike)           Tunes: The Arran Boat Song      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Mike, thank you for submitting! Pipes - Drones are almost spot on, good work. Chanter is pretty well tuned and blown throughout. The pipes got more in tune as you went along. A few mini-chirps towards the end - work on blowing all the way through the reed for the entirety of the tune. Playing - Good job establishing a clear rhythm for this melody. Work on getting complete rhythmic consistency in your doublings. Your E doubings tended to be the desired rhythm, but your D doublings are much more open. If your D doublings were the same rhythm and speed as the E's I can see you moving through the grades very well. Overall a nice play, Mike! I really like your background, by the way! Work on these small tonal and technical pieces and you'll be well on your way!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Poppy Middleton           Tunes: Lament for Rory Mor      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Poppy, thank you for submitting! Pipes - work on getting a more solid strike-in. Put a little more air into the bag before striking and I think your drones will come in better. Drones and chanter are close but not locked in. High A is very nice! Playing - Very good technique! Your grips are spot on, Poppy. Overall a very good tune, just a few spots where you lost the 6/8 rhythm, usually when we have an eighth note followed by a quarter - work with your teacher to get a litte more comfortable with less common rhythms. You are clearly very well taught, Poppy! Keep working hard with your teacher to get the pipes more in tune each time you play, and keep doing what you're doing. On a great path with lots of potential!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Stevan Gengo           Tunes: Going Home      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Stevan, thanks for particiapting in the contest! Pipes - Drones and chanter are well tuned. Playing - Good job establishing the melody and rhythm of this tune. You did tend to slow down a little bit on the long F's in the second part, but only a shade. In terms of technique, your E grips tended to have some extra noises in them. Most people play an E tap in the first phrase where you're playing a grip, but if you want to play the grip, be sure to go from E directly to Low G, then a D gracenote on Low G, followed direclty by E. You have a few crossing noises in there (almost every time, but not every single time), that once fixed will really push this tune along. I really enjoyed listening to this, Stevan. A few technical things to work on, but one of the best tuned pipes in this event. Keep up the good work!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Steven Grahl           Tunes: Bells of Dunblane      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Steven, thanks for participating! Pipes - good strike in! Drones are pretty close with each other and a tad flat to the chanter. Chanter is well tuned Be sure to blow all the way through the reed to avoid chokes and the scratchy High A Playing - Good job establishing a clear rhythm and tempo for this tune. I'd recommend taking a look at the setting of this tune, you're playing a lot of G gracenotes where the original setting has some E's and other embellishments. A few crossing noises between C and E, so work on that transition a bit to avoid those unwanted sounds. Otherwise well played! You've got a lot of potential, Steven! Keep working on these smaller points like the gracenoting and crossing noises and you'll have this tune at the next level in no time. Keep up the good work!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Susan Gothard           Tunes: The Dark Island, J McLaughlan      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Susan, thanks for entering! Pipes - Work on getting a litte more air into the bag before striking, which will help avoid the squealy tenors. Drones aren't quite spot on, but chanter is very well tuned. Playing - Good job establishing the tempo and rhythms in this tune. Be sure to get all of the short notes, like the short B between the two E's in the first part, to be very clear. Sometimes we hear short notes get shortened to a point of almost not hearing them. You're not quite there yet, but the short notes could be slightly longoer overall. You've got some very good technical chops here! Be sure to choose one way to play your D throws (heavy versus light) in each tune. Here, you switched between the two, and although both were well played most of the time, we want to haeve some consistency. In the second part, try to let the B in your tachum breathe just a little more (see above about short notes), and be sure that they're played with a G gracenote followed by a D gracenote. Sometimes you're playing G followed by E. Lots of potential here, Susan! Keep up the hard work on this tune and the points above and you'll see a big difference here. Good work!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Jules Crane      Place: 1      Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Excellent playing throughout. Huge potential here. Some E dloublings a little tight and can be doing with more seperation with the gracenotes.Slowing down a tad in the 4th part.Huge potential here. i would recommend that you are playing in a higher grade! Well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Sophie Stringer      Place: 2      Tunes: Captain Norman Orr-Ewing      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Steady tempo, if anything, a little slow. Great expression and timing. Technique fairly accurate and clear. Good performance, next step is lifiting the tempos more. This will help acheive a better flow to your playing. Well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Adi Moss-Sheth      Place: 3      Tunes: Mairi's Wedding & Cutting Bracken      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Great tempo and control throughout. Very strong technique coming through. Small crossing noises occasionally coming through. Huge potential here. Well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Eric Willcox      Place: 4      Tunes: Glenfinnan Highland Gathering      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Great tempo. Expression very good also. Doublings on top hand a little tight throughout. Tachums losing clarity in 4th part. A very nice performance. The next step would be to try and lift the tempo further to help acheive more lift in your march playing. Well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Gus Sevil      Place: 5      Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Lively tempo with good lift to march. Technique fairly good throughout, however doublings on top hand a little too tight- try to hear both gracenotes clearly. Good expression on a difficult tune that is failry advanced for this level. Losing clairty a tad a in the 4th part. Great potential here.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Dylan McMaster      Place: 6      Tunes: Mari's Wedding/Cutting Bracken      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Excellent tempo with strong technique. Pipes not quite in tune throughout. Showing a strong understanding of the march expression/phrasing. Some crossing noises coming through in the second tune. Also beginning to tighten up your technique a tad here also. A very nice performance. Well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Alan McGill           Tunes: Greenwood Side/Fraser of Cairnie      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Steady tempo. A strong musical style on show. Technique a little untidy in places, try to achieve clarity with all embellishments. Crossing noises appearing in the second march. Well played
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Alberto Armstrong           Tunes: The Brown Haired Maiden, High Road to Gairloch      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Lively tempo. Strong playing coming through. Technique a little too tight in places, try to relax this as much as you can. This will help the overall impression/impact of the performance. A stronger Low G required at the start of all Throw on Ds.Last part of High Road to Gairloch untidy.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Arturo Matte           Tunes: Song 1: Brown Haired Maiden, Song 2: High Roqd to Gairloch      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Steady tempo. Great musical playing. Technique lacking depth and clarity, especially with Throw on Ds. Doubling not always correct in high road to gairloch. Some revision of the music would help. Small stumble in 2nd part also. Some very good playing on show, well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Brian Creel           Tunes: 42nd's Black Watch and Maurie's Wedding      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Lively tempo. Chanter very flat. Good lift to march. Technique lacking expression, especially with doubling movements. Try to seperate all gracenotes to achieve maximum clarity. Nice performance.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Brian Harrison           Tunes: 79th Farewell to Gibraltar      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Steady tempo with nice musical touches. Tecnhique lacking in clarity especailly with bottom hand doublings and taorluath movements. Very nice performance.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Brittny Price           Tunes: Campbell's Farewell to Red Gap, Mairi's Wedding      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Tunes lacking in technique. I would recommend getting lessons, if possible, to help you get on top of this otherwise you will find it very hard to improve your piping. Pipes fairly well set but more control of the instrument is needed. Looking at this video, it seems as though you are not using your arm enough to ensure a steady pressure on the bag.This will help ensure you are not getting little chokes etc throughout your performance.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Daniel Beverly           Tunes: Campbell's Farewell to Redcastle and Mairi's Wedding      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Tunes lacking in technique. I would recommend getting lessons, if possible, to help you get on top of this otherwise you will find it very hard to improve your piping. Pipes fairly well set but more control of the instrument is needed. Looking at this video, it seems as though you are not using your arm enough to ensure a steady pressure on the bag.This will help ensure you are not getting little chokes etc throughout your performance. Pipes also seem to be a little too hard for you.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Erica Swenson           Tunes: Muir of Ord      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Steady performance. A little more attention required with your technique. Practice trying to seperate your gracenotes out in all doublings rather than having them overlapping. Good musical playing for this grade.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Gavin Mattiace           Tunes: Mairi's Wedding/High Road to Gairloch      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Abrupt entry into first tune. When you are giving a solo performance, you do not need to give the commands. I would recommend striking the pipes up and playing a few notes beofre you start. Playing a little erratic throughout. Doublings lacking in consistancy and clarity. Tempo a little quick throughout, slowing down would allow you more time to get the work in.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens           Tunes: PM Willie Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Steady tempo Hamish! Good control over the instrument. Technique fairly strong throughout. Practice trying to keep the gracenotes consistant in all doublings- try not to crush them. Small chokes. A very nice performance. Huge potential here.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov           Tunes: Walter Douglas M.B.E.      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes not fully settled at start. Chanter unbalanced(squeeky). Steady playing, however it is a little on the slow side. Raise tempo to achieve maximum lift with your playing. Technique requires more clairty- seperate gracenotes in doublings to help achieve this. Lots of nice playing there but work on your weaknesses to help you achieve your goals.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: John Mistler           Tunes: Pipe Major John D. Burgess      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo with good expression coming through, Some untidy execution including crossing noises apparent expecially in 3rd part. Drones nicely set, chanter lacking in depth. Nice performance.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Joonas Martin           Tunes: Teribus      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Lively tempo. Drones not tuned at start. Some nice playing on show however spolied slightly but sloopy technique. I would recommed trying to open up all doublings and making sure that i am hearing both gracenotes clearly. Keep up the practice. Well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Luke Ackerman           Tunes: High Road to Gairloch, Campbell's Farewell to Redcastle      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Steady tempo throughout. Embellishments lacking clarity and precision. Make sure to be playing the correct gracenotes at the correct time. Expression fairly good but sometimes rushing ahead of the dotted notes and therefore rounding out. The next step for you is to spend lots of time brushing up your technique exercices. I would recommend using a book like the rythmic fingerwork book by Jim McGillvary as a guide. Lots of potential here if you can get the technique on track.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Marion Owen           Tunes: Muir of Ord      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Fiarly good tempo. Pipes seem a little hard for you and this is having an effect on your performance. Also, try to keep a strong pressure on the bag with your arm. Technique lacking clarity in places. Try to hear all gracenotes clearly in all embellishments. You have a good understanding of the timing etc but more work is needed on achieving a better sound with your bagpipe and working on the finger technique. Well done
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Moira Allan           Tunes: Highland Laddie      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Steady tempo throughout. Strong technqiue coming through with nice expression. Not always hearing the Low G clearly at the start of your throw on Ds and gracenotes in B doublings not always clear. Signs of overblowing in the 3rd part- try to keep an even pressure on the bag throughout. Very good performance.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Noah Davies           Tunes: Maria's Wedding      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo. Farily consistant technique throughout- strong doublings. Some crossing noises present in 2nd part. Unfortunately you have only played 2 parts of a march where the requirement is 4 parts. Good potential with the playing!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Poppy Middleton           Tunes: The 1st Battalion Scots Guards Farewell To Southampton      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Great tune, lots of lift in your march. Very nice expression throughout. Some extra care needed with technqiue. It is important to keep all gracenotes in doublings accurate and precise. Some small chokes appearing- make sure to keep a steady pressure on the bag at all times.. Lots of great potential here.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Susan Gothard           Tunes: Siege of Delhi, Unattributed      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Drones not fully settled at start. Steady tempo throughout. Some small technique issues coming through. Some practice on exercises will, i am sure, make a huge difference. 3rd and 4th parts untidy throughout- make sure to hear both low Gs in all grips. Very nice performance.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Vickie Gray           Tunes: Siege of Delhi      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Tempo slow throughout. Bringing this up will help you achieve a better flow and musical approach to this tune. Technique very clearly, well done. Very nice sounding instrument.Note errors in 3rd part. Well done on this performance. Lots of strong points.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sophie Stringer      Place: 1      Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown. Excellent demonstration of the proper rhythm for 6/8 marches, with very clear fingering. So clear and so consistent, in fact, that you can definitely push the tempo up a fair bit and give it a lively flow. The only little issue I'm hearing is some inconsistency hitting the E strike in the end phrase - perhaps some tension in your top hand. If your pinkie is relaxed, your E finger will move more freely. A very good performance start to finish.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Poppy Middleton      Place: 2      Tunes: John D. Burgess      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, very well blown. Quick tempos, though maintained well - minor jumping ahead in a couple of spots - be patient on the big Ds! Very strong execution. Your steadiness on the instrument is impressive! Tiny choke at the very end... This was a very strong performance. I think that if you pulled back the tempo a teeny weeny bit, and made sure to let the big notes breathe, that if would have been absolutely spot on. Well done!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jules Crane      Place: 3      Tunes: Atholl Highlanders      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe, and blown well (a few surges on High A, but not much). A solid understanding of 6/8 rhythm here. An appropriate tempo, and good control to maintain it all through. Good fingering. You could probably be slightly clearer going from C to E if you close your bottom hand a bit more snappily - you are in no danger of a crossing noise, but it's not always crystal clear (ie your E finger is up but your bottom hand is a bit slow to close). How's that for being picky?! Well done!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Adi Moss-Sheth      Place: 4      Tunes: Bonnie Dundee      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set - drones not quite locked in but very close. Good balance to the chanter, and blown fairly well. Excellent 6/8 rhythm, and lots of control of the tempo. Strong hands! I'm not too worried about a few little misses because the quality overall of your technique is very good. A few sags in pressure as this went on - you can hear it mostly on D - try to keep that bag feeling as firm as possible. Well done!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dylan McMaster      Place: 5      Tunes: Bonnie Dundee/Muckin' o' Geordie's Byre      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set - drones not perfectly locked, but very close. Good flow for the most part, but be careful not to verge on 2/4 for presentation. See if you can place the third eighthnote of each beat in the same place each time for that consistent and swingy 6/8 feel. Much better at finding that flow in Muckin'! Technique fairly strong all through - some D gracenotes in grips/taorluaths a bit big, taking away a little of the crispness of the 1-2-3 rhythm of those movements. Well done!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens      Place: 6      Tunes: Bonnie Dundee      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, blown fairly well for the most part - just a few small dips or surges here and there. Impressive technique - high qualtiy stuff going on! An appropriate tempo, maintained well all through. You are showing a good understanding of the 6/8 "feel" at the start, and even better as the tune went on. The main thing here to work on is fluid control of the instrument, which is only going to get easier as you grow! This was fun to watch!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Alan McGill           Tunes: Donald MacLean of Lewis      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Well set pipe, and well blown. Appropriate tempo, and good attention to the compound time rhythm. A bit inconsistent with some of the bottom hand work (GDEs with note transitions), but some coming out very clearly. Birl at the end of parts starting a bit early. A little jumpy to the initial birl of part 4. The G gracenote of that birl should be on the beat and the movement can take up time into the melody note. Tempo maintained well all through. Well done.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Creel           Tunes: The Steamboat      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Well set pipe, well blown - verging on too much pressure. Lively tempo, and good overall 6/8 rhythms. You're leaving out some G gracenotes on some of the C doublings - perhaps related to tempo, but also perhaps an oversight. A slight wobble near the end (pressure on the bag), but just the one. Apart from those C doublings, technically quite good. Nice taorluaths and good birls (but make sure they don't come in just a little early). Well done!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Harrison           Tunes: Donald McLean of Lewis      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good balance to the chanter - drones a bit flat to the chanter pitch, and not quite locked together. Good, snappy tempo, well maintained. A bit inconsistent on the cut notes - some almost not there, but others a little big. Excellent swing in the 3rd part. Not quite as consistent in the flow in the fourth. Perhaps drop the tempo just a little bit to get more consistency? Technique fairly good, only a few little catches or slightly untidy bits. Well done.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Colin Tighe           Tunes: Bonnie Dundee      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, set well. Strong hands, with good control. An appropriate tempo, maintained will throughout. I felt that you had a good 6/8 flow in the first part, but it changed in the second part to sound more like a 2/4. The key is to be aware of the third eighthnote of each beat, and try to get them in the same place every time. That means a bit more on the downbeat in the second part so the taorluaths finish on the third eighth. If you cound an even 1, 2, 3, but don't say the 2 out loud, that's the feel you're aiming for! Well done.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gavin Mattiace           Tunes: The Atholl Highlanders      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, though drones could be a bit closer. Quite quick for solos, but perhaps the main thing is that it is a bit round - I'd prefer a bit more swing, which you can find by being sure the third eighthnote of each beat is in the same place each time. Some of the fingering issues are certainly related to the speed, though! Your E doublings in the first part are ahead of the beat, and the gracenotes backwards - be sure to put the G gracenote first, and place it on the beat, so the F gracenote happens after the beat. I can hear lots of clarity in fingering, which didn't have a real chance to shine because of the quick tempo.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: John Mistler           Tunes: At Holl Highlanders      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Well set pipe, and well blown. You have a good handle on the proper rhythm for a 6/8 march - well done. Just be careful not to get a bit round on the pickup notes going back into part one (repeat). In the first part, be sure to sound the little C clearly before starting your D gracenote - the gracenote tends to eclipse the melody note. Clearer in the second part when the gracenote goes up to C, but a few little crossing noises. Very consistent timing, and I'm so happy to hear proper compound time rhythms! This will be top notch once you tidy up a few fingering issues.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Laura Zöllner           Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown, though be careful not to push a bit hard on some high Gs. An appropriate tempo, well maintained. Good compound timing for the most part, though a few beats are coming out as a bit round (ie C - B - low A). A few crossing noises to address in part two. Careful and accurate technique for the embellishments, though some grips a little tight. Well done.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Moira Allan           Tunes: Farewell to Drum Major Kent Griffiths      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set, and farily well blown - just be careful about some little surges in pressure here and there. Good flow, and an appropriate tempo. Make sure your thumb is in place before going from high A to low A (if it is a little late or misplaced, you'll get a squeak). A bit of a hesitation going into the second and fourth parts. Good clarity in fingering for the most part. Another little squeak on low G - perhaps too much pressure (surge) or slight misplacement of a finger. Well done!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Noah Davies           Tunes: A Hundred Pipers      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set. You're getting a few litlle dips in pressure - make sure the bag is as inflated as possible to start, and then try to maintain that firmness all through. A few little catches here and there, but fairly clean fingering. An appropriate tempo, maintained all the way. A few beats a bit round (ie dot not quite long enough and the cut a bit big) but I'd prefer that to being to choppy. Well done.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Steffan de Villiers           Tunes: Kirkhill      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set, though I would raise the reed slightly in the reed seat for better balance - your upper notes will flatten off a bit. Great swing, and very good technique. Too bad you didn't finish - sometimes small errors don't count as much as we think they do, when everything else is going so well. These are tough competitions to do. I look forward to hearing you play again, sometime. Lots of quality there!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Susan Gothard           Tunes: Rab's Wedding, J Kerr      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Well set pipe - drones close but not quite locked - not far off though! You have a very good handle on the proper rhythm for a 6/8 march - well done. A few catches going to and from C in the first part. Be sure not to put a G gracenote on your D throws - and the initial G gracenote is absent in some of the C doublings in part 3. I wonder if your hands are tense - that could be the reason for some missed strikes and birls. Don't push into the chanter with your pinkie on birls, or it may stick! Excellent tempo, proper rhythms throughout. This will be excellent once you tidy up a few fingering concerns.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Poppy Middleton      Place: 1      Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Wow Poppy - Thanks for sending in this 6 parted version of Patty Leather Breeches for Grade 5 piping. Drones are howling on the bag strike - aim to get a bit more force to over come this **. Settled in fine. The tune is very danceable with excitement and musical momentum. Well sustained Jig tempo. A few areas on minor rushing. C-A-A Strong Triplets, grips and doublings. A couple missed B taps. Very impressive P5 and P6 indeed. Looking forward to hearing more of your piping soon. Well done.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jules Crane      Place: 2      Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Live Bird on the shoulder.... THAT'S a first for me to see ! Thanks for your Jig submission 2parts. Paddy Leather Breetches A Nice clean sounding pipe, well set chanter intervals. Nice Drone balance and steady blowing. A nice danceable jig tempo sustained throughout. Nice taps and gracenote audibiility is consistent. Triplets are coming in clearly with good control on most. Aim to keep the triplet smooth and even throughout An impressive 2 parts Jules. Good Luck and thanks. - SH.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Adi Moss-Sheth      Place: 3      Tunes: Kesh Jig      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thank you Adi for your Jig Submission 2pt of Kesh for G5 piping. Clean fingering, good tempo sustained. Pipe well set and blown, nice chanter interval. A nice danceable tune here. Well done. There is some minor bottom hand rushing in spots - aim to keep it open and fluid in all phases. B-C-B LA at endings. Also keep F-E-E HA-E-E combinations as well. Good posture and hand positioning. Thanks - SH
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Alan McGill      Place: 4      Tunes: Banjo Breakdown      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Alan - thanks you for your tune 4P Banjo BD Lovely pipe for G5 - well blown. Nice chanter interval and Drone Volume. Your tempo is lively and well sustained. A very danceable tune. Nice gracenote audibility. Watch the triplets LA-C-E HA-E-C for smoothness. Overall the tune is slighly jolty... and would be improved with a smoother approach to all triplets. Nice P3 B triplet and C triplet in phrase 2. In P4 watch the E taps for rushing - try and open these up... a bit more note before the taps for sull effect. Good Luck and Thanks! - SH
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gus Sevil      Place: 5      Tunes: Jig of Slurs      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: HI Gus - Thank you for your Jig of Slurs - 4 parts. Nice one. A nice danceable tempo - well sustained here. Pipe is quite well set and tuned - blowing is steady. There is a slight under value on the 1st note of each triplet resulting in a slight cut-cut-hold triplet pattern... and off the first note a shade earlier than optimal A-D-D D-C-D B-D-D LA-D-D etc. Aim to feel the First note in each triplet a bit more, and place it directly on the toe tap, for full effect. Nice note changes in the challengin P3 and P4. Well done. Good posture and finger placement. Thanks - SH
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sophie Stringer      Place: 6      Tunes: Pipe Major John MacDonald's Exercise      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Sophie. Thank you for your jig submission today. 2P The tempo is 85 BPM ...ok and pipe sound is quite good, with ok blowing too. Nice one. Overall the jig is slightly over pointed, for optimal performance. Aim to smooth out your triplets C-E-E LA-E-E Watch P2 for the top hand F-HA-HG F-E-E Keep all these triplets and taps smooth and open for full effect. Lots of potential and thanks. - SH
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dylan McMaster           Tunes: Kesh Jig      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Dylan, THank you for submitting your Jig in G5. A nice jig tempo sustained here. Watch the triplets for fluidity - some rushing evident - aim for an even pattern in each GDE - some are coming through quicker than others. This is something that will improve the more jigs played... Musically the tune is lively and danceable with good rythum. Aim to keep the E taps right inline with the triplet feel. The B-C-B LA a the ending phrase - aim to keep that nice an open and unrushed. Blowing and tuning is quite nice and solid. Chanter set up is ok. Good Luck and Thanks! - SH
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gavin Mattiace           Tunes: Glasgow City Police Pipers      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Gavin, THank you for submitting your Glasgow City Police Pipers G5 Jig. Pipe is quite nice with good balance between chanter and drone. Solid Blowing Tempo is very brisk.. Lots of momentum here. Watch the starting pont of each triplet - the first note of each shoudl land squarely on the beat jitself. Aim to really feel it on the moment where your foot touches the ground. Several triplets are ahead of the optimal starting point. When playing the top hand notes be sure to close the bottom hand to the LowA position. Watch C-HiA-C for example. When on the High A, close the bottom hand. Nice posture and drone positioning. Good Luck and Thanks-SH
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens           Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Hamish - Thank you for this jig today. 2p Paddy Leather Breeches. Your pipe is nicely set for you and blowing is quite steady. Well done. Your Jig is coming along...but its very pointed... s bit too much....Lets aim to round it out a bit and smooth out the triplets and taps. B-B-B F-B-B C-LA-LA .... etc... no matter what the triplet combination of notes are, aim to keep them conostent and smooth. for full effect. A lot of potential Hamish! Good Luck and thanks - SH
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov           Tunes: Corkhill      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Ivan- Thank you for your jig submission here. 4P Cork Hill Pipe set up is ok. Tempo is shade slow yet sustained throughout. 74 BPM A slighlt quicker tempo would make the tune danceable. Triplets are quite even and consistent. Taps are strong. Watch for the C - Cdoubling at ends of the lines... This area is rushed. Aim for waiting and placing C doubling directly on the beat to conclude each part nicely. Thanks and Good Luck! - SH
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Noah Davies           Tunes: Flee The Glen      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Noah, Thank you for your Jig Submission in G5 piping. Pipe is wavering a wee bit, chanter set up is fairly flat on the intervals. Drones are sharp. Watch your blowing - aim for a long inhale and a long squeeze - currently having quick and shallow pattern. Nice Jig feel. Appropriate dance tempo. Good efforts on the fingering and clean note changes. Not many triplet groupings, with the exception of F-B-B, and B-C-D runs. Some minor timing issues with the LA-C and C-B synocpated moments in the tune - however consistenlty approached. Good momentum overall with nice gracenote clarity. Good Luck and thanks! - SH
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Nadine Kern      Place: 1      Tunes: Salute to Pipemajor Richard Parkes MBE      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Very nice tune Nadine. Pipe well set. Lovely interpretation. The only thing I would say is to be careful how much you cut the shorter notes - you are very positive with them. Well done
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Sophie Stringer      Place: 2      Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set. Pausing a little too long on E before you put cadence on B in (end of lines) and cadence on C mid line 2. Otherwise very nice.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Brendan Nicholls      Place: 3      Tunes: The Little Spree      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Drones well set, but a little flat relative to the chanter. Top hand sounding a littl sharp. Very good technique. Good interpretation of the ground, a very pleasant listen.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Poppy Middleton      Place: 4      Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown. F semi quaver in bar 2 could be a little skinnier, biut otherwise a very competent interpreation of the tune. Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Jules Crane      Place: 5      Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Drones could be set a little sharper to match the chanter more closely. Nicely set together though. Well blown. Nice ground - F semi quave in the second bar (and wherever else it occurs) could be a bit skinnier. Very nice overall.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Gus Sevil      Place: 6      Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Drones well set. Cadence to B end of lines - just lift the D finger to get a D gracenote. E in cadence to start the tune (and wherever else it occurs) a little too fat. Tempo perhaps a little on the slow side - think about the tune in 2 bar phrases, and play through to the end of the phrase. Very nice overall.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Gregory Kim           Tunes: Fair Honey      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Very nice background to your video! Drones could be set molre closely together. Need to ensure you have a High G gracenote on the C before grips. E gracenote (instead of high G) creeping in on Low A Bar 2, line 2 and also line 3. Line 3 not complete. Nice chanter sound - need to ensure you are blowing consistently in order to avoid wee chokes. Good interpretation of the gound.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens           Tunes: The Little Spree      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Very good effort! A few wee technical misses - keep working on your technique development. Some additional gracenotes put in - need to be very careful that you play exactly what is written in the score. Drones not quite solid together. D a little flat. Overall, very enjoyable to listen to.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Ian Ticehurst           Tunes: Wee Spree      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Very competently played Ian. Try to get a little more low G in your grips. Drones not quite 100% together, and also a little flat relative to the chanter. Good stuff overall, keep developing your technique to ensure it is clean and clear.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov           Tunes: The Desperate Battle / An Cath Gailbeach      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Drones could be set better. E to start last bar each - no HG gracenote is written. Same with Bar 2 and 4 line 1 and 2. Otherwise, very competently played. Need to get the drones set better to achieve a nicer overall sound.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Steven Grahl           Tunes: Straun Robertson’s Salute      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Nice sound. Keep working on technique - Thrown on D needs to start with a LG gracenote. Piob HG very flat. Off tune in line 2. good interpreation of the ground.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Susan Gothard           Tunes: Lament for the Little Supper      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Drones need to be set closer together. Hiharin - just the D finger should be raised to get the D gracenote. Tempo really took off in line 2. Keep working on your technique development. Spend time singing the tune along with an authoratative rendition of the tune in order to get the 'song' in your head.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Meric Aycock      Place: 1      Tunes: South Hall      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Good lively tempo for this tune, and lovely strong taorluaths in the 1st part.  Be careful of the Bar 3 phrase of every line - even though the 1st high A and then the high G are cut, they still need to be distinct.  This phrase got a bit better as you went through the tune.  It' the initial high A that is being cut a little too short.  It seems to me that your tempo is increasing, noticeably as you're going into the third party.  Just a bit more focus on holding the long notes will help this.  Your phrasing is okay for the most part, but the increase in tempo is due to getting off the long notes throughout just a tiny bit early.  Still, your execution and embellishments in general are very strong!  This was a very enjoyable performance, and would have been even moreso if you had controlled the tempo just a tiny bit more.  Thanks!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Tim Riddle      Place: 2      Tunes: King George Vs Army      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Great tempo for this tune. Lively and yet you're still able to fit in all of the embellishments very cleanly.  Nice work!  E doublings could be a touch more open, but your bottom hand work - doublings and grip/taorluath movements - is excellent.  Nice anchor low G on each of your D throws. Tiny choke 1st time through 4th part - minor glitch.  Great performance, Tim, I really enjoyed it.  Thanks!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Ian MacPhail      Place: 3      Tunes: Donald Maclean's farewell to Oban      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Tempo just a tiny bit on the slow side; however, it is certainly enabling you to keep your embellishments clean and your phrasing musical and consistent.  Make sure you hold that high A toward the end of Bar 2, part 2 as long as it needs to be held - you were off it just a touch early a few times.  Nothing that took away from where the next beat was supposed to land - just lean on it a little bit more.  Great work of the slightly more difficult technique in the 3rd part.   Clean tachums throughout.  Tiny crossing noise getting from the low A up to the double D 2nd time through the part, at bar 3.   Really enjoyable performance overall on a nice-sounding pipe - thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Nicholas Shelburn      Place: 4      Tunes: John MacMillan of Barra      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: A very carefully chosen tempo, if a bit on the cautious side.  Still, you kept it controlled and consistent throughout.  Very nice work on all embellishments - just a few minor misses here and there.  Very strong birls and grip/taorluath movements. Your dot/cut work is nice - very rhythmic without being overdone.  In the 4th part, be careful to differentiate between the short F at the end of Bar 1 and the double F at the begining of Bar 2.  Even though the F at the end of Bar 1 is cut, try not to cut it so much that it disappears before the Double F. A very enjoyable performance overall.  Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Aubre Scott      Place: 5      Tunes: Willie McCallum Senior's March      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Lovely tempo.  Excellent, careful embellishments throughout.  Your drones seem to be tuned a bit flat relative to your chanter.  Chanter itself is well tuned though.  A few very minor crossing noises here and there, for example in the third part,bar 4, going from the E down to the D and then back up to the E again.  Tiny slip 1st bar, 1st time through Part 4.  Aside from very minor issues, this was a very enjoyable and musical performance.  Thank you! 
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Rebecca Morris      Place: 6      Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Very well chosen tempo for this tune - relaxed enough for you to fit in all of the embellishments very cleanly, yet still keeping the tune moving musically.  Be careful of the short B in between the two low A's that happens in Bar 1 of the 1st part and then again in the repeat of the second part.  Don't cut it so short that the D gracenote doesn't quite have a chance to land properly.  Very strong performance, if just a touch on the cautious side.  Enjoyable - thanks!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Adi Moss-Sheth           Tunes: The Hills of Perth      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Very lively tempo for this tune.  A suggestion (for what it's worth), don't try physically setting your tempo before you start playing by tapping your foot.  Inevitably the tempo will be quicker than what you actually want.  You kept the tempo up there, but I think it could have been a bit slower, which would have made the performance a little cleaner overall.  Not that it wasnt a strong performance - it was - but there were just a few little technical precisions - a small slip in part 3, some tachums that didn't come out with the gracenotes properly placed, and some D throws that missed that low G anchor which must be there every time.  It was a very strong musical performance, but I think it could have been that tiny bit cleaner if you hadn't set such a quick tempo before even starting into the tune.  One more little issue - the gracenote in the grip from D to low A in every ending is supposed to be a B gracenote (AWKWARD!) - you played a D gracenote every time, which is incorrect for this movement.    Still, very enjoyable overall - thanks!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Alec Macdonald           Tunes: Angus MacKinnon of Eigg      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Very nicely chosen tempo for this tune - nice and relaxed, enabling you to fit in all of the embellishments very cleanly, while still keeping the flow.  That was a very unfortunate breakdown- perhaps you sent in the wrong video?  Great playing up until you prematurely stopped! 
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Allen Workman           Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Great tempo for this piece.  Well set and well maintained.  You have fabulous birls!  Your D throws, while accurately executed for the most part, are just a touch on the laboured side, which is taking away from the musicality just a little. It's great to make sure the embellishment is clean and complete, but if embellishments in general take up too much space, they affect the flow of the tune.  Still with regard to your D throws - sometimes when there's a dotted note, cut note, and then a D throw, you seem to be getting off the dotted note early, then holding the cut note a little longer than it should be held, all in an (apparent) effort to ensure you fit in a full heavy D throw.  An example of this is right at the beginning of the tune at the end of Bar 1, going into Bar 2. Your pipes sound really lovely!  This was an enjoyable performance overall.  I don't like to insinuate that your teacher is doing anything incorrectly, but I would suggest that you consider switching the heavy D throw to a light D throw.  It's not necessary or anything - it might just give you a bit of an advantage in a tune like this that is so full of that one embellishment.  You're executing them accurately, but so much so that it could be taking away just a little bit from the overall performance.  Thanks!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Brendan Nicholls           Tunes: King George the V's Army      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Well-chosen tempo for this tune at this level - it enabled you to ensure that your embellishments came out cleanly for the most part while still sounding lively.  Great B taorluaths!  Make sure you put both gracenotes on the B doubling at the beginning of Bar 8 in part 3 - you played half B doublings (left off the  G gracenote) each time, even though the doubling was coming after a short C rather than a high G or high A.  Same thing in the repeat of part 4.  I enjoyed this performance.  Your tempo was great - lots of musicality, with great effort at all of the technical "stuff". Thanks!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Bruce Downie           Tunes: Clan MacRae Society      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: A brave choice, playing a 6-parted tune in a grade 4 contest.   Your tempo was well-chosen and steady throughout.  Small slip end of part 2.  The biggest thing I found was that you're treating dot/cut sequences very differently - inconsistently - throughout.  For example, in the parts that go up to the top hand, the two intro notes (F and G) you're elongating the High G more than it needs to be, for where and what it actually is, yet (another example) Bar 1 of part 1 (and played elsewhere as well) the short C between two E's is cut so much that sometimes the G gracenote doesn't even have a chance to land on it.  I would lean more toward the former - i.e. not cutting the short notes too much - because it's easier to play clean embellishments if you're not cutting quite so much.  That doesn't mean you should't cut them - you just might want to think about relaxing the cuts just a bit.  Nice strong birls, D throws, and grip movements throughout.  Watch the Short F to double E sequence that happens a few times - once again, you're cutting the F so short that the E doubling isn't landing where it should, and often isn't coming out as an E doubling at all.  Despite the minor technical issues, this was a nice strong musical performance.  Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Cameron Fradette           Tunes: Walter Douglas      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Very unfortunate double-toning bass drone throughout, which distracted quite a bit.  Nice tempo - very strong taorlauths in the 1st and 3rd parts.  Overall, your embellishments are good - clean and open.  A few tiny chokes from underblowing just ever so slightly.   A nice musical performance delivered at a lively tempo with clean fingerwork for the most part - unfortunately the double toning bass drone took away from the performance.  Sorry about that!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Carol Peabody           Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Tempo started out quite slow but then picked up as you went through the tune.  Be careful to sit on the long notes - many of them are being quite rushed, causing the increase in tempo.  A specific example is 2nd half of bar 7, which is the dotted low A followed by the short B, throughout the tune.  If you focus on sitting on that long low A (even though it's not on a "down" beat), and then don't over-cut the B, which you're sometimes actually missing altogether, this would go a long way to providing a bit of an anchor in every part of the tune for you to lean on and to ensure that you're not rushing and speeding up as a result.  Your doubling embellishments were very strong throughout, which shows that you have great basics and lots of potential, it's just a matter of controlling the tempo by really focusing on the rhythm within each phrase.  Once you are able to control the tempo/rhythm, you'll do a great job of this wonderful piece of music.  Thanks!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Craig Milne           Tunes: Duncan McInnes - P.M. P.R. MacLeod (Arr.QIAPB 2013)      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune - very musical flow.  Excellent birls!  Watch your D throws - while some are great, others are lacking in the initial "anchor" Low G.  Make sure you get that low G strongly.  it's very noticeably missing at the beginning of Bar 7 of each part.  Otherwise your embellishments are quite strong and clean.  Having said that, there isn't a lot of "meat" to this tune, so the embellishments that are there must be executed accurately, and that wasn't quite the case with your D throws.  Regardless, this was an enjoyable performance from a musical perspective.  Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: David McMillan           Tunes: Taking of Beaumont Hamel      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune.  Be careful with the timing of the first bar in both parts 1 and 3 - you're cutting the second E - the one after the strike, and getting to the double C early, which affects the rhythm - make sure to hold those long notes for their full value, even if they don't fall on a down beat. Great birls throughout!  Please note that taorluaths should be starting with a G gracenote, rather than an E gracenote, even when they're following a double C and it would feel more natural to play an E gracenote next - it still must be a G gracenote because it's at the beginning of a taorluath.  Some of yours were correct, but some were not.  Great musicality in your playing - just be cautious of a few of the little rhythmic issues as noted, and watch the beginning of those taorluaths.  Enjoyable overall - thanks!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Euan Graham           Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Very well chosen tempo - relaxed enough to ensure that most of your embellishments came through cleanly but yet lively enough not to sound dull.  Embellishments very good for the most part.  A few minor misses - sometimes your birl didn't quite come through with two hits, and sometimes the C doublings were crushed so that each gracenote didn't sound separate and distinct - open them up a little.  You played a different note than what I'm used to hearing - specifically, in the last line, bar 2, at the end of the first grouping of four notes, you played a low A, and I'm used to hearing a C - but it could well be that's what is in your music.  You might want to check a different setting though.  In any event, I won't call it as an error, but please point it out to your tutor if in fact your music does have it as a low A because I believe the original score has a C there.  Great performance overall - very steady mature playing with very strong and clean fingerwork.  Thanks!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gabriel P Holbrook           Tunes: The Glenfinnan Highland Gathering      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Very nice musical piece - excellent rhythm throughout.  Unfortunately your drones weren't quite locked in tune from the start, which was a little bit distracting.  A few crossing noises creeping in here and there, noticeably in the 4th bar of the 1st line of each part where you're shifting from bottom to top hand twice in quick succession.  Make sure the bottom hand fingers don't go down before the top hand fingers come up - that's what causes the crossing noises.  Nice High A grips 4th part! Make sure you give yourself a strong low G at the beginning of each D throw.   This was a very enjoyable performance from a musical perspective.  Your tempo and rhythm throughout were fabulous.  Unfortunately the embellishment issues and technical imprecisions let you down just a bit.  Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Heather Mcfarlane           Tunes: King George the Fifth's Army      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: A quick tempo for this tune - be careful to keep it under control in order to make sure all of your embellishments come out cleanly. It's very musical sounding, but not all of your embellishments are being completed. High A a touch on the flat side. A really enjoyable performance, but just a few too many little fumbles and technical imprecisions which I believe could be cleaned up if you brought the tempo down even 5 - 6 bmp.  Thanks for playing!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jared Mays           Tunes: P/M Willie Gray      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Very clean playing, but perhaps at the cost of some musicality.  I found the tempo just a little too draggy.  It does allow you to ensure that your embellishments are clean though!  I really like this tune - one of my favourite marches.  You're obviously putting some pointing/phrasing into it - just be careful not to jump off the end of one beat in order to get to the next beat so that you can hold it.  For example, in part 3, in bar 1, you're rushing off the dotted 1/16th E at the end of the first note grouping and then slighty overholding the next beat note, which in this case is a C with a doubling on it.  I understand what you're trying to do in terms of emphasizing the down beats, but just be careful not to sacrifice the length of other notes just to get to those down beats early. Very strong performance - just watch some of the phrasing issues as noted above.  Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Maik Snippe           Tunes: Walter Douglas MBE, The Pipers Cave      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: A very brisk pace for Walter Douglas.  Slowing it a little might help to ensure that all of the embellishments are in place - you were consistently leaving out some doublings, specifically the half doubling and then the full doubling on B in Bar 4 in parts 1 and 2.  Nice D throws, and nice birls!  Same comments on the second tune - a bit too fast, and the tempo is detrimental to the tidiness and completion of embellishment.  Some of the embellishments are great, but in general your doublings are weaker than throws and birls in that the two gracenotes are either not fully played, or they're not distinctly heard.  Slow down just a little, and make sure all of the fingerwork gets in there.  A nice musical performance - just a few technical issues to work on.  Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Matthew Turley           Tunes: The Dundee Military Tattoo      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: A carefully chosen tempo for this tune - slow enough to make a good effort at fitting in all of the embellishments while still sounding musical.  Be careful of the tachum at the end of Bar 7 of each part - you're not always landing the gracenotes properly on the short B and long low G.  Sometimes it helps with tachums which are placed right after a short note if you cut the short note a little less - in this case it's the short D after the long E.  Don't hold the D or anything, just try to be a little more conscious of not cutting it super short - that might help your tachum fall into place better.  Great taorluaths!  Just a few little stumbles with the tachums -otherwise a strong, musical performance.  Thanks!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Maureen Moore           Tunes: Duncan MacInnes      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo.  While I like to promote lifting gracenotes nice and high, I think you're overdoing it with some of your G gracenotes, only insofar as they're considerably higher than the second gracenote of every doubling and it's just a bit distracting.  Your embellishments are very good otherwise - you're not missing any, and there were only a few very tiny technical imprecisions where a small crossing sound crept in, but the overly-large G gracenotes means that the doublings didn't quite have a "Dou-ble" sound; rather, the first gracenote was overly prominent, and the second one was much smaller.  Still, very lively, musical performance, and I enjoyed it aside from the not insignificant issue as noted.  Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Orin Weiss           Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont-Hamel      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Relaxed tempo for this tune - perhaps just a touch on the slow side.  Still, you're keeping it steady and consistent.  A few missed embelishments early on - make sure you fit everything in!  As an example, the very first beat note in the tune - a short C - was missing that very important G gracenote.  Nice open doublings on C throughout, and excellent birls!  Make sure you get lots of low B in your taorluaths.  Sometimes there could be more low G especially after the D gracenote.  A very strong performance from a technical perspective; however, the tempo, being a little slow, took away a bit of the musical flow.  Still, enjoyable overall.  Thanks!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Thomas Harkins           Tunes: Jim McBay’s Welcome      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: A bold choice for this contest - quite a challenging tune!  You kept the tempo under control, which, while quite cautious sounding, did allow you to fit in most of the difficult embellishments.  This tune is just full of taorluaths, and you nailed almost all of them, although perhaps at the cost of losing some of the musical flow of the tune. Tiny slip 4th part.  Overall, great display of technical work but the tempo was just a little slow and the piece didn't really flow as much as it could have.  It's a tough choice - a simpler tune that you can play at a good clip of 62 - 64 bmp, or a very tricky tune that you need to bring down a lot slower in order to fit it all in.  I appreciate what you did with this tune, but in general I prefer the former approach.  Still, enjoyable, and a very strong performance!  Thank you.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: David Dailey      Place: 1      Tunes: The Haughs of Cromdale      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Nice birl movement. Drones not 100% locked, but pretty good with Low A. Keep working on developing your technique - HG gracenote quite offten missing from some notes. Transition through shorter passing notes - sometimes missed the shorter note altogether. Good base to work from - keep it up!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Kyle Wallis      Place: 2      Tunes: Walter Douglas      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set. Tempo a little quick. Birl in a little soon end of each part. Need to get more musicical expression from the tune. Very competently played, well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Abby Long      Place: 3      Tunes: Dr. E.G. MacKinnon      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Pause at each end of your marching beat and turn around around a little more slowly, pause again before you step off again. Great darado end of each part. Very competently handled, pipe well set. Wee birl miss. Need to focus effort now on getting the maximum music from the tune - 2 bar phrasing, upbeats etc. Enjoyable listen.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Emil Flach      Place: 4      Tunes: Captain Norman Orr-Ewing      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Drones not 100% together. Nice chanter sound. Very competently played. A couple of wee misses 3rd part. Top hand technique tending to be a bit small - don't let it get any tighter! Good stuff.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Bill Stuart      Place: 5      Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Drones well set. A couple of wee crossing noises creeping in. Watch execution of E doubling 3rd part from F. Wee choke 4th part. Very competently played on a nice pipe.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Camille Layt      Place: 6      Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Drones not 100% together - bass in particular, but good effort at tuning. Tachums 3rd part a little unclear. A few wee technical inaccuracies creeping in. Good steady tempo. Keep developing accuracy with all fingering - you have a very good base to work from. Good stuff.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Bradley Kenna           Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Drones well set. Nice steady tempo. Watch execution of birl. A few wee chokes and technique misses. Otherwise very competently played.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Brian Pack           Tunes: The Battle of Killicrankie      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Nice birl movement. Drones not well set. Nice consistent tempo. Excellent F doubling. Need to strive for clean and clear fingering throughout your performance. B doubling in particular not clear. Otherwise an enjoyable listen.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Davin Aycock           Tunes: Annie Anderson      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: F a little flat, drones not 100% locked together. Good tempo. Watch execution of all technique - need a lot more clarity and accuracy throughout. HG note sometimes played with E finger down. Otherwise, a competent performance.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada           Tunes: Siege of Delhi      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set. Good tempo and competently played. D a little flat. Don't let your technique get any smaller - some is not clear (taorluaths). Some B and C doublings missing. Take a little more care, you certainly have the ability. Enjoyable listen!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Guido Riedemann           Tunes: Lady Lever Park      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Nice sound and a good tempo. Watch execution of Throw on D - need to start it with a low G gracenote. Very good F doubling. A little rushing in the 3rd and 4th parts. Focus now on getting good, accurate technique. Enjoyable stuff.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Hamish Burnie           Tunes: Father John Macmillan Of Barra      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Pipe over-powering the microphone a bit. Very competently played. Technique not always clear - ensure it doesn't get too tight. Tachums tending to be clipped. Take a little more care with your technical execution. Enjoyabe listen.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jennifer Toussaint           Tunes: Atholl and Bredalbane Gathering      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Try to flatten the fingers on your top hand. E - F - E dbl not clear throughout Good tempo. Quite a bit of missed technique. Take a little more care to ensure you play all technique clearly - you can certainly do it!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: John Virag           Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Drones could be set better. Nice chanter sound. Good tempo. Watch execution of E dbl, especially from a short F. Try to get all technique more accurate - you can afford to open it out a bit. An enjoyable listen.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Josie Doefer           Tunes: Siege of Delhi      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Different setting of the first part than what I have. A few chokes. Some shorter linking notes missing. Tempo a little quick. Focus on putting all the correct notes and embellishments in, and pick a slightly slower tempo to give you a better chance of achieving this.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jürgen Schrall           Tunes: Duncan McInnes      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Good chanter sound, drones not well set together. Competently played. Need to open up technique a bit - it is not clear. Need LG in throw on D. Good tempo. Overall a pleasant listen. Need to get the drones set better. Keep developing technique to ensure it is clear.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Kathleen Beveridge           Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Drones not well set together. Chanter well set, less F tending a bit sharp. Keep developing technique to ensure it is executed clearly and cleanly. Need to get a nice double sound for E and B doublings, achieved by getting an accurate HG gracenote on the theme note, then putting in the final gracenote. Otherwise, competently played.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Robert Farrell           Tunes: King George V’s Army      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe. Need to ensure all technique is accurate and clear. Throw on D and taorluaths especially. Quite a few crossing noises creeping in. Excellent birl movement. Lively tempo - could steady the tempo down a bit and give yourself a little more time to get your technique in. An enjoyable listen.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Samuel Poage           Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Settle yourself before starting. Drones need to be set better. A little quick. Wee slip into 3rd Part, chokes creeping in. 4th part errors. OK, but pick a slower tempo and make sure your technique is accurate - you certainly have the ability to do it!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Sean Stewart           Tunes: PM Willie Grays Farewell To The Glasgow Police      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Could not access video
