Fall 2022 World Online Piping & Drumming Championships Official Results
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Complete List of All Events
The World Online Piping & Drumming Championships is the world's first and only piping and drumming competition in the world to publish a complete a record of the entire competition, including every performance, every result and every judge's comment. We hope that these excellent musical performances and detailed comments from our world-class judges will be a lasting and valuable resource for education and entertainment.
Includes competitor info, tunes played, placings, judge's comments, and video links. Click Watch Video to view the video on YouTube. Click Download Comments for the Official Judge's Comment Sheet PDF.
Events listed by event number.
Solo Piping Events: 1-50
Side Drumming Events: 101-212
Tenor Drumming Events: 201-213
Bass Drumming Events: 301-304
Band Events: 401-403
Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Erwin Verheyen 🇧🇪 Place: 1 Tunes: Amazing Grace Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Nice music here with well-embedded technique throughout. Well done. Also, make sure the E doubling is played correctly.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Yao Zongrui 🇸🇬 Place: 2 Tunes: Highland Cathedral Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good musicality here with a good tempo. First part was great, a few missing gracenotes in the second part. This makes the tune seem a little too light, Overall, a solid performance - well done
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Julian Chua 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: The Iona Boat Song Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good musicality here with a nice tempo. Gracenotes and strikes are good however some of the more technical movements are a little unclear, especially in the last phrase in each part, try and open them out a little more. Also, try to ease yourself into the tune a little more at the start. Overall, much potential - keep it up.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Leaving Lismore Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A nice bright start. Make sure the notes get their full value e.g, how the low A before the birl. Similarly you could express the first note in the phrase. The technique is good for the most part, one or two doublings are too open though and the grip from A to B could be clearer. Lots of potential here, keep it up.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Llewellyn Leung 🇭🇰 Place: 5 Tunes: Flower of Scotland Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good technical playing here and a decent tempo, although could be a little brighter. Big breath got in the way of the musical flow. I would encourage that you try and play in competitions without sheet music
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charles F. Eyler III 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Sou Gan Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good start, it could be a little brighter. Even though this is a "slow air" it can be a little brighter. A few wee slips inbetween lines after the half way mark. Technically proficient as well, much potential keep it up.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: George Hah 🇸🇬 Tunes: Skye Boat Song Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Struggling to see your fingers so I can't offer any technical advise. Musically sound with a good sense of musical rhythm however some doublings and grips could be more accurate and watch the gracenote placement. Similarly, there is a chance of flase fingering as I can't see your chanter.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Simon Gideon Ong 🇸🇬 Tunes: Highland Cathedral Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good bright tempo here. Decent musicality here with a few slips here and there. Make sure the gracenotes are in the correct place and you'll be playing this at a much higher level.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Julian Chua 🇸🇬 Place: 1 Tunes: The Rowan Tree Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Very quick hands - and good gracenote quality, though some were barely coming off the chanter near the end. Make sure to control them, though, especially on your C doublings where your G and D gracenotes are on top of each other - you want to hear a bit of the melody note in between. Lively tempo, well handled all through.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Joel Dorning 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Blue Bells of Scotland Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Steady tempo from the start. Take care not to let the G gracenote of your E doublings get too big. The size in your C doublings is excellent and results in a clearer movement - see if you can get your E doublings to match. Might need to stretch just a bit more on birls. Well pleyed.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Yao Zongrui 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: Twenty Men from Dublin Town Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Well done. Steady and lively tempo handled well. Good quality of G gracenotes. Take care on consistency of throws and birls - some coming out clearly and others not quite - for example one of your D throws had no audible low G in it. Nice job!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Salute to General Mark Clark Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Steady tempo from the start, with some minor fluctiations (occasional pauses). Some grips excellent, but keep working on the consistency. The first E doubling is ahead of the beat - make sure the G gracenote on all doublings falls on the beat (or offbeat) but not ahead of it. Gracenote quality is good, but I suspect you squeeze a bit hard, resulting in some doublings not having a G gracenote to start - keep your thumbs relaxed and then your hands will relax!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Tom Wilkinson Place: 5 Tunes: Castle dangerous Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Steady tempo, slowing slightly in the final phrase in the first time, but better on the repeat. Clear fingering - one rodin not quite right. Be sure not to grip the chanter too tightly. Just couple of minor misses but a strong performance.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Charles F. Eyler III 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Balmoral Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Well played. Good hand and finger position. Gracenotes are clearly delivered, though some extras. Make sure not to add high G gracenores to your grips. Steady timing. Sounds like you're ready to play a version with doublings in it - certainly if you can handle the grips and throws. Well done.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Erwin Verheyen 🇧🇪 Tunes: The Siege of Dubrovnik Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Steady tempo and a tough tune. Your hands look quite stiff - maybe squeezing hard? Try to keep them relaxed. Some gracenotes a bit big, so try to keep the movement concise for greater clarity. Birls a bit early - and make sure your little finger doesn't lift off creating extra movement. I find you're cutting notes quite aggrssively if there's a cut on a beat - maybe soften a little bit. Well done.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: George Hah 🇸🇬 Tunes: Rowan Tree Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Steady tempo in part one. Check the gracenoting on the first big movement. Bit tight on the B doubling at the end of part one but good techniqe apart from these two mentions. Part two, your tempo increases a great deal! There should be lots of space here, so try not to race through the first line of part two. Back to original tempo for the final line. Good job.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Simon Gideon Ong 🇸🇬 Tunes: Horsburgh Castle Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good tempo to start, but then it took off! Most of the melody lies in the big notes - be patient on them. Take care not to let your gracenotes get too big. If you slow down a bit you'll have more time to take care on each one or each piece of execution. A few little memory issues. Lots of potential here, but don't go too fast!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Tunes: Wings Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Lively tempo to start - maybe a bit quick because you had to slow it down in places, such as bar 4 approaching the D throw. Try to set an initial tempo that you can manage in the hardest parts or with technique that requires more attention. Some of your gracenotes are a bit big, taking away from the crispmess of the movements - gracenote quality is the key to all good technique. Nice birl to finish!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Yao Zongrui 🇸🇬 Place: 1 Tunes: Mairi's Wedding, Highroad to Gairloch Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Yao! Thank you for entering this event, and I'm jealous of the lovely weather you're enjoying there (it's 2 degrees C and wet here). All that said, you put forward an excellent set here. There were a few technical things I want to mention. -Your gracenote work is very tight, but it is correct. This is more of a point about the qualities of your gracenotes, but I would like to see you open them up a little bit more. One specific example is the D gracenote in your D throws. -Be careful not to let a short Low A slip out at the end of your grips (like in the 2nd part of Mhari's Wedding) -Without seeing your music I can't be certain, but at times I felt you were switching G gracenotes in for other kinds of gracenotes -There were a few very slight crossing noises, but I can tell you've put in a lot of work to get everything very clean, and it shows As I said above, these are mostly quality critiques and not issues of being right or wrong. A little more open with your gracenotes and you'd be spot on Musically, the main criticism I have is there were a few spots where you pushed forward a little too much. You had one slight miss at the end of the 1st part, first time through, when you didn't hold the last Low A long enough (exactly one upbeat short). Other than that, you displayed a lot of grace and poise with your treatment of the tune. Great tunes here Yao, and you should be proud. A little more polishing with your technique, and you'll be in great shape!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: David Arrotta 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Mairi's Wedding and Teribus Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi David! Thank you for entering this contest, and I enjoyed your tunes. Overall, a very nice presentation here of 2 classic marches. I noticed a few technical things in your playing that I would suggest working on: -At times, when coming from D to the top hand, or coming from the top hand to D, you'll have a crossing noise show up. Be sure to have your top hand open before you close your bottom hand (when moving up the scale), and similarly make sure to have your bottom hand open before closing the top hand (when moving down) -This is tough to be sure of without seeing the music you're working from, but be careful not to exchange G gracenotes for other gracenotes that might be written -Be careful not to let a low A sneak out at the end of your grips Those said, your technique is otherwise very good. Lovely clean & precise gracenotes. This is a great place to be and a great foundation with which to make music. Rhythmically, you have a really steady sense of tempo and melody, whcih is great. But, the few spots where this wavered tended to be in embellishments that involve two parts. Think of birls for example, you tended to rush into them. Gracenoted strikes are another place. Overall, very good playing here, and this is a performance you should be proud of. Well done!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Erwin Verheyen 🇧🇪 Place: 3 Tunes: Greenwood Side & The 72nd Highlanders Farewell to Aberdeen Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Erwin! You're playing well here, and I enjoyed the performance. Thank you for entering this competition! You played with a lot of poise and grace, showing through in your steady tempo and rhythmical treatment of the tunes. Your music was lively and interesting- well done! My notes are mostly dealing with some technique issues that came up. I do want to note however that you might check your chanter (or your tape if there is tapeof your chanter). There were several times where I could see your G gracenote finger move but I didn't hear any gracenote. You've got really great strikes, and this performance highlighted that well. There were two situations where you would want to clean up your fingerwork: -You're getting some crossing noises from E to High A (your ring finger is closing the chanter and producing a short Low A noise). This is a tricky crossing noise to get rid of, but it is noticeable -In the 2nd part of Greenwood Side, your short C to Bs weren't always precise. I also felt that your bottom hand pinky had some spots where it seemed to be a little sticky. I know that finger is one of our weakest, but time spent strengthening it is time well spent. Overall, really good performance here with a lot of good attributes. There are few things to work on, but I look forward to hearing you in the future!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: George Hah 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: Mairi's Wedding, Highroad to Gairloch Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi George! Thank you for competing in this competition! Overall, I like a lot of what you're doing in this video. You're playing with a lot of confidence, and though you made mistakes, you were quick and confident in your recovery. You should be proud of that fact. There were some technique things I want to be sure to bring up: -You had some crossing noises when moving from D to the top hand or when moving from the top hand to D -At times, it seemed like you were playing G gracenotes when different gracenotes were written (without seeing your music I can't be certain, however) -There were a few spots where you didn't quite cover the hole, but I am sure you knew about those Musically, you've got a really good sense of the melody, and it shows through. Your tempo is bold and confident, although I might think about maybe slowing down just a few beats per minute in the future. I'm like you in that I like exciting fast tempos, but it can get you into trouble if and when you make a mistake. There were a few spots where you lost track of the tune, but that's something that has happened to every piper in the world at some point. The only other thing to watch out for is being sure you don't play your gracenotes too tightly. Even with those things, your musical sense of the tune made for a very enjoyable performance.
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Tunes: Corriechoillie's 43rd Welcome to the Northern Meeting Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Todd! Thank you for entering this contest. This is a tune I've always liked, but I've never known the name of it until now. Thank you for an enjoyable performance! First thing I want to mention is unfortunately, the submission only includes 2 parts. The rules of the event are such that I had to judge this just for feedback rather than a placing. The event called for a total of 4 parts of 2/4 march playing, either one continuous tune or two tunes joined together. That said, I did write some feedback for you to use as you move forward in your playing. Technically, you have a lot of good things going on. You've got a good grasp of gracenote timing, and your embellishments are very consistent. There are a few crossing noises popping up, usually in transitions from D to the top hand and vice versa. I also noticed you had a tendency at times to rush into and through gracenoted strikes (like on D at the end of each part). You want this to sound like you're saying Ta-da right on the downbeat, rather than ta-DA (DA being on the downbeat). Musically you've got a great tune here. Rhythmically and tempo-wise, very steady. I can tell you also have a developed sense of the melody; I never had any doubts about the melodic line of the tune. Like I said above, because of the rules of the event, I wasn't able to do much more than the feedback above. However, I hope this helps, and I look forward to hearing more great music from you in the future!
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Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Julian Chua 🇸🇬 Place: 1 Tunes: The Steam Boat Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Nice Tempo 1st part was very good - just watch you are playing all of the technique (ie. doublings and grace notes) as it was presented with C doublings which came across as very tight and not really hearing the space in between the two grace notes and for this tempo, there should be a little more articulation than what you presented. Slight issue going back into the repeat of the 1st repeat but maintaining the correct rhythm. 2nd part again very good musically and again some C doublings still a bit tight. Incorrect grace notes on the repeat going back into the 2nd part as well here. I like your grace note sizes (not making them big by raising the fingers off the chanter too high) however you could separate them more just to ensure they are sounding out correctly (1,2 rhythm) and consistently. Overall a nice performance which will improve with more practice. Hands look like you have been taught properly which will benefit your continued progress. Well done!
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Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Bonnie Dundee Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Nice Tempo 1st part - Some slight crossing noises coming from the C to E hand exchange 2nd part - Same as above. You are doing just fine at this stage and I can tell that you have your hands properly placed and will have the abilitiy to improve with just some more practice. I mention the crossing noises above to bring it to your attention and you can pull out the area (ie. C to E at the end of bar 1 of 1st part and the C to E to start bar 3 and wherever else this occurs in the tune). Keep your hands relaxed and ensure that you go from the C to E without hearing the slight Low G (indicates you were late in raising your E finger during the hand exchange). Musically I can hear that you know how the tune goes and just try to keep a nice steady 1...2,3 , 1...2,3 rhythm (1 is the longer note value usually) consistently throughout the tune at the tempo you are using which will create the correct 6/8 "Lilt". Keep working at it you are on the right track 🙂
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Ian Lothian 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: The Wee Spree Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Well phrased and nice tempo for this tune. Watch for cross noises from B to F and C to E. Great effort for this grade overall - I'd expect you to play it on the pipes next time round.
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good technique overall but a few missed G gracenotes. Overall I felt this was a bit quick with the short notes in particular needing to be relaxed to bring the music out in this tune. Good effort for this grade and hopefully you'll play this tune on the pipes next time round.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Hector the Hero Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones in nicely with low A Nice tempo and music coming through. Watch crossing noises when changing hands Technique good on the whole but watch E doublings from F - these aren't always clear Overall I enjoyed this tune
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Nolan Schoenle 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: The Mist Covered Mountains Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones in nicely with Low A. B, D, F and High A are all a bit sharp which is detracting from your music. Lovely tempo and phrasing throughout. Watch the entry to the last phrase in the 2nd part - the doublings aren't totally clear here.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jan Roberts 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Morag Duncan Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good effort at tuning your drones for this level. Getting this 100% will really enhance your performance. Good technique - this just needs to become more fluent as you progress. Minor choke at the end but blowing otherwise good.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: The Mist Covered Mountains Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good effort tuning your drones at this grade. Getting this 100% will enhance your performance. F quite sharp which is distracting Very good technique - Watch crossing noise from B to F Good overall understanding of this time signature. Very musical overall
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gavin Syme 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Skye Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good effort tuning your pipes for Grade 5. I'd suggest blowing your pipes up and getting comfy in the solos - you don't need to go straight into the tune. Excellent tempo and music. Good technique overall - your birl could be a bit stronger. Be careful of crossing noises when changing hands.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: James beaudry 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Going home Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good effort tuning your drones for this grade. Getting them 100% would imptrove your performance. Good technique overall Good understanding of the 6/8 time sig. I just feel you were a bit quick with the tempo. Playing it a little slower would have earned you a higher prize. 1 minor crossing noise and you squeezed the bag too hard at the end - finish the tune before thinking about stopping.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ben Brodrick 🇦🇺 Tunes: Skye Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: A key area to focus on is your drone tuning - this will really help your overall performance. Good technique and clean hand changes overall - grips/taorluaths are a bit crushed. I think this is because you played the tune a bit too quickly and couldn't get them in properly. Slowing the tune down would help here but you have a good understanding of the compound time signature.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Blake Ketchum 🇺🇸 Tunes: Breizh Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good effort tuning your drones for this grade. Be careful with crossing noises when changing hands - this is a hard tune for Grade 5 from that perspective. The biggest thing to work on is keeping the pressure steady. There were a few flat Es for example and some high As you blew too hard. Good E doublings
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Caleb Pang 🇸🇬 Tunes: The Skye Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune. The key area to work on here is tuning - your drones are distracting and taking away from your music. Good technique. Make sure you can hear 2 taps with the birl.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Land o' the Leal Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Chanter balanced well overall. Drones not quick locked - working on your tuning will help your overall performance Steady performance overall with good technique Your blowing would be the biggest area to imrpove here - try and keep a steady pressure on the bag.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Corey Tucker 🇨🇦 Tunes: The Skye Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones in nicely with Low A. E and F very flat which is distracting - the reed may be getting wet so I'd suggest speaking to your instructor about moisture control. Lovely tempo but you're jumping into the grips/birls at the line ends. Be careful of crossing noises when changing hands. Technique very strong on the whole - well done.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Danilo Jewell 🇺🇸 Tunes: Scots Wha Hae Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Bagpipe well tuned Good understanding of the compound time signature but too fast for a slow air - bringing the tempo down will really bring the music out in this tune. Speak to your instructor about getting a reed that's a good strength for you as it seemed like you were struggling to keep your pipes going here - your tenor drone went back to the primary tone and there were a few chokes/dips in pressure. Good technique overall
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dave Otto 🇨🇦 Tunes: Mingulay Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: The key thing to work on here is your tuning as this would enhance your overall performance. Good understanding of the 6/8 time signature but overall a bit fast for an air. Your technique has the makings but a few misses (some E strikes a bit light) Watch crossing noises when changing hands - esp. D to F in 2nd part.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz 🇺🇸 Tunes: Cap'n No More Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones well locked together but significantly flatter than the chanter - working on your tuning will help enhance your overall performance Good overall understanding of the compound time signature but slightly too quick Technique good overall Speak to your intructor about getting a reed the right strength - your reed is gargling on low A so I think it's too easy for you.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Joel Dorning 🇺🇸 Tunes: Loch Rannoch Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Bagpipe well tuned except top 2 - High A flat and High G sharp Good understanding of the compound time signature and nice tempo in part 1. Unsteady in a couple of places in part 2. Good technique overall and this will become more fluent as you keep practicing. Watch for crossing noises when changing hands
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jonathan Morrison 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Dark Island Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Not a bad effort tuning your pipes. Good understanding of this time signature The key thing to work on is your technque - your doublings and birls could be a bit stronger Watch crossing noises when changing hands
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Julian Chua 🇸🇬 Tunes: The Iona Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: The key thing to work on here is your tuning as this would enhance your overall performance. Good understanding of the 6/8 time signature but overall a bit fast for this tune Your technique has the makings but a few misses. Taorluaths are far too tight
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lucas Ang 🇸🇬 Tunes: The Piper's Waltz Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: The key thing to work on here is your tuning as this would enhance your overall performance. F quite sharp Good understanding of the 6/8 time signature. This would be more musical slightly slower Good technique. Grips in 2nd part a bit too tight. Last D dipped - make sure you finish the tune before you think about stopping
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lucas Bannan 🇺🇸 Tunes: Suo Gan Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good attempt at drone tuning for this grade. Working to get this 100% will really enhance your performance. Great phrasing and tempo here but I feel the short notes are a bit too clipped - opening these out would make the tune more musical. Next time it would be nice to hear a tune with a bit more technique in it.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lynn Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Mist Covered Mountains Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good understanding of the 6/8 time signature. Good effort with your technique - this just feels like it needs to become more fluent and you progress The biggest thing here was that it seemed like you were really struggling to keep your pipes going - speak to your instructor about getting a reed you can blow comfortably.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Pedro Ramirez 🇺🇸 Tunes: Morag of Dunvegan Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good effort tuning your drones at this grade. Getting this 100% will enhance your performance. Technique good on the whole but grips and birls could be a bit cleanrer. Watch crossing noises Try and keep steady pressure on your bag - this varied quite a lot. Good overall understanding of this time signature
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Tunes: Skye Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones well locked together but flatter than the chanter - working on your tuning will help enhance your overall performance Good overall understanding of the compound time signature but early into a couple of birls/grips at the end of lines Excellent D throw when you hit them but a couple of missed low Gs Be careful of crossing noises when changing hand and from E to High A Make sure to keep the pressure on as there were a couple of dips throughout. Overall a good effort
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Gavin Syme 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Prince Charles’s Welcome to Lochaber Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Gavin. This was a really nicely played 2/4 march! Your execution is quite clean and crisp. Tempo steady and nicely expressed. At times, you’re landing your phrases slightly early. Watch the D strike at end of part. Make sure the G gracenote of your strike is right on the last beat. Some grips in 4th part not 100% clean. Really nice bagpipes! Steady and well tuned. Overall, and excellent performance!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Cadell Merritt 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Cadell. Some really good 2/4 playing! Your execution is very crisp, but not always clean. I’d suggest keeping your movements a little more open. This will help with consistency. Lively tempo, but steady. Some untidiness in 4th part. Drones very out of tune which distracted from your overall performance. Very enjoyable tune. Thanks for the submission!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 3 Tunes: Pipe-Major William Grey’s Farewell Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Sean. Nicely played march! Your execution is very good overall. Some birls not coming out clearly. Tempo good, but you’re jumping into phrases too early at times. Use a metronome to check for this. Phrasing a bit too round. A more dot/cut approach with give the tune better swing. Rushing a bit in 4th part. A few chokes. Overall, some good playing. Just a bit more pointing needed. Nice job!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Nolan Schoenle 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: King George V's Army Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Nolan. Nice job with your 2/4 march! Your execution is quite good with crisp and mostly clean technique. Watch the early birls at the end of part. Try to place them right on the last downbeat. Good tempo control. Nice dot/cut phrasing. Watch not to overcut the short notes too much. Drones not quite in tune. Watch the overblowing. Overall, a really strong 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: Andrew mcilwaine Place: 5 Tunes: The Conundrum Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Andrew. This is a challenging tune for grade 5, but you did a nice job! Very slow, but well executed. Very good clarity and accuracy with your movements. A few missed doublings at times. Tempo slowing in 3rd part. Watch the E to high A crossing noise in last part. Overall, a very well played tune. Nice job!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 6 Tunes: Muir of Ord Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kane. Nice job! Overall, your execution is quite good. Mostly clean and crisp. E doublings lacking clarity at times. Some sloppy bottom hand work at times (first part, third bar). Some chokes. Good, controlled tempo. Some phrases rushed at times. Use a metronome to check this. Nicely played overall.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Ben Brodrick 🇦🇺 Tunes: The Brown Haired Maiden Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Ben. Thanks for submitting your 2/4 march. Some of your execution is very good, but other movements need some work. Your doublings are mostly clean and crisp. D throws need more low G sound at start of movement. Birls are not coming out clearly. You appear to be using the double tap technique, but only one tap is being heard. Tempo is too fast! I think a slower tempo would help you to get your execution in better. Use a metronome to help with your tempo control and timing. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Brian. Nicely played tune! Your execution is generally quite good. A few missed doublings here and there. Birls not always clean and sometimes early. Some crossing noises throughout. Good tempo, but your phrasing is pushed, in that you’re starting phrases too early. Practice with a metronome and you should hear it. Very nice bagpipes! Well tuned and steady. Nice job!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Caleb Pang 🇸🇬 Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Caleb. Thanks for your submission. You have good crispness to your fingering technique, but your embellishments are coming out too crushed. This is causing some sloppiness with your execution. I liked your tempo, but some phrasing is rushed. Practicing with a metronome will help you to hear where you’re rushing. Careful not to overcut the short notes. Very good potential. Just to loosen up your execution and your playing will really improve!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Calum Steel 🇺🇸 Tunes: Vancouver Police Pipe Band Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Calum. Great job! Your execution is generally quite good. Make sure to keep your doublings nice and open, focusing on clear and crisp gracenotes within the doubling. Grips are coming out nicely! You seem to be struggling with your pipes a bit. Some chokes and underblowing. This will improve as you develop more stamina. Nice tempo for your grade level. Great potential! Keep working!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Tunes: Prince Charles's Welcome to Lochaber Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Charles. Thanks for submitting your tune! I notice your bag positing is quite low. This is causing you to use your forearm to squeeze the bag and can interfere with your top hand movement. Try to get bag up under your arm more. Your execution needs a bit of work. Doublings lacking clarity. D throws and grips need more distinct low G sound at start of movement. Some crossing noises throughout. Good, controlled tempo, maybe slowing a little in 3rd part. Overall, some work on your technique would really improve your performance. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Dave Otto 🇨🇦 Tunes: Liberton Pipeband Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Dave. Thanks for submitting your tune! I would encourage you to go back to basics with your embellishment work. Most movements are sloppy and inconsistent. There are a lot of good exercises that can help you to clean up your technique. Slowing down your tempo will also help you to increase your consistency. Focus on clear and open technique. Keep your tempo at a speed that allows you to keep movements clean. Use a metronome to ensure that your tempo and phrasing remain accurate. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz 🇺🇸 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Imogen. Thanks for your submission! I’d encourage you to focus on cleaning up some of your execution. Embellishment exercises would be a great place to start. Focus on clean and crisp doublings and grips. Much of your technique is crushed and/or inaccurate. I’d also suggest adjusting your top hand positioning. Try to avoid playing on the pads of your fingers as this makes it difficult to get good hole coverage. Finally, double check your music as you had several wrong notes. Some really good potential, but cleaning up your technique is super important at your stage of learning. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Julian Chua 🇸🇬 Tunes: Down on my Wings, Farewell to Oban Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Julian. Thanks for your submission. You’ll need to work on cleaning up your execution. Embellishments need more clarity and consistency. I’d suggest starting with some embellishment exercises. There are many good ones available in tutor books or online. Crossing noises would be the other thing to work on. A slower tempo would also help. Once you clean up your technique, you’ll be better able to properly express the tune. Keep working!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Kathleen Beveridge 🇺🇸 Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kathleen. Thanks for the submission! Your execution is quite good with nice crisp technique. D throws are not always clean. Make sure you get a good low G sound at the start of your throw movement. A few crossing noises throughout. Nice controlled tempo. Phrasing a bit pushed at times. Make sure to land start of phrases right on the beat. Using a metronome can help. Pipes a bit unsteady. You also had some chokes. You might want to make sure pipes are air tight and reeds are set up properly. Overall, nice job!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Lucas Ang 🇸🇬 Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Lucas. Thanks for submitting your 2/4 march! You have good snap to your fingering, but your execution is very tight and inconsistent. I’d suggest opening up your movements until your consistency improves. Good tempo, but rushing some phrases. Careful not to overcut the short notes. Also; try to clean up the crossing noises. Overall, a more relaxed approach to your execution will really help your performance. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Lynn Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Highland Division at Wadi Apart Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Lynn. Thanks for your submission! You really need to focus on cleaning up your execution. Embellishment exercises would be a good place to start. There are many of these available in tutor books or online. Check with your instructor. You seem to be having problems covering all the holes on your chanter. Have an instructor check your finger positioning. It’s difficult to see from the video exactly what’s going on, but it’s clear that some holes are not completely being covered. Once you develop a bit more accuracy and consistency with your technique, you’ll be able focus on expression and phrasing. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Tunes: Corrriechoillie's 43rd Welcome to the Northern Meeting and High Road to Gairloch Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Robert. Thanks for submitting your 2/4 march! Your execution is very inconsistent. At times, movements are clean and crisp, but often they are sloppy and lacking clarity. A slightly slower tempo might help you to develop a bit more consistency. Timing is erratic. Use a metronome to make sure you’re beginning and ending phrases accurately. Again, a slower tempo would help with this. Overall, more consistent embellishments will allow you to address the phrasing and timing issues better. I would start there. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Trent Bradford 🇺🇸 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr-Ewing Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Trent. Overall, your execution is quite good. At times, your doublings are a bit too crushed. Some D throws lacking a distinct low G sound at start of movement. Good tempo, but your timing is very erratic. You’re skipping over some pickup notes and jumping to phrases early which is interfering with your phrasing. Try practicing with a metronome to fix this. Start with a slower tempo and include the subdivided beats. This will allow you to make sure your starting and ending phrases accurately. Good luck!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Rab’s Wedding Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Sean! Thank you for playing in this event! Pipes - great, chanter tending sharp (I can tell you're underblowing slightly to flatten the chanter off just that little bit). Drones are great! Technique - I noticed some G gracenote exchanging going on, so I'd recommend double-checking the music for places where you're playing a G gracenote rather than E or D. There were a very few spots where the odd crossing noise would pop up, namely C to E and B to F. Be careful of these, and this tune has a lot of those opportunities in it. Musically, I really enjoyed this performance. The pick up notes into part 1 were a little bit square for my taste, but otherwise this is very similar to how I would play this tune. You've achieved a lot of life and lift without sounding too rushy or pushy. That's a tough thing to do in 6/8s sometimes. You also showed a lot of composure in "finishing the part" before moving on to the repeats, which is an added bonus. Excellent performance here, and you should be very proud of it. Thanks for the great tune!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: A Hundred Pipers Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Kane! Thank you participating in this event! Pt 1 - Not all of your G gracenotes were perfectly anchored to the downbeats, taorluaths not always precise (inconsistent) Pt 2 - Watch for rushing on scale passages and tachums Pipes - Drones were pretty good although not 100% in tune with themselves. All told, however, they were pretty well set to your chanter. Chanter was really well tuned, although the F was a little bit sharp for my taste Your technique throughout the tune was quite good, and you should be proud of that. Some time making sure your G gracenotes are really locked into the beat with pay off hugely (doublings as an example and extension of that). The only other technique thing I could pick at is your grips - they're a little bit soft. You might work on getting a tiny bit more low G in them, and be careful of any potential Low A crossing noises sneaking in at the end of the grips. Musically, this was a very very solid performance. You have a good grasp on the idiom and the tempo, and the few places you deviated from that are outlined above (scale passages includes bits like bar 2 and 3 of part 2). Some of the taorluath issues can also have a tendency to tempt you into rushing, so working on those will help also the musical side of things. Very strong performance here, Kane. Well done!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: 100 Pipers Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Brian! Thank you for participating in this competition! Pipes were pretty good, especially the drones. One of the tenors wasn't quite 100%, but very close Pt 1 - Taorluaths not always convincing, some of them were a bit light and imprecise. Very slight Pt 2 - Taorluath on B was similar to the part 1 taorluaths I mentioned Musically, this is a really good performance. You've got great control over tempo and the idiom. There were a few spots where I felt some pull (generally focused around the taorluath passages), but you adjusted and corrected very naturally and subtly. This was a very close field, but your musical delivery and technical profieciency helped you stand out. Once you get your taorluaths up to the same strength as much of your other technique, you'll be in very good shape. Well done!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lucas Ang 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: John D. Burgess Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Lucas! Thank you for competing! Pipes are pretty good, but the drones aren't quite in tune. It sounds to my ear to be mostly the tenors not being in-tune with each other. The F is a little bit sharp, but otherwise the chanter is quite good. Pt 1 - very good, some underblown High Gs (you might check your instrument for ease and airtightness) Pt 2 - there was a slight choke going into the repeat of the part in the 2nd line Pt 3 - A few D to E crossing noises came up here Pt 4 - In line 2 measure 2, the second beat should be a throw on D to a D 1/4 note (you're playing a doubling on C to a C 1/4 note) Musically, this was a very good performance. You started out at a very musicaly tempo for this tune and sustained it throughout. There were a few mistakes, detailed above, and those are the best places to focus right now. Once those are ironed out, you'll have a very good tune on your hands that will lead you into more success!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Place: 5 Tunes: Atholl Highlanders Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Robert! Thank you for playing in this contest! Pt 1 - Slow tempo, but very steady and controlled (slower tempi can ironically be tougher to control). Slip going ending phrase 1st time through. Better on repeat Pt 2 - Arpeggio shapes a little labored (ACE, BDF), scale passages rushed (BCD, CB LA). One after the other creates a false impression of rushing and dragging Drones- Booming! Although, not 100% locked in with one another. Chanter - A little suspect. Not out of tune, necessarily, but the high A is a thin. The bottom hand is a little flat relative to the rest of chanter In an overall technique sense, you had some C to E crossing noises (this 2nd part is tough for those), so be careful with your note transitions from C to the top hand. Otherwise, your technique is very solid. If I had to be picky, scales are easy, so you have to be very mindful that you don't rush them. A strong, melodic presentation of a classic tune. This is a performance to be proud of, Robert, and I'm sure it will only get better with the last few touches of polish and refinement!