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Sid Baker           Tunes: Capt. Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Very competently played. Drones not locked together. Try to mark the end of each 2 bar phrase a little more. Cracking throw on D!! Very enjoyable listen!.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Thomas Bergin           Tunes: 79th Farewell to Gibraltar      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Need to tunes drones to ensure they are together. Good tempo. Make sure all technique is clear and accurate - take more care. Wee slips 4th part. Plenty of potential - make sure you are doing the basics correctly.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Vicki Kennerley           Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane gathering      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Watch execution of E Doubling from a short F. Pipe well set. Tempo perhaps a little brisk. HG gracenote quite often missed throughout the tune. Very competent performance.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Nicholas Shelburn      Place: 1      Tunes: Maggie Cameron & Alick C. MacGregor      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes very well set with a great balance drones to chanter. Lovely steady sweet pipe. Tune played at a good lively tempo. Tune very well handled with good phrasing and expression throughout. Technique overall is very good with solid strong clean fingering. Nicely into the reel with a good steady tempo again tune very well phrased with lovely expression. Overall a very enjoyable performance with a great solid understanding of both idioms
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Vicki Kennerley      Place: 2      Tunes: Molly Connell, Aspen Bank, Piper of Drummond, Circassian Circle      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Nicely set pipe. Lovely balance drones to chanter. Lovely sweet pitch to the pipe. Nice lively tempo for the strathspeys. Tunes very well phrased and expressed with good solid strong fingering technique. Minor point some throw D s were on the light side. Nicely into reels again tunes kicking along at a lively tempo. Nice phrasing and expression throughout both reels. A lovely musical performance of these tunes on a good pipe showing a great understanding of both idioms. Very enjoyable listening.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Alec Macdonald      Place: 3      Tunes: Maggie Cameron,The Sound of Sleat      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes ok quite set. Nice balance drones to chanter. Nice steady tempo for this tune. Tune very well phrased with good expression throughout. Great clean solid technique throughout. Great musical playing here. A touch too quick into the reel. Although you are handling the tempo well. Slightly on the quick side which has the effect that the tune is slightly round in places. Check the setting at the end of the last part. Overall a very good performance with a great understanding of what is required for both idioms.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Kyle Wallis      Place: 4      Tunes: Caledonian Canal Lexi McCaskell      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Great pipe well balanced between drones and chanter. Lovely projection from the instrument. Good tempo for this tune. Tune very well played watch E doublings some were a bit on the light side. Overall technique is solid and strong. Tune well presented. Nicely into reel. Watch E strikes some where lighter than others. Overall a very well played reel showing good phrasing and expression. Both tunes very well played showing a complete understanding of the musical idioms.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Rebecca Morris      Place: 5      Tunes: Captain Colin Campbell, Kalabakan      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Lovely well set pipe with great balance drones to chanter. Lovely sweet sounding chanter. Tune played at a good tempo with good phrasing and expression throughout. Good overall strong solid fingering and technique. One minor point is don't rush the runs at the end of parts. Nicely into reel slight choke 1st part. However tune very well phrased and expressed. Good confident playing of a technically demanding tune. Both tunes very well played on a good pipe with solid strong fingering technique. Good grasp of both musical idioms.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Bruce Downie      Place: 6      Tunes: Lady Loudon, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Lovely well set and balanced pipe with a lovely sweet sounding chanter. Pipe overall was very nicely pitched. Tune played at a good tempo. Nice playing with good phrasing and expression. Slightly longer required on strong beat in places. However the tune overall was well played. Lovely break into reel. Some high quality playing here. Tune kicking along at a lively tempo. However it was still musical and well phrased and expressed. Overall a very good performance on a good pipe with a good sound knowledge of what is required for strathspey and reel playing. Enjoyable listen.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Daniel McNamara           Tunes: Susan McLeod/Lexie Macaskill      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite well set. Drones slightly out at start. Tempo very slightly on the slow side. Some doublings and taurlauths were on the light side. We need to hear the full movements. Tune quite well phrased and expressed. Some minor slips throughout. You may need to check your music. Nicely into the reel. Tune played at at an acceptable tempo. Tune reasonably well phrased and expressed. Some minor technique issues in 3 rd part. Need to close the chanter fully. Overall a reasonable performance showing an understanding of both idioms.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: David McMillan           Tunes: Ewe with the Crooked Horn; Fiona Macleod      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set. Good balance drones to chanter. Great projection from the pipe. Good tempo for this tune. Tune well phrased with good solid technique throughout. Some D strikes on the light side. They need to be all the same. Nicely into the reel again good playing here. Tune well phrased at a good tempo. Two good tunes well played. However your recording g cuts of at the end two bars before the end of the reel. Good understanding of both idioms evident.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Davin Aycock           Tunes: The Falls of Forsy, Sandy Cameron      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes ok quite well set. Chanter a bit on the harsh side. Tempo ok for this tune. You need to point the tune more with much more emphasis on the strong beat in the tune. The sequence strong weak medium weak has to be followed with more emphasis on the strong. Watch taurlauths movement has to be the full movement. Reel too quick tempo wise. Mistake at the start of the tune. The tune being too fast is stopping any phrasing or expression being heard in the tune. Overall you have solid technique and overall solid fingering.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Euan Graham           Tunes: The Caledonian Society of London, The Blackberry Bush      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set and a good pitch. The balance drones to chanter is good. Overall technique is solid. Tempo for strathspey is good. Some slight crossing noises in first part C to high A. Grips on high second part we must hear the full movement throughout the part. Phrasing ok in this tune. Well into reel. Watch strikes in 1st part some where a bit light. Nice tempo for this reel. Tune well phrased. Overall a well thought out performance with a good sound knowledge of what's required. Showing great potential keep up the practice.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Hamish Burnie           Tunes: Maggie Cameron/Alick C. McGregor      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Very poor recording of your performance. This sound was quite unclear. However pipes sounded ok technique overall was solid. Tempo was ok. Some crossing noises throughout the tune from top to bottom hand. The phrasing was very square in places. More emphasis on the strong beat is required throughout the tune. Well into the reel and tempo ok. Some untidy passages throughout however phrasing and expression was better in the real. Overall you have a good idea of what is required for both idioms.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Heather Mcfarlane           Tunes: Arniston Castle and the Blackberry Bush      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Nice well set pipe offering good balance drones to chanter. Pipe nicely pitched and well blown. Nice start to the tune at a good lively strathspey tempo. Overall technique is ok. 1st part started well slight slip into 5th bar. Some D throws on the light side in 2nd part. Some slips second and third parts. Make sure you close the chanter properly when coming from top to bottom hand. This was noticeable in the 2nd part. Nicely into reel with a good steady tempo. Very well played reel slip in 2nd part. Overall both tunes well phrased and expressed. Some nervousness took over I think hence the slips but nevertheless you showed good musicality in your playing with a good sound grasp of both idioms.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Matthew Turley           Tunes: Molly Connell, The Piper of Drummond      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes ok drones slightly out at the start of the tune. Balance drones to chanter was ok. Slight slip 1st part of tune. You played first measure 3 times. Technique in strathspey was ok overall. Nicely into reel. Some mistakes throughout the reel. I think you need to check the music or the arrangement of the tune. Overall both tunes quite well phrased and expressed. Slight choke at the end of the reel. Pipe chanter Reed maybe on the strong side. Making it slightest weaker will assist your concentration and playing. Overall tunes well phrased showing an understanding of what is required for both idioms.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Meric Aycock           Tunes: Niamh McKerrell, The Rejected Suitor      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Nice pipe overall. Chanter possibly flat on top hand notes. Drones well set. Tune played at a good tempo. Nice phrasing and expression. Some strikes at the end of parts were light and we need to hear the complete movement. Slightly quick into the reel. Tune in the fast side which is effecting the phrasing and expression making the tune sound rushed. Bring the tempo back slightly to get more out of the tune. You have demonstrated a good understanding of what is required for both idioms.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Thomas Bergin           Tunes: Mac an Irish, Becky Ewan      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes slightly out at start. Chanter slightly high pitched. Strathspey played at a good tempo. Overall technique is ok. Nice setting of this tune which is not often heard. Tune phrased well with good expression. Technique overall good. Nicely into reel tempo good here. Some slight crossing noises on bottom hand be aware of this. Overall both tunes quite well phrased and played. Showing a good understanding of what is required for both tunes.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Tim Riddle           Tunes: Caledonian Canal & Lexy McCaskill      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Lovely sweet pipe great balance drones to chanter. Chanter well pitched. Overall technique is solid. Tune was very well phrased and expressed. Slight chokes last part chanter Reed possibly on strong side. Nicely into reel. Nice tempo. Good controlled musical playing. Overall a good performance on a good pipe. You have displayed a good sound knowledge of what is required for both tunes.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Orin Weiss      Place: 1      Tunes: Pipe Major Donald McLean of Lewis      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: An excellent performance Orin. I really enjoyed this. A couple of little minor issues detracted but this was a very strong performance for the grade and might not have been out of place in Grade 3. I felt you were leaping at that D throw in the 4th bar, also your High G doublings are coming in early, and at times a little over delayed before your birl. Additionally you started to push a little bit in the latter stages , however this was really good musical performance with exceptionally clean execution. Well done
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nicholas Shelburn      Place: 2      Tunes: Colonel Campbell's Farewell to the Regiment      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A great performance Nicholas. You started really well (make sure you blow that first note properly though!) Full of swing, control and precise technique, great to hear. A couple of things to watch early on -missed the first E dbl, early D strikes, that F dbl in the 2nd part a shade tight and acouple of tiny crossing noises. The third and fourth just got a little bit rushed in places, fingerwork got a bit tighter and you lsot some of that accuracy. Keep working at it, loads of talent on display here! Great prospect.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brendan Nicholls      Place: 3      Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Brendan, a very polished performance. Very clean fingerwork from start to finish, and a lovely bagpipe to boot..however, the High G was quite flat and a bit distracting. There was a lot of good music coming out of the tune, it was certainly very steady from the outset. However a few things to work on - a few of the 3 note groups were coming across a bit even (F E D being one that stood out from time to time) also you are tending to grab your half doublings ahead of the beat, as well as the C doublings in bar 4, the D doubling to start part 3 and a couple of B doublings as well. Make sure you are landing those first G grace notes right on the beat. The early doublings just gave across that feeling of rushing. But overall, very tidy and enjoyable
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart      Place: 4      Tunes: Rabs Wedding      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Sean. This was one of the cleanest performance I heard in the grade - great hands! But, the tune needs a bit more expression coming out. It started a shade on the round side and I felt as it progressed you started to push the beat and rush a bit more, and it ended up a little bit "straight through". Take it back a bit and work on that expressional side.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vicki Kennerley      Place: 5      Tunes: Frank Thompson      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Vicki. A very confident uptake to the tune here , great forward motion form the outset with tidy fingerwork. As it progressed it began to rush in places and I feel you could definitely draw some more music out of this by focussing on the downbeat expression. It felt a little straight through by the end. Certainly the last line you pushed that tempo up a tad. Clean fingers throughout but a little more musical expression would enhance this further.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aubre Scott      Place: 6      Tunes: Pipe Major Donald Maclean of Lewis      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Cheers Aubre. A great start to this performance, well articulated Tachum and generally pretty clean. However I felt the overall presentation was a little aggressive and clippy. Tending to over do some of the accents and was being compensated with your cuts. Part 3 was very clippy I felt. Needs to relax a bit and let it flow through. You were missing a few of those E strikes and a few crossing noises were creeping in as it progressed. You have a lovely birl and solid fingers overall , but work on the relaxing it off a bit and get a some nice expression in here
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Allen Workman           Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Allen, a very steady musical performance here. Good control but importantly good swing throughout which was enjoyable. I felt that the technique was a little light and tight. Those grips were certainly a bit inaccurate , your pinky is lifting first causing a thick crossing noise. I must admit I didnt enjoy the sound of the chanter, and it doesnt appear to match the fingers...seems electronic.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bill Stuart           Tunes: 10th H.L.I. Crossing the Rhine      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Cheers Bill. Overall a well controlled performance, perhaps a wee nick up of the tempo would add a bit more life, but it certainly wasnt too slow You certainly had swing and music , a few areas of rounding (F E D groups a little bit straight through) Also suffered at tiumes from some inaccurate fingerwork and crossing noises, most notably in the 4th part, they were a bit more prominent in there and also a wee choke noted. Doublings were nice and clean but have a loot at your grip to E, pinky sounds like it is coming off first giving a thick crossing noise.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bruce Downie           Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A pretty robust performance here , steady and controlled I thought. THe first tachum was a little bit crushed, but general execution was quite good Started to round off a bit as you progressed the 2nd part and a few crossing noises started to creep in as well. Birl in the 4th part not quite clean . Take a look at the last 2 bars though , should be a D gracenote to B after the low G, you were definitely playing a full D there throughout.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carol Peabody           Tunes: The Cock of the North      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Cheers Carol. The main thing I think that needs some work here is your timing and controlling where that beat is landing. It was evident that the fingerwork and the marching, were not quite syncing up together. This created a bit of a disjointed feel throughout so you definitely need to work on this. Techncially there were a few issues m those Tachums are very crushed, and im not hearing the gracenotes clearly. There were also quite a lot of crossing nosies and generally the embellishments lacked clarity. The main thing for me, is work on the steady beat and be confident woth where the beat is landing.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Basaez Diaz           Tunes: Pibroch of Donuild Dubh      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A very steady musical performance, tempo was solid from start to finish. Definitely would benefit from some attention to cleaning up the embellishments and fingerwork. Your doubling work was quite crushed overall , definitely need to work on the overall clarity of those movements. Also a number of crossing nosies evident which detracted from the music. Really work on your fingerwork articulation.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David McMillan           Tunes: Angus Mackinnon      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Pretty good stuff here David. Started well, nice and clean with steady tempo and good music. The chanter was just a little sharp to the drones i felt. It just began to race away a little bit as it progressed, and was a shade frantic by the 4th part. You were just losing that control across your phrases / line / part endings. You were tending to grab the beats and pick up notes early and lost control a little bit, which caused the fingers to get a touch untidy and crushed. Just work on that control and this will be up there!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Davin Aycock           Tunes: Jean Mauchline      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Davin. A shade frantic at the start, compose yourself a bit in the opening 2 bars. Then it just lost a bit of flow, tending to overhold in places. 2nd part - definitely a wrong note there, shoukd be an E not a D in that first bar between the Fs. Execution pretty good, tidy for the most part - grabbing at the torluaths in the 3rd part and they were a little crushed as a result. The tune just suffered from being a little erratic around the beat , eg You really rushed into that final line! Very frantic there. Chanter also a shade flat to the drones
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Evans           Tunes: Angus McColl      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Eric. The tune really needs to be played more up tempo for the March category, it was played here very much akin to a slow March. In saying that the tune was rather pleasant - nice melody! Just suffered a little from some crossing noises and a loss of flow (grip / bubbly note section 2nd part) and a few missed gracenotes and embellishments here or there as well. Drones a little wayward also
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gabriel P Holbrook           Tunes: Turriff and District Pipe Band      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Loved the music here Gabriel. Lots of swing and expression from the outset, which was well maintained throughout the tune. However the technique was just lacking in clarity , the embellishments need a little bit of work on their articulation and accuracy to really get the most out of this. There was also quite a lot of crossing nosies evident which detracted from the performance. Pipes ok, but the D was very sharp
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada           Tunes: Pibroch of Donald Dhu      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A well presented 6 8 here Gonzalo on a robust bagpipe. Pretty good overall , solid music, great tempo. I just felt the overall fingerwork was a bit on the tight side, that D gracenote in the last bar just isnt quite accurate and you were losing those grips in the 3rd part. As it progressed I felt you were stabbing at the beats a little early rather than letting it flow. However , was still an enjoyable tune, just work on opening out the fingerwork a touch
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Guido Riedemann           Tunes: The Glendaruel Highlanders      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Guido. Overall the tune was a a little on the unsteady side. You are tending to go and grab your pick up notes and beats early, which creating a disjointed feel. There were some good elements of swing in places but was tending to a be little out of control with that beat placement. Definitely work on this aspect of of your finger control. A little bit untidy technically, the embellishments require a little bit more clarity. This will also help to tidy up the musical side. The more in control of the fingers the better the tune will be. Pipes were solid!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hamish Burnie           Tunes: Colonel Campbell's Farewell to the Regiment      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Cheers Hamish, first - it was a little hard to hear this performance, the mic was a little muffled so not sure I got to hear the best of this. However it was a very steady musical performance I thought. A well controlled tempo which didnt fluctuate so well done. For me the fingerwork was a little tight and crushed, plus you were certainly clipping in areas. Certainly a few clenliness issues (final phrase on the top hand felt untidy) A little choke there as well in the 2nd part. Overall pretty good but I fell you can get a little bit more out of the fingers
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Heather McFarlane           Tunes: Ms. Lily Christie      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Heather. Firstly - take a shade off that tempo! Definitely set off too fast and the fingers werent a getting a chance to shine - a few missed movements (strikes in particular) but I can tell it is in there so give yourself the best chance. A couple of early crossing noises and squirls detracted, and it never felt totally settled. Tending to jump off your downbeat a bit quick, and some middle notes were disappearing. Couple of errors in the 4th as well. Pipe pretty good but Low G very sharp. I wonder if you might be more comfortable with the cords a bit closer together on the pipe as well. Overall - just take it back a bit, work on the expressional side
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian MacPhail           Tunes: High Island      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thaks for this Ian, a very confident presentation overall. Great forward momentum on display here which was generally well controlled. However there was the odd area of rushing, certainly was pushing the beat through the last part and also into that 2nd timing of the 2nd part. FIngerwork was pretty good, a littlie tight at times - I think you were overclipping a bit through the cut notes which putting pressure on the fingers and causing some inaccuracies. However, I really this enjoyed this overall and there is a lot of talent here for the future. Well done
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Schrall           Tunes: P/M Donald MacLean of Lewis      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Jurgen. A very musical performance, was full of swing and forward motion which was great. The tmpo didnt falter and I liked the overall control. It was just marred a little by finger innaccuracies and a lot of crossing noises. Right from the outset , that very first tachum - it needs some work to get the proper articulation there. Overall it just felt a little messy at times due to those inaccuracies and crosses. There was the odd little squirl as well coming out of the chanter - perhaps not quite fully accurate when covering the holes. The music is absolutely in there! Keep working on improving the fingerwork
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kenneth Jambard Jr.           Tunes: Captain E.B.B. Towse V.C.      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A steady musical performance Kennethon a nice bright and well set bagpipe. There was certianly the swing we love in a 68 evident, but a few of those bottom hand movements were a shade "clunky" , and were starting a bit early (torluath especially) which gave the tune a hint of rounding. On th eflip side some doublings were very very tight (D doubling for example) The embellishments just need a look to get a bit of a finer balance to them which will aid the music considerably. In saying that it was quite clean but a hint of an error in the 4th part too. Well done
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Maureen Moore           Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A good performance here Maureen. Generally clean with a well held tempo , just a couple of crossing noises evident. You just tend to rush some of the more intricate passages in an effort to ensure their accuracy - I can see and hear the fingers working very hard! I think you need ot relax those hands. That will help the music to flow a bit better, it was a little stilted and heavy at times because of this. (Especially the third part!) Overall, pleasing but look at relaxing the hands
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Meric Aycock           Tunes: P/M Donald Maclean of Lewis      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Meric. You have very clean and tidy fingers which is great, however the tune just lacked a little bit of musical expression. It was a little stilted throughout, however the third got a little bit better. Definitely need to pull a little bit more out of your downbeat, will also that swing that we love in a 6 8 march. A bit of a technical mis step evident in the 3rd and I also note that you arent closing the D gracenote to B in the final bar. Also there should be a birl at teh start of the 4th part. Good executuion overall, but as said, just needs some focus on the musical side.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rick Beaulieu           Tunes: Mrs Lilly Christie      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Rick. Overall I felt this was just a little on the frantic side. Was a bit eager from the outset and never got the chance to settle. Execution was a touch ragged, the embellishments were certainly a little inconsistent and quite a few crossing noises were creeping in as the tune progressed. Relax, take the tune back a touch and try to get those fingers a little cleaner to aid the musical aspect
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sid Baker           Tunes: Mrs. Melody Piper      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: This is a tune I have never heard , what a lovely melody, you were certainly sympathetic to this melody throughout. Good swing and flow overall. You had a lovely composed start, and generally the tempo from here was well controlled (maybe just a little lethargic) but I felt it began to rush a little in the 3rd part, but it didnt get away from you which is good. Just suffered a little from some untidy fingerwork, take a look at the D doublings - they had a bit of a crossing noise evident, the E doublings were very crushed and the Torluath a bit messy. Also just suffered from a few crossing noises here or there. Overall a lovely musical presentation.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Thomas Harkins           Tunes: Donald McLean of Lewis      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Thomas. A little bit rushed to start the tune, but settled ok by the 3rd bar. 4th bar a bit untidy, the odd crossing noise creeping in too. Certainly rushing a bit off yout phrase endings as well. The tune was perhaps lacking a little energy and became a little round and plodding through the 3rd and 4th parts. A few articulation errors also noted in the 4th. Not too bad, but just needs a little more life in those latter parts.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tim Riddle           Tunes: Dovecote Park      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Tim. I felt when you started you were just overdoing it a bit with the bar to bar control, so the tune didnt have enough flow. Also that first torluath was a bit tight and not articulated throughout. It began to rush a bit as you progressed through, certainly were grabbing a few beats early (start of 2nd part for example) and added with some of the overcontrol created a slightly disjointed feel. General execution was pretty good, like I said look at that torluath. A bit of choke in the 4th part there and a few inaccuracies evident. Not too bad but needs to find a bit more of a steady swing.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Glen Jorgensen      Place: 1      Tunes: Black Donald's March      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice intro to line 1 of the ground. Spaced, C to C grips tight @ times. Thumb: Nice High A!!!! Spacing C to C much better here. Keep consistant is the key! Pipes good, chanter nice. Work on the above mentioned. Thank you!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Anja Maroske-Jeck      Place: 2      Tunes: Corrienessan`s Salute      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Nice intro to line 1. Could push the B ever so slightly to C grip, "Taste" factor. A very slight crossing noise from F to C to E line 2. Var 1:nice control in line 1. Hee-ba-ba movement, could used a bit more fluidness in the motion. Line 2, slight clip off F to E with g gracenote, subtle pulse here. Pipes good, chanter good!! Work on the ares above. Thank you!!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Andreas Popp      Place: 3      Tunes: The Old Womans Lullaby      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Nice intro to line 1.Hold C a tad for "taste" in line2, bar 2. Line 3 bar 3, anchoe the E to F. Var 1: Nice transition to line 1. C grips could open up the movement for a better musical flow. Work on these areas. Pipes are good, chanter good, (F) a tad flat. Thank you!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Nicholas Shelburn      Place: 4      Tunes: The Company's Lament      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: nice intro to line 1. nice flow throughout, watch slight crossoing noise F to B, line 3. Var 1: Nice transition to line 1. Watch slip on F in line 3. No double high A in line 3 bar3. Work on the areas above. Pipes good, Chanter good.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Abby Long      Place: 5      Tunes: The Glen is mine      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice start to the Ground. Nicely played throughout, watch the E to E grips,a tad tight. Open up for a more musical flow. Var.1: Nice playing in here, again, open up the E grips, a tad tight. High A theme notes played nicely with a grace of expression. Pipes nice, drones a tad sharp to chanter, but holding steady. Work on areas above. Thank you!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Ray Morrison      Place: 6      Tunes: Duncan MacRae of Kintail's Lament      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Nice intro to line 1. Anchor C grip to E cadence to B, pushing off C grip. Line 3 too deliberate on B to D throw. Var 1: Nice transition to line 1. Again, too deliberate on B to D throw. Anchor E cadence to Burl, clipping off E. Pipes good, chanter good. Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Bill Stuart           Tunes: The Little Spree      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: A bit rushed into the ground.Relax/control the 1st bar of the ground.Lost a bit, memeory laspe in line 2, but held your composer well. Doubling of Ground: Nice flow on C to C grips, and B to B grips. Better control in here. Pipes good, Bass slightly out of tune to chanter. Chanter good! Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Brian Pack           Tunes: The Boat Tune      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground:Nice intro to line 1.Anchor E cadenceto D then D strike. Subtle on the D throws. Variation1:Some gracenotes missing in Bar 1 &2 in line 1. Pushing off the theme notes, and clipping the "AN" notes in betwen. Work on these areas, for better musiacl flow and contrast in Var1. Pipes nice, drones not tune as tightly to the chanter. Chanter (F) sharp. Thank you!!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Bruce Downie           Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground:E cadence to burl needs work, D gracing to the motion of the burl, misplaced. High A to Verde" (F) movement, misplacement of G gracing to E back to F. Needs attention. Line 2 bar 1, E cadence to G gracenote on E to D to D strike, misplaced, need to hear the G gracenote on E , then to D. Line 2 bar 4, muuch better on this. Taorluath: movement needs to be open up for a better musical flow. Choke in line 2. D Taorluath gracing to low G needs work. Open up the movement, too tight. Pipes good,Chanter, (D) flat, Low (G) flat. Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Camille Layt           Tunes: MacFarlane's Gathering      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice start to the ground, open up the Taorluath's a tad, too tight, loosing the musical flow. Line 2 High A to Verde' to F a tad tight, open up for a better musical "taste" Nice edre's to E in line 3. Var 1: weak taorluath's at times, open up here as well. Over all playing of Var 1, good. Work on the consistencies of the movement, for a better musical flow. Pipes good, Bass slightly out of tune. Drones over all, could be tighter in tunning to the chanter. Chanter (F), a tad sharp. Work on the ares above. Thank you!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Daniel McNamara           Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground:Nice flow in pulse/cadences. Both Line's 1-3. Var1: Hold the theme notes a tad longer, slight memory laspe in line 1 on the repeat. careful. No need to play the doubling or taorluath. in Grade 4, ground and variation 1 only. work on the ares stressed.Pipes nice, drones, tighter tunning to chanter. Chanter good, (F) a tad flat. Thank you!!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: David McMillan           Tunes: Sir James Macdonald of the Isles Lament      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground:Slightly rushed, in cadences of Bar 5, line 1. E cadence to the burl, weak on the repeat of line 2. Var1: Nice intro in here. Pulse/cadences good in both lines 2&3. Work on the areas above. Pipes, good, drones could be tighter in tunning. Chanter good!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Jürgen Schrall           Tunes: The Field of Gold      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Going into the ground was nice, watch the E cadence to B with D gracing to C grip to F. Anchor the "E" a bit more. Slight choke in line 2. The same area to fix in Bar 4 in line 2 and 3. Var.1: Slightly pushed from end of ground to Variation 1. Remember, end one chapter to present the next chapter. Hold the Theme notes longer, and cut the"AN" notes in between. The Key in phrasing in here. Pipes nice, though could have drones tighter in tunning to chanter. Chanter good. Work on the areas above. Thank you!!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Maik Snippe           Tunes: Struan Robertson's Salute      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Introduction to the ground, statednicely. Though, you stop and started up again half way through the ground, technically that is a brake down. But, I then treated as a critique only. Anchor the low G to the B with D gracenote. Pushing off the B a tad. Line 1 bar 4. E cadence to the burl, misplacing D gracenote to the Burl. Work on this. Holding the High A's a tad too long in line 2 and 3. A "Taste" factor. The Tuarluath, missing e gracenote at tims. The movement was too tight, open up for better clarity. In doubling, pushing off the cadences too much, pushing off the theme notes a tad, increasing tempo in the cadences.Work on control and pace in the Tuarluath section. Drones need to be tighter in tunning to the chanter. Chanter, F sharp, D sharp.Work on these notes. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Megan Amoss           Tunes: Duncan Macrae of Kintail's Lament      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Nice start to line 1. C to C grips, too tight, spaceda tad, some are weak. Careful! Slight choke in line 2. C to C grips need consistency. Var1: Watch again, the C to C grips, tight @ times-open up for better clarity. Must hit consistency, is the key!! Pipes good, chanter good. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Nate Linsley           Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: a tad pushed into bar 1 of line 1, control to present. Nice flow on the repeat of line 1. Blowing on (F) unsteady @ times. Anchor low G ever so slightly on D throws, jumping off quickly. Taorluath: Slight churp, from High A to low A, end of line 3 of ground to Taorluath variation. E taorluaths, weak @ times. D taorluath on low G, way too tight, open up movement, for better clarity. Pips nice, drones could be tighter in tune to chanter. Chanter (F) flat. Work on the araes above. Thank you!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Susan Gothard           Tunes: Lament for the Little Supper      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground work on the e cadence to the burl with d gracing, misplaced the d gracing to the motion of the burl. Hindro movement on piob high G, not as clear, E gracenote and F gracenote not placed on low G to the before going back to high G. Yourfinger placement is wrong on this movement as well. Must have Forefinger and Ring finger up and Middle finger down, for the proper placement. Pulse/cadences in line 2 and 3 pushing too much. Control the theme notes in here. Pushing into the taorluath too quickly off the end of ground going into Taorluath variation. Remember to close one chapter, to proceed with the next chapter. The Taorluaths are way too tight, open up the movement for better clarity. Work on D taorluath's as well, too tight.Pipes nice, though drones could be tighter in tuning to chanter. Chanter good. Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Thomas Harkins           Tunes: Desperate Battle of the Birds (Killberry)      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Watch the B to B grip, weak. Slight choke line 1 bar 6. Try not to jump into Var,1, close one chapter to open the next! Careful here. Var1: skip Line 2 only abbreviated, thrn memeory laspe, then back to line 1, instead of line 3. Work on this, important to keep in check. Pipes nice, Bass, slightly out of tune to chanter. Chanter good. Work on the ares above. Thank you!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Tim Riddle           Tunes: Sir James MacDonald of the Isles Lament      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice intro to line one. Anchor E cadence in bar 3 line 2, pushing off slightly. Control here, though nice playing here. Slight choke in line 3 and going back into the ground, E cadence to the burl. Var 1: Nice intro, here, played nicely. Pushing off ever so slightly on the C theme notes @ times. Control cadenceson C's. Pipes good, drones slightly out of tune to chanter. Chanter good. Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alec Macdonald      Place: 1      Tunes: The Curlew      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Alec, a pretty good perormance here. Great tempo and generally well handled from start to finish. GDE work ok, not always totally clean, hearing a few inaccuracies here and there. A little but rushy at times towards the ends of your phrases. Slight slip in the 3rd part, and again some inaccurracies in your bottom hand. So, some things to tidy up but all in all a very good run.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Abby Long      Place: 2      Tunes: James Maclellan's Favourite      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: I really enjoyed this performance Abby! Your fingers are fantastic!! Very strong, very clean, very controlled - awesome, this can only go up from here. You were right on top of this tune, until a wee slip there in the 4th part. Also, just a shade on the even side, a jig should just have a bit of a litl too it so it doesnt become boring and stilted. Lastly, and the biggest issues - you are false fingering in the 2nd and 4th parts. Really work on fixing that. This was a top performance but suffered from that issue
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nicholas Shelburn      Place: 3      Tunes: The Thief of Lochaber      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Cheers Nicholas. First, always make sure you nail that very first Bubby note! Overall it was perhaps a little bit on the quick side..certainly it sped up in the 2nd part and also toward the end. Need to really work on that tempo control - this would also pay dividends with the fingerwork. I can tell you have good hands, but a lot of those B and C strikes were getting missed as you werent giving yourself the time to play them. It just got away from you a bit as it progressed. Work on keeping things nice and steady, let the fingers speak for themselves a bit.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Euan Graham      Place: 4      Tunes: The Banjo Breakdown      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Well done Euan, a very enjoyable rendition, and very well blown throughout. You display great control yet a nice forward momentum which is ideal for this idiom. What a lovely ripple through your D throw! And good clarity coming through on your GDE - keep that work going on the fundamentals. The biggest issue for me here - crossing noises! Really work hard at clearing these up as there quite a lot coming through. This was a good performance, but without those crosses it would be a great performance. Keep it up!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Steffan de Villiers      Place: 5      Tunes: Corkhill      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Cheers Stefan, a very positive start with good clean fingerwork. I would prefer to hear a more of a rounded feel as the dot / cut style of jig playing is a little old fashioned. However, this was going well. Got a little bit tight in the 3rd part, couple of technical issues there and in the 4th, some bits and pieces getting missed. Also - make sure you blow that high A full to avoid the crow. Drones not 100% locked, low A was certainly sharp.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bill Stuart      Place: 6      Tunes: Corkhill      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A great start here Bill, very steady, generally clean and well controlled. Just a couple of G gracenote inaccuracies and the odd little crossing noise but nothing dramatic. The third part got a little bit heavy , and notably slowed as you tried to fit the bottom hand strikes in, look to relax your hands here and let them bounce. 4th got a little bit more messy which was a pity. Good pipes, great sound. Work on those last 2 parts to polish the performance
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brendan Nicholls           Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Brendan. A very clean performance but it just lacked a bit of flow. You are tending overdo the weight on your quarter notes , which really interrupts the flow of the tune. Technically your playing is good but definitely need to work on getting the tune to go somewhere, and thats just a bit of confidence in getting away from those quarter notes.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: DJ Vaughan           Tunes: MCguire's Jig      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks DJ. A very steady tempo from the start , however the fingerwork was quite untidy throughout and the drones were quite wildly out of tune which really detracted. Work on steadying the ship a little bit fingerwork wise, get them under control,try to clear the crossing noises. Relax and take your time
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gabriel P Holbrook           Tunes: Pipe Major Joe Wilson      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: This tune would definitely benefit from taking the tempo back a notch and let the fingers breathe a bit. It was a little bit messy overall, quite a few crossing noises and it felt out of control. There was some reasonable GDE work coming through, but again it was a bit inconcsistent. Like I said, slow it down a bit, find that control.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada           Tunes: Cork Hill      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Set off at quite a pace there Gonzalo and the fingers couldnt quite keep up with it in order to produce a steady performance. The GDE was notably slower than the rest, and a shade on the dot cut side. Try to match the tempo to what you can handle with the GDE move and it will much more steady. There was a fair bit of technique missing and a number of crossing nosies as well. Wind the tempo back, relax it and this would great!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Heather Mcfarlane           Tunes: Ainsley's Jig      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Heather. It felt like you started a little bit on the frantic side and it didnt feel totally settled throughout - never quite locked in to the triplet feel. Fingers were a little out of control at times, certainly in that final phrase, also a bit untidy with the bottom hand work in the final bar (rushing at it and pushing the beat). Overall you had some dot / cut but also mied with even playing which added to the overall disjointed feel. I would be working on the control of the fingers to get on top of this idiom. Bagpipe was pretty solid, good drones but high A was certainly on the flat side
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian MacPhail           Tunes: The Curlew      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A pretty good performance here Ian. Started very well, nice and clean with good control. Overdoing the weight on the High G doubling a tad which disturbed your flow in the first part. Starting to get a couple of crossing noises in the 2nd, and rushing off your 3 note groups a bit. 3rd was a little untidy and losing hold the beat here. 4th - definitely overdoing the hold on the dotted quarter notes. Not too bad, but needs some refinement!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tim Riddle           Tunes: The Seagull      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Genrally a very clean performance fingerwork wise here Tim, howeve rth etune jsut lacked a bit of flow. Tending to get stuck a little bit on quarter notes and overall it was a touch too dot cut. Jigs need to get some forward motion , always somewhere in the middle - never too even, never too dot cut. You started to jump a little bit at the beat in the latter stages which gave a bit of a disjointed feel. The tempo could have also come up a little bit which might have aided the general flow
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vicki Kennerley           Tunes: Stool of Repentance      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Cheers Vicki, a solid start, clean fingers, GDE very good. Overdoing some of the accenting on your quarter notes which was interrupting the flow of the tune. As the tune progressed it felt a little more out of control and the beat was moving about a bit. Getting a bit tight with the top hand work in the 3rd and the 4th a little untidy throughout. Feels like it needs a wind back in the tempo to try to find that steady flow throughout. Drones not quite locked
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Dewar      Place: 1      Tunes: Mrs. H. L. MacDonald of Dunach Maggie Cameron Lumsden’s Rant      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Nice Tempo; 3rd part a little more D in front of the short D up to F; Good march! Strathspey: pushed on the C doublings in 1st part. You are playing very short C's and if you actually put your low A finger down as you would for a C it will probably put the length correct; missed F doubling Reel: Good into Reel and well played Overall: Solid MSR played on a nice instrument you show you control well from start to finish; I would like to see you play with less grip to eliminate the tightness that comes out in your march and reel playing; You have all the tools to do all of this with ease so just loosen up Andrew 🙂 Very enjoyable MSR!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charles Lewis      Place: 2      Tunes: March: Father John MacMillan of Barra; Strathspey: Struan Robertson; Reel: John MacKechnie      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Nice tempo; F a little sharp but pipe sounds pretty good; A little pushed but consistent in delivery throughoutt; Could use a little more short note presence; 4th part a little laboured at the end of bar 2 (Low A, D grace note to the short C up to the E doubling...keep D grace note small as it was better on repeat here). Strathspey: Good into Stratthspey; Again a little tight with short notes "ghosted" and really tight run at end of 1st part; Ensure you put your hands back to Low A in 2nd part following the first D throw which will actually make you sound out your F's more and keep you in rhythm and avoid false fingering; Good feel for Strathspey expression but slightly pushed in delivery. Reel: Aggressive entry to Reel; choke 1st part; aggressive tempo and coming across as a little pushed again here; could use a little more control in this tune by establishing more offbeat presence; setting a little different from what I am aware of (just to ensure you are playing accurately) and played four part version? Overall: You show excellent potential here and my comments above reflect an overall feel of you just being slightly tight and pushing tempo throughout; Would like to see you relax your hands a tad which will allow the short notes to become more audible as well as providing you more freedom to move about the chanter (which is actually much easier on your hands especially when playing MSR and Piobaireachd). Good Stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Liam Docherty      Place: 3      Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay, Maggie Cameron and Alick C Macgregor      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Good tempo to start; light B taorluath at end of first time through 1st part and again at the end of the repeat of 2nd part; slight miss on chanter in 4th part on half doubling on F...Solid march playing! Strathspey: Good into Strathspey; Nice lift and expression here; Watch you dont "ghost" the short B at end of the 3rd parts before the D throw. Reel: Good into Reel; Setting seems a little thin in terms of embellishments in 2nd part? Well played nonetheless! Overall: Excellent MSR played on a nice, solid instrument you controlled nicely all the way through; Keep your hands light to allow for more mobility and ensure you stay down on the Low G a little longer in your Taorluaths to avoid "light" comments as remember the Low G after the D grace note is just as important as the one before it! Show excellent promise well done!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Noah Mittwer      Place: 4      Tunes: Donald Maclean's farewell to Oban, Caledonian Canal, Colonel Macleod      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Good tempo to start; watch B short note before the C doubling at the part endings not too ghosted; nice expression and rhythm coming out from your march playing. Strathspey: Some catches due to D grace notes being a little too big in 1st part; C to E in 3rd part has crossing noises audible going hand to hand; Nice expression here. Reel: Nice into Reel and consistent tempo maintained throughout tune; Some little crossing noises audible here as well in the last part going from the C to E exchange. Overall: Nicely presented MSR on a solid bagpipe that was well tuned and controlled; I think you need to loosen up your grip a bit and do a little work on hand-to-hand exchanges to eliminate the slight crossing noises coming through and not gripping will be easier on your hands and actually make your short notes audible and hands slicker; You have excellent feel for the music and cleaning these things up will improve your performance but well done it was enjoyable to listen to.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: George Panagiotou      Place: 5      Tunes: PM Tom McAllistair, MacDonalds of Baleshore, Salmon Leap      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: This is P/M John Stewart...Nice tempo to start; Light birl at end of 2nd part; Sound quality from recording not great as pipe chanter sounds a bit distorted and drones do not sound on with Low A. Strathspey: Good into Strathspey; Nice expression; 2nd part short F before the Run down was a little tight at ending; Reel: laboured on opening D doubling in 3rd part; slgiht crossing noises in 4th part in hand-to-hand exchanges. Overall: Solid playing here in your MSR well done; Pipe sound detracting from overall performance and appears that it may be a tad hard which creates tension and inaccuracy so if you can make it easier I will improve your level of enjoyment for yourself and the listener; You have good feel for the music in all tunes so keep it up and an easier pipe is always more fun to play dont forget!!!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ailsa Wilson      Place: 6      Tunes: Brigadier General Ronald Cheape of Tiroran, Dorrator Bridge, Captain Lachlan Macphail of Tiree      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Nice tempo to start; light C doubling at endings of first part; pushed tacchum in third bar of 3rd part (last C tacchum you jumped early); Good march playing. Strathspey: Good into Strathspey; Watch your ending C doublings and ensure your putting your B finger down to Low A when you go up to the E just before the C doubling as you are early getting to and leaving from the E here already so NOT taking a short cut will put things right 😉 ; missed E hit in 3rd part. Reel: Good into Reel; crushed GDE in 3rd part; Missing short F's a couple of time in 4th part but again just pushing the beat a bit Overall: Good MSR playing on a nice instrument you have complete control of; I would suggest just getting the metronome out and double beat the March (3rd part to show how much time you actually have before you begin that last tacchum in the third bar) and Reel (find those short F's in 4th part 😉 as you have excellent hands and feel for the music. Good Stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil           Tunes: Miss Elspeth Campbell, Ewe with the Crooked Horn, The Rejected Suitor      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Controlled start but tempo well established; Slight catches in the 1st part indicating some tight hands and possibly gripping of the chanter; 3rd part light birl at end of first time ending; slight choke in the 4th part and light sounding tacchums Strathspey: Good into Strathspey; Taorluaths a little gripped here inhibiting the speed required for proper anunication; Nice expression in 3rd part and well played; good in 4th part. Reel: A little dirty at the end of the 2nd and 3rd part in terms of finger placement but generally a pretty good tune here for rhythm and accuracy. Overall: Not sure if pipe is slightly hard but this will increase your tension which in turn can cause gripping and inhibit your ability to move about the chanter freely (you can ask yourself if you feel you play better on your practice chanter or pipe and if not pipe it is most likely too hard); Still a solid MSR on a decent sounding instrument!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alistair MacKay           Tunes: Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban, Maggie Cameron, Lexy McAskill      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Good tempo; a little laboured at the end of the 1st part and weak birl; grip on B at ends of line 1 in each part a little inaccurate (laboured); Pretty consistent March just need to relax a tad to prevent the surging that actually gives you less time to play all the technique accurately. Strathspey: Good entry and solid tempo; pushed in 2nd part to the half doublings on C; pushed in3 rd part on C doublings as well; a little dirty on Grip on C in 4th part ending but other than that it was great. Reel:Nice start here and right up until 3rd part where you fell on some GDE's (better the 2nd time BTW); last part you were pushing the offbeat and again decreases the amount of time (necessary) you have to play all of the technique accurately (ie. E double echoes from High A) and also showed some tightness in the hands. Overall: Solid MSR on an excellent bagpipe you seem to have great control over; I sense a bit of nerves in your playing (and maybe the reason your head was absent of view?) but I think with a little less grip and a little more attention to playing accurately on the beat you will continue to develop and improve your performance (and of course any anxiety that may go along :). Enjoyable MSR!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bill Wei           Tunes: Hills of Kintail, MacBeth's Strathpey, Peter McFarquhar      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Nice tempo to start; nice technique but again a little tight with the hands; slight choke in last part. Solid March Strathspey: choke in 3rd part; choke in 4th part but good feel for music. Reel: Good into Reel but some tightness on the Low A doubling; chokes in 2nd part; Nice playing under the circumstances (ie. pipe too hard running out of gas!!!). Overall: Pipe too hard causing multiple chokes and this will not assist in my suggestion of playing with less grip on the chanter to allow more freedom and mobility about the chanter. You have excellent potential and ability and you will definitely find your playing way more enjoyable when everything is easy and relaxed; You can do it Bill!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bruce Downie           Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban, Lady Loudon, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Nice tempo to start; watch C tacchum going down from E at end of line 1 and try not to rush to and play the short C too short; Cut tacchum to start the 3rd part; a little inaccurate playing the High A Grip at end of 3rd part ensure all fingers go down to Low G together; good march Strathspey: Good into Strathspey; a little round in terms of expression here (need more Heavy, Light, Medium, Light rhythm throughout) Reel: Nice into Reel; some inaccurate covering of holes in 2nd part; 3rd part ending a little tight; Again a little tight in the 4th part as well. Overall: Pretty solid MSR but I feel as though you have a lot of tension in your hands which prevent your fingers from moving about the chanter freely and accurately (evident in the laboured feel presented in your Strathspey). A more relaxed feel will probably fix a lot of the things mentioned above and increase your enjoyment level!! Good fingers to work with so keep it going! Good Stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron MacNeil           Tunes: The Conundrum, Arniston Castle, Colonel MacLeod      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: pushing offbeat at times causing a loss of flow in rhythm; watch D grace note on the short C up to the E at line endings as almost coming across as a D because D grace note is so big; 3rd part choke; 4th part nicely played (Tenor drone sounded like it popped?) Strathspey: Good into Strathspey; again a little big with the D grace note on the short C in first part and beyond; nice Strathspey overally and 1st part really only pushed feel here so got better as you went. Reel: Good into Reel; Choke in 1st part; Nicely played here and I like your use of the offbeat however I would just beat in regular time. Overall: Solid MSR; I would like to see you with a bit more command of the instrument to really give you more poise and control as the chokes indicate that it may be too hard which will cause you to be tense and most likely grip the chanter making technique more difficult; I would also like to see you use the same technique you used in the Reel in your marches to assist you in maintaining a nice consistent rhythm by waiting for the offbeat! Good Stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Tabram           Tunes: Tommy McDonald of Barguillean, Rose Among the Heather and Captain Lachlan McPhail of Tiree.      