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: COREY TUCKER 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Bonnie Dundee Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Corey! Thank you for participating in this event! Pt 1 - Cut Cs up to E a bit clliped for me, otherwise the part was pretty good. There were a few E to D corssing noises that came up Pt 2 - Some C to E crossing noises, and a squeal in this part. Also, in the 2nd time through the part, you played a B at the end of the first line instead of a Low A Pipes were solid, and improved over time. The chanter was pretty well-tuned, but drone tuning wasn't quite stable. It seemed to my ear to be largely the two tenors not in--tune with one another. Musically, this is a strong presentation of this tune. Well done! You've got a good 6/8 feel, and your technique is largely aiding that. You started the tune a lively, but controlled tempo, and it stayed very consistent throughout. Some really good thigns coming through in this performance, and they helped you stand out in a close field. Congrats!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Blake Ketchum 🇺🇸 Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Blake! Well done on playing in this contest, and well done as well for taking on such a tough tune! Pipes are solid, though the top hand is tending a little sharp (which is giving the impression of thinness on High A) Technically, you've got strong performance here, one to be proud of. This tune isn't easy by any stretch, and you handled much of it well and without getting bogged down. Here are a few things I would mention to work as you keep moving forward with this tune: -You had some crossing noises come into play, mostly from E to high A in the 4th part. Be careful with these, because the crossing noise that comes out is a big strong Low A -I would recommend aiming for a stronger G gracenote in your doublings, and that will help highlight a lot of the great work you're doing with your steady tempo and musicality -Be careful that D gracenotes on C or Low A don't turn into fully-fledged Ds. Looking at bar 3 in part 1 as an example, the D gracenote on C is sometimes coming across as a full instead of what's written. Musically, there was very little to criticize here. You maintained a lovely tempo for this tune and grade level, and you played a steady and musical 6/8 march in the process. I also want to commend your focus, especially while your puppy was moving to a different. spot. In terms of bagpipe setup, I would also advise you to work on air strength and blowing to avoid chokes. You had a few come in, so that's something to think about when selecting reeds. As you play more and more, and are more conscious of it, your strength will build. But, chokes detract from the smooth flow of otherwise great tunes. Well played, and keep it up!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Caleb Pang 🇸🇬 Tunes: Hot Punch Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hello Caleb! Thank you playing! Pipes pretty good - drones very good too. Chanter not quite blending with the drones, however. I think the drones are tuned to a different pitch than the low A Technique: -Your G gracenotes are very good, but they are also very tight. Try to open them up a shade to achieve a more rhythmical effect -After grips, be careful that a short Low A crossing noise doesn't pop up at the end of the movement. This softens the grip and detracts from its power -There were a few C to E crossing noises, so that's something to try to work on through excercises and careful practice Musically, this tune was very entertaining. You had a really nice tempo for this tune, and it's always nice to hear this tune (it's not played very often unfortunately). You've got great hands, nice and quick, so the key will be to make sure you're controlling them. Well played, and I look forward to hearing you in the future!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Tunes: Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Charles! Thank you for entering into this competition! E and F a little sharp to the drones, but very close. Tenors not quite in-tune with one another. Pt 1 - C to F crossing noise came through a few times Pt 2 - Be careful of the note groupings that are C B strike to Low A. A few of them were a little fuzzy. Pt 3 - You had a choke in this part at the end of line 1 first time through. Be careful not to let the long notes stretch on too long to where they impact the tempo Pt 4 - Some of the graps weren't as solid as the others, so I would work on grips and focus on making sure the Low Gs that carry through the movement are strong and precise. A common tendency is to let a short Low A crossing noise come up at the of grip, so be careful of that too. Pt 5 - Finishing the tune strong; well done! A strong musical performance, and one with only a short list of technical bits and bobs. Pipes were clear and well-voiced, just not quite settled and tuned 100%. There are a few things to work on, and those are above, but be careful to preserve and protect your melodic approach to this tune. This tune, like many others, has a tendency to feel draggy, so being careful to play longer notes for their full duration but no more is key. Well played, Charles. I enjoyed it!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dave Otto 🇨🇦 Tunes: Steam Boat Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Dave! Thank you for participating in this event! Pt 1 - Some doublings not coming across precisely, and some gracenote exchanging going on. Musically solid otherwise Pt 2 - Better playing here, but a choke in the first time. Slip on repeat Pipes - Pipes were overall in decent tune with itself, though the drones weren't set to ech other 100%. Chanter was really pretty good, though at times the high A was overblown a bit. Be careful to keep your bag arm constantly engaged with the instrument. Technically, the main issues are precision and clarity for the starts of the technique work. Your G gracenotes are pretty good, but you'll want to be a clearer with your doubling work. Similarly, be careful not to give in to the temptation of exchanging the gracenotes that are written in the music for others that might be easier to play. There were a few spots where I noticed you switching in E gracenotes for G gracenotes. These are all fixable issues, and once you get them locked in your musical strengths will shine. Musically, this was a good performance. The tempo may have been a bit brisk, but you handled it well and maintained it throughout. You did have a slip in the 2nd part, but you recovered well with little detriment to the melodic flow. I might suggest slowing down just 1-4 bpm, just enough to feel it, and that will also give your hands just that little bit of extra time to get the technique in cleanly. I'm glad we got your video figured out, and I enjoyed your performance. Be sure to work through your exercises and keep up the good work. You're very musical, and this tune was nice to listen to!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz 🇺🇸 Tunes: Crossing the Oder Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Imogen! Thank you for playing for this event! This is a tune I'm not familiar with, but you inspired me to check it out! Pipes - Bass looks it's tuning very high on the pin, but the drones sound pretty in-tune and stable. It may be time a new chanter reed, since this one is showing a lot of signs of being too easy (squeals and squeaks). Musically, you've got a lot of really good stuff going on here. I can tell by the way you're moving through the tune that you have a really solid vision of the melody and expression of the tune. That's where the perfermance shone most. I would suggest next time getting your pipes up and playing, and waiting a second to settle yourself before starting the tune. Minor thing, but I find it helps me steady my nerves and gear up to play. Technically - Again, a great foundation. There were some points where your G gracenotes were bordering on too open, and other where the gracenote didn't quite make it out of the chanter. Other than that, and without seeing the setting you're working with I can't be certain, I felt that you might be switching out some of the technical movements for G gracenotes. Something to watch out for. The other technical thing I would point out is you had some false fingering of High A in the 4th part, and some crossing noises crept in as you went further into the tune. Often that's a stamina or focus thing, but I also know from personal experience that can be an issue of starting the tune before you're mentally locked in. Either way, that's something I would suggest working on to take your performance to the next level. A great musical show here, and plenty of great things to build on!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jamie Barr 🏴 Tunes: Diu Regnare Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Jamie! Well done for competing in this event! Pipes could be better set, primarily the tuning of the drones. Tenor drones are the main cuprit here, though the bass is a little flat as well. The chanter is lovely, I must say. Technique is very nice throughout the tune, especially in part 1. Nice open and precise gracenotes are helping the melody really take on its full potential. There were some spots of hand to hand transitions where crossing noises crept in, so becareful of those spots (bar 2 of part 2 as an example) In part 2, bars 3 and 4, you rushed the downbeat notes just a tad, but you otherwise maintained a nice and controlled tempo through your performance. Musically, this is very good as well. You have a good ear for the fine touches of phrasing, and that's comnig through very clearly. The playing is very mature and settled. Well played, and thank you for an enjoyable performance!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Julian Chua 🇸🇬 Tunes: The Iona Boat Song Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Julian! Thank you for playing in this contest! Pipes are sounding good, drones especially. High A is little too flat for my taste, so that's something I would experiement with. I also get the sense the reed might be just a little too hard right now, which can contribute to a flat High A There were a few spots with E to High A crossing noises, so be mindful of that. There was a slip going into the 2nd part, and in the repeat it was better. Although, be careful not to overextend the B 1/8th note that leads you into the 2nd part. Landing on the downbeat with the C doubling is key to playing the part confidently. Finally, be sure to clearly voice your G gracenotes and anchor them on the beat. That will help guide you- G gracenotes a little bit like a built-in metronome. Well done!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Cadell Merritt 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Atholl Highlanders Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Cadell. This was a very good G5 performance! Excellent bagpipe! Well tuned and steady from start to finish. Very good tempo control. Rounded phrasing was consistent throughout. Some minor execution issues need cleaning up. Watch the placement of G gracenotes. At times you’re slightly late (E’s in first part). Several missed E taps in 3rd part. Some sloppiness in first 2 bars of 4th part. Overall, a very strong performance. Well done!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: Scarce o Tatties Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Sean. Nicely played tune! Your technique is quite clean and crisp. Your phrasing is a bit too pointed. 6/8 jigs can certainly be played with a dot/cut feel, but if it’s too extreme, it comes out sounding like a march. Try rounding out the dot/cut notes just a little for a more fluid feel. Good tempo for this grade level. Steady from start to finish. Very nice pipes. Drones well tuned. Chanter bright and balanced, except for a slightly sharp high G. Thanks for the tune!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Corkhill Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Charles. Nice performance! Good bagpipe sound. Drones well tuned and chanter well balanced and bright. Careful not to overblow, especially on the top hand notes. You might try pushing the bag up and further under your arm. It appears to be a bit low, almost on your hip. This can cause you to have to squeeze the bag with your forearm rather than your elbow which can interfere with your top hand technique. Some execution needs work. D throws are not always clean and you have crossing noises throughout the tune. Your tempo was appropriate for this grade level and you kept it steady throughout. You’re holding the ¼ notes at the end of phrases too long. This is throwing off your timing. Try playing with a metronome and I’m sure you’ll feel where you’re pausing causing you to be late to the next beat. Overall, nicely done!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lucas Ang 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: The Bride's Jig Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Lucas. Thanks for your submission. My biggest suggestion would be to slow down! While you have some nice snap to your fingering, your technique is too tight and a bit sloppy. A slightly slower tempo would allow you to focus on playing your movements more cleanly and openly. Playing with a metronome can help you keep a more controlled tempo while also improving your timing. Overall, just a more controlled approach to your tune would really improve your performance.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Caleb Pang 🇸🇬 Place: 5 Tunes: The Bride's Jig Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Caleb. A very lively jig, but a bit too fast! I think a slower tempo would really help in that it would allow you to clean up some of the missed execution. Most movements are too tight, causing you to miss many gracenotes and doublings. Try to open things up so that each gracenote can be heard clearly. Also, take your time at the start of the tune. Typically, for solo piping competitions, it is acceptable (and recommended) that you don’t launch straight into the tune after starting your pipes. After striking in the drones, you can play a single, extended note (E or low A) for a few seconds, and then begin your tune. This allows you time to settle your instrument and your mind before beginning the tune. Best of luck with your future piping!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dave Otto 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Dave. Thanks for the tunes! Some execution work is needed; primarily crossing noises. I think a slower tempo would be helpful and allow you to focus on cleaning things up. Timing is also a bit erratic. This is being caused by rushed triplets. Most jigs (including this one) are made up of a series of triplets (three 1/8th notes) tied together. If you play these too quickly, the phrasing sounds rushed. Try to evenly space these 1/8th notes and this will smooth out your phrasing and timing. Although not a priority in grade 5, drone tuning is something achievable for all grade levels, especially with the assistance of tuners. I’d encourage you to spend some time working on drone tuning as it can really distract from a performance. Good luck!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Tunes: Cork Hill Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Robert. Thanks for submitting your tune! Your tempo was appropriate for grade 5 level. Keep working on cleaning up your doublings. At grade 5 level, all movements (gracenotes, doublings, etc.) should be open and distinct. Your biggest execution challenge will be to eliminate the crossing noises when transitioning between top and bottom hand notes. Also pay attention to your finger placement on the holes. If you’re not covering holes completely, this can contribute to chokes and missed execution. This can be even more challenging when transitioning from practice chanter to bagpipes. Eventually, it gets easier! Best of luck with your future piping!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Black Donald's March Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe (F slightly sharp) well set and blown. Good pace, and strong technique. To get picky, I think you could define your 2 bar phrases a little better when you get two bars in a row ending in low A (first phrase line one, second phrase line two) - don't overhold the low A at the end of the first bar, but let the one at the end of the second bar of the phrase breathe a little. If you move through the phrases, you'll keep the momentum going. Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Cabar Feidh Gu Brath Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start (F flat). Fairly steady bag pressure with minor disruptions. A very cautious tempo. Keep the melody flowing forward through phrases so when you do come to a phrase ending you can pause without a full stop. Tachnically strong. I liked the pace of line three the best - well done here. Main thing is not to let the tune drag along - keep the flow moving forward, then pull back to define your phrases. Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Place: 3 Tunes: Company's Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones set well together. Chanter balance isn't quite there with the top hand fairly sharp compared to the bottom. Maybe raise the reed a bit in the reed seat to bring down the top hand. Good pace, and good phrasing, and you handled the technique quite well. Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Joel Dorning 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Glen Is Mine Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start and well blown (watch for a dip in pressure though at the end of the first line). A very cautious tempo all through. Let the melody come out by flowing through bars and pulling back at the end of two bar phrases. One funny grip but technically strong. Just let it go a bit for pacing the ground.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Jonathan Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Munroes' Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe not quite set - drones not quite together, and flat to chanter. Good pace to this salute, and well established two bar phrasing. Take care on the final two bars. You're handling this quite well, so the next steps will be in the subtleties of the shorter notes to smooth it out a little bit - have fun with it!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Lucas Bannan 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Glengarry's Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start, just watch for some surges in pressure. Extra G gracenote on the first cadence. Good pace. I'd like a little more definition to the ends of your two bar phrases - just pause a wee bit longer. Good technique, well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Blake Ketchum 🇺🇸 Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. A few changes in bag pressure. Very slow pace... Move through the 2 bar phrases so you can then hold back a bit at the end of each phrase. If you overextend in midphrase, it makes phrase definition very hard to do. Let it go a bit! Most technique pretty solid. Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe set well, just watch out for some surges or dips in pressure. Good pace, moving along well. Could let some of the phrase endings breathe a little more perhaps, so it doesn't end up sounding hurried. At the very end of the ground it seemed quite pushed. Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Calum Steel 🇺🇸 Tunes: MacLeod of Raasay's Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: You have a nice touch for piobaireachd. Good pace, good phrasing, and good differentiation of the shorter connecting notes. Musically this was very strong. Your technique is also coming through very well. The main issue is management of the big instrument, and the nice thing is that as you grow, it gets way easier. The work you're putting into keeping it going now will serve you well.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Desperate Battle Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close - drones fairly flat to chanter. A bit slow in tempo - move through the bars to pause at the end of the phrases. You're playing a G gracenote instead of a D in your cadences. Most grips coming out well. Take care not to increase pressure on high As. Overall fairly good, but maybe increase the pace a bit.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Ian Lothian 🇳🇿 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, but take care not to have surges in bag pressure. It is making your bass not hold its pitch. Handling the technique quite well. A few small crossing noises here and there. Good pace, and good phrasing. Main issue is to keep even pressure and eliminae the ups and downs. I wonder if your bass is too open? Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Trent Bradford 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lament for Duncan MacRae of Kintail Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close to start - top hand a bit on the sharp side. Maybe the reed needs to be raised a bit in the reed seat. Good pace and phrasing. Quite hurried starting line three. Keep working on those dares, and make sure they start with F. I really enjoyed the flow of the first two lines, but the third didn't quite have the same composure. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Allan Dodd's Farewell to Scotland Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Some slowing in the ending phrase (mostly happening on pick up notes into downbeats) Pt 2 – Slowing down more substantially in the 2nd part, better on repeat Pt 3 – Some of the short notes in phrase 1 (bars 1 & 2, 5 & 6) a little too clipped for the tempo, slight crossing noise from Low A at times Pt 4 – Could use a stronger G gracenote, better on repeat Thank for that performance, Zyggy! This tune found its groove well in the 3rd part, so be careful to commit to a tempo from the beginning. A lot of the dragging was coming through on the pick up notes between measures and phrases. Technically, I would encourage you to open up G gracenotes slightly (which will also pull you toward more steady tempo) because, like many tunes, this tune has almost a built-in metronome with the gracenotes and embellishments. Many of them rely on G gracenotes. Pipes were very good, chanter maybe a tad bit sharp (forcing you to underblow very slightly). Good tune here, Zyggy. The rhythmical things would just be the icing on an already-good cake!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Kantara to Al Arish Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Some tachums not quite precise on the lower note Pt 2 – Great patience on the big long High A at the start of the part! Be careful not to start measure 2/6 too early Pt 3 – D to F crossing noises in spots, but very strong playing in this part Pt 4 – Tachum on beat 2 of measures 1 and 5 just a hair on the front edge of the beat Well played march, Sam! Pipes were very good, and they highlighted some very solid and precise playing throughout. I would encourage you to work on your tachums some, because they seemed to be the main technical issue to come up in this performance. You’ve got a very good sense of rhythm and pulse, and that came through in the more expressive parts of the 2nd and 4th parts. Good work!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Heather Davis 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Try to bounce off the short low As a little more (some seemed a tad sticky), better on the repeat Pt 2 – Great throws! Your gracenoted strike could be a tiny bit snappier (the strike portion of it) Pt 3 – Good pace through the heavier embellishments in this part. Small choke in repeat Pt 4 – Small crossing noise from High A/F to D at times Good tune, Heather! You’ve obviously got a great technical and musical grounding here, and you should be proud of that. There are a few spots rhythmically you’ll want to polish up (bouncing off the short low As in pt 1 for example). I would also encourage you to stretch the downbeat long notes just a little bit more (like in the 3rd part), but be cautious not to be late to the following beat. Very steady tempo and pipes good (bass might not be 100%, but probably somewhere around 95%). Great music here!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Gregg 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: John mcColls march to kilbowie cottage Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Blowing not quite steady, but mostly there. Better once you got into the tune. Both times through the part very clear and musical. Being very picky- F doublings missing a tiny bit of initial definition Pt 2 – Good patience on the long High As! 2nd ending very strong and fluent Pt 3 – some clipped short notes in beat 2 of bars 1, 3, 5; better on the repeat Pt 4 – Good job keeping the phrasing going in the denser portions of this part. 2nd ending, the C doubling on beat 2 snuck out ahead of the beat, otherwise strong Well played, Charlie! Pipes were pretty good, well-tuned and sustained. There was a little bit of soft blowing at times, but only detectable on the longer Low As (partially as a result of being so in-tune). Your technique, especially in the 1st part, was very clean and precise. Your F doublings might benefit from a slightly stronger first G gracenote, but only very slightly. Apart from the odd clipped short notes, this was a very mature musical presentation. Well done!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 5 Tunes: John McColl’s March to Kilbowie Cottage Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Good, but at times I felt you being tempted to jump off of the ¼ note C in bars 1 and 5 Pt 2 – Great phrasing and melodic playing in here! Pt 3 – Low A to F transition not always precise (beat 2 of bars 1, 3, 5). Otherwise, good patient playing Pt 4 – The Low A (beat 2 of bars 1 and 5) could maybe be stretched a bit more for me, but still maintaining a strong tune Great tune, Anthony! Pipes were good (chanter was very good), and you’re managing the instrument well throughout. Be careful not to let the denser sections pull you forward on the beat, which I felt happened a few times in relation to tachums and sections without big, long anchor notes. Those are more specifically outlined above, but they stuck out a bit from the rest of your otherwise very controlled and patient playing. Polish up these last few fine details and keep up the good work!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Greg Pampling 🇦🇺 Place: 6 Tunes: The Clan McColl Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – good tempo at start, some doublings on tight side (mainly E), be careful that cut notes aren’t so cut that they don’t sound Pt 2 – Some incorrect notes, Bar 1 and 5 should be High Gs not Fs, be careful to wait for the upbeat and not rush into it Pt 3 – Cs cut to high A a little abrupt Pt 4 – Tachums a little too abrupt, but technically correct and very consistent Good tune, Greg! You started at a very good tempo with good sounding pipes and maintained that throughout. Some of your cut notes, tachums as an example, are a little too cut for my taste. The short notes being so short can give the impression of untidiness. Your E doublings were also a little too tight, but otherwise you’ve got really good technique (very clean and precise). Well played!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexander Gluchowski 🇺🇸 Tunes: King George the V's Army Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Some crossing noises from C/D to E, precise technique otherwise, slight slip in repeat (2nd line) Pt 2 – More melodic playing in the 2nd part, good job! Pt 3 – Small crossing noises from F to D coming through, musically very strong and engaging Pt 4 – Slip bar 2, fixed on repeat. Some chokes coming through toward end Nice job, Alexander! Pipes were okay: your drones weren’t 100% but the main thing here was your chanter pitch is pretty flat in comparison to the drone pitch. I also wonder if your chanter reed might be on the stiffer side, so maybe consider using a dental elastic band to help ease things slightly and sharpen as well. Musically, the tune came alive in the 2nd part and stayed for the remainder. The first part felt a bit stiff and square in comparison (slight but noticeable). Work on your crossing noises, and this tune is great for that. Lots of hand to hand transitions. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Allan Kerr 🇨🇦 Tunes: Edinburgh City Policy Pipe Band Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Taorluaths a little unclear (make sure the D gracenote is evenly splitting the Low G tone) Pt 2 – Much stronger playing in this part. You settled into the groove nicely. Pt 3 – Low G doublings in bar 3 not quite precise on the downbeat. Gracenoted birls similarly unanchored at times Pt 4 – slight slip bar 5 first time through, nice recovery. 2nd time through part very strong I enjoyed this tune, Allan! Musically you’re very strong in this tune. The first part was a little unsettled, but once you hit the 2nd part the groove was steady and appealing. Try to work on improving the clarity of your heavier embellishments, like birls and taorluaths. Your gracenotes are predominantly solid, though a stronger G gracenote would help anchor everything even more. Otherwise, your strong sense of melodic line was the highlight in this performance. Well played!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Reynolds 🇺🇸 Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Missed the odd E doubling, mostly just a gracenote-too-tight issue Pt 2 – Make sure to hold the long high A in the middle of the line as long as possible to ensure landing on the next downbeat accurately Pt 3 – Doublings tight first time through, better on the repeat. Pt 4 – G gracenotes are a little light at times. 2nd ending strong Good music here, Andrew! Musically and rhythmically this was a very strong performance. The only rhythmical note I would give is that high A in the 2nd part (outlined above). Technique-wise, some stronger and clearer doublings and G gracenotes would enhance the strong musical package further. This was a strong performance, and I enjoyed listening to it. Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brian Bowman 🇺🇸 Tunes: Pipe Major Willie Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Watch for clean note transitions from E to High A (not a crossing noise, per se, but some transition notes coming through at times) Pt 2 – Excellent patience for the upbeats in this part. C doubling in final measure not always precise Pt 3 – Be mindful not cut the short C to long E in beat 1 of bars 1 and 5 too much. The tachum is really nice, but the abrupt short note following it distracts Pt 4 – Good part of music here, and good strong 2nd ending Well played, Brian! You have a great sense of rhythmical control, and this tune highlights that. There were a few doublings that snuck ahead of the beat, so that’s something to be mindful of. Tempo was strong and steady throughout, as were the pipes. Some technical things popped up, mostly in the third part. Watch for those, and I look forward to hearing more from you in the future. Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Declan Ng 🇸🇬 Tunes: Donald McLean Farewell to Oban Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Good tempo for this tune, grip a little fuzzy (needs clearer Low Gs). Some crossing noises evident (Low A to C, C to E) Pt 2 – Good, missed G gracenote on E in ending phrase on repeat Pt 3 – good, and maintain the tempo well. Tachums a little unclear at times Pt 4 – C doublings a little light (G gracenote could be stronger), watch G gracenote timing in the 2nd ending Enjoyed this tune, Declan! Pipes weren’t quite set in tune, but the chanter was very clear and crisp (mostly just the drones not in tune from start). Pipes held well, and you maintained the music throughout. Some technical things to consider- open up your G gracenotes overall, and soften the tachums slightly. This tune has a ton of tachums, so softening them up with smooth out the entire melody nicely. Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Frances McChesney 🇺🇸 Tunes: Duncan McInnes Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Some D throws missing a clear Low G and some doublings missing a clear G gracenote Pt 2 – Better here, similar issues coming up however Pt 3 – Music flowing well Pt 4 – Some rushing at ends of phrases Thank you for competing, Frances! This is a musically solid package. Pipes were pretty good, though the drones weren’t quite bang on with each other. Overall bagpipe, however, was very steady and stable. Musically and rhythmically very strong- there were a few small instances of rushing in the earlier parts. In part 4, especially, I noticed some rushing on spots like the C doubling to Low A and B doubling to Low G. Be sure to articulate strongly the G gracenote in all of your doublings, and be careful to get a healthy, well-fed low G in D throws. Otherwise, very well done!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada 🇨🇭 Tunes: Siege of Delhi Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Bold tempo, handled well. Some doublings not quite articulated clearly. Pt 2 – Very musical and patient treatment of this part. Pt 3 – Some crossing noises evident from C to E Pt 4 – Similar to the 2nd part, very musical. Some G gracenotes losing clarity. A few crossing noises here, too, mainly D to F and D to High A Very enjoyable, Gonzalo! Pipes were very good, and you are playing this march at a strong tempo with an equally-strong sense of melody and musicality. The main things to work on here are technical. Make sure to articulate your G gracenotes clearly, especially in doublings. Also, work on your hand to hand transitions, as this is where crossing noises are popping up at times. Great work here, and very musical playing!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇨🇾 Tunes: John MacDonald's Welcome To South Uist Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – first measure fast, settled in to a steady tempo very quickly after that. Some doublings not quite precise Pt 2 – Some slight slowing down in the ending phrase first time through this part, better in the repeat Pt 3 – Some of the short notes that cut up to higher note a little abrupt and harsh for me. It can give the impression of rushing, so I would soften those a little Pt 4 – C to E crossing noises evident. Some doublings ahead of the beat Overall, Ivan, you should be proud of this performance! The pipes were good (not 100% together, but full and resonant). The musical impact of the performance was strong, though some of the rushed and clipped notes detracted slightly. I would encourage you to work on making your G gracenote a little bit stronger, as that will help your doublings and your short notes be more precise and clean. All in all, this is a great foundation and an enjoyable tune!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lam Yau Chuen 🇭🇰 Tunes: 2/4 March: Donald Maclean’s Farewell to Oban Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Reed might be just barely stiff, because some of the G gracenotes are coming through as chokes. Musically, strong part Pt 2 – G gracenotes and doublings not quite precise, and at times happening ahead of the beat Pt 3 – Tachums (like in bar 4) not clear Pt 4 – Better playing here, cleanest and strongest. Choke in the 2nd ending. Enjoyable performance of one of my favorite marches! Your pipes are bold and resonant, but the chanter sound leads me to think that your reed isn’t at an appropriate strength for you. It sounds and is behaving like it’s too stiff. That said, I would also encourage you to strengthen your G gracenotes throughout the tune. Many of them were very light, which can lead to issues of playing things too early or fuzzy. Do your best to clean them up and make them more precise, but be careful not to make it feel forced or tense. This is a good start on a tune that will be with you forever!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lisa Martin 🇳🇿 Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Great handling of the longer notes in this part- aiding a really defined sense of the phrases! Pt 2 – At times, some of the High As are bordering on too long, leading to a sense of dragging. I would say right now it falls more under “back of the beat,” but something to play with a bit Pt 3 – D gracenotes and tachums not precise in some spots. Nice job with the taorluaths from C to B! Pt 4 – Slip 1st time through bar 4, better in repeat. 2nd ending strong Very enjoyable performance of a tough tune, Lisa! At times, I felt that you were bordering on playing too much on the back end of the beat, looking at the High As in the 2nd part as an example. Otherwise, musically you’ve got a strong grasp of the tune and the melody therein. The first two parts were very strong technically, but the D gracenotes and tachums in the 3rd part aren’t yet quite as strong. The 4th part was largely a return to that strength, so polish up the technique in part 3 and you’ll be in great shape!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Ross 🇺🇸 Tunes: Prince Charles’s Welcome To Lochaber Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Controlled and steady tempo. Good, clean D throws. A few crossing notes from D to F (very minor) Pt 2 – just before the 2nd ending, I think you switched out a G gracenote for what would usually be written an E gracenote (end of the line on B) Pt 3 – Low A flat, playing is good otherwise Pt 4 – Good musical treatment of this part. Grips a little light at times. Small choke just before 2nd ending, good recovery Good job with this tune, Matthew! You maintained a steady musical package from start to finish. There were some crossing noise issues with D to F at times, and the grips in the last part weren’t always consistent. Otherwise, technically this was a strong performance. Pipes were solid, although the drones weren’t 100% in tune. The Low A of the chanter is flat to the rest of the scale, but otherwise the chanter was good. This was a good show, thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mike Taylor 🇦🇺 Tunes: Siege of Delhi Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – C doublings at times were starting just barely ahead of the beat, and a few sticky low As impacted your E doublings Pt 2 – A lot of really great phrasing and musical expression going on in this part. Tremendous patience on the high A toward the end of line Pt 3 – Some untidiness after the taorluath, but good otherwise Pt 4 – Some F to D and High A to D crossing noises evident. Much better on the repeat Thank you for an enjoyable tune here, Mike! Pipes were pretty good, although the chanter seems a little flat in pitch compared to the drones. Musically, there’s not much different I would do with this tune. You’re doing a great job of stretching and pulling while keeping the beat steady, and I enjoyed this a lot. There are some technical things to work on, including doubling precision and some crossing noises, but as a musical package this is very good. Keep at the technical stuff, do your exercises (and use a metronome!), and I look forward to hearing more in the future!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mike Yearsley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Dundee Military Tattoo Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Nice controlled taorluaths, tachum a little abrupt (could be very slightly softer), similar on repeat Pt 2 – Nice control and patience on the long High As Pt 3 – pickup notes a little early into, be careful to anchor them exactly on the upbeat. Same in the repeat (you’re finishing the C doubling on the upbeat rather than starting it on the upbeat). It’s fine in the middle of the part, so it’s a consistency issue Pt 4 – same as part 4 in regards to pickup notes Thank you, Mike! I like this tune, and it’s good to hear it played so well. Your technique is very good (clear, clean, and precise). There were a few spots where I felt you could focus on the quality of things now that you have a lot of the mechanical stuff under your belt (softening tachums slightly as an example). In parts 3 and 4, the introductory pick up notes aren’t quite anchored on the upbeat, so take note from the way you’re playing them in the middle of the parts. Otherwise, pipes held well (drones not perfectly tuned, but very steady), and you played well. Good job!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Pang Ka Wai 🇭🇰 Tunes: 2/4 March: Donald Maclean’s Farewell to Oban Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Started a little fast, settled into a nicer tempo. Rushing the tachum in bar 1 and 5 Pt 2 – Be careful with the tachum in bar 4- some of the G gracenotes weren’t clearly voiced Pt 3 – Tempo is lagging a little in the doubling-heavy phrases. Try to bounce off of the short Low As in between the doublings some more. Pt 4 – This was the strongest part of the tune. 2nd ending missing out on some G gracenote definition, but very marginally I enjoyed this tune, well done! Musically and technically, this tune just needs some final touches of polish to take it to the next level. Tachums and doublings were inconsistent, but a stronger G gracenote would help anchor these movements a bit better. The fourth part came alive, so try to approach the prior parts with the same musical bravery. At times, the first few parts felt squared off and safe. You’ve got great hands that are light and fast, so I know you’ll be able to smooth out these points easily. I look forward to seeing you play in the future, and I know it’ll be enjoyable for me!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Donald Macleans Farewell to Oban Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Beat twos with doublings late at times, a little better on the repeat Pt 2 – D to E crossing noises evident, slowing down on the repeat a little Pt 3 – strong and consistent tempo! Be careful not to exchange an E gracenote for the G gracenote on Low A in the pick-up notes between lines Pt 4 – Be careful not to rush the scale sections. 2nd ending strong, but the pick-up notes in most settings into the last line are Low A then B (you played a C) I enjoyed this, Scott! You maintained a steady tempo and have a strong grasp of the melodic line of the tune. There were some technical things I noticed, mainly some of the doublings seemed a little bit sticky and late (when it happened, it was usually beat 2), and that contributed to some dragging later in the 3rd part. In the 4th part, 2nd bar, you’ve got a scale up to High A, and that was a little rushed at times. But, that said, you have a really good 2/4 march feel. Thank you for competing!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Troy Aitken 🇨🇦 Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Rushing into the upbeats at times, usually bars 1 and 5 Pt 2 – Be careful not to let a small Low A escape at the end of grips, better in the repeat. Pt 3 – Some D throws lacking a little substance in the Low Gs Pt 4 – Pickup notes lacking some precision, and some of the upbeats were a little unanchored Well done for competing in this event, Troy! I think you could stand to lean into the downbeats a little more, and one thing that will help with that is working on getting stronger and more poppy gracenotes (especially high G). In tunes like this, the G gracenotes serve as a built-in metronome. Some of your technique was a little on the soft side, so try to make things more precise (be careful not tighten your hands up however). Enjoyed it!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vickie Gray 🇨🇦 Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Be careful with B doublings from Low G that you are changing notes with the G gracenote (not after), better on the repeat Pt 2 – Very clean playing here, well done! Watch that your ring finger doesn’t wander while playing birls, but otherwise a very good part Pt 3 – Good tachum (from D to Low G)! Slight slip on repeat, good recovery. Low G to B not always clean (usually is, but some coming through with small Low A crossing noise) Pt 4 – Some crossing noises coming in through the hand-to-hand note transitions. Much better on repeat. 2nd ending v. good! Well put together performance, Vickie! Your tempo was very steady and controlled, which is often ironically difficult on the slower end of the tempo spectrum. Your technique is right around 90% perfect, but there is the odd straggler coming through. Mainly look at the crossing noises between some of the more awkward note transitions. Musically, this is a very mature and melodic presentation. Very good work here!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: William Nicholls 🇳🇿 Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Good tempo for this tune, handled well. Steady tempo and musical treatment throughout. Near-miss on E toward end of part Pt 2 – Good part of music, strong 2nd ending Pt 3 – Be careful not to let the D throw disrupt the steady rhythmical flow of the tune, better on the repeat Pt 4 – Good, slight G gracenote unclarity on pick ups to repeat, 2nd ending strong Great job here, William! This tune can be tricky at times because the rhythms in it can come across as even and exercise-ish, but you navigated that really well. Musically and technically strong. At times, some of the denser embellishments seemed to make you want to drag the beat ever so slightly, so be watchful of that. The D throw in the third part is an example. The challenge with a sparse tune like this when you have a heavier embellishment is to make sure to play the embellishment clearly while making sure you are on-time for the next downbeat/phrase/etc. Pipes were very good, and the highlighted a very musical performance. Enjoyed it!