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Good tempo; Some pushed and inaccurate notes in 1st part; B taorluaths at end of first lines is light and require a lot more Low G to really fill it out; Tacchums are crushed in the 4th part Strathspey: Okay here for Strathspey feel but short notes are much to short creating a real clipped delivery in presentation; The runs in the 2nd and 3rd parts you are not really playing the High G to finish the run and resembles more of a grace note and creates a pushed feel. Reel: Good into Reel; D grace note on the short C at the start of 1st part is too big causing the note to sound like a D instead of D grace note to C. Overall: Pipe pretty good and you appear to have great control over it which is good; You have a good sense about the music in all three tunes and you have really good hands however you are really clipping your short notes throughout which brings you out of rhythm/timing and creates a cyclical continuation of having to keep clipping notes away to keep up where in fact you have the talent to just relax and play all the music as written (some wrong notes creeping in due to being pushed) in time and strategies for you I would sugges is just setting up your metronome and go through each bar (with the music to start) and just build the house back up from the foundation by mastering each bar (ensuring all notes are correct and right on time) and then start to put two bars together with the metronome then combine two groups of two bars (this will begin simple phrasing as well for March and Reel) and then finall the entire part. You have the tools to do this and it will not take long but can't take short cuts (playing clipped short notes and not finishing ALL the notes in the runs) and need to stay in time and reason for the metronome! Guaranteed success! Keep at it!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig Potts           Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Maggie Cameron, Smith of Chillichassie      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Nice start and consistent tempo established; Watch D grace note on short C from Low A up to E doubling in first part is not too big causing it to sound like a D ; MIssed C doubling at end of first time through 4th part...good march! Strathspey: Good into strathspey; again watch the D grace note on the short C from Low A up to the E doubling in first part; C doublings a little tight in 3rd part (tight hands); Slight dirty passage in 4th part near end. Reel: Good into Reel and going well to start; slight choke in 2nd part; a little pushed in 3rd part; again a little pushed coming from GDE's in the 5th part. Overall: Solid MSR playing here; Thought maybe pipe was a tad hard as reed sounded a bit "brash" which can cause some tightness in your playing. I would like to see you loosen up a little bit (hands and maybe easier pipe would assist here) and utilize a metronome and some double beating strategies to "lock" down both 2/4 march and reel rhythms (essentially you will get more time to play all of the technique) as there is a bit of a pushed feel at times. You have a nice feel for the music and waiting for offbeat will only give you more poise and a better presentation in your performance! Good stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell           Tunes: Glenfinnan Highland Gathering, Ceptain Colin Campbell, Kalabakan      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Nice tempo to start; try not to snatch the tacchums in 1st part...keep the short notes more open; 2nd part some pushed places creating some untidy passages; a little laboured going into the 3rd part but played well; 4th part you are missing some short notes at the start (short D following the High A Grips?) Strathspey: Good into strathspey; Watch the 2nd part as there appears to be some incorrect notes here; a little dirty into the 4th part Reel: Good into the Reel and solid tempo; 4th part missing notes here again toward the end of the first line? Overall: Overall pretty good MSR on a decent instrument you appear to have good control of; Need to take a look at the music a little closer to ensure that you are playing everything correctly and in time (I would suggest setting up a metronome to a nice, comfortable tempo and just go through each tune with the music bar by bar checking for accuracy and hopefully also provide you with more time which will decrease stress and improve rhythm and accuracy as you appear to have the hands to do this). Keep working on tacchums to ensure the short notes are not "ghosted" and of course double beating here will again provide you with all the time and space you need to play them accurately as right now you are pushing to the offbeat which creates tension and "crushing" of short notes. Good Stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dr Dan Cameron           Tunes: The Conundrum, Maggie Cameron, Lexy McAskill      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Nice tempo to start; playing well in time just watch the ending as you are moving your whole hand to play the B doubling at the part endings causing you to come off the chanter; Tacchum in 3rd part could be a little more relaxed to give it a bit of a "pop"; mistake at end of 4th part. Strathspey: Good into Strathspey; tempo okay but the timing is a bit inconsistent here preventing you from being able to settle into a nice, relaxed pulse; 4th part crushed the grip on C due mainly to pushed entry. Reel: Good into the Reel and established a nice rhythm here and just some technique being crushed (ie. Low A doublings in the 4th part coming from the D, short B combo in the 2nd bar). Overall: Overall a pretty good MSR here and you appear to have good hands and a nice feel for the music in both the March and Reel and the only thing wrong with the Strathspey is that you are pushing the beat most of the time. I can see that you appear to have no top hand challenges and I am not sure if you are gripping on the bottom hand but if this is the case "STOP" 🙂 Break down the ending in the march using strategies like: i) Double beat and start with B doubling and E grace note to Low A and repeat until mastered ii) Do above and add in the birl after to complete the phrase and repeat until mastered iii)Double beat and play the G grace note to the E and the short F to the C doubling and repeat until mastered iv)Do above and add in the G grace note to the B (this is where the beat will be to start your B doubling that appears to be giving you some bother BUT only want you to play the G grace note for now!) and repeat until mastered (ENSURE you are not early to the G grace note on B as there is a lot of time here that I think you are not using which is what is causing you stress here...take all the time you need 😉 v) PROVIDING you are not moving your entire hand with the above exercise you can then simply add the D grace note to complete the doublng and repeat until mastered and no hand shakes. vi)Put all three beats together and repeat until mastered. vii)Play the entire last two bars of music and repeat until mastered. ***You can use the same strategies in the 4th part of the Reel on the Low A doublings or anywhere you are having difficulty as I believe good timing (use the time necessary to play all the embellishments) and light hands (allows for more mobility and zero tension) will improve this aspect of your playing as you appear to have the music and talent to move ahead here! Pipe okay but not quite in tune however good quality chanter reed and nice balance between drones and chanter! Good stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Edon Abbot           Tunes: Bonny Ann, Struan Robertson, Major Manson      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Nice tempo; There are some fragmented passages in the 1st part where the phrasing is held back and then surges ahead that creates a loss of flow in the music; Watch in the 2nd part you don't ghost the short notes too much (ie. right at the start of the part the D is very short after the E doubling and the ending phrase with the short B to D following the Low G and short A (B is too short); 3rd part pretty good but still crushing the ending again as above and in the 4th part a bit early off of the notes before the tacchum creating a pushed feel but you have lots of pace and confidence. Strathspey: Good into Strathspey and slightly pushed here inhibiting some poise and expression; 2nd part false fingering followng the D throws up to the F (put bottom hand back to Low A as this will also keep you relaxed and composed and lengthen notes a touch more); 3rd part again a little pushed; 4th part pretty good but again could settle back a bit more for added poise Reel: Good into the Reel and nice tempo; watch you don't push the offbeat slightly here which will create a nice, stready rhythm which you will be able to maintain for the entire tune...this keeps you "Locked-in" and will allow your strong technique to show. Overall: Solid MSR from start to finish on a nice instrument that you are in complete control of...Try to work on opening up your short notes, your phrasing and offbeat control which will provide you with more poise, control and consistency and allow your solid technique to come through but I like your drive in all three tunes! Good Stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ethan Blain           Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban, Caledonian Canal, Colonel MacLeod.      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Good tempo to start but missed intro C doubling; a little pushed in the 2nd part and small choke in repeat; tight tacchum to start repeat of 3rd part; some light doublings in the 4th part. Strathspey: Good into Strathspey and nice expression to start; some pushed beats here in the 1st part decreasing the time you need to be accurate; 2nd part the runs are coming across as almost missing one note due to the first one being so short; Ensure you briskly put your fingers back to Low A after you play the half doublings on C as this can create tonal issues and considered false fingering. Reel: Good into Reel; slight choke at end of 1st part; dirty at end of 2nd part; settled in right up until last couple of bars where there were some inaccurate finger placement. Overall: You have all the tools here and playing on a nice, solid instrument you appear to have nice control over; Work on cleaning up some technical aspects as mentioned above and keep your hands relaxed to allow for more mobility about the chanter which is easier and will be way more accurate; Show excellent promise keep it up!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Frank Zhao           Tunes: Bonnie Ann, Andrew Write, Angler      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Good tempo to start but then into a slight choke?; Rushing from the Low G to the G grace note on Birl in 1st part...wait longer; Don't rush off the Low G at the part endings; choke going into the 4th part; slight choke at the end of the tune. Strathspey: Good tempo and generaly playing very well in terms of expresion; Watch you don't rush the to the bubbly note in 1st part; slight catches in 3rd part; mistake in 4th part; Could use a little less grip on the chanter to allow more mobility and will most iikely assist in accuracy as well as there some slight crossing noises and imprecise covering of holes. Reel: Good to Reel; Nice use of offbeat and established a nice rhythm; 3rd part end of line: Low G, Low A, short B to D not clean (too tight) Overall: You have lots of talent and I think to start you will need to either practice more on the pipes to build up your stamina or make your pipe a little easier so you can relax more as the whole presentation had some pushed playing and chokes which can be the result of just not being comfortable; Ensure your hands are not gripping the chanter to allow you more mobility once you have your pipe sorted as you have all of the tools to be a great player! Also see: https://youtu.be/jbsAj6Q7dcY
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gregory Wolfe           Tunes: Men of Argyll, Struan Robertson, Willie Cummings' Rant      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: nice tempo and nice instrument; birl in 1st part light; short C's in 2nd part a bit rushed (keep them closed to make them sound out more); nice 3rd part; a little pushed in 2nd bar of 4th part; nice march Strathspey: I suggest not playing the F at start here; Some short notes really "ghosted" here and some pushed phrases creating a frantic feel at times; Ensure the beat is maintained without question in terms of improving this aspect and then add your expression back in. Reel: a little abrupt into Reel but nice aggressive tempo; some pushed offbeats here which inhibits the consistent rhythm; Try Double beating in your practice here to provide you with the space to bring you back a consistent rhythm and improve in your performance. Overall: Solid MSR on a very good instrument that you appear to have great control over; Work on opening up your short notes (ie. closing C in 2nd part of march which will inevitably cause you to play a more pronounced C that is too short when you lift Low finger as is the case now). Use the "Double Beat" for both March and Reel to provide you with more time to play techniique and ensure a nice, consistent rhythm. Good Stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jean Gould           Tunes: Captain J.M. Syms, Mrs. Morag Banks, Bessie McIntyre      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: NIce tempo to start; nice clean; watch end of 2nd part a little pushed here...Good March! Strathspey: Good into Strathspey; pretty good expression but a little more on the Low A prior to the Toarluath in the 1st part;; pushing the B doubling in the 3rd and 4th parts. Reel: Good into the Reel; 2nd part rushing off the F; 3rd part the D grace note to the C is too big causing it to be on top of the short C and the result is "muddy" Overall: Enjoyable MSR played on a nice instrument that was well tuned and controlled throughout perforrmance; Try to make your grace note size a little smaller in order to make things more precise (ie. D grace note on the shortc in the 4th part of the Reel as mentioned above) and you have a good feel for the music and just need to stay in time a little more to give yourself ALL the time needed to play things effortlessly and accurately! Good Stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jeremy Tyree           Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque, Maggie Cameron, Bessie McIntyre      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Good start and careful tempo but I am okay with it for this grade as I can see you are trying to be very accurate which is perfect!; A little with the first C doubling in the 1st part; 3rd part a little loss of flow and accuracy; 4th part the D grace note to the short C following the Taorluath on A is too big and this is why it comes across as a D in your presentation (Exercise: Low A Taorluath, SMALL D grace note to the C and finish on the E doubling & Repeat); Some lost notes Strathspey: Good into Strathspey but watch you don't leave the initial E Doubling early and then jump off the Low A after the C doubling as this sets the tone; Same thing happening here with the D grace note on the short C up to the E doubling in Beat 6 to 7 of the first part causing it to sound like a D (use same idea as above from tune G grace note to Low, SMALL D grace note to the C and finish on the E doubling & Repeat); a little pushed in the 2nd part where you could wait a bit longer before the next beat to give yourself more time to make accurate notes; A little loss of accuracy in the 4th part but caused mostly from being ahead of the beat again. Reel: Good into Reel 3rd part....Grace notes too big here again on the GDE's causing a loss of accuracy and what is happening is that the notes are then almost on top of one another. Overall: You have a good sense of the music and your technique is pretty good; Need to loosen up a bit more and keep your grace note size a little smaller so that they are more precise to properly accent things like tacchums, GDE's and of course the Low A, D grace note to short C up to the E doubling that occurs quite often in bagpiping 🙂 Great command of instrument and sounded very good from start to finish. Good stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Karen McIlvena           Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel, Stac Polly, Drumlithie      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Nice tempo established; keep double tacchums in 1st part separate more (wait for 2nd one on the offbeat); nice march playing here and really just need to work on less gripping in your tacchums and keep the grace notes smaller so they are not on top of one another. Strathspey: Good into Strathspey; a bit laboured going into birls throughout but you were consistent Reel: Good into Reel; Nicely played here in terms of rhythm and accuracy; Could use a little more control in terms of playing right on the beat as there were some pushed passages here but generally pretty solid. Overall: Overall solid MSR played on a nice instrument. Try to relax your hands a bit more which will give you a little more mobility about the chanter which will increase your hand speed giving you even more time to wait and go to the next beat efficiently. Very enjoyable playing good stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Karl Morton           Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Maggie Cameron, Mackay from Skye      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Controlled tempo to start; tacchums are a bit cut for this tempo; a little laobured at the part endings with the birl coming in slightly late; 2nd part some little crossing noises coming across in hand-to-hand exchanges. Strathspey: Good into Strathspey; a little over done in terms of the Heavy beat being held as you still need to maintain a consistent tempo even though the expression is called for as this comes from lengthening and shortening notes not increasing and decreasing tempo; C doublings a little pushed in 3rd part...wait longer before putting the G grace note of the doubling right on the beat which will give you more time and establish the consistency. Reel: Good into Reel; a little mistake at end of the 1st part; crossing noises in 3rd part coming from the hand-to-hand exchanges (ie. C to E). Overall: Pretty good MSR and you seem to have good command over instrument which was well tuned and stable throughout performance; Keep trying to play a little less tight but you also need to ensure short notes are the right length (ie. not cut and not too open) depending upon what the tune calls for as it is here that the rhythms are established and there is some inconsistency in each of these tunes which can be caused from too much tension and grace notes being too big and therefore not precise enough to accent the desired notes and embellishments. Tempos are okay but you need to stay right on the beat throughout. Good stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kim Greeley           Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel, Caledonian Canal, Kalabakan      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: NIce start and solid tempo; try to make the D gracenote in the tacchums a little smaller to make it sound more precise; small choke in the 3rd part; 4th part the tacchums are a little tight (short note too small) Strathspey: Good into Strathspey, slight choke in 2nd part but nice expression here. Reel: Good into Reel; choke in 1st part at ending; watch the Low A doublings at the endings as they are a bit tight here but pretty good feel. Overall: I am not certain but the chokes lead me to believe the pipe maybe a tad hard for you which creates tension and inhibits nice, free mobility about the chanter and can also cause some of the tightness mentioned above; You have a nice feel for the music and other than loosening up your hands and keeping your grace notes a little smaller to create more precise accents you are on the right track! Beautiful background BTW!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Marie Hollinger           Tunes: 79th farewell to Gibraltar, Archie Duncan, Sound of Sleat      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: A little fast for tempo at start and coming across a ilttle round in delivery; choke in 2nd part; choke on repeat of 4th part Strathspey: a little abrupt into Strathspey; a hesitation going into 2nd part; 3rd part grace notes too big causing notes to sound on top of one another in delivery. Mistake and wrong notes in last part as well. Reel: Good into Reel and better playing on the beat here tas well but still a little pushed; a couple of chokes in 4th part. Overall: Good job here with your MSR and I think you have the hands to continue to develop your playing and really to start I would recommend just getting a bit more control by playing everything to a metronome as you have a tencdency to push and be aggressive. With the number of chokes occurring you may still be figuring out the bagpipe or it is just a little hard right now for you which can cause tightness and pushed playing just for this reason alone so I am not sure which it might be but something to consider. Grace note size is another important aspect as you know they make up all the doublings, tacchums and GDE's found often in the music, so you having more accuracy (precision by playing them smaller but ensure not tighter) will create a better sound and give you more time. This can be done with a metronome using Double beats for March and Reel and just play Strathspey but think Strong, Weak, Medium, Weak expression throughout (the beat is still very consistent no matter what expression is utilized here though!). Good Stuff!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Nielsen           Tunes: Donald Maclellan of Rothesay, Dorrator Bridge, Colonel Macleod      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Solid tempo to start; pipe a bit thin and set a little sharp with some occasional chirps being audible; nice march playing but pay attention to not pushing from the phrase endings Strathspey: a little abrupt into Strathspey; Established the expression pretty well right from the start but there are times where you pushed when you should have waited longer giving you more control; missed E strike 2nd part; again some little squeaks popping out; You have a nice feel for the expression here but sometimes you are a little ahead which squares off the overall delivery.. Reel: Good into Reel; pretty good playing here as well with just the pipe detracting from clairity and performance; Would like to see you play with smaller grace notes to make tacchums and doublings a little more precise but you were consistent throughout performance Overall: Solid MSR played with lots of confidence and pipe letting you down a bit with little chirps popping up (dry, too easy or too much tape on High G?). Keep up the good work!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nadine Kern           Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque, Caledonian Canal, Bessie MacIntyre      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Good tempo; a little early to the first D throw in the 1st part; D grace notes a little big; a little early off the Low A toarluath in the 3rd part creating less time to play a nice SMALL D grace note on the short C ending on the E doubing (audibly sounding like a D instead due to size of D grace note); 4th part pushed as well and same thing occurring on the short C as mentioned in the 3rd. You have a good feel for the music but pushing to certain notes (D throw in part 1) inhibits the natural flow and rhythm and gives you less time to play the accurate technique (small grace notes and audible short notes) you are wanting to present. Strathspey: Good into Strathspey but pushing here right from the start inhibiting the basic Strong, Weak, Medium, Weak expression found in this tune! 2nd part early to the third pulse; 4th part early to the runs throughout! Reel: Good into Reel but a tad fast and again pushed creating a frantic feel throughout tune! Overall: You have excellent hands to play the music here and I think you need just a little bit more control to really put you right in terms of rhythm and accuracy. For the Marh and Reel I would recommend playing to a metronome using a double beat to assist you in establishing a nice consistent rhythm which will also give you all the time you need to play the accurate grace notes and short notes that are a challenge at the best of times. The Strathspey can also be played to a metronome and you should be able to feel/hear the Strong, Weak, Medium, Weak expression as mentioned as I know you already know this however the moment you go to one of the notes early you square the phrase off and lose the expression as was the case here. You have nice control over the pipe and are on the right track so loosen up your hands and estab
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Steve Coontz           Tunes: The 8th Argylls, Clachnaharry, Scotsville      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: March: Good tempo to start; a little pushed on the offbeat in the 1st part going down to the B strike; Again a little pushed in 3rd part to the short D; Grips in 4th part could use a little more Low G presence to fill them out. Strathspey:Good into Strathspey and expression is coming along okay here but a tendency to push at times which creates a pushed feel and detracts from the Strathspey pulse (ie. Strong, Weak, Medium, Weak). Reel: Good into Reel; D grace note too big n the 1st part on the short C from Low A ending on E making the C sound like a D Overall: Good MSR; keep working on keeping your grace notes a little smaller to allow for more precision and work on going from beat to beat ensuring you are also paying attention to the offbeat in the March and Reel which will provide you with additional time required to play accurately and efficiently; Good Stuff!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ailsa Wilson      Place: 1      Tunes: Pipe Major Sam Scott      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Great tempo and uptake to this tune. Very musical throughout. Technique is very strong but your grips could be a bit more relaxed for a solo performance. Overall your bagpipe is well set and a good effort at tuning your drones. A bit more work to get these 100% spot on would really enhance your performance. An enjoyable tune - well done!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charles Lewis      Place: 2      Tunes: Strathclyde      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good phrasing and pulsing in this tune but verging on being a bit fast for me. I think slowing it down slightly would give a more musical performance. Pipes are well tuned, just slightly sharp on F. You have strong technique throughout so keep up the good work!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig Potts      Place: 3      Tunes: Duncan McGillivray Chief Steward      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Great uptake to this tune at a great tempo. Very musical but your grips and D throws are slightly to tight - opening them out would add to your performance. Drones well locked together but slightly sharp causing the chanter to sound dull. An enjoyable tune overall - well done!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Edon Abbot      Place: 4      Tunes: Cameron MacFadyen      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune with good technique throughout. Overall you are presenting the tune well but a few passages are a bit round such as the last phrase and the first group in part 3. Adding pulse to the left foot would add more musicality and maturity to your performance. Your pipes are well tuned overall, just slightly sharp ont he F. A good performance - well done!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jean Gould      Place: 5      Tunes: John D. Burgis      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice pulsing to this tune just a bit slow for my taste. Technique is very strong but you have a couple of crossing noises when changing hands. Overall your bagpipe is well set (just a touch flat on F) and a good effort at tuning your drones. A bit more work to get these 100% spot on would really enhance your performance. An enjoyable tune - well done!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: George Panagiotou      Place: 6      Tunes: Tug Argan Gap      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good technique throughout this with good pulsing throughout - the tune was just a touch slow for me. Your chanter is well balanced. Drones are not 100% locked. Working on your tuning is key for you to content for a top prize in this grade and would allow your instrument to fully compliment your playing. Well played overall!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil           Tunes: Tug Argon Gap      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good technique throughout this with good pulsing throughout - the tune was just a touch slow for me. Your chanter is well balanced except slightly sharp on F. Working on your tuning is key for you to content for a top prize in this grade and would allow your instrument to fully compliment your playing. Well played overall!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alistair MacKay           Tunes: Donald MacLean of Lewis      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune but a bit more pulse would allow it to be more musical. Watch the GDE gracenotes to the groups throughout the first part - not all of them are clear. Your birls are also lacking clarity at the end of the parts. Note values are consistent just watch the EDB group in the last phrase which is a bit round. As before, a bit more left foot pulse would make this more musical. Pipes are well tuned - well done!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Dewar           Tunes: Jean Mauchline      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good phrasing throughout this tune. The tempo was a bit fast - slowing it down a bit and having more pulse to the strong beats would give you a more musical tune. Good technqique throughout with a reasonably well tuned bapipe. A bit more work on drone tuning would also make your playing more enjoyable. Overall a good performance - well done!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bill Wei           Tunes: Bengullion      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Video is private - unable to watch
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bruce Downie           Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune with good pulsing in the first part. You started getting a bit rounder in parts 2-4. You are playing a wrong link note in part 2 bar 2 - this should be DFA rather than DEA. Your technique is fairly strong throughout just watch for crossing noises. Tuning is your key area to work on as this would allow your bagpipe to compliment your playing. A musical performance overall!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron MacNeil           Tunes: The Heights of Cassino      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune with good technique throughout with the exception of a couple of minor crossing noises. Adding more pulse to the left foot would add more musicality and maturity to your performance. Your chanter is well balanced but your drones aren't 100% locked. Working on your tuning is key for you to content for a top prize in this grade and would allow your instrument to fully compliment your playing. Well played overall!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Carlson           Tunes: Major John MacLennan, Gordon Highlanders      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune with good pulsing throughout. Your technique appears to be clean but it generally too tight particularly with grips. There are a few crossing noises in parts 3 & 4 so watch for them. Your chanter is well balanced but your drones aren't tuned and distract from your playing. This is your key area to work on as this would allow your bagpipe to compliment your playing. A musical performance overall!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dr Dan Cameron           Tunes: Donald MacLean of Lewis      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this tune. Overall you are a bit round - a bit more pulse would bring out more music in your performance. Technique is generally good throughout - just watch the GDE gracenotes in the first note group in part 1. You are playing a wrong note in the last phrase - the first group should be GBG rather than GDG. Your chanter is well balanced but your drones aren't tuned and distract from your playing. This is your key area to work on as this would allow your bagpipe to compliment your playing. A musical performance overall!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Frank Zhao           Tunes: Kenneth J Macleod      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo here with strong technqiue overall. The tune needs a bit more pulsing - it is just a bit round overall. Be careful of some crossing changing from C to E. Your chanter is well balanced overall but your drones aren't tuned and distract from your playing. This is your key area to work on as this would allow your bagpipe to compliment your playing.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sean Kerr           Tunes: Cock of the North      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this tune. You're over cutting some short note which is spoiling your music, particularly short Cs. Overall your technique is strong. Your chanter is well balanced but your drones aren't tuned and distract from your playing. This is your key area to work on as this would allow your bagpipe to compliment your playing.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Steve Coontz           Tunes: The Infantry Charge      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this tune and well pulsed throughout. Your doublings are generally clear but a bit big. Work on making them fluent would help your musical delivery. You are early into the grips in part 4 which is spoiling the effect. Be careful of crossing noises when changing hands. Your chanter is well balanced overall but your drones aren't tuned and distract from your playing. This is your key area to work on as this would allow your bagpipe to compliment your playing.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Dewar      Place: 1      Tunes: Lord Dunmore’s Jig      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Andrew, Thank you for your submission to the Jig event. A nice delivery of a tune that is not played "safe". Tempo is right up there although not quite too fast, just enough to capture interest. Drones out at start however chanter is quite well set. Phrasing is accurate and musical with good pacing. Strong D throw delivered well, watch for crossing notes however. B triplets are not always delivered the same timing have a listen for this and correct it. A nice musical overall tune played on a pleasing pipe. Thank you David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig Potts      Place: 2      Tunes: Old Wife of the Mill Dust      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Craig, thank you for your submission of this 6 parted Jig. You have handled this very well. A nice pipe and first impression with your sound. Watch on the strike in that you eliminate the initial squeal as this can take away from your impression at times. A very nicely controlled phrasing here and nice compound feel at a good tempo. Watch for overblowing on high G in 3rd, and bar one triplets in 5th not as solid as the rest. A very strong performance on a robust bagpipe. Than you David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alistair MacKay      Place: 3      Tunes: Fit for a King      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Alastair thank you for your submission. Tempo here is a nice pace and is phrased nicely. Pipe is good and robust to start. A few crossing notes to clean up here. 3rd part is a beast ! Watch that your bottom hand is not getting lazy especially when closing, have a look at the video or watch yourself play in a mirror. Good crisp hand and finger movements is what we want. A nice tune on a pleasing pipe. Thank you David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jeremy Tyree      Place: 5      Tunes: McGuires Jig      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Jeremy, Thank you for your submission and thank you for your service in the Fire Brigade. A nice uptake to this tune on a well set and blown pipe. Your B is especially nice and harmonic. Tempo and pacing are very good here. Triplets are strong and consistent as is your phrasing. Watch for crossing notes here though. D taps - you are playing some light and some heavy. You should make a decision and deliver one or the other in the same tune. Overall a nice tune on a well set and blown pipe. Thank you. David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Edon Abbot      Place: 6      Tunes: Troy's Wedding      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Edon, Thank you for submitting your jig Troys Wedding. Watch your strike in and first impression as you have a little drone squeal to start, this gives way to a lovely overall pipe that is well set and blown. A very nice mature start to the first bar of the tune into a musical tempo and feel. Triplets in part one try to ensure the low A triplet timing and the B triplet are timed the same as each other with a nice compound feel. A few missed execution moments however overall hands are in a good way. 3rd part especially well paced and phrased. 4th part a bit fast maybe to execute the robust bottom hand work fully. Overall good 6/8 feel with some minor phrase rushing. Thank you, David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil           Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Mosspark      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Aidan, thank you for submitting Alan MacPherson of Mosspark jig. A nice strike in of your drones and nice uptake to the the tune. Watch your crossing notes here. Work hard to eliminate the small slips and bobbles as well. Overall good pacing and phrasing with a musical snapshot. Chanter quite well set and blown, drones out from start. Thank you. David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bill Wei           Tunes: Duncan the Gauger      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Unfortunately this video comes up as "private" and I can not access the content. David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron MacNeil           Tunes: Hammer on the Anvil      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Cameron and thank you for your tune submission of Hammer on the Anvil. Watch the bag strike to eliminate the initial squeal and have a nice clean strike to the drones. On fully sounding chanter and drones your bass drone is quite a ways out of tune, try and get this closer each and every time. A nice start to the tune with a mature increase to full tempo. Watch your phrasing here and try to be patient when playing two large open notes - never be early to the second note. It takes lots of control and commitment to wait. Overall a pleasing jig with decent phrasing, just some earlyness. Thank you. David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charles Lewis           Tunes: Dr Flora MacAuley of Carradale      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Charles, thank you for your submission of Dr Flora. This tune is really top shelf tempo taking away ever so slightly in musicality. You do however play a constant tempo start to finish. The phrasing is suffering a wee bit at this tempo especially part 4. Watch the middle note value of each triplet grouping as these are being under valued. A nice pipe with a good strike in first impression. Chanter ok except F is quite sharp, drones nice start to finish. Thank you David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Tabram           Tunes: Glasgow City Police      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Chris, thank you for submitting this tune for review. I find the tempo very brisk and this is not allowing you to breath in your execution or phrasing. If you can bring down the tempo a wee bit and allow the musicality to breath it will be Easier to pace it well. Watch your blowing on high A as it is at times sharper than the rest. The timing of the triplets are not consistent with a compound time signature however again this could be attributed to the tempo overall. Thank you again, David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell           Tunes: Jig of Slurs      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Damian, thank you for your submission of Jig of Slurs. This would be classified as a restart if a live performance so keep in mind that to tune up to a portion of the tune you are to play is not allowed. Once you are into the tune, part one both times through you are missing a bar of music. Have a quick look at the music while listening to ensure you are playing all the notes written. Tempo and idiom quite good here with a musical feel. Compound feel evident. Drones are not 100% in tune, keep working towards getting them in tune as you are on the right path. Thanks so much. David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dr Dan Cameron           Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Mosspark      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Dan, thank you for submitting your tune today. What a lovely view out your windows !! This tune starts out on a fairly well set chanter, unfortunately the drones are quite sharp causing the chanter to sound flat overall. In the first part, first phrase you are over holding the low A prior to the triplet and this is a consistent pattern in your tune. This low A is repeated several times in this tune so it needs to flow through the phrase to allow the music to follow a consistent path. A few slips and bobbles however the tempo is quite consistent from the outset. Have a good listen to your tune and let it flow through the phrase musically. Thanks again, David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: George Panagiotou           Tunes: Patty O'Rafferty      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi George, Thank you for this submission. The tempo and overall feel of this tune is evident with a good delivery of phrasing. However there are a few slips and bobbles through the tune taking away placings. Watch and have a listen to your birl, it is not always delivered in a similar approach. A nice overall pipe with a good musical feel to the tune. Thank you so much David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kim Greeley           Tunes: Skyeman’s Jig      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Kim, thank you for your submission. Tempo here is quite spot on with some room for improvement in your overall pacing. There are some moments of rushing through the phrase, watch for this. Idiom is on the right path. Drones out slightly at the start however your chanter is quite well set. Watch for consistency in your triplets here and deliver a good strong compound tune. Thank you David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Liam Docherty           Tunes: Judges Dilemma      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Liam and thank you for your submission. This tune is played on a nice robust pipe at a good tempo. A great tempo however it may be just a wee bit too fast for part two here as there is some inconsistency. Watch that you are always closing low G fully as sometimes this is not coming through tonality. Good controlled triplets and your phrasing as well as pacing is spot on. Chanter well set, drones not 100% to start. Thank you David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Nielsen           Tunes: Alan Macpherson of Mosspark      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Mathew, thank you for your tune submission. A nice overall pipe at the start, try and eliminate the initial strike in squeal to give a more mature first impression. Overall your drones are very robust and well set, your chanter does feel and sound dry/chirpy. Not sure the setup you have, however it may be a consideration to ensure some moisture is getting to your chanter. Tempo is ok as is your pacing. Some tempo and phrasing issues in pt 4. C taps are not fully closing to low G at times causing a feeling of not quite grounded during this movement. Thanks again, David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sean Kerr           Tunes: Cork Hill      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Sean, thank you for submitting this tune in such a lovely setting. The tune is delivered at a very brisk tempo and unfortunately this takes away from some of your execution. This is also quite apparent in part 4 as it may be a wee bit too fast to deliver this part cleanly. Triplets are not always consistent here so have a listen and try to make them match each other in a nice compound feel. In the second part the C is clipped a few times too much giving the listener that it is almost not played. A brisk overall tune played in a lovely setting. Thank you David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Steve Coontz           Tunes: The Pony Gallop      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Steve, thanks for your submission of your tune here. Tempo is ok however I feel its a wee bit too brisk for you to deliver a great amount of execution cleanliness. Also your phrasing and pacing are suffering due to fast tempo. Just slow it down a few BPM and let the music breath. Pipe is not too bad overall and there are some good moments in your playing. Thanks again for your submission, David .
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig Potts      Place: 1      Tunes: Cosmo's Cascade      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice bold pipes. Well tuned drones. Very bright and lively tempo. Showing some good technique. A couple of slight misses on shakes. Slowing down slightly in the last part. Blowing a wee bit unsteady but nothing major. Overall a very good performance.
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Canaan Strobel      Place: 2      Tunes: Bruce Gandy's Dusty Chanter      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Excellent bagpipe. Slight chirp on G gracenote on C. Nice musicality and swing. Some very strong technique coming through. Overall a good performance. Well done!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: George Panagiotou      Place: 3      Tunes: Clydeside      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nicely set pipe. Solid tempo throughout the tune but watch out for over holding birl in last part. Good technique. Rushed off phrase ending slightly going in to 3rd part. Overall a very nice performance.
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gregory Wolfe      Place: 4      Tunes: Arthur Gillies      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice smooth playing with steady tempo throughout. Some throw on D's coming across slightly light. Excellent F doublings. Pipes well set bit drones not 100%. Overall a very nice performance.
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alistair MacKay      Place: 5      Tunes: The Ship in the Bottle      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice musicality and swing coming through. Pipes well set with well tuned drones. High A is a little on the harsh side. Small crossing noises throughout. E doublings a little bit tight. Overall a nice performance.
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Edon Abbot      Place: 6      Tunes: Sandy's New Chanter      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Some nice steady playing coming through with good technique being shown throughout. A couple of small catches. Timing wavered very slightly. Excellent birl. Chanter was a little bit sharp on the top hand and the HA/HG was a little bit too harsh for my liking. Drones were we'll set. Good performance. Well done!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil           Tunes: Reverend A.W.R. MacKenzie's Revenge      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice bold pipe sound. F slightly on the sharp side. Drones well set. Nice steady tempo. A few technical misses. Slight slip in the last part. A lot of potential being shown here. Maybe a slightly less technically demanding tune would have been a better choice at this stage for a competition. Overall a very enjoyable performance. Well done!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bill Wei           Tunes: Ship in the Bottle      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice steady tempo. A nice musical swing to the tune. Drones not 100% and top hand a little on the think side. Showing some good technique. Blowing a little bit unsteady. Overall a nice performance.
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron MacNeil           Tunes: The Train Journey North      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice relaxed tempo. Slight slip in the second part. Some nice musical playing. Playing the shakes open is tending to make the tune come across a little bit square at times. Pipes slightly thin on the top hand. Drones well tuned. Nice performance. Well done!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Tabram           Tunes: Straloch Turkey’s      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice bright tempo. Pipes a little bit sharp overall, particularly the top hand. Overblowing the chanter slightly. Speeding up slightly in the 3rd and 4th parts. Tendency to rush off phrase endings. Overall a very enjoyable performance.
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell           Tunes: Duncan Johnstone      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Tempo slightly on the careful side. A few chirps from the chanter. Some small crossing noises and couple of note errors. Drones well set. Watch out for a wee bit of false fingering here and there. Some musical playing coming through and tempo was better in the 4th part. Overall an enjoyable performance
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Guido Riedemann           Tunes: Londonderry Hornpipe      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set but drones not 100% in tune. Tempo steady but slightly on the careful side. Throw on D's slightly on the light side. Timing a little bit unsteady on the 3rd part. Impressive finger control in the last part. Overall a nice performance.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Jean Gould      Place: 1      Tunes: The Marquis of Argyle Salute      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - nicely played however I felt you clipped the short notes in bar 2 and where it appears in the ground. Don't clip the E in the cadence, make it a little softer than you are now. V1 - Nicely phrased. Soem catches from low A to C. First cadence was good, for some of the others the E was clipped. V1D - well played, just watch going from low A to C. T - well phrased again with nice subtle emphasis at the end of phrases. Clipping the E at the start of the double echoes. TD - good contrast to the singling. Hold the low A a touch more before the 2nd taorluath at the end of the lines. Enjoyable tune and I liked the subtle phrasing throughout. Pipes have good harmonics, a sharp low G the only distraction.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Alistair MacKay      Place: 2      Tunes: Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonell of Glengarry      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - slightly cautious. Untidy hiharin. Short notes a little laboured making it sound square. V1 - well played V1D - good contrast to the singling, well done. T - Well phrased. Taorluath untidy at times and not always well defined. C - Some untidy areas and laboured in places. Good chanter sound, the drones drifted as it progressed.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kim Greeley      Place: 3      Tunes: Too Long In This Condition      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - too cautious and holding some notes too long, but generally well phrased and good technique. D - too cautious, however also rushing off some theme notes. V1 - phrasing is good but again too cautious. V1D - good contrast to the singling but again cautious. CS&D - same as V1. Excellent technique. Good pipes, B and C sharp. You have excellent technique and a good understanding of how it should be phrased, you just need to move it along and be more positive.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Canaan Strobel      Place: 4      Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - slightly cautious but well phrased. Hiharin untidy at times. TV - well played, a touch cautious. T - Well phrased although cautious, missed execution. TD - while you contrast with the singling it is still cautious.Rushed the last bar, emphasise this before going into the Crunluath. C - untidy crunluath at the start. slightly laboured in places. CD - same as TD. Errors in line 2. CAMACH - good effort and phrased well. Make sure you get a good low G in the A Mach movement. I enjoyed this tune, try to be more positive and push it on a bit. Lovely drone sound, chanters perhaps a little dull.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Corporal Anthony Kelly      Place: 5      Tunes: The MacFarlane's Gathering      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - clipping the E too much in the cadences spoiling the flow.Untidy to a high A in line 2. V1 - hold the Cs and high As after the taorluaths.Short notes uneven making the phrasing a little erratic. T - Other than the cadences, good here. TD - Good but watch the notes before the taorluaths, some shorter than others. Hold the last low A to signal the end of the variation. C - clipping the last low A of each phrase ending.Some crunluaths not defined. Slip in line 3. CD - rushed, hold the theme notes more. Pity about the cadences, otherwise a good tune. Drones drifted towards the end. Chanter good but high A a bit thin.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Bridget Englebretson      Place: 6      Tunes: Lament for Captain MacDougall      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - Well phrased just a little slow and cautious. Grip movement a touch laboured. V1 - Well phrased, however cutting some short link notes too much. V1D - well played, just a little cautious.You could hold the last note a touch more for a better transition into the taorluath. T - well phrased. Some taorluath movements not clearly defined. TD - good contrast to the singling. C - link notes a touch too open. Try to emphasise the last two notes of the phrase endings, for example the low A and E in bar 2. CD - Playing open here too. Lovely harmonics from the pipes, however the drones are unsteady and seem to be sensitive to blowing pressure.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil           Tunes: Lament for Captain MacDougall      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - some erratic phrasing in places.choke in line 3. Held the F at the end of line 1 too much. V1 - Missed execution and slightly laboured in places. V1D - a touch square and too much empahsis on the C before the grips. Error line 2 and some gracenotes on the wrong notes. TS - More empahsis required on the theme notes rather than the note before the taorluaths. TD - same as the singling. CS - too open with the link notes. Small squeal. CD - chirp at the start. Too square and not enough emphasis on the theme notes. Some chokes. Drones drifted as the tune progressed and a sharp C and F were distracting.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ailsa Wilson           Tunes: The Little Spree      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - A little slow. Clipping the short C at the end of bar 1 and where it appears thereafter. Hold the C a touch more in the last bar. D - again a little cautious, otherwise well phrased. V1 - good transition. Cautious in this variation. Hold the B a little more at the end of the variation. T - good pace here. A few untidy GDEs and chirps. C - rushed transition. Struggling with the instrument here and a couple of errors. Good chanter sound, however F a little flat. Drones unsteady.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Bill Wei           Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - clipping the low As before the B grips. Also cut the C before this note more. Otherwise good. TV - You jumped from bar 4 of line 1 to bar 4 of line 2. Same commetns apply as for the ground. Birl in the hiharin movement not clearly defined. T - accent the last note of each phrase. Some untidy taorluath movements. TD - a little rushed and straight. Chokes. C - E clipped at times in the cadences, otheriwse good. CD - slowed down at the end of line 2. CAMACH - slowed down here, it should be the same tempo as the CD. C A Mach not clearly defined, Drones unsteady and chanter too high pitched.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Bruce Downie           Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - some erratic phrasing. missing the gracenotes on B. Missed E at the start of the double echo on D in line 2. T - over pointing some notes and clipping some short link notes. Errors. TD - slightly cautious and laboured. Error and choke. C - errors and chokes. Phrase endings too round. CD - errors and chokes. Delay at the end of the tune before returning to the ground. Drones drifted as it progressed. Chanter sound a bit shrill and a sharp F was distracting.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Cameron MacNeil           Tunes: The Blue Ribbon      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Ground - hiharin and cadences slightly laboured, otherwise good. TV - same as ground. A couple of chokes and slight catches. V1 - slightly cautious and not contrasting the previous variations enough. V2 - slightly untidy going into this. Uneven in places and you missed the E at the end of the variation. Choke. V3 - Some gracebotes not accurately on the note, You missed the last bar of line 2 out. Some nice subtle phrasing. V3 D - Good contrast to the singling. Gracenotes not accurately on the notes. V4 - missed cadence at the start.Chokes. Untidy technique V4 D - struggling with the pipes here. Clipping in places. T - Untidy technique TD - slightly cautious here. chokes. C - missed cadence in line 1. More chokes. Missed bar in line 2. Crunluaths not defined. CD - chokes. CAMACH - chokes, struggling with the technique. Good drones however you need to be in better contol of your instrument to play a tune like this.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Charles Lewis           Tunes: MacCrimmon's Sweetheart      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - well played. V1 - well played. V2 - good and nice contrast to the previous variations. Not sure about the setting and if you missed a grip in line 2. V3 - cutting the short low A's a touch too much. Rushing in the 2nd line. V3D - rushed this variation and didn't accent the last bar before going into the taorluath. T - clipping the GDE's too much. Rushing in line 2. TD - good phrasing but the GDE's are clipped and some barely audible. C - link notes too clipped, soften these to allow this variation to flow better. Note error in line 2. CD - Good although the same note error in line 2, playing a low A instead of a B in bar 5. You should play all of line 1 of the ground to finish. Good pipes, just a sharp F was distracting.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Chris Tabram           Tunes: Too Long in this Condition      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - Too slow and not emphasising the notes after the low As at the end of phrases. Choke in line 2. Not holding all theme notes. D - Better phrasing here. Dare and edre movements need work. V1 - Erratic phrasing. Overpointing the notes after the cadences. Rushing slightly in places. V1D - better here and a good contrast to the singling. C - rushing in places and technique needs some refinement. Slip line 2. CD - unsteady at the begining of this variation. Didn't contrast the singling. Hold the E at the end of the variation before returning to the ground. Drones unsteady and chanter too high pitched.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Craig Mitchell           Tunes: Lament for the Old Sword      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - nice playing. Some missed gracenotes and I suggest playing light throw on Ds. Hold the hi As more. V1 - good phrasing, some missed gracenotes. V1D - good again but try to contrast this more with the tempo of the singling. Also emphasise the last note before the taorluath variation. T - Emphasise the first C more. Slip at the end of line 1 first time through and line 3. Excellent toarluath movement . C - Good phrasing, some work needed on the definition of the crunluath movement, make it as good as your taorluath! For the D taorluath and crunluath you should play a B gracenote instead of a D. Play line 1 of the ground after the crunluath to finish the tune. Drones unsteady and hi A flat. Great potential and showing a good understanding of piobaireachd. Keep up the good work!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Damian Bell           Tunes: The Munro’s Salute      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - rushed, needs to be slowed with more phrasing. V1 - again rushed and lacking phrasing. Untidy at the end of the variation. V2 - GDE's too round and not playing all the correct notes. Untidy in places. V3 - too round and not emphasising theme notes. Sorry I can't follow what you are playing here. Drones unsteady and not in tune with the pitch of the chanter. The chanter is too high pitched.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: David Carlson           Tunes: Corrienessan's Salute      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - clipping some short notes and the E in some cadences too much. Choke. Some catches going from C to E. Dare movement on F not played correctly. V1 - erratic phrasing in places and could flow better. Missed gracenot on F in line 3. Not holding the last of phrases enough before the cadences. V1D - similar to the singling, The short notes need to be softened to allow it to flow better. T - taorluath not defined enough, gracenotes merging together. Rushing the end of phrases. Clipping the E in the cadence too much. TD - chokes. Same comments as the singling, except the cadences which don't feature. CS - erratic transition. Laboured playing here. CD - struggling with the instrument. Link notes are good but the crunluath is laboured. Chanter sounds well set, however the recording is very quiet so I couldn't hear the drones properly.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: David Dailey           Tunes: The Company's Lament      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - cutting the first low A too much, some uneven phrasing. V1 - Clipping the low A bar 1, soften this note.Untidy echo on F in line 2. V1D - too slow. Over blowing the high As. V2 - untidy at the start. GDEs not clearly defined. Skirl in Line 2. T - chirps when playing the taorluath movement, Check you are covering the holes correctly. Slip at end of line 3. C - some work needed on the crunluath movement. Nice drone sound, chanter high pitched and top hand shrill. Overblowing the high As.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Edon Abbot           Tunes: The Field of Gold      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Ground - Cutting some short notes too much. Missed grip in the 2nd line and some Dres not defined. V1 - cautious in this variation, you can move it on a touch more. Good phrasing in general and nice finish in the last bar. T - again a little cautious. A few missed GDE's. Slight slip in last bar. C - Some technique not clearly defined and laboured spoling the flow of the tune. Drones unsteady and not in tune with the chanter from the start. Overall you have a good understanding of the structure of the tune and how it should be played.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: George Panagiotou           Tunes: The Desperate Battle      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - too cautious, holding the notes before the grips too long. choke. V1 - nicely played spoiled by some chokes. V1D - too slow. chokes. V2 - good but more chokes and a catch in line 2. V2D - too cautious and more chokes. V3 - clipping the short notes, soften these a touch. Errors. V3D - good here, couple of untidy bits. T - rushed transition, otherwise good. TAMach - untidy technique in places. You can push this on more, slightly cautious. C - crunluath movement not consistently played, not always defined. CAMach - struggling with the technique here. Good chanter sound, spolied by unsteady drones from the start. The recording quality is not great which was distracting.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kenneth Jambard Jr.           Tunes: Colin MaCrae of Invereenat's Lament      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - well played. Grips and D throws laboured, some Es in the cadences clipped. TV - same comments as the ground.Clipping the hi As slightly. Low G gracenote laboured. V2 - some catches. Missed phrases in lines 1 and 2? V3 - labourred execution. Not emphasising theme notes in the first two lines. T - Untidy execution. Errors. C - laboured crunluath movements. errors in line 3. According to the music I have you missed out the same bars in the variations after V2. Good pipes, F slightly flat.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kim Ticehurst           Tunes: Too Long in this Condition      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - some erratic phrasing, clipping notes before taorluaths and rushing the last note of bars. D - too straight and the same as the ground, clipping the notes before taorluaths. Some catches. V1 - some catches.Phrasing better here.Clipping the C bfore the E at the end of phrases. D - rushed and too straight. C - rushing in lines 2 and 3 CD - rushed and untidy fingerwork and technique. Drones unsteady and pitched to make the chanter sound flat..
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Maureen Moore           Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - rushing the last note of some phrases, make sure to dwell on the last note of the variation too.G gracenote quite open and almost sounds like a skirl. V1 - nicely phrased, just need to tighten the gracenotes. Rushed slightly in line 2. V1D - same as the singling. I would prefer more contract between the singling and doubling. T - be careful not to rush the note before the taorluaths. Well phrased, taorluath movement quite laboured. TD - same as singling. C - rushed the first low A, hold this to introduce the variation better. Same comments as the TS. CD - needs to be pushed on more to contrast the singling. Drones unsteady and chanter sound a touch shrill, F is sharp.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Noah Mittwer           Tunes: Flame of Wrath for Squinting Patrick      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - You capture the mood of this tune well, however you need to soften the short notes a touch, particularly the low Gs. D gracenote too open in the hiharin movement. V1 - same as the ground here. V1D - good although you missed out bar 5. C - rushing the low G pairing. CD - a bit straight, some subtle phrasing on the low Gs would help. You played an extra B in line 2 and missed a low A at the end of the variation. Good pipes although a sharp low G was distracting. Small choke and the recording cutting out was distracting.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Poppy Middleton           Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - well phrased and great technique. Watch the blowing on E. V1 - you started off at a good pace, however it sped up and was slightly quick. V1D - if you held back the singling it would help with contrasting this variation. There were some areas where you sped up and you also slowed down in line 3. Try to maintain a consistent pace. T - fantastic taorluath movement! Try to make sure you play them all like this. The D gracenote is quite open in the cadence, make this shorter. TD - Amazing technique here, my favourite part of the tune, well done! C - Some really good crunluaths, try to make them all this good. CD - Rushing slightly to the note after the crunluath, try not to make it too short. Good pace to contrast the singling. Good solid bagpipes, chanter a little flat compared to the drones. You have great potential, I really enjoyed this tune, well done!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Steve Coontz           Tunes: Colin MacRae of Invereenat's Lament      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - C before grips should be shorter. Es clipped in cadences.Clipped D in line 3 before the dare to F. V1 - clipping the hi As too much and same issues with the C before grips and also the cadences. D clipped before the hi A in line 3. V2 - link notes clipped. Error repeat of line 1. First E in line 3 before hi A clipped V3 - not emphasising theme notes enough and clipping some notes beofre taorluaths. Some taorluaths not defined. T - Laboured taorluaths. Untidy D taorluaths. Errors line 3. C - clipping the low A after the D crunluath towards the end of the lines. Untidy in line 3. Drones unsteady. Sharp F was distracting.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Val Gray           Tunes: Cabar Feidh Gu Brath      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: G - hold the notes more at the end of the bars and lines. Hold the E slightly more in the cadences. Clipping some short notes too much. V1 - rushing some dotted notes. Some good subtle phrasing coming through here. T - emphasising the end of phrases well, however don't dwell on the last low A of each phrase too much, focus on the note before the last taorluath. Rushing some Cs before the cadences. TD - good contrast to the singling. More low G and definition needed in the taorluath movement. C - rushed transition. Crunluath movement laboured and focus the phrasing more on the note before the movement. CD - well phrased, just a touch laboured. Drones slightly unsteady, good chanter pitch although the B and C are sharp. Thank you!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eddie Boland      Place: 1      Tunes: Inveran, Arniston Castle, Alick Cameron Champion piper      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March. Really well set out March. Nice tempo, control and expression. Good technique. Excellent march. Lovely strathspey idiom. Couple tiny imperfections birl and C doub, otherwise very clean. Small catch start of reel & a few others throughout. Overall a very solid performance on a well-tuned bagpipe. Thank you for the listen, very enjoyable.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Trevor DeMass      Place: 2      Tunes: Abercairney Highlanders, Lady Louden, Alick Cameron, Champion Piper      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March: Very good start into the march. Good expression and technique. Just be careful you don’t over express some of the strong pulses and interrupt the flow of the tune. Strong fingers. Strathspey fantastic tempo, good expression and lift. Tiny catch E to HA first time. Nice break to reel, played slightly more pointed than I would but maintained good forward momentum. Some tiny little catches in last. Otherwise and outstanding performance on a well-tuned instrument. Well done.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack McGowan      Place: 3      Tunes: The Knightswood Ceilidh, Islay Ball, Arnish Light      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March lovely bright tempo, pushing it a touch. Missed E doubling in repeat. Feel your LG doublings are a touch crushed, Low A before birl is a bit rushed. Nice bright strathspey rhythm, good pulsing. Intonation on F a bit sharp. Birl a little loose. Technique bit tight in 3rd & 4th. Lovely break into reel, good confident playing. Lovely bagpipe. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Dunbar      Place: 4      Tunes: March - Invergordon's Welcome to Elizabeth II Strathspey - The Ewe with the Crooked Horn Reel -Willie Cumming's Rant      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March: Nice tempo, well controlled. Very good technique. Strathspey pretty good but some minor rushing on the note groups. Some doubs a little muddy at times – B & E. Reel – great tempo, well played. Really enjoyed your tunes on a well-tuned instrument. Keep up the good work.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Adam Earl      Place: 5      Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban, Maggie Cameron, The Cockerel in the Creel      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March: Nice intro into March. HA a touch croaky & sharp. Few imperfections in 4th part. Overall, pretty good March, just the odd patch of rounding in 3rd phrases. Strathspey good tempo. Tiny choke end of first. Reel pretty good. Some bottom hand doublings a little muddy. Missed E doub in last part. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane      Place: 6      Tunes: the conundrum, moneymusk, Fiona Macleod      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March: Well controlled tempo. Technique very clean, shame about the few chokes. Bagpipe not quite locked in from the start. Great F doublings in 4th. Strathspey nice pulsing and good tempo, just lost a little timing in the runs. Small slip 2nd part. Reel could get into this a bit quicker. Small error second part. Loads of potential here, you have really good technique, just work hard to get the bagpipe locked in and you will go far! Thanks for the listen.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: calum maclean           Tunes: Bob Brown's Farewell to the Ballochbuie Tulloch Castle Thompson's Dirk      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March well controlled, steady tempo. Slowed down in second part. Technique good. Strathspey needs a bit more expression, in particular the first strong pulse & the thirds medium pulse. Some rushing of note groups. C’s in last part too thick. Good break into the reel but needs forward momentum, keep the rhythm flowing. Bagpipe very well-tuned. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Boyles           Tunes: Miss Elspeth Campbell dornie ferry mackay from skye      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March: Could perhaps make more on an introduction to the tune by building the tempo in the first bar. Tempo very steady, could come up a touch and get some more upbeat into it. Generally, well played, few wee things tripping you up such as the grips & D throw. Strathspey tempo pretty good, just a touch of roundness in places. Try not to run the four pulses together, the space between them is how you achieve the lift. Few missed E doubs. Reel pretty good. Few small catches in 4th part. Bagpipe pretty close. Keep up the good work.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Johnson           Tunes: John MacDonald Of Glencoe, Lady Campbell of Longsdale Lieutenant Colonel DJS Murray      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March: Steady tempo. Good fingering for most part. Some of the phrases coming out a touch round, especially last phrase in each part. Could be more accurate with the beat. Missed E doubling last part. Strathspey: tempo a touch slow, lacking lift. Very technical 3rd part. Reel: Good break to reel, nice steady tempo here. Drones not quite locked in with Low A, also a bit of separation between the drones. Enjoyed your performance.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clara Aellen           Tunes: John MacColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage, Fiddler's Joy & Kalabakan      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March: Very steady March. Some obvious intonation issues - HG extremely sharp. Drones not quite on Low A. Fingering very good. Just make sure you are hitting Low G in your B strikes. Slight mistime C to E in 4th part. Strath; Not quite mastering the 4/4/ idiom. Error second part. Big catch D throw to HA each time. Reel pretty good overall. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta           Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque / Maggie Cameron / Kalabakan      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March: Nice steady tempo. Technique generally pretty good, just some of the C doublings are ahead of the beat. Small choke third part. Small error last part, bar 1, you are playing a D to E should be a C (both times). Strathspey ok just not 100% accurate on the beat, needs to be more definitive. Reel very good tempo. Little muddiness on bottom hand. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ed Kitlowski           Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale, Maggie Cameron, The Sheepwife      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March; Steady tempo to start with but some minor rushing in places. Last phrase is quite round. Don’t think there is a HG gracenote on the birls last bar. Good strathspey tempo. 2nd part, 2nd bar you are playing the C very thick, should be much shorter, and the weight on the E. Bit round in third part. Nice break into reel. Some bottom hand technique deficiencies. Rushing towards end of the tune. Bagpipe close but not quite locked in. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: George Panagiotou           Tunes: PM Tom McAllistair, Macdonalds of Baleshore, Salmon Leap      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March: Very safe tempo. Good technique. Bagpipe not in tune from the start. Recording has some distortion also which not helping. Intonation on C – very flat. Strathspey on the slow side, just lacking a bit of lift. Nice break into reel and good key change. Feel this could flow a little better with some forward momentum. Tunes overall pretty good, just a shame the bagpipe not quite in. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Owen Sulistio           Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Dorrator Bridge, Gena MacLeod      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March: Nice steady tempo, small catch up to C. Missed B doub last bar. Birl a bit slury. 2pt: Croaky HA, small catch to top hand. Little bit round last phrase. Few technical deficiencies in 3rd part. HA blown better in 4th pt. E doublings hit and miss. Errors in last line. Strathspey: Lovely strathspey rhythm. Catches up to HG. Big catches C to E in 3rd. D throw could do with touch more LG in it. Reel: Nice tune. Few wee fingering imperfections. Good timing throughout on a well-tuned bagpipe. Try to eliminate all those crossing noises. Shame about the slip in the march. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raúl Peinado Fuentes           Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay, Duncan Lamont, Loch Carron      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March Good steady tempo and control. Bagpipe not tuned well. Some intonation issues on the top hand, drones very separate. Third part few squeals. Strathspey too quick, lacking pulsing and lift. Lots of rushing here, untidy technique. Reel – whoa! That’s quick! Entertaining stuff. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Travis Combs           Tunes: The Balkan Hills, Maggie Cameron, Bessie MacIntyre.      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: March: Very steady tempo. Good fingering. Some random high pitch artifacts coming from the chanter particularly on F & HG. Strathspey just lacking strict pulsing and lift. Some rushing throughout especially in third part. Need to space out the note groups. Reel just lacking forward momentum. Some strong pulses interrupting the flow of the tune. Bagpipe – Intonation Flat F and D, drones not quite 100% locked. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Dunbar      Place: 1      Tunes: Irish Washerwoman Donald MacKillop      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Great pipes. Jig 1- Very strong playing. Rushing birls at part endings. 2nd Jig- extremely musical. Again, early to birls. Great playing. Well done.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Trevor DeMass      Place: 2      Tunes: Old Wife at the Mill Dust, Kenny Gilles of Portnalong, Skye      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe! 1st jig- Very good playing. Rushing to E doublings in second part. 2nd Jig- a little up in tempo first jig. Rushing ahead of the beat throughout- ever so slightly. Great performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Owen Sulistio      Place: 3      Tunes: Donella Beaton, The Lark In The Morning      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Steady playing. Jig 1- untidy part endings. Jig 2- Good control and overall musicality. Good performance. Nice sounding bagpipe.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: calum maclean      Place: 4      Tunes: Cork Hill, Glasgow City Police Pipers      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Steady playing throughout. Some doublings a tad tight- try to keep them relaxed if you can. Musical playing.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack McGowan      Place: 5      Tunes: The Deerstalkers Jig, Inspector Donald Campbell of Ness      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: nice bagpipe. 1st Jig- Brisk tempo. Bringing tempo back will help gain a little more musicality throughout. 2nd Jig- Very quick here also.Always allow tunes to breath, this helps bring the music out. Strong technique. Great potential.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Adam Earl      Place: 6      Tunes: Donald MacLellan's Tuning Phrase, The Geese in the Bog      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: 1- Confident playing with nice expression and musciallity. Slowing down in 3rd part. 2nd part- technique not quite as strong here. Hard tune!! Drones fairly well settled. Chanter a little dull. Nice performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Boyles           Tunes: Donella Beaton The Curlew      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Drones not quite settled at start. Jig 1- Lacking a consistant style throughout. Rigid at part endings. Jig 2- Far better! Far musical here. Rushing 3rd part a tad. Keep emphasis on the beat notes throughout.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Johnson           Tunes: Troy's Wedding, Curlew      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Jig 1- Drones not settled at start. Steady playing. Some false fingering on Cs. Great expression. Jig 2- Rushing off Throw Ds throughout. Give them the full beat. Nice performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clara Aellen           Tunes: The Rakes of Kildare & Paddy O'Rafferty      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Drones not settled at start. 1- Confident intro, if anything, a little too rushed. Crushing GDE's throughout. More control needed. Jig 2- Inconsistant with timing here, try to even everything out more. Some very strong technique.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta           Tunes: Glasgow City Police Pipers / Paddy's Leather Breeches      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Bagpipe fairly well set. Jig 1- Very fast in tempo here. Bringing the tempo back a bit will help bring the music out. Last part untidy. Jig 2- Untidy playing throughout. Open up GDE movements to gain more control of your performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ed Kitlowski           Tunes: Old Wife of the Mill Dust, Alex MacDonald      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe. Jig 1- Playing a little erratic here. Try to steady this out more for a better musical presentation. Good tempo. Jig 2- GDE movements over clipped. A tad on the fast side with this tune. Bringing the tempo back will help.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: George Panagiotou           Tunes: Alex MacDonald and Patty O'Rafferty      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Drones not settled at start. Jig 1- Fairly good playing. Pushing ahead of beat at part endings. Fourth part untidy. Jig 2- Losing flow from the first jig. B gracenotes inconsistant. A little untidy throughout. Pushing tempo a tad here- possibly not helping you control this tune.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane           Tunes: Paddy’s Leather Breeches and The Glasgow City Police Pipers      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Bagpipes fairly well set. Jig 1- Steady playing. I feel you can allow the tempo to come up a couple of notches here. This will help gain a little extra lift and musicality. Jig 2- Same comments as Jig 1. Great potential here!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raúl Peinado Fuentes           Tunes: JK's jig/ Romany      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Drones farily good. Chanter thin sounding. Jig playing very fast throughout and lacking control and musical expression. I would suggest picking 2 well known tunes and getting a good recording of them from one of our top pipers. You can then use this as a guide for your own playing.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Travis Combs           Tunes: Cork Hill, The Banjo Breakdown.      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Jig 1- More control needed in GDE movements- slightly muffled. Bright tempo. Lacking expression in 4th part. Emphasis beat notes a little throughout to maintain steadiness. Jig 2- Similar comments to the first jig. Drones well set, chanter a little thin sounding. Well played.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack McGowan      Place: 1      Tunes: Jim Ritches March      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: I really enjoyed your playing. Not much to comment on playing wise as you demonstrate some excellent technique and music. However, you really need to sort your chanter tuning. F,D and high G are all sharp. Your drones are good. Sort this and you will have a far stronger package! Contact me if you need help with the bagpipe set up/tuning. You have great potential. Well done Jack.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Trevor DeMass      Place: 2      Tunes: Trees of North Uist      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A nice and steady performance. Good flow and pulse to the tune. Just be careful with some GDE movements from low G to low A. Really attack them with strength. Nicely tuned bagpipe. Well done Trevor.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Dunbar      Place: 3      Tunes: The MacNeil's of Ugadale      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: Very smart Calum! A little on the brisk side! The tune would benefit from a little more control and pulse. You sometimes just jump ahead of the beat. Some very good technique on show! Well set pipe. Well done.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Owen Sulistio      Place: 4      Tunes: PM Scott Ruscoe      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: you show good understanding of the 6/8 idiom. Be careful with some of your taorluath work. They are quite tight. A nice tune that i have not heard before and played with good flow and pulse. perhaps a slight timing issue in part 3? your pipes are tuned well but the high A is too sharp. some good technique on show. Well done Owen.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: calum maclean      Place: 5      Tunes: Dr Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: I feel that a little more pulse would help this 6/8. However, there was a nice flow to your music. Some slightly slack technique especially the birl. You really rounded off the 2nd timing of the last part that needs more structure. Pipes nicely set but highA sounds a bit choked. Ps. There was a little glitch in the recording. Good effort Calum. Well done
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Johnson      Place: 6      Tunes: Dovecote Park      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: Generally good technique on show. Your blowing needs attention. Steady the pressure to gain a better sound output. Try to let the tune flow a little more. Some catching sounds in parts 3&4. Good understanding of the pulse throughout. Good quality of pipe sound but drones not holding until the end. Well done chris.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Adam Earl           Tunes: The Sweet Maid of Mull      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: Nice swing and pulse through your tune. You show some good technique in your playing but your chanter sound needs some refinement. High A is too raspy and B is sharp. Drones reasonable but not in tune with low A at the end. good effort Adam. Ps. Your volume levels were quite low.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Boyles           Tunes: Cameron MacFadyen      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: Your playing is a little square and needs more fluidity to make it musical. pulse the beat note to help this in the first instance. Check the setting of part 3. Some very good technique on show however, you need to spend time on tuning. Your chanter is very sharp against your drones. Well done Christopher
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clara Aellen           Tunes: The 10th Battalion H.L.I. Crossing the Rhine      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: Not always a consistent beat in the tune. Focus on this. You tend to over pulse the beat notes which disturbs the flow of the music. Some good technique on show but unfortunately some catching noises coming through. Your pipe tuning needs some attention. The chanter is very sharp against your drones. Keep working on your phrasing. Well done Clara.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta           Tunes: Rab's Wedding      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: watch your pick up notes between parts as you play ahead here. Some of your technique does not land cleanly especially in part 3. Good tempo of your tune but I would recommend a little more pulse to come through. Pipes a little flat in pitch. Good effort Dagmar.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ed Kitlowski           Tunes: Jean Mauchline      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: your note values are not always consistent and this therefore disturbs the flow of the tune. Your technique is very tight so a little more space between gracenotes in the doubling movements would be of huge benefit. Same for the taorluath movement. Pipes quite well tuned. Well done Ed.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: George Panagiotou           Tunes: Tug Argan Gap      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: your technique is generally good but unfortunately a slight catching noise in part3. The tune could definitely flow better as the tempo is making the tune stodgy. Pay attention to the beat as you sometimes jump ahead especially in part2 E to highG. Your drones were out of tune from the start. Better tuning will enhance your chanter sound. Well done George
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane           Tunes: Leaving Port Ascaig      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: You show good understanding of the pulse notes and you played the tune with a steady tempo. Pay attention to the short notes as some are not short enough and therefore rounding the tune off. Some good technique on show. Drones not in tune from the start and high A flat. Good effort Raquel.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raúl Peinado Fuentes           Tunes: Dr. Ross welcome to the 50th Argyllshire gathering      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: some more pulse and structure in your tune would make this much better. Focus on a stronger beat note to help. Some good technique on show in places. Note errors in last line. Pipes not in tune. Chanter very sharp. Keep working hard. Well done Raul.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Travis Combs           Tunes: The Atholl Highlanders      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: spend some time on your pipes to achieve better tuning. Your high A is very raspy and the chanter is flat compared to the chanter. You lose the pulse in part 2 and therefore the tune rounds off. Your grips are not complete. Have a look at this movement and slow it down firstly to create the D gracenote on low G. Your technique gets better in the 4th part. Keep working on your technique to address these issues. Well done Travis.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Trevor DeMass      Place: 1      Tunes: Piper’s Controversy      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe, well blown. Just the right tempo for this tune to get the swagger in there! Clear technique with loads of control. Very little to find fault with here. I would call this performance well above my expectations for grade 2. Well done indeed!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack McGowan      Place: 2      Tunes: Jim Tweedies Sea Legs      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe! Very good flow - possibly room to open it up just a wee bit to avoid any choppiness - but just a bit! Fantastic mitts - great clarity in technique. A bit tight in part three - possibly related to the subdivision being a little tighter here too. This was a very strong performance on a lovely instrument (F just a bit sharp) - fantastic tonal quality.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eddie Boland      Place: 3      Tunes: The train journey north      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe - fantastic tonal quality. A very well controlled tempo with lots of swing to it. Solid technique. Part three not quite as perfectly locked in as the rest, even though very very close! Almost overcontrolling the shakes, perhaps, which could bog that part down ever so slightly. All round a great performance.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Dunbar      Place: 4      Tunes: Ina MacKenzie      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, well blown. Drones very very close but not fully locked. A little on the quick side, causing some passages to be a little tighter than they probably should be (ie E D B low G - and some cut notes in the fourth part). Just a bit more open on cuts that appear on off-beats will make this tune flow more smoothly at this tempo. Good technique, and lots of fun to listen to!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: calum maclean      Place: 5      Tunes: The Jolly Beggerman      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, well set and blown. A careful tempo, but you're still getting some good swing out of the tune. Clear technique. Birls at the end of parts are sometimes slightly early, but usually just right. A solid performance.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: George Panagiotou      Place: 6      Tunes: Clydeside      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Excellent tonal quality to your chanter - drones not settled down, though. Appropriate tempo, well maintained. A good comfortable feel for the most part - a few instances of slight overcutting making it sound a little choppy, but flowing well in general. Good strong technique. Well done.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Adam Earl           Tunes: The Man from Skye      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Well set pipe, well blown. Lively tempo, well maintained. Excellent swing to this - not too pointed, not too round. Slight untidiness in the notoriously tricky part of the third part, but minor. Pipe not perfect at the end, but a very well presented rendition of a classic.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: CAI LONGKUAN           Tunes: Rowd's Hornpipe      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set (F a bit sharp) and steady drones. Good tempo, Little chokes here and there. Flow is genarally quite good, but some spots where you're getting slightly bogged down for a brief moment. Technically quite good, but the chokes seem to be associated with either birls or the shake movements - perhaps affecting the flow of your right arm? or gripping too tightly? Lots of good qualtiy playing here - too bad about the little chokes!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Boyles           Tunes: Ina MacKenzie      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set, though drones a little flat to your chanter. I like the loose and open feel to this tune - well done. Excellent tempo - relaxed but not draggy. Be careful not to jump the birl at the end of lines - usually fine, but some a bit eager. Technically good - a few tiny things but nothing major. Well played - drones a bit of a factor, but I enjoyed this.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Johnson           Tunes: Collin MacKay      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, well set. Appropriate tempo - be careful not to slow down in the ending phrase of each part. Good clarity to technique. Good control of triplets. Lots of control of the shakes in part four too. This is very close to being extremely good, but the end of each part is a definite factor - but an easy fix. Pop a metronome on and see what you need to do not to lose steam at the end of each part, and this tune will be complete!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clara Aellen           Tunes: The Man From Skye      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, though drones not quite locked together. D and high G fairly sharp. Lively tempo, well controlled. Good technique for the most part. Make sure the gracenote in your half E doublings is F, not high G! Timing issue in part three - the cut D is landing ahead of the beat starting bar three. Hard to wait for that especially without a gracenote on it, so I imagine that note as having an accent on it - "louder" - to help me to put it on the beat not ahead. Well done!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta           Tunes: The Man From Skye      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and blown. Steady drones. A comfortable tempo that still has a good swing. Clear technique. The third part is not as settled into a steady rhythm as the first two - keep it relaxed just like the other parts. Minor technical issues, but nothing bit. Well played.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ed Kitlowski           Tunes: Donald Macleod      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe set and blown well. Good choice of tempo, but watch for fluctuations of tempo, especially in acceleration on some top hand passages (such as the ending phrase on the two high As and the G after). A bit inconsistent in style in some spots - mostly nicely and tastefully pulsed, but here and there getting fairly cut and pointed - these passages could be smoothed out just a bit. Good technique. Instrument held well.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Owen Sulistio           Tunes: Cosmos Cascade      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe, set well. Appropriate tempo. You're getting very slight surges forward at times, perhaps anticipating some technique - nothing major though. Minor catches in part four going from low A to D (placement of the gracenote not perfectly accurate). This was very good - the main area to improve would be to be completely locked into the rhythm of beat and off beat all the way through - just those little jumpy bits!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane           Tunes: Tam Bains Lum      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, though the drones could be locked in a bit closer. Appropriate tempo, well maintained. Accurate technique, though some gracenotes are a bit big, which reduces a bit of the clarity of the movements - esp E in the middle of shakes. Good flow - relaxed and open but not round. Well done.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raúl Peinado Fuentes           Tunes: The wee man from Skye      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, blown well. Very quick! You're losing a bit of the clarity in execution and flow (there's lots of music in the small notes) due to tempo. Overall subdivision is good - I would much prefer to hear excitement from a good groove than sheer speed, and I think you'd have that if you pulled it back a bit. You have good hands, but you're not having the opportunity to show their control also due to the tempo.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Travis Combs           Tunes: The Pumpkins Fancy      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe - drones not totally locked in but close. Some ups and downs to tempo in the first part, approaching shakes. Esp low A, B before the C shake. Appropriate tempo maintained well (except for the little jumpy bits). Good clarity to your technique. Watch rushing toward the end as well. This was very good - the main area to improve is to lock right in to the beats and offbeats and don't let any technique pull you ahead!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Trevor DeMass      Place: 1      Tunes: Desperate Battle      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Beautiful ground, Trevor. Steady flow with clear phrasing. Transition to Variation 1 Doubling could be improved with a slightly softer/longer final E of Variation 1 Singling. Effective ritard into Variation 2 SIngling. Using tempi changes to good effect. Sometimes you are taking a while to speed up in the doublings. Don't speed up on the first pulse, but get to tempo as quickly as possible after that. Nice, snappy connecting notes in your Dithis variations. Without cadences in any singlings, this tune works well with more contrasting singling/doubling tempi than some other piobaireachd. Good crisp Low A connecting notes in the taorluath variation. I think your crunluath E's are just a tad short and you could get a more relaxed swing if they were just a hair longer. There's not a place for me to mark it, but I'd say this performance would hold its own in Grade 1. AGL, for what it's worth! Instrument: Great instrument to start! Lovely high A, adds so much to this tune if it's good. The only issue is the F# a little unstable/pressure-sensitive. Wee chirp, G gracenote on C. Beautiful pipe that held the course. Technique: Excellent. The odd miss in the taorluath. Great crunluaths. E and F gracenotes are tight, too close together, in many of your crunluath a mach embellishments. That's really the only issue!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Calum Dunbar      Place: 2      Tunes: Queen Elizabeth II Salute      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Typically, this tune is played with a bit more time given to the second long note in each phrase, but your compound-time approach is both consistent and effective. However, in the variations, the second note is played long so you might consider a similar treatment in the ground. holding out the F's and High A's as in the variations. Very effective timing of your double echo beats. Excellent contrast and control in your taorluath variations with a classy ritard into the crunluath singling. I wouldn't slow down at the end of the crunluath doubling. You could pause slightly on the last D and E, but that's different than a full-on ritard/slowdown. Well done, this was a great tune! Instrument: Nice instrument to start. F# and D a shade sharp. Chanter sharpened as you progressed, unfortunately. Technique: Excellent! Some heavy throws and some light throws in your D double echoes. I prefer the light throw, but either is fine so long as you are consistent. Great crunluaths and D movements throughout.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Owen Sulistio      Place: 3      Tunes: The Little Spree      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Lovely pace and expression in this ground with a nice lift of tempo for the doubling. Nice flow to your Siubhal variation, not overly clipped. Taorluath and Crunluath steady. Good pace throughout. Instrument: Excellent pipe to start, Owen. Good chanter intonation though the F# is a shade sharp and unstable generally. Enveloping and rock solid drone sound. Technique: Rhythmic and clear 'odro' embellishments. A handful of Low A to D crossing noises throughout the tune - don't drop your little finger too early. Wee squeak in the Siubhal. Excellent GDE's. Not all crunluath fosgailte movements are getting clear Low As in the edre. Regular crunluaths are solid but sometimes tight. You could open up the entire crunluath variation for more technical consistency.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta      Place: 4      Tunes: Massacre Of Glencoe      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Solid expression in the ground. Sometimes your pace slowed or picked up. Try to have a similar approach to each phrase. Hold out the B to finish the lines. Nice build into the Thumb Variation. Nice start to the taorluath variation. I would try to slowdown on the third theme note as you approach the cadence, rather than slowing down on the short Low A following the taorluath. Solid taorluath doubling. If you can, shorten the Low A's after each taorluath just a hair and give a slight pause on the fourth theme note in each measure to show the phrasing. In contrast to what I said for the taorluath, don't make the E following the crunluaths too short. They can be more relaxed than the Low A's following taorluaths. You've got the hands to pull off a crunluath a mach, which is a great ending for this tune. Well done. Instrument: Drones set well. Nice chanter sound. F# a tad sharp. Steady pressure control. Technique: Tight grip to B. Some crossings after B grips to C. Very consistent taorluath and crunluath technique!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Karen McIlvena      Place: 5      Tunes: Colin MacRae of Invereenat's Lament      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Musical and rhythmic portrayal of this ground. Nice playing in Variation 1 as well. I might soften/lengthen the Low A's prior to the High A's just a touch. Good compound time flow in Variation 2, though I think you could play it a bit faster overall. You are pausing on the C to prepare the cadences at the line endings here. I like that, but I would ritard the High A prior a bit as well so it isn't so abrupt. Lovely approach to the rhythmic variations. An excellent performance of an unusual and seldom heard tune, Karen. Instrument: Great drone tuning! Beautiful chanter intervals as well. Slight pressure/pitch sagging in places. Chanter sharpening by the end. Technique: Wee crossing from E to C odro in opening phrase. Rhythmic odro/note-grip technique thereafter. A couple wee crossings to B in E cadence at line endings. Good hiharin in the ground, birl slips in the variation 1 and 2. The long initial Low G of your D throws is breaking up the flow just a bit. Excellent lemluaths and taorluaths. The odd Low A crossing noise after a lemluath. Strong crunluaths!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ed Kitlowski      Place: 6      Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Musical ground, Ed. Perhaps just a little quick/abrupt into the Dithis singling. If you can, shorten the connecting notes just a bit. Similarly, when transitioning to the doubling, I would wait until the second pulse of the variation to bump up the tempo. Always hold out the first note of a variation, regardless of singling or doubling. When approaching the singlings in your taorluath variation, slow down in preparation on the theme note prior rather than on the short Low A connecting note. There is more variety of style on approaching cadences in a crunluath singling, but in a taorluath the Low A is generally kept short. Again, I would like to hear more slowdown into your Crunluath singling. It feels like the only thing keeping the tempo slower than the doubling is the cadences. Great tune overall, just try to get a bit more tempi contrast between singlings and doublings with smooth transitions back and forth. Well done! Instrument: Excellent instrument; locked in. F# a shade flat. Technique: Strong technique throughout, crisp and rhythmic. I think you could certainly handle a more difficult tune with your high level of technique and instrument, and a more difficult tune would generally be more competitive in Grade 2.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: calum maclean           Tunes: Lament for Allan, My Son      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Lovely ground and smooth approach to Variation 1 singling and doubling. Nice ritard into the taorluath variation. Quite a round approach to your taorluath variations. I would try to shorten the Low A's after each taorluath without tightening up your taorluath at all. A slight, subtle pause on the 4th pulse of each measure will let the variation "breath" and help the phrasing. Strong finish. Instrument: Very well-set and steady instrument with the stable High G needed for a tune such as this. High G is on the sharp side. Instrument drifting by the taorluath, chanter just sharpening. Technique: Rhythmic hiharin movement. Watch D taorluaths, making sure you get two strong Low G's like any other taorluath. Crunluaths are open but clean and even which is more important than speed, of course. Well done.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Christopher Boyles           Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Musical flow and expression in the Ground. Good thumb variation as well, though you could pick up the tempo a bit more. The taorluath singling is a bit fast and round. I would try to shorten the Low A after the taorluaths (without tightening up your excellent taorluath technique) and add that time to the long theme notes. Don't slow down too much on the Low A connecting note before cadences, as well as the E of the cadences. This will help you carry a bit more momentum into the cadences, fully slowing down on the B or C. Solid crunluath variations. You have a common tendency to rush off some of the E's after a mach movements. Hold them out just as long as the regular crunluath theme notes. Nice tune, Christopher. Instrument: Drones not totally locked in with Low A, but close. F# quite sharp. Chanter intervals could be better tuned in general. Using a bagpipe tuner app can be a huge help in training your ear to hear it better. Watch that the pressure doesn't swell on high As in the Thumb Var. Nice, stable pressure control everywhere else. Precise tuning is extra important when playing piobaireachd, with its long sustained tones. More accurate chanter intervals would be the biggest improvement you could make to this tune. Technique: In measure 2 of the ground (and thereafter,) you played a G gracenote to B instead of an E gracenote. Excellent taorluath and crunluath technique!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Christopher Johnson           Tunes: The Battle Of Auldearn, No 1      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Good pace and expression in the ground, Christopher. I like the initial pace of the Thumb Singling, but I feel you are losing a little momentum into your cadences. When slowing for the cadence, you can slow down the long theme note but I wouldn’t get overly large with the shorter high A connecting note prior to the cadence. The E of the cadence could be shortened a bit as well. This will still prepare the cadence with a slight ritard but will carry more momentum through, leaving the largest slowdown for the B/C and Low A. Effective and subtle ritard at the end of the Thumb doubling in preparation for the Dithis singling. Nice music through the rhythmic variations, though my same comment about losing too much momentum into cadences applies. In the crunluath variation, don’t clip the E after the crunluaths like we cut the Low A after taorluaths. The rhythm is more relaxed with more of a compound-time swing in the crunluath vs. the crisp dot-cut rhythm of the taorluath variation. Strong finish. Instrument: Solid drone tuning but pressure sagging at times when inhaling, moreso as you progressed. F# a bit sharp. Steadying your pressure will be the biggest improvement you can make to this well-played tune. Technique: Hiharin not as smooth as it could be, as you have a pause on the first Low A before the birl movement. I would try to match the slower speed of your edres and the faster speed of your odros/note-grips as these embellishments are rhythmically linked. Nice snappy Low A connecting notes in the Dithis. Some slight Low G crossing noises when going from Low A to C or D in the Dithis doubling. Strong taorluaths overall. A few missed D movements in taorluath and crunluath variations. Rhythmic and clear crunluaths. Great a mach embellishments!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Clara Aellen           Tunes: Lament For Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Musical approach to the ground, Clara. I would soften/lengthen the cadence E's a bit. Good, crisp expression in the Dithis variations. Nice lift of tempo for the Dithis doubling. Steady variations. This tune is very effective with a crunluath a mach variation to finish. Well done. Instrument: Chanter sharp to the drones to begin. Bottom hand, esp. D, is sharp. Improving tuning and chanter intonation will be the largest improvement you can make to your playing of this tune. Chokes in the Crunluath. Technique: Excellent technique, with rippling darodos and hiharins. Incorrect G gracenote in your "chelalo" movement in the second to last measure of the ground. It should be an E gracenote between the two short D's. A few sloppy or missed taorluaths. Just keep them open as you have the fast fingers to play them very consistently if you slow them down. Minor flub. Crunluaths are too tight for total precision as well. Open them up so you can get 32 clear crunluaths in a row. 64 if you play the a mach variation (you should!)
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Eddie Boland           Tunes: Mackintosh's banner      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: I like the aggressive treatment of the ground, Eddie. Nice snappy short notes in Variation 1 with a subtle ritard into the line endings. Good build into the doubling and showing the phrasing nicely. You could slow a bit more at the end of Var 1 doubling into the Taorluath singling. Nice taorluath variations. The E connecting notes following the crunluaths could be a bit longer for more swing and a less choppy approach here. This also helps give it rhythmic contrast from the more cut taorluath variation. Well done. Instrument: Well-set to start. F# and C# on the sharp side. Chanter sharpening as you progress, just needs more time to settle before the final tuning. Technique: Wee crossing after B grip to C. Excellent technique overall. You have the quality of technique and instrument to play a more difficult tune than this, which would be more competitive at the grade 2 level.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: George Panagiotou           Tunes: The Desperate Battle      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: I would aim for a bit more steadiness through each four-pulse phrase, pausing on the 4th pulse to show the phrasing. Nice playing in Var. 1. When transitioning to Var. 1 Doubling, I would lengthen the final E a bit, as this felt abrupt. I think this tune works well with fairly aggressive tempi variation between singlings and doublings. I felt you could move through Var. 1 doubling a bit more while slowing more for Var. 2 singling. Just aim for a bit more contrast of Singlings and Doublings throughout this tune. Since there are no cadences in any of the singlings, we need to consciously increase tempo more so than simply removing the cadences. You are stumbling a bit in the Dithis singling. Listening to a good recording of this tune (there are many) will certainly help you understand the drama you can pull out of it with contrasting tempi. Good effort with a deceptively difficult tune. Instrument: Drones not locked in to start. F# is sharp. Quite a few chokes when going to high A, just make sure to maintain pressure on the bottom hand (don’t spike pressure when going to high A). This is an incredibly difficult tune to play if you are struggling with the high A. (It’s not the desperate battle of the High A!) This tune is epic when the high A is good, so just work to sort that. Technique: Double high A strike in line 2 of the ground. Strong taorluaths. Crunluaths are sometimes good, other times a bit too tight. Play them not at the speed at which you can play one but at the speed which you can play 64 in a row (i.e. slower!) You are breaking the a mach movements up a bit too much. While you can have the slightest pause in the middle of the movement, you don't want it to be too long.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane           Tunes: Lament for the Viscount of Dundee      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Nice flow to the ground, Raquel. You want to pull out the first Low G of your D throws when playing them within the D double echoes. Also, you might consider playing light throws in piobaireachd, though either way of playing a D throw is correct. Nice, relaxed approach to variation 1 singling and doubling. I think you are a tad long with the C or D connecting note before the final C or D held pulse of each phrase in Variation 2 singling. In the taorluath singling, make sure to hold out the first theme note of each phrase. You are doing an excellent job of slowing into your held notes at the end of the phrases. I would open up the short connecting note in your crunluath fosgailte movements to reinforce the melody line. Well played! Instrument: Drones not locked. D is sharp. Steady pressure control overall. A couple wee chokes. Technique: Very good technique throughout. Crossing noises between D and Low A in the taorluath doubling. Rhythmic edre technique.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Raúl Peinado Fuentes           Tunes: I've got a kiss of the kings hand      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Good pace to the ground. I think opening/lengthening your cadence E's as well as various short notes will give more rhythmic variety to the interpretation of the ground as well as keeping it from sounding clipped and choppy. It also gives the ground a bit of lyrical contrast to the many rhythmic variations to follow. However, you are consistent in your approach, which is important. Showing the ending of the Dithis singling nicely. You could speed up the dithis doubling a bit more. Unconventional treatment of the cadences in the singling, but they are consistent with your ground. I think part of the reason pipers generally slow down the cadences more is that it gives more contrast to the doublings and more variety of flavors throughout the tune. You slowed down nicely at the end of the taorluath but sort of sped right back up in the crunluath singling. Crunluath doubling is very round. I would try to emphasize theme notes over the connecting E's. More than most, this tune is really enhanced with the addition of a crunluath a mach variation, as it is an aggressive tune with loads of C's and B's. Instrument: Nice pipe! F# and C# are sharp. Technique: Excellent overall. Crunluaths are very tight and not as rhythmic as they could be if you opened them up.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Sid Baker           Tunes: Ewen of the Battles      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Musical interpretation of the ground. Good treatment of cadences in the lemluath singling. Nice aggressive approach through the doubling. I would slow down at the end of the lemluath doubling by lengthening the final two theme notes, rather than sitting on the E connecting note. I would take both taorluath variations a bit slower, aiming to cut the Low A's after each taorluath more. I think this tune needs an aggressive approach but you are a bit rushed in the latter half of the tune. Well done. Instrument: Drones not locked with chanter. Flat High G, sharp F#. Slight choke in the taorluath singling. A bagpipe tuner app can really help dial in the chanter intonation and train your ear to hear it better. Technique: You are leaving out the first E of your chedari movement, effectively playing an E doubling from F up to high G. Make sure to sound an E after the F and before the G gracenote. Getting a few Low A crossing noises after lemluaths, other times missing the D gracenote. Solid taorluaths. "Redundant A" in your crunluaths.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Travis Combs           Tunes: MacDonald of Kinlochmoidart's Lament No.1      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Musical pace and expression in the ground, Travis. You’re employing a good variety of connecting note lengths to maintain interest. Nice step up of tempo for Var. 1. I feel you are overholding the Low A before the D when approaching double echoes or hiharins, losing momentum and effectively adding an extra theme note to that measure. If looking at the P.S. score, I would ignore the fermata on the Low A but keep the pause on the D following. Good flow through Var. 1 doubling, though you are rushing the Low A before the taorluath at the line endings. Hold this just as long as your other theme notes. You are quite long with the E of your B double echoes. I would shorten this (eighth note), keeping it noticeably shorter than the E of a hiharin (quarter note). Effective tempi control in the taorluath variations. In the crunluath singling, you are jumping off the D before the double echoes and hiharins more than earlier, and I would hold that D out. Speed up the crunluath doubling, if you can, and let the tune go a bit more here. Well done. Instrument: Pipe set pretty close to start. Especially as the tune progresses, you are getting pressure/pitch sagging on sustained notes, Low A in particular. Stable High G. High A is a bit coarse, scratchy and on the sharp side. Technique: Make sure the Low G strike in your B double echo movement actually hits Low G and not just Low A. Taorluaths are open but consistent and rhythmic - well played. Nice crunluaths overall, just be careful not to get stuck on the initial Low G, instead keeping the movement even and rippling throughout.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Angus Burke      Place: 1      Tunes: Leaving Lunga, Cabar Feidh, Miss Proud      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: HI Angus, thanks for the tunes, big set! Nice sweet bagpipe. Confident start, nice 2/4 expression. Crisp technique. Wee catch 3rd part. (grips?) Good to strath and again good strathspey lift /expression. Controlled break to reel, nice playing here, wee crosses 2 nd part, good run. PIpe stayed the distance, an enjoyable MSR, great stuff. You might want to have a look at your grip technique, sometimes lifting pinky early creating a cross.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tam McGirr      Place: 2      Tunes: Arthur Bignold. Pipers Bonnet. Bessie McIntyre      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Tam, thanks for your entry to the fall contest. Classic set of tunes. Nice pipe from ouset. Controlled tempo, good 2/4 2 bar phrasing. nice dot/cut and treatment of upbeat. Wee catch last part. good to strath, nice lift and expression, occasional tight c doubling. great break. smooth reel playing all the way. Really enjoyed this set, well done.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Votta      Place: 3      Tunes: Kantara to El Arish, Blair Drummond, Alick C. MacGregor      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: HI Joseph, nice sounding pipe, some feedback distracts however. Nice march tempo and well expressed, good use of lift in upbeat. Hint of cross in some taurluath and grip movements. Wee missed grip 3rd part. nice 4th. Solid to Blair Drummond, throw on D not consistent, tight c doublings 3rd part. nice strathspey lift though. smooth break to reel. watch you don't break time 3rd part. Strong set of tunes, hands a little tight at times, pipe held well.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ernesto Góngora      Place: 4      Tunes: Pipe Major Jim Christie of Wick, Captain Duncan McGregor, Archie Kenneth      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Ernesto, thanks for entering the fall contest. Nice pipes from outset, conservative march tempo, wee crosses in the tuarluath movement, cross to hi A 4th part. Solid march nonetheless. good break to strath and strong darado movement. Nice strathsepy lift and expression. Smooth to reel, killer birl. missed strike 4th part. ENjoyed the music here, great stuff.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexandra Knox      Place: 5      Tunes: The MacNeils March, The Caledonian Society of London, Roddy MacDonald’s Fancy      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi ALex, thanks for entering the fall online contest. Strong start with good march tempo and drive. Drones not quite locked in from outset. Really clean fingering, nice. tacchums a little untidy 3rd part. wee chirp last line. Bright tempo into strath, nice lift and expression, clean to reel. smooth playing here. wee pause third part, drones continue to drift. Really liked your expression and playing in this MSR. Being a bit more fussy re your sound/tuning would take this to the next level, well done.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Elizabeth Knox      Place: 6      Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal, Sandy MacPherson, Sandy Cameron      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Elizabeth thanks for entering the fall comp. Bright march tempo from outset, grips untidy to C. Good lift and 2 bar phrasing, slight slowing into 4th part. tight hands. good break to strasthspey and really good lift here. 3rd part going well. good break to reel, wee crosses at times. C to E movement not consistent. good grips last part. A really musical set of tunes, pipe pretty good at start, perhaps didnt quite hold. Occasionally tight technique distracted. well done!