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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: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Maggie Cameron and The Brown Haired Maid Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Great tone overall! Very stable. Music: A few condensed triplets are overly crushed in the strathspey, such as HiG-F-E, and HiA-HiG-F. Technique: Strong C double tachums. Great C grip to E as well in part 4, first line. Played a D instead of a C in the same spot in the second part. Clear F strikes. F half doublings coming through nicely. Don’t normally high A doublings in part 5. Great birl in part 6 of the reel.
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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: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Susan MacLeod/John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Excellent drone and chanter tuning. Music:Good tempo for strath. Excellent break to the reel. A slight flub and some rushing. Strong overall. Technique: A couple C to E crossings and some tight technique in the strathspey. In the strathspey, make sure to articulate the G gracenote in the second beat of m. 7 throughout. Some rushing and untidy bits in a very difficult reel.
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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: Charlie Gregg 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Mac n Irish and the brown haired maid Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Drones perfectly tuned together, just not quite locked with Low A to start. Excellent chanter intonation. Music: Nice tempo for the Strathspey. Good break. Reel could probably come up in tempo. Stable musical control in the reel. Technique: Excellent birls in the 4th part of Mac an Irish. Nice clear C doublings in the reel with strikes projecting well.
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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: William Nicholls 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: Mac an Irish, Becky Ewan Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Drones spot on! Some pressure instability causing E to drop pretty flat. Music: Great tempo and control. In the strathspey, dot-cut-cut-dot rhythms sometimes are over quick and technique suffers. A slight rhythmic stutter in the reel, but again, strong control overall! Technique: Thumb gracenotes not coming through in part 2 of Mac an Irish. Strong birls at part endings. Clear D throw technique. Slight crossings in the last part of reel.
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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: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 5 Tunes: Maggie Cameron and The Brown Haired Maid Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Great bagpipe! High G is pressure sensitive, going sharp. Some F#’s double toning in the reel. Music: Good musical expression in the Strath. Solid break to reel. Technique: Crisp double tachum execution in Maggie Cameron. Birls are rather deliberate sounding and not totally clean. Missed F strike in the reel.
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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: Lisa Martin 🇳🇿 Place: 6 Tunes: Sandy MacPherson, John MacInnes Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Good drone tuning! Recording quality could capture the instrument better though. Music: Nice expression and tempo in the strathspey. Solid break and excellent poise in John MacInnes. Well done with the tricky final phrase of John MacInnes! Technique: Little crossings from C to F in the Strathspey. Clean, if deliberate, C grip to E. Excellent open C doublings in Sandy MacPherson. A handful of C to E crossings in the strathspey. Wee fumble in John MacInnes. Low A to C crossing.
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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: Alexander Gluchowski 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Campbelltown Kiltie Ball and The Piper of Drummond Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Wee chokes in the first go through the strathspey. Blowing the reed harder overall, rather than right at the choke point, will make it sound brighter and more full as well as eliminating chokes from slight pressure fluctuations. Music: Rhythmic stutter in part 2, 1st time through the strathspey. Lost rhythm right at the end of the strathspey. Nice tempo and control in the reel. Technique: C to E crossing in Campbeltown. A few crossing noises near the end of the reel. Strong technique overall!
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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: Caleb Pang 🇸🇬 Tunes: Molly Connell, Piper of Drummond Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Overdoing the pressure on High A, causing it to go sharp. Drones unstable. Music: Solid playing at brisk tempi! This contest required 4 parts of strathspey and 4 parts of reel, but you could repeat the tunes to get 4 parts each. Technique: Great E doublings! Strong technique overall. Great D throws in the reel.
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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: Declan Ng 🇸🇬 Tunes: Mcphederan's Strathspey, The Fairy Dance Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Top hand is quite sharp. Drones not locked in with Low A. Music: Good tempo and expression in the strathspey. A bit of a labored break between S and R. Nice playing in the reel. You are over cutting some of the cut-dot rhythms and could just relax it a bit for more groove. Well done! Technique: A few overly tight C double tachums and condensed-triplet runs in the strathspey. Great technique overall. Slight Low A crossing after grip on High A in the Fairy Dance.
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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: Ivan Agarkov 🇨🇾 Tunes: Dornie Ferry & Fiona Macleod Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Strong drone tuning and good chanter intonation overall. Small choke in the reel. Music: Solid strathspey playing! Lost the flow transitioning to the reel. A rhythmic pause in the first part. Technique: A few slight crossing noises, esp. E to High A. Some tight birls - try to sound 3 clear Low A’s. Tight grip in part 4 of Dornie Ferry. Good going in the reel, but some sloppy bits in part 3 of Fiona.
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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: Joe Korber 🇺🇸 Tunes: Smiths a gallant Fireman (strathspey) Willie Davie (reel) Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Excellent tuning and overall sound! Music: Losing some flow in final two measures of each part in the strathspey. Doing a good job pulling out the expression overall. Rushing part 2, 2nd time through the strathspey. Flub in reel. Strong playing overall! Technique: Taorluaths aren’t getting two clear Low G’s. Some G gracenotes aren’t coming through clearly. A handful of crossing noises. Perhaps just a little slower will help. Very good overall.
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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: Mike Taylor 🇦🇺 Tunes: Dorritor Bridge, Lexi McAskill Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Solid drone tuning with good chanter intonation! Great top hand timbral quality. Music: Nice tempo and control in strathspey. Unsettled break to the reel. I’d recommend omitting the initial High A pickup when transitioning, playing it on the break. Technique: Try to open up the C double tachums. F doubling work coming through nicely. Powerful B strikes. Losing technical control in the reel. Good overall!
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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: Vickie Gray 🇨🇦 Tunes: Dorrotor Bridge and Bessie McIntyre Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Solid tuning to start! Slight pressure instability causing chanter to go sharp at times. Good intonation overall. Music: Slow tempo. Perhaps slightly easier tunes would help you to get to dance tempo easier. Reel is also very slow. Also a fairly difficult tune that may be keeping your tempo down. Your technique is strong so I do think with easier tunes you’d be able to get up to speed without issues. Technique: Strong and clear! D strike not always closing to Low G. When playing the C double tachum, be careful to keep from getting a pause after the C doubling, going right to Low A instead. Very clear D throws and D doublings! Super clean technique in the reel. Crossing noises in the third part of the reel, just don’t cut it quite so much to help.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Angus MacKinnon Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe to start. Good swing. Clear technique, though at times a little tight. Esp in part three be careful not to cut the middle note too much. A very solid performance.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Miss Lily Christie Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown to start. Good control of the compound time rhythm. Very clear and clean technique. Good swing. Some minor overcutting in part four (High A before strike and E between High Gs) but minor. Well done.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Dr Ross's 50th Welcome To The Argyllshire Gathering Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe to start. Clear fingering, and a solid display of compount time playing at the start. Losing the feel a tiny bit in part three, with the taorluath coming a bit early at times, and make sure you don't cut the D eighth note after the quarter note C - it isn't a cut note! Excellent taorluaths in part 4, but pulling you off the upper note a bit early. Very well played!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Greg Pampling 🇦🇺 Place: 4 Tunes: The Braemar Gathering Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe (F a bit flat). Good lively tempo. Take care on placement of D gracenotes on cut Cs going up - not always right on the transiton to the note C itself. A few crossing noises. A consistent compount time rhythm all through - welll done. Pipe held well.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mike Taylor 🇦🇺 Place: 5 Tunes: Donald McLean of Lewis Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start, though drones not quite right. Steady tempo and consistent compound time rhythm. Make sure you lift your B finger right off in bar three of part three in the GDE. Clear technique. Main thing is getting the pipe a little closer and steadier.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Guido Riedemann 🇩🇪 Place: 6 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald McLean of Lewis Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start. Lively tempo, and a good demonstration of compound time rhythm. Watch for increase in pressure in part two on the top hand passages. In your ending phrase (bar 7) you're playing a D instead of a B. Some technique not as clear as others, but a musical performance!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Allan Kerr 🇨🇦 Tunes: All the Blue Bonnets Are Over the Border Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones close to each other and to chanter. Some bottom hand coverage issues to start. Watch out that you don't slip out of 6/8 and into 2/4 at times and as the tune progresses. Technique improved as the tune went on. Main thing is to keep the flow in 3s, not slip into 2s.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Caleb Pang 🇸🇬 Tunes: The Atholl Highlanders Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones not tuned together. Lively tempo, but maybe a bit too quick - some errors coming in, and some technique missing, likely due to high tempo. Slow it down for solos, take time on the big notes, and lock into a consistent rhythm. Lots of potential here, jsut too hurried.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erik Lima 🇲🇽 Tunes: The 10th Brigade Highland Light Infantry Crossing the Rhine Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones not quite together and very flat to chanter. Lively tempo - not quite settled in the compound time rhythm right at the start but settled in better, especially part three. Technique tight, but fairly accurate. Main thing to work on would be the setup and tuning of the instrument - drones don't sound steady - maybe too open.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Frances McChesney 🇺🇸 Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close but not quite settled. Look out for some unevenness in bag pressure. A lively tempo, and most beats have a good compound time rhythm. In bar 8 of each part you tend to overcut the E, so it pushes a bit, but in contrast on the CBA at the end of first lines the C is a bit short and the B big. You're playing some E gracenotes in place of Gs, and that complicates the GDEs on low G of the ending phrase! Well done.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gabriel Holbrook 🇺🇸 Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones close together, but not quite with chanter. Chanter is a bit unbalanced with sharpness on top (except for flat High A). A few little crossing noises to sort out. Good compound time rhythm for the most part An overblown low G part three. A musical performance with some little technical and tuning things to attend to.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mike Yearsley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Mary Washington Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones fairly close, but chanter a bit unbalanced - top hand (except high G) sharp - maybe raise it a bit in the reed seat. Good demonstration of compound time rhythm. A few little untidy bits in part two. Some slight unevenness in bag pressure to sort out. A lively tune, well played.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Troy Aitken 🇨🇦 Tunes: Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close, but drones fairly flat to the chanter. Watch your timing on the initial beat - you are rounding out the dot and cut, I suspect in order to get in the gracenotes, but that disrupts the musical flow. Listen for that in all the LA B LA passages. Birls a bit early at the end of parts. Pretty good technique but but occasionally you get some pretty big gracenotes which take away from a bit of the crispness. Steady tempo all through. Well done.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vickie Gray 🇨🇦 Tunes: Farewell To The Creeks Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown to start. (I'm not sure how to handle a do-over on an online contest... But I'll definitely judge it!). A careful pace but accurate in subdivision. Take care not to reverse the gracenotes in any E doublings. Clear and careful technique. A near-mistake in part three but you got the repeat in! Well done. I think you have the control to give this tune a good kick in tempo and let it go a bit!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: The Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry (Alasdair Dearg) Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: Very well presented musically with a high degree of technical prowess for this grade. Hiharin's at end of line were a little too tight preventing the smooth, consistent rhythm that makes this piece of technique special. Well done! Var 1: Excellent and well presented. Overall you left me wanting to hear what you can do with the rest of the tune as you seem to be playing at a much higher level with the quality of your instrument and control and as mentioned above the quality of your technique 🙂 Show excellent promise keep up the good work!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇨🇾 Place: 2 Tunes: Cabar Feidh Gu Brath Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -Nice pace and musical phrasing..maybe a tad longer on the last note before heading into Line 2 -Nice again a little longer on the last note before going into Line 3 -Nicely played ground Var. 1 -A little weak Taorluath at the end of first time through line 1 and on repeat you jumped a little early to the short note following the Taorluath disrupting the flow. -Good here and better entry into the short notes here following the Taorluaths but still could be a little longer. -Phrasing was the best here in terms of entry into the short notes mentioned above which creates a real sense of "poise". Overall a very nice performance on a nice instrument that was in tune from start to finish. You have a great sense of what needs to be done in the tune and as mentioned above, when you do what you do as you did in Line 3 of Var. 1, it only emphasizes how you pushed in the earlier lines as commented on so establish and maintain the poise throughout tune. Very enjoyable!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Vickie Gray 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Lament For the Old Sword Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -a little early going to to the Edre but well played and consistent each time. -a slight slip going to the High G but otherwise very nice -good but ensure you play the small D grace note on the B cadences. Var. 1: -Nice entry and nice pace. A little early into the 2nd phrase first time through the line. -Nice - keep blowing consistently. -Good. Overall a very nice performance on a nice instrument that was tuned very nicely. Try to keep a nice steady pressure on the instrument to allow for maximum enjoyment for yourself and the listener to really bring your performance up to another level. You have all the right things going on with nice, clear technique and good sense of phrasing throughout the tune. Well done and very enjoyable!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: Glengarry’s Lament Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -a little heavy on the Low G grace notes which could be a little softer but you are consistent throughout. -Nice -Nice Var. 1: -Nice in terms of pace and music pertaining to phrasing. -Nice -Good Overall a very nice performance played on a nice instrument that was in tune and steady from start to finish...well done! I would like you to try and work on loosening up your grip on the chanter a bit wihcih will provide you with a little more snap without being cut and will allow you to continue on with the tune for the rest of the variations without getting fatigued. Playing Toarluaths and Crunluathas with tight hands in most cases will create some errors detracting from the overall performance so keep this in mind with your continued development as you show excellent potential.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Matthew Ross 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Glengarry’s Lament Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -a little too long on the Grip on C in bar 1 creating a slight loss of flow. The short notes are aggressive and if you just loosen up your hands a tad more they will sound a little softer instead of being cut which takes the lament out of the song. Nicely phrased otherwise -good here and again same comment about the short notes -good. Var. 1: -slight crossing noise on the C once or twice which again could be the result of just gripping a slight bit preventing your fingers from moving when you tell them too. Nicely phrased and appropriate pace here but don't forget to consider the contrast you want to showcase when playing the doubling in the tune so okay to be a tad slower in the Singling and then let the Doubling go more for greater contrast. -solid -good Overall a good tune on a decent bagpipe with drones not quite in tune detracting from the overall sound quality. You have a nice idea of the music here and just a little softer touch will bring out the music and be less taxing on your hands as you progress into the rest of the tune where this softer touch will be necessary for consistent and hypnotic technique that is the beauty in Piobaireachd. Very enjoyable and keep up the good work!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Troy Aitken 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: The Company’s Lament Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -Good - A little tight with your hands inhibiting free movement on the double echoes. -NIce -NIce Var. 1 -"sticky" D grace notes on initial C bar 1 but good pace and nice phrasing -good -good Overall a very well presented tune on a bagpipe with drones not quite tuned together and on with Low A detracting from the overall sound quality. You have a good idea of how this tune goes and would like to see you work on doing less work....loosen up your grip in order to allow your fingers the mobility to get to the double echoes and play with small grace notes (not tighter grace notes) which will articulate notes better for clairty especially when you get into the Torluaths and Crunluaths. Very enjoyable performance!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Eric LORANT 🇫🇷 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -Line 1 a little inconsistent with length of initial E's in cadences in bar 1 where they were not quite the same length and was a tad too long on the repeat of the first bar. -A little loss of phrasing in 2nd line where you pushed ahead which caused a miss on an Edre. Work on sounding the D grace note a little more in your B cadences. Overall very well presented musically. Thumb -Nice subtle increase in pace here but again just a little pushed in places creating a loss of smoothness. Again the D grace notes in the B cadences could be a little more pronounced and consistent and most likely the result of being a little too tight with the hands and leaving the E a tad early. Overal a nice performance on a decent bagpipe with a nice chanter quality and drones that were not quite locked together and in tune with Low A which detracts from the overall sound quality. Well done and very enjoyable!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Mike Taylor 🇦🇺 Tunes: The Glen is Mine Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -Nice start and played pretty well -Okay here just ensure you dont push in bars 3 and 5 where you seem to go early to the first short note and could wait a tad longer to stay in rhythm using a softer feel which will articulate the short note better (being tight here will create a "cut" note which is not what should be heard). -a little long at the end of the first phrase halting the flow. Var. 1 -okay to start and would like to see you fall down to the B's and Low A's a little softer instead of trying to force them. Ed Neigh would always say: "Cut up" with short notes that go up and "Softly Fall Down" with short notes and even notes in this tune. -good but same as above -good Overall you have a good understanding of the tune and the comments above will provide a little more consistency and subtleness to bring the musical flow up to another level. You are on the right track amd your pipe was pretty good with drones not quite locked together and on with the Low A which detracted from the overall sound quality. Well done!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Cracking pipe sound here. Great playing here on the whole. Tempo could be a tad brighter to give more lift. Lovely open technique as well, try and embed this a little more into the melody to allow for the tune to be enhance. Much potential here, keep up the good work.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Nice pipe here. Well into the tune. Tempo could come up a fraction to enhance musicality. Good technique for the most part, a few wee catches here and there. Watch out for sticky birls. Much potential here - well done.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joe Korber 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Moss Park Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones tunes are tuned a little sharp to the chanter though not distracting. Try and ease into the a little more. Nice bright tempo however with some musical playing. Watch out for catches and other technical innacuracies. On the whole a solid performance, well done.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mike Yearsley 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Davey Patrick's Ceilidh Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes ok but could be a little more refined. Good tempo with decent expression. Top hand work is good but bottom hand technique could be a little more accurate. A few crossing noises coming through as well. On the whole a solid entry, well done.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 5 Tunes: Donnella Beaton Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Nice bright pipe, try and get the drones closer to low A. Tempo is a tad safe and the tune is pointed a little too much for my liking. Try and make this jig pointing a little more subtle. Great level of technical application however.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vickie Gray 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: The Sea Gull Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be a little more refines, they are a little flat to low A. Although jig was accurately played, the tempo was a little safe for my liking, try and bring this up to give it a brighter feel. A wee hesitation in pt 3. Good level of technique coming through.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Father John MacMillan of Barra, John Roy Stewart, and Miss Proud Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Aiken. This was a very nicely played MSR! Your overall technique is very good with clean and crisp execution. A very nice dot/cut feel in your march. I thought at times you could use a bit more pulsing on the strong beats, but otherwise, a very musically played march. Strong execution in strathspey. A bit more tempo needed. Again, more time on strong pulses would make this tune a bit more musical. Rounding off some phrases, a bit more pulsing on strong beats. A few untidy spots in the reel. B tacums not always clean. Small bobble end of 2nd part. Tempo slowing a bit in 3rd part. Excellent bagpipe! Drones locked in from start to finish. Bright and balanced chanter, well set to drones. Overall, an excellent performance!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Manu Brégent 🇫🇷 Place: 2 Tunes: Mrs John MacColl /Maggie Cameron /Alick C MacGregor Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Manu. Very nicely played MSR on an excellent bagpipe! Execution quite good in march. Some grips not coming out cleanly. Watch the overcutting, especially in the 3rd part. This is interfering with your timing. Very nice break into strathspey. Nicely expressed with good lift. Some hacum movements a bit sloppy. Jumping into phrases at times. Slight bobble in 4th. Again, good break into reel. Some overcutting in 3rd part, but otherwise well played reel. Excellent drone sound! Chanter well tuned except for sharp high G. Overall, this was a very musical performance. Well done!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Leon Lee 🏴 Place: 3 Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban, Dorrator Bridge, Fiona MacLeod Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Leon. This was a well played MSR. Execution in march is very clean with crisp fingering. Good tempo, but slowing down in 3rd part. Phrasing a bit rounded. Try to extend your strong pulse notes a bit more to create more swing. Some missed execution in strathspey (F doublings, taps). Slowing again in 3rd part. Try to hold the D’s after your D throws a bit more. More missed taps in reel. A slightly less dot/cut approach would make the reel flow a bit better. Reels should not sound like marches; they are dance tunes. Drones not in tune. Chanter a little sharp on top hand and set a bit sharp to drones. Overall; an excellent march, with the strathspey and reel needing just a bit more polish. Nice job!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothsay, Lady MacKenzie of Gairloch, Kalabakan Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kathryn. NIcely played MSR! Execution in march is quite good. Watch the E doublings coming from F. Sometimes lacking clarity. B tacums not always clean Good tempo. Nicely expressed for the most part. Slight earliness to phrases at times. Working with the metronome can help with this. Careful not to rush the last line of march; stay relaxed. Nice lift in strathspey! Hacum movements not always clean. Some sloppiness at end of 3rd and into 4th parts. Nice break into reel. Good tempo. Very lively! D throws and birls not coming out cleanly. Pipes well set. Good drone sound. Chanter balanced, other than flat high A. Well played overall!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Rothie Murchus; Caber Feidh; The Sheepwife Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Martin. Very well played MSR! Technique in march is quite good. A few missed birls. Tempo maybe slightly slow. Careful not to drag in 3rd part. Timing off in 4th part, 2nd bar. Timing in strathspey very erratic. Practicing with a metronome can help with this. Some untidy execution in strathspey. Some movements need to be a bit more open. A bit abrupt into reel. Some sloppy hacum movements, but otherwise execution pretty good. Timing again a bit erratic in reel. Really rushing phrases at times. For example, the GDE’s in 3rd part. Stay relaxed and practice with the metronome to sort these sections out. Very nice bagpipe sound. Drones well set and steady throughout. Very bright chanter sound. A bit flat on high G, but otherwise balanced. Good job!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Arniston Castle, Thompson's Dirk (said wrong tune name in video) Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Glen-mary. Nicely played MSR! You’ve got good snap to your fingers, but some movements are a bit too tight. This is contributing to some missed execution. Good tempo to your march. A bit more time needed on the strong pulses, especially in 3rd part. Careful not to start phrases early. Practicing with a metronome can help with this. Nice break to strathspey. Slight choke at start. Again, execution is quite tight causing some missed embellishments. Nice lift to your strathspey timing. Again, a little early to some phrases. Timing a bit too dot/cut which can give more of a “march” feel rather than “reel” feel. Nice chanter sound, but drones were not in tune. You’ve got all the tools; just a bit more polish with your timing and a little more openness with your execution and you’re on your way!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Au Kai Man 🇭🇰 Tunes: March: Mrs John MacColl Strathspey: Susan MacLeod Reel: Fiona MacLeod Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kai. Thanks for your submission! Execution in march is pretty good. Need to clean up the crossing noises. Doublings are clean and crisp. Some grips are a bit crushed. Your phrasing is a bit too round. Try to put more emphasis on the strong pulses. A dot/cut approach will add a bit more swing to the march. More crossing noises in strathspey. Execution becoming more inconsistent with several missed embellishments. Try to open up the half doublings. Generally, a more open approach to your movements would help with the consistency. Break to reel very abrupt. Hang on the last note of strathspey a bit, and then ease into the reel. Execution in reel too tight. Don’t be too aggressive with the dot/cut phrasing in reel or it sounds more like a march. Reels are dance tunes; not for marching. Overall, some work on keeping your embellishments a bit more open and consistent will really help your playing. Good luck!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: B Daniel McLeod 🇨🇦 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing, Stac Polly, Bessie MacIntyre Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Daniel. Thanks for your submission! I’d encourage you to spend some time on cleaning up your embellishments. In particular, your D throws, birls, and bottom hand doublings. There are many good exercises that can help you to work out issues you might be having with these movements. Your timing is quite good in march. The occasional round phrase, but generally a nice dot/cut approach. Some chokes here and there. Really struggling with the birls in the strathspey. Expression too round. Strathspeys need a heavy dot/cut approach to create bounce and lift. Some sloppy execution in reel. Timing erratic; switching between round and dot/cut phrasing. Off the tune in the 4th part. Again, embellishment work will help you clean up your movements and give you more consistency. This will then allow you to properly express your tunes. Good luck!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Iron Division, The Lad that Wears the Plaid, The BlackBerry Bush. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Carsten. Nice job with your MSR! Nicely played march; however, for grade 3 solo competition, I’d encourage you to consider a more challenging tune. Generally good execution. Some B taorluaths not coming out cleanly. Nicely expressed strathspey. Good lift. Some overcutting at times. Taorluaths lacking clarity. I’d suggest opening up your execution a bit more in strathspey. Execution in reel getting a bit sloppy. A little to aggressive with the cut notes. Reels should not sound like marches; they are dance tunes! Very nice bagpipe sound! Solid, well tuned drones. Chanter balanced, except for a flat high A. Overall, I think a more relaxed approach to your execution would really improve your playing. Thanks for the submission!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clive Brodie 🇳🇿 Tunes: March: The Ross-shire Volunteers Strathspey: Islay Bay Reel: John MacKechnie Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Clive. Some good playing, but generally, tempos are quite slow. Of course, the upside of this is that you’re able to get most of your technique in very cleanly. The downside is that it’s difficult to generate much music from the tunes at such slow tempos. At grade 3 level, the expectations for musicality are greater, so tempo becomes more important. Off the tune slightly at end of 3rd part in the march; and again in the 4th. Execution mostly good in strathspey. Bubbly movement in 3rd part very labored. Again, slow in reel. Good job with a very challenging reel! Careful not to overcut the cut notes. Very nice drone sound, but they were set flat relative to chanter. Overall, playing is generally clean, but cautious. A bit more tempo would make for a more musical performance.
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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, Captain Colin Campbell and Kalabachan Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Damian. Thanks for the tunes! Your march tempo is quite slow for grade 3. Execution is quite good. Double E’s from F not clean. Timing is very erratic. You’re rushing several phrases. Practice with a metronome and I’m sure you’ll hear it. Tempo in strathspey too slow. Again, erratic timing is your biggest issue. Off the tune in the 3rd and 4th parts. More erratic timing in reel. Would also suggest not playing your reel with round phrasing. Typically, for MSR solo competition, a slightly dot/cut approach is preferred. I would encourage you to practice each tune with a metronome to get a better handle on the phrases that you’re rushing. This will improve your overall playing dramatically. Best of luck!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hunter Nichols 🇺🇸 Tunes: Jimmy Young, Caledonian Society of London, MacKay from Skye Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Hunter. Execution is generally quite good. Some sloppy bottom hand work in march (C and B tacums, B strikes). Try for a bit more time on the strong pulses. Will make your march way more musical. Timing in strathspey is erratic. More emphasis on the strong pulse needed. This is usually the first dotted note of each bar. Your timing more consistent in reel. Some sloppy GDE’s, but otherwise quite clean. Chanter well balanced, but drones were not in tune. Nicely played!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jan-Erik Steel 🇺🇸 Tunes: John MacDonald's Welcome to South Uist, Maggie Cameron, Sound of Sleat Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Jan-Erik. Thanks for your submission! Execution in your march is pretty good. A few crossing noises at times. Some bottom hand work (tacums) not always clean. Struggling in 3rd part. Phrasing is quite round. Try to develop a more dot/cut approach. This will become easier as your technique improves. Strathspey is quite slow, especially in 3rd part. Lacking confidence with this tune. Nice break to reel. Playing much more confident in reel. Some sloppy tacums in 3rd part. You did a nice job with some very challenging tunes! Keep working on your technique. Once you develop a bit more speed and consistency with your movements, you’ll find it much easier to play with proper tempo and expression. Good luck!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: Banksview, Inveraray Castle, Willie Cumming's Rant Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Laura. Thanks for submitting your MSR! Execution in march is generally quite good. Good tempo. Careful not to overcut the short notes. This is causing some erratic timing. Try playing with a metronome and I’m sure you’ll feel it. Nice break to strathspey. Some execution a bit too tight in strathspey. Keep movements a little more open. Jumping into some phrases early. Again, metronome work will cure this! First part of reel quite slow. Picking up by second. Reel phrasing is very pointed. This can cause your reel to sound like a march. Try a little less dot/cut feel. Drones not locked in. Bright chanter sound, maybe a bit thin and sharp on top hand notes. Overall, some strong technique. Just need a bit more control of your phrasing. Good luck!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi, The Lad that Wears the Plaid, Captain Lachlan McPhail of Tiree. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Richard. Thanks for your submission. Execution-wise, I’d encourage you to go back to some basic embellishment work to clean up some your movements. More clarity is needed within your doublings. Grips should have a distinct low G sound to begin each movement. There are a variety of good embellishment exercises out there that can help with this. Without proper execution, it’s difficult to express tunes properly. This generally means either playing too round in an effort to get all the required embellishments in properly, or playing embellishments incorrectly in order to play with the proper note values and expression. Neither of these are great options. Once you clean up your embellishments, try the tunes at a slower tempo. This will allow you to get used to playing cleanly and accurately. Eventually, you should be able to speed up. Good luck!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vincent Guinnane 🇺🇸 Tunes: 2/4 March: 79th Farewell to Gibraltar Strathspey: Marquis of Huntly's Highland Fling Reel: Colonel MacLeod Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Vincent. Thanks for submitting your MSR. Execution is pretty good. Some slight C to E crossing noises. You only played the 2nd part of march once. March phrasing a bit too round. Strathspey phrasing also a bit round. More emphasis needed on strong pulses. D throws need a bit more low G sound. Very unsettled in reel. Choke and erratic timing in reel. Nice drones. Chanter a bit sharp. Overall, just need a bit more polish and confidence with your tunes, especially the reel. Good luck!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Miss Lily Christie Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Sam. Many thanks for taking part in this event! Tone: A bright pitch and well set instrument. "E" and "F" are slighlty sharp to be picky or slight overblowing. Very welll tuned drones and good balance to the sound. HA lovely and clear. Execution: Such a classic tune and you are doing it justice. Good hands are evident right away. Excellent HA grips in 4th. "F" uneven throughout. Not sure if it is blowing or a reed that is bit on the weak side (think it is the latter). If it were me ...a tiny "poke" or switch it. Music: Really great effort to pulse with 6/8 feel. Nice and controlled tempo is helping your quest but really like that you are managing the tune instead of the other way around.. Summary: There is an old expression: "Musical as heck" but I will keep it PG here. Just really fabulous treatment of this gorgeous tune. Well done lad!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Redford Cottage Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Aiken. Good to see you here today. Tone: Quite a full bagpipe sound. Drones well set. Slight flatness to certain notes (i.e. D, E and HG). Execution: Hands are good and clear. Strong fingers. Taorluaths could be finished with a stronger E gracenote. Excellent HA grips in 4th. Music: Nicely started. A very good 6/8 feel. A touch jerky - slight overholding - but a real good attempt here. Be very literal with how long the beats should be in duration and you are to strive for consistency ( beat-to-beat and bar-to-bar). Summary: Really good tune Aiken. You are trying a bit too hard for the music and it comes off a little on the jerky side. Howeber, this is much better than the other way (roundness). Lots of promise here lad!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: John D. Burgess Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Glen-Mary. So good to be with you today and many thanks for doing this. Tone: Pipe sound is big and full. I feel the drones could be tuned closer toegther. But well balanced and chanter is quite bright. Blowing very solid. Execution: Hands are very good. In 2nd part I feel there should be a doubling on the F as well as the E in bar 1. Stong work comilng through inluding birls. Excellent timing on these. Music: An excellent tempo that you have chosen. A musical feel to your 6/8 playing, I can tell you are really trying for the correct pulsing with this and well done. Summary: A very good tune with excellent music and fundamentals. Bring the drones up to par now and tune them tighter (down,...and closer together).
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada 🇨🇭 Place: 4 Tunes: Pibroch of Donald Dhu Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Gonzalo. Thank you for taking part in this online event today. Tone: A sweet and well tuned instrument. Your blowing is solid. Execution: Pretty good hands. I feel you could add a few more doublings to this classic. An example would be bar 8 where an E doubling could be added. This gives the music more emphasis and power to the beat notes. Grips are solid in 3rd. Music: Such a great tune choice! Nice drive to your tempo. 4th part loses some 6/8 rhythmn as the HA's are not held long enough (and the first E of the strikes are too large as a result). Excellent band-like cut off at the end. Summary: Really good tune Gonzalo. Solid fundamentals of execution and music. Good pipe. Work on the last part to finish this tune strongly. Thank you!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Martin. Good to be with you here today. Tone: Pipe is good. Drones not quite in. A little "big" overall for me but pretty well balanced. Just think it could be refined a little to be more instantly pleasing. Excellent blowing. Execution: Hands seem good early. Strong birls are evident right away. Sometimes the G gracenotes are not as clear/big as they could be (mostly on single notes - not doublings). There should be a G gracenote on the C in the last bar at part endings). Music: Such a classic tune. A good tempo chosen. 6/8 pulse is good with the triplets being rounder in feel than other movements. Tempo is consistent - very nice steady flow to your music. Summary: A strong showing and well done throughout. Your basics are all there and very well done. Try to accent the triplets in compound time rhythm. Really impressive overall - thanks!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Orin Weiss 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Dr. Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Orin. Thanks so much for taking part here and what a great background you have for this 6/8! Tone: Good on you for playing in what appears to be pretty windy conditions. The overall pipe is somewhat flat in pitch with the drones also being out of tune. I feel the donres could have been pulled down (they are flat). Execution: Pretty good hands. Watch all the correct gracenoting is in place. At the very start two things: 1) a proper tachum be played from C-A in bar 1, and 2) there should be a G gracenote on the second E in bar 2 Hold HA longer before grip in 2nd part. Good on you for marching as it is harder in a 6/8. It calls for a faster pace of walking. Music: A good 6/8 feel to your playing style. Pretty consistent pace and delivery. Summary: A good tune Orin. Watch tone of your instrument,. Challenge the pitch (sweeten) and tune the drones tighter. Thank you!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: B Daniel McLeod 🇨🇦 Tunes: The Blue Bonnets are over the Border Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Daniel. Thank you so much for doing this. Tone: PIpe a bit rough at start, especially the drones. Need tuning (pullig down). Execution: Hands are pretty good. Doubling work is quite large which it hindeing music at this tempo. Try to slow down and go for clarity on doubling work. Music: A classic tune thanks. Tempo is sprightly but I would pull it back to help with clearing up the technique. The 6/8 feel is getting away from you at times. Try for consistent "rocking" feel to this rhythm. Summary: Good tune Daniel. Enjoyed this. I would just bring the tempo down and clean up some fundamentals as best you can. Thank you!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: P/M Donald MacLean of Lewis. Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Carsten. Thanks for doing this and I believe I recognize this fabulous background! Tone: Chanter is quite sharp and the drones need pulling down,. Well balanced instrument. Execution: Watch to get off to a good start. The very first bar is a tricky combination of gracenotes for this tune. Practice clarity for this bar over and over (tighten gracenoting). Miusic: Really like your tempo. 6/8 pulsing is quite good. Picking up tempo a hair in 3rd part. Finish. strongly (a little bobble in last line) Summary: Thank you again Carsten. A bold tune with good flow and music. The bagpipe and finger technique are where I would suggest some focus will enhance the end result.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clive Brodie 🇳🇿 Tunes: Eleanor Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Clive. Good to be with you today and thanks for doing this. Tone: A nice sound. Drones very soilid and full. Chanter bright. A bit sharp on F. Execution: Hands pretty good. A bil "loose" on note changes. Try to tighten D gracenotes as a example. Also C doublings are quite large. Nice birls overall. Music: A musical style and tempo chosen. Well done. Could have a more consisten lilt to your 6/8 style. Sometimes it is there and other times it drifts into a round affect. Hold beat ones the same duration as a good starting point. Summary: A good tune Clive. Try for consistency on thge 6/8 pulsing.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Dovecote Park Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Damien. Great to be with you today. Really effective space you are using for practice! Tone: A good pitched instrument with drones notably out of tune. The balance is quite nice (dones to chanter). Execution: Hands are okay but some technique could be improved. Largely gracenote clarity in moving from note-to-note. They are very large and are obstructing the main black notes from being clear. Watch to not rush to next beat. Keep it steady. Some surging in tempo is happening. Music: A pleasing tempo to your tune. Quite round in style. Would be better if you held the first note in groupings longer and then shortened up others. You need more of a "rocking" feel to a 6/8. A little square at the moment. Summary: Good tune Damian and thanks for that. Work on drones, technique and rhythm in order to continue to improve.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Tunes: John MacColl's Farewell to the Scottish Horse Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Kathryn. Thanks for being here today? Tone: Pipe sound is pretty good but is quite flat in pitch. Drones are together but could be pulled down that wee bit. Blowing is very steady. Execution: Hands are not bad. I feel the bottom hand could be cleaner as one can hear a lack of clarity on note changes (i.e.moves like C-B-C). To me, your bottom hand fingers are very far over on the chanter. Perhaps you could try to pull that hand back off the chanter somewhat? I realize this could be tricky but, if interested, it ia all about the LG (try to have just the pad of the pinky coverig LG and go from there, It is the C & D fingers that are the concern (seem too far over and getting in the way of each other at times). Music: A pleasing tempo to your tune. Very steady playing overall and this is hard to accomplish, so well done. Musically quite steady. Summary: Thanks for this tune Kathryn. Continue to work on tone but mainly finger clarity.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Laura. Many thanks for taking part in this online event. Tone: Good job in tuning as the drone came from miles out of tune to fairly close. Welll done. Drones moved out of tune quite a bit by end. I think work on steadiness here or the moisture system, etc. Execution: Hands are pretty good. Doublings have nice clarity. Some gracenotes are not as clear. Bar 1 in this great tune is actually very difficult. Try to separate the g/notes evenly. This might offer more clarity to technique. Music: A nicely selected and controlled tempo to start. Watch you are not early to some bars (I feel it more in the line 2's). I can see you are trying to pulse the right way - well done - and still it comes off as that wee bit jerky in feel. Summary: A good tune thanks Laura. Work on pipe sound but, mostly, the musical feel of the 6/8 rhythm.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Dovecote Park Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Richard. Thanks for doing this today. Tone: Pipe is pretty good with the drone being flat (pull down). A sweet pitch to chanter. Execution: Try to pause before starting and let yourself settle in. Hands are okay but quite "loose" on the movements. Try to squeeze harder as a suggestion to clear up very large gracenotes. Music: A good tempo chosen. A little round in style. Try to hold the first beats longer and shorten the second notes. This will create a rocking effect that 6/8 rhythm is known for. Summary: A good tune Richard - thanks. Continue to work on basic fundamentals.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vincent Guinnane 🇺🇸 Tunes: Miss Lily Christie Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Vincent. Great to see you at this event today! Tone: A strong, full bagpipe. The drones are notably out of tune. Chanter at high pitch but watch top hand as it is quite sharp. Execution: Stong hands. Work on D throws (clarity). Most doubling work is pretty clear. A little on the "loose" side overall (meaning the gracenoting is larger than needed)_. Music: Nice tempo picked. Music needs more 6/8 (rocking) feel. Too square in delivery. Hold first beats and shorten short 2nd notes in groupings. Summary: A good tune Vincent. Keep at it in terms of the flow of the tune and your pipe sound.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Judge’s Dilemma Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Aikan! Thank you for playing in this event! Pt 1 – Good Pt 2 – Good, and good navigation of the weird note combinations Pt 3 – Good, slight catch bar 4 first time through, better on repeat. Slight crossing noise bar 6 repeat Pt 4 – Good, started to rush ending phrase 1st time through, continued through to end Pipes very good, chanter and drones a like. Musically very good and steady, bar the rushing toward the end. I would maybe suggest just a half hair of emphasis on the downbeats to accentuate the phrase definition just a little bit more. But, that’s being very picky. Well played!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: The Curlew Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Kathryn! Thank you for playing in this event! This, while it’s not actually that old, is one of my favorite “classic” jigs! Pt 1 – Lovely swing to the GDEs. Be careful that the throws start with a nice, clean low G Pt 2 – Slightly rushing some of the GDE groupings Pt 3 – B strikes might be a little snappier, but good 3rd part Pt 4 – Slight catch bar 2 of 2nd ending, but otherwise good part 4 Pipes very good, chanter lovely with nice ringing timbre. E slightly flat, but not overly so. I really appreciate the swing you put into the tune. Some of the groups of 3 in the second part weren’t maybe quite as consistent as would be ideal, but that’s a small point to raise. Well played; I enjoyed that!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Cutting Bracken. Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Carsten! Thank you for playing in this event! Cutting Bracken is a great old melody; one of the rare tune that works equally well in several different time signatures. Pt 1 – Be careful that the d gracenotes are precise; d gracenotes down to low G not quite as precise as others Pt 2 – Similar to part 1. D gracenotes aren’t always articulated exactly on the note transition Pt 3 – Crosses noises coming in from D to E, otherwise good Pt 4 – Small slip bar 6 both times through, likely stemming from some fuzzy D gracenotes in measures 2, 3, and 4 (places where you change notes on the d gracenote). Pipes not fully in-tune at beginning, mostly an issue with the drones. The chanter is pretty nicely in tune. Part 1 and 2 are really strong, but part 3 and 4 aren’t quite there yet. I would put in a lot of work on changing notes mid GDE on the D gracenote, because that was the primary technical issue I noticed in your performance. Very enjoyable tune here, Carsten, and if the 1st part is any indication, you’re very close to getting this tune locked down!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Mrs. Sharon Duthart Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Glen-Mary! Thank you for playing! This is one of those tunes I’ve always liked but never known the name. Thank you for submitting it today (very enjoyable performance to boot)! Pt 1 – Good groove and feeling for the phrasing in this tune. Don’t let the strike on B disrupt the tempo too much Pt 2 – Try not to rush into the gracenote birl from the GDEs; better on the repeat Pt 3 – Strong part here! Pt 4 – The strikes on C could use a little more heft to get that last little rhythmical embellishment just perfect Pipes fairly good, chanter especially. Drones not quite locked to each other or the chanter. Great feel to this tune, and a good tempo for it too. There were a few aspects I noted above that pulled me out of the groove, so I would work on those. In reference to the gracenoted B strike, you have a little room to lighten it slightly to be sure you hit the next downbeat on time. That’s the opposite to part 4’s gracenoted strike, where I think a little more heft might help pull out just a tiny bit more music from the phrase. Well played!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: Donella Beaton Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Laura! Thank you for playing in this event! It’s always good to hear Donella Beaton, one of my favorite jigs and one I compete with all the time! Pt 1 – Controlled start, but the GDEs tend to really push the tempo higher Pt 2 – Similar here, though some of the GDEs are staying in the groove better than others Pt 3 – The pickup E into the part is a little late at times, but very slightly so Pt 4 – This part seemed more settled than others. Watch for clean note transitions from High A to Low A; it can sometimes have a chirp effect if not done very precisely Pipes close to each other, but the drones not quite locked in tune with the chanter. They were pretty well in tune with each other, though. In part 1, odd numbered measures, the B after the initial C with a doubling is usually played plain (without a gracenote). That’s likely a setting issue, but something to be aware of. The main technical/musical issue that came up throughout your performance was just the runaway GDEs. Once you have those under control, you’ll have a lot more room to play with swing and playing the tune at different tempi. Once you get that tempo issue refined, this tune will have an irresistible groove to it. Thank you again; I enjoyed it!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Trouble at the Croft Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Martin! Thank you for playing! I’m not familiar with this tune, but it’s certainly fun to listen to! Pt 1 – Cool piece of music here. Be cautious of the G gracenotes on Low G that they are precise and clean. A few of them are sounding a bit chirp-adjacent and fuzzy. There are also a few crossing noises cropping up (High A to E, E to D) Pt 2 – Try to get off of the birl Low A to get to the High A with the strike in time (bar 3). Right now you’re sitting just a bit too much on the low A for me. It’s extending the beat too much. Pt 3 – Rhythm issue in Bar 3 both times through (it’s coming across as an extra note in beat 2). Because I don’t have the music, I can’t be certain exactly what’s happening here, but the challenge would be to get all of the technique in without disrupting any feet that are tapping along with the tune. Pt 4 – Excellent control of the high hand work. My only concern in this part mirrors the issue from part 2 the birl. You’ll really want to launch off of the birl to make sure you’re in time for the next beat. Pipes pretty good; chanter well set. Drones not 100%, but stable and steady throughout. Very cool tune here, Martin. Thank you for playing it. I noted some rhythmical stuff above that I’d suggest examining to help improve the tune further. This tune seems to play around with a lot of rhythmical conventions of jig playing. One of the challenges of playing a tune the judge doesn’t know (maybe isn’t likely to know) is to be sure to convey the tune with such rhythmic and musical confidence that there’s no room to question whether something is part of the tune or a mistake. All in all, I greatly enjoyed this!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: B Daniel McLeod 🇨🇦 Tunes: Curlew Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi B. Daniel! Thank you for participating in the event! Pt 1 – Choke on high G of ending phrase, Pt 2 – Steady tempo and good understanding of the phrasing in the part Pt 3 – Very precise technique in this demanding part; rushing in repeat Pt 4 – Crossing noises on the hand to hand transitions (D to top hand and vice versa). Squeak in 2nd ending Pipes not in tune from start, but full sounding. You might check your maintenance and set up, especially in regards to you bass drone. It was changing pitch pretty frequently between two main pitches, so the reed or the slides may be loose. Technically, you’re playing this tune reasonably well. Some of your gracenotes are a little more on the open side, which is okay. The big issue that I noticed was predominantly the bagpipe itself. Once you get that settled better, you’re playing will shine through much more clearly. I enjoyed your tune, and I encourage to invest the time in set up. When pipes are going tough, there are few instruments that are harder to play. But when pipes are going well, there are even fewer instruments that are more fun to play.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clive Brodie 🇳🇿 Tunes: Catlodge Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Clive! Thank you for participating in the event! Pt 1 – Some rushing in spots. You sound a bit like you’re wanting to take this tune at a faster tempo. Pt 2 – Well handled Pt 3 – Strikes on low A and birls late at times, disrupting the steadiness. Pt 4 – Some of the strikes in the 4th part weren’t as solid as others in the tune. Pipes quite good! High A a little abrasive and sharp compared to the rest of the scale, but not wildly so. Once you get the high A tamed down a bit, the pipes would be impeccable. Technique-wise and musically, I think you’re in a spot where you can handle 95% of the tune at a faster tempo. Musically, you’ve got a great idea of the tune and phrases, and that’s being delivered in large part. Technically, you’re in a similar boat. Most of the rushing spots led me to believe that, but the more technically demanding measures of the 3rd part and 4th part are the lynchpins where I’d suggest focusing (seems like mostly line endings). Once you get the rhythms and tempo more under control and smoother, this will be tough to beat!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Turf Lodge Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Damian! Thank you for participating in the event! Turf Lodge isn’t oft heard, but it’s always a joy! Pt 1 – Choke bar 2, some rhythmic unsteadiness in the ending phrase. Pt 2 – Slight slip, better on the repeat Pt 3 – Stronger playing here, and steadier too Pt 4 – Strongest playing in the 4th part. Pipes not quite settled, but steady throughout. The primary thing I would work on from a musical standpoint is smoothing this tune out just a little bit. I liked the tempo, and most of the tune was very smooth, but the pickup notes between phrases were a little inconsistent and pull the groove of the tune in and out too much. I would also suggest a double-check of your set up. Based on the jacket, I can imagine it may be cold in your recording environment. Reeds tend to act and feel stiffer in the cold, so you might consider using a dental elastic on your reed if you aren’t already doing so. Technique-wise, your gracenotes are generally precise and open, which is good. I would practice up on your rodins (grip from D), because half the challenge of playing a rodin in a jig is making sure you make it to the next beat on time. I enjoyed that; thank you!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada 🇨🇭 Tunes: Banjo Breakdown Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Gonzalo! Thank you for playing! Banjo Breakdown is an oldie and a goodie! Pt 1 – Great throws, and great flow of the melody Pt 2 – Consistent tempo is very good here. 2nd time through the part not as confident, but still solid. Pt 3 – Better than Pt 2 Pt 4 – Very good treatment of the strikes, but a slight slow in the tempo as you worked the last line of the tune Pipes very solid, drones not perfect but not far away. The chanter and the drones weren’t quite in tune with one another, but again, they were very close. Be careful with the doublings and the GDEs- a lot of the G gracenotes are missing or so tight that they can’t be heard. I would try to relax your top hand, and open up your G gracenote specifically. This is the main technique issue I wanted to point out to you. Throughout the tune, this was pretty much the only thing that came up. Once you get the G gracenotes going really well, this tune will be even better than it is now. And it’s already really good; well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Corkhill. Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Richard! Thank you for playing! Corkhill is a great tune! Pt 1 – Choke in bar 1, doublings not always quite clear. GDEs very strong Pt 2 – Crossing noises (E to High A, C to E), some slight tempo variation here too Pt 3 – Some GDE inconsistency (sometimes EDE instead) Pt 4 – Slips both times though part Pipes overall fine, although the chanter was sharper than the drones. The main thing to be careful of with jigs, and with all tunes in general but also jigs, is there is a real temptation to exchange gracenotes out for each other. In jigs, because the GDE is so pervasive, it sticks out when there’s some switching around of gracenotes, so be careful that you aren’t doing any accidental arrangements! I enjoyed this tune, and I especially enjoyed the musical treatment and pace you gave it. The only drawbacks in this for me were the choke and the technical inconsistencies. Otherwise, you’ve got great jig on your hands!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vincent Guinnane 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Hens March Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Vincent! Thank you for playing! The Hen’s March is one of my favorites! Pt 1 – Good part, though some of the gracenotes are a bit tight. Slip near end of part Pt 2 – Similar here, good though a bit tight. Choke Pt 3 – Struggling a bit with the bottom hand density, small slip Pt 4 – choke, better playing here. Some spots of rushing Pipes pretty good, drones are a little raucous in the recording though (might be the microphone more than the pipes). Drones not in tune with one another, though reasonably close to the chanter. This tune is tough, especially the 3rd part. You might experiment with bringing the tempo down a little bit. At any rate, let the G gracenotes breathe a little bit more, and they will help you stay rhythmically and technically anchored. A great tune at a pace that may just be a hair too fast right now. I enjoyed the tune, and I look forward to hearing you in the future!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Mr. and Mrs. J. Duncan’s Golden Wedding Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Aiken. That was an excellent HP performance! Really enjoyed it. Not much to criticize. Execution was very clean with accurate and crisp fingering. Very lively tempo, but under control throughout. Perhaps some slight rushing in the last part. Your bagpipe was very well tuned. Drones locked in with a balanced and bright chanter sound. Overall, a top notch performance. Well done!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: The City of Regina Pipe Band Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Glen-mary. Very well played HP! Played with good energy and good control of phrasing. Execution was mostly clean and crisp. Careful not to rush the GDE’s in first part. Slight choke and missed birl in 2nd part. Good chanter sound, but drones were not in tune from start. Overall, a very enjoyable performance. Well done!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The King of Cardenden Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Martin. Very nicely expressed HP! Always refreshing to hear a nice, swingy approach. Execution is generally quite good. Some D throws a bit too crushed. Make sure the short low A’s before the shakes can be clearly heard. Sometimes you’re not giving these their full value. Very nice bagpipes. Drones were well tuned and steady throughout. Chanter bright and balanced. Overall, a solid performance!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Rathven Market Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kathryn. Very nice HP! Controlled tempo throughout with a nice “swingy” approach. A few execution issues to address. Some C grips and D throws are a bit crushed. Bubbly movement 7th bar needs work. Very nice chanter sound. Good “ring” to high A and well balanced scale. Drones not quite locked in. Overall, a very enjoyable performance. Well done!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Sandy’s New Chanter. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Carsten. Nicely played HP! You have good crispness to your fingering technique. The biggest execution issue you’re having is with crossing noises. These are occurring pretty much throughout the tune. D throws at times are a bit too crushed. Try for a bigger low G sound at the start of these movements. You had very good tempo control. Timing is good with mostly good control of the rounded phrases. Drones were nicely tuned. Bright chanter sound, but high A very flat. Overall, some nice playing. Just some work to be done on eliminating the crossing noises. Good luck!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: Rathven Market Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Laura. Thanks for submitting your HP! Some really good execution with very crisp fingering. Tempo and timing are very erratic. There are several sections where you’re rushing phrases which is really throwing off the timing of the tune. A good example of this is in the 7th bar. Try playing through the tune with a metronome and you’ll feel where this is happening. Very nice chanter sound. Well balanced and bright. Drones were not quite in tune. Get your phrasing under control and you’ll have a top notch performance! Good luck!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clive Brodie 🇳🇿 Tunes: Jimmy Tweedie's Sea Legs Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Clive. Nicely played HP! Execution is cautious, but generally clean. Some sloppy birls in first part. Cut B to D a bit sloppy also. Make sure the B is not early and is clearly heard. Slight choke beginning of 2nd part. Tempo was steady, but a bit slow. Nicely expressed. A few timing issues mainly caused by jumping into phrases early. Nice bagpipe! Drones solid. Chanter well balanced except for slightly sharp F. Overall, a nice performance!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Duncan Johnstone Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Damian. Thanks for submitting your tune! You seemed to lack confidence with this tune as there were several times where you were playing wrong notes or going off the tune. Some execution needs work. Make sure that all holes are covered during taps and strikes. The GDE triplets are not coming out cleanly. Try not to rush these and make sure each individual gracenote is clear. Timing was erratic, but much of this was caused by the previously mentioned execution issues. Nice chanter sound, but drones were not in tune. Keep working!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Sandy’s New Chanter. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Richard. Thanks for submitting your HP! You seem to be lacking some confidence with this tune as you went off the tune in several spots. Your primary execution issue is with crossing noises. You’re really going to need to slow down and analyze exactly where and why these are occurring. It’s usually due to fingers lifting and/or lowering at the wrong time, often when switching between top and bottom hand notes. Cleaning these up will vastly improve your playing. Your timing is also in need of some work as you're slowing and speeding up phrases throughout the tune. Work with your metronome to help with this. All of this will help you build more confidence with the tune and improve the overall performance. Good luck!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vincent Guinnane 🇺🇸 Tunes: Joe McGann's Fiddle Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Vincent. Nice job with your HP! Execution-wise, you should focus on cleaning up the crossing noises. These were pretty prevalent throughout your tune. Your tempo was appropriate and remained steady. Your D strikes at the end of each part are slightly early. Try to place the G gracenote of the strike right on the final beat. Couple bobbles in the last part of the tune. You were underblowing throughout the performance. This was contributing to some crowiness on high G and A as well as some chokes. Cleaning up those crossing noises will vastly improve your performance. Good luck!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Lament for Mary McLeod Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice entry to tune. D gracenotes in hiharin and cadences could be a bit more open for piobaireachd. Same applies to flams and rodins. Well phrased first line. Good treatment of cut C in lines 2 and 3. Bar 2 a bit rush through to the F gracenote in bar 2 in lines 2 and 3. Final phrase in ground a bit rushed. Var 1 - first note of each bar could be held a bit more - a bit like a cadence. I enjoyed this variation overall but your F is a bit sharp which is detracting from the music. Var 1 doub - very musical. F distracting. Drones drifing and becoming distracting. Taor - nice entry from var 1 but rushed into 1st taor movement. Line 1 - hold the penultimate note in each bar more and relax the flam for a better musical effect. Lines 2 and 3 better but cut Es a little too clipped. Taor doub a little square - hold the theme notes more. Crun singling- you're holding the Cs and Bs at the end of each bar better here than in the taor singling. Cut notes before these are too clipped - open them out slightly. Strong crunluath movement at start but getting tighter as you progress through the tune. Last phrase a bit rushed. Crun doubling - You're trying to do the right thing with this variation but it's a bit fast - you're pushing through the connecting notes after the crun movement too quickly which doesn't make this music feel sad. Overall a good attempt at this tune for grade 3.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Hunter Nichols 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Battle of Auldearn #1 Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice entry to ground. The grips could be opened out tomake them more musical. Es in cadences are a bit short for my taste (same throughout whole tune). Also falling off the D in the last bar of each line. Nicely into thumb var. High A before cadence is a bit too big for my taste - it feels like this stops the flow of the tune instead of gently easing you into the cadence. Nice doubling - 1 crossing noise from bottom hand to high A Dithis - first note of each bar could be held longer before the E gracenote. This settles as you progress through the variation - maybe just an issue on Low A? Doubling a little round. Really hold the theme note and cut the short notes. Taor singling - good overall but falling off some theme notes - particularly the low A as per Dithis. Taorluaths feel a bit tight overall - relax these and ensure there is plenty low G in them. Doubling a bit round - falling off theme notes which should be the focus rather than the taor movement itself. Crun singling - this has the makings and just needs your crun movements to become more fluent as you develop. Again focus on the theme notes Crun doubling - as per singling. (1 note error in line 3) A mach - as above Nice bagpipe overall - drones not 100% with D and F sharp. Working on your tuning would really imrpove your performance. A couple of minor chokes in the tune Great effort for this grade.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Marquis of Argylle's Salute Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe - F very sharp Ground - Well phrased overall. The cut B and C are too short throughout the ground - open these out a bit Es in cadences could be a bit longer throughout whole tune. Var 1 - nice overall. Cut notes could be a bit shorter and theme notes before them held more. Cut low A in penultimate bar needs to be relaxed a bit. Doubling - nice entry - rushing into taorluaths at end of line 1 which is then causing the remainder of the variation to be too round. Hold the theme notes. Taor singling - theme notes held well here. Nice variation. Drones strating to drift Taor doubling - a bit round overall - hold the theme notes more Crun singling - Nice overall but the joining notes are a bit too clipped - open these out. Crun doubling - hold the theme notes more here. Joining notes spot on here.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Vickie Gray 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Lament For the Old Sword Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice entry to ground. I'd prefer the first C to be a bit lazier than you're playing it. Edre movement could be slightly more fluent. Musical ground on the whole. Nice into dithis - slightly on the slow side for my taste but well phrased. A couple of crossing noises spoiling this. Doubling as per singling Taor - As dithis. Theme notes could be held a bit more before playing the taor movement. Crun - as taor. Crunluath movement could be more fluent Pipes nice on the whole but D sharp. Good piob high G. Drones drifting by Taor Overall I enjoyed this. You're clear in what you want to achieve with this tune. Your technique just needs to become more fluent as you progress which will allow you to take the tempo up in the variations without losing the phrasing and music.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Desperate Battle (of the birds) Kilberry Book Tune #53 Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Pipe well set - high A a fraction sharp for my taste. Ground - nicely phrased. I prefer the E in the cadence in this tune to be long with the note before the grip short rather than a conventional cadence. Var 1 - you have a good understanding of how you want to play this. Short notes are just a bit clipped for my taste and makes the singling feel positive rather than portraying sadness for the losing bird. Doubling - excellent Var 2 - sadness coming across in the singling but maybe a bit fast. Doubling a bit quick - hold the high As more. cut notes are a good length. You probably want the singling to be a bit slower with the doubling at the tempo you played the singling at. Watch for crossing noises going from bottom hand to high A Var 3 singling and doubling at a good tempo but a bit round. Really pulse the dotted notes and make the cut notes a bit shorter. Taor and Crun - Good tempo but you need to hold the theme notes much more. It comes across a bit round. Crunluath movement a bit right. A mach movement is in 2 halves rather than 1 movement - open the grip element of it up to help this. Pipe held well but F and High A quite sharp when you enter the ground again.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: Salute to Queen Elizabeth the 2nd Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this ground - Hold the Ds at the start of each bar more. Rushing off the E in the D double echos at the line endings. Overall an enjoyable ground. Taor - D double echos as per ground. D taors could be cleaner. Musical overall. A bit round in final phrase - hold the theme notes more. Taor D - very round - theme notes need held a lot more. Crun singling - good overall - d double echos again Crun doubling - as singling - some crun movements too crushed and not completely clean. Drones nicely in with Low A and held. D, E and F flat
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Clive Brodie 🇳🇿 Tunes: The Vaunting Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones well locked but slightly flatter than chanter. Ground a bit quick - cadencial Es in particular could be much longer. Second strike in double echo is too quick - this should be much longer since it only has 2 tails unlike the normal 3 that gracenotes/strikes have. Phrased well overall in ground. Var 1 a bit quick too - the tempo you have your ground at is probably what you're looking for in Var 1. Cut notes are too short - particularly the last low A in bar 3. Doubling as above - tempo of your singling is what you should aim for in the doubling. Trebling again too fast with short notes too clipped. This feels more like an exercise and is lacking music. I liked the way you slowed down towards the end to enter the taor. Taor singling - you need to hold the theme notes much longer before playing the taor movement. Again the cadencial E needs to be longer. In these cadeneces I'd hold the Bs and just use the low Gs as connecting notes. Remainder of taor variations well built on the whole but rushing off the theme notes makes it feel like an exercise rather than a piece of music, Crunluath as per taor. Good technique on show throughout this - the key thing to work on trying to get the music to come out this great tune. Pipe held well - just a shame you set the drones a fraction flat.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Munro’s Salute Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Ground too fast overall. Es in cadences need held a lot more. I think you're trying to phrase this correctly but it just feels rushed overall. Final phrase Var 1 - again far too fast and feels like an exercise Taor - as above and watch crossing noises. Crun - again very fast. you're not playing the crunluath movement correctly. I think you have an appreciation for what you're trying to achieve here but overall this tune is very rushed. You need to seek some instruction from a tutor to get the music out of this tune.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Lisa Martin 🇳🇿 Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice uptake to this - I just feel like you're playing the ground in 1 bar phrases instead of 2 bar phrases - better in line 2. Ground of the doubling could maybe be a little quicker - it felt like quite a big tempo increase going into the doubling. Doubling - very good Var 1 - too clipped. relax the cut notes and this would be a very musical vaiartion Doubling - a bit fast and clipped Taor - triplings a bit too open but well phrased Crun - this just needs your edres to become more fluent as you develop Good technqiue Pipes quite nicely set - F very sharp and distracting C flat.. Some chokes spoiling this performance. Good effort on the whole
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Field of Gold. Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this tune. Ground a bit round - you need to differentiate more between the long and short notes. The Es and D gracenotes in your cadences here are almost the same length - really hold the Es. Var 1 - this is very round - you need to differentiate between the long and short notes to make this musical Taor - as variation 1. Good GDEs but feels like more of an exercise than a piece of music Crunlutath- much more musical and good attempt at crun movements. Bagpipe well tunes overall but a few chokes spoiling. A few note errors throughout. This has the makings but I'd suggest listening to a recording of Donald MacLeod playing this tune - this will help you get the music out of it
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Macintosh’s Banner Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Pipe well set. Nicely into ground. Early off the first pulse of every 2nd group of 4. Really hold these Es in line 1 and F is 2/3. Nice into var 1 singling. Doubling a bit round - really hold the theme not the cut the low As. Both of these could've been a bit quick. Drones drifting Taor nicely set out overall but falling off first theme note (low A). Make sure all taor movements have the E gracenotes played to the low A - open the movement out a bit. Doubling as per var 1 doubling - a bit round. Hold the theme notes. Crun singling - nice overall. Your crun movement just needs to become more fluent as you develop. Crun doubling - as per singling. Good effort overall.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Vincent Guinnane 🇺🇸 Tunes: Struan Robertson's Salute Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice entry to tune. Bs afterlong Es could be slightly shorter for a better musical effect. Low G in D throw movements not clear. Line 2 a bit round. Hold the first high G and cut the E as per the Es and Bs in line 2. Taor singling - hold the first E longer and relax your taor movements. Other than that nicely set out. Some note errors spoiling. Taor doubling - nice overall. maybe just needs the tempo increased slightly. Work on holding the theme note and gliding through the rest. Crun singling - this feels very stilted. The breabach crunluath should be smoother. The E at the end of the crun movement and the 2 following joining notes should be the same length. You're severely cutting the middle note. Crun doubling - as above. Hiharin movement needs opened out throughout so it feels like 1 smooth movement. At the moment it feels like a gracenote to low A followed by a birl. A key area to work on is your tuning - your drones are distracting