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anatoly Isaev           Tunes: Arthur Bignold/ Tulloch Gorm/ The Grey Bob      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Thanks for your entryAnatoly. Confident playing from outset, good hands, hi G a touch flat to my ear. Watch you dont round out that upbeat, particularly in the 3rd and 4th parts, Would like to hear a little more dot cut and 2 bar phrasing. OK to strathsepy, again upbeat tempo, not always consistent. Losing composure 3rd part. Reel a bit quick me , at the expense of the music, hint of chokes third part. THe whole performance could be improved with a little more control and compusore.well done.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brieuc Colleter           Tunes: Major Manson ar Clachantrushal (P/M Donald MacLean), Lumphanan (Douglas A. Will), Alick C. MacGregor (G.S. MacLeannan)      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: HI Brieuc, looks like an awesome musci room there! Strong start to the set, good bright tempo, grips a little tight. Nicely tuned bagpipe. good break to strath. Some technical blemishes distract but good lift. Nice to reel - a classic. Smooth playing and good 2 bar phrasing. LIttle clipped in 3rd and 4 th psrts, try to maintain that flow and be careful to complete your performance.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin           Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay, Lady MacKenzie of Gairloch, Johnnie MacDonald's Reel      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Thanks for your entry Charlie. Confident start, drones not quite locekd in though, making the chanter sound a little dull. Would like to hear slightly stronger dot/cut in your 2/4 expression, a little round sounding at times. crosses 3rd part. 4th part grips not consistent. rushing last line. good to strathsepy, some technical issues here. nice break to reel. surging in places. a few crossing noises here and there distract. well done.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Duncan MacDonald           Tunes: Miss Elspeth Campbell, Maggie Cameron, The Rejected Suitor      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Nice intro to video. Conservative march tempo, good 2 bar phrasing, watch the tachhum at part endings not always clean. a few tight doublings and misses in 3rd part. nice to strath. reasonable expression, again hands a bit tight and some doublings missed. (c doublings) , nice break to reel. wee crossing noises....and a breakdown. Shame this wasn't a complete performance.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Evan MacKay           Tunes: Millbank Cottage, Maggie Cameron, Rejected Suitor      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Evan, thanks for entering the online fall comp. Nice bright start to the march, pipes nicely balanced, hi A right on the edge. Good expression, taurluath technique not consistent. 3rd part C doublings from low A indistinct. 4th part going well. GOod 2 bar phrasing throughout. Controlled to strathsepy, pretty good lift here, hint of a chip 2nd again c doublings a wee bit tight 3rd part. chirp 4th. cautious break to reel. smooth reel playing with good lift. Strong set of tunes, a few technical blemishes distracted, nice pipes, well done.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martha Hall           Tunes: Pipe Major William Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police, Dornie Ferry, MacKay from Skye      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Thanks for the listen Martha. Pipe robust sounding , maybe drones not 100% locked from outset. Steady tempo and rhythm , sometimes losing that dot cut expression on the upbeat. 4th part interpretation a little round for me. ok to strath, again think you could pull more music out of this, high g sharp which distracts at times. nice to reel, smooth playing here. wee cross 3rd part. Enjoyable set of tunes , well done.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brieuc Colleter      Place: 1      Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Mosspark (Trad.), D.W. Donald (John Lee)      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe. Nice balance drones to chanter. Chanter projecting well. Tune played at a lively tempo. The phrasing of the tune is slightly in the round style however this did not detract from the overall effect. Solid technique throughout both tunes. Nice 2nd jig not often heard. Again the style here really suited the tune and the tempo that you played it at. A quality performance overall with great solid technique.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ernesto Góngora      Place: 2      Tunes: Norman's Jig, Ten Penny Bit      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Good pipes. Well set. Nice pitch. Nice steady flowing tempo for both tunes very good technique with strong solid fingering. High G and F becoming slightly sharp however not too distracting. Both tunes very musically played at a good tempo.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Votta      Place: 3      Tunes: Turf Lodge, Shaggy Grey Buck      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Lovely sweet pipe well set. Last bar is slightly behind in the timing which is affecting the flow and musicality of the tune. Drones starting to drift very slightly. Second jig played very well with good musicality coming through. Overall a good performance just watch the last bar in first jig which needs to be played in time. Try making the bubbly note a fraction quicker. This might help
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Angus Burke      Place: 4      Tunes: Geese in the Bog, The Curlew      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set good balance drones to chanter. Tune played at a good steady tempo when you settled into the tune. I know what your trying to do at the start but don't make it as staggered it detracts from the overall musicality of the tune. Tune otherwise well played with good technique and solid fingering. 2nd jig played very well. Overall a very good performance with good musical presentation throughout the tunes.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Elizabeth Knox      Place: 5      Tunes: St. Ninian’s Parish Centre Ceilidh, Alan MacPherson of Mosspark      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and balanced with chanter. Tempo ok for this tune. Maybe on the safe side for my taste however tune was played musical with good expression and phrasing. Watch B strikes in second jig they were slightly untidy in places. Both tunes played very well with plenty of music on a nice pipe.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexandra Knox      Place: 6      Tunes: McGuire’s Jig, Troy’s Wedding      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipe quite well set. Good projection from the chanter. Tune played at a steady tempo. Nice phrasing and expression throughout the performance. Good solid technique overall. 2nd jig played very well again showing good phrasing and expression throughout. Overall a good performance on a good pipe.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin           Tunes: James Drew MacIntosh, The Kitchen Maid      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and pitched well. Good steady tempo throughout the tune. E doublings from F could be a little clearer. Overall a well played tune. Technique overall is solid and strong with good fingering. 2nd jig played well with good musical presentation showing good phrasing and expression throughout. Overall a good performance.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Evan MacKay           Tunes: Donald MacKillop, Centers Bonnet      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipe very set with chanter at a good pitch. Good steady tempo maybe a shade on the safe side. Watch Low A pick up to C phrase throughout the tune on occasions there is a slight crossing noise. Both tunes well phrased and expressed. High A very slightly sharp towards the end of the performance. Overall a good performance on a good pipe with musical playing.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martha Hall           Tunes: The Curlew, Rory MacLeod      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Nice pipe well set. Great projection from the instrument. High G possibly on sharp side. Jigs played at a good tempo with a lovely lilt to them. Good technique overall with solid clean fingering. 2nd part of second jig all the strikes have to be heard some were slightly on the light side. They have to all be the same weight. Overall a good performance both tunes well played.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Votta      Place: 1      Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo, watch double B's, a tad tight @ times.A weak C grip,in the repeat of 1st part. Double B better in 2nd part. (F) slight finger slip ever so slightly in 3rd part. 4th part, nice High A grips, Double B tight on repeat of 4th. Work on the areas above. Pipes good, chanter good, (HighA) tad flat. Thank you!
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brieuc Colleter      Place: 2      Tunes: 1st Battalion The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders' Farewell to Salonika      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Tempos tad on the fast side, relax the tempo ever so slightly for a better musical flow. Slight clipping in the 3rd part 2nd measure. Control the hands here, too tight @ times in the 3rd part. 4th part, open up the grips, for a better musical flow. Pipes good, chanter good. Work on the areas above. Thank you!!
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Evan MacKay      Place: 3      Tunes: Angus MacKinnon      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice brisk tempo, half C's tight, open up. Slight collapse o (F) due to finger placement. 2nd part. Open up Taorluth's, tight as well for a better musical flow. Nice double D's in the 3rd part. 4th part, Anchor High A to Half doubling on f. Clipping off the High A. Pushing tempo, slightly towards the end of 4th part. Work on the areas above. Pipes Good, Chanter Good, though, a tad sharp on (F). Thank you!!
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Elizabeth Knox      Place: 4      Tunes: Fairview Cottage      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo, watch Taorluath's weak @ times. Better on the repeat of 1st part. C to E in 2nd part, slight crossing noise, weak Double F here as well. 3rd part, Taorluath's a tad tight, on the repeat, better. Must have consistency on this movement. Nice E grips in last part. Pipes Good, Chanter good. Work on the areas above. Thank you!!
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexandra Knox      Place: 5      Tunes: Cameron MacFadyen      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo, watch E to Double E, space a part, too tight together. space a bit for a more musical flow. Watch the blowing on E's in the 3rd part. Double B's a tad tight. 4th part, High A to E to E strike, pushing off the High A. Anchor the High A, is the key. Pipes good, though, drones need tighter tunning to chanter. Chanter good. Work on the areas above. Thank you!!
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Angus Burke      Place: 6      Tunes: Bruce Gandy's Farewell to the Iron Horse      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo, open up Double E's, a tad tight @ times. Watch the tempos in the 3rd part, pushing a bit 3rd/4th measures. Control bottom hand technique, tight @ times. F to Double E's tight open up for a better musical flow. Anchor the low G to Low A, to the b grip, crushing instead of controlling. Pipes good, drone tunning could be tighter to chanter. Chanter good, (D) a tad sharp. Work on the areas above. Thank you!!
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin           Tunes: MacNeils of Ugadale      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo to start. watch the Taorluath's tight @ times. E to Double E, space between the E's. Crushing @ times. Same in the 3rd part. slight rushing in the 4th part last time through. Control tempos to the end. Pipes good, Chanter good, though (High A) a tad sharp. Work on the areas above. Thank you!!
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Duncan MacDonald           Tunes: The Highland Brigade Depot      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo, good D strikes, watch the blowing on D's in the 2nd part. C to E slight crossing noise in 3rd part. 4th part nice control,again watch the blowing throughout. Pipes good, Chanter nice, though (High G) a tad sharp. (D) flat. Work on the areas above. Thank you!!
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martha Hall           Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo, though pushing a tad on the repeat, going into 2nd part. Double C's tight, open up for better musical flow. 2nd part, Hold the High A to half F doubling, pushing off slightly from High A. 3rd part, open up Double D's, a tad tight here.4th part, Nice High A grips, again, Double C's too tight, open up. Work on the areas above. Pipes good, though, tighter tunning to chanter. Chanter good, though (High G), & (F) sharp, flatten a bit. Thank you!!
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Steve MacGregor           Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Tempo a bit pushed, bring down a tad. Open up the half E doublings, too tight. Anchor the E after strike to the High G, pushing off the E. Anchor the low G to B to High G in 3rd part. Double E's in 4th part, tight, open up the movement for better clarity. Watch the blowing on High G's, over blowing @ times. Work on the areas above. Pipes good, though, tighter drone tuning to chanter. Chanter good. Thank you!!
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Steve MacGregor      Place: 1      Tunes: Raigmore, Chasing Shadows      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Raigmore. Tempo a little quick. Pipe well set. E a fraction flat. Well handled. Chasing Showdows: wee hesitation 1st part. Wee miss 3rd part. Nice tunes!
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Angus Burke      Place: 2      Tunes: The Henningham Reunion, Pipe Major George Allan      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: HR: Good tempo. Wee miss 2nd part. Watch execution of Throw on D. PM GS Allen: Slight rushing 2nd part. Wee miss 3rd part. E doublings not always 100% clear. Crossing noises 4th part. E doub again.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ernesto Góngora      Place: 3      Tunes: The Gladiator, Ronda Blair      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo. Wee strike miss 3rd part first tune. Pipe well set. Wee crossing noise going to 2nd part second tune. A few wee misses 3rd part. Very enjoyable tunes on a nice pipe.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brieuc Colleter      Place: 4      Tunes: Andrew and Colin Lee (Jack Lee), Afternoon at the Green Monster (Micah Babinski)      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set. ACLee: Birls not always clear. Tempo a little quick. top hand hand technique 3rd and 4th parts not clear. Green Monster: Well handled. Birls again lacking clarity. Good set on a nice pipe.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin      Place: 5      Tunes: Colorado Ladies, Rennix Hornpipe (aka Dora Watt)      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Drones well set. CL. Good tempo. Some minor technique misses. Rennix: A few crossing noises evident. 4th part a little laboured. Enjoyable tunes
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Evan MacKay      Place: 6      Tunes: Tam Bain’s Lum, PM George Allen      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set. Some unclear fingering evident in Tam Bain's Lum. Tempo good - no quicker. Slight rushing 4th part. P/M GS Allen. Some crossing noises 2nd part, wee slip 3rd part. Nice set, marred by some unclear fingering.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexandra Knox           Tunes: Redondo Beach, The Train Journey North      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: Redondo Beach: Good tempo. Drones could be set better. Technique not always accurate. Ensure you get LA before birl 2nd part. Drones drifting further. TJN: Some unclear finginering, wee slip 3rd part, and note error. Generally good, however at this level you need to work on you technique to ensure it is clear and accurate. Pipe also needs to be set better and last the distance.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Elizabeth Knox           Tunes: Joe McGann’s Fiddle, Gordon MacRae’s Favorite      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: JMcGF - setting? You are putting in E notes where it should D throughout tune (less last phrase), eg 1st part second bar D then HG - you have E. 3rd part - putting in a B when it should be a LA first bar. Good tempo. Wee slip 2nd part. Gordon MacRae: some slight rushing first part. LG strike from D end of each part a little crushed. Wee hestitation 4th part. Very enjoyable listen.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Angus Burke      Place: 1      Tunes: Ronald MacDonald of Morar's Lament      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Ground : well played V1 well played V2 Good In all three grounds the control and timing good but a shade overplayed at times and all three could just be a shade quicker. TS: a shade slow TD: very good CS: started slow then picked up and was nicely played CD: one closed C missed end l1, otherwise very good CAM: very good Pipe was very good and a good performance, just at times could have moved it along, especially at the beginning......BUT a GOOD TUNE
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Joseph Votta      Place: 2      Tunes: Too Long in this Condition      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Overall I thought this was a well played tune on a good bagpipe. At times the sound on the video not great. Playing showed good execution and balance, the only thing I felt I wanted just a little faster in Ground Doubling, V1 D and Crun Doubling, they all just felt a tiny bit on the safe side.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: calum maclean      Place: 3      Tunes: The Earl Of Seaforth Salute      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Nicely played ground. V1: well played and musical V2: a little slow here not really moving the tune along here. L2 Bar 2 error TS: Well timed TD: Well timed CS and CD: Some sticky crunluaths, otherwise well timed variations Pipegood recording not great at times
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Steven Knox      Place: 4      Tunes: Grain in Hides and Corn in Sacks      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Ground; Nice playing and very nice tempo V1: Well executed and very musical TS: Good timing and tempo. Maybe a bit uncertain of D taorluath movements TD: Well played CS: Nicely played CD: Good playing CAM: Very confident, couple of little crossing noises in CAM Drones good at start but drifted a little through tune but not offputting
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Cameron Bonar      Place: 5      Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Ground: Nicely played ground, slightly noticeable sharp F TS: Well timed, good tempo and cadences TD: Good playing here CS Couple of misses but good timing CD: Steady and musical, some missed movements Pipes quite steady, F sharp. Drones moved a little in Crun variations
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Gill Cairns      Place: 6      Tunes: Caber Feidh Gu Brath      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Ground: I thought it was quite good but needs to be flowed through a little better. V1: Well timed. TS: Good timing, some of the T movements not accurate. Good timing and tempo TD: Nice musical use of threme notes and good T movements CS: Well timed and executed CD:Again well timed and a good finish to the tune very musical variation Execution very clear and well handled tune Drones started very well, moved a little and noticeable in CS. Chanter well set except E flat
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Alexandra Knox           Tunes: Melbank’s Salute      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Drones not locked from start Ground : very well played V1S: Very musical V1D: Again well played and good tempo TS: Good playing TD: Well played but I thing becoming affected by the drones being out and getting a little mechanical CS: Good movements, sometimes missing the g gracenote. CD: Good execution, note error line 3 The drones being well out of tune were a factor in the tune which was very well played at times.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Brieuc Colleter           Tunes: Macintoshs Banner (JMcGillivray)      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Overall, your tune was played on a good instrument and in the main, the execution was good. I felt the grips need to be worked on to get them 110% TS: small error At times, the expression was a bit lacking with sometimes very straight playing, just needed a little more light and shade to bring the musical side out a little more
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Charlie Martin           Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Ground: Well played and musical Thumb: Also well played TS and TD: well played CS: Movement is sticky here and not flowing the variation as a result CD: Movement much better here and good timing throughout CAM: The timing good here and good tempo, but the grip part not always executed properly and low Gs not strong enough to balance the movement. Pipes not locked 100% at beginning drifted a little but didn't spoil the tune. I enjoyed the tune, just some little technical things counted against you.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Duncan MacDonald           Tunes: Caber Feidh Gu Brath      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Ground: Very nicely timed. V1: Again well timed TS: Tempo and timing good, some missed T movements TD: Again good but misses in technique CS: Good timing and overall execution but couple of misses. Choke L3 CD: A bit careful here couple of sticky movements Pipe was good but sometimes LA didn't seem bang on and some work probably needed to get blowing a little stronger.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Elizabeth Knox           Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Ground: Very nicely timed and solid execution. TS: Well timed TD: Again very good music here CS: Crunluath movement a bit mistimed here with a hesitation on the low A. Otherwise very nice timing CD: Same comment here Nice tune but a little spoiled by the crunluath movement being sticky. Pipe was very good to start but drifted a little
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Evan MacKay           Tunes: Syrian Robertson’s Salute      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Ground: I thought you jumped to the Es and the timing was a bit strange in the ground TS: Resting too much at end of T movement and stopping flow. This relaxed a bit as variation progressed. TD: You played a hiharin end of L1 this is in error. CS: Adding g gracenotes to all the Low As in error. CD As above. Your execution is very good. Pipe was nice and good execution but some attention needed to timing and the score in the crunluath
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Martha Hall           Tunes: MacMhurich's Salute by P/M Donald MacLeod      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Ground: Nicely timed. Error Line 2 and missed phrase 1 in line 3. V1: a shade too quick and felt more waltzy than it should. VG execution T: Well timed and executed, good tempo. Again good execution and timing Drones were not 100% in tune and the drones drifted in the performance, noticeable in the tune. Enjoyed the tune, pity about the mistake in the ground.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: James MacHattie      Place: 1      Tunes: Airthrey Loch, Wellington Police Pipers, Steve Byrne’s Jig, Wiseman’s Exercise, Ruby Slippers, Sisters’ Reel, Glenlyon, North Shore      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones – Great from start to finish. Airthrey Loch – Very nicely played with good technique. Expressed nicely. Wellington Police Pipers – Lovely musical playing here however the E strikes are heavier than the rest of the technique, I felt. Steve Byrne’s Jig – Great playing here with cool variations, I felt you could have eased into the tune a little more though. Wiseman’s Exercise – unorthodox, but effective, entry to strathspey. I felt the first bar pulse in the second part could have been emphasised a little more. Ruby Slippers – Same as above Sisters’ Reel – Nice entry Glenlyon – well played North Shore – nice minor tune to finish off. I feel the reels in general, especially the first two, were played on the ‘Safe’ side and could have done with a little more lift. I felt there could have been a better sense of drive here, the last 2 parts of the last reel are great and would have been brilliant with a slightly higher tempo. Overall a great performance on a great instrument, brilliant technical application and good medley construction.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Dan Pisowloski      Place: 2      Tunes: Poor Wayfaring Stranger/Sophie's Strathspey/Ms. Perfect/The Bumpy Road to Judique/No Worries/Johnnie Metcalfe/Rocking the Baby/Atalntic Bridge/Iain Grant      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones – good at the start, but could be slightly more refined. Poor Wayfaring – This is a great slow air. However, it is a little rigid and could do with some more expression. Stranger – Lovely strathspey playing, the D finger could be lifted slightly higher to make the over all technical application cleaner. Pause at the is not entirely necessary however, Sophie's Strathspey – This is a fantastic strathspey! Ms. Perfect – Relatively poor transition, try and ease into it a little more. The tune started to slow down considerably, perhaps on the ‘Safe’ side The Bumpy Road to Judique – Nicely played No Worries – pretty well played, make more music out of the syncopated rhythm however, it could have a really cool effect if it were emphasised a little more. Johnnie Metcalfe – transition could have been less abrupt here as well. Rocking the Baby – not bad. Atalntic Bridge – This was cool although the tied notes seemed to be a little over extended at times. Iain Grant – There seems to be some hesitation here at times. The last part is super musical – nice one! The very last phrase kind of ruined it for me a little however. Generally this was a brilliant entry. Make sure you keep it a ‘solo’ performance, there were a few elements in here which were very ‘pipe bandy’ which doesn’t ring so well in a solo performance context. Some really cracking playing here – keep it up. A most enjoyable performance here!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Brieuc Colleter      Place: 3      Tunes: Gavotte Bigouden (breton dance trad.), Vel'Koz Jig (Brieuc Colleter), Charlie Hunter (trad.), Zaf (Brieuc Colleter), Toria's 50th (Laura Wilkie), The Woman Of The House (trad.)      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones could be slightly more refined but very good non the less. Started to drift in the slow air. Gavotte Bigouden Loving this dance. The quavers here are very well controlled. If anything, the semi-quavers could maybe have the same level of composure as the quavers, the same goes for the runs towards the end. I’m no expert in this tradition however. Vel'Koz Jig Lovely playing with great swing and technique – nice entry as well. Charlie Hunter Very good – some slight hesitation and pauses in the last few bars perhaps? Zaf – very interesting slow air, very original and effectively contrasts the rest of the medley. This tune was lovely, had the drones been closer at this point it would have been immense! Toria's 50th – very good take on this tune, a few misses here and there however. Also, try and fill the crotchet notes with some ornaments, it felt a little awkward when the off beat in the bar is a plain crotchet, it feels a little hesitant. The Woman Of The House – Well played however a few sloppy birls came through here. As well played as this was I personally don’t think a reel in G is the best fit after a bright tune like ‘Toria’s’, perhaps an A major tune instead? Generally speaking the technique is very good, however it got slightly weaker as the performance carried on, make sure it is as flawless at the end as it was at the start! This was a very enjoyable performance, well done!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Charlie Martin      Place: 4      Tunes: CDF Firefighter's March Past, Mac' an Irish, Over the Bows to Ballindalloch, Jock Wilson's Ball, Julie's Tune, I Hae a Wife, The Piping Widow      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones – Pretty good at the start but could have a little more refinement to them and drifted in the slow air. CDF Firefighter's March Past – This march is very well expressed with lovely flow and great technique (except for a missed taorluath). Mac' an Irish – Very well played and expressed. Make sure the hornpipe strikes are as good as the rest of the technique. Over the Bows to Ballindalloch – Very well expressed, a little bit of rushing at times. Techniques is starting to fade however. Jock Wilson's Ball – Very well played, final phrase is slightly rushed however. Julie's Tune – Very well expressed. This is a lovely melody however the drones drifting out of tune is a slight distraction. Had the drones been better this tune would have been immense and I Hae a Wife – very good break to the jig here. Great technique here however a few crossing noises come through here. G-D-Es are good but are sometimes rushed. Some good expression evident ‘Bridge’ here, ruined the performance for me. There was great momentum at the end of the jig and it would have been much better had you gone straight into the final tune. Keep it simple. The Piping Widow Nicely played with a few points of rushing at times. Technique is excellent for the most part but a few bits of sloppy technique comes in every now and again which bring the overall impression down a little. The medley itself was very nicely constructed other than the ‘bridge’. Remember, this is a solo piping contest, not a pipe band performance, meaning that elements of pipe band practices seem a little out of place in this context. The bridge took the momentum away from the performance. Overall, this was a very enjoyable performance with some great features! Keep it up!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Erik J. Leiken      Place: 5      Tunes: Smiler Donald MacLennan's Tuning Phrase The Haunting Mac-An-Irish The Smith's a Gallant Fireman The Pigeon on the Gate Angus Stuart      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones are very nice in with themselves and the volume balance between chanter and drones is good. However, the drones could be slightly more refined to the tuning of the chanter. The March was nicely phrased with good timing. However, there is room for more expression Jig is nice and bright but be mindful of some technical execution areas. Slow air is nice but a little rigid and ‘pipe-bandy’. Strathspeys, very nice and lively, make sure the first beat of the bar gets the just emphasis. Also, perhaps you could ease into the tune a little more, gradually bring up the tempo of the tune in the first bar. The reels are a little dot and cut for my liking. In solo medley performances, if you’re aiming for a less straight rhythm, make the pointed notes a little more subtle: this will bring out the musicality of the tune a little more. Very good technique throughout. A few crossing noises slipping in from time to time however. Make sure you lift that G finger nice and high to avoid this happing throughout the playing. F is slightly sharp. This was a bright, for the most part crisp, lively performance which was very enjoyable.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Ed Kitlowski      Place: 6      Tunes: Top Gun, Merrily Danced the Quaker's Wife, Donal's Jig, Wee Harry, Galician Air, CPT Kennedy, Trad. Strathspey/Reel, Warrior's Reel, Malts on the Optics      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones started well but began to fade during the Galician air. Top Gun – the first bar is very well controlled, make sure the quavers are as well composed. I personally find using a movie theme tune a little cheesey on bagpipes, especially for a solo contest. In the right musical context this can work nicely however. Merrily Danced the Quaker's Wife Very nicely played, make sure the first pulse in each bar gets the correct level expression. Some rushing in the second part as well. Donal's Jig There is a few technique issues coming through. The general technique is a little sloppy, make these gracenotes and ornaments a little more crisp and the musicality will shine a lot more. Wee Harry Same as above. The pauses before the slow air feel a little pipe bandy, it might be better to finish the tune off more obviously before beginning the slow air. Galician Air Nice start of the tune. Take your time with slow airs, allow them to breathe and have some more expression. It’s a lovely melody so let that ring true. CPT Kennedy A decent break although pointedness comes and goes in this tune. First bar was very good but the second and fourth bars could have been at the same level. Trad. Strathspey/Reel Pointedness comes and goes here as well. Very good break and nice control of slides. The tempo dips however; its better to start a little slower and increase in tempo as the reel continues Warrior's Reel Decent expression here. The last note of the 3rd line could have a longer length to it. Malts on the Optics This lost a significant amount of composure and then the tempo dips considerable. Last phrase was a little unnecessary. Overall this was a well-constructed medley with a few technical concerns. Keep at it though, there is much potential here.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Steve Coontz           Tunes: The City of Hastings, The Sands of Kuwait, On the Road to Passchendaele, The Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones – Pretty at the start but drifted after the start of the March. The bottom hand is tuned nicely however the top hand is a little sharp. The City of Hastings – This had a nice bright tempo. There is a slight bit of rushing at times. However, for the most this had some lovely swing to it. The Sands of Kuwait – Good playing here with some decent expression. Make sure the short notes are well handled, they are a little rushed at times. This version of the tune is perhaps a little long for a medley, it feels a little imbalanced constructively On the Road to Passchendaele – This was played ok, not as well as the other march however. Constructively I don’t think having 2 marches in a medley works terribly well. The Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II – This was a good attempt at this tune. The first part was a nice tempo. After that the tune slowed down considerably. Now, its quite nice at this tempo as it is relaxed, so perhaps it would be better to match the first part to that tempo. Last phrase was a little rushed, try and keep the composure until after the final note of the performance. The technique here is ok but could be crisper at times. The top hand stuff is good but things like grips to C, D throws and doublings are a little sloppy, try and make these movements a little clearer and crisper. Overall this was enjoyable, well done.
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Jules Crane      Place: 1      Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones could be better but not distracting. Feel free to try marching to the tune, this might help the overall musicality. The first part was very well played at a nice bright tempo with good technique. The second part took a dip tempo. The third part the same, it started to drop in tempo. I feel the technique also begins to weaken here slightly, especially the taorluaths. Make sure the movements from C to E also have as few crossing noises as possible. On the whole this tune is very good and covers a lot of good musical points, it is swinging nicely as well. Keep this up! Technically there are a few points that perhaps needs some attention.
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Craig Mitchell      Place: 2      Tunes: Mrs MacDonald of Dunach      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones – Good at the start but started to drift towards the end of the first part. High slightly flat I felt you could have eased into the start of this a little smoother. On the whole this has a lovely sense of swing to it. This would have been better if the off-beats were held a little more. There is a slight tendency to rush the phrases in the last lines. There is some very good technique here at times, make sure this is nice and consistent throughout the performance. Very enjoyable, well done.
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Lewis Stewart      Place: 3      Tunes: Highland Wedding      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones good at the start but were out by the end. The tune has bright tempo at the start. However there are technical issues, the C doublings at the start are missing and the taorluaths are a little hit or miss. Similarly the low A before the birl from E is very early, try and nail the start of birl right on the beat. Forgot to repeat the second part. This happens throughout the first 4 parts. The 5th is very nice however. There are a few crossing noises as well – get that D finger nice and high to avoid this. Overall the second half of this tune had a lot of musicality to it and nice swing. Very good effort at attempting a big tune. I would personally suggest you try a 4 parted tune, then you can apply what you can apply what you have learned from those tunes to the bigger tunes.
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Euan Graham      Place: 4      Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones – very good at the start but drifted slight towards the end. A lovely bright upbeat tempo. Watch your off beats in the first part first part. The birls are a little hit or miss throughout and sometimes a little early to the beat. 3rd part is very well handled here, well done. The 4th part is very good but it slowed down on the repeat a little bit. The technique here is very good for the most with a few a crossings and a few misses. When it comes to a solo performance, you do not have to do a pipe band start, feel free to put the pipes under your arm, warm up with a slow air and then start your march. This may relax you a little more. On the whole this was a very musical performance with some great swing to it, well done!
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Rory Menzies      Place: 5      Tunes: Craigendarroch      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones good at the start but drifted E slightly sharp throughout. This started at a nice bright tempo with lovely swing. The first and second parts are very good but keep an eye on the off beat especially on high A. Third part is nice as well. The fourth part has the best technical execution. Generally the music here is very good. The technical execution could use some attention. There seem to be a few crossinging noises coming in, culminating from clipped bottom to top hand movements. Similarly there were a few missed doublings coming from high notes to lower notes. If the technique improves then your musical ability will be magnified and the overall impression will be much greater. Try and make the low A at the end nicely in tune. Overall a very good attempt at a tough tune.
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Hamish Stephens      Place: 6      Tunes: PM Willie Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones – good start but drifted a bit towards the end. E is also a shade sharp. This tune started very well. It continued to be very well expressed with a nice lilt to it. The technique is also fairly crisp. The doublings, especially on the bottom hand, could use some attention; try and lift the G gracenote finger slightly to ensure a clearer start to the doubling and tachums at the end of the 7th bar of the part. A wee choke perhaps in the 3rd part? The 4th part seemed a little over-pointed, try and keep it as good as the rest of the tune was. Awesome birls as well! Overall this was a very musical performance with minor technical issues. There is great potential here, keep it up!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Sam Purvis      Place: 1      Tunes: The Glenfinnan Highland Gathering      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Sam, thank you for your video submission. Overall I felt your pipe was well set and blown with the exception of high A. This note is coming through scratchy at times and this causes some tonal issues. Work on your blowing consistency overall. Fingering quite nice and strong. Your theme notes could use a wee bit more pulse (left foot) to really deliver a strong 2/4 idiom and swing. Some of your short notes in contrast are not fully committed and this can bring about a roundish feel when combined. Pacing is VG as is your tempo. A highlight for me is your D throw that is very well done. With regards to the delivery of your impact once again, make sure you are waiting to deliver your final birl in the end phrase on the beat, never early. Thank you again, nice overall tune.
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Clara Aellen      Place: 2      Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell To Oban      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Clara, thank you for your video submission and getting your kilt on ! First impression of the pipe is the drones not fully in tune, this continued for the full march. Chanter is set well an blown fairly consistent. Phrasing overall is pretty good, you are playing quite safe with your short notes and they are not always the same length. MAke sure you are always listening for this as it creates a nice musical 2/4 idiom. The birl in your end phrase is often a wee bit early and this is one more thing that can deliver a confident feel and march. 4th part is coming through nicely with your phrasing ! Execution strong and well played. Thanks so much ! David.
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Orin Weiss      Place: 3      Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont-Hamel      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Orin, Thank you for your video submission. Overall your tune is quite good with a stand out 3rd part being nicely phrased and quite musical. Tempo and phrasing are quite good. There are some areas for improvement example is your B taorluath, the value of the low G is inconsistent as you come off the low G early to end the movement. This is an area of great impact. Another stand out for me is your birl that is played nicely. Overall pipe is ok with the chanter quite good and drones not fully in tune from the start. Thank you again, David.
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Elizabeth Knox      Place: 1      Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Excellent intro to this tunes. Bagpipes very nice. Confident playing with strong technique. 3rd part a little untidy- some weak technqiue here. Strong performance
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Calum Dunbar      Place: 2      Tunes: Invergordon’s Welcome to Elizabeth II      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Nice steady playing. Technique a little tidy. You have a habit of playing slightly ahead of the beat. Try to control this a bit more if you can. Lots of music coming through. Good performance.
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Alexandra Knox      Place: 3      Tunes: The Marchioness of Tullibardine      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Confident playing. Tachums a little untidy in 2nd part. Drones not quite settled throughout. Very strong playing throughout. Tons of potential!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Charles Lewis      Place: 4      Tunes: Father John MacMillan of Barra      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Fairly good playing throughout. Some gracenotes seem out of place and not correct with the music. More expression throughout would help gain more lift and musciality.
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Cameron MacNeil      Place: 5      Tunes: The Conundrum      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Drones fairly well set but not 100%. Fairly steady playing throughout. Lacking a little in flow through the phrase. Slowing down a tad at part endings. Small choke. Nice performace.
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil      Place: 6      Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Drone good. A little slow in getting going with the march. Try to hit the tempo from the off. settled well in second. Technique quite tight throughout. Try to open up doublings by seperating the gracenotes more. Mishap in 3rd part. Nice playing, a few small issues to sort and this will be really good.
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Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Edon Abbot      Place: 1      Tunes: Bonny Ann      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe and good attempt at a very difficult tune. I think the key here is to slow the tune down a bit. This would allow you to pulse the left foot and get more lift in the tune. Watch line 1 bar 4 as the cut E can't be heard between the Ds in the group DEDC. Your doublings aren't always 100% clear in the last phrase and the groups at the beginning on the phrases in parts 2 and 4. Focus on ensuring you have a solid G gracenote on each doubling and make sure you can hear all of the short notes between them when you are practicing this tune - this is the advice that helped me when learning this tune and it helps with other tunes such as Abercairney Highlanders and Argyllshire Gathering. Overall you show great potential and enjoyed your performance - well done!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Trevor DeMass      Place: 1      Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Excellent tempo for this tune.  Lively enough to give it music and lift in spite of the heavy embellishment work, which you handled superbly throughout.  I thought the 1st & 4th parts could have been just a tiny bit less "pointed", but that's a taste thing, and you were consistent with them, never straying from the set tempo - just jumping off of one beat a bit early in order to get to the down beat in time to hold it a bit longer than necessary.  Again, just a taste thing,  A very technically and musically enjoyable performance.  Thanks!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Evan MacKay      Place: 2      Tunes: Millbank Cottage      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Brisk tempo for this tune - very musical flow to it even though it's just a touch quicker than I would like it.  Good dot/cut work throughout.  Excellent execution for the most part, although your taorluaths are a bit thin & could generally use more low G.  This is perhaps a factor of the tempo, and, having said that, you didn't "miss" any of them.  Fabulous birls, lovely sounding pipe.  Very enjoyable performance - thank you!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Christopher Johnson      Place: 3      Tunes: John Macdonald Of Glencoe      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune.  A few small gracenote misses early on but very strong embellishments for the most part.  Very good dot/cut work, and nice focus on the offbeats as well as on the downbeats, especially noticeable in the somewhat trickier 3rd part.  Good open doublings in the 2 bar ending phrase each time.  Lovely, musical playing throughout, on a nice sounding bagpipe.  Thanks!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Alistair MacKay      Place: 4      Tunes: Hugh Kennedy      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this tune.  Be careful not to over hold the down beats too much - it takes away from the rhytm somewhat.  .  This was eally only an issue in the first part with the low A taorluath.  Small choke in part 2.  Nice open doublings in the third part.  Your birls tend to be a little sticky sometimes - they don't seem to roll across the bottom hole as they should.  Otherwise nice clean eecution and embellishments - strong playing.  You had good focus on the offbeats as well as the downbeats, which was particularly good in part 3.  An enjoyable performance - thank you.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Charlie Martin      Place: 5      Tunes: David Ross      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice relaxed tempo for this tricky piece.  You jumped off the birl at the end of part 1 very early, going into the repeat of that part.  Be careful to hold those long notes for their full value.  This is happening here and there - specifically on the upbeats.  Very strong techical work throughout - great embellishments.  Excellent job of the two bar ending phrase throughout.  Tiny imprecision/burble in bar 2 of the very last line of the tune.  Overall I thought that you could have used just a bit more dot/cut generally - it did seem that often you weren't quite holding long notes for their full value, while at the same time perhaps lengthening some short notes a bit more than you might have.  Still an enjoyable performance of a really nice (and underplayed!) tune.  Thank you
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Steven Knox      Place: 6      Tunes: Captain Carswell      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice march tempo.  A bold choice - I've always found this tune quite tricky technically.  Be careful of that first tachum after the birl in Bar 1 - it didn't come out cleanly each time - same with the birl after the B, beginning of line 2.  Very nce dot/cut work throughout, although having said that I thought you could have used a little more emphasis on those huge downbeats on the Low A taorluaths in part 3.  It wasn't rounded out or anything - you just could perhaps have made a bit more use of some pointing to add interest.  Your fourth part was a slightly different setting than what I'm used to - very interesting.  You played this tune quite well, but with a few minor technical imprecisions, and I felt you could have used a bit more extra emphasis here and there in terms of holding long notes  An enjoyable performance overall.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane           Tunes: The Conundrum      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Tempo could be just a tiny bit quicker for this tune - although you did increase it just a touch as you completed the first part.  Very strong doublings for the most part although the Double E's and F's were sometimes a little  crushed - bottom hand doublings were excellent.  Be careful to strike all the way down to low G on your B hits - your baby finger didn't quite get down to the hole every time.   I felt that you could have livened up this tune a bit more - not only by tempo, but also with a bit more dot/cut emphasis.  Some of the long notes weren't quite held their full length, and some of the short notes were just a little slow and laboured sounding.  Very small fumble in the repeat last line of part 4.  Still, you did a very nice job technically of this tune and it was an overall enjoyable performance.  Thanks!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Sean Kerr           Tunes: Millbank Cottage      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: While your technique/embellishments are very strong and clean, you're giving this tune a 4/4 feel - specifically, you have four "beats" that you're tapping to in the first bar, and the fact that you're evenig out the low A at the end of the taorluath and the following B adds to that 4/4 feel.  Those two notes are supposed to be dotted and cut.  It's not necessarily a bad thing to subdivide the beats so that you're acknolweding both the downbeat and the offbeats, or "upbeats" in each bar, but unfortunately it has affected the feel of this tune.  The subdivision has also slowed the tune considerably from where it ought to be played tempo-wise in order to give it a musical 2/4 swing.  Now, having said all that, your playing is very good, aside from a tiny slip on the top hand in part 3.   Your taorluaths, grips, birls, and gracenote embellishments are all very good, and your tempo remained quite consistent throughout aside from a little bit of increase in speed in the 3rd part, and your pipes were well in tune.  Speak with your tutor perhaps about your interpretation of this tune from a time-signature standpoint, in particular the 1st part.  Regardless of the time signature and tempo issue, it was an enjoyable performance overall. Thanks!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Sophie Stringer           Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: A rather brisk tempo for this tune.  It's always just a little dangerous to set the tempo with your feet before starting the tune - inevitably the tempo you set in your mind and with your feet is just a little quicker than it ought to be once you start playing,  Regardless, you kept the tempo up there and consistent throughout.  Unfortunate choke in 3rd part, and again in 4th.  Strong execution for the most part.  I do think you could handle someting slightly more challenging - you obviously aren't struggling with the embellishments in any way.  Keep that arm steady on the bag to avoid those chokes, which were your only real issue.  An enjoyable performance overall - very swingy and musical.  Thanks!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Steve Coontz           Tunes: The Iron Division      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice bold tempo for this tune.  Be very careful of the opening few notes, in particular the short F which almost sounds as though it's turning into a G gracenote for the E too early.  It's not quite coming out cleanly in  the first part. A few technical misses on B taorluaths, and some rushing in part 2, bar 3.  Make sure you hold those long notes for their full value, especially the ones that don't necessarily fall on a beat - for example, the last low A of Bar 3 (still part 2) - you're rushing off the end of this rather tricky sequence and thereby getting to the next note - the 1/8th C with the doubling - a bit early.   This is quite a nice tune - not one I'm familiar with - and I really enjoyed your tempo and musicality.  Just a few misses and technical issues, and a couple little squeals, to deal with.  A really pleasant overall performance regardless - thanks.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Dew      Place: 1      Tunes: The Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band, Mrs Donald MacPherson, John Garroway      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Started well with nice expression in the march and this was maintained. Excellent strathspey with nice lift and expression. Slightly rushed onto first birl of reel but excellent thereafter. Lovely pipe. Excellent performance, if anything tempos could be lifted a little for a more musical approach.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian K. MacDONALD      Place: 2      Tunes: Abercairney Highlanders/The Cameronian Rant/Mrs. MacPherson of Inveran      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice musical tempo and expression throughout MSR. Technique excellent throughout, except for one untidy C doubling in 1st part of the Rant. One run from low G in the 2nd part of strathspey a little open compared to the other runs in the strathspey. Slightly overpointing some high G's in the last phrase of 2/4/6/8th parts of strathspey. Nice expression in reel. Pipes very good throughout.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Williamson      Place: 3      Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque, MacBeth’s Strathspey, Stornoway Castle      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Started nicely with good expression in the march. One rushed GD gracenote in 4th part (slight). Nice entry to a well expressed strathspey. Reel going well, I just felt a couple of phrases in the 2nd and 4th parts where the rhythm was slightly unsettled. Tempo of reel was slightly safe but well controlled. Excellent technique and expression, tempos could come up a little for a more musical approach.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kyle Howie      Place: 4      Tunes: The Glengarry Gathering, The Cameronian Rant, Mrs MacPherson of Inveran      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice march tempo and execution. In the stratspey I feel that you need to hold the note before the GDE gracenotes to have more control over the musical expression. I just felt on edge throughout the strathspey and more control would help this. Reel going well just a couple of slightly rushed phrases. Overall technique excellent but birls not always consistent. Pipes very nice.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James Feeney      Place: 5      Tunes: Glengarry Gathering Arniston Castle Rejected Suitor      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Started nicely but if anything tempo of march slightly safe. I would like to hear a little bit more pointing of the strong accent in some phrases. Strathspey going well with nice expression. Extra C doubling in 7th bar of 2nd part which is an unusual setting. Very musical reel. Excellent technique. Pipes very nice though maybe one area in march where the top hand was inconsistent. Overall a very good performance.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Donlon      Place: 6      Tunes: Abercairney Highlanders, Delvinside, Donald MacLean      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Strong performance with good technique. I just felt that in your march and strathspey there were phrases where you slightly overpointed, therefore loosing the musical flow slightly. Other that that all expression and technique was good. Reel expression and musical flow very good. Pipes good but high A not always consistent.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alastair Murray           Tunes: Pm john Stewart, Susan Macleod, Bessie macintyre      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for march. Tending to rush through some phrases slightly. Birls not all solid. Otherwise a good march. Good expression in strathspey though some execution a shade untidy. Well controlled reel but againg some slightly untidy execution. Nice pipe and overall a good performance.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Morris           Tunes: Corriechoillie’s Blend, Susan Macleod, The Grey Bob      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Good tempos all through, but tending too rush through some phrases for best musical expression. Generally, more pointing would improve your musicality. Overall technique good but a few areas of slightly untidy execution in phrases. Birls not always consistent.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Lidgren           Tunes: The Knightswood Ceilidh The Piper’s Bonnet Smith of Chilliechassie      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: March tempo a shade slow for best musical expression. Tending to rush off the strong accent in phrases, especially the 4th part. Better strathspey tempo but expression a shade erratic in some of the ending phrases. Again rushing some phrases in reel. Generally more pointing would improve your musical expression throughout. Execution good but some untidy passages.Pipes nice.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Stulpner           Tunes: Inveran, Inveraray Castle, Bessie MacIntyre      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Good performance overall, but I felt your tempos were too controlled lacking a little in musical flow. Nice expression and technique throughout. There was maybe one birl not fully solid in the strathspey. Pipes nicely set up and holding. Good performance, if you could just raise the tempos a little for a more musical approach.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erik J. Leiken           Tunes: The Crags of Stirling/The Ewe with the Crooked Horn/Broadford Bay      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice musical tempos for your MSR but the expression could be improved by more pointing of the strong accent in some phrases. You tend to rush in some areas. Overall good technique but a few areas of untidyness throughout. Pipes nice to start but low G sounding a little sharp. Drones did not hold until the end. Musical performance overall.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graeme Glass           Tunes: Alan Dodds Farewell to Scotland, Arniston Castle, Thomsons Dirk      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Tempo of march a shade slow and tending to overpoint in places which interupts the musical flow. Nice strathspey tempo but execution is a little untidy in some passages. Tending to rush some phrases. Again rushing through some phrases of reel, spoiling the musical expression. Technique a shade untidy in some areas and birls not fully solid in places.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James MacHattie           Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal, John Roy Stewart, Broadford Bay      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Musical march playing with good expression. Strathspey also nice. I just felt you rushed very slightly off some strong accents. Slight chirp on first GD gracenote to low G in reel, a pity. Rhythm a little unsteady in some phrases of reel. Otherwise a very good performance with very good technique.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Karen McCrindle Warren           Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Lady Loudoun, Fiona MacLeod      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice march tempo but maybe a little more pointing of the strong accent in places would improve your musical expression. Sometimes in the movement of C to D throw the C is slightly clipped. Strathspey and reel had nice rhythm and expression, maybe just a few areas of rushing through phrases. Overall nice technique. Good performance overall on a nice pipe.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ross Barker           Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, The Shepherd's Crook, The Smith of Chilliechassie      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice march tempo but you are tending to rush through some phrases. Again in the Shepherd's Crook and the Smith you are rushing off the strong accent. Generally technique good but some areas of untidy execution. Birls not always solid. Pipes nice but high A not consistent. More pointing of the strong accent would improve your musical expression throughout as you are tending to rush phrases.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Armstrong           Tunes: Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band, Tulloch Gorm and Loch Carron      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Started with nice tempo for March with good expression. I felt there was a little bit of rushing in the 2nd part. Nice entry to strathspey but some untidy execution evident here. Musical expression for strathspey. Reel going well. Pipes nice to start but drones didn't hold fully for whole performance. Overall nice performance.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tony Adkins           Tunes: Duke of Roxburgh's Farewell to the Blackmount Forest, Susan MacLeod, John Morrison of Assynt House      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Tempo of march a little on the safe side for me though expressing quite well. Rushing through some phrases of strathspey, more pointing of the strong accent would improve your musical expression. Reel again a shade on the slow side. Slight slip going into the 3rd part. Overall some untidy execution in passages. Birls not all solid. Drones didn't hold with low A for whole performance.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Williamson      Place: 1      Tunes: Dr. MacInnes’ Fancy, Dr. Float MacAuley, Carradale      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; Well played here however I felt you rushed the first phrase of the second line in the third part. Jig; Enjoyable jig playing here. Nice bagpipe!