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Megan Brodie 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Mrs John MacColl, The Shepherd's Crook, The Sheepwife Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown. Good swing and good phrasing to start. F slightly touchy - easy to blow it sharp. Clear technique, one missed doubling early. A little overcut on the cuts on beats/offbeats in part 4 for my taste. Excellent march. Good start to strathspey. Tiny catch end of line one. Lively tempo. Good phrasing. Strong technique here. Good break to reel. Drones holding well. Really pushing this reel quickly, but controlling it well. But, a bit quick relatively speaking to the tempo of the strathspey for solos. Overall very strong.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Abby Long 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Southall, Monymusk, Malcolm Johnston Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start (F a bit sharp). Quick tempo. Well expressed. Birls a little early at then end of parts. A good march, but I think your phrasing would come out better if the tempo wasn't so pushed. Excellent tempo to strath. Good phrasing. Hold the Low As to start bars in part three a bit longer. Good technique. Some underblown high As. Great groove to the reel. Excellent rendition. Well done.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Dornie Ferry, The Brown Haired Maid Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. Good tempo with strong phrase definition. Solid technique. Lots of swing to this march. Excellent start to strath. Stong strath expression and piles of control. Excellent strathspey. Good into the reel, then not totally settled. Little catches from High A to F causing a strange sound here and there. One tech miss. This tune improved as it went on and was very strong by the end after a bit of a shaky start.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ma Man Lap 🇭🇰 Place: 4 Tunes: March: Hugh Kennedy Strathspey: Susan MacLeod Reel: Smith of Chillichassie Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. Tempo quite quick, but lively and flowing well. Execution tight but fairly clear. I'd prefer a slightly slower tempo for solos with a bit more two bar phrase definition. Good break to strath. Technique more open here - quite good. A well played strathspey. Good start to reel. Also moving quite quickly, but under control. Little bottom hand issue part five. A very good MSR - sounds like pipe band style - for solos just pull back a bit on the tempo and let the phrasing and smoothness take over from speed.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Kelly 🇮🇪 Place: 5 Tunes: Major Manson of Clanastruchal /Dorritor Bridge/ Drumlittie Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. Controlled but lively tempo. Watch out for D gracenotes on short Cs going up to top hand - often sounds like a D. Make sure to close to the C. Some overcutting in part three making it sound a bit choppier that the smoothness of the other parts. Good entry to Dorrator B. STrong top hand work. Good pulsing. Some slightly unclear bits of execution but a strong strath. Good flow to reel, though some short notes a bit clipped. Maybe slow it down ever so slightly, and open up a little on the short notes especially if on a beat or off beat. Well done.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal, Maggie Cameron, Alick C. MacGregor Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start, though high A a bit sharp. Quite quick, and many of the short connecting notes, or cuts on beats/offbeats are very cut, making it sound a little choppy. I'd prefer it pulled back a little and smoothed out, with phrase definition there to avoid it sounding round. Much better phrasing in the strathspey. A bit quick but well played. Reel also quite fast. Nice touch on the GDEs in part three with the emphasis variation. Pretty good stuff here, but blazing fast!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Tunes: The Glengarry Gathering, The Ewe with the Crooked Horn, Over the Isles to America Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones well tuned and set to chanter. High G sharp, F a bit flat. Low G quite flat. Lively tempo. Good phrasing coming out. Part three: beats two and four (and elsewhere) you're not holding the C eighth note for its value, but instead pushing down to the low A - which is only a dotted sixteenth. That also means you're putting the cut note ahead of the offbeat, and not playing the tachum. Those beats are crucial to this part. Same pattern happens in part four beat four but on the top hand. Strathspey is very quick and lacking phrasing and patience. Strathspeys require pulsing and phrasings. Better pace to the reel. Some D gracenotes on cut Cs going up are obscuring the melody note. Good swing and control to the reel. The reel was the highlight for me.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Dugald MacColl’s Farewell to France, The Shepherd’s Crook, Bessie MacIntyre. Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Chanter balance a bit of an issue - sharp bottom hand and flat top hand - some warbly low Gs - drones not in with low A. I'd pull the tempo back a bit so you can get in more of the technique, and have fewer errors. Better tempo to strath - technically much stronger. Errors here too. Steady tempo. Pretty quick and tight in the reel but maintained the tempo - cleaner run than the first two tunes.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kip Morais 🇺🇸 Tunes: Pipe Major J. McWilliams, Bob of Fettercairn, McAllister's Dirk Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close but not quite refined. Top hand flat from E up (high G indistinct) Some little fluctuations in bag pressure. Cautious tempo but moving along well. Speeding through the first phrase of part four. One little note error in second ending (B for C) - it's a tough one to remember! Top hand a bit fuzzy. Good tempo to strathspey. Good pulsing. Slight acceleration starting part four but you reined it in. Reel flowing fairly well. Good job on a tough tune. Next steps should be geared toward refining your sound and tuning.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane 🇺🇸 Tunes: March: The Conundrum, Strass: Capt Colin Campbell, Reel: Col Macleod Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones tuned well together but flat to chanter. Top hand of the chanter a bit sharp - maybe raise the reed a bit? LIvely tempo. I'd like to hear some phrase definition to this march. Little fumbles in part four. Uneven bag pressure on break to strathspey. Strath a bit round - dotted notes need to be extended further - and also needs phrase definition and pulsing SWMW (or a variation of it). A few little issues going into the reel. Be careful not to overcut some of the short notes. Overall your reel approach is good - just a few too many fumbles maybe caused by overcutting in isolated places, or just errors.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommy Burns 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Toronto Scottish Regiment, Peggy Gillies, Dolina Mackay. Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: The echo and distance from the recorder makes it tough to hear clarity of execution... Drones set well but a bit flat to low A - however, your low A is sharp. Good pace to the march. Some unevenness in bag pressure. Good tempo to the strath but lacking phrasing and pulsing. Minor troubles in part three. Good start to reel, but starting with the ending phrase of part one some acceleration crept in, and carried on through the tune - keep it reined in.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Mosspark, Biddy from Sligo Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Paul. Really good jigs! Not much to criticize with this performance. Execution was excellent. Your technique is clean and crisp. A missed taorluath in 3rd part of Biddy and some slightly early B taps at end of part in Alan M. was about all I heard. As you progress to grade 1, you should consider a bit more tempo and maybe some slight shading with your phrasing. Right now your phrasing is very round which is fine, but some subtle dot/cutting in the right places can make both these tunes much more musical and interesting. Excellent bagpipe. Drones locked and blending very well with the chanter. Overall, this was an excellent performance. Well done!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: The Northern Train, The Seagull Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: HI Phil. This was a very good performance. Your execution is clear and crisp. Some taps are not coming out clearly, but otherwise very clean. I liked the way you expressed both tunes. It’s tempting to play jigs these days super round, but that can be a bit monotonous in my opinion. You included some subtle pointing into your phrasing which I thought really enhanced the musicality of both tunes. Your tempos were controlled and appropriate for this grade level. Maybe starting to rush just a bit in 4th part of Seagull. Your pipes were very well tuned. Well balanced and bright chanter blending nicely with drones. Overall, some really well played jigs. Good job!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: The Old Hag at the Kiln, Dancing on Frost Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Graham. Some very lively jig playing! There’s not a lot of complicated execution in these tunes, but they are very entertaining. You did a good job of getting the most out of both tunes. Brisk tempos, but still under control. At this grade level, slightly more challenging tunes are generally expected. Drones were solid. Chanter well balanced except for a very sharp high G. Very enjoyable performance. Thanks for your submission!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Kelly 🇮🇪 Place: 4 Tunes: Butterfingers/Caber Feidh Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Anthony. Nice jigs! Generally, your execution is crisp and mostly clean. Some missed taps and GDE’s throughout. Also, you have a slight hesitation before your birls which is interfering with the timing. GDE’s are also rushed. I’d suggest a slightly slower tempo overall. This would help you to clean up some of the missed execution and to keep your phrasing under control. Very nice drones. Well tuned and steady. Chanter balanced but a bit thin sounding. Overall, some good playing, but just need to pull back the tempo a bit to keep things under control.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommy Burns 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Pipe Major Joe Wilson/ Kenny Gillies of Portnalong, Skye Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Tommy. Not the best acoustics in this space. Lots of echo! However, some pretty good jig playing. Execution pretty good. Some missed taps in second tune. Movements lacking crispness at times. Good tempos. Phrasing is a bit pushed. By that I mean you tend to start phrases slightly ahead of the beat. Practicing with a metronome can help with this. Drones were very well tuned. Chanter seemed well balanced, but difficult to hear given the echo. Thanks for the submission!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Corkhill, The Hen’s March. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Jurgen. Thanks for submitting your jigs! You’ve got nice snap to your fingering; however, your execution is very inconsistent. Quite a few missed embellishments throughout both tunes. You might focus on keeping movements a bit more open until you can develop more consistency. A slightly slower tempo would also help with this. Some of your phrasing is rushed. For example; your GDE’s are often rushed, causing you to be early to the next phrase. Practicing with a metronome will help you with this. Drones were nicely tuned, but a very flat high A really distracted from your bagpipe sound. Overall, slightly slower tempos and opening up your techniques would really help your performance. Good luck!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane 🇺🇸 Tunes: Barbara’s Jig & The Glasgow City Police Pipers. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Raquel. Thanks for submitting your tunes! Your execution is very clean and accurate for the most part. For grade 2 level, you’ll need a bit more tempo and a more musical approach to your expression. You’re phrasing these tunes more like 6/8 marches than jigs. Partly, that’s due to your tempo, but you’re also using too much dot/cut in your phrasing. Very nice bagpipes. Drones well tuned, with a bright and balanced chanter. Overall, you just need a bit more tempo and a slightly rounder approach to your phrasing. Best of luck!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: PM Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice temp and nice pipe 1. A little light with half doublings on E in bar 2 2nd beat both times otherwise good. 2. Good 3. Good 4. Excellent Overall a very solid performance played with lots of poise and confidence. I would like to see you loosen up and work on just walking while you march as you are not using the natural cadence in your walking to assist with the march feel (although you are still consistent musically). Relax and just put the notes to your hands. Show excellent proimse well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Miss Ishabel T Macdonald Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and nice instrument 1. Good 2. Good 3. Light E doubling first time through (bar 4) otherwise good 4. Good (I believe it should be an F going into the 2nd time where you offered a High A but also could be a different settting ?) Overall a very nicely played 6/8 march played with lots of drive and confidence on a very good instrument you have complete control over. Maybe just loosen up your hands a tad to allow them to move more efficiently and accurately but you have a nice, natural feel for the music. Well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Bonawe HIghlanders Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and pipe okay 1. Nice - just try to loosen up a bit and keep the D grace notes small for better articulation. 2. Nice 3. Nice - lighter hands will allow you to feel the Low G more on the Taorluaths which will fill them out better 🙂 4. Nice - last tacchum in bar 7 (i think) was a little pushed and tight. Overall a very enjoyable performance played on a solid insturment you have good control over from start to finish. You have a nice feel for the 6/8 rhythm and were very consistent from start to finish as well. I would like to see you loosen up your grip on the chanter a little more which will be much easier on you and will actually improve your ability to play smaller grace notes for better articulation. Excellent promise keep up the great work!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Kelly 🇮🇪 Place: 4 Tunes: Mick Mahoneys Welcome Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Tempo a little careful but pipe nice 1. Good 2. watch going to E doublings from F (Keep the G grace note small to start the E doubling) 3. Nice 4. Nice Overall a solid 6/8 March performance played at a tempo I initially thought was a tad cautious however it grew on me and you were consistent with it and the 6/8 rhythm. Pipe was okay and was steady from start to finish. I would say a little less "grip" on the chanter will provide you with a a little more freedom to move about the chanter as you present as if you are trying to hold it all back (which you are doing just fine) but this slight bit of tension comes out in the performance and will inhibit your progress. Loosen up more and let the music take you 🙂 Well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Abby Long 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Dornoch Highland Gathering Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and nice instrument with drones not quite locked onto Low A detracting from the overall sound quality. 1. A little tight on delivery here which causes you to come out of rhythm on the front side a tad. 2. Nice and starting to show more poise. 3. Nice starting to relax here and you are delivering a more consistent rhythm now. 4. Nice Overall a very nice performance on a nice instrument not quite locked with Low A. You started out a tad tight but as you moved along it soundsed as if you began to relax which translated into a much more consistent and poised 6/8 rhythm. You have all of the tools and I have no doubt will continue to progress and a good way to begin this is just by staying relaxed (I know easier said than done but the more you practice staying relaxed in competition I guarantee the better your results will be 🙂 Well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Place: 6 Tunes: Wee Willie’s March Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice brisk tempo and bagpipe is well tuned and has a pleasant chanter sound! 1. a little catch or just a little tight Low A, short B to C combination in the first part and the D throw in the part ending is a tad pushed and not quite feeling the Low G to start the D throw movement creating a slight crossing noise but otherwise great sense of 6/8 "lilt" 2. same as above. 3. Good 4. NIce Overall a very pleasing performance on a great instrument that you have great control over from start to finish. The comments above could be the result of just gripping the chanter a tad preventing the free movement required which will actually sound out your short notes more. Take a look at the ending D throws as it was very consistent and slightly early on entry but not going to Low G to start the movement. Otherwise a very solid performance. Well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Trees of North Uist. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice aggressive tempo and pipe okay I think but a poor audio recording creating some sound distortion detracting from overall performance. 1. Okay but a tad pushed here needing to sit it back more to stay in the 6/8 rhythm; Squeal on Low G ? 2. okay but again a little pushed causing loss of rhythm and some light grace notes on tachhums 3. okay 4. okay Overall a good performance which was a little pushed from start to finish. Need to sit it back both in terms of tempo and just maintaining the nice 6/8 rhythm ( 1...2,3 1...2,3 etc.) consistently. Sound quality was unfortunately impacted by poor audio recording which detracted from the overall performance. You appear to have great hands and really just need to relax a bit, sit the tempo back and stay in rhythm to improve your presentation. Well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kip Morais 🇺🇸 Tunes: Heights of Cassino Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and pipe okay but drones not quite locked together detracting from overall sound quality. 1. Okay - going to the D throw early at the end of bar 3 consistently (BTW I dont think I have heard it with a throw here) 2. Okay but same as above for D throw 3. Pushing the beat a tad here especially around the birl from Low G...wait longer on the Low G then hit the G grace note of the birl right on the beat. Tacchum in Bar 5 a little tight too. 4. Okay Overall a very good performance on a decent bagpipe not quite in tune and I would like to see you put a bit more pressure on the reed to be in the sweet spot as it was coming out a little flat and some craw on High A indicative of being on the back side of the reed. Nice feel for the 6/8 rhythm and you were pretty consistent throughout other than the spots mentioned above. Loosening up your grip will assist as well here in terms of waiting and not pushing things. Well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommy Burns 🇺🇸 Tunes: MacNeils of Ugadale Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and nice pipe! 1. A little pushed with the 6/8 rhythm 2. Rushing to the E doubling which has a big G grace note to start which is easily fixed. 3. Good - ending not solid (wrong note) 4. Good but just pushing here a tad as well. Overall a very nice performance. I would like to see you just sit back a little more to give yourself more time to put things right in time utilizing the 1..2,3 1...2,3 rhythm consistently throughout the tune. In the 2nd part in bars 1 and 3 you are getting to the E doubling early and the reason is because your short F prior to the E doubling is too small and the G grace note to begin your E doubling is too big. This is quite common and counterproductive in producing the desired phrase here. Break this down by going from the HIgh A in beat 1, playing the short High G and F (I believe you play a back grace note on the F) and then just play a small G grace note to the E and repeat this over and over until it is right in time and you don't feel like too much is happening here. Then add the other gracee note to complete the E doubling and repeat over and over. This should fix it! You do have a tendency to be slightly ahead of the beat at time which ohly gives you less time to play the technique and will pull you out of the 6/8 rhythm. Work on loosening up and staying in time and guarantee your performance will come up to another level. Well done!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: The Sandpiper Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Nice pipe here, a few falt notes aroud the middle of the chanter. Try and ease into the tune a little more at the start. This was well played wih great technique however it comes across a little pipe-bandy, there are more musical nuances to get out of the tune. Inconsistant grips, either A or G grips please. On the whole a great performance with much potential - keep it up.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: The High Level Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Nice drone sound here with a nice chanter, F is a little sharp. The tune itself was quite well played, perhaps a little straight and a safe tempo. You could include a few dot and cut rhythms in the tune. A minor slip in part 3. 4th part losing rhythmic effect from birls, try and close them up a little to get the correct syncopation. Technically great, a very enjoyable performance - keep up the good work.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Jack Aloft Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Lovely drone sound. Nice chanter sound, top hand suspect, drones drifting as tune progresses Nicely into and was played, a few minor inaccuracies throughout however, make sure the G gracenotes are placed accurately. The odd crossing noise. On the whole a solid performance, well done.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Ina Mackenzie Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be a lot closer to the low A and could be a little closer with each other. Good level of technical application here, nice clear doublings etc. However, there is the odd inaccuracy in the third part. The tune was played quite "safe" and so you lose some musical lift. Wee slip towards the end. There is much potential here, keep up the good work.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommy Burns 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Pipe Major George Allan Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipe is a little sharp to the chanter Well into the tune. Musically very well delivered. A number of technical inaccruacies. The main one being the D gracenote, it doesn't quite close properly when going from A to C. This is very obvious in the 4th part as well. a wee slip in pt3. On the whole an enjoyable performance - keep up the good work. Try and orientate the video so that we see you correct way up. Similarly an echoey hall might not be the best place to record pipes as the round reverbarates.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Jimmy Blue, Ceilidh Lines. Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: This catagory requires you to play just one hornpipe so I judged this based on your first tune: Nice pipe here. Try to ease into the tune more. A wee slip at the start plus a choke. Some really excellent technique coming through at the start expecially ion the bottom hand. However, there was a few technical inaccuracies that crept into the mix. Similarly you lost composure towards the end of the tune. Keep the tempo down a little and try and have a nice clean run of the tune - this will be more enjoyable. Much potential here, keep it up.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: The Groat Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start, though low G on the flat side. The D throw in D double echoes should have a bigger low G than regular throws. Good pace to ground, good phrasing. Well played ground. Good technique (edre a bit uneven). Siubhal going very well. Drones drifting a little. Doubling also moving well with good phrasing. Good into T sg. Bold doubling presented well. Good into C sg. Good pace and presentation. Excellent doubling. Low A has risen a tiny bit and drones not completely locked. I really enjoyed this tune - excellent pacing and phrasing made it so fun to listen to. Thank you.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Abby Long 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: The Battle of Waternish Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start and well blown. Ground a wee bit cautious but well phrased, with well thought out treatment of cadences. Strong technique. Good entry to dithis. Excellent subtle expression. Doubling started a bit carefully but by the end of line one moved along well. Var 2 well played. Excellent pace to start doubling. Some low Gs slightly clipped. Good entry to taor. Strong technique. Doubling well played. Bit quick going into the crun singling. Pulled it back once the cadences started. Good into doubling. Good a mach movements. Overall - there were a number of micro-chokes, a couple of minor misses or squeakies, but there was great maturity in presenting this tune musically, and a very steady instrument with high quality technique.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown to start. Good pace, though slightly cautious. Early edre miss. Well phrased ground. Thumb var also good yet also cautious. Var 2 moving well. One more missed edre - but most of your edres are stellar. Taor also cautious - lots of pausing mid bar - try pushing through a bit more briskly to the grips. Good pace to the doubling. Strong technique. Same comment in crun sg as in taor sg - the E and D in the middle of bars are pretty long... Pipe holding well. Getting a micro pause on the E after the movement slightly disrupting the flow after the crun movement and the next big theme. The comments above are quite picky - overall I really enjoyed this performance.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Anthony Kelly 🇮🇪 Place: 4 Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start (High A a bit thin). Good pace and phrasing to start the ground. Well played ground. Good entry to var 1. Minor inconsistencies in hiharin movement. Bottom hand sharpening a bit. Excellent variation. Good entry to T. Well played singling. Good contrast into doubling. A few slightly indistinct movements, but most rhythmic and clear. Good transition to C singling. Well played singling. Good contrast to doubling. Good doubling variation. Jumping off the Es after a mach movements early - leg into pulse three of the first bar - very quick to the low A - disrupting the flow of your pulsing. Your chanter rose a tiny bit, and a few little technical issues, but overall this was a terrific tune.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Place: 5 Tunes: The Men Went to Drink Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. Good pace to the ground, and well phrased - essential in this tune! Var 1 could move a bit more briskly - maybe shorten the Ds in the middle of bars a wee bit. Same comment in Var 2 regarding the Ds in the middle of bars - bit long. Doubling a bit severe, and not hearing the phrasing here. Taor sg again holding a bit much mid bar, which negates any holding at phrase end. Excellent doubling. Bit long on the Es in crun singling. Movements a bit tight in doubling but variation moving along well. Pipe holding well. Well played.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Joseph Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Lament for Sir James MacDonald of the Isles Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start but low A slightly sharp. Maybe extra pressure here and there, becuase at times it is better than others. A well presented ground. Good Var 1 - room to define the end of your phrases a bit. C a bit sharp, but pipe holding well otherwise. Good pace to T, but could use phrase definition here too. Good technique. Good pace to C. Well played - just needs a bit more phrase definition in the variations.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Tunes: Lament for Mary McLeod Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close to start, but bass a bit sharp (or slightly unsteady). Good pace to the ground, and tasteful phrasing. Technically strong start (one edre miss in ground). Excellent flow to var sg. Drones not staying quite together. Excellent pace and ebb and flow in doubling. Minor catch HG to F. A very musical tune so far. Excellent T sg. Pretty sure it isn't just my speakers, but it sounds like the drones drift when you go up to F - maybe an increase in pressure causing them to move a bit? Again, good pace to T doubling. Movements tightening a bit. Excellent phrasing. Good entry to C. Well played variation - just a little hurried to finish. Good pace to doubling. Tight movements. This was an extremely musical tune, and technically good. I would take a look at the drones/bridles so they're not so sensitive, and also be sure not to change pressure when you go higher up the scale.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: Old Men of the Shells (setting no 1) Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start. Well presented ground. Drones not quite together by the end of the ground. F a bit unstable. Good pace to var 1. E sharpening by end of this var. Welll played. Minor point - played G gracenote instead of D to start Var 2 sg. If you open up the D gracenote in the cadence part of the B double echoes (as one does in hiharins) you'll get a smoother start to the echo movement. Well played. Bit of a squeak to start the doubling. A few more. Well played. Good entry to T. Quite tight GDEs and not consistent in timing - maybe open them up a little. More squeaks in doubling on low G. Miss to start C and a bit hurried. Wee change of mind at the end of line one. Good pace to both C variations, but tight technique.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Lament For Donald Laggen Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start. Some minor fluctuations in pressure affecting tone a wee bit. Cautious pace to the ground. Drones moving a little bit. Line two could use a bit more two bar phrasing - presenting it as one bar phrases with equal pauses at the end of each bar. Much better pace to start the T. Well played singling. Good movements. F a bit unstable. Cautious in doubling. Overholding mid phrase which makes you have to really extend the end of phrases to define them. Litte error. Good pace to start the C. E gracenote a bit close to the D gracenote in movements. A couple of errors in sg. Good pace to the doubling. Drones drifting more. E and F gracenotes getting big. Overall you have a good understanding and can deliver this well - just keep it going mid phrases so the melody can shine.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Tommy Burns 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Battle of Auldern No.2 Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. A few moments of uneven pressure (D and HG) to watch/listen for. Don't forget to define your phrase endings in the middle of line two. Good ground. Good pace into doubling. Could use a bit more phrase definition. Dithis a bit slow and needs strong medium medium strong phrasing. Bit scrambly into doubling - wee choke. Var 2 interesting style. Var 3 needs some phrasing. Wee choke. T sg don't forget to define the begnnings of your phrases. Still some sags in bag pressure. Phrasing a little better in T doubling. Watch ths size of your E and F gracenotes in your crun movement - bit big, obscuring the low A you want to hear. E gracenote very close to the D gracenote. Doubling missing the phrasing you had in the T doubling. A mach a little crushed. A big tune - main thing is to watch your phrasing, and control of the bag.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Colin Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Jimmy Young, Susan MacLeod, The Sheepwife Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Colin. Great to see you here today. You may want to record in landscape mode another time? Quite narrow view. Tone: A very bright, sweet sound. Well done in your setup. Execution: M): Good hands but watch 4-note gracenoting clarity. A bit tight. A-C-C-E in bar 1's are a great example to really open up. S): Tight on cut C-doublings. Watch execution tightness does not spoil the music (of which you have plenty). R): Better clarity here somehow. Music: M): Pretty aggressive start. Holding steady though and sure not lacking spark for sure. Nice polish though in general. S): Good interpretation and music to this classic. R): Really good start and really like this tempo here. Summary: A really good set Colin. Watch as - in order to advance - your hands need to keep up with your music. Need to have it all. Thanks!
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hugh Dowell 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Captain Campbell of Drum a Voisk; Mrs. Donald MacPherson; Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Hugh and thanks for taking part in this event! Tone: A bold bagpipe. Well balanced with a lovely HAn quality. Drones that wee bit sharp. Chanter is sweet with "F" being a hair peaky. Too much tuning for this kind of event. Try to limit this (started at 5:52). Still drones are sharp. Execution: M): Hands showing good claritty early. That wee bit open on some 1/16 short notes. Strong bottom hand work n 3rd. Watch E doubling (large). S): E doublings. Cut doublings are a little tight. R): Triplets could be stronger/clearer. Music: M): Nicely started. Flow to tune is very good. Consistent, steady music through the March. S): A bit careful here. Lacks some lift/punch to music. Love this tune. R): Very nice entry to Reel. Good pace here. Summary: A very nice run once you finally got going! Work on Strathspey lift. Lots of skills you have..
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Mrs. John McColl, Catlodge, Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Connor and welcome here today. Tone: A polished sound Connor - well done. Bottom hand a bit brassy for me (LG is flat for example). Beautiful HA. Execution: M): Good hands yet lacking some clarity. Examples would include C & E doublings (both could be opened for clarity). S): Stronger gracenotes would enhance, especially when on a cut note (eg. C - E). Cut doublings (C) are very tight. R): Nice A triplets. Tight gracenotes at times. Music: M): Nicely opened. Good pace and flow. Good music apparent right through. S): Pushing a little here. Quite musical overall. R): Hurried to Reel. Tempo too hot now. Summary: A very good run Connor. Watch your fundamentals overall. To advance you are going to need sound basics. Thanks again!
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Megan Brodie 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: Mrs John MacColl, The Shepherd's Crook, The Sheepwife Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Megan. Grerat to be with you today. Tone: A nice bright pitch. Pipes well set. Your bllowing is very steady and well done. Good pressure throughout. Execution: M): Good hands are obvious.Nice clean fingerwork. Bottom hand doubings are a shade open. Good and clear but watch the size of gracenotes. S): Nicely started. Excellent birls. Small catch sounds at times. R): Very good entry to this great tune. Greacenoting very clear. Wach clarity on tachums. Music: M): A careful start. Your playing is musical - no doubt - and yet the 1/16 notes are a bit too open for a solid 2/4 march presentation. It is creating a round affect to your overall flow. It is all there to address this. Otherwise you are steady and musical. S): Good music and just lacking a little attack for the grade. Good, steady beat pulsing thougth. R): Better here in terms of "letting it go". Flowing well now. Summary: Really enjoyed your playing. Musical in the end and is mostly what needs to happen. Working on letting the whole thing "go" a little. Attack the music in MSR delivery. Really promising stuff. Thank you.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gord Wallace 🇨🇦 Place: 5 Tunes: Major Mansons Farewell to Clachantrushal, Kathleen Mala, Sandy Cameron Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Gord. Great to hear you today. Tone: A good pipe sound. Drones lovely. Execution: M): Good hands are evident early on. Small catches on bottom hand work coming through (A-C/C-A). S): Good work. Watch cut C and B doublings for clarity. R): Clean hands here. Even in the challenging 4th part. Music: M): Starting at good pace. Steadiness of every beat note (esp. beat 1's) is sometimes varying. Try to extend beats with consistency. Pleasant music in the end. S): Nicely to Strathspey. Steady tempo and delivery here. Musically a bit open/round overall but not a major issue. R): Good flow here to this great tune. Flowing well. Summary: Really enjoyed this run thanks Gord. I found it a little careful but steady and musical. Also a bit round in Strathspey playing. Well done thanks.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ray Flanagan 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal; Islay Ball; Mrs. MacPherson at Inveran Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Ray. Thanks for doing this today. Tone: A bright pitch. Pipes pretty well set. "F" sharp. Execution: M): Hands pretty good but tightness to your execution is also obvious. Your fingers are actually looking really good on things like taorluaths. But overall they are "tight". S): Watch E and F doubling clarity. Triplets are very even and open. Could nip them more so that you do not slow down here. R): Catch sounds at times opening to top hand. Music: M): Well started but becomes too aggressive very quickly. Watch to not slow down and speed up at moments. Looking for consistency. S): Slowing down greatly in open passages and triplet runs. Again, speeding up and down. Careful. R): Musically better here. More even at tempol and flowing pretty well. Summary: Good job Ray. You need to strive for a steadier performance. Tempo surges are the main think along with some work on technique. Keep it up!
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Tunes: Invergordon's Welcome to Queen Elizebeth II, The Doune of Invernochty, Lt. Col. D.J.S. Murray Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Charlie and welcome to the contest today. Always great to hear you play. Tone: A full sounding pipe. Perhaps a shade dull in pitch. Especially noticeable on bottom notes (LG quite flat). "F" is uneven at times through the set. Execution: M): Hands nice and clear. A couple small glitches during March. Going from F to HA in 4th seems unclear. S): Cut doublings are very closed. Try to open up. Fight the urge to attack here! R): Really good break to Reel. Good clarity on triplets. Music: M): Flowing well early. A tad "open" in passages. Overall a musical flow to your playing. S): "F" uneven now. Good tempo chosen. R): Musical playing now. Drones out by end. Summary: Really good set Charlie. Watch chanter sound and clarity of fingers at times. Thank you.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eddie Boland 🇮🇪 Tunes: Inveran, Captain Colin Campbell, Col DJS Murray Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Eddie. Thanks for taking part here today. Tone: A good pipe sound. A little blasty for my taste but all together pretty well. Execution: M): Hands are good but a little "loose" overall. Technique needs clarity and an overal tightening. Especially bottom hand work. Pretty good overall and just needs more work. S): Taorluaths coming across well. Not quiet as clear in 4th (a bit loose here). Good overall. R): Nicely to reel. Watch to squeeze Low G on HA grips. Music: M): A musical feeling to your playing. Steady. Watch to not finish the end of lines of early. Occasionally surging in tempo slightly. S): A bit careful at start. Hold beat 1's harder (i notice it particularly in 2nd part). R): Very draggy here. Could pulse beat notes harder in my view. Summary: Good stuff Eddie - well done. Watch clarity of fingers in general. Could be more consistent. Thanks again for playing this MSR.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Friedrich Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Tommy MacDonald of Barguillean, Maggie Cameron, Bessie MacIntyre. Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Friedrich. Welcome today and might I say your appearance and location are spectacular! Tone: A bright bagpipe. I feel your drones are tuned a little sharp giving the appearance of flatness to the chanter sound. Small surges in tone...I think your blowing could be steadier (to me it is more pressure consistently on the bag). Execution: M): Hands are pretty good. They could be opened up overall for greater execution clarity. S): Really nipping the triplet runs and cut doubling work. R): Watch catch sounds opening to top hand notes. Open triplets as well. Music: M): Well started at an excellent tempo. Flowing well. Pulsing pretty well for this great tune. Pushing at times in tempo. S): Nicely opened. R): Too fast from the start. Nice cutting in 4th part. Summary: An enjoyable MSR. Watch aggressiveness and clarity to finger technique. Look at the balance from drones to chanter as well to enhance. Thank you.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Patrick's Revelation, Angus Sutherland Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Connor. Some excellent jig playing! I really enjoyed your tunes. Great drive and control of phrasing. Excellent execution with strong and consistent technique. Really good bagpipe. Chanter bright and balanced with a nice ring to high A. Top notch performance. Well done!
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Colin Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Donella Beaton and Braes of Melnish Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Colin. Very well played jigs! Really strong execution throughout both tunes. Controlled and accurate phrasing. A few chirps on low G at times. Maybe slightly dragging in the 3rd part of Braes. Keep moving through the grips. Drones solid. Chanter bright, but chirping a bit. Flat high A. Overall, an excellent performance. Nice job!
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gord Wallace 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Brides Jig, Old Wife of the Milldust Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Gord. Very nicely played jigs! Execution is quite clean. Watch the placement of your G gracenotes in your GDE’s. Not always being placed directly on the note. Good tempo. Some dragging in 3rd part of Old Wife. At times, you’re beginning phrases slightly ahead of the beat giving a pushed feel to your timing. Very nice bagpipe. Drones locked. Chanter balanced and bright. Very good performance!
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eddie Boland 🇮🇪 Place: 4 Tunes: The Strutting Jig, Donnie Mcgregor Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Eddie. Nicely played jigs! Execution is clean and crisp. Some small chirps high A to low A. Very good control of phrasing. Some slight rushing in 2nd part of 2nd tune. Slight bobble in 3rd part. Excellent bagpipe! Drones were locked in. Very bright and balanced chanter sound. Overall, a very nice jig set!
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Skylark's Ascension, Alex MacDonald Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Charlie. Nicely played tunes! Execution is crisp, but lacking consistency. E and F taps very inconsistent. Missed GDE in part 1 of 2nd tune. Bobble in 3rd part. Tempo and timing a bit erratic. Just a bit unsettled overall. Very nice bagpipe sound other than a flat F. I think with a little work on some of your technique you’ll find your tempo and timing issues will also improve. Good luck!
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Colin Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Rab's Wedding, Miss Ishabel T MacDonald Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: The requirement here was to play just 1 march so I have judges this based on the first tune, 'Rab's Wedding'. Good drone tone here, nice bright chanter. Technically sound as well with some great musical flow and poise. The tempo could just be a tad brighter and try and ease into the tune a little more.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Rab's Wedding Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good drone tone here, nice bright chanter. Good tempo though could be a tad brighter. Technically sound though the D gracenote finger could be lifted a tad higher to achieve maximum clarity in bottom hand technique. Overall an enjoyable performance, well done. Watch E strikes too.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gord Wallace 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones good here but could be a little steadier and locked to the chanter. Getting better as the performance goes on. Lovely 6/8 playing here with good technical skill though doublings could be a little more open. Drones starting to waver in the 4th part.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Iain Campbell of Oban Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be a little more locked tonally together here. Try and ease into the tune a little more. G gracenotes could be more accurately placed in your ornamentation in general. A few crossing noising coming across. Good tempo here with some good expression coming across. Drones getting better as performance improves.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Aberdeen Romeo, Stumbling Through the Grey Area Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe to start. Excellent tonal quality. Aggressive but controlled pace. Minor rushing in part two. Also a wee bit elssewhere around thumb gracenotes on HG. Grey Area more settled. Killer technique. Well played - just a few minor places pushing the beat a bit.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gord Wallace 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: The Ladies Hornpipe, PM George Allan Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. Lively and swingy with clear execution. Slightly aggressive in cuts which land on beats or offbeats at times. Smoothly into second tune. Little miss part three. Steady tempo. An enjoyable set.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Colin Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Tam Bains Lum and Donald MacLeod Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe to start. Lovely tonal quality. Careful attention paid to the big notes - well done. Clear technique. Steady tempo. One funny F in part three. Slowing a little in part 4 of TBL. Then a tempo increase into Donald M, with a sltightly different feel, but very appropriate for this tune. I preferred the flow in the second tune to the first - just a bit more natural, where in TBL sounded like you were trying harder, if that makes any sense!
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Jack Adrift, Lois' Hornpipe Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe, but F flat and a bit unstable. Lively and swingy. Minor hesitation part two and a few tiny catches - maybe caused by some overcutting of the cut notes. Watch bag pressure - esp in part 4 of Jack. More slightly indistinct bits part one of Lois. Steady tempo. Chanter not with drones at the end. Overall a good set, just a few slightly unclear, or slighly scrambly bits particuarly at the end of tune 2.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Colin Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: The Groat Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Nicely phrased start on a good bagpipe. I would say your cadential E is slightly too long vs. the rest of the phrase. I would also prefer a bit more of the themal D at the end of the echos before the G grace note in e.g. bar 2 (copied wherever this occurs through the tune) - Nice Siubhal, I think a missed grace note in Singling L3 the only blemish. I like putting some emphasis on the B grips, but don't do it to such an extent as to interrupt the melody - Torluath Singling strong, perhaps a shade too fast making the cadences at the end of the phrases a little laboured in contrast. I think you could open up the Singling. One missed movement - Torluath Doubling very good, be careful not to lose the phrase endings. Final movement of the variation a little messy - Simliar comments with Crunluath Singling to Torluath. I think you could open this up a bit, let more air into the Low Gs and you could get more flow to it - And Crunluath Doubling comments really as Torluath too Good bagpipe throughout. Drones wavering slightly but never hard on the ear. An excellent tune, really only musical interpretation that differ how I would play the tune. Well done
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Field of Gold Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Lovely start on a good pipe. Top hand maybe slightly shrill but good balance across drones and chanter - Ground well played. I think you could be slighltly smoother through all of it and not cut the semi-quaver notes quite so aggressively, but that is my opinion - Similar comments for V1 - nice phrasing and clean technique, but just seek the rhythm and flow a little more - Torluath very musical. I would try to tighten up the GDEs slightly so you can give more to the theme note without losing tempo - Crunluath also excellent. A couple of missed F grace notes but otherwise very technically. These two variations were definitely worthy climax
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Hugh Dowell 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Lament for the Viscount of Dundee Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Confident start, well phrased on a good instrument. I would prefer it if you weren't so abrupt with the movement and phrase around the grip in bar 3 L1 of the Ground, try to roll through it a bit more smoothly - A couple of minor technical issues in L2 Ground (cherede) - V1 Singling and Doubling good. Nice musical flow, you could perhaps get even more out of the music here. Good transition into V2 - Squeals in V1 and 2, becoming quite regular on Low G in particular - are you overblowing? Becoming common in Crunluath. Pipes are otherwise pretty good so I would see if you can crack set up - Inconsistent treatment of the final note of the phrase in V2 Singling, in an otherwise good Variation. Doubling better, but transition into Torluath maybe good have had more emphasis on closing note - Torluath good, the theme note (after the GDE) felt slightly rushed in the Singling, I don't think you need to push the tempo here, your technique is good enough to hold the tempo up. Again, would recommend more closure to Doubling before entry into Crunluath - Cadences a bit inconsistent in Crunluath Singling, and a hint of the same rushing as in Torluath. A well played tune with good technique and a sound instrument. Only a very few musical criticisms that did not tarnish the overall impact of the tune. Sort the squeals out and any criticism could really only be subjective. Well done
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Groat Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Confident approach to the tune, tempo about right. However, the treatment of cut or joining notes comes across a bit choppy. This is the same in the Siubhal - I feel you want it to be a bit more swingy than choppy, let it flow a bit more - Poweful pipes and a balanced chanter. It sounded like the pipe was maybe a bit too strong and blowing degraded through the tune - The occasional technical blemish in the Crunluath - Nice variety in pace between all the Singlings and Doublings, less so the Crunluath where S&D were very similar. This removed a bit of the climax to the tune Solid performance of a challenging tune. I would say your main focus should be on smoothing out the treatment of cuts and holds and working on the overall impact of the tune - taken separately there were lots of good bits but taken together they were quite inconsistent.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Eddie Boland 🇮🇪 Place: 5 Tunes: Andrew macneil of colonsay Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - The setting you played replicates the music available from the Piobiareachd Society, where the first line is not repeated. There is another setting in the Glenfiddich Collection where the first line is repeated. Worth remembering that - because this is online, I could check but if I were on a judging bench I might not have that luxury! - Squeals from High A to Low A - Pretty good technique throughout, occasional miss towards the end - Musically played, nice hang towards the end of each line. You could perhaps vary the phrasing of the couplets in the ground - there is a recording of William Barrie (the composer) singing the tune and he has some nice variety between first bar and second bar couplets each time they occur. You could slightly more difference between the Singlings and Doublings, particularly in the Variation? It's a very melodic tune and so I think you could really draw out V1 Singling - Phrasing started to wane in T Doubling, not emphasising line endings quite as much and this results in a ver abrupt transition from Torluath Doubling into Crunluath. - Very quick off the final Crunluath back into the Ground. Don't dwell on this, but I'd give it just a fraction more - Crunluath movements came across a bit square, which is because the E after the movement sounds a similar length to the theme note before. Try to draw out the theme not and shorten (not cut too much) the E after the movement so you get more musical flow - Pipes held well through out. You didn't take the time to settle them before the tune began but that didn't seem to bother them. However, the chanter wasn't quite balanced nor in with the drones. Not distracting, but particularly in this tune that slight dissonance can make the difference Overall an enjoyable performance. A top quality bagpipe would turn this from a good performance into an excellent performance. Well done
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Stephen Ross 🇦🇺 Place: 6 Tunes: Lament for the Dead Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Inconsistent treatment of the cadences at the middle and end of each line. There is a lot of opportunity to vary the way each couplet is treated for musical effect, but I don't feel you took advantage of that fully - it seemed a bit samey throughout - Nice increase in tempo in V2, but the monotony of the couplets is more accentuated as you get to this faster and more consistent variation. There is very little phrasing now - You are holding the introductory E at the start of each line / phrase out of proportion with other notes and phrases - in most cases it is too long. - In contrast, music in Torluath Singling and Doubling is nice, good distinction in the phrases and you are holding the first note of each phrase nicely. - Blowing is becoming a bit unsteady by Torluath, on an otherwise good instrument. An unfortuante squeal towards the end of Crunluath Doubling - Technique overall is very good. The one movement to work on would be hiharin, where your first low a is a bit long and your low g taps a little uneven. - Nice to hear Crunluath a Mach in this tune. I am inclined to play one, eve though there is no mention in PS Overall a good performance, a stable pipe and technique. I feel it was lacking a bit of musical interpretation, which with this tune can make it seem a bit boring or monotonous. You did manage to insert nice phrasing and colour in places, so believe you could do more with it. Well done
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Gord Wallace 🇨🇦 Tunes: Mackays Short Tune Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Nicely presented ground, nice phrasing and colour to the melody - Technique is quite inconsistent, particularly hiharin and grips to low A. You played an extra G grace note in the first cadence of the last bar in Ground Line 2. A few misses in Torluaths - Open Torluaths were well-handled, these can be a gotcha but were kept in the flow of the tune - Similar comments in the Crunluath. A tendency to dwell on the E in the open Crunluaths which interrupted the flow a little bit - Pipes good throughout, steady drones and well in tune. Top hand was a bit shrill but it doesn't get much of an airing in this tune so you can get away with it Well played, a musical performance of a tune that can become dull. Unfortunately just a few too many technical glitches to get into the list here
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ray Flanagan 🇺🇸 Tunes: Desperate Battle Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Confident opening and a reasonable tempo. You are quite aggressive with the runs up to High A; if you were a little less aggressive I think you could also lift the tempo a bit. It's a battle tune, after all - Played an extra note in the first bar of V1 (3 C crochets, rather than 2). Rest of variation good - Lost a bit of pace transitioning into V1 Doubling. You were consistent with it when there, though. The impact against V1 singling and V2 Singling is that this variation seemed slow and out of sync with the rest of the tune - V2 Singling good. V2 doubling good, but you dropped tempo from the first bar. Tempo in the first bar was to my liking, it then was a little slow - I like to draw out the end of Variations in this tune. It's a very transitional moment into the Torluath - No Variation 3 or doubling? - A missed note in Crunluath Singling I think too. Try to keep the Crunluath a Mach timing as consistent as possible across a Mach and standard movements. You lost a bit of music here. Good instrument and technique throughout. This was a bit of a shame. There are lots of good bits in the recording but leaving out a whole variation (that I've not heard of before nor can find reference to in PS (i.e. the Setting you are playing)) unfortunately is a bit of a deal-breaker. Get rid of some of these basic memory-lapses and there's a good tune lurking there. I'd like to hear it again, in completemess.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: George Morisson DSO, Flee the Glen, The Kitchen Maid, Mist Covered Mountains, Braes of Marr, Sleepy Maggie, The Antrim Rose Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Paul. Good to see you doing this today. Tone: A good sound with some flatness to the chanter. It sweetened somewhat as you went through the medley. Execution: Very good hands to start. Very good jig playing. Watch to close quickly frm HA to LA (small chirps). Strathspey could be clearer (execution). Music: Don't think you should do an attack at the start - even if this is the bands' medley. This is your event. Jig flow is excellent. A nice arrangement of tunes - pleasing and well put together. Summary: Thanks for this Paul. Your voice has dropped a bit like your chanter did early on. Things change... Nicely done.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Kate Dalrymple/Miss Ada Crawford/Lexy McAskill/My Home/Old Toasty/Staggering Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Zyggy. Tone: A bright pitch and sound. Pipe is well balanced with nice drone affect. Chanter that little bit high overall. The odd busy HA but yourt blowing seems very good overall. Execution: Strathspey could have more content (pretty stripped down). Same for Lexi McAskill. Music: A musical opening. I find that My Home is very dot/cut. Seems jerky for this great tune. An enjoyable group of tunes. Summary: A good performance and I enjoyed this. However, competitive piping requires there be executtion in the music for emphasis,.The content has been stripped down pretty much to the bones here. Thank you.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Farewell to Nigg, The Duck, The Irish Chase, I’ll Remember Tara, Itchy Fingers Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Grant. Thank you for taking part in this event today. Tone: Pipe is well balanced yet there is the chanter appears flat as the drones are set on the sharp side. There is a funny mic setting you have as the sound keeps having small blips. Just check for another time or have an external mic? Execution: Opening needs a strong D throw to start. Hands are prertty good overall. Coming through quite clearly. Hand changes are well done in jig playing. Very good finger control in Itchy. Some catch sounds when changing hands. Miusic: Farewell to Nkgg is such a great tune. Nice job of this. Jigs are very musical. The Air is coming across well. You have chosen very good tempos for all tunes. Well chosen tunes. Summary: Nicely done Grant. Watch the bagpipe sound and occasional crossing sounds.
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: John McColl’s March to Kilbowie Cottage Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Anthony. This was a very well played 2/4 march! Your execution is very clean and crisp. A couple untidy moments in 3rd part, but otherwise excellent technique. Nice, controlled tempo which is important for your stage of learning. Nicely expressed with good control of phrases. Eventually, you’ll want to bring out a bit more pointing to your phrases, but only do so if you can keep the execution clean. Excellent bagpipe. Drones steady and locked in throughout. Nicely balanced chanter with a bright sound. Overall, this was an excellent performance. 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: Charlie Gregg 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: John mcColls march to kilbowie cottage Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Charlie. Really good 2/4 playing! Overall, your technique is very clean and crisp. F doublings sometimes lacking a bit of clarity. Very good tempo for your level. Timing good, but at times you’re beginning phrases slightly early. Practicing with a metronome can help you with that. Careful not to overcut the C 1/32 notes in part 3. Very nice bagpipe. Drones well set and steady. Bright and balanced chanter. This was a really good performance. Nicely done!
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: William Nicholls 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi William. Nicely played tune! You have good control of your technique with clean and crisp movements. Some finger placement issues at times (not getting holes covered completely). Shouldn’t be a problem as your hands grow a bit more! Good tempo for your grade level. Allows you to focus on your execution and timing. Watch that you’re starting phrases on a beat. At times you tend to be very slightly early. Use your metronome to check yourself. Pipes were very steady and well tuned. Overall, a very strong performance. Nice job!
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Liam Keating 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Pipe Major Willie Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Liam. Some really good playing! Execution is crisp but not always clean. Watch the crossing noises, especially in the 3rd part. Also, C tacums in 4th part not clean. Good tempo. You have a nice dot/cut approach to your expression, but be careful not to overcut, especially the 1/32 notes. These notes should be short, but you still have to hear them clearly. Timing is slightly pushed at times. Use your metronome to make sure you’re starting phrases right on the beat. Big bagpipe sound! Drones well set. Some slight flatness with chanter. You’re a very promising player. Keep working!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Allan Dodd's Farewell to Scotland Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and lovely pipe! 1. NIce - make sure short notes are not too short (try to loosen up your hands a bit more and this will take of this most likely 🙂 2. Nice 3. Nice 4. Nice Overall a very nicely played march with lots of phrase definition and music. Just try to loosen up your hands a bit to get a little more short note articulation as they are coming across a tad tight and with softer hands they will sound out more as mentioned above. Regardless, this was a very nice performance and I believe you will continue to rise as a player and P/M Alasdair Gillies would be pleased. Well done!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Abby Long 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Southall Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and pipe well tuned. 1. A little more low A in front of the Taorluaths in first part. 2. A little pushed to the ending birl first time through but better on repeat. 3. Much better on the Low A before the Taorluaths here. 4. Good Overall a very solid performance on a nice instrument you had great control over from start to finish. Would like to see you relax your hands a tad more which will allow you to wait a little longer to put everything right in time (ie. birls at end of parts and Low A before Taorluaths) as you know what you want to do and not quite always executing. Lots of poise and music coming out most of the time and you show excellent promise moving forward so keep up the good work. Well done!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Kantara to Al Arish Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and excellent bagpipe 1. Nice - just try and ensure you don't push your C tacchums to Low A. Use the offbeat to time them correctly. 2. Nice 3. Slight crossing noise on the repeat here (too tight with grip ?) otherwise fine. 4. Nice - again a slight crossing noise popping out. Overall a very solid March played with nice music on an outstanding bagpipe. Just try and loosen up a tad to allow your hands to move when you want them too which will take care of the little crossing noises that are popping up here and there. You have excellent potential and this was an enjoyable performance. Well done!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Colin Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Donald Ross of Rosehall Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and nice instrument with drones pretty well tuned but not 100 % locked. 1. Watch you don't push to the first birl as you have more time here. 2. missed first E doubling and G grace note on last B strike in the part endings otherwise excellent. 3. some light C doublings at part ending 4. again missing a G grace note. Overall a very nice performance on a nice instrument. I would like to see you relax your grip a little more to allow your hands the freedom to move about the chanter as you missed a few grace notes here and there for no other reason than the fingers just didn't move when you wanted them to which is a sign of gripping. Stay in time and let your talent and musical ability flow out. Show excellent potential well done!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Cadell Merritt 🇳🇿 Place: 5 Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice aggresssive tempo and pipe sounds okay with lots of chanter projection. 1. Good - slight crossing noise 2nd time through the part 2. Good 3. Good - slight crossing noise starting the part (F) 4. missed a short F 2nd time through the part. Overall very well played march with an aggressive tempo on an instrument that was pleasing to listen to. Would like to see you relax a little more with your grip on the chanter and ensure your top hand is placed ergonomically sound as there appears to be a bend in your left wrist which will prevent mobility and could create some tension issues down the road. Placement of holes in bag and length of blowstick could contribute to this so ensure you consult your teacher or reach out to a reputable player to assist in correcting this as the comments made above pertain to top hand technique mostly. Have excellent potential keep up the good work!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 6 Tunes: Muir Of Ord Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and pipe sounds okay. 1. Good 2. Slight Crossing Noise coming from the E to D down to B exchange in 7th bar 3. Good keep the B doublings consistent as the half doublings were better than the regular (with G grace note) where you pushed to them. 4. Good Overall nice consistent march played with lots of confidence and accuracy. Would like to see you loosen up a bit and start to march to provide you with more of a swing while you play your march which will enhance your presentation. This will also allow your hands the ability to move about the chanter more efficiently and accurately. Well done!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: John MacColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Connor! Thanks for playing in this contest! Pipes sound good, though the chanter is a half-hair sharp (you're underblowing slightly to get things to lock) Technique is quite good, though some G gracenotes are coming across as clipped. Musically, I felt that you have a lot more room to express and stretch the long notes on the downbeats throughout the tune. Starting at such a fast tempo is partially contributing, but by the 2nd part you started to play more and more on the front edge of the beat. At times, the tempo got as high as 75 bpm. Be careful about how you hold downbeats, but be especially careful of how early you move on and off of upbeats. That's where the feel and magic of 2/4 march playing lives. I'm being very fine-toothed here, this was a very good performance. That said, your hands are great, and I think the above points would take this march to the next level.
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Megan Brodie 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Mrs John MacColl Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Megan! Good to see you competing! A great tune here, and well-played. Below were my thoughts as you played through the tune. Pt 1 - Late to C doubling in bar 8 first time through, better on repeat Pt 2 - Overextending the B in bar 3 Pt 3 - pick ups into the part were a little behind, and the part felt behind as a result (the high A was a bit too long), this was better on the repeat Pt 4 - Strong part, but I'd like to see a held first High A in bars 1 and 5 to give the downbeat a little exmphasis 2nd ending good, but late to the C doubling in final bar Pipes sound great, especially good drone tone. Cahnter accurately tuned and well-voiced. The High A is nice a bright without seeming sharp. F is a little bright for me, but not detracting at all (personal taste). Musically, this is a very mature performance. You were very well settled on the downbeats, and aside from the few spots I noted above, the groove was impeccable. Well played. My best advice on taking the tune to the next level is to look at the above points, and also to work playing the smoothest melody you can. This involves the micro adjustments on all of the cut notes to make sure things are cut without seeming clipped. You're nowhere near clipping anything, but the last little bit of polishing work lives in this point. Very enjoyable!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Knightswood Ceilidh Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Paul! Thank you for entering this contest! Pt 1 - Good intro into the tune, and a nice tempo to start. The first tachum was a little clipped in comparison to the softness you're using elsewhere, but the repeat was better. Be careful not to be late for the D throw in bars 2 and 6 Pt 2 - Good, although the G gracenote in bar 7 on D as you cut up to the high G wasn't as accurate as others Pt 3 - Slowing down throughout this part Pt 4 - Partially because of the slow in tempo in part 3 and because of being ever so slightly behind in starting the part, the first time through felt unsettled. It was much better in the repeat. You find the groove again. The pipes drifted a little bit over the course of the tune, but they were overall quite good. High A was bordering on sharp, but it didn't sharpen further. I think you were trying to find the Low A with your blowing at times, so I would be careful not to start the tune until you are absolutely sold on and married to the tuning. Overall, a great performance of one of my favorite 2/4 marches! A few small touches in the 3rd part to keep things moving, and a few small polishings on the cut notes in the tachums, and you'll be right there at the next level. Well played!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Father John MacMillan of Barra Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Aiken! Thank you for playing in this event, and it's always good to hear Fr. John MacMillan of Barra! Pipes are very good, although the E tuning wasn't quite bang on for me. Drones were sonorous and stable, which I really enjoyed! Technique throughout was very good. Doublings and gracenotes were nice and clear. If I could be very picky, you might might try to get a little more depth and bark out of your birls. That's just a taste thing, but it is probably worth experimenting. Musically, this tune was also very steady and stable (like your drones). I will say that, at times, you were on the verge of rushing into the upbeats. Looking at the 2nd part, bars 3 and 7, you had a tendency to rush the E and dive straight into the tachum. It was very slight, but that pulled me out of the groove a little bit. The other thing I want to mention is the pickup notes into the first part we a little square for me. This tune has oodles and gobs of room for stretching and pulling (within reason of course), and you were taking advantage of a lot of it. In comparison, the pick up notes seemed to be a bit out of place with the treatment of the rest of the tune. I enjoyed this march a lot, Aiken, and I hope you keep polishing it and refining it. You're doing a lot of great things with it!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Orin Weiss 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Conundrum Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Orin! Thank you for competing in this contest! Pipes are pretty good, although the chanter's tuning isn't quite locked in. It seems like you are trying to find the E, and C and High A are flat. Technically, you're putting forward a good performance here. If I was to be very picky, your High A doublings are little too loose for me. I tend to think of my High A doublings as a thumb gracenote on a very short High G then moving to High A. Also, in the final bars of each part, be sure to play a doubling on B and not a gracenoted strike (that's a setting issue that I write about below). Musically, there are some spots where your treating the upbeat inconsistently. One of the ways this tune is deceptively difficult is because the composer, Peter MacLeod, is playing heavily with where emphasis falls and how that interacts with the upbeat vs downbeat. In part 4, especially, you need to be sure to hold the last F of measure 1, because it's the mirror image of measure 2. You seemed to hold the first F of measure 2 adequately, although I think you could stretch it just a little bit more. Part 3 has a lot of issues. I would advise you to double-check the music and make sure the setting you're using is from a reputable source (Willie Ross book 4 or one of the major online sheet music sites come to mind). This tune is both very distinct and reasonably modern, and as such there isn't room for alternative settings. Enjoyed the tune overall, and I look forward to seeing you grow into it more as you work further on it!
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Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Friedrich Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi. Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Try to ease into a little more. A nice tempo however with some good music and expression at times. A few crossing noises coming across. Pipes were good at the start but drifted towards the end. Inaccuracies in the 3rd part, make sure these are a little tidier.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Joseph Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Leaving Glenurquhart Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Pipes fairly well set Tempo is a bit fast for this tune and you're jumping into some half beats which exaggerates this further. Good technique throughout. A little slower with more attention to the half-beats and this would've been an excellent tune.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Gord Wallace 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Allan Dodds Farewell to Scotland Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe. High A slightly thin Technique good overall. C doublings maybe a fraction open compared to others. Good tempo for this tune. Slightly early into B shake movement at the end of the lines - wait for the beat. C before strikes in third part are a bit too clipped. Pulsing the first note of each bar a bit more and waiting for the half beats would give this tune more lift. It's just overall a bit square for me. Good tune overall
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Alasdair Gillies Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Great tune choice for this contest - this tune will become a classic in the coming years. Good bagpipe - F flat Nice uptake to this march. Cut Cs in part 1 are too clipped. 2nd part run down from high A in phrase 2 is a bit round and ruining the musical effect here. Last part could use much more pulse on the beat notes - this felt more like a 6/8 than a 2/4. Technique very good overall. Taorluaths maybe just a bit crushed.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this tune. beat notes need to be pulsed more and wait for the half beats - this is particularly the case for the first low A and coming off High G into the B-Ds throughout this tune. Very good technique throughout. The biggest area for you to focus on is your tuning as this would really imrpove your overall performance.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Conundrum Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice uptake to march. Drones not locked - this is a key area to work on as this will enhance your overall performance. Good technique! Some groups of 4 are a bit round - hold the first note. 3rd part well handled. Last line a bit round overall.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice uptake to march. You're rushing through bars 2 and 4 in parts 1 and 2. Really holding the first low A/G in these bars will really help and make it more musical. Good technique throughout. Rushing into taorluaths at the start of pt 3 The key area for you to work on is your tuning as this would enhance your overall musical performance. Tricky 4th part well handled overall.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi. Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones locked well together but slightly flatter than the chanter. F slightly sharp. Maybe a little quick for a solo performance - I'd slow it down a bit which would help the busier groups and grips in part 3. Good technique but some crossing noises spoiling this. Again, slowing down would help.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Tunes: MacLaren’s Farewell to Blairgowrie Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune. A bit early into the tachum in bar 2 of part 2 - really hold the E. Also, make sure your pinkie hits the Low A hole playing tachums. You're also a bit early into the birl in the ending phrase. Nice bagpipe and well blown. Good swing overall. It was nice to hear an unusual tune.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇨🇾 Tunes: 79th Farewell To Gibraltar Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: A good effort tuning your pipes here. Good overall attempt at getting the music out of this tune but I'd slow it down a bit for now. Your technique is good but you're struggling to fit it all in at this tempo and it's getting in the way of the music in some passages. Once your doublings etc are more fluent you'll be able to lift the tempo. Good effort overall
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Joseph Gallagher 🇺🇸 Tunes: Donald MacLean’s Farewell To Oban Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Bagpipe nice overall but E is slightly flat. Nice tempo and swing overall but you are holding the last High A in phrase 3 of part 2 too long. This is slowing down your tune and made the start of the third part too slow. Recovered well after this. Open out the groups of 4 with tachums in them as these are a bit crushed. Other technque is very good espeically tachums at start for parts 1 and 3. Excellent grip movements. Good tune overall
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi. Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good attempt at tuning your pipes but F is quite sharp. Good technique but rushing into the grips in last phrase and throughout 3rd part - pulse the beat notes and wait for the half beat. A couple of chokes spoiling an overall good tune.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Tunes: 2/4s Corrriechoillie's 43rd Welcome to the Northern Meeting and High Road to Gairloch Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice tempo into this tune. A little hesitant going into the repeat for the first part. Technique good overall but low G inaudible in D throw - make sure you get good contact with the low G here. Shake movements at the end of the parts are a bit early and open - wait for the beat for the G gracenote. Second tune solid but would benefit from your doublings being less open - I think they just need to become more fluent as your playing develops. Drones locked nicely with low A here but some other notes on the chanter seem sharp. Working on your tuning will really enhance your music. Great effort for a grade 5 player.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Tommy Burns 🇺🇸 Tunes: Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band. Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune but it's overall a bit round. Ending phrase is very rushed and round in particular which is affecting the musical delivery. I'd slow this down a bit to ensure you're phrasing it correctly. Technique very good overall but the rushed phrases are making it hard to fit everything in. Bagpipe good overall but D is flat. A bit more focus on your musical delivery and this would be a strong tune.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Vincent Guinnane 🇺🇸 Tunes: King George V Army Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Rushed into the start of the tune. You can really hold the E pickup note and take your time settling in. I'd slow this tune down a bit to let you comfortably fit in all your technque. Playing a bit fast is also causing your third part to be a bit round. Technique strong when you are fitting it in. A key area to focus on is your tuning as this would really help your overall performance.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian K. MacDonald 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: MacLean from Pennycross/Arniston Castle/John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Ian and welcome to this event. Tone: A solid pipe. A bit of flatness to the chanter, notably on F. Execution: M. Solid. S. Ditto R. Watch E doublings in 5th. Music: M. On the front foot. Good, fiery playing. S. Really exciting here. Tiny bit of labour in 3rd. R. On fire man. Really good. For me, it may just be a hair too heavy on tempo but I really like you going for it. Thanks.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Dew 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel Gavin Fergusson John McKechnie's Big Reel Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi John, Great to have you here. Tone: A solid instrument. "F" could be sweeter. Execution: M. Really good hands. S. Solid R. Ditto Music: M. On the front foot to open. Perhaps a touch overcooked. S. Nice tune. R. On that foot but nicer this time. Really good run thanks John.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sean McKeown 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Donald Maclellan of Rothsay, Inveraray Castle, Alick C MacGregor Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Sean and welcome to this event. Tone: A full, resonant instrument. Lovely HA. "F" a titch dull. Execution: M. Solid hands. Sparks flying nicely. S. Nice R. Well finished. Music: M. Flowing very well. Natural. Could flaunt the 4th more in my view. S. Well started. Lacks a bit of attack on runs. R. Lovely Thanks for this terrific set. Really good stuff. Thanks!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Darran Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Jimmy Young, Susan MacLeod and Major David Manson Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Darren. Wow, great to see you here. Tone: A very nice pipe. Good "solo" balance to the sound. Lovely F and HA. Low G is too deep/low. Low A perfect. Execution: M. Good solid fingers. No worries here. S. Excellent. Great clarity. R. Ditto. Music: M. NIce attack to your March. Feel you could let it swing just that little bit more. A touch "straight" but I am splitting hairs here. S. Very musical. R. A bit too delayed to Reel. Flowing well again. Great style in 3rd. Really excellent Darren. Just solid man. You must take the shackles off re what band you will be in next...gotta do this. Thanks!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Williamson 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Knightswood Celidh, Dora MacLeod, Cockerel in the Creel Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Jack. Thanks for taking part in this event. Tone: A very good sound. Full and well balanced. Nice ring off HA. Execution: M. 2nd time is a charm. Good hands. Solid right through. S. Small wrong note in 1st. R. Nicely to reel. Music: M. Well started but a bit sleepy. Really feel it dragging in 3rd. S. Good tempo. Good music - well done. R. Swinging nicely at this point. A very musical set Jack. I just feel like you could "go for it" a little overall. Then it would be very interesting. Thanks!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joe Biggs 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Mrs. Duncan MacFadyen / John MacDougall Gilles / Broadford Bay Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Joe. Good to have you here. Tone: A bold pipe - full and resonant. Blowing excellent. LG is quite flat. Execution: M. Good hands. Watch E doublings. S. Nice triplet feel to runs. Sometimes G gracenotes could be stronger. R. Solid Music: M. NIce drive to your tempo. Could hold the first beats a hair longer. S. Nicely started. Good Strathspey pulse. Separating beats very well. R. Steady here. LG distracting. Really interesting set Joe. Lots or strength and finesse to your playing at the same time. Fix the LG. Thanks.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Gray 🏴 Tunes: Mrs Duncan MacFadyen/The Islay Ball/John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Andrew and a pleasure to be here with you. Tone: A nice sound. Bold but well balanced. Could be your mic but drones do not seem 100%. HA quite high. HG also kind of uneven as the run goes along. Execution: M. Very good hands. E doubling could be clearer it seems. Tachums a bit loose. S. Clean R. E doublings. D as well. Music: M. Excellent tempo chosen. Flowing well. S. NIce subtlety on triplet runs. A tad careful perhaps overall. R. Carfeful opening. A very good set. Tons of music. Just a few small concerns. Thank you.
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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: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi David. Thank you for being part of this today. Tone: A good sound - very full - a little deep in the end. Mainly due to thickness on the bottom hand. Pleasant but a little flat. Execution: M. Good hands are evident. Watch E doublings for clarity. S. Nicely to Inverary C. R. Excellent start. Music: M. Quite careful in delivery here. Cautious. Watch to keep short 1/16 notes quite short. S. Lacking a little spark here as well (just that wee bit). A musical interpretation nevertheless. R. Really like the tempo and music now. A really good set and player. Need to let it go a hair. You have lots of tools in the toolbox. Go for it. Thanks!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graeme Glass 🇳🇿 Tunes: Glenfinnan Highland Gathering, Maggie Cameron, Major David Manson Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Graeme. Thanks for doing this event. Tone: A nice pipe sound. Lovely HA. Execution: M. Starting well. The short cut notes to the top hand could be shorter overall. A bit even. S. Handling this well. Lots of demands in Maggie. C doublings are rather open. R. Nice. Music: M. Quite careful tempo-wise. Beautiful tune. Nice job on part 3. S. Nice interpretation with this great tune. A little round in ending passage. R. Very round here and lacking anchors on the beat notes. A good set Graeme. A little careful in the end overall. Just a little uneven by the end. A thoughtful approach, however, and well done. Thank you.