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Dew      Place: 2      Tunes: Kelly Watts, The Lads Fae Wigan      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; Nice expression here. I did feel the tempo was a shade on the cautious side though. Jig; Good jig playing here. Nice pipes. F sharp though.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian K. MacDONALD      Place: 3      Tunes: Wee Man from Skye/The Snuff Wife      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; Well played here. I just felt the tempo was slightly on the quick side. Jig; Well played. Nice pipes. High G a shade sharp.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Lidgren      Place: 4      Tunes: Pipe Major George Allan The Bride’s Jig (Lord Dunmore)      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; Nice flow and pace here. Well played. Jig; Enjoyable jig playing. Pipes well baloanced however the F was quite flat.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Donlon      Place: 5      Tunes: Hazel Thompson, Braes of Mellinish      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; Fairly well played here. I just felt the pace was slightly on the quick side and the expression suffered as a result. Jig; Slight catch D to E in the 3rd part. Otherwise well played. Nice bagpipe.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Morris      Place: 6      Tunes: The Unreadable Heartthrob, The Bride’s Jig      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; I'm not sure about this tune selection for solo compeition however it was well played. Jig; Well played here. Nice pipe!
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alastair Murray           Tunes: Tam bains lum, Mrs Sharon duthart      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Honrpipe; Good pace here. I felt the tune came across a bit straight though through a need for more accent on the dotted notes. Jig; Good jig playing here. Nice bagpipe.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Stulpner           Tunes: Jim Tweedie's Sea Legs, Alan MacPherson, Mosspark      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; A couple of sticky birls here. Otherwise good pace and expression. Jig; I felt the jig was slightly stilted in its delivery here. Try to just relax and let it flow more overall. Well balanced pipe.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erik J. Leiken           Tunes: The Man from Skye/Troy's Wedding      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; I felt the pace here was slightly on the quick side here and the expression suffered as a result. It came across quite straight line. Jig; The second part took an increase in tempo and the rest of the tune from there felt a shade frantic and rushed. Well balanced pipe. F sharp though.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James Feeney           Tunes: Bee Street Fiddlers/ Donald McLean      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; Good pace and flow here. Jig; A couple of catches C>E here. Your C is coming across fine and at times quite flat sounding in this tune. Pipes a little chanter dominant for me. The issue with the C was slightly offputting.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James MacHattie           Tunes: Wee Alec of Fort William, The Hen’s March      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; Good pace and flow here. A few chirps on Low G throughout. Jig; Enjoyable jig playing here. Pipes nice, Just a pity about the chirps.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Karen McCrindle Warren           Tunes: The Arran Farmers' Society, I Hae a Wife o ma Ain      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; Good pace and expression here. Good control! Jig; I felt the jig could have been a shade more controlled overall. It just felt slightly frantic and edgy. Well balanced pipes.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Armstrong           Tunes: Wee Man From Skye and Donald Maclellan's Tuning Phrase      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; I liked the expression and pace here. I did fell the 3rd part came across slightly rushed compared to the rest of the tune though. Jig; The break to the jig was quite abrupt. I felt the pace was a shade on the quick side otherwise well played. Well balanced pipes.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tony Adkins           Tunes: Donald MacLeod, The Braes Of Mellinish      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe; Good pace here. I did feel the phrasing wasn't consistent though. Rushing through some of them and shorteneing some of the dotted notes/accents. Jig; Some bottom hand work C>LA>C with the D gracenotes is untidy here. Birls from B are a bit sticky. Nice bagpipe!
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Scott Armstrong      Place: 1      Tunes: Big Spree      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Nicely played and well laid out. E a little flat although better with blowing. C sharp. Var 1 and Db Good flow and musical treatment of the phrases. Var2 Well phrased. Showing some very nice, subtle musical touches. Var 2 db Good contrast although tending to play squarely here. Theme notes all becoming the same. Toar A bit direct and lack of variation in theme notes makes it sound rushed. Crun Beautiful transition. Great movement and a very strong finish
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Brad Davidson      Place: 2      Tunes: Lament for The Children      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Beautifully laid out and well played. The last four bars of line 3 stood out a little as square and careful. Var 1 A bit quick to start but settled down and flowed along nicely for the most part. Occasional dip in tempo in repeat of line 1 and again in line 3. Var 2 I think you could pick the pace up here. Lacking contrast from previous variation, although well laid out. Taor S Lovely variation in your treatment of the theme notes and cadences. Very musical. Taor D Great playing. Lovely tempo and flowing music. Crun S Very nice transition. Well played and phrased throughout. Drones starting to drift. Crun D Good, strong finish. Movement a little heavy at times. Pipe. Very nice to listen to.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: James MacHattie      Place: 3      Tunes: The Big Spree      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground A musical start. My main feedback is the slight rest at the end of each bar gives the effect of one bar rather than two bar phrases. Var 1 Well laid out and steady if a little careful. Var 1 Db Lovely transition and contrast. Two bar phrasing is more obvious and effective here, although perhaps over done at phrase ends which is disrupting the flow. Var 2 S I like the sympathetic treatment of the cadences. Very musical. Var 2 Db Excellent music here, flowing along beautifully. Taor Lovely transition. Great movement and I like the subtle variation in the length of the theme notes – flowing along nicely. Crun A strong finish with a strong movement. F a little suspect.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ryan Murray      Place: 4      Tunes: Lament for Donald Duaghal Mackay      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Well laid out. Perhaps a little tentative in line 1 but flowing better by line 2. Var 1 Lovely musical playing here. Occasional long notes interrupting the flow slightly Edre from High A could be clearer and more precise. Taor S Nice transition and flowing nicely here. Some inconsistency creeping in with overly long first theme note and slowing / lengthening of the cadence disrupting the flow slightly. Taor D Started a little square but nice variation in treatment of theme notes by line 2. Occasional untidy movement. Crun S Great playing here. The slowing towards your cadences a bit overdone. Crun D A strong finish. Nice pipe – drones drifted slightly but not overly distracting. B flat?
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ian K. MacDONALD      Place: 5      Tunes: Lament for King George III      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Nicely laid out and well phrased. Var S Good transition and pace. Slightly lacking variation in treatment of the theme notes and overall a bit square from softening of short note. Lovely, sympathetic treatment of cadences. Var D Beautiful transition. Same comments as above re theme notes. Not always treating the first theme note in the phrase as strong. Var 2 S Good playing here. Not sure if I bought the slowing of the tripling before the cadence. Perhaps signposted too much and slightly inconsistent. Var 2 D Strong movement very effective at drawing out theme note but tending to jump off the first one. Taor S Lovely transition. Great playing. Beautiful treatment of cadences here shows up oddity / inconsistency of slowing the tripling in Var 2S Taor D Very good. Crun A strong finish. Same comments before re coming off first theme note. Slight change of mind line 1 of Db.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Daniel Lidgren      Place: 6      Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Nicely laid out and well played. Slight over phrasing in line 1 with tendency to extend long notes which interrupted flow (dotted D in bar 1, end of bar 2). Otherwise a sympathetic treatment of the music. Taor S Well played. A bit inconsistent in treatment of the cadences which were a little square for me. Taor D Good transition and flowing well here. The theme notes could use a little more variation in emphasis to keep it interesting. Crun S Tending to snatch at short note giving a staccato feel so disrupting the flow and not quite getting the full music. Crun D Good transition and contrast but sounding a little disjointed with snatching at B throughout. I thought the slow down / extension at the end was overdone. Could be a little more subtle. Lovely pipe!
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Alastair Murray           Tunes: Lord lovats lament      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground A musical start. Well laid out and phrased. Ground Doubling Nicely contrasted with the Ground. I felt you could have lifted the tempo a little more and it was slightly square overall. B echo beat not quite clean to low G. Var 1 Entry quite direct but nicely contrasted once you settled in. I thought the musical effect of this variation was a little ‘stop start’ – square in places then cut. I prefer it slightly smoother to make it flow. Taor S Drones starting to drift. Well phrased overall, although more variety in treatment of theme notes would improve the flow – treatment of movement, theme and low A following the movement are quite even. Taor D Good pace, if a little even in your treatment of the theme and movement. The theme notes not quite standing out. Crun S I like that you’re keeping it moving. Movement light on occasion. Crun D A strong finish. The theme note would punch out more if you removed slight hesitation on E after the crunluath movement. Pipe B and F a little flat and drones didn’t quite last otherwise nice to listen to.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Andrew Donlon           Tunes: Rory MacLoude’s Lament      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Played at a nice pace and well phrased, though the square style did not bring out the full beauty of the music. Var 1 Lacking variation in treatment of theme notes producing a square effect. Slight untidiness going to F is detracting. Var 2 Nicely played transition and better variation in treatment of the theme notes, however lacking contrast from Var 1. Taor S Going well here. Taor D Good transition, flowing beautifully. B gracenote not always clean in D movement. Crun S Untidy on entry otherwise well played. Strong movement very effective musically. Your entry into the cadences is a little inconsistent and didn’t always flow. Crun D A strong finish although a bit inconsistent with the movement. Bagpipe Well-tuned and pleasant to list to. High G a little suspect at times. B a tad sharp.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Charlie Morris           Tunes: Queen Elizabeth The Second’s Salute      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Nicely laid out and good, bright tempo. Treatment of High As in last line was square and not quite in keeping with the rest of the Ground. 2nd strike of F echo beat a bit nippy. Sharp D slightly distracting. Taor S Untidy first movement to start but settled down and going well here. Running away with the tempo in the passage between cadences in line 3. Taor D Transition in from singling a bit direct and did not show contrast. Great playing once you got going and variation of theme notes very effective. Crun S Better transition here. The theme notes slightly too short and tending towards square. Crun D It’s not obvious where the singling ends and when the doubling starts. Needs a more sympathetic musical treatment here. A bit square throughout this variation. Great hands!
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: David Stulpner           Tunes: Corrienessan's Salute      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Overall, well played at a positive tempo. Your inconsistent treatment of some of the short notes (short Cs in bar 5 in line 1 were a bit aggressive for me) and long layout of the last bar, particularly the B interrupted the flow and phrasing. Var 1 Good transition from the ground and bold playing. Phrasing is a little square and disjointed – the first theme note in the phrase is slightly rushed and the pause on the last note before the cadence is interrupting the flow of the music. Var D A bit direct on entry but lovely contrast with singling from the start. As it went on, you lost the emphasis on the theme note and placed it on the As / LGs so it became square by the end. Taor S A strong start and great movement. Tending to come off theme notes early and a fraction long on Low A after movement, especially before cadence, is disrupting the flow. Taor D Good bold playing here. As above, watch those theme notes! You’re falling off the first, strong note. Crun S A bit quick / direct on entry – needs a more sympathetic and subtle treatment. Otherwise going well here. Don’t let those cadences slow you down too much. Great movement! Crun D Lovely contrast with singling. Tending towards ½ bar phrases – a strong medium medium strong emphasis on theme notes through a phrase would help it flow better. Great fingers. Watch for small catches going to F. Pipe was well tuned and nice to listen to.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Erik J. Leiken           Tunes: Lament for the Only Son (Piobaireachd Society setting)      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground A good start. Ground was well laid out and nicely phrased. Watch B echoes – D gracenote isn’t clear giving it a heavy effect and slight catches coming up from B. Thumb Var Careful to start and not clearly contrasted from the Ground but flowing better by line 2. Thumb Var Db This variation not really up to pace or flowing as it could. I think you can be a lot bolder here. The square treatment of theme notes and high As is holding you back. My preference is for emphasis to be on theme note and shorten the high A. Var 2 It came to life here although contrast was a bit abrupt, probably due to slower earlier variations. Probably needs a middle ground – slow this down a bit to give you room to step up for the doubling. Var 2 Db Going well here. Could use a little more variation in the length of the theme notes to bring out the full musical effect. Taor S Good playing here. Low G in cadence a little inconsistent and occasionally too long and spoiling flow. Taor D Great. Crun S Same comments as Taor S. Crun D and a mach A really strong finish. Pipe – good to start although drones not in to low A by Var 2. Pitch a little flat and showing on low A, and particularly low G flat
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Gordon Barclay           Tunes: MacCrimmon's Sweetheart      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Beautifully laid out and well phrased. The one note that stands out to me is the B going down to low A throughout – it interrupts the flow and the effect is slightly square. Darodo movement a bit tight. Blowing of F not always bang on. Thumb Well played. Var 2 The overall effect is slightly disjointed and staccato so not flowing as musically as it can. Tending to hold the note before the high A rather than flowing to and through it. Var 3 Good transition. Back on track here and flowing nicely. Lovely treatment of the cadences. Var 3 DB Good. Slightly pausing too long at phrase ends. Taor S Good, clear movement for the most part, although not all the same – the occasional tight one creaping in. Taor D Entry a bit abrupt to this variation. Better phrasing here. Drones starting to drift. Crun S Better transition here. Strong movement and going well. Crun D Overemphasis on theme note making this sound a little careful to finish. Great movement.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Graeme Glass           Tunes: Lament for the Children      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Well laid out Occasionally a little abrupt on certain short notes which stand out and interrupt the overall flow e.g coming off cadence E to D is very abrupt and inconsistent with others. Var 1 Good transition and contrast. I like what you’re doing here and it’s flowing nicely. Same comments as above re occasional cutting of short notes. Var 2 Jumped in and a bit disjointed here by falling of some of the longer notes – particularly various Fs. Taor S Lovely playing here. I like that you’re keeping it moving and using the cadences very effectively to vary it without killing the pace. Movement indistinct on occasion. Taor D Very good. Nice variation in treatment of the theme notes to lay out phrases. Same comments as above re movement, especially from D. Drones starting to drift. Crun S Lovely control of tempo from Taor S. Slight inconsistency in treatment of the short note in the cadence compared with the Taor – now over cutting it for me. Starting to rush towards the end of the line 3. Crun D I like this tempo. Movement indistinct on the bottom hand.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Jack Williamson           Tunes: The King’s Taxes      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Nicely laid out and well played. Only slight disruption were the short Bs (line 1 bar 1 and where repeated) which stood out as a little overcut Var 1 Needs to flow more. You are tending towards emphasising individual bars (and sometimes ½ bars) by holding dotted notes too long. B to D was over cut for me and not quite in keeping with the musical treatment of the rest of the tune. Var 2 Lovely – flowing much better here, especially line 1 (apart from those chopped Bs!). Make sure you maintain it for lines 2 and 3, which slowed down. Taor Good, bright playing here. Taor D You fell off the first theme note so it sounded a little rushed to start but going well after the start. Crun S Nice transition and contrast of pace. There’s a little too much variation in the length of the Low As / Low Gs so you’re inconsistent and it can sound rushed in places. Watch out for those where you are jumping off a little early. Crun D Excellent finish. Nice pipe and good fingers
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: James Feeney           Tunes: Unjust Incarceration      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Overall, well laid out and musical, although line 1 very careful and too slow for me. You picked up the pace in line 2 which I preferred. Over cutting low A in 2nd last bar of line is jarring with the smoothness of the rest of the Ground. Var 1 Very effective treatment of the ¾ time signature and lovely, bright pace. Playing is a little clipped with cutting of the short note. Beautiful high G, although small chirps coming to low A. Perhaps over doing slow down into transition. Var 1 Db Not quite demonstrating the necessary contrast in tempo and too much like the singling. You’ve lost the ¾ effect here. Taor Good transition. I like the clarity of your movement. Theme notes all becoming the same length – needs more medium medium strong to bring out the time signature. Crun A few sticky movements to start but going well by end of line 1. As before re varying theme notes, but otherwise playing well. Overdoing slow down at end of line 3. A mach Good playing here. Watch the sequence of low A crunluaths which are suddenly slowing the overall tempo. The pipe came across very well.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: John Dew           Tunes: The Lament for the Children      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Well played, if a little overlaid out. Var 1 Nice contrast in tempo from the Ground and well phrased.. Overall impression is it’s a little square owing to the softening of the short notes throughout. Var 2 Lacking in contrast from Var 1 and although everything is in its place, it’s too slow and careful for my liking. Taor Too slow and careful for me here. Overdoing length of the theme notes and cadences is making it drag. Taor Db Moving along better here. Would benefit from more variation in the treatment of the theme notes – all sounding the same length. Crun S Same as Taor S. Well played but overly careful. Crun D Better pace here, although little variation in the theme notes. Some movements at the end sound a bit crushed. Pipe – pleasant to listen to. Hard to tell over the internet, but sounds like a good balance between chanter and drones. B, D and F coming across as slightly sharp in the early part of the tune.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Karen McCrindle Warren           Tunes: Glengarry's March      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground A good, bold start. Tending towards one bar phrases and holding last note in the bar so not flowing quite as it could, particularly in line 1. Watch the second of the short Bs isn’t too clipped. It was great for the most part, but a little inconsistent. Thumb Good contrast with Ground. A bit square and slowing in places and therefore not quite consistent with flow of the rest of the variation – bar 4 line 1, and bar 3 line 3. Var 2 Going very well here. Some lovely musical touches. Watch you don’t interrupt the flow by stopping too long at line ends. Var 2 DB Good contrast from singling. Overall the short notes a little clipped. Taor S Fell in to this variation. Tripling movement slightly sticky – occasionally tight and slight emphasis on third note detracting from the theme note. Taor D Movement and treatment of theme notes much more effective here, especially at the start. Great flow and playing here. Crun S and D Nice transition. Theme notes are clipped and so indistinct. Otherwise a strong finish. Pipe – well tuned and held throughout.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kyle Howie           Tunes: The Massacre of Glencoe      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Well laid out. Echo beats were a bit inconsistent and tended to slow the flow of the music. Thumb Lovely playing here. A good, bold interpretation to start. Pace / flow dipped a little by middle of line 2. Taor Well phrased. The slight pause after the movement making it sound a little heavy and deliberate. Could flow more. Watch the precision of the movement – D gracenote not always consistent and a little light on low Gs. Taor D Good playing here. Nicely contrasted from singling. Crun S Slightly cautious to start - cadences slowing you down – better by line 2. Drones beginning to drift a little. Crun D Going well here. Could use a little more variation in the length of the theme notes – all are being emphasised equally so dragging a little. Crun a mach Could let it go a little more – a bit careful for me. Great movement, although you didn’t hit them all.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ross Barker           Tunes: Lament for the Viscount of Dundee      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground A bit careful to start but flowing by better by mid line 2. Tending to extend some long notes which is interrupting the flow of the phrases – particularly long B end of line 1 and after run down. C of run down a little abrupt. High G sharp but acceptable. Var 1 Too square for me – square treatment of short notes means the theme notes are not pronounced. Var 1 DB Nice, sympathetic transitions, but as above and lacking contrast in pace. Check the music for line 2, you were off the score. Var 2 Going well here. Good, positive treatment of cadences and nicely laid out. Var 2 db Lovely transition and good playing. I like the variation in treatment of theme notes but losing momentum by lines 2 / 3. Taor S Movement a bit stilted with stutter on 3rd note affecting the overall flow. Taor D Good transition and step up in pace. As above re movement. Crun S A bit too careful here with extension of low As and low Gs slowing you down. Crun D A strong finish.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Tony Adkins           Tunes: The The Macgregors' Salute      Judge: Iain Speirs      Judge's Comments: Ground Well played although a bit careful for me – tending to emphasise individual bars, rather than flowing through two bar phrase. Thumb Nice entry, although lacking in contrast from Ground. Need to pick up the pace. Thumb 2 As above. The long pauses at bar ends are interrupting the flow of the music. Drones beginning to drift. Var III This is more like it. Well played. Var IV I like what you’re doing here. Nice variation in treatment of theme note lengths and subtle marking of phrases. Var IV db Not quite enough contrast from singling and starting to make all theme notes the same length so coming across as square. Taor Good pace. Movement not quite precise enough. Taor Careful to start but pace picked up by line 2, although could still use a little more oomph! Crun Edre coming across well for the most part, but bottom hand needs clearer low G. Movement overall is coming across as untidy. Good contrast to finish.
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Event 101. Beginner Drum Pad 3/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Laurisa Barrie      Place: 1      Tunes: 3/4 massed bands      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Concentrate on opening rolls. Your rolls are too long. These rolls should be 3 beats followed by 1 beat to pause and followed by second 3 beat roll. Good 7 stroke rolls. Good quality of flams in 1st part. Be careful and give the 13 stroke rolls their full value. Cut short on a few occasions. In 2nd par tempo drops during drag movements. However, drags come across clear and played well. Tempo is well maintained on the beat throughout the 3rd part. Flams in 4th part not as clear and accurate as previous parts. Again, be careful to maintain a steady tempo. Try and tap your foot along while playing. This may help steady the tempo. Stick technique good and keep up the good work.
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Alexander Murray      Place: 1      Tunes: 4/4 Mass Band      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Be careful of your second opening roll. Ended this by playing 2 beats. Good roll quality in 1st part. Try to relax in single stick movements. Single stick exercises will help this. Good attempt of Light & Shade at beginning of 2nd part. Again, be careful of single stick movement in middle of part. Drags in 3rd part are played well. Try to relax more on these. Tempo again is well maintained. Roll quality of good standard. Overall well played and steady tempo. well done.
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Tiaan Mattiace      Place: 2      Tunes: Basic March I      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Opening rolls pulsed. Reasonable steady tempo throughout. You appear to tense up during single stick movements in 2nd part. Paradiddle movements executed clearly in 4th part. Overall, try to relax and perhaps not to grip yours sticks so tightly. Concentrate on improving wrist technique. This will both improve single stick and roll movements.
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Laurisa Barrie      Place: 3      Tunes: 4/4 massed bands      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Have a settled tempo in your mind before starting. Rolls not 3 beats in duration. Erratic tempo throughout. Relax, tap your foot and this will help you stay on the beat and hence maintain a steady tempo. Some movements not coming across clear and accurate due to tempo. Stick technique is good. Confidence good. With a steadier and slower tempo I believe you could produce a much better muscical performance.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Laurisa Barrie      Place: 1      Tunes: 2/4 massed bands      Judge: Gary Potter      Judge's Comments: - Intro rolls: Good technique for the rolls but both rolls are too long and they need an open beat (rest) between each of them and the tune i.e. 1 - 2 - 3 - rest - 1 - 2 - 3 - rest - Good execution of rudiments in 1st part. - Good execution of accented rolls in the 2nd part - You left out 4 bars at the end of the second part which meant you went into the 3rd part 4 bars too early. - First bar of 4th part not well executed. Slight lapse of concentration. - Overall your execution of rudiments is very good. Just work on keeping track of where you are in the music. - Keep up the good work Laurisa
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James Byrnes      Place: 1      Tunes: Campbell’s Farewell to Redcastle and Pipe Major Willie Ross      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Nice opening rolls but slightly pulsed. Good confident uptake to march. Playing well to pipes. Be careful of flams as some are sounding unclear which can ruin a performace. Rushing in 2nd part and ahead pipes during singles. Take your time and relax when playing these movements. Roll quality during performace was good. Nice use of light and shade in 4th part. A little bit more light and shade throughout entire performace would improve this greatly. Work on flam exercises, concentrating on gaining a crisp, clear sound. Drum sound - Nice. Overall good performance.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lillian Scott      Place: 2      Tunes: The Three Button Polka      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Nice intro rolls. Steady tempo which allows you control your introduction. Good stick control throughout and playing well to pipes. Some nice light and shade with roll in 2nd part. I think you could be more confident on the roll movements. Rolls coming across as a bit light at times. Be confident. I would like to hear more flams in this piece as flams in 1st part were nice and would have improved this music more. Drum sound was very nice. Great snare response. Good Performance.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Emma MacNeil      Place: 3      Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale, Men of Argyle      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Nice intro rolls. Good roll quality and to full duration value. Be careful that tempo does not drop through the performnace. Clear single movements but just relax a bit more when playing them. Main issue I am hearing is your flams. Both sticks are coming down at the same and producing a dull sound. Work on increasing the height between your high and low hand. Aiming for a clean crisp sound. Drum sound is good with nice snare response.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Callum Mitchell      Place: 4      Tunes: Capt Norman Orr Ewing, The Taking of Beaumont Hamel      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Nice intro rolls. Good control with single work in opening parts. Flams sounding unclear in most places. Concentrate on gaining a clean crisp sound by increasing the distance between your high and low hand. A slower tempo would also help this. Losing the buzz movement in your left hand from rolls towards end of performance. Make sure you give rolls their full value. Overall a good performace with a nice drum sound.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Molly Turley      Place: 5      Tunes: Willie Grey      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Rolls - Nice and controlled. Good control of single work in first time over 1st part. Single work not as clear on repeat of part. Good roll quality. Losing flow of march in 2nd / 4th parts due to single stick movements. Working on some single stick exercises would help here. Take your time on these parts. Be careful of flams as some as coming across as unclear. Drum sound is flat with no snare response. Drum sounds burst.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lillian Scott      Place: 1      Tunes: Cabar Feidh      Judge: Gary Potter      Judge's Comments: - Good intro rolls - Good execution of accented roll in 2nd part. - Nice control and phrasing throughout. - The only thing I can say is just that you need to be more confident when you play. - A very well executed 4/4 March. - Well done Lillian and keep up the good work.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James Byrnes      Place: 2      Tunes: Moonstar and Massed 4-4 March Set      Judge: Gary Potter      Judge's Comments: - Intro rolls slightly pulsed. Aim to get your intro rolls nice and even. - Execution of flams throughout a bit closed. Work on getting the grace note of each flam a bit lower (closer to the drum) - Rushing though execution of groups of 6 in the 1st part of 2nd tune - Good execution of thirteen stroke rolls throughout. - Overall a good 4/4 march set. - The main things you need to work on is your execution of flams and single stroke rudiments. - Keep up the good work James.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Emma MacNeil      Place: 3      Tunes: Jacks Welcome Home      Judge: Gary Potter      Judge's Comments: - Intro rolls are slightly pulsed. Try and get a nice even sound from your rolls - Good phrasing and execution of rudiments in the first part - Execution of accented rolls in the second part not spot on. Make sure you are playing a tap on the left hand accent. - Flams in the first bar of the 3rd part a bit tentative. Be more confident when playing that bar. - Good execution in the 4th part. - Overall a nice 4/4 March - Keep up the good work Emma.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Hawley      Place: 4      Tunes: Scotland The Brave      Judge: Gary Potter      Judge's Comments: - Intro rolls pulsed. Make sure you are allowing the sticks to buzz and not crushing the buzzes. - Tentative start to the tune - The tempo of the tune is way too fast and is seriously affecting your execution and phrasing. - Good job in keeping up with the tempo though. - In future ask your piper to play at a tempo that will exhance your playing and allowing you to execute your music correctly. - You have great potential and I hope to see more of you in the future.
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lillian Scott      Place: 1      Tunes: Pipe Major Donald Maclean of Lewis      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Lillian, thank you very much for submitting your performance. I thoroughly enjoyed your rendition of Pipe Major Donald Maclean of Lewis. Your introductory rolls are very good. The tap at the end could be a tiny bit louder and clearer and should be exactly the same for each roll. Both rolls need to be exactly the same and should sound like tearing paper in a single rip. Work on stretching and overlapping the buzzes using finger strength so the overlap is not an increase in volume or a drop in volume. Your drum sounds very good. Excellent choice of acoustic venue. Well played in the center and not overaccenting. Good open execution of flams. Always go for symmetry and try lifiting the primary notes of your flams a little higher to ensure appropriate distinction between grace notes and primary notes. You have a good ear for open flams, keep it up and work on finger strength to ensure the best tone from accents. You could articulate the ends of short rolls better, don't let them disappear. Again, the taps at the ends of the rolls must be audible and clear and controlled with intent to give a particular weight of accent. Great feel for the phrasing of the melody and the story of the tune. Many marches feature a key change in part 3 and this is an opportunity to offer some dynamic variety. Great touch for the sound of the drum and the dot-cut feel. Overall, very entertaining. It needs more volume range to keep the listener entertained. If the same accent cycle is presented throughout the tune with no deviation it has a lulling effect and can cause the listener to glaze over. Well done!
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James Byrnes      Place: 2      Tunes: Lilly Christine      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi James, thank you for submitting your performance. I enjoyed your rendition of Lilly Christie. You roll quality is generally very good. The drum is well tuned and you are playing well in the center of the drum for good tone. In the introductory rolls it would sound smoother if you overlap the buzzes more to remove the 'pusle' that is evident. Stretch out the buzzes and get good overlap and decay so that each is coming in at the right time over the other to avoid surge or dropout. You got a little out of sync with the piper in a few places. Keep your flams open, some are too closed and give a single sound instead of the clear articulation of both the gracenote and primary note. Try adding height to the primary notes and keep the grace notes low to ensure they hit at different times and don't cancel out the drum tone. Make sure both notes are audible at different weights and clear and clean. Sometimes you are joing flams to the short rolls that follow them and you must leave a tiny space to play it correctly. Examples include bar 2 of parts 1, 2 and 4. Good use of rests and great timing throughout. Your performance could use more dynamics to follow the phrasing of the melody and provide the listner with variation. Too little weight variation has a lulling effect on the listener and does not present the beginning and conclusion of the tune as intended through the melody. Many marches feature a key change in part 3 and this is an opportunity to present the tune with a change in tension that resolves in the fourth part. Try using a different arrangement for bar 2 and bar 4 for variation. The score is repetitive. For example, part 3 offers a nice release from the same old bar 2, but parts 1, 2 and 4 could use a different bar 2.
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Emma MacNeil      Place: 3      Tunes: Fairview Cottage      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi, Emma, thanks for submitting your performance. I enjoyed your rendition of Fairview Cottage. Your introductory rolls were good and well timed. A bit of pulse is evident so try to make the buzzes overlap and aim for a single continuous sound like paper tearing. Imagine it as a series of connected short rolls as your short roll quality is very good indeed. Good 6/8 march feel. You are getting the right dot-cut feel with the melody. Marching along helps. Great feel for the tune and the call and answer phrasing. Some of your flams are not open enough. It is important to raise the primary note hand high enough to ensure good sound as the small gracenote hits first and the louder primary note hits second. Use stick height to acheive this, keeping the low hand down and keeping the notes separate enough. When flams are 'flat' and both notes hit at the same time it cancels out the sound of the drum. Especially important are any hand-to-hand flams, these must be symmetircal and open. All of your rolls exhibit excellent buzz quality, you just need to stitch them together better in the introductory rolls. Short rolls are all excellent. You have strong tempo control and musical patience. Could use more volume variation to avoid the lulling effect of repetitious volume paterns -- more drama to keep the listener aware of the changing melody line and move toward a sense of closure at the end. Third parts of marches tend to be in a different key and offer room for high and low dynamics from which the fourth part can be a reward and resolution back to the theme toward the end.
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Hawley      Place: 4      Tunes: Cock of the North      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Connor, thank you for submitting your performance. I enjoyed your rendition of Cock of the North. The tempo you selected is very fast and does not allow you to demonstrate your obvious attributes clearly. Due to tempo, you were out of sync with the piper in a few places, most importantly in the first part introduction. I can tell that you have nice open flam execution and you are able to play clean subdivisions, singles in particular. Again, the tempo is too fast to showcase this. 6/8 march feel requires carfeul application of the dot-cut feel and at times I felt you were not holding along with the piper in the same way. It should 'swing' and one shoud feel like marching along. Your tempo is a very fast march -- difficult to march along to. Slipping out of sync with the piper in part 3. Again, I can tell that you have good execution and musicianship. I'd like to hear you play at a comfortable tempo.
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laurisa Barrie      Place: 5      Tunes: 6/8 massed bands      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Laurisa. Thank you for submitting your performance. You extended both introductory rolls beyond 25 strokes and this affects the timing of the piece and the uptake to the tune. You have good roll quality and stick control and a natural symmetry in your playing. Good timing and tempo control, especially without a piper. Some of your flams are 'flat' meaning that there is no audible distinction between the grace notes and primary notes. It is important to raise the primary note hand high enough to ensure good sound as the small gracenote hits first and the louder primary note hits second. Use stick height to acheive this, keeping the low hand down and keeping the notes separate enough. When flams are 'flat' and both notes hit at the same time it cancels out the sound of the drum. Especially important are any hand-to-hand flams, these must be symmetircal and open. Make sure to end all rolls cleanly with a tap. Short rolls in particular need this to end clearly and not just disappear after the last buzz. Without accompaniment (rather, without a piper to whom you would be accompaniment) it is hard to measure your duet quality and that is an important part of Scottish drumming. I can tell that you would have a good natural sense of sympathetic musicianship but I am unable to comment on it. I look forward to hearing you play again with a piper. Again, thank you for submitting your performance even though you did not have a piper. Better to submit one without than not at all.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ashley Forbes      Place: 1      Tunes: 6/8 March      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Good intro. lively tempo. Accented rolls coud just be a little lighter in weight.. losing quality here. A little more dynamics needed. Very good overall. Solid and all as should be. v Good.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jeremy Downs      Place: 2      Tunes: Donald MacLean      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Intro solid. Rolls could be smoother in pulsation. Tempo good. Nice flam work throughout. Be careful that more intricate movements do not let you fall in tempo in places. Be assertive. Good performance.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Murray      Place: 3      Tunes: Atholl Highlanders, Bonnie Dundee      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: .Nice intro. Rushing ahead of the beat early on. Losing note value in your flams.Careful not to lose the melodic feel. Execution solid throughout. Good dynamics.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Euan Graham      Place: 4      Tunes: Tug Argan Gap      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Intro rolls slightly over pulsated. A little more urgency needed throughout your musical interpretation. Nice use of dynamics throughout.Playing very well to melody. Overall good.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlotte Gill      Place: 5      Tunes: Murdo Mackenzie of Torriden      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Solid start. A little aslow but generally good. Excellent flam quality being shown.Good steady playing well done.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Danny Tighe      Place: 6      Tunes: Lord Selkirk 6/8 Street Beats      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Intro rolls a little inconsistent. Nice lively tempo. Good flow but unfortunately stopped early not completing bthe last full part of score. Good playing throughout.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Theriault           Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Rolls overpulsated. Tempo good but losing nota value in places.Try relax more through the more intricate parts. Losing tempo and general quality in places when this occurs. Single work tends to slow down. Try keep relaxed and keep the tempo and playing moving.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Magdalena Pacheco      Place: 1      Tunes: Muir of Ord      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained Intro. Lively tempo and driving the score along with commitment. good technique and playing is generally clean throughout. Try to get more expression and dynamics into the score to give it definition and rhythmical character. Use your phrasing to give the score structure and presentation.You play with confidence and commitment but also concentrate on the rhythmical and musical aspect of your score. Tone:- Bright tone with balanced snares
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew West      Place: 2      Tunes: Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained intro. Pulsations sound forced. try for a smoother texture to your rools. March:- Nice relaxed tempo maintained throghout. Quite a well structured score but it need more phrasing, expression and light & shade to integrte better with the melody. Sounds a bit monotonal and needs more rhythmical content and more commitment. Good standard of rudimentary and technical ability just work more on the musical aspect of the score. Tone sounds dull off the top and needs more top snare responce
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ceana Fleury      Place: 3      Tunes: The Young MacGregor      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained intro . Lively tempo on uptake to march. Working at creating expression, phrasing and subtle use of dynamics throughout. Quite a nice balanced score. Paradiddle phrase in 2nd part needs better control and clarity in there distribution. When playing the quiet opening bars in 4th part don`t lose the clarity of the movement. It sounded muffled. The listener still has to hear it. Overall a confident performance which has the ability to go on and continually improve to a high level. Tone:- Pitch too high giving thin tone and needs more top snare response.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Bottazzi      Place: 4      Tunes: M: The Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering - 4 parts      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained intro with good uptake and a relaxed tempo..Playing with confiidence and working at creating phrasing and expression throughout. Single phrase coming off the roll in the 2nd part is rushed and ahead of the beat. Integration with the melody is not always exact in 3rd part and I felt that 4th part was a little nervous as the tempo wasn`t steady. Clean execution of most rudiments were evident and using some nice subtle dynamics in places. Tone:- Well set for indoors.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sofia Carollo      Place: 5      Tunes: P/M Willie Grey's Farewell to the Glasgow Police      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained Intro. Nice relaxed tempo maintained throuhout. Working at creating phrasing and expression to integrate the score with the melody. The accented roll and single movement in 2nd part 5/6 bars is being forced and ending ahead of the beat. Also double flam and singles in 3rd part are also being rushed. Take your time and deliver these phrases correctly. Finally all ending being rushed and singles are ending short of the beat.. Overall a very competent player and will develop into competent solo player. Tone:- Well set with good snare balance.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ashley Forbes      Place: 6      Tunes: 2/4 March      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained into and good uptake with lively tempo. Playing throughout is quite clean clear and controlled. Quite good use of phrasing but this needs more execution and expression with subtle use of dynamics to give the score and rhythmical presentation. You are playing with confidence and commitment. The score structure sounds a bit repetiitive and would look at upping the level for your next solo competition. Overala very competent player who has the potential to advance to the next level. Tone:- Nicely set for indoors
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlotte Gill           Tunes: The 79th Farewell to Gibraltar      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Intro duration good. Try not to pulse out the beat while executing this roll. Keep them smooth. March:- Tempo a little slow and deliberate affecting your overall expression. Sound monotonal at times. Playing is quite clean and controlled. Accented roll phrase need more definition on the accent also short open single phrases seem too controlled and need to flow with ease. Try to raise the tempo and play with more commitment and confidence as i`m sure you are capable of it. Overall very good potential to move up the grades as the basics have been well taught. Tone:- Dull off the top for indoors but nice snare responce
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen           Tunes: The Seige of Delhi      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Intro roll duration good. Roll pulsations every forced and not creating the buzz sound necessay to produce a smooth roll texture. March:- Cautious tempo but held steady throughout.. This sounded nervious and your open work was overcontrolled and not executed with relaxed poise and finesse. Try to relax and let your rudiments flow from your wrists. you will feel more comfortable. All rolling movements are not creating the buzz pulsations. Try to blend the buzzes together to create the correct roll effect for all roll rudiments. Practice and make sure all your basics are correct as these are the foundation for all future rudiments and technical drumm scores. Tone:- Quite well set for indoors with nice snare responce.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Murray           Tunes: 79th Farewell To Gibraltar      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Video not Available. States that "this video is Private
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Danny Tighe           Tunes: 79th Farewell to Gibraltar      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Intro duration good. Roll pulsation uneven and need to have a smoother texture.. Nice upkake to the march with a relaxed tempo.. Playing overall is quite cleanand precise. Try to get more expression and exection into the score phrases.this will improve your rhythmical expression and interpretation of the melody presented. Feel you are playing within yourself and could give more commitment and drive to the score. Overall a very compitent player with good basics which will ensure you move on to a higher standard of player. Tone:- Quite well set for indoors
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Euan Graham           Tunes: The Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: God Intro duration but roll pulsations a little uneven and need to be smoother.Tempo on the slow side for a march.. Quite a well constructed score but I felt you were struggling to handle some of the rudiments like single runs and drag single movements. You lost the integration with the melody in pats 2&3. Falling behind because of the difficulty of the phrases you were trying to execute.You demonstrate good ability but need to practice this score until it flows naturally and with confidence. You have the ability. Tone:- Drum well set for indoors.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jacob (Jake) Markus           Tunes: The Conundrum      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained Intro. Tempo on the cautious side and this is affecting your rhythmical expression of the score. Quite a well structure score but needs mor expression and dynamics to enhance the melodic structure. Quite expressionless at times. It needs more drive and commitment. Swiss Army Triplet movement in 2nd part needs opened up and played with controland clarity. Also single movement in 3rd part 5/6th bars is falling behind the tempo of the melody. Work at maintaining a strict tempo and practice making the score flow. Very good all round ability and you have the ability to become a very good player.. Tone:- flat off the top and needs more top snare response
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jeremy Downs           Tunes: Haughs Of Cromdale      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained intro. Tempo relaxed and maintained throughout.. Good standard of score setting for this level.Your phrasing is quite good but your losing execution and expression which makes the score sound round and losing the rhythmical fluency. Some of your short single phrase don`t sound even in execution and your sticking seems loose, especially your left hand. The potential is there just analyse your score to get more commitment, poise and finesse into them to improve musical interpretation. Tone:- Well set for indoors
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lew McLennan           Tunes: King George V’s Army      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Good intro duration but pulsations very forced and not creating a smooth textured roll. March:- nice lively tempo and maintained throughout. Playing is confident but lacks phrasing, expression natural Rhythmical flow. and sounds monotonal. All open phrases are executed with good dexterity but all you roll movements are played with open pulsations and not creating the pressed roll effect. Work at improving your roll and score phrasing. Tone:- This event should be played on a snare drum and not a practice pad
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Logan Blain           Tunes: 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Intro:- 2nd Roll short in duration to the first.Try for a smoother textured roll. March:- Cautiois tempo but maintained throughout Playing is clean and precise but try to get more expression into the score to interpret the melody better. Flams and triplet movements well contrlled. Short single phrases are too controlled try to let them flow more.Try for stronger accents to accented roll movements to make them pronounced. There a bit timid. Overall a neat and clean player with very good potential. Tone:- Tone flat off the topand needs more top snare response.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Theriault           Tunes: 79th Farewell to Gibraltar      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Good intro duration. Pulsations are forced and need to have a smoother texture. Nice lively tempo and well maintained until the last part where it became a little fragmented.Playing throughout was relatively clean but try to get more expression and light& shade into the score to complement and integrate with the melody. There seemed to be a difficulty with the 5/6th bars of the 4th part where you lost the tempo and itiming. Overall a steady performance which with practice will become more fluent and easier to play. You have the potential to take your playing to the next level Tone:- Dull sound off the top head and it needs more top snare responce
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Myles Riedel           Tunes: P/M Willie Grey's Farwell to the Glasgow Police      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Good intro duration but roll pulsations forced and uneven. Try to creat a smoother texture. March:- Confident uptake however the tempo is on the slow side. Score well set for this level but you are having difficulty with some of you phrases and losing either clarity or integration with the melody. especially in the last part. You seemed nervious here. Some of your rudiments are not being executed correctly ie Drag singles. you need to get off the drag quicker to ececute this with precision. also the single movement in all endings is being rushed and finishing ahead of the beat. Practice and become more confident and comfortable with this score. You have the ability to make this score a quality piece. Tone:- Quite well set for indoors
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tim Sellars           Tunes: The Siege of Delhi      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained intro. March;- Nice relaxed tempo and playing with effective phrasing and execution to intergate with the melodic structure presended.Some of your open work came over unclear but i think that was caused by the accoustics creating an echo.The 3/4th bars of each part were too repetitive for solo work. Try to create the same effect using different variety of rudiments/phrases to give a better balance to the score.. Overall a confident performance. Tone:- Accoustics didn`t give the drum a crisp clear tone.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Magdalena Pacheco      Place: 1      Tunes: Rory MacLeod - The Famous Baravan      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Confident tempo and introduction. Nice swing and jig playing, Would not play any quicker as this will take away from your control of playing / clairty of movements. Be careful not to force your rolls. Flam playing is very good, clear and accurate. Playing well to pipes throughout. Remember to play drags like a flam but buzzed. It appears you are only buzzing on your low hand. Work on drag excercises by playing flams then just buzzing the low hand. Enjoyed listening to this. Drum sound slightly flat / choked. Good performance. Well done.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ceana Fleury      Place: 2      Tunes: Hammer On the Anvil, Tripping Up the Staird      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Good confident introduction. Strong rolls. Be careful on single stick movements as they are unclear. Better in 2nd part. Losing pipe melody in a few ocassions in 2nd jig. Try to relax and maintain the jig feeling. Run of 4 flams played well. Nice drum sound. Good performance. Working at singles exercises will help you to produce a more musical performance. Drum height seems low. Raising height on harness will able you have better drumming position.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew West      Place: 3      Tunes: Glasgow Police Pipers, Troy's Wedding      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Clean and accurate playing at start of 1st jig. Flams crisp. Good stick control for doubles. Movement at end of part not coming across as clear. Some good use of light and shade in this jig. Be careful when you play low / quiet movements. It can sound muffled. Playing well to pipes. In Troy's Wedding you are losing pipe melody in 2nd and 3rd part. Better on repeat of part. Take your time when playing double movements as thus is where it is inaccurate and unclear. Try to introduce a few more movements, for example, drags as scores are slighty repeative. Drum sound - good. Good performance.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jeremy Downs      Place: 4      Tunes: Donald Camerons Powder Horn      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Would like to hear the pipe tune along with your performance. I think this would improve entre performance. All movements coming across clear. Nice flam work. Would like more swing from this jig playing. More light and shade required as playing is too straight. Drop the volume of your triplets. This will give you more impact. Some decent playing. Drum sound is good.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Euan Graham      Place: 5      Tunes: Glasgow CIty Police Pipers      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Tempo is very slow. Difficult to play to. Very easy to lose pipe melody. All movements clear and good stick control in 1st part. Your are losing pipe melody in 2nd part during rolls. Better control in 3rd part. Overall, relax when playing any rolls as your tempo increases as you try to fit it all in. Roll quality slightly pulsated. Drum sound - good.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Theriault      Place: 6      Tunes: Archie Beag      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: Would like to hear the pipe tune along with your performnace. This will help you to stay on the beat. Tempo drops from your introduction call. Relax when playing. Try and stick to orginal tempo. Single work mostly clear. More light and shade will improve performance. Reduce the volume of your triplets. This will give you more impact. Decent flam and drag playing. Keep up the hard work. Drum sound is good.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Murray           Tunes: Brest St Marc, Kesh Jig      Judge: Dean Smyth      Judge's Comments: N/A
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sam Linsley      Place: 1      Tunes: Dugald MacColl's Farewell to France; Dornie Ferry; The Blackberry Bush      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Intro - 2nd roll starts slightly early. Some pieces of execution in the latter stages of the 2ns part of March not clear. Good use of light and shade in the 3ed part. 4th part was well played. S/S Good break but make sure to hold the 1st beat of each bar a bit longer to create a good S/S feel( its a little straight at times) , better in the last 2 parts. Reel A good tempo and you sound comfortable here and you're producing a musical and free flowing reel. Well done .
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Scott Jones      Place: 2      Tunes: Hugh Kennedy / Maggie Cameron / Loch Carron      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Good Intro. Playing well with the tune here , some small executional errors here and there but generally well played. S/S Solid change to MC. Some single work is a bit stiff in places. Drag singles in last part are dropping behind the beat but otherwise good. Reel - Behind on the break to the reel, but recovered well. Staying with the tune for most of the rest of the way. Well played overall ( maybe some more dynamics would help you even further) Well done.
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Kyle Kyrzyk      Place: 3      Tunes: Mrs. MacDonald of Dunach, Lady MacKenzie of Gairloch, The High Road to Linton      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Solid enough start but quality of rolls could be a lot smoother. Drum sounds very boxy overall. Playing well to the melody and showing good understanding. Execution is generally good but your ratamacue in the 2nd part could be clearer. S/S Again playing well with the tune and picking out the important phrases to get that s/s feeling. Reel - Slightly late on entry to reel. getting a good feel for the tune here and you show a natural musicality overall. keep up the good work
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Curtis Maslen      Place: 4      Tunes: Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban, Maggie Cameron, Back of the Moon      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Solid introduction. Playing is generally quite clear, but some phrases seen to be very stiff and are dropping the tempo of the tune. I think the ending bar is the worst of these. S/S started slow and then got faster. Settled down in latter parts; light and shade really helps the 3rd and 4th parts. Reel - Good break. Again you show some precise playing at times, but the passages that are stiff almost sound mechanical. If you can sort this out, you definitely have the ability. Also the lack of melody doesn't help.
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Westley Sharpe      Place: 5      Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Jennifer Finlayson, Major David Manson      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Solid intro. Playing well from the off here. Execution is generally clean and precise. Drum is really choked on the top snare and makes your roll movements sound crushed. S/S - Good enough break, but the tempo is very slow and deliberate. You need more light and shade here to let the leading beats stand out. Reel - Reel is erratic in tempo and I think that you lose control a bit here. Also light and shade is almost non existent in this tune. Overall - You have a good technique and clean playing, I would like you to work on volume variation ( also the absence of a melody doesn't help)
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Bottazzi      Place: 6      Tunes: M: The Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering - 4 parts S: Maggie Cameron - 4 parts R: Piper Of Drummond - 2 parts      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Good start . Single work at the ending bar could be clearer. Playing with the melody well enough but single work in general needs attention. S/S - Good first part but slight mistake towards the end. The ending bar here again seems to be causing you problems, you are finishing behind the beat each time, maybe a small change would help things. Reel - The reel seems a little too fast and you are playing behind the beat all the way through, if you simplify the score it would help to play it more up tempo.
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Murray           Tunes: Pipe Major Willie Grey, Mac An Irish, The Ale Is Dear      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments:
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Rob Perry           Tunes: P/M Willie Grey's Farewell to Glasgow Police, Maggie Cameron, Alick McGregor      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments:
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cole McLeod      Place: 1      Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Cole. Thank you for submitting your performance. Good rolls Watch the oscillation of your sticks during rolls. The extra movement will cost you finger control and affect tone. Work on using your thumb on the left hand and don’t rotate your fingers. On the right and don’t allow your wrist to rotate. Buzzes are strongest when played without oscillation. Some flat flams. Keep them open and avoid them making contact simultaneously. Use stick height to avoid this, always 1’ one the primary note and 1” on the grace note. Here is a good example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HlxIJQ3P9A You have very good timing and tempo control. Good feel for the tune. Very clean singles and ruffs. Good finger control. Again, watch the oscillation and focus on strong finger delivery. A few too many flat flams. Some good weight variation and phrasing presentation.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rob Perry      Place: 2      Tunes: Jean Maucline      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Rob. Thank you for submitting your performance. Rolls good. Great room full of drums. You seem a bit crammed in though and your shoulders aren’t lined up as if standing playing the drum on a harness. As a result, your left hand technique seems tight and played from the wrist without much finger involvement. To get better tone and activate both heads without over accenting, stand so you get maximum fulcrum and let the sticks do the work. Your shoulders and feet should be in line and elbows in the same relative position to your torso. Here’s a great example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HlxIJQ3P9A Good feel for the tune and short rolls and Swiss triplets. Some over accenting in places. The feel of the tune needs more dot-cut (not too much) to keep the triplets from getting round. Also the timing of upbeats needs a but more space to get the dot-cut timing just right. You are coming early to the 1/8th note in not triplet beats, flams after rolls, etc. Careful not to rush singles or take them our of compound time. Try playing them as 1/16ths in triplet time as opposed to the feel of 32nd notes in marches. Overall, very enjoyable. A few small tweaks and you will see great improvement. Get your fingers more involved and make it easier for the sticks to do the work.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Linsley      Place: 3      Tunes: Dundee City Police Pipe Band      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Sam. Thank you for submitting your performance. I enjoyed your rendition of Dundee City Police Pipe Band. Thank you for arranging accompaniment and finding a place to play with decent acoustics. Your introductory rolls are very good. A little more finger strength would add body and allow you to stretch your buzzes even more for smoother presentation. Excellent execution throughout. Good ruffs and singles and roll quality, however you need to make sure every roll is finished cleanly. A few short rolls disappeared without a clean tap. Good weight variation, especially in the 4th part. The whole piece needs more of a dynamic map so each phrase is a plan, including some parts that are just flat, to add drama and closure. Good tempo control throughout. Good feel for the tune. Drum well pitched. You didn't over accent for the room, thank you. Well played.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kyle Kyrzyk      Place: 4      Tunes: Angus MacKinnon      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Kyle. Thank you for submitting your performance. Good intro rolls. A touch late to the pick up note. Some flat flams, possibly because the drum is too low. Raise the drum so your sticks are more parallel to the surface. This will enable more finger control and let the sticks do the work through balance at the fulcrum point. Keep flams open and never simultaneous. Here is a good example of well separated flams and good posture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HlxIJQ3P9A Excellent singles part 3. Work on cleaner Swiss triplet movements in part 4. The flams need to be controlled with finger technique. Here the flams are just not clean and separated correctly. Try slowing that passage down and mastering the correct flams — it will have application elsewhere, too. Great feel for the tune and the phrasing. Good tempo control and timing. Very good musicianship. I feel if you raise the drum and work on the finger control your drumming will take a leap forward. So many good things happening.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Jones      Place: 5      Tunes: Angus McKinnon      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Scott. Thank you for submitting your performance. I enjoyed your rendition of Angus McKinnon. Thank you for taking the time to mic your drum and setup accompaniment. Both introductory rolls were very good. The second may have ended with slightly less positivity than the first. Careful not to stray away from the center of the head with your left hand as the tone is different. Falling behind the pipe in parts 2 and 4. Flams played after rolls could be setup better. Raise the primary note hand on the flams earlier and avoid flat flams that cancel the drum sound. Keep all flams open and ensure two distinct notes are audible. Good short roll quality. Excellent feel for the tune and dot-cut and cut-dot feel. Drum pleasant. Overall the piece could use a dynamic plan to avoid the same weight and volume patterns to provide a sense of tension and release and closure.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Curtis Maslen      Place: 6      Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Curtis. Thank you for submitting your performance. I enjoyed your rendition of Leaving Port Askaig. Your introductory rolls are good. Good tempo and buzz quality and consistency. Your drum is too low to maximize the finger to wrist balance and leaves your reset point too high above the head. You have to work much harder to get the sticks to react if the surface is too low. Flam-a-diddles, singles, and swiss triplets need more finger control and less volume. These require the stick to do all the work to acheive the smooth, buttery, flowing sound instead of an increase in volume and intensity. Execution other than the 32nd note work is very good. All rolls very clean and clear, all flams played nice and open. Good use of weight variation in the second part rolls. The remainder of the performance could use more weight variation to match the phrasing of the tune and to avoid lulling the listener into a monovolume glaze. All ruffs played exceptionally well, showing that finger control is definitely on call. Apply this to the singles and flam-a-diddles and let the stick do the work at the correct volume. Timing throughout very good. Slight drops in tempo at times after cuts. I can't comment on ensemble/duet as you had no accompaniment.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nathan Vander Leest           Tunes: Angus MacKinnon      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Nathan. Thank you for submitting your performance. I enjoyed your rendition of Angus MacKinnon. Your introductory rolls are good. Well timed and good buzzes. Could use a little more finger strength to get depth. Make sure you keep your flams open and the primary note high. If you don't raise the stick for the primary note it can lead to 'flat' flams, where the gracenote and the primary note hit at the same time causing the drum to cancel. At times your sticks stray from the sweet spot in the center of the drum head. Make sure to listen for the changes in sound that come from this and learn to play in the best spot. If your right hand strays it engages less snare and sounds drier. Drum could use a little more pitch. A bit dull at roll endings. Good stick control. Your singles are very good. Watch not to put too much space after the drag into the singles run. Swiss triplets, the runs of triplets with flams on 3, 3, 1, need strengthening, as does the triplet to flams in the end phrase. I think this relates to the height of your primary note in the flams as mentioned above. Make flams open 1 foot and 1 inch and use the stick height to move through the runs. I can't comment on ensemble/duet effect as you had no accompaniment.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Westley Sharpe           Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Westley. Thank you for submitting your performance. Rolls good. Tempo very slow. I feel it is difficult to keep the tune flowing at this tempo and it leads to massive dot and cut that also affects locomotion. Right hand not in the center causing a different sound due to less snare activation. Good open flams and strong technique. Good feel for the music, actually keeping it pointed at this tempo is quite difficult. The environment is not the best for analyzing sound due to the echo. I’d like to hear this in a deadened room with a piper, or outside in a park away from buildings. Good roll quality. Drum well tuned and played with good strength without over accenting. I cannot comment on ensemble / duet as you don’t have accompaniment.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Murray      Place: 1      Tunes: Brest St Marc, Kesh Jig      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Nice and lively. Jig playing here nice.. jig idiom being used very well. Difference in jig performance is night and day to march. Going for it and letting the tempo flow is sometimes better for some. well done.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Curtis Maslen           Tunes: The Judges’ Dilemma      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Tempo lively. Roll quality too open.. try and tidy up the roll variations.Open work coming through nicely. Some dynamics would improve perfromance massively. Nice.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nathan Vander Leest           Tunes: The Curlew      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo. Roll quality okay. Single work slowing down your playing and tempo.Relax and let it go a little more.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rob Perry           Tunes: Inspector Donald Campbell      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: video link to MSR not jig.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jamie Coffey      Place: 1      Tunes: Highland Wedding,Susan MacLeod,Mrs Macpherson of Inveran      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Jamie. Thank you for submitting your performance. Excellent rolls. Drum well set. Ringing well with good pitch and body. Some tough scores handled effortlessly. Very impressive technique. Good finger control and open flams and clean ruffs. Roll quality excellent. I know these tunes very well, and these scores, so the lack of accompaniment is less an issue than it might be, but I would really like to hear this with a good piper. Could use a bit more height in some of the passages to get greater volume range. Very good dynamics.

Excellent breaks. Great tone without over accenting. Good flam rolls in the strathspey. Careful not to let any small notes disappear, especially four stroke rolls in the strathspey. Mrs. Mac very enjoyable. A touch of pushing into drag rolls but otherwise very good indeed. Again some more height to show the dynamics visually would help your presentation. Well done. I’m sure I’ll see your name a lot!
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron MacDonald      Place: 2      Tunes: Highland wedding, Bogan Lochan, John Mackechnie's big reel      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Cameron. Thank you for submitting your performance. Rolls well timed and good weight and tone. They seem slightly ‘phased’ to me, meant to express that one hand is not totally sympathetic to the triplet sequence. Strong start to the march. Good lift and dot and cut feel along with the melody. A little predictive into the pick up 2nd part. I hear the cut dot in the pipes a nanosecond later. Some flat flams at times. Always make sure hand to hand flams are symmetrical and left flams after rolls are not equal height and not landing too close. Some muddy execution in a few places. Make sure the connecting passages are as good as the tricky ones. Some short rolls starting too soon after flams. Mind the gap! Strathspey very good feel. Too flat for me. Need a dynamic map to present the tune and all the key changes and rhythmic patterns without droning on. Reel good too. Some flat flams distracting. A very enjoyable performance. I would look at drum angle and see whether you can get a better balance of finger control to gravity and remove the slight ‘slap’ that comes at times due to drum position. If you are playing on a more horizontal surface the fulcrum point of the stick does more work and reveals more tone, i.e. Mike McKenna https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOVseXI2aUw
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Hogan      Place: 3      Tunes: The Highland Wedding, Maggie Cameron, John Morrison of Assyant house.      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Aidan. Thank you for submitting your performance. Drum well set. Need more body in your tone through finger strength and perhaps heavier or different sticks. Excellent timing. Performance needs to reflect a considered dynamic map of the tunes to express the key changes and call-and-answer and tension-and-release aspects. Excellent dot cut feel and flow of the tune. March score is repetitive and doesn’t change when the pipe tune doesn’t repeat which empathizes the repetition. Maggie Cameron very enjoyable. Make sure every note is audible and has equal importance. Some ghost notes disappeared. Use the optimum fulcrum and drum position to make every 32nd note clear and easily played without ripping. Overall very enjoyable indeed. Some great scores played well. Just needs a little more body and clarity in places. Try using a map of the tune to tell a story and deliver a sense of closure and surprise to counteract listener lull. Tons of potential after minor adjustments I feel.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew B. Koupal      Place: 4      Tunes: Pipe Major William Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police, Dornie Ferry, MacKay from Skye      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Andrew. Thank you for submitting your performance. Great tunes. Rolls very good. Could use a bit more body and finger strength for tone. The drum is a bit low for you to get the fulcrum and finger effect completely perhaps. Great symmetry. Very clean playing and open flams. Score repetitive and needs more volume effect to reduce the lulling of the listener through similar patterns. It needs some drama to break the cycle and then return for closure. Scores could use a bit more content for the solos. Without chips the content comes across as limited. Behind on a few pick up notes between phrases. Noticeable in the strathspey. Good use of the rest in last part of the strathspey. Very clean execution. Overall very good performance. Just needs more volume range. Take the long rolls from lower to higher and add some low passages and a few bigger anchor accents to increase drama and listenability.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Lantz      Place: 5      Tunes: John MacColl, John Roy Stewart, John McKechnie      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Connor. Thank you for submitting your performance. Good introduction. Rolls well timed. Buzzes seem a bit open. Perhaps a meatier set of sticks would help the tone and body. Nice score. Good start. Tug-o-war with the pipe a bit between phrases. The drum is perhaps a bit low for you and this is affecting your finger control and tone. The more parallel to the surface your sticks are the more you can use the fulcrum and get better tone. Some flat flams. Keep them open or the sound produced is harsh when they hit at the same time. Good execution. Good feel for the tunes. Losing sync with the tune 3rd part of the strathspey. Good break to reel. Again a bit of tug-o-war with the melody. Needs more weight variation and a dynamic map of the tunes to present an organized story using the key changes and call-and-answer phrasing in all the tunes.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Spotswood      Place: 6      Tunes: Edinburgh Police Pipe Band, Maggie Cameron and Lexy McAskill      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi David. Thank you for submitting your performance. Rolls well played. Slight tempo drop to second roll. Great score to EPPB, great tune. I can imagine the pipe tune but without a piper I can’t assess duet / ensemble quality. I find the performance is a little flat dynamically and it could have a more evident underlying dynamic plan to accent the offbeats, call-and-answer arrangement of the tune and key changes. Some over accenting happening. Hard to tell I must confess given the environment but your range could expand to make it indisputable. Some tasty passages played very well. Good fluid execution. Good flow. Roll quality very good. Some notes disappearing from time-to-time. Make sure the connective tissue is executed as well as the showcase sections. Very steady tempo and good drive throughout. Unmistakeable JK Mrs MacPherson reference to start the reel. Very enjoyable. I’d love to hear this with more dynamics and a piper in a good venue.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Coe           Tunes: Balmoral Highlanders, Susan Macleod, Mrs Mcpherson of Inveran      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Lachie. Thank you for submitting your performance. Introductory rolls good. Loss of flow in places, bars 5 and 6 part 1 for example. Make sure all the easier connecting sections are clean and practice starting from different parts of the score to ensure fluency. Some good weight variation. Try to develop a dynamic map of the performance and deliver some familiar cycles and some deviations along with the key changes and tension or flow of the pipe tune. Good accented singles. Some over accenting in places. Careful to have a control over your range in the environment you are presented with. Some muddiness in the roll sequence in the last part of the march. Find the holes in the score and play to the rests and resets and make the difficult stuff the icing instead of the focus. Some muddiness in places in your strathspey are distracting. The strathspey performance is too triplet heavy. If you play a strathspey score with lots of triplets make a choice which exact notes will be loud or soft and ghost some without disappearing and play others flat, etc. If they are all loud connectors it gets too jig like. Your reel is good but seems less focused. Some muddiness in the second part of the reel. Running over simple bar endings in places and arriving at the next part precipitously. Again some messy accented rolls in the last part. No accompaniment so I cannot comment on your ensemble / duet feel. Enjoyable performance. Get it more surgical and play to a piper and you’ll be there. Great feel for the music.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Hardie           Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, Susan Macleod, John Morrison of Assynt House      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Scott. Thank you for submitting your performance. Introductory rolls of good duration. Right hand dominant in the pulses. Make sure to distribute the pulses more evenly over triplets and remove the pulse sound of five dominant right buzzes. Good flow through the march. A lot of surface playing. Not hearing the body of the drum and full buzzes in the rolls. Some notes disappearing, make sure that all notes are clear even if played at very low volume. As a listener I’m looking for the dynamic plan under the performance. Be careful of repetitive dynamic cycles that don’t highlight the key changes and rhythmic patterns in the tune. Lots of missing opportunities for call-and-answer and a sense of tension or closure that could be delivered through the drumming. Easy to do and you have great stick control which is the foundation. Good stick control and subdivisions throughout. Some good dynamics, i.e., 5th part of the march. Strathspey feel v. good. Lacking body and very surface feel again. Really good feel for the phrasing in the strathspey and good dot cut ensemble. Break to reel good. Good execution. Similar dynamic cycle issue to the march and strathspey. Good feel for the melody in the reel but needs more range.
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron MacDonald      Place: 1      Tunes: Mrs. Macdougal      Judge: Gary Potter      Judge's Comments: - Good intro rolls - Good sound and crisp snare response from drum - Good roll technique and execution throughout. - Flam execution a little open. Could be a bit tighter - Good use of dynamics throughout - You have a slight tendancy to rush through phrasing after coming out of a thirteen stroke roll. Be conscious of controlling those phrases.
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew B. Koupal      Place: 2      Tunes: Frank Thompson      Judge: Gary Potter      Judge's Comments: - Intro rolls good - Drum is a bit on the flat side and the top snare is slightly choked - Good control of rudiments throughout - Phrasing tending to be a bit round - Dynamic range can be improved
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Hogan      Place: 3      Tunes: Tug Argan Gap      Judge: Gary Potter      Judge's Comments: - Good intro rolls - Nice sounding drum - Showing a good understanding of 6/8 March phrasing - Thirteen stroke roll in first bar of 3rd part being cut short leading to single stroke 5 starting before the beat instead of on the beat. - Single stroke fours in last part being forced. Execution of the particular rudiment needs to be more relaxed.
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Coe      Place: 4      Tunes: Lily Christie      Judge: Gary Potter      Judge's Comments: - Intro rolls good - Drum good but lacking a bit of top snare response. - Execution of swiss ruffs a bit forced - Watch your control during subdivided rudiments. Make sure you have complete control of every note and don't just throw your sticks down. - Same happening in your execution for paradiddles. Control each note.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Hogan      Place: 1      Tunes: Rhonda Blair, The ol wife of the mill dust      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Good Intro H/P:- Well structured score integrating well with the melody. Playing with good composure and applying effective phrasing and expression as required. Losing integration in 6th bar piano of last part. Tempo could have been a little livelier but you maintained it well. Jig:- Good break. Nicely expressed opening parts with effective rhythmica; integration. The structure of the 3rd part didn`t work for me and detracted from the melody. Lost your natural flow in 4th part where your execution was flat. Good to end Tone: Nicely pitched with good top snare response..
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron MacDonald      Place: 2      Tunes: Lucy Cassidy, The Mermaid Jig      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Good Intro H/P:- Nice relaxed tempo and playing with effective phrasing and expression. Good technically structured and balance score. Feel more dynamics would enhance this score abd improve its musical interpretation. Just a little lifeless at times. Jig:- Confident break. Tempo a little deliberate for this idiom but again a well structured technical score played with precission. Again I feel is also need more dynamics to define the melody but a livelier tempo may have created this. Make it toe tapping! Tone:- Nicely pitched with good top snare balance.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Spotswood      Place: 3      Tunes: Uphold the Right, The Curlew      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained Intro. H/P:- Relaxed and composed approach to this melody with a well structured rhythmical score. I can hear the melody coming through the score. Playing is clean and precise with effective phrasing but just needs a little more expression and dynamics, especially the 3rd part. Jig:- Good break. This is a technical constructed score but needs more phrasing to create the rhythmical effect of the jig idiom. Sound round and expressionless at times and needs lift and life.May have been better if I could have heard the melody it was set too! Tone:- Well set with good snare balance.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew B. Koupal      Place: 4      Tunes: Last Train to Malaga, Rory MacLeod      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained intro. Nice relaxed tempo and controlle throughout. Playing is clean and precise but needs more expression and dynamics to define the musical and rhythmical structure presented.There was an integration problem with the open phrase of bars 3/4 of the 3rd part. Didn1t work with the melody. Jig:- Good break. Nice lively jig score and giving the appropriate lift to the melody. Just try for a little more dynamics and drive to give the score an exciting rhythmical presentation Tone:- Well pitched for outdoors with good snare balance.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Coe      Place: 5      Tunes: Jimmys Gift, Out of the Air, St Bernard Evans      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained intro. H/P:-Confident playing and score has good technical content but feel it lacks the depth to your expression, phrasing and dynamics needed to define this idiom. Playing seems very round and needs punctuated. Open work not always clean and precise. My assessment may have been different if I had a melody to compare it too. Jig:- Good break with lively jig tempo and flowing with good rhythmical content, defining the rhythmical structure. Score well set and balanced and played with ease and composure.. Tone:- Nicely pitched with good snare response NB:- Your recording venue accoustics were causing an echo.and distortng the clarity of your open work
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Lantz      Place: 6      Tunes: Pipe Major Raymond Bradford, Bronnies Blue Brozzie      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Intro duration good but pulsations a little uneven. H/PTempo steady throughout. Quite a technical constructed score but for me there was an over use of dynamics and accents which made the score sound repetitive.Didn`t think the 3rd part complemented the melody exactly. Try for a more subtle approach to your execution and dynamicsto give the score a more melodic feel. Jig:- Confident break. again a technically structured score with the natural jig rhythm coming through but again over dominant with the dymamics. NB:- It may be the location of your microphone which is predominately picking up the accents, in your performance, and clouding out everything else, including the piper. Tone:- Well set with good snare response.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jared Mays      Place: 1      Tunes: Donald Cameron, Bogan Lochan, John McKechnie      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained into. MarchRelaxed tempo and and playing with good composure. Well balance score structure and working at the musical phrasing and rhythmicalexpression. Score interpreting the melody well. Open work in 5/6th bars 1st part rushed to melody. Also 3/4th bars of 6th part (buzz movement) labouring and finishing behind the beat. Otherwise well played. Strath- Laboured tempo making this well structure score sound too controlled and mechanical and losing the the rhythmical flow for this idiom. A livlier tempo would have done it justice.. Some open phrase ie paratripletan ruff not coming over clearly. Reel:- Hesitant break then settling into a lively tempo and playing with swing and good execution using phrasing and subtle use of dynamics to interpret the melodic structure. Well constructed, balanced and structured score placed with finesse. Tone sounded flat and there were accoustic problems which created a bad echo and possible resultant to issues of clarity. :
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Grant Maxwell      Place: 1      Tunes: Young MacGregor, Caledonian Society of London, McAllister’s Dirk      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: March Confident intro and uptake displaying a bright tempo for the march. The drum sounds a bit lacking in snare ( top). Generally playing with a good understanding of the melody. Watch flam paradiddle movement in last part. S/S Well executed break. Holding the leading beats out really well here and giving them time to breathe. Phrasing is excellent all through. Reel Good change of tempo. This tune is free flowing with just about the right amount of dynamics when called for. As one with the melody here and especially the latter parts, enjoyable performance
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: William Glenholmes      Place: 2      Tunes: Links of Forth, Bogan Lochan & Mrs MacPherson of Inveran      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: March Intro spot on - playing with confidence and a good tempo for the march. Clear and precise execution for most of the way here, maybe a little more volume control for the ending bar would help even more, S/S Clear change, well handled. Your use of light and shade is more effective in the S/S and you make this sound very comfortable. 5th part well controlled ! Slight rushing the 5 stroke rolls in the last part. Reel Tempo change solid to reel. Again execution is generally precise and clear , some interesting buzz movements. My only complaint here is that the light and shade is not as effective as in the S/S. Well played overall
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Harvey Dawson      Place: 3      Tunes: Sinclair Scott, The Ewe wi’ the Crook’d Horn, John Morrison of Asynt House      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Confident intro with bright tempo from the off. Double movement at start of 2nd part (repeat) not 100% executed. Impressive stick work on show here, but sometimes to the sacrifice of the musicality. S/S Break is spot on, though feeling slightly behind just after. recovered well and your phrasing combined with the rise and fall is excellent. Reel - perfect tempo. Slight snatch of flam movement in 1st part. The expression here is top class and the most important parts stand out when they are required, with subtlety to compliment, Well done
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alex Kuldell      Place: 4      Tunes: John MacColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage, Arnistan Castle, Mrs MacPherson's of Inveran      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Intro - Good intro and a relaxed tempo in the 1st part of the march. Good use of light and shade all through the march and staying close to the melody. S/S Perfect tempo for the S/S. Possibly the 2nd phase in the 2nd part doesn’t sit bang on with the melody line. Reel Solid entry to Mrs Mac, again playing well with the melody, and whilst you do very little wrong, I think if you added a bit more to the overall content it would allow you more scope to have more impressive highlights in places. My only criticism - a bit on the safe side.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Grant Maxwell      Place: 1      Tunes: Dr McInnes’s Fancy, Old Wife of the Mill Dust      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Grant. Thank you for submitting your performance. Excellent rolls. Good acoustics. Excellent ensemble with John. No overaccenting. Slight tendency to push when you glaze over for nanoseconds. Very patient placement and locomotion without driving John. Great finger control. One hand tonally drier than the other. Drifting slightly with your left. Excellent performance.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: William Glenholmes      Place: 2      Tunes: Crossing the Minch & Donald Cameron's Powderhorn      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi William. Thank you for submitting your performance. Excellent rolls. Drum well set and ringing. Acoustics in the hall not the best. Slight tug-o-war with the pipe in bars 3 + 4 in both tunes. Some over accenting at times, likely increased by the hall. Great execution throughout. Very clean in all aspects. Roll quality at all volumes excellent. All flams nice and open. Great scores and interpretation. My only complaint is volume, you are going very low and I can hear every note but it seems to go right up to full volume and cancels out the drum at times. I can’t tell if this is truly more the room but it’s hard not to feel a repetitive dynamic cycle, especially the in the jig. I also detected a bit of pushing in a couple of places which again might be enhanced by the room. Really enjoyable performance. Difficult decision today.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alex Kuldell      Place: 3      Tunes: Kelly Watts, Fiddler's Rally      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Alex. Thank you for submitting your performance. Excellent rolls. Drum well tuned. Some flat hand-to-hand flams. Repetitive dynamic cycle in the HP. Loads of left hand up beats in the same place. Could use a treat or two in the more repetitious passages of the melody, last part. Drum too low, affecting the fulcrum point and tone. Some low work disappearing. Some times getting a little slap instead of the ring of the stick. I feel like you could get more finger power and better tone by raising it and diminishing slap and increasing crack (some sentence!). Here’s a great example of more parallel stick to head relationship and increased finger based tone producing more ‘knock’ tone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HlxIJQ3P9A A couple of rough ruffs in the jig. Some four stroke roll accents disappearing. A touch of pushing the pipe in places in the jig. Very enjoyable performance.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Harvey Dawson      Place: 4      Tunes: Helen of Dunoon; The Fiddlers Rally;      Judge: Duncan Millar      Judge's Comments: Hi Harvey. Thank you for submitting your performance. Great intro rolls. Drum is bright and has body in the rolls and flams. Good acoustics in the room. At times your left hand accent is audibly different than your right hand, sounds like you are playing off center but perhaps it is the different fulcrum point and the way the stick rings less as a result? Cheeky end phrase executed very well. Nice small rolls and dynamics. A couple of rusty ratamacues distracting in part 4. Drag flams are nuts. Well executed. Pushing the pipe as the score gets more intense. Great effect, I wonder about repeating it, though? It gets stressful as a listener to go from the flow of the first four parts into the tension of the last two. Good dynamics in many places but I felt the volume increased from the end of the hornpipe and didn’t return to the easy cruising after that. Could be good to have more instances of ‘treats’ between flowing music than the reverse. Great tunes. Amazing finger control and boundary pushing arrangements. Incredible buzz range from slightly open hand-to-hand drags to smooth rolls of all sizes to closed tight drags and dead sticks. That range is quite unique. I feel you could deliver the same material without as much tension and it would work better in a competition. It tends to push the melody and sometimes leaves the role of accompaniment and becomes soloing. I guess it is another way to do a duet, but perhaps keeping it less ‘exciting’ by laying back to the beat where it presently pushes. Very enjoyable. I’ve always enjoyed watching you play.
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Kaufmann      Place: 1      Tunes: PM Willie Greys Farewll to Glasgow Police      Judge: Andrea Frewen      Judge's Comments: Nice posture and Nice pre intro rolls starting pose. Opening/ intro rolls 2nd time through – 1st beat not quite 100% in time. Nice dynamics in playing time of first part. 3rd and 4th bar of second part executed very well; variation also nice! 3rd part your losing your tempo, appeared to struggle a little beating in time while other hand is flourishing- something to work on. Your playing weight is very good, and you have a nice feel for the tune. The ending phrase flourish doesn’t quite fit with the tune. It looks a little awkward coming out of the flourish. Work on your stick catching at the end of a flourish as it’s lacking control, which at times is causing your follow-on beats to be inaccurate. Overall a good performance, and well written score. You have a nice feel for the music which is great to listen too. Thanks you and well done!
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kyrianna Jorgensen      Place: 2      Tunes: A Man's A Man For A' That      Judge: Andrea Frewen      Judge's Comments: Nice opening intro rolls, beats and flourishing executed well. The whole piece was executed very well, with a good swing to the tune. There was however a lack of dynamic range in the playing, and a slight simplicity to the score. If you were to implement these two factors into your next solo it would be suburb.Lovely ending flourish. You have a nice and smooth style, and lovey presentation. Thanks you and well done!
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kimberly Attebery      Place: 3      Tunes: Stirlingshire Militia      Judge: Andrea Frewen      Judge's Comments: Nice pre intro rolls starting pose. Good posture and presentation. Opening / intro roll beatings slightly out of time. 1st bar, 1st part not quite in time. 2nd time through a bit better. Some nice dynamics coming through in 3rd part. 4th part losing the tempo a little bit throughout - racing at times. Some of your more intricate rhythmic passages throughout are not 100% clean and in time. Ending beat was a little off. Flourishing construction was great. Fitted the tunes very well, and emphasised the music. Lovely flat singles throughout. Entry into Cartwheels very nice and smooth but could use some work on the exit with regards to keeping the rotation alternating. Thank you for the performance I enjoyed it very much and you did very well!
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Felicia Lelli      Place: 4      Tunes: Liberton Pipe Band      Judge: Andrea Frewen      Judge's Comments: Opening rolls good. Very positive intro playing setting the tone of your performance. Overall a good performance. There were however some timing issues throughout, mainly in the more intricate parts of the score. This is something you could work on, and it would be much easier to execute with a snare drummer accompanying you. A very capable flourisher with good catching and execution. Arm position is something you could work on as it causing some unevenness in your visual performance. Thank you for the performance, well done!.
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Event 204. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kyrianna Jorgensen      Place: 1      Tunes: Cabar Feidh      Judge: Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Not hitting bar one/beat one (hard to tell exactly what the tempo is without side drum accompaniment) with piper. 1st: Settled into it a bit better as part went on. Careful not to rush ending phrase. 2nd: Again, rushing ending phrase. 3rd: Slightly better ending here, careful of the "time playing". 4th: Would like to see more playing in the fourth part aside from only middle section and ending phrase. Again, rushing the ending phrase. Take time to work on your "time playing", in particular with the pipes and drum sections. For us bass-section players this foundation is key! Focus on how they are phrasing. Remember the metronome is your friend. Great turnout and flourishing movements for this grade. I also like how you are hitting/striking the drum, try to develop your dynamic range more, however. I'd like to see BIGGER arm movements, it visually gives a "more confident" impression. GOOD JOB!
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Event 204. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Felicia Lelli      Place: 2      Tunes: Scotland the Brave/Wings      Judge: Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Hard to tell with no drum accompaniment, but based on your "intro roll" beat, tempo between you and the pipe was not in sync. 1st: Missed the attack. Must work on dynamic volume. 2nd: Watch the grouping of fours in this part. Rushing here. 1st: Better time playing here. Bad ring/overtone from the drum cutting through. 2nd: Again, watch middle phrase. "Rushing." Overall; work on the tuning/tone of the drum. I found it a bit harsh and had a bad "ping" sound, creating a nasty overtone. Good strike technique "overall", but flourishing needs to be a bit sharper, even with basic movements. Remember to get lots of reps in with both metronome (alone) and with support players (with and without metronome).
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Event 204. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Katherine Stujenske      Place: 3      Tunes: Pikeman's March, Battle of Waterloo      Judge: Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Couldn't hear drum on the intro attack (rolls). In a solo contest like this, I need to hear the player strike the drum to decipher how well the tempo is being established. 1st: Phrasing off with accompaniment here. 2nd: Again, same here. Slightly better towards end of part. 1st: Sound is more confident with this tune, but again, watch the rushed phrasing. 2nd: Again, phrasing issues here (made extra difficult by your piper falling off the rails in this part). Good composure for soldiering on through. Overall; work on your strike technique and volume range. Flourishing movements can be bigger and sharper; think of snapping them out like a "drill movement". Practice, practice, practice with piper/drummer and EVERYONE. Keep working on developing steady meter.
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Event 204. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Emilee Wallace      Place: 4      Tunes: Horsburgh Castle      Judge: Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: I can't critique an attack that doesn't exist. I need to hear the intro rolls in order to see if you are establishing and keeping a steady meter. 1st: Not synced with piper from the start. Missed the intro phrase. Watch that triplet-y phrase (in the middle): rushing here. 2nd: Again, rushing triplet phrase. 3rd: Same rushing problem here. 4th: More of the same. Rushing issues throughout. Take the time to develop your meter. Remember, the metronome is your friend. You would benefit from playing more with snare accompaniment, both for practice and performance. Try to "sharpen" the flourishing movements more and get nice, full extension on arms where possible. It gives a good visual meter and overall aura of confidence. Decent strike volume and sounding drum. Keep working hard at the basics.
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Event 204. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Kaufmann           Tunes: Father John MacMillan of Barra      Judge: Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Intro: Slightly behind on second intro "roll". FYI- this would be much easier with actual drum accompaniment. Keep that in mind for the next time. 1st: Watch not to rush the middle phrase. 2nd: Again, here, rushing. Watch the "weight" of your strike. 3rd: Decent time playing here. A little too heavy on the "one". Again, careful of the middle part. 4th: Same here. Careful of this middle section. Drum sound was alright. Work on a better range with your dynamics (light/shade). Keep working on your meter. It's too bad this was a 2/4 march and the contest is for a 4/4 march. You likely would have been a top three placing with this performance.
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Event 206. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Braya Jade Hanssen      Place: 1      Tunes: March, Strathspey & Reel      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Intro - Good. Nice uptake to the march which was solidly played throughout, though take care to keep your drum strikes on the centre of the head. You could definitely think about lifting the tempo to enhance the performance but you handled it well even though it was down tempo. Good break into the strathspey but rushing slightly in the 1st part.. Better in the repeat of the part. Good break into the reel, again watch that your strike zone stays central and as small as you can manage. Flourishes would benefit from being quicker in rotation but all in all, a very solid and confident performace. Well done.
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Event 206. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Candice Deed      Place: 2      Tunes: Pipe Major Willie Grey’s Farwell to the Glasgow Police, Highland Harry and Lexy McAskill.      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Good opening roll, second roll not quite as precise. The uptake to the March was good. Watch the 2nd part doesnt get imprecise at times. End phrase tending to be imprecise though timing is generally good. Don't be scare to commit to the phrase. Better to go for it an maybe miss that not go for it and miss. Going for it will ge you there over trime as you become more confident. Well executed flourishes enhansing the overall performance. Strathspey a little timid and lacking in strathspey feel. Aim for Strong, weak, medium, weak 2 bar phrases. Good uptake to the reel which was your strongest tune, though timing issues remain. Overall, don't be scare to commit. Your basics are good and with a bit more confidence in your own ability and dedicated practice on the areas where you need to focus, you should esaily be able to play a really solid run. Well done.
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Event 206. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Tiffany Smith      Place: 3      Tunes: P/M Willie Greys Farwell to the Glasgow Police, Highland Harry, Lexy McAskill      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Intro. Slighly behind tempo set Take care that all intro beats are played with the same volume. uptake to 1st part not at the tempo set at the intro. Take care with the end phrase - this is a standout phrase and as such can have a keen bearing on how a performance is remebered. Good break into the strathspey Timing less of an issue in the strathspey than in the march, though tmake sure you aim for the B of the beat not the T of the beat! Also, the incorporation of a greaterr dynamic range would help elevate the performance to the next level. Solid break into the reel. Take care to maintain a strike zone in the centre of the drum. This will help with tone and dynamics. Watch the timing of the last part. Commit to playing right to the end of the performance. Well done.
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Event 206. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Katelyn Flach      Place: 4      Tunes: 79th Farewell to Gibraltar, Orange and Blue, Keel Row, The Piper of Drummond, The High Road to Linton      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Intro - As it should be, Unsteady uptake into 1st part though settling quickly Watch the end phrase 2nd part into the repeat of the part - tending to crush at times. Watch the precision and dynamics in the 3rd part. Last part - solid. No strathspey rhythm established! Try to establish the flow of the idiom (Strong, weak, medium, waek in 2 bar phrases) and incorporate flourishes around that. Good uptake to reel. Timing issues evident again, particularly in the 3rd part. A good effort which can easily be developed by focusing on greater stick control, and adding more dynamics to the performance, even if only the basic phrasing of each idiom to begin with. Paying attention to the tone and resonance of the drum would also make for a better performance - the better the drum is tuned the easier it is to play on! Good effort, well done.
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Event 207. Grade 3 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Amelia Tong      Place: 1      Tunes: P/M Willie Grey's Farewell to the Glasgow Police, Maggie Cameron, Lexy McAskill      Judge: Andrea Frewen      Judge's Comments: March -Beautiful Start. Watch end phrases as not 100% every time. Strathspey – excellent break into it. Playing a little square in this, think of the Strathspey bounce / rhythm more. Reel- Nice confident reel. Watch catching as there were a few inaccurate catches in this tune. Lovely finish. Overall, well executed performance with good scores and nicely constructed flourishing. Some nice dynamics coming out at times also.All of this complemented the tunes. Just watch your playing accuracy at times, and your flourishing catching., but other than this it was a well presented performance. You’re an excellent player and flourisher- Well done, it was apleasure to watch!!
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Event 207. Grade 3 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Martina Murphy      Place: 2      Tunes: Duncan McInnes, Dorrator Bridge, Captain Lachlan MacPhail or Tiree      Judge: Andrea Frewen      Judge's Comments: March: Opening roll tempo, a bit slow for the tempo of the tune you went into. Slowing down a little in end bars 3-part 4th bar. Keeping the tempo well through most of this march, however losing it in parts. Work on getting more fluidity in the flourishing in the 4th part (over head into cartwheel part). Strathspey: 1st bar good, then you’re losing the tempo. Maybe try playing something a little less complex in the first 4 bars so you can really settle into the tune and tempo change more - for example simple playing time for the first 2 bars, then into beating or a more complex flourish. Really concentrate of the strathspey rhythm as your losing it throughout. Flourishing in strathspey fits really well. Reel: Solid break and confident intro to tune. Slowing down in a little in 2nd and 3rd bar. For the most part you were keeping a nice solid pulse throughout the tune. Overall, some timing issues throughout and a lack in dynamics. A little work needed on catching and going in and out of playing to flourishing. You had excellent flats and some tricky flourishing in these tunes and a nice wide variety. I can see a lot of work went into this. Thank you for the performance and well done!
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Event 208. Grade 3 Tenor Drumming - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martina Murphy      Place: 1      Tunes: 10th Battalion Highland Light Infantry Crossing the Rhine      Judge: Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Intro not in time with the metronome. Drum needs tuning BADLY. Audio was very faint and you had a bad "hiss" coming over the speakers that didn't do you any favours. 1st: Playing seemed very random and rushed throughout. Not phrased well with the pipe score. 2nd: Seemed hesitant and unsure in this part. 3rd: Watch that first intro phrase. Rushed and not in time throughout part. 4th: Similar problems here. Overall; drum sound and tuning needs improvement. Not at the level it should be or could be for this grade, in my humble opinion. Work especially must be done in developing your time/meter. Metronome work and playing WITH the drum section will help. Phrasing with the score is key. Remember the 6/8 idiom!! Drum sounds extremely tired and is tuned poorly.
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tanya Cawthorn      Place: 1      Tunes: Balmoral Highlanders, Tulloch Castle, Major David Manson      Judge: Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Tempo/attack seemed okay, although a bit tentative and perhaps cautious. I'd like to see a bit more confidence at this level. M - 1st: Decent intro. The weird "lagging" breaks(?) in the recording were distracting. Kudos to you for plowing through with this recording. Hard to follow the phrasing with that going on. 2nd: Okay here. 3rd: Okay here. 4th: A little behind phrasing in spots. Just curious, why only the four parts. Is this the fiddle version of the tune? S- 1st: Missed break. Really having bad ring off the drum here. 2nd: Watch the phrasing, strong/weak medium/weak. 3rd: Again, watch phrasing here. 4th: Lagging behind here. R- 1st: Break okay, hard to tell with the audio. 2nd: Okay. 3rd: Pipe tune cutting out here, really hard to follow. 4th: Same here. Overall; very hard to follow at times and distracting with the poor audio. Would really benefit having snare accompaniment. Flourishing was not bad, but work on getting a better drum sound. Your drum has a very bad and distracting ping/overtone. You may want to experiment with tuning (top versus bottom) and head selection, particularly if playing a fibreglass shelled drum. They will typically have a much harsher tone. Again, curious as to why you didn't play the six-parted version of the march.
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Event 210. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tanya Cawthorn      Place: 1      Tunes: Rathven Market, Old Wife at the Mill Dust      Judge: Andrea Frewen      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe – opening rolls could be more positive, and are not 100% in time 1st time through. Second time through is better. Watch your end bars, you are slowing down a little. Excellent flats, stalls and playing time arms (nice and even here). Going into cartwheels is great, but work on coming out and catching more smoothly. This will assist in going into beatings easier. Some great little flourishing sequences in this Hornpipe too. Jig- Positive start to this jig, and great playing throughout. You seem very relaxed and on point in this jig. Again, some nice flourishing work. Cool ending. Overall- just work on being more positive at the start of the performance as it would have set a more confident tone, as you did when you went into the jig. Concentrate on having 100% accurate timing in all single beats. It appeared when you were doing alternating beating with an arm movement your beating could be a little off. Nicely constructed flourishing and scores. Well done – enjoyed the performance.
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sophie Thompson      Place: 1      Tunes: Elspeth Campbell , tulloch castle , major Manson      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Intro. Spot on andf nice uptake to march. Good range of well executed flourishes. Your score complements the snare score very nicely. An excellent march. Strong break into the strathspey. No timing issues here, though you could enhance the performance by making use of greater dynamic range. For future competitions you should consider playing the reel break, rather than flourishing. It is another opportunity to easily impress the adjudicator which you give up by flourishing through the break! That said, this was a very solid run. You shoulf be very pleased with your performance. Well done.
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Jackson      Place: 2      Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Shepherd's Crook, MacAlister's Dirk      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Solid intro. March - generally well presented in both aspects. Just watch precision of the end phrase at times. Flourishing is excellent in technique and in flow. Good break into the Strathspey just watch timing and phrasing, which lacked precision at times. Focus on the dynamics of the idiom - 2 bar phrasing (Strong, weak, medium, weak) Reel - break maybe a little out? A good score, though again take more care with dynamics. Drum is too choked for my liking. Having a more resonant instrument will bring out the quality of the playing and take the performance up to the next level. Overall you can be very pleased with your performance which was very pleasing to listen to. Well done.
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen      Place: 3      Tunes: John MacColl’s March to Kilbowie Cottage, Maggie Cameron, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Intro. Not quite at tempo set. March - Dropping in tempo from intro. Score is quite sparce and doesnt enhance the 2/4 idiom. Flourishes tending to be disjoined and not enhancing the flow of the tune. Strathspey - tAgain the tempo is too slow. Try to establish a strathspey rhythm of 2 bar phrased Strong, Weak, Medium, Weak. Try to end flourishes in a time and fashion that has you primed to play the next beat rather than waiting for it to arrive! Reel good tempo and your best tune though there are some timing and flourishing issues evident. Working on your posture - standing still and straight up and down- is one area you can easily work on to improve your performance - Also ttry to be less 'sticky' and to flow morei into and between flourishes. This will benefit all aspects of your performace especially your rolls. Good effort though. To put yourself out there in a competition takes guts. Well done.
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Jackson      Place: 1      Tunes: Nova Scotia Nightcrawler, The Gold Ring      Judge: Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Funny commentary at beginning lol. Great intro, confident! I wanted more volume from the recoding, but you adjusted YOUR volume well to it. H- Really well played. A wee bit behind in spots but it could be the fact that you are playing to recorded accompaniment outside, and not actual instruments (?). I particularly liked the third. Nice and confident hornpipe. J- Good break. I would like a bit more "shape" to the busier phrasing; less "jiggity jiggity" if that makes sense (?). You could use a wee bit more dynamic range. Great tempo. Nice little quick triplet in last. Flourishing was tight and concise although off in one or two spots with your symmetry, particularly on the bigger movements. Practice in front of mirrors or utilize video to self-analyze 🙂 (Nitpicking). Very enjoyable performance. Two thumbs. Where's the new drum??? Lol.