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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/The Bob of Fettercairn/Alick Cameron, Champion Piper Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi James. Great to be with you here for this. Tone: A beautiful pipe. "F' a touch uneven. Top hand as you progress is a bit thin - esp. F & HG. Execution: M. Solid. Watch E doublings. S. Very good. R. Uncertainty on LA at moments. Music: M. Great start. Very musical style to the flow of your march. S. Excellent pulse here. R. Flowing well. Really classy stuff James. Not in love with your chanter reed and hoping you are not married to it? Of course, I am spli\.ting hairs but there could be more consistency to the chanter sound.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Katie Buckland 🇨🇦 Tunes: Argyllshire Gathering, Lady Louden, Drumlithie Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Katie. Good to see you taking part here and looking fabulous. Tone: A solid, bold tone. Chanter is fine. HA slightly on the flat side but very Scottish. Execution: M. Great hands. S. Cut C dblg's to LA a bit open. R. Very good. Music: M. Nicely started. A hair careful but, mostly, just a bit open on the short notes. Creating small roundness. Musical. S. Excellent tempo. R. Hesitant to Reel. Great tempo. A very good set Katie. Solid music and hands. Watch the march for possessing drive. Thanks.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Dick 🏴 Tunes: Jimmy Young, Arniston Castle, Bessie McIntyre Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Lachie. Tone: A solid instrument. A little low in pitch. Watch your mic and how it is recording. Some small "pops" in sound. Minor but may just be a setting thing or another mic? Execution: M. Good hands are evident early. Your doublings are exellent in size (don't always see this). S. Handling this great tune very well. Watch clarity on E doublings. R. Music: M. Very careful start. Somewhat round in some parts (e.g. 1/16 notes in bar 4 are slighlty too large...the E in the D-E-C-D). A little more attack might help to sort this. S. Dragging here again. Steady though. R. Better here. A good set Lachie. Would just like to see a bit more fire from you. Thank you!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura Mullin 🇨🇦 Tunes: Leaving Lunga, Lady MacKenzie of Gairloch, Willie Hall's Reel Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Laura. Great to have you here. Tone: A bold pipe. Chanter is that little bit flat. One can hear it notably on C, F. & HA. Reed could be pinched and/or sunk that wee bit. Execution: M. Hands are very good. S. Snatching somewhat at cut doublings. Good birls. R. Smooth approach to playing now. Music: M. Excellent tempo to start. Hold the C starting the end phrase even longer. S. Good pulsing R. Driving hard here. Nice tune. A really good set Laura. I feel llke there is a little more sweetness that could be attained from your sound which would really be impresive. Watch the separating of techique in the Strathspey. Very enjoyable. Thanks.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Murray 🇺🇸 Tunes: The 91st at Modder River/Caber Feidh/The Cockerel in the Creel Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Ryan. Thanks for being here today. Tone: A lovely pipe. Nice bass affect. Lovely HA. Balance is very nice. Execution: M. Very clean. I feel the music could have a touch more attack. S. Could attack the tripet runs a hair. R. A bit even here in style. Music: M. A smooth style to your playing. A little sleepy. S. Jumpig to beats just a hair. Good musically. R. Careful here. A very solid run and a very musical player. Super smooth and I just feel it needs a hair more aggression (for lack of a better word). Basically to "go for it" in approach. Very enjoyable.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Armstrong 🇳🇿 Tunes: Mrs John MacColl, Shepherds Crook & Lt Cl DJS Murray Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Scott. Thanks for taking part today. Tone: A beautiful pipe. Very resonant. You have a great setup. Execution: M. Good hands. S. Pipe still immaculate. Cut doublings could have more "meat" to them (thicker). Splitting hairs here. R. Very good. Music: M. Well started. Good pace and music. At times, just a touch jerky in feel. A bit of overholding every beat at times creating a stilted feel. S. On the careful side. Musical nevertheless. R. Lovely start. A great tune. A really, really good set. You have lots going on. For me, in the end, it was all slightly on the careful side. I think if you let it go - even a little - it would be killer. Less time to overthink it maybe? Thanks!
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sean McKeown 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Gordon MacRaes Favorite, The Theif of Lochaber Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Slight pause after D grip as starting Jig the only noticeable thing - Some of the E and D doublings in HP were perhaps slightly clutttered - pretty sure mine would be worse!
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Dew 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: Dora Watt The Falconer Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Very open triple strikes in HP P3 slightly jarred - Good tempos and music throughout - Super bagpipe, not my favourite tune selection but not letting that influence matters!
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James MacHattie 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Emily Kate MacLellan/The Hen's March Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Some technique not coming across totally clearly particularly HP P2 - Hint of a squea lon Low Gs? - Jig is a shade too clipped for me, but very nicely phrased
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian K. MacDonald 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: The Goat from Whitefish Falls & Alex MacDonald Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Flawless but fast, particularly jig - Not mad keen on the hornpipe for solos, but not letting that cloud judgement
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Murray 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Man from Skye / The Curlew Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Really good overall, unfortunately just a little messy in P3 of Curlew - Pipes a little bit duller than average in this competition but still nice
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joe Biggs 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: John MacKenzie's Fancy / The Geese in the Bog Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Replacing double D strike in HP P2 with a tripling... much more playable, not sure how allowable though! - Not playing a second timing in P4 Jig - Nice tempos, nice bagpipe, nice technique - well played. In some contests you would be pulled up for not playing as the music
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Gray 🏴 Tunes: The Wee Man from Skye/Alan MacPherson of Mosspark Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Technically a little woolly - Pipes a bit brash - quite a harsh bass drone and powerful chanter - Jig maybe a tad on the slow side
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Tunes: Aberdeen Romeo, The Stonecutter's Pheonix Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Some slight technical inconsistencies - Slight acceleration in P3 HP - Drone sound quite abrasive, but a great chanter sound - Quite a technically challenging Jig, a few slightly muddy areas of fingerwork but very enjoyable
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Darran Forrest 🇨🇦 Tunes: Dr. MacInnes's Fancy and Donella Beaton Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Unusual setting to Dr MacInnes - HP a little on the slow side - Jig better. Different treatment of F strike / F E run in repeat of first part - Birl is a fraction fast and becomes blurred - Excellent pipe
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Stulpner 🇦🇺 Tunes: John MacKenzie's Fancy, The Curlew Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - double D strike slightly out of kilter with other technique, but second part seem to drag slightly - Slightly light birl - Pipes a notch flatter than average in the this class, not unpleasant and good crack off them. Might be a bit strong if in person (a hunch)
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Williamson 🇺🇸 Tunes: Pipers Controversy, Dr Flora MacAuley, Carradale Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Very slightly sharp High G - Slight rushing in 3rd part HP - Jig very good - Slight waver on drones
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Dick 🏴 Tunes: Duncan Johnstone, The Brides Jig Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - HP very controlled, could let it flow very slightly more. Same in Jig - Timing of some phrases in 3rd part HP a tad inconsistent - Pitch slightly lower than the average in this comp, but pipes lovely
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura Mullin 🇨🇦 Tunes: The Iron Warriors, St. Ninian's Parish Centre Ceilidh Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - I feel the abundance of technique required for this HP slightly impacts its melody. You got it all in but slightly arranged the tune around the embellishments, rather than embellishing the tune - Jig good, perhaps a fraction safe
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Armstrong 🇳🇿 Tunes: The Man from Skye and Donald MacLellan's Tuning Phrase Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Some technical challenges impacting flow of HP, particularly P3 which seemed to drag a touch - Best bagpipe I've heard so far - Playing first line and second line of Jig P3 (where they're the same) slightly differently (grace notes on FCB phrase - maybe that's as written, haven't played the tune in a while)
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Sean McKeown 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: The Lament for the Children Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: E is a bit sensitive. Drones excellent. Overall quality superb. Every now and again, D goes a bit sharp. Excellent ground. A few connecting notes in var 1are a touch clipped, for me, such as the B pickup into the the last two-bar phrase, repeat of line 1, or the D pickup into line 3. A bit fast through the 3rd pulse in each phrase of v2, for me. Consistent until line 3, then more regular. More cut again in final bar. Could have a bit more low G connecting note at end of line 1 of Taorluath Singling, also the Low A connecting note. Lovely shape to each phrase in the TS, with an ebb and flow subtly captured. Low A not dead-locked with drones in taorluath (but there are hardly any Low A’s). Could cut the Taorluath Doubling more, with shorter Low A connecting notes. Perhaps a bit aggressive out of the gate in the Crunluath Doubling. The odd connecting E a little long. Excellent tune, with rock star technique, on a gorgeous pipe.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ian K. MacDonald 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: MacLeod of Colbeck’s Lament Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Interesting round approach to second pulse in initial phrase. Fluid and expressive - making the tune your own. Pausing quite long on the connecting note before the odin motifs, again a round treatment. In Var 1, pretty cut B before the pause point C. Much rounder to B at line endings. But the contrast is dynamic and engaging. F# has flattened by tripling variation. Perfect triplings, clear and powerful, not too clipped. I think the D gracenote in your E cadences to C is hard to hear in the first line of the taorluath singling. Personally, I don’t love pausing that wee bit on the Low A before the cadences. In the taorluath singling, the first note of some phrases could be held longer, esp. High A starting the ‘D’ phrase. Slight F natural finger lag up to F# in the first line of the Taor Doubling. Happened early, more subtly, in the tripling. Perhaps a tad long on some E cadences in the Crunluath Singling combined with a brisk uptake to the beginning of the next phrase. But, dynamic and engaging. Nice pipe throughout! Just a flat F# as you went. I think you are one of the most expressively idiosyncratic players, giving unique shape to absolutely classic tunes such as this. PS - no jacket??
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ryan Murray 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Park Piobaireachd no. 2 Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Locked drones to start. F# prone to slight sharpness. Musical playing throughout! Could have abit more low g in D double echo, speeding up the C of the D throw. Slight hole coverage concern in penultimate line ending. Clear technique overall. On the thicker side. Really enjoyed this tune!
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: James MacHattie 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Lady Margaret MacDonald's Salute Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Great pipe to start. Odd intonation with some hiharins - sounds like the D gracenote fingering is double-toning. Chanter is chirpy on Low G, grips, etc. Musical pace and expression. Hypnotic build through the first two variations. In aiming for two-bar phrasing in the Taorluath, you’re maybe just pushing through the last pulse of the first measure overly quickly. Excellent pace overall. Sudden increase in tempo for the doubling - perhaps just hold the first theme longer before increasing tempo. First-class doubling, rippling technique and musical expression. E in B double echo just a bit short to my ears. Strong crunluaths. Keeping A Mach moving. Tight B A mach in final line. Excellent technique otherwise. Great tune. Maybe dry weather making the reed just a little chirpy? Lovely drone sound throughout.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Scott Armstrong 🇳🇿 Place: 5 Tunes: The Rout of the Lowland Captain Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Well-set pipe to start. Low A not quite locked throughout ground, slightly sharp at times. Putting across the music well, keeping things moving. Nippy with some E cadences in V1 - pace a bit aggressive as well, though you certainly don’t want to play this tune too slowly. In var 2 singling, you could hold out the second note in each grouping a tad longer (D’s and B’s) Cutting the G-E combo on the Low A’s more would give this variation more space without slowing it down. Could get more phrase punctuation in v2 doubling, lingering on the final theme of each phrase slightly longer. Smooth transition to the tripling. Strong technique, clear and consistent. Bagpipe held the course. You’re an excellent player - I enjoyed listening.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: John Dew 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: The Battle of Auldearn No. 2 Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Locked pipe to start. High G flat but also unstable - just fussy enough to be distracting. Musical expression in the ground. Some E cadences could be lengthening just a bit. Could linger a tad at the end of each four-pulse phrase in ground and var 1. E cadence to Low G perhaps a tad aggressive in places. Excellent phrasing and energy in dithis singling. I feel like you’re maybe overdoing the phrasing in the doubling, keep it from flowing a bit. Really enjoying the warm, rich, sonorous pipe. Your recording set-up captures it beautifully. So good. A little slow with some connecting notes in var 2 for me. Phrasing lacking a little subtlety in tripling. Classy segue to the Taorluath Singling. Effective treatment of cadences in the taor singling, keep the tune moving. Line endings perhaps just stretched a bit extra in the doubling. Don’t love sitting on the Low A at the end of the taor doubling - making a lot of a little note. I think the ritard effect works well focusing just on the theme notes, but many different ways to play this music! Powerful, clear, rhythmic technique in the crunluath. Slightly obvious with the phrasing in the doubling and risking losing the hypnotic effect of these variations by breaking the flow too much. I like everything you are doing, but might just aim to make it more subtle. But I know others who would love your phrasing. Excellent A Mach variation. In summary, I think you could let the ground and var 1 breathe with clear phrase endings, but would be more subtle in the rhythmic variations. Aside from a wonky high G, you had a great pipe overall, locked throughout, and your technique is stellar.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Alastair Murray 🇺🇸 Tunes: Tulloch Ard Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Dialed-in and resonant instrument. Dare movement a little deliberate and stiff, slower than odro and edre movements. Lovely music with nice build for the thumb variation. The odd E cadence could be lengthened. Smooth and musical approach to cadences in Siubhal singling. Perfect pace for the doubling. Seamless ritard and transition to the taorluath singling. The odd sharp C# and a few sharp F#’s as well. Strong taorluath technique. Good crunluath technique as well, although you get the odd loose crunluath (not enough bottom end Low G and Low A, with too much E gracenote). Pushing through the initial theme note (E) of the B phrase. Really enjoyable, musical presentation throughout.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Andrew Gray 🏴 Tunes: The Lament for the Earl of Antrim Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. Musical and expressive ground. Losing some flow and getting bogged down within the two-bar phrasing of the first variation. Better fluency in Var 1 doubling. Var 2 & 3 well played. Pipe not totally locked. In taorluath, some Low A connecting notes are longer than others. Rushing it along a little in line 2. Slowing from doubling to crunluath singling could be smoother, esp. Holding out the first theme of the crunluath singling. Strong and clear crunluath technique. In the Crunluath doubling, you could hold out the initial Low A longer. Solid tune overall! Pipe didn’t quite hold.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: David Stulpner 🇦🇺 Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Well-set instrument. Musical playing in the ground and a nice lift of pace for the ground doubling. Rhythmic edre and odro movements. Excellent flow in Siubhal variation with defined line endings. Missed E gracenote in tripling, line 2. Excellent technical clarity overall. Strong crunluath embellishments. Great bagpipe throughout! You could take on a heavier tune to really showcase your pipe, technique, and musicality.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Graeme Glass 🇳🇿 Tunes: MacDougalls Gathering Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Flat B & Low G, sharp D & F#. Some pressure instability causing slight intonation fluctuation, esp. on High G. Slight crossing after B grip/odro. Musical playing in the ground. D taorluath and grips lacking clarity. Overall in the taorluath variations, you could shorten the Low A connecting notes, while simultaneously lengthening the Low G’s in the taorluaths. High G gracenotes aren’t coming through on the theme notes. Minor choke in first line of the crunluath singling. Lovely music and pacing overall. Solid technique overall as well, though a bit tight. Pipe stability is the biggest concern. I really enjoyed the musical delivery of this tune!.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Jack Williamson 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Desperate Battle of the Birds Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: To quote Brown, “Only play the Desperate Battle when you’ve got a pipe that’s just the ultimate”. No issues here: excellent pipe with a ringing high A. Well set out ground and variation 1. I’d soften/lengthen the last E of the singling for a smoother pivot to the round rhythm of the doubling. Again, I’d lengthen the final High A of Var 2 just a bit for a smoother seque to the rhythmic inversion of the doubling. Showcasing that “ultimate” high A here in V2 doubling! Excellent Dithis variation pair. A few connecting notes in the doubling could be more cut. Strong taor singling. I’d hold the first theme note longer at the beginning of the A Mach to avoid an abrupt tempo increase. Smooth transition to the Crunluath Singling. Not quite getting flow in the crunluath singling, some connecting E’s a bit long. Again, a rushed transition to the A mach, for me. Sometimes the A mach E prior to a regular E theme is a bit jumpy. Excellent technique, clear and rippling. Great playing.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Joe Biggs 🇨🇦 Tunes: Queen Elizabeth the Second's Salute Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Such pipe many harmonic high a wow! Such a stable instrument. Slightest of movement on D. Smooth, easy listening, tuneful presentation. Added a G gracenote on F, bar 2 line 3 of taorluath. Could linger slightly on the 4th theme note of each phrase in the doubling, esp. Line endings. Thicc and punchy taorluaths. Didn’t add a gracenote in line 3 of crun singling, sorting earlier taorluath singling blip. Would love to hear you tackle a bigger tune.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Katie Buckland 🇨🇦 Tunes: Pipers’ Warning to His Master Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Locked drones to start. High G flat. F# is pressure sensitive, sometimes going sharp. Slight crossing to high G after embari. Rushed m. 5 of line 3 in the ground. Overall, very musical presentation of the ground. Missed G gracenote on Low A, m. 2 of line 2 in Var 1. Crisp expression, full of energy. Some slight pressure instability. D taorluaths lacking clarity. I think you are over-slowing before and into cadences in the taorluath singling. Drones still locked in and very stable. Great drones sound overall. When slowing at end of T doubling into crunluath singling, I’d focus the ritard on the final two theme notes, rather than holding the Low A connecting note and making a lot of a little note. Strong crunluath technique. F# is quite sharp at this point. The connecting E’s feel a little clipped in the doubling, losing the compound-time flow. One tight/missed crunluath in the final line. Just some minor points, lovely playing overall!
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Lachie Dick 🏴 Tunes: Lament for Alan, my Son Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Stable locked pipe. Quite sharp overall and just a touch thin sounding as a result. Really musical ground and Var 1. Thumb gracenotes on Low A a little chirpy. Great music and technique in the taorluath variations. A handful of sticky crunluaths in both the singling & doubling. Excellent tune, just some crunluath consistency concerns.
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Event 50. Colin MacKenzie Memorial Piobaireachd Challenge - for pipers 18 years and younger
Competitor: Ray Flanagan 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: The Battle of Auldearn No 1 Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown to start. Good pace to the ground for the most part, but maybe a bit overdrawn at the end of phrases with a cadence, C or B and then low A - cadence a bit long, and the note before the low A a bit long too - but good patience on the low As to finish your phrases. Good entry to thumb singling. Moving well into the doubling. Could use a bit more SMMS - just a tiny bit. Excellent transition to dithis. First note of phrases could breathe a bit more. Slight inconsistencies in cadence timing, but generally moving along nicely. Good pace to doubling but same phrasing comment as thumb doubling. Good entry to taor - as in previous singlings, the first note of a phrase (ie first theme after a cadence) should be stretched a bit. Strong technique. Pipe holding well. Good doubling. Crun starting well. The low G part of the crun movement a bit tight at times. Good into doubling. A few of the connecting Es clipped a bit too much. Strong a mach movements. So - the comments are me being very picky - this was a terrific tune.
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Event 50. Colin MacKenzie Memorial Piobaireachd Challenge - for pipers 18 years and younger
Competitor: Abby Long 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: The Battle of Waternish Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start and well blown. Ground a wee bit cautious but well phrased, with well thought out treatment of cadences. Strong technique. Good entry to dithis. Excellent subtle expression. Doubling started a bit carefully but by the end of line one moved along well. Var 2 well played. Excellent pace to start doubling. Some low Gs slightly clipped. Good entry to taor. Strong technique. Doubling well played. Bit quick going into the crun singling. Pulled it back once the cadences started. Good into doubling. Good a mach movements. Overall - there were a number of micro-chokes, a couple of minor misses or squeakies, but there was great maturity in presenting this tune musically, and a very steady instrument with high quality technique.
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Event 50. Colin MacKenzie Memorial Piobaireachd Challenge - for pipers 18 years and younger
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown to start. Good pace, though slightly cautious. Early edre miss. Well phrased ground. Thumb var also good yet also cautious. Var 2 moving well. One more missed edre - but most of your edres are stellar. Taor also cautious - lots of pausing mid bar - try pushing through a bit more briskly to the grips. Good pace to the doubling. Strong technique. Same comment in crun sg as in taor sg - the E and D in the middle of bars are pretty long... Pipe holding well. Getting a micro pause on the E after the movement slightly disrupting the flow after the crun movement and the next big theme. The comments above are quite picky - overall I really enjoyed this performance.
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Event 50. Colin MacKenzie Memorial Piobaireachd Challenge - for pipers 18 years and younger
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Marquis of Argylle’s Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start, though not completely locked drones. Not perfectly steady bag pressure. Ground well phrased, but could use a bit more subtlety in some of the short notes. Var 1 sg well played - chanter and drones drifting a bit. Good pace and phrasing to doubling. Taor sg well played. Taor db started a bit careful in the middle of phrases but was moving well by the end. Big contrast between the length of the theme note and the speed of the connecting notes in the crun sg - connecting notes moving quite quickly. Much much better in the doubling - you're controlling the connecting notes. Pace picked up a bit as the doubling went on. Well done.
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Event 101. Beginner Drum Pad 3/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ewan Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: 3/4 massed band cadence Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Ewan: Thanks very much for your performance. I thought you were turned out quite smartly and liked the Christmas Tree in the background. 'A very confident performance overall, with great posture. I thought your first opening roll did not end quite as confidenly as your second one did, but most of your rolls overall were quite solid through most of your play. To improve your next performance, pay more attention to the consistency of your flam work -- some of them were played really well, while others were a bit too tight or "flat". Watch how you hold your right stick -- I think you will get more control and balance if you held it a bit further back along the shaft. My compliments to both you and your Instructor. For your next competion performance, I think you are certainly ready and prepared to play a score that is composed to fit a specific tune, and I hope you and your instructor plan accordingly. Lots of potential here. Keep up the good work and keep practicing!
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Event 101. Beginner Drum Pad 3/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Chacko 🇸🇬 Place: 2 Tunes: Land of My Youth Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Matthew: Thanks very much for your performance. I'm glad to see you are performing in uniform. The structure of your 3-pace attack rolls was good, but you tended to play a stronger buzz on your right hand than your left, and this led to a pulsed, uneven roll sound. You can improve this by practicing playing more sustained buzzes on your left hand to match the volume and duration of the pulses played on your right hand. I thought you played parts of your score quite confidently and I liked how those parts fit the melody. Unfortunately -- and particularly in Bars 4 and 5 of both parts -- there were places where you tended to drift off the melody and off the beat. You recovered nicely most of the time, but this was a consistent issue that needs attention. To improve future competition performances, please consider playing a slightly simpler score that respects the pulse at the beginning of each bar. If you want to stay with that score, then you need to get a clearer idea of the structure of the rolls in the transition between Bar 4 and 5 of each part in order to better appreciate where the beat falls. Lots of potential here. Keep up the good work and keep practicing!
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Event 101. Beginner Drum Pad 3/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Chen Taihe 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: The Green Hills of Tyrol Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Chen: Thank you for your performance, and I'm happy to see you playing in your uniform.You started out very confidently with your two 3-pace rolls. I think you could strengthen this introduction even more by smoothing and balancing out the buzzes played on each hand in these rolls. Most important for today -- I notice you and your piper were not playing together through this tune. In fact, your piper started into the melody a beat before you did. Where to start playing the melody after the introductory rolls in a 3/4 march can be open to interpetation in some arrangements, so it must be agreed upon in advance by the piper and drummer, In this performance, you started the drum score one beat behind the melody (or your piper started one beat early) -- and the two of you stayed out of sync through the entire tune. There was lots of positive aspects to your technique, but it is essential for all drummers to know how their drum score fits the melody and then play accordingly. Fortunately, this is something that can be easily fixed with a discussion between you and your piper, and then lots of practice time together to really appreciate how the score fits the music. I think you have the potential to be a strong player and I look forward to hearing you play again sometime in the future.
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ewan Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: 4/4 Massed Band Cadence Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Thanks very much for your performance, Ewan. You played this new Massed Band score very confidently, and looked confident as well. Your introductory 3-pace rolls in this performance were steady in terms of tempo, but "pulsing" here and uneven. Try to smooth out your rolls by keeping right AND left buzzes balanced in terms of volume and texture. You maintained your tempo well into Part 1. Flams played quite nicely here for the most part, but listen and watch to keep them consistent. Part 2 was played a but more cautiously in places, but still steady. Overall, I enjoyed your performance, am confident you have lots of potential, and think you are ready to move on to slightly more challenging material composed to fit a particular tune. Keep up the hard work!
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Chen Taihe 🇸🇬 Place: 2 Tunes: Moonstar Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Thanks for your performance, Chen. You maintained your tempo quite well following the rolls and played quite steadily through the first bars of the tune. Your 3-pace rolls were a bit uneven (pulsing in the middle) and can be improved with more attention to the quality of buzzes played on your left hand. Your playing got a bit unsettled in Bar 4 of the tune -- you can maintain better control here by watching the grip on your left hand and not playing with your sticks quite so high. Drag 5's executed well both times through -- quite an accomplishment at this level. Unsettled into Part 2 -- watch out for those distractions! The "tachum roll" on the 3rd beat of Bar 2 was unsteady the first time but better handled on the repeat. (That's tough to play -- especially for someone at this entry level.). You finished quite confidently. The drum score arrangement played for "Moonstar" certainly fits the tune well. However, this "Beginner Drum Pad" event is at an entry-level for drummers, so you might consider choosing next time a much simpler drum score to demonstrate your command of the basics before moving on to a score that includes so many drags, single fives, and even tachum rolls and ruffs. Lots of potential here. Keep up the hard work.
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Kyler Poo 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: Scotland the Brave Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Kyler. Thanks for playing in your uniform. I thought you delivered a very confidently-played performance of a basic 4/4 march score. You and your piper played well together, and you kept to the music throughout the tune. You had a good confident finish as well. Your introductory 3-pace rolls were quite solid, and can be improved even more if you focus on better balance between the volume of your buzzes on each hand. Tempo remained consistent throughout, and your 7- and 13-stroke rolls were solid. I would like to see you improve the consistency of your flams in future performances -- some were played well, but many were too closed and "flat". When you are practicing, play the score very slowly and focus on making sure your sticks are in the proper relative position just before you play each flam. In addition, I think you can get even better control over your paradiddle movements by lowering your sticks and playing the unaccented noted much closer to the pad. There is not need to raise the sticks so high in these phrases. I think you have lots of potential. Keep practicing and I look forward to hearing you again sometime.
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Chacko 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: Moonstar Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Thanks for your performance, Matthew. I thought you did a good job of trying to play to the melody. While you wandered off the tune in a couple of spots (particularly Part 2), you did a good job of locking back in again, and this shows good musical awareness on your part. Introductory rolls slightly pulsed -- work to improve the overall balance and trexture of each stroke here. Off to a good start in your score and playing well to the music. Rolls solid, but open work is a bit uneven in places. The score in Part 2 is difficult for this grade level and the playing was unsettled in places. Your recoveries through here show a good appreciation of the music itself. You can maintain even better control of your playing if you keep your sticks a bit lower when playing unaccented taps and more complicated open work. The drum score you selected certainly fits the tune well. However, this "Beginner Drum Pad" event is at an entry-level for drummers, so you might consider next time choosing a much simpler drum score. That way, you can better demonstrate your command of the basics before moving on to a score that includes so many drags, single fives, and even tachum rolls and ruffs. Lots of potential here. Keep up your hard work!