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen      Place: 2      Tunes: Sandy’s New Chanter, The Curlew      Judge: Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Intro would benefit with snare accompaniment. Drum sounded okay. H- Lagging behind by halfway through first part. Having a bit of trouble by the third. Careful! Struggling a bit by 4th part, especially with pipes who seemed to be getting very tired despite the "relaxed" tempo for the grade. J- Break was a bit of a mishmash, not sure who was "off" with whom. Careful of this. You have to have a solid break! Struggling through first part, kind of set the tone for the rest. You really need to work on your meter. Remember it's YOUR contest, don't let the piper "who was clearly struggling" push you around. Nicely pitched drum. Pleasant sound. Flourishing was okay, but could benefit with more "snap" in execution. Break out the metronome and work on locking in with the drum section (or a drummer) in the future.
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Event 301. Novice Bass Drumming (Grade 4 & 5) - Any March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: MaryLeigh MacNeil      Place: 1      Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale      Judge: Andrea Frewen      Judge's Comments: Nice confident and in time opening rolls. Good weight of hit and position (centre of the drum). Some intricate parts through this and you played them really well. Just think about anticipating quick transition beats a little more as a couple of times there were slightly out. Think about adding some dynamic range to your score going forward. This will elevate the performance adding even more depth and excitement. A very nice performance on a well tuned drum. You seemed confident throughout. Well done!
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Event 301. Novice Bass Drumming (Grade 4 & 5) - Any March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Josie Doefer      Place: 2      Tunes: Siege of Delhi      Judge: Andrea Frewen      Judge's Comments: Try adding opening rolls to your solo performances. This is an important role of the bass drummer and sets the tone for your whole performance. This will also set you up better for your first note of the tune, which was ever so laboured in this performance. Some great playing here, with some nice off beats coming through throughout. These all complimented the tune well. Drum sounded nice also. Your accuracy was a little off nearer the end of the tune. Timing and accuracy is something for you to focus on continually. You were at times a little hesitant which caused these timing imperfections. Great weight of hit and position of hit on the drum. Think about adding some dynamic range to your score going forward. This will elevate the performance adding even more depth and excitement. Overall you did really well with some complex movements. Well done!
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Event 302. Intermediate Bass Drumming (Grade 3 & 2) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew B. Koupal      Place: 1      Tunes: Pipe Major William Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police, Dornie Ferry, MacKay from Skye      Judge: Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Decent sound off drum. Driving intro, nice! M- Nice touch on phrasing here with good and subtle dynamics. Phrasing pretty on point with the snare score. S- Good break. 1st: Slightly behind in ending phrase first time. 2nd: Decent here. 3rd: Nice to keep idiom and drive going. 4th: Watch the dead stroke. Gotta stick it! R- Good break. Keep it driving. Don't let accompaniment push you. You stuck the ending, nice! Overall, nice reel. I thought your pitch could come up just a tad, but it was still a very nice sounding drum. Very confident play for the most part, and you "drove the bus". Good job, pal! Thanks for the performance.
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Event 302. Intermediate Bass Drumming (Grade 3 & 2) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gale Walker      Place: 2      Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Ewe With The Crooked Horn, Major Manson      Judge: Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Decent intro. Confident. M- Decent play. Nice work in third. Careful to really stick those dead strokes. Same in fourth. S- Good break. Good effort in third, better second time. Careful of staying in the idiom in the fourth. R- Break seemed a it heavy handed, but "okay". Would like to see you "driving" a bit more in the reel. The tempo seemed a bit tired at times. Overall; bass a bit "boomy" for my taste. Could bring the pitch up. Very boomy and tired sounding. Lacking resonance. Decent play and really, it's just nitpicking little things. Tempos were good aside from reel, which could be a bit more spritely. Technique is fairly on point. You will benefit greatly by locking your sound in. Feel free to contact me if you want any tips here. Enjoyable performance, thanks!
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Event 303. Advanced Bass Drumming (Grade 1) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Drew Ellis      Place: 1      Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, Bogan Lochan, John McKechnie's Big Reel      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Solid intro and nice uptake to march with the 2/4 rhythm well established. Just watch precision at times, aim for the B of the beat not the T of the beat! Nice use of dead sticking in 3rd part, just watch the precision. Be careful that the bass score compliments the pipe tune and snare score throughout. Good break into the Strathspey though more care should be taken to establish the 2 bar, strong, week, medium, weak, phrasing of the idiom. A heavy accent every bar tends to create drag while too muc h syncopation generates a more 'jiggy' feel. By establishing the strathspey feel you create a stronger platform for incorporating more intricate phrases as the tune develops. The last part is spot on - good composition, complementing the tune and the score and delivered with feel. Aim for that throughout. Reel break also good. Though again, take care to eatablish a reel feel before incorporating too much syncopation. (Try to think, if the listener was not able to hear the pipe tune would they be able to work out what the tune is by what you are playing?) Generally, perhaps consider using sylistic elements such as the flourish and dynamic elements such as dead sticking more sporadically. In the right place, and for the right reason (flourishing should only be incorporated where it complements timing) can really stand out. However over use of both can diminish the impact. A good effore which could easily be moved up to the next level with a greater focus on incorporating dynamics as appropriate and spending a bit more time on the tuning of your instrument.
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"Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Tasmania Police Pipe Band      Place: 1      Tunes: Hector the Hero, Skye Boat Song, Morag of Dunvegan      Judge: Terry Lee, John Dew, Gordon Craig, Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Judge: Gordon Craig (Side) — Place: 3 Good solid intro by all. Nice to hear "" Hector the Hero"" played as a waltz Nicely played and executed Drum score slightly ahead of the melody at times and score is repetitive and coud be presented with more subtlety and empathy.. Nice lilt and swing to the Skye Boat Song and intergrated well by all units. Piping error in last part.. Again nice swing to Morag of Dunvegan Just feel the snare score is a little to syncotated and detracting from the waltz rhythm. Pipes nicely balanced. Bass well set and snare nicely piched with good snare response. Judge: John Dew (Pipes) — Place: 1 Intro E – fairly in unison but a little shaky Hector the Hero Good start but integration issues here are obvious. This got better and the harmonies are lovely (perhaps a better set of harmonies would draw out the seriousness of the tune, the last bar in particular) Skye Boat Song Good transition here. A few pipers are cutting in and out here however. Did someone go to a harmony line early? A wee mistake here as well. Generally unison playing is good here. Morag of Dunvegan Great break to the next tune. Blowing issues on low A. A musical performance here. Drones and chanters well set. This is a very musical performance. Other than a few mistakes the basics were covered pretty well. The musical construction was very simple and most enjoyable. Well done! Judge: Johnny Rowe (Mid-Section) — Place: 2 Attack to intro slow ""okay"". Could use more drive from bass (confidence). Bass pitched a bit flat, but not obnoxiously so. Snare sound pitched well together, was there one member playing a pad??? Hard to tell from the video, so I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt. Pipes seemed to be holding fairly steady. Unison not bad. Bass could have added more exciting ""pulse"" throughout, especially with no tenor corps. Nice looking uniform turnout. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) — Place: 1 Thanks for being part of this event! A very interesting setting for your recording. To my surprise the sound is well captured here. Overall a good start. Effective. An unusual setting to Hector - very clipped - but it comes off pretty well. The overall band sound is verry good. Pipes are full and drums compliment the overall very well. Bass drum is good - could be a bit heavier for me. Chanters sweet - drones good (a small growl is evident I feel). Watch the ""F"". Great use of musical tunes including waltz. Most musical. Snare scores during Morag could be developed further it seems. A bit standard here. The tunes are super enjoyagle. Perhaps there could be a higher degree of difficulty somehow incorprated here but well thought out. Finsihed very well. A most enjoyable set of tunes and performance. Well delivered. Thanks! (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Santiago Metropolitan Pipe Band      Place: 2      Tunes: Wee Michael's March, Rory McLeod, Famous Baravan, Call to the Gathering, Devil in the Kitchen      Judge: Terry Lee, John Dew, Gordon Craig, Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Judge: Gordon Craig (Side) — Place: 1 1) Confident uptake by all units.Well presented opening measure good input from snare and tenor. Feel the haromonies were a little overpowering and losing the melody. 2) Lively tempo with good strong melody line enhanced by dynamic snare score and subtle input from B&T., punctuating this toe tapping Melody 3) S/A Nicely presented melody and harmonies. Snare and tenor presentation could be a bit more subtle. 4) Good bass control here helping all units create the natural rhythm of the strath. Snare scores punctuation the extended pulse beat to help pipers.Well played as a unit. %) Driving tempo and presentation creating excitement, bringing this medley to a strong conclusion. Judge: John Dew (Pipes) — Place: 2 Intro E – Solid, unison E drums a little quick however Wee Michael's March – Great dynamic start to the medley. Double check the sheet music on your setting of the tune however (not that this is off-putting). Good use of harmonies, however I feel the harmonic progression is not very clear. If in doubt, there is no shame in asking an individual outside of your pipe band to write harmonies for tunes, I’m sure most people would be happu to help. Rory McLeod Great break. This is a great tempo however 1 or 2 members of the pipe section are struggling to keep their composure with that tempo. Famous Baravan See above. Jigs seem a little rushed. Mistakes creeping throughout. Lovely brightness coming through. Call to the Gathering Very well played with good use of harmonies – enjoyable. Devil in the Kitchen Great strathspey playing, perhaps a little round but very musical nonetheless. Break to the reel is good as well and the reel was very well played. Nice reprise here. I would love to hear a bigger band play this arrangement, it’s very musical. The cut off could be slightly cleaner. Chanters very well set. High Gs are great! Blowing issues at times however. Drones could be slightly more refined as well. Top tip for pipe band: “you’re only as good as your weakest player” S. Liddell. Encourage your weaker players to get up to scratch but also play with them and not force them to go at a tempo that they cannot handle. All in all this was a simple, strong, very bright, very musical performance with a few minor issues. This was extremely enjoyable to watch and I can’t wait to hear more from this band in future! I wish you all the best of luck! Judge: Johnny Rowe (Mid-Section) — Place: 4 Decent attack then, where did the drum section go? Bass pitched okay. Might want to consider a different mallet with a bit less ""attack"". Tenor definitely cutting through, careful not to overpower for the size of the band. Pipes, watch that unison in the jig playing. Slow- okay here. Could have more percussion support to enhance the tune (i.e. dynamic playing between snare, bass, and tenor.) Break good, but fell off the drive in tempo for a second. Good recovery. Nice effort on the creativeness into the end of the piece (last tune). You really have to nail those dead strokes on the bass. Nice little medley. Keep at the basics. Remember to work on unison playing and tuning. Strive to play with more confidence. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) — Place: 3 Well introduced set and thank you for taking part in this event! Your setting is offering a very clear sound and, so, well done. A very strong chanter sound and a very good start to your set (together). Drones are a concern here as they are well out. Try to set this tighter another time....sharp. Nice setting to pipe and drum scores. I strongly feel the jig is too fast - not only musically but all of a sudden the unison is off and there are slips. Unfortunate as it was so good to this point. Slow Air is a nice relief next and is well delivered. Better in Strathspey but the playing style is very round. Try to get more pulse from first bar beats. I mush compliment the drumming - all are playing well here. Nice sounding drums and I really feel the snare drummer is excellent. Nice reprise to brief air. Watch tenor bridge back to rell to finish (quite loud). It is important to have effects without an exclamation point if that makes sense? However, really enjoyed the overall package and your presentation.. You are doing such a good job putting this group together. Very well done and thanks! (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Banana Piñata Pipe Band      Place: 3      Tunes: Mari's Wedding/Cutting Bracken      Judge: Terry Lee, John Dew, Gordon Craig, Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Judge: Gordon Craig (Side) — Place: 5 Confident uptake by all units with nice tonal balance between Pipes and Drums. Both tunes played with quite effective phrasing and execution and tempo was initially relaxed and flowing, however, felt the snare were starting to force the tempo slightly in 2nd measure. Good capability within, what seems, a very enthusiastic group Judge: John Dew (Pipes) — Place: 3 Brilliant name, cracking outfits! Intro E – Slight drone issue at before the E. Nice solid E however. Mari's Wedding Mhairi’s wedding has a lovely bright tempo. 1 piper is consistently choking however, Cutting Bracken Some blowing issues on high G. Lovely uptake to tune. The stop here was clean although one piper stopped his chanter early. This performance was really musical, strong, simple and effective. There was great unison throughout and great composure to wait for the beat – nice one! Overall a cracking performance which was very enjoyable, well done! Judge: Johnny Rowe (Mid-Section) — Place: 1 Careful of early pipe and snare drum ""tap"" in the attack! Other than that, confidently played. Great sounding bass, and played with a nice touch! Snares on point and playing well together. Careful not to rush the middle phrase in particular. Decent cutoff. I enjoyed this ""meat and potatoes"" performance. I wanted to hear more tunes! Well played. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) — Place: 2 Whoa guys...super creative opening screenshot for me - wow! Tunes nicely introduced. Watch drone sound in between rolls. Otherwise a nice opening. A full sound for this size group. Instruments well set and love the bass drum!! Chanters are sweet with 'F"" being particularly well set. A sprightly tempo chosen - very well done. Nicely into Cutting Bracken. Very tight playing here from all. Excellent finish. (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: United States Naval Academy Pipes and Drums      Place: 4      Tunes: Pikeman's March, Battle of Waterloo, Dawning of the Day, At Long Last      Judge: Terry Lee, John Dew, Gordon Craig, Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Judge: Gordon Craig (Side) — Place: 2 Intro:- Not a strong and confident ""E"" from the pipers. All drummers maintained the tempo given. 1) Good uptake to opening tune and percussion working well to intergate with this melody.2) 2nd melody well played as a unit until pipers started to lose musical intergration and phrasing clarity in 2nd part. 3) The structure of the drum score gave a syncopated feel and effect to 1st part suttled in 2nd part. Tenors adding nice effective phrasings in the measure.4) Tempo maintained in final measure however the piping melodic integration started to deteriorate.and melody not so fluent here. Percussion maintain their drice and musical commitment. Some blowing issues in final part...................Apart form these minor issues this was a well balanced performance Judge: John Dew (Pipes) — Place: 6 Intro E – timed well but unsteady note Pikeman's March Great uptake to tune, bright and sharp. A few timing issues, that quadruplet could be tighter. Battle of Waterloo Break could be tighter here in the pipe section. Starting to lose composure in the triplet runs. Quite a number of mistakes evident, but when its nice and clean its top rate unison. Dawning of the Day Upbeat to the tune had a wee slip but tempo is nice and steady. Blowing issues at the ends of the lines. Keep this nice and steady to back up the power behind your tempos. At Long Last Break could be slightly tidier. Nice harmonies coming through. A few chokes and mistakes are evident here. Lovely solid stop here. Tempos are brilliant throughout! Generally speaking, this performance was great but the small mistakes, chokes and slips etc accumulate quickly and let the performance down slightly. If you fix these basic errors, you’ll be on track to a stand out performance – there is plenty of potential here, keep it up! Judge: Johnny Rowe (Mid-Section) — Place: 3 Decent tempo attack. Bass very flat and lifeless. Pipes not well set. Tenor cutting through well volume-wise. Dead stroke on the bass, too heavy handed! Watch ending phrases (rushing) with the tenor. Don't overdo those dead strokes with the bass, it can be very distracting. Last tune was the standout. Keep at ""the basics"", this goes for all sections. Some more ""standard"" snare beatings, coupled with better ""reigning in"" of the unision playing, all sections, would benefit the band. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) — Place: 4 Super creative setting everyone - well done! Thanks for being part of this event. Nicely introduced and well started with slight hesitation to E. Excellent driving tempo to opener and this set. Small pipe slips evident. Watchj to fully cover chanter holes at all times. Sound has a bit of reverb in this setting but pretty good and a full effect. I like the drum scores generally - complimenting really well. Pipes well set at sweet pitch. Drones are very nice (well done). Bass drum a little heavy yet precise. Pipe slips continue to detract as they come in and out of the performance. It does gett better from in mid-way. In other words your performance settle in as it goes along. Good use of harmony - very effective and not dominating too much. Subtle. A strong finish. A really solid performance in a different ""arena"". Very musical and well thought out. Good stuff thanks. (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: South Park & District Pipe Band      Place: 5      Tunes: Teribus, Flett From Flotta, Jack's Welcome Home, Drunken Duncan, The Minstrel Boy, The Wearin' Of The Green, Amazing Grace, Garryowen      Judge: Terry Lee, John Dew, Gordon Craig, Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Judge: Gordon Craig (Side) — Place: 6 Good uptake to 1st measure and ableit minor piping slips this was quite well played as unit with sides integrting quite well. Bass and tenor too dominant here..2nd measure. agai nmelody held quite well but with some blowing issues. Snare drummers quite untidy here. nice ideas from tenor but too dominat.3rd measur well played as a unit with good swing to the melody 4th measure. The band didn`t seem too comfortable playing this as there were many piping mistakes and issues and drum score structure didn`t enhance the melody. Again B&T too domminat.. 5th & 6th measures. Back to your comfort zone here and better as a unit, but still piping errors. S/A blowing issues here but melody maintained. Snare drummers need smoother textured rolls. Final tune played with confidence, enthusiasm and commitment by all. Pipes started to go off, badly from S/A. Bass & Tenor require to modify their weight. Overpowering the band balance.Also both pitched to high in relation to the pipes.and lacked resonance. Judge: John Dew (Pipes) — Place: 5 Intro E – a little shaky. Teribus Ds a little out of tune but the rest of the chanter is very nicely set. A very strong sense of unison here. Don’t be early to the next part in the tune however, High Gs are a little early, make the doubling snappier and this ay fix the issue. Flett From Flotta Good change to this tune. A few mistakes coming in here. A few squeeks coming in from high A to low A. Well played however. Jack's Welcome Home Good take to the next tune, the brightness here is good also. A few technical problems from B-A-G-A-B with grips. This will require individual attention before rehearsing again as a band. Quite a number of mistakes evident in this tune. Drunken Duncan Blowing issues starting to come into play here with serious instrument temperament in 1 or 2 pipes. The Minstrel Boy Some pipers went early to the tune here. The Wearin' Of The Green Some pipers went early to the tune here. However, this had a very nice lift to it. Amazing Grace Some overblown low As on entry to this tune. Lovely change of dynamics here with the solo piper and then the band coming in later. Garryowen Entry was slightly unconfident but unison playing improved as the tune progressed. F started double toning on multiple instruments, this is a result of overblowing on the chanter. The marches were played consistently well. The pipes themselves could maybe use some attention. The reeds seem to be suspect as there are a few squeeks and double tones which need eradicating. Generally speaking this was a well-constructed medley with brilliant photography and editing. I would suggest playing few marches as it felt a little imbalanced and one sided. Similarly it would be better for the stamina of the players to play a slightly shorter set. A shorter set will result in a far better technically executed performance which in turn will result in a stronger submission. This is a great pipe band however and I look forward to seeing the band progress in future. Judge: Johnny Rowe (Mid-Section) — Place: 5 Okay attack. Flat, lifeless bass and tenor. Pipes not well set. Tempo in the opener not bad. Take appropriate time to set instruments prior to the performance, especially the pipes! Bass and tenor sounded extremely tired and without tone. Snares okay, maybe consider more ""standard"" massed band beatings, and really nail them. For the most part, enjoyable parade set. Keep at it, guys! I felt the last tune was a bit quick compared to the rest and it made it seem overly frantic, especially going into an ""air"" right after. Pipes having difficulty towards the end. First half was the highlight. Keep working at the basics; phrasing, meter, choring together as a band. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) — Place: 6 Appreciate you taking part in this event - well done! Super creative cameral work at opening. Has me guessing as to what will happen. The ""attack"" is a bit rough to ""E"" (work on this). In the hall, sound echoes pretty good but what can one do? Really like the tempo called here. Manageable and yet not sleepy. Watch the volume to drums - especially the bass. Lacking some resonance here. A pronounced thud comes through and this could be softened for more musical affect. Pipes pretty well set wtih a bit of chanter raggedness ('C"" stands out) to bottom hand. Small pipe slips at times. Snares are pretty good but could be tightened in unison a bit overall. Very steady tempo and musicality throughout your set. A very complimentary set of tunes that are well put together. Wearin o the green seems a bit wild...but you pulled it off and adds nice variety. Quite the pull-back to Amazig Grace but variety is okay. Some raggedness in unison to the last tune and then it settles. A most enjoyable peformance that is pretty well delivered. Many thanks to all! (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: NWJPB Midsection      Place: 6      Tunes: MacGregor of Rora, Ellis Kelly's Delight, Old Joe's, Bonnie Portmore, The Weary Maid, Pigeon on the Gate, Rip the Calico      Judge: Terry Lee, John Dew, Gordon Craig, Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Judge: Gordon Craig (Side) — Place: 4 Well structured melody. Not all in togehter at intro but i especially enjoyed the syncopation from the bass drums and stubtle effect from tenors in the opening measure.Not a clean break to the jig, but driving along and again well structured scores all complementing each othe. S/A The syncopated approach is not to everyones liking but i understand why your setting.Again not a clean break ( Some seemed over enthusiastic to get in) Different approach to strath playing which worked for me. Good use of tonal colours and flourishing technique from tenors. Well presented reel by all units. This was very well put together and i enjoyed it. it was something different. Judge: John Dew (Pipes) Intro E - solid MacGregor of Rora First part has some unison issues on beats 2 and 3. First beats are good however. Ellis Kelly's Delight Very good break. I felt the break had a set tempo and after the first note the tempo dropped conserdably. Old Joe's Break was perhaps not as strong as before Bonnie Portmore Nice colour from the mid section coming in here. Perhaps one of the bass drummers could have joined in the tremelo, The Weary Maid This could have been more solid, perhaps the chanter player could have been a little more set and definite on the tempo going into this tune. Pigeon on the Gate This felt a little sticky throughout, not quite solid. Rip the Calico This was much more solid on the first time through but the ending line was quite spongy and needed some more definition. All in all an enjoyable performance, well done. Judge: Johnny Rowe (Mid-Section) Very difficult to follow, particularly without snare accompaniment and a very ""low in the mix"" chanter recording. ""Middle"" bass drum sounded very flat and lifeless. Two outside ""bass drums"" seemed to dissonate and was very distracting, also making it hard to hear the tenors. Bottom left bass had, by far, the best sound. Top left tenor (first roll in slow), best sound. Good arm movement overall by the tenors. Middle and ""right side"" tenor sounding very tired and don't project much quality tone. Not quite sure what you were going for here, but you will benefit from more work with snare section and putting in work with a metronome. Not all players at the same playing/skill level. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) — Place: 5 Super creative setting everyone - well done! Thanks for being part of this event. Well stitched together - good job. An excellent way to ghost your start to the medley - loved it! March tempo not quite as settled as it could be. A bit of untidyness evident at times. I think the bass drums are too busy/competitive here...playing every note or so it seems. Much better in jig. Better use of space. All complimenting well. Taking a while to get involved in the Air but made it in the end. Some nice tenor touches in Strathspey. Bass drum effect somewhat cloudy early in Reel. Tenors well set and effective here. Cool ending to the medley. Well done overall - musical - creative and pretty well delivered. Thanks! (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Kern County Pipe Band      Place: 7      Tunes: The Herring Boat Song, Will ye no Come Back Again, Bonnie Galloway, Blue Bells of Scotland      Judge: Terry Lee, John Dew, Gordon Craig, Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Judge: Gordon Craig (Side) An enthusiastic band performance.. The opening tune sounded very staccato which was being created by the repetitive phrase being played by the snare drummers A structured score would would allow the melody to flow better. For your next selection of tunes you did not have a confident uptake both by piperes and drummers. Drum rolls not cleanly presented or finished together. In general the tunes in this section all had musical integration issue with the piping. Try to find the pulse beat for each time signature and phrase and express the melodies with composure. Also works at the break between each tune as they were not confidently executed. Bass drummer had issues keeping time when he was marching, i would suggest he stands still and watches the PM for the tempo and beat. Tenor could contribute more to adding dynamics to the snare and melodies with subtle beats and triplet runs. Snare drumming was untidy and both snare drummer were playing for themselves. Have one appointed as lead drummer and the other an play to him this will give a better corps sound. Works at the basics of each of the tunes and drum scores to improve the iinterpretation of each individual section and the integration of the band. Work at improving your basics and keep up the great enthusiasim you have within the band.. Judge: John Dew (Pipes) — Place: 4 Nice introductory tune and great to meet the whole band as well! Intro – Solid timing on E but 1 or 2 overblown Es The Herring Boat Song Some fairly good unison playing. Technically well played but a few gracenotes are VERY open and gets in the way of the tune flowing. Will ye no Come Back Again Solid break into a very well controlled march. Slight mistake at the end? Bonnie Galloway Good break and very steady playing here. Last bar line 3 needs some work on the timing. Blue Bells of Scotland Nice playing here but high Gs are very sharp. Composure was a little bit lost in the very last tune, try and keep it going until the very last bit of air travels through the pipes. Lost a bit of unison here. Chanters tuned fairly well some blowing issues on E and B. E doublings are very open. Similarly the D throws are very heavy and would be better if they were shorter and crisper. A very enjoyable performance – well done. Lovely outro tune, don’t forget your hat! Judge: Johnny Rowe (Mid-Section) — Place: 6 Technique seemed stiff. Bass and tenor have to drive the bus. Tenor extremely quiet, not much presence. Phrasing within drum section needs work. Must get back to basics and master those basic rudiments (crushed rolls, flams, et cetera). Your flams were often very flat and lacked punch, for example. Whole band can benefit from work with metronome. Tuning/setting instruments, all sections, is key! Pipes not set well, snares not pitched well to each other or pipe section. Bass was the best sounding instrument overall, albeit, played with very stiff technique. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) Thanks for taking part in this event! Wow nice setting/background everyone! Looking very sharp (love the shirts). Nicely started. Slight hesitation from drums at very beginning and then settled in well. A good, manageable tempo selected. Bass drum at good weight but lacking some resonance. John, a great way to open your set - a small tune - then a chat to introduce the players. A nice touch for sure. Try to avoid squealing tenor drones at strike up. Pipes pretty well set. A wee bit of sharpness to chanter pitch but pleasant. Watch that the snare scores aren't getting too simplistic to the melody. I feel there could be more development with this aspect. Hesitation on break to second tune. Slome raggedness from snares here. Try to tighten up. Small pipe slips as well. Better drum scores as the set progresses I feel. Drones pretty good - slghtly ragged yet pleasant. A nice arrangement of tunes - complimenting well. Tempo seems a little down for Bonnie Blue Bells. Dragging here. Band held together well right to end. Interesting idea to tag on the tune at the end. Fun. Wha is that...from Wizard of Oz? A really good effort everyone. Entertaining for sure. You have a nice group and keep at it! (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Brigadoon Pipes & Drums           Tunes: Farewell to Camraw, Aspen Bank, Rocking the Baby      Judge: Terry Lee, John Dew, Gordon Craig, Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Judge: Gordon Craig (Side) Not a confident uptake. Try to settle yourselves before you commence.Intro by pipes not together and not a true ""E"". S/A Melody is evident but yu are not playing as a unit and all tunes need to be expressed, controlled and phrased in accordance with its idiomt Snare score working quite well to the melody with a very good roll texture. Triplet phrase ending needs better control in execution. Try to get the correct punctuation into the melody to create the strath idiom. Make sure you extend the beat note. Again snare is trying to give the beat note lift but tempo to slow and making her score sound too deliberate.. The jig idiom is very disjointed and you are all struggling to define it. Very untidy nd needs lots of practice.Drummer also not defining the naturat rhythm of the jig.. Its got to be a gay anf lively dance. Take your time and work at slowly practicing all the tunes correctly with good phrasing and execution. Work within your capability. Judge: John Dew (Pipes) Intro E – Could have been more solid, perhaps wait for your players to get back. Farewell to Camraw Fairly musical uptake with a decent sense of unison. Good composure on the runs. Enjoyable Aspen Bank The unison is starting became a little shaky here. Try practicing it slightly slower and then bringing it up to tempo. Rocking the Baby Try and embed the ornaments into the melody, they are quite open and a little distracting. Try and hear the melody rather than thinking about all of the technique. The cut off could have been a little cleaner as well. Drones here could have been a little more in tune. Chanters are ok bit F is a little sharp. Judge: Johnny Rowe (Mid-Section) Pipes not set well at all, chanters and drones. Snare lacking confidence in score, particularly in last tune. Snare sound choked and overall sound with pipes to drums wasn't working well. A focus on technique and unison playing, both together and as individual corps, will do you benefit. WORK WITH A METRONOME. Try switching to some more ""standard"" snare scores (massed band standards) to alleviate pressure on the back end. I can't stress how important it is to work on SOUND and setting the instruments well together prior to performance. Must get back to basics. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) Thanks to you all for taking part here! Well done on what looks like a so-so day. The very start is a bit ragged and could use thought. A nice, relaxed temp to start and playing pretty well. The pipes are okay with ""F"" being quite shrill. Drones are rough but this is difficult these days. Well to Strathspey but the playing is rough here. A common thing - just work on it. Same to reel...some pushing ahead here (rushing). Drumming is pretty good. Keep working on complimenting the piping and being stronger on the beat will enhance this. Great to see you doing this and thanks again. (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Carrigaline Pipe Band           Tunes: P/M Willie Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police, Caledonian Canal, Lexy McAskill      Judge: Terry Lee, John Dew, Gordon Craig, Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Judge: Gordon Craig (Side) Lively tempo on uptake.and playing is nice and relaxed but startd to lose musical interpretation in the 2/3 parts and errors were evident. More phrasing and execution woud have helped to controll this rhythmical flow.. Untidy playing in last part. Strath:- Lively tempo with nice lift. Extended pulse beat evident and being maintained in 1/2nd parts Started losing technical expression and intrgration in last part. Reel:- Tempo a bit deliberate and losing the drive of the reel idiom.From the early parts you are losing the clarity and execution of your note values and not playing together from the 2nd part onwards. Pipe balance starting to go off. This is almost there, just needs refining. Judge: John Dew (Pipes) Drones need a bit more of a tuning before playing. Chanters well set at the start. It would have been nice to hear a nice, solid intro E. P/M Willie Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police A lovely bright, tempo. Try not to let this slide away as the tune goes on. Watch the off beats in the second part, you’re early to them. The 3rd part is slowing down and the off beats are played very early. The 4th part, although the tempo has dropped, has a lovely swing to it. You dropped around 5 BPM as the tune went on. Caledonian Canal This tune was fairly well played. A little bit of early phrases creeping. Generally the pointing is good however, a wee choke somewhere in the 4th part too. Again tempo is slowing down towards the end. Lexy McAskill The playing here is very ‘Safe’ and could do with a bit of lift. Everything is very nicely in the right place however. Cracking stop at the end. Chanters fairly well set although Fs were a bit sharp and the drones could have done with an extra wee tweak. Much potential here – keep it up! Judge: Johnny Rowe (Mid-Section) ...are there more than two players playing in this performance??? Drones out of tune. Tempo starting to lag by second part. Unison not spot on end of first part/second tune. Chanters out here in second tune especially. Decent cutoff. Really need to work on setting the instruments and tempos. Spend time with a metronome on chanters ""around the table"". Make sure everyone is phrasing the same and take appropriate time to set and tune the pipes prior to performance. Nice classic tunes. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) Thanks for taking part today. A very interesting start. I felt it could have used a little more rehersal in the end. Tempo at start is excellent. There is raggedness to the sound and unison. Notably rough is the drone sound. Try to set this tighter in a future entry. For uniison, the short 1/16 notes are very clipped and are disappearing overall. Super hard to get it together when they are this tight/small. Strathspey is very round in style. Could use stronger beat one pulsing for a stronger effect. Slowing slightly in part 4. Nice break to Lexi. Playing is better here. Drones really out at this point. Chanters pretty good with sharpness to ""F"" and top hands overall. Really excellent cutoff. Overall well done but try to address expression, unison and tone to improve. Thanks! (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Clansman Pipe Band           Tunes: Argyls Crossing the River Po, 48th Highlanders, Cpt Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: Terry Lee, John Dew, Gordon Craig, Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Judge: Gordon Craig (Side) Intro roll not together and pulsations very open. Try for a smoother textured roll. Uptake to opening march not together and took a few bars to settle down. snare drummers are trying to complement the melody but playing is thick and untidy at times. Bass very timid here and needs more commitment. The melody is coming through from the pipers but there and issues with interpretation and phrasing integration. 2& 3 tunes played quite well and pipers working hard at an integrated sound. Againsnares are very untidy and playing behind the melody at times. Bass need to be more commited. Final measure. This is very disjointed between the piers and drummers . Pipers and working hard at controlling the tempo but drummers need to be more precise and play to the beat note. Some blowing issues and untidy fingering in last measure. There is very good potential from this pipe corps but drummers must work at ensuring their basic rudiments are correct to improve the untidy playing. Judge: John Dew (Pipes) Intro E – this could have been slightly more solid. Argyls Crossing the River Po A fairly rocky start but unison playing started to settle in after the first part. A few minor blowing issues as well. A nice tempo here, decent start. 48th Highlanders The break here was a tad untidy. Pipers are starting to cut in and out Cpt Norman Orr Ewing Best break yet however it was spoiled but a doubling F. The tempo is lovely and bright here as well. A few mistakes are creeping in throughout the tune. The technique is fairly nicely applied to all the tunes, try and make it slight crisper however. A fairly decent cut off as well. This was a nice performance, great to see some many young players in there as well, keep it up, there is much potential here! Judge: Johnny Rowe (Mid-Section) Attack was weak. Snares not together. Late ""E"" and not confident into first tune. Bass flat and boomy; not driving the tempo and seemed to be behind the beat. Ensemble issues throughout performance. Must work on playin together as a unit! Pipes and drums need to be well set (tuned) prior to performance. Work on unison together and as separate sections. Drum section can benefit greatly by learning more ""standard"" massed band beatings. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) Thanks for being part of this event! So the start could use some attention. A good attempt but there is roughness. I would focus on two thiings mostly: 1) the quality of the rolls, and 2) the speed at which you are not getting the pipes up to 'E"". A very reluctant start. Once you get going it is a nice tempo and a pretty strong band sound overall. Chanters are at good pitch with the drones being very ragged. Would try to tune these harder. The quality of HA could use attention. Watch snare unison. It is in and out somewhat. Bass drum is pretty good but could have more resonance. Pipe unison is pretty good overall (very good in 48th Hldrs.). Small slips in Norman-Orr to finish. A pretty nice overall performance. Classic tunes and so good to see you doing this. Thank you. (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: SPC Pipers           Tunes: High Road to Gairloch, 42nd Highlanders, The Piper's Cave      Judge: Terry Lee, John Dew, Gordon Craig, Johnny Rowe      Judge's Comments: Judge: Gordon Craig (Side) Good attack and uptake to opening tune but as you progressed there were errors in 1st & 2nd parts. 2) This is much better as a unitbut try for better execution and phrasing to define this idiom better 3) Much better together and flowing with melodic ease. Try to get the other tunes to presented like this. Pipes started to go off in last tune and evidence of blowing issues. All the above comments can be easily sorted and this can become a very accomplished trio. Judge: John Dew (Pipes) Intro E – Not in complete unison. High Road to Gairloch A bit of a shaky start to the tune but a nice tempo non the less. A few mistakes coming in and out as well pipers’ chanters’ coming in and out. 42nd Highlanders A steady break here with some nice composure. However there are a few mistakes here as well. The Piper's Cave A steady break here with some nice composure here too, well done. A few timing issues with the runs down from C to low A. Drones could be slightly better tuned. Unison is ok here but there is a lack of integration at times. Drones trailing at the end as well. This has the potential to be a great performance, aim to get the basics more solid and you’ll be on to a winner. Judge: Johnny Rowe (Mid-Section) Need to work on phrasing and unison. Obvious players cutting out at times. Drones wavering which creates an unsteady drone sound. Must take proper attention to set the instruments prior to a performance! Slight trail of drones at end. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) Thanks for taking part in this event! A sharp look as well! Slight uncertainty to your start but quickly got it together. A very good tempo selected. Some cutting in and out (chanters) and some slips throughout performance. Chanters are at a nice pitch and pretty well set. Watch 'C"". Drones are ragged. I realize this is tough these days but see if you can each player to set theirs to a certain number on a metre? Good breaks between tunes and tempo is held steady very well. Good job with this. Thanks again! (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Wyoming Ceilidh      Place: 1      Tunes: Zeeto The Bubbleman      Judge: Terry Lee, Sean McKeown, Gareth McLees, Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Judge: Chris Pollock (Side) — Place: 1 A super interpretation of a brilliant tune. Like a fine blended mallt, each instrument brings its own layer of twexture to the performance. Well played all. Loved it! Judge: Gareth McLees (Mid-Section) — Place: 4 Excellent tune selection and musicality. Nice use of instruments with a good musical presentation. Judge: Sean McKeown (Pipes) — Place: 1 I really enjoyed this. Nice blend of instruments (performance and mix) with energy and a good sonic balance, and each instrument adding just the right amount to compliment each other. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) — Place: 1 Hi Wyoming! Thanks so much for taking part with this. A SUPER COOL opening!!! OMG!! Great guitar part and so good how you spliced in the other instruments. Plus Zito is such a great tune....a fine choice! The setting is very good and mostly your sustaining the tempo is extremeely solid (all instruments). In the end a super mix of instruments....love all of them and the whistle and accordian are adding a lot. You have indeed made your own ceilidh here!!! LOVE IT - LOVE IT - LOVE IT!! (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Aaron Malcomb      Place: 2      Tunes: The Rowan Tree (C. Oliphant) Over to Uist (Arr. D. MacLeod) Skye (F.Morrison)      Judge: Terry Lee, Sean McKeown, Gareth McLees, Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Judge: Chris Pollock (Side) — Place: 3 All instruments blending nicely throughout. Lovely sound from the bodhran in particular in the first time through The Rowan Tree. Just watch the timing at points. Nice balance between the whistle and the pipes especially. Transition from The Rowan Tree to Over to Uist not fully locked in between all instruments. Again nice tonal input fom the bodhran. Skye was a nice tune to finish though it felt to me like it needed to 'go' a bit more - maybe more vigourous guitar or a slight pick up in tempo? Still. An enjoyable performance. Fun graphic for the pipers lower half! Judge: Gareth McLees (Mid-Section) — Place: 1 Lovely musical presentation. excellent. Judge: Sean McKeown (Pipes) — Place: 3 Nice intro and build throughout, and transition to big pipes. Nice arrangements. Well done. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) — Place: 3 Hi Aaron and welcome. A super cool rendition of Rowan Treel. A most musical opening piece. Good ensemble of musicians here. Would like to hear the guitar up in the mix and punchier as it gets into the set. Bodhran adds a nice punch once in. Pipe is going well and blends in well here. The double-time on drum is good. Make sure it is always on top of the beat. The whistle adds a nice high effect - well done. A well thought setting to the Air. Nicely to jig. Entertaining here - a nice shift of gears. Bodhran slightly behind. (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Keith Highlanders Pipe Band      Place: 3      Tunes: Ananda Na Gael, Banjo Breakdown      Judge: Terry Lee, Sean McKeown, Gareth McLees, Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Judge: Chris Pollock (Side) — Place: 2 A very impressive presentation from all sections. A very enjoyable performance with each section contributing well. Well done to all concerned (especially whoever edited the whole thing together!) Judge: Gareth McLees (Mid-Section) — Place: 5 Cool piece with nice tune selection.Nice musical presentation with nice aspects added. ensemble solid throughout. Judge: Sean McKeown (Pipes) — Place: 2 Excellent. High quality presentation, editing and production value. Good sonic balance, and unison between all pipe band instruments and dancers. Well done. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) — Place: 2 Thanks Keith Highlanders for being a part of this. Super creative opening as well as the whole way through. A very good sound is evident early. All sections. Chanters are that wee peaky but this is a tough time to get this right. Snares are good - nice tone - I wish the drum section maybe would ""go for it"" a little. It is pleasant - it is together - and it is also that wee bit timid. Just a thought for improvement. Really liking the mid and bass section tonal offerings. Nice inclusion of dance to your performance. Nice use of split screens with good editing. To put the focus on Hornpipe (dance and music) seems so clever, musical and entertaining - well done! Really good beginning to end. Thanks again. (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Royal Deeside Highland Pipes & Drums      Place: 4      Tunes: I’m Gonna Be(500 Miles)by the Proclaimers      Judge: Terry Lee, Sean McKeown, Gareth McLees, Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Judge: Chris Pollock (Side) — Place: 4 Nice interpretation of a classic tune! All musicians have clearly been taught well - Kudos to programme that you have all come through. Instruments set up well. Played well together throughout and clearly having fun. Great job! Judge: Gareth McLees (Mid-Section) — Place: 3 Drum sound good. nice tune selection. Cool use of other instruments. Judge: Sean McKeown (Pipes) — Place: 4 This was fun. Good job! Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) — Place: 4 Hello Deeside and thanks for doing this! This especiall on such a braw day!! Bonus points for wind affect! Very good job introducing the set - well done. Very tight start - excellent. A very nice setting of this song. All instruments are well set - even the cymbal/cowbell/pot (whatever that is?) Very cool. Watch LA and HA as to how they are set (ie. blowing on LA to be solid and that HA is set flat). Pipers you blowing/posture is very good and steady. You really look the part and that is important. A job very well done to all. Well delivered and very enjoyable. Keep it up and stay safe!! Thank you. (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Santiago Metropolitan Pipe Band      Place: 5      Tunes: 79th Farewell to Gibraltar      Judge: Terry Lee, Sean McKeown, Gareth McLees, Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Judge: Chris Pollock (Side) — Place: 5 Good to see all playing sections of the band represented in the performace. The dance added a nice layer of interest to the performance. A good tune played well together by all imnstruments. Good job. Judge: Gareth McLees (Mid-Section) — Place: 2 Simple but effective. Tempos as they should be. nice playing throughout. drum sound very good. Judge: Sean McKeown (Pipes) — Place: 5 Nice pipe, with a clean mix, and good unison with drummers and dancer. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) — Place: 5 Hello Santiago! Welcome back. Nicely opened with solo pipere. A brisk 79th but very well done. A very nice inclusion of dance here. Dancing well! I like the fact it is one of each performer here. I can see why you need to push the tempo as it hard to slow the dance down to match. You are doing a good job of it however. I felt this show could be expanded on. It is a bit short and single-dimentional. Give it thought. Thanks so much again. (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: United States Naval Academy Pipes and Drums      Place: 6      Tunes: The Gael      Judge: Terry Lee, Sean McKeown, Gareth McLees, Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Judge: Chris Pollock (Side) A good effort under the circumstances. Performace easily improved if you spend a bit more time settling the sound of the pipes. Also being able to stand in such a position that all players could see the PM's foot would have helped. Try not to sacrifice performance for the sake of a good looking video (which it was!) Good effort! Judge: Gareth McLees (Mid-Section) — Place: 6 Nice tune selection. intro solid. Chanter and drones not refined or together in tune. Judge: Sean McKeown (Pipes) Nice energy to this, some unison issues with the pipes on strike-in and throughout, and a few slips. Well done. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) — Place: 6 Thanks for taking part in this today! The Gael is nicely started. I feel the solo could have been that wee bit longer with the pipe better tuned. Pipes are quite out of tune from the start - mostly the drones. Try to get these tuned closer to a number. Chanters also somewhat shrill on the top hands. This is difficult to get close these days. NIce try. Playing is pretty good - small slips at times. Harmony is nice. Pipers cutting in and out occasionally. Watch the tuning on ""F"". Nice finish returning to the solo pipe. A good effort and nicely put together. Thanks to all. (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Kern County Pipe Band      Place: 7      Tunes: Thomas Sanders, The Company's Lament (ground), Up an awa wi' Willie      Judge: Terry Lee, Sean McKeown, Gareth McLees, Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Judge: Chris Pollock (Side) A good effort to perform a interesting sellection of tunes which steadily improved as the performace progressed. The last tune was yourt best tune and a strong way to finish! Drummers, work on your rolls. Generally, greater focus on the tuning of all instruments would be an easy way to significantly improve the quality of the overall performance. That said, a good effort and one which you all clearly had fun putting togehter. Well done. Judge: Gareth McLees (Mid-Section) Nice tune selection. Good intro.Playing Well together.Drums very flat sounding. Roll pulsations need to be smoother. Few mistakes coming through. Judge: Sean McKeown (Pipes) — Place: 6 I enjoyed the piob-slow air. Good energy and unison for the performance. Well done. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) Good to see you again Kern County. Welcome back! Well started. Pipes settled in pretty quickly. A very nice tempo chosen here for warm-up tune. Truly a family affair it seems. Good attack to your set. A nicely held tempo once again. A nice pipe sound is presented apart from top hands of chanter. Seems a bit shrill here. Nicely interpreted Piob. section. Drone waiver is quite evident at this point. Well transioned to the March. A solid tempo here. Watch the snare isn't too much emphasis on every note. A bit jerky in feel. Intro rolls could use a more even feel to them. Again, a nice finishing tune. A good effort overall and a most enjoyable performance. (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Cameron MacNeil      Place: 8      Tunes: Editors favourite, Hughie Rory MacKinnon, Pretty Marion, Traditional Laddie, Lady Glenorchy, Rejected Suitor, The Wedding reel      Judge: Terry Lee, Sean McKeown, Gareth McLees, Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Judge: Chris Pollock (Side) — Place: 6 Both pipers can clearly play. Though the performance was littered with mistakes. Maybe consider taking the tempos down a nottch to help remove these? Drones well set. Chanters need balanced. Dancer added a nice touch to the performance. Good selection of tunes. Nic effort all. Judge: Gareth McLees (Mid-Section) Judge: Sean McKeown (Pipes) Nice lift and arrangements to the music. Good hands. Nice touch with the step dancing. A few slips. Well done. Judge: Terry Lee (Pipes) Thanks for taking part today. The start seems somewhat unrehearsed. Tentative and smsll slips/chokes are coming through. Getting better as it goes and better as tempo increases it seems. Tight playing at times for sure. Very cool casual entry to the dance section. The pipers are almost doing a step dance of their own with their feet. Enjoying it! Playing getting more ragged after dancer. In and out. Pipes are sounding pretty good. Nice drones as well. Good bass drone effect. It seems a bit more practice would have helped as there are a lot of errors nearing end of the performance. Well finised and very enoyable overall. Thanks for having some fun with this. (Note: Each judge awarded) six placings, which are shown next to the judge's name. Final overall place is determined by combining the placings from all four judges.)
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