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ewan Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: 2/4 Massed Band Cadence Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Pulsating introductionrolls, this was caused by uneven buzz work and stick height throughout both rolls, the tempo was steady and held into the tune, this was an excellent tempo for this level. Your flam work throughout was very clean and consistent in sound throughout the tune. Your 7 and 13 stroke roll work suffered slightly from uneven buzz work, however they finished clean and remain accurate to tempo. There is a slight tendency to over strike your accents, this will improve naturally as you develop your rudimental control. As you neared the end of your perofrmance there was a slight drop in tempo. Over all you demonstrated in this performance that you have a good knowledge of runiment structure and are able to control your drumsticks, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Congratulations Ewan on an enjoyable performamce.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Kyler Poo 🇸🇬 Place: 2 Tunes: Highroad to Gairloch Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Clean introduction rolls. There was a slight drop in tempo when entering the tune, once the tempo settled it remained steady throughout your performance. Your flam work throughout was very tight, sounding like two sticks striking the pad at the same time. I would like to see you work on separating the stick height to assist in opening up your flams work. Ideally the low stick should be 7 cm and the high 30cm, this should be good starting point for you. Triplet work is excellent and consistent throughout, slight error in last bar of your presentation, I would have liked to see you play the repeat in both parts of the tune. Over all, you demonstrated in this performance that you have a good knowledge of rudiment structure and are able to control your drum sticks, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Congratulations Kyler on an enjoyable performance.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Chacko 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: Mairi's Wedding Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Pulsating introduction rolls, this was caused by uneven buzz work and stick height throughout both rolls, your anacruses lacked confidence and there was a slight drop in tempo when entering the tune, once the tempo settled it remained steady throughout your performance. You suffered a couple of timing issues caused by a lack of rudiment control in both parts. Triplets were played a little loud, I would like to see the weight taken out of them, this would show control and add to your dynamic range within your performance. I would have liked to see you play the repeat in both parts of the tune. Over all, you demonstrated that you have an understanding of rudiments and joining them together, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Congratulations Matthew on your performance.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Chen Taihe 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: Utility 2/4 Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Pulsating introduction rolls, this was caused by uneven tight buzz work throughout both rolls, tempo was steady and held into the tune, this was an excellent tempo for this level. Short roll work is not being played to its full value, they are cut short, this has an effect as you play the next rudiment. Flams are open and clean. I would like to see a little more work on your dynamic range, everything sounds loud, this takes away from the musicality of the written score. I would also have liked to see you play the repeat in both parts of the tune. Over all, you demonstrated in this performance that you have knowledge of rudiment structure and are able to control your drum sticks, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Congratulations Chen on your performance.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Bryce 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: The Rhodesian Regiment Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello Andrew. Thank you for playing in your uniform. I really enjoyed your performance in this event. You have a good appreciation of your basic rudiments, a good appreciation of the tune, and played with lots of confidence. I really liked the composition of the drum score -- it fit the tune well, was appropriate for the upper end of Grade 5, and challenged you in places. The buzzes in your first introductory 3-pace roll were strong and confidently played, but a bit uneven. 'Coming in to Part 1 a bit quick, but playing well with your piper. Parts 2 also well played, but rushing slightly here and the ending phrase not quite as clear. Part 3 was played well. Bars 1 and 2 in Part 4 were challenging in terms of content at this level: you played them quite well, but could benefit by a bit more slow-playing in practive here to improve their clarity. Rolls were solid and well-paced throughout. I think this performance could have been improved even further by playing in a space with better acoustics and, in particular, less of an echo. However, that is a minor complaint that will take care of itself in better weather perhaps. A solid performance of a very musical score. My compliments to you and your instructor. You have lots of potential, Andrew. Keep up the hard work and I look forward to hearing you perform again sometime.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Bryce 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Knox Grammar | The Dawning of the Day Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Introduction, first roll uneven at beat 2, second roll very good. The tempo was steady and held into the tune, this was an excellent tempo for this level. Your flam work is well controlled, producing a clean sound throughout the performance. Great crescendo roll work in the second part, this really added to the presentation. Dot and cut work in the third part lacked accuracy this was contained to the one rudiment and didn’t impact on the flow of the written score. The forth part had issues with your single work, it seemed your left stick didn’t get the height needed to flow through the rudiment. Over all you demonstrated in this performance that you have a good knowledge of rudiment structure and are able to control your drum sticks, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Congratulations Andrew on a very enjoyable performance on a well set up instrument.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tilak Manu 🇸🇬 Place: 2 Tunes: Gardens of Skye, Lord Lovat's Lament Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Thank you Tilak for your solo performance today, you displayed a good understanding of the basic structure of the 4/4 March. A well-set tempo, you maintained that tempo throughout your performance, your introduction rolls have a slight uneven pulsating sound coming through them but accurate to tempo. I would like to see you continue focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help you transition from one rudiment to the next smoothly, therefore enhancing the musical presentation of your playing. You displayed a good dynamic range in the first two parts, however all 4 parts at times suffered from untidy rudiments. Your drag work is getting caught on the dead stick and effecting the musical flow of the following run of singles. Over-all this was an enjoyable and confident precentation of well-constructed drum scores. Great job and thank you.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Chacko 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: Gardens of Skye, Lord Lovat's Lament Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Introduction suffered a slight unevenness to the pulses in both rolls, tempo was well set and maintained into the tune. 1st part - Last two bars of the repeat lacked accuracy and musical flow 2nd part - Bars 2 and 3 also lacked accuracy 3rd part - Flam work became very tight, you must separate the height of your sticks to help open them up. 4th part - clean accent roll work, again issues with the part ending. You demonstrated taht you can control your rudiments and play cleanly, however, a lack of consistency did show and spoiled you musical presentation. I would like to suggest that you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this being the building block of all drum scores and will definatly assist you in reaching the next level of your pipe band drumming journey. Congratulations Matthew on an enjoyable performance.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Kirkwall Bay, Dornoch Highland Gathering Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Daniel, you produced a confident presentation today. Starting off I noticed a very well set-up instrument, bright with a lively snare response, very enjoyable! You started with a clean introduction and a well set tempo, holding throughout, you have demonstrated a good understanding of the 6/8 rhythm. Within your performance each part, at times, had its own issue with rudiments not coming through cleanly, your short roll work lacked clarity due to a tight first buzz, this needs to be opened up to allow the sound to get out. Flam work was clean and consistent throughout. I would like to see you continue focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help you transition from one rudiment to another smoothly, therefore enhancing the musical presentation of your playing. This was a well-constructed drum score and you appeared to enjoy playing it. Congratulations Daniel and thank you.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dean wallis 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: Dornoch highland gathering Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Dean, you produced a confident presentation today. Starting off I noticed a very well set-up instrument, very bright with a lively snare response, totally enjoyable! You started with a clean introduction and a well set tempo, holding throughout, you have demonstrated a good understanding of the 6/8 rhythm. I would like to see you continue focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help you transition from one rudiment to another smoothly, therefore enhancing the musical presentation of your playing. Within your performance each part, at times, had its own issue with rudiments not coming through cleanly, doubles lacked clarity and need to be opened up to allow the sound to get out, drags lacked accuracy and tended to throw you off the flow of the rudiment. Your short and long roll work is excellent. This was a well-constructed drum score and you certainly appeared to enjoy playing it. Great job Dean and thank you.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aarya Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Bengullion Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slight pulsating throughout your introduction rolls, this was caused by uneven buzz work, however the tempo was steady and held into the tune. The tempo was on the slow side for a 6/8 March but you did manage to get the correct feel and expression required to produce a confident performance. Your flam work was very clean and consistent in sound throughout the tune, your short roll work suffers from a tight first buzz, this makes the rolls difficult to play to the correctnote value. Over all you demonstrated in this performance that you have a good knowledge of rudiment structure and are able to control your drum sticks, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. This was a very enjoyable performance Aarya, thank you.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Linda Kraft 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Dr. Ross’s 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slight pulsating throughout your introduction rolls, this was caused by uneven buzz work, however the tempo was steady and held into the tune. Your 5 stroke roll work lacks accuracy to the note value, this is due to the first buzz being very tight/closed, this is the same for the 7 stroke roll, however this is not as noticeable due to the extra buzz being played in the rudiment. In each part, you were at times, tripped up with some rudiments causing you to fall behind the beat, this had an effect on the musical flow of your presentation. Over all you demonstrated in this performance that you have knowledge of rudiment structure and are able to control your drum sticks, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Congratulations on your performance today, thank you.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Dovecote Park. Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Pulsating introduction rolls, this was caused by tight uneven buzz work throughout both rolls, tempo was down making it extremely difficult to play the correct rhythm required for the 6/8 March. Short roll work is not being played to its full value, rolls are being cut short, this has an effect as you play to the next rudiment. I would like to see a greater use of your dynamic range, everything is played at one level of volume, this takes away the musicality of the written score. It was pleasing to see how accurate you are at playing in the center of the drum, this enables the best sound possible to be produced from your instrument . May I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Thank you Christine for your performance today.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: John Macoll's March to Kilbowie Cottage Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Daniel. Thanks for your very confident performance of a very challenging tune and score to be playing at this Grade level. Drum well set. Great posture and good grip position. Evidence of good playing technique and expression -- as well as tasteful dynamics -- throughout the performance. Solid 3-pace intro rolls and maintaining tempo into Part 1. Good technique and use of dynamics here, tho' labouring a bit and lacking consistency in the ruff and single 5 in Bars 7 & 9 of Parts 1 and 2 -- 'could be a bit lighter and more relaxed here. Rushing a bit the first time through Part 3, which hurts the clarity on some of your open work, but improving on the repeat. Minior slips in exection in the repeat of Bar 4 Overall a very impressive performance for the Grade level. You have lots of talent, Daniel. Keep up the hard work and I wish you every success.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Bryce 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: The Rhodesian Regiment Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Andrew. I think this is the same video submitted for your Grade 5 Performance (which is allowable in this Competition). Again, I really enjoyed that performance here in this event as well. You have a good appreciation of your basic rudiments, a good appreciation of the tune, and played with lots of confidence. I really liked the composition of the drum score -- it fit the tune well, was appropriate for Grade 4, and challenged you in places. The buzzes in your first introductory 3-pace roll were strong and confidemtly played, but a bit uneven. 'Coming in to Part 1 a bit quick, but playing well with your piper. Parts 2 also well played, but rushing slightly here and the ending phrase not quite as clear. Part 3 was played well. Bars 1 and 2 in Part 4 were challenging in terms of content at this level: you played them quite well, but could benefit by a bit more slow-playing in practice here to improve their clarity. Rolls were solid and well-paced throughout. I think this performance could be improved even further by playing in a space with better acoustics and, in particular, less of an echo. However, that is a minor complaint that will take care of itself in better weather perhaps. A solid performance of a very musical score. My compliments to you and your instructor. You have lots of potential, Andrew. Keep up the hard work and I look forward to hearing you perform again sometime.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brian Kee 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello Brian. Thanks very much for your performance. Drum snare sound very full, although pitched a bit low for my taste. Opening rolls solid. Well off into March with good controlled tempo. Score quite challenging for Grade 4 -- good quality & variety here -- and you are playing it in a very relaxed manner. Part 1 -- off to a good start and playing well with his piper. Unsettled with fla-fla flam work, but overall good lift. Part 2 -- Slowing down in the drag-5 at the end of Bar 2 and therefore not finishing on the beat. Played better on repeat. Part 3 quite well played Part 4 -- Bit stiff and unsteady (esp. in Bars 3 & 4) the first time through, but better on the repeat. Confident finish. You could improve future performances by paying greater attention to dynamics in this score.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aarya Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Piper's Cave and Greenwood side Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Aarya. Thanks so much for your performance. Your drum was well set, and you delivered quite a confident performance of simple but very well-constructed scores that complement the music. Opening 3-pace rolls were a bit uneven and too pulsed -- balance the volume and texture of yiour buzzes on each hand. Tune #1 -- Overall good fit to the music. Bars 3 & 4 consistently well played. Bars 7 & 8 fit, but are not as well controlled. Good attention to hand position going into flams. Tune #2 -- Well played. I really liked the attention paid to roll quality, expression and dynamics. Overall, a very musical performance. You have loads of potential, Aarya. Keep up the hard work and I wish you every success with your drumming.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tilak Manu 🇸🇬 Place: 5 Tunes: The 79th Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Tilak. Thanks very much for your performance. Drum pitch very deep; snares sound choked. Then again, this could be chalked up to the method of recording as well. 3-pace Intro rolls quite solid and smooth, but both rolls ended slightly early. Tempo quite qiuick for this Grade level, but being maintained. Steady into Part 1. Good use of crescendo rolls here. Part 2 -- Effective use of accented rolls here. Rushing the ending phrase here. Part 3 -- Flam triplets a bit overplayed both times through. Part 4 -- Effective use of dynamics here and variety here. Score fits the tune very well and, as a result, it was easy to see how you were playing to the melody. Good play overall hampered by a poorly-set instrument. If anything, relaxing a bit more and lightening up on the flams will improve your overall performance. Also, slowing down your tempo by 4-5 bpm would help you gain better control and consistency in your open work. Lots of potential here. Keep up the hard work as you progress with your drumming.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Linda Kraft 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Teribus, Sweet Maid of Glendaruel Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Linda. Thanks very much for your performance and for being so smartly turned out in your uniform. Drum pitch a bit low, but snares well set. Scores fit the tunes quite well. First 3-pace roll quite solid, but second one a bit more pulsed and uneven in terms of balance between both hands. Maintaining tempo into Part 1. Good lift here. Lacking control in the single 5s. Part 2 -- Effective use of rolls here. Losing a bit of control through the open work. Into Tune #2 -- score getting more complicated, which is having an effect on the performance here. Difficulty with open work generally and with the fla-fla flams in Bars 2 and 6. Similar control issues in Bars 5 and 6 of Part 4. 'A good effort here, and I appreciate the hard work you must be putting in. For subsequent performances, it wouid be great to see you make the opportunity to play a simpler score well and have fun with it. I wish you every success with your drumming.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi. Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello Christine. Thanks very much for your presentation, and for competing in full uniform. Snare drum requires tuning -- pitched quite low and snares sounding choked. Opening rolls very uneven. More attention to fundamentals required here. Christine, I admire your dedication to our community and your interest in competing, and think you have made a good effort to create and play a simple score that fits the music. Now it's time to take the next step. You would really benefit from some sustained expert instruction in the basic components and structure of pipe band drumming. This instruction could be either in-person, online or some combination of the two. That will give you a better appreciation of how and what to look for in terms of basic rudiments, good technique and expressive phrasing. With a proper grounding in the fundamentals, an appreciation of what you need to work on, and a constructive approach to setting learning objectives, you will have a real opportunity to move ahead with your musicianship on this instrument. The organizers of this online comptition are well-positioned to recommend appropriate instruction, and there are useful online training resources available as well. I wish you every success in what comes next.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ron Flanagan 🇺🇸 Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Ron. Thanks very much for your performance. Drum pitched quite low, but lots of snare. Strong opening rolls. You are playing quite a difficult score for this grade level. While there are spots where you are playng confidently, there are too many instances where open work is rushed and not clearly executed. It was good to see you were usually able to recover and carry on, but it proved to be a consistent and recurring issue through your performance. You can improve future performances by paying more attention to slow playing, expression, and tempo control through work wth a metronome.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Confident performance and a well set tempo, however there was slight drop in tempo throughout the first part. Over all this was a good clean performance, I would like to see you work on your drags, they had a tendency to cause a loss of musical flow, you got caught on the dead stick a couple. You accent roll work is very clean and enjoyable to listen to. A greater use of dynamics would add to the overall presentation, a piper or recording may have assisted you in providing that greater dynamic range. Thank you Daniel for your presentation today.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Corkhill. Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Tempo dropped as you enter the tune. Short and long roll work did not finishing cleanly, this must finish with a clean terminal tap, Accent rolls are not starting with a clean tap, they sound like a loud buzz being played as the accent and triplets lacked consistency throughout. This jig score proved challenging with this solo presentation, may I suggest concentrating on the fundamentals of the score that being the triplet rudiment, once this is flowing musically at the tempo required then add in the roll work and build from there. Thank you Christine for your performance.
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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: Ma Man Lap 🇭🇰 Place: 1 Tunes: March: Hugh Kennedy Strathspey: Susan MacLeod Reel: Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slightly pulsated introduction rolls but well sustained, confident entry, bright tempo set but slowed down slightly into tune. March:- lacked drive, at times falling away from the melody, doubles need to be opened up as this caused clarity issues. Good use of dynamics Strathspey:- Clean and accurate break, good strathspey feel to start your performance, last 2 part requires more S.W.M.W. as at this point it started to drift away from the melody. Reel:- Break not as should be. Roll work in 2nd part not accurate Parts 3 & 4 lacked drive, just felt you were going through the motions. Over-all you demonstrated good technique and a high degree of understanding of the March Strathspey and Reel. Your drum was well set up with a good snare response. I would like to see you work on your dynamic range, I felt that this was missing from your performance, at times your rudiments lacked the accuracy required to fit into the melody, example: Strathspey the dot and cut of the melody lacked in the drumming, hold the first beat of the bar a little more to fit with the melody of the tune, this also helps emphasize the Strong beat of the melody. Thank you for an enjoyable performance.
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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: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: John Macdonald of Glencoe, Dora Macleod, Major David Manson Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slightly pulsated introduction rolls but well sustained, confident entry, bright tempo. March:- Lacked expression, you need to work on the low end of your dynamic range and use it to create interest and musicality into your performance. Strathspey:- 1st part - Part ending lacked accuracy 2nd part – Not flowing musically 3rd part – Rudiments lacking accuracy and flow 4th part – More could be down with your accent roll rudiments Reel:- Clean break 2nd part middle bars not accurate 4th part errors Over all you demonstrated good technique and a good degree of understanding of the MSR structure. You drum was well set-up with a bright snare response. I would like to see you work on your natural dynamic range and learn to play at both ends of that range with accuracy, this will enhance your performance and lift it to the next level. I think the lack of melody to play to has effected your presentation today. Thank you for your performance
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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: Eric Sennett 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Conundrum, Captain Colin Campbell, MacKay from Skye Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slightly pulsated introduction rolls but well sustained, unsettled in the first part. March:- I felt you were regularly behind the melody and chasing your piper. Accent rolls lacked clarity and accuracy, at times your flams felt rushed. Strathspey: - Behind the piper, this didn’t help your performance as I felt you were constantly chasing the piper, again the accent rolls were causing you to fall behind the beat. Reel:- clean break but again just behind the beat, last part ending rushed. Over all you did demonstrate good technique, I would like to see you lift your stick up higher to open your rudiments allowing for more clarity and hopefully control, this should also help as you transition from rudiment to rudiment and provide a more musical presentation to the melody that you are drumming to.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Kirkwall bay, Dornoch Highland Gathering Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Daniel. Thanks for your performance in this event. Drum well set. Solid introduction. Held tempo well through first tune. Tune #1 -- Well-constructed score here played with lots of confidence. Remember to keep the "dot-to-cut" pointing here to avoud the expression becoming too round here. Tune #2 -- Well-played here as well. Playing a bit round in Bars 3 & 4 of both parts here, but definitely on beat. Overall a fine performance for this grade. Daniel, it is clear you have been well-instructed, have a good musical sense and have worked hard in your practicing. You have loads of potential. Keep up the hard work and I wish you every success.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Well controlled tempo, you will need to improve the use of your dynamic range, you were starting long runs far too loud and had nowhere to go with them, at times you lost volume as you had peaked to early, thus losing the effect that you were trying for. A well-structured score Over all you show great control, very enjoyable.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sennett 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Dr. Flora MacAulay of Carradale, Am Breamatain Tobhain Dubh Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Well set tempo and held into the tune Throughout your performance you played with your sticks very close to the drum head, this lack of height makes playing rudiments clean and accurate extremely difficult, especially your single work. This had a big impact on your performance today. Lift your sticks up, feel every tap and let the written score come to life Thank you Eric for your performance today
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tilak Manu 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: The Hen's March Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Well set tempo, however it kept increasing throughout your full performance, it eventually got that quick that you lost all accuracy and clarity of your rudiments. You must continue to work on your basic rudiment structure and tempo control.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommi McAndrew 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Highland Wedding, Struan Robertson & Dolina Mackay Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Tommi: Thanks very much for your performance and for playing in uniform. I like your Christmas helper on the drum. Drum well set. Solid rolls in the attack, but dropping tempo in your second roll. March: Excellent score -- lots of quality & variety and fits the melody very well. A good command of technique on display here. Good attention to phrasing and dynamics. Very relaxed playing overall, but be careful of holding some of your dotted notes a bit too long. I'm hearing a slight tendency to drag behind the music at times -- particularly in several of the ending phrases. Strathspey: Good break to Strathspey. Watch tempo here -- dragging a bit going into Bar #4 both times through Part 1. Steadying up more after that. Very effective use of dyamics in Parts 3 and 4, with a solid finish. Reel: Good break to Reel, but then lagging behind piper for a couple of bars before catching up. Once you locked in, phrasing was very effective. Great technique and expression here while staying quite relaxed. Good finish. Very musical scores well played for the most part. 'Lots of potential here. Keep up the great work!
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brendan Soh Heng Yi 🇸🇬 Place: 2 Tunes: The Conundrum, The Caledonian Canal, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Brendan: Thanks very much for your performance and for playing in uniform. Drum pitched a bit low, but full snare (and it may be the acoustics in this recording and/or setting as well). Good full 3-pace rolls, with a slight pulse in the middle of the secord roll. Maintaining tempo well into March. March: Very musical score played with lots of expression. Good phrasing and tasteful use of dynamics here. Watch your phrasing in flams that are ployed immediately before tap rolls -- the pointing is not always consistent here. Strathspey: Excellent break to Strath and establishing a good feel early on. Watch the consistency of your "tachum rolls" -- some are a bit too open and over-accented. Slight delay in your breaks into both Part 2 and Part 3 -- Don't exaggerate the expression to the point that you are missing the beat. Part 4 is fine, but perhaos over-expressdd near the finish. Reel: Interesting delayed break into Reel. I wish I could have heard it played to the music to get a better sense of its fit to the music. Solid playing in Part 1 with really great phrasing. Unfortunate slip in Part 2, but good recovery. Play was a bit unsettled after that, but still a good finish. Lovely scores appropriate to the Grade level played very expressively. You are clearly working very hard and have a real feel for the music. 'Lots of potential here. Keep up the great work.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Minnis 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, the Ewe with the Crooked Horn, Mrs MacPherson of Inveran Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Chris: Thanks very much for your perfomance. Drum well set. Very solid 3-pace rolls, but then a slight timing delay in starting the March. March: Excellent composition with lots of opportunity for expression. Minor slips in execution in Parts 1 and 2. Playing really well through Part 3. Triplet rolls the first tme through Part 4 a bit uneven, but OK on repeat. Minor slip at the end. Strathspey: Good break to Strath. Playing well through Part 1, pushing a bit through the singles in Part 2, but starting to rush significantly in Part 3 and losing lock with the melody there. Good recovery and back on track in the ff. Reel: Solid break into Reel. Very relaxed playing here with great expression and lift. Watch control in the triplet rolls. Rushing in Part 4, but settled down again. Open work execution getting cloudy in the last two parts, with unfortunate slips in the final part. Some really good playing through here. I think the performance could be even better by paying more attention to dynamic range (especialy at the softer end) and really working on locking on to the beat -- especialy in the more complicated open phrases.. Note: Your recording microphone may have been peaking throughout the recording, creating a muffled "thump" on your louder accents. This was a bit distracting, and might be worth checking out to ensure the effexct is minimized for future performances.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Stuart walker 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Athole and breadalbane gathering, maggie cameron, murdo lamonts spree Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello Stuart: Thanks for your performance. Excellent scores appropriate to the Grade level. Drum pitch low, but lots of snare. Strong opening 3-pace rolls. Tempo steady from rolls and locked on through the March. March: Great musical interpretation and playing here -- lots of lift. Tasteful dynamics in Part 2. Maintaining great expression, and nice open work through Part 4. Strathspey: Solid break into Strath. 'A classic score with a few minor amendments. Execution more unsteady than in your March and somewhat lacking in a Strathspey feel. Good effort at integrating dynamics at key points in the score. Reel: Good break into Reel, and on more familiar and comfortable ground here again. "Pushing the beat" in places here, though, and not quite as well-expressed as the March. Again, tasteful incorporation of dynamics in Part 3. "Overplaying" the phrasing and singles execution in Part 4. Overall a mixed performance this time around. Your playing in the March was very strong, and less so in the other tunes. That said, I really liked your attention to incorporating tasteful dynamics in your scores. With continued practice and attention to detail, you have the potential to deliver some great performances in the future. Good luck!
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Donovan Nelson 🇿🇦 Place: 5 Tunes: PM Jim McWilliams , Maggie Cameron , John Morrison of assynt house Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Donovan: Thanks for your performance. Your drum was well set, if a bit low. (That may have been due to the acoustic characteristics of this recording.) Strong opening rolls. Very musical scores well-suited to the tunes and to the Grade level. March: Good expression here. Pushing the tempo in Part 1. Lots of lift -- good expression & flow. Rushing returns intermittently in Parts 3 and 4. Strathspey: Solid break into Strath, but pushing the second beat in Bar 1 both times through. Settling down in Parts 2 and 3. Pushing again going into Part 4 and off the music in Bars 3 & 4. Good recovery in the ff repeat. Reel: Good break into the Reel and much more settled into the groove here. Relaxed, with good attention to technique and expression through most of this tune. A little pushing in the last two parts, but much better overall. Lots of potential here. You have developed some great technique already and are now in the process of getting it under control. You can improve future performances by some intentional slow practice focused on keeping steady tempos, strengthening some weak open work phrases, and increased pointing in the Strathspey. You would also benefit from incorporating more dynamics into your scores -- especially the Strathspey.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Decker 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Balmoral Highlanders, Ewe with the Crooked Horn, Alick C. McGregor Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Ken: Thanks for your performance. You have a great selection of tunes for your MSR. Drum pitch a bit low, but with full snare sound. Opening rolls too pulsed. Maintaining steady tempo from rolls into the March. March: Good score that fits the music and appropriate to the Grade. Minor slips in execution through this score. Tasteful dynamics interpretation in Part 3, and it would be good to see even more of these through this score. Rushing your phrasing in Part 5, but settling back down nicely again in Part 6. Strathspey: Solid break into the Strathspey. Unsettled phrasing in Part 1, but improved in Part 2. Dotted & cut phrases could be pointed even more than they are now. More dynamic range would help improve the lift in this score as well. Reel: Good break into the Reel. Well expessed in Part 1, but getting a bit unsettled in the triplet run in the ff of Part 2. Steady through Part 3 and 4, with a minor slip in the final ending phrase. Good material, but overall the phrasing felt a bit stiff and lacking in flow. Future performances could be improved by better linkage of phrases, greater attention to pointing (especially in the March and Strathspey), increasing your dynamic range, and lightening up on your secondary (non-accented) notes.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Giorgia Di Girolamo 🇮🇹 Tunes: Donald Cameron, Maggie Cameron and The Brown Haired Maiden Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Giorgia. Thanks very much for your performance. Drum pitched quite low and lacking snare response. It requires examination and adjustment. Opening 3-pace rolls need refinement -- pulsed and not smooth. Tempo holding steady following the rolls. March: I like a genuine attempt at a classic (and imposing!) score. I admire your initiative, but it's a challenge to be careful not to compromise expression when tackling the more technical aspects of this arrangement. There was much to like in terms of specific phrases, but overall it felt like you were tackling this score before you were ready. I would suggest focussing on polishing your technique and expression in a less demanding score first. You can build your confidence through performances with that, and then tackle this score in the future when you are better prepared. Strathspey: Good break into the Strathspey. 'A simpler score that fits the music quite well, and you played it with much greater control and musical intention. Your performance could be improved significantly here by incorporating more expression and dynamics into your playing. In the pointed phrases, hold those dotted eighth notes a bit longer and clip the sixteenth notes. Work with your instructor or musical coach to determine the notes which should be accented in a given bar, as well as which ones should be played much lighter. While there are many triplet-based runs here, try not to play the score in too round a manner. Reel: I thought this was your best effort in tems of execution and expression. The score fit the tune well and was appropriate for the grade. 'Still some slips in execution, but I thought your overall interpretation was well done. Giorgia: You have loads of potential and it is clear to me you are already working very hard to meet your musical goals. Keep up the good work!
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommi McAndrew 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Bonnie Dundee & Hot Punch Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Tommi, this was a very confident performance, the first thing I noticed was a well set-up instrument, very bright with a lively snare response, totally enjoyable. You showed great technique and understanding of the 6/8 March, a well set tempo, you maintained that tempo well into the tune. You used your dynamic range to create an enjoyable listening experience. Each part had its own little slip, just concentrate more when taking the weight of a rudiment that you still maintain the clarity, especially when starting with a double tap. Roll work was clean, lookout for the roll into the single run in the 4th part, it’s easy to lose the musicality there Thank you Tommi for your performance.
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Donovan Nelson 🇿🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Angus McKinnon Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slightly pulsated introduction rolls but well sustained, confident entry, well set tempo. I would like to see you work more on the lower end of your dynamic range, when you did play quietly you lost accuracy of the rudiment and to the melody. Flam work was inconsistent, at times it sounded like two sticks hitting the drum at the same time. I would like to see you continue to work on your basic rudiments, this will help you play with more accuracy and allow more dynamics to enter the tune, with the confidence gained from this work this will provide more consistency of your rudiments. You showed a good understanding of the 6/8 March Congratulations Donovan on your performance.
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brendan Soh Heng Yi 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: John D. Burgess Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Brendan, the tempo dropped as you started the tune, this made it difficult to bring out your best 6/8 March performance. You worked very hard to try and create the feel required, so that is to be congratulated. You had a slight pulsating sound through your introduction rolls. The performance became very forced due to the tempo being played. You showed great control and clarity with your rudiments, Flams were consistent in clarity throughout your presentation. You drum was well set-up and had a very nice snare response, very enjoyable.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommi McAndrew 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Crossing the Minch & Donald Camerons Powderhorn Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Clean and accurate introduction rolls, I felt you were having issues sinking up with the melody all the way through the hornpipe, this had an impact on the accuracy of your rudiments to the melody. It also had an impact on your use of expression throughout the Hornpipe as I felt you were trying to force the score out and you lost the musicality of the written score. You certainly play very cleanly and I’m guessing you were playing to a recording, this is always a little more difficult. Jig:- A very good 1st part, great tempo, as you enter the second part and beyond I felt the score became a little difficult for you in places and this effected the flow of the score. Two great scores and I would like to hear you play live with a piper as I think that would bring the best out of you. Thank you Tommi, once again for your performance.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Minnis 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Jimmy Tweedie's Sealegs and Rory MacLeod Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Very confident introduction, excellent tempo. More control required for the 1st part, part ending. The long roll in the second part is coming across as forced Doubles into the single run in the 3rd part came across as rushed and lacked clarity. 4th part had timing issues in the piano part. 5th part felt like you got tired and struggled to hold this part together. Jig, good break with a solid tempo, the score felt forced and as the tune went on it started to get away from you. Over-all - your drum was well set-up and had a very nice snare response, very enjoyable to listen too. You displayed an excellent understanding of basic rudiments, that did come through, these were well constructed scores. Thank you for your performance.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Decker 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Uphold the Right, The Curlew Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Pulsating introduction rolls, tempo on the slow side for me but well controlled. Hornpipe - Take care with your phrasing, felt forced at times and coming away from the melody, take care of the easy rudiments, use them to showcase your control, you tended to skip over these and concentrate on the more difficult rudiments. Jig, lacking musical flow, tempo was on the slow side making it difficult to get a nice flow to the score. Your drum was well tuned with a bright and lively snare response. Thank you Ken for your performance.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brendan Soh Heng Yi 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: The Train Journey North, Troy's Wedding Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Clean introduction rolls, tempo on the slow side for this hornpipe score. Your short roll work in the first part could be a little tighter as it lost the musical flow of the score. 2nd part bars 3 & 4 lacked accuracy. 3rd part single run not accurate in both first and second time through the part. 4th part Bars 2 & 3 lost musical flow. Break to Jig, tempo change was positive and well set, I did feel the score was difficult for you to control at this tempo as you rudiments came across as lacking accuracy and weight control, this did have an impact on the quality of the recording today. You have demonstrated that you have an excellent understanding of basic rudiments, I would like to see you be a little more selective of the score you chose to play in solos as this will defiantly bring the best out in your ability, I am happy to assist you with this in the future if you like. Great job and thank you for your performance.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Timothy Dent 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: John Macdonald of Glencoe, Struan Robertson and Alick C Macgregor Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Accurate introduction rolls and uptake to March. Great tempo and playing well to the recording. You showed great control and a good use of dynamics in the March, it was very enjoyable score. Good break to Strathspey, tempo enabled you to bring out the best in the score. Break to Reel was clean and accurate to piper, this had a nice musical feel to it. Overall a very enjoyable performance. Congratulations Timothy on your solo presentation.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kes Kunze 🇩🇪 Place: 2 Tunes: John MacColl‘s March to Kilbowie Cottage, Bogan Lochan, Little Cascade Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Confident introduction and a well set tempo, you are playing accurate to the beat note just not the sub-division of the beat note, this gives the impression of surging in your performance. Strathspey, solid tempo at the break, the score is lacking the strathspey feel , you need to hold the strong beat note a fraction more, as you tend to rush over this. Reel lacked drive and separated to the melody, there are some difficult passages in the score, although played cleanly they didn’t fit the melody.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jamie Cockburn 🏴 Place: 3 Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, cameronian rant, Pretty Marion Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Nice introduction rolls and uptake to the March, well set tempo, lacked a melody to play to. There was a tendency to rush the part endings, triplet roll movements not always even, I would like to have seen a great use of dynamics, as the March progressed it had a feeling of being rushed, Strathspey, bright tempo set, there were some timing issues, possibly due to a lack of melody. There was a loss of Strathspey feel and your flams lacked control. Reel, again the tempo was excellent, triple roll movement lacked control, and came across as “slapped out” again the lack of a melody made it difficult for you to play to your full potential.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron W. MacDonald 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Highland Wedding/Bogan Lochan/John McKechnie Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Clean introduction rolls and uptake to March, there was a lack of drive in Highland Wedding, at times you separated from the melody due to a lack of accuracy to your rudiments. Strathspey, tempo at break was good, you lost the Strathspey feel and separated to the Melody as the score went on, Reel, clean break playing a nice score, there were some accuracy issues at times and again lost your way with the feel of the tune. Over-all you play well with control, it’s difficult to play to a recording and this showed in places. You drum was well set-up with a lively snare response, very enjoyable to listen to. Congratulations on your performance today.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommi McAndrew 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: Highland Wedding, Struan Robertson & Dolina Mackay Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Well sustained introduction rolls, tempo was on the slow side and lacked drive. March - There was a lack of accuracy to the melody, you have a tendency to follow the melody, more drive required at this level. Strathspey – behind the melody in the first few bars and you are not playing the same execution as the piper, this is making it difficult for you to play accurately to the recording. Reel – the drum score is fluctuating to the melody, you are playing clean rudiments, just not accurate to the melody.
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommi McAndrew 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Bonnie Dundee & Hot Punch Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Tommie: Thanks for your performance here. Drum well set -- good pitch and lots of snare. Slight pulse in middle of first 3-pace roll, but overall quite a solid attack. Tempo steady into tune. Use of multiple ruffs is an effective way of starting into this score. Effective use of dynamics in Part 2. Open work verging on being unsteady the first time through Part 3, but settled down again on the repeat.. Strong finish with excellent rolls and clear open work in Part 4. Excellent scores well played. I enjoyed your performance.
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jamie Cockburn 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: Portree bay Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Jamie. Thanks for your performance. Drum pitched low, but good full snare sound. Very strong 3-pace rolls, and maintaining steady tempo throughout. Part 1 simple but played well. Part 2 -- Open work in Bars 2 and 6 -- specifically, the open work starting on the second beat of the bar -- consistently ending too early. It may be intentionally played that way, but comes across as being uneven -- especially since your tempo is so steady. Good clear execution through Parts 3 and 4, with great 6/8 expression. Overall a very solid performance. Great mitts. I would prefer to see more attention to dynamics in this score, but your playing clearly conveyed a real sense of strength and confidence.
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron W. MacDonald 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: 6/8 March Traditional Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Cameron: Thanks for your performance here today. Drum was well set, with good pitch and full snare sound. Solid attack with steady tempo into the tune. Part 1 starting out a bit too round, but setted in. Good roll quality here. Bars 1 and 5 in Part 2 could be more pointed as well. Part 3 and 4 OK, wth good solid crescendo rolls in Part 4. I was surprised to see you choosing to play a generic massed band 6/8 March score in this level of competition. I think you missed a great opportunity to present a more challenging but musical score composed with your tune in mind, and one that allows for greater 6/8 expression. You are a very capable musician, it's clear you have the ability to play something more appropriate to the Grade, and I hope you will consider it for future 6/8 March competition performances.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kes Kunze 🇩🇪 Place: 1 Tunes: Pumkin‘s Fancy, Old Wife of the Mill Dust Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Kes. Thanks for your performance. Drum well set -- good pitch and full snare. Very solid attack and steady into Hornpipe. 'A driving score that fits the tune well and has lots of opportunities for dynamics. Well played. The structure and melody of the tune itself is quite repetitive, and I think that limits the opportunity for variety of content to some extent. However, the execution was very clean and expressive with great dynamics. Solid break to Jig. 'Starting out quite simply, but score gets more challenging in subsequent parts. Excellent control of tempo throughout. Effective use of dynamics in Part 3 without going "over the top". Very expressive final part, with great content and tasteful dynamics. Solid finish. This was a very musical and well-controlled performance in a strong contest. I enjoyed it.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommi McAndrew 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: Crossing the Minch & Donald Camerons Powderhorn Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Tommi: Thanks for your performance. Drum well set and sounding good. Strong smooth opening rolls, but second roll slightly longer than the first. A very well-constructed and musical hornpipe score, played very expressively with good dynamic range and finesse. Strong start into the tune, and playing well. Part 3 especially well-expressed, with very effective use of dynamics here. In Part 4, I think the timing of the syncopation in Bars 2 and 6 is slightly off and not coming across as intended. Final roll of the Hornpipe not ending on the beat. Break into Jig was solid, with great dynamics already in Parts 1 and 2. Very tasty bits throughout this score well executed with confidence. While playing was steady through most of the Jig, there was a growing lack of sync with the piper especially in the final part of the tune. 'Loads of potential here and it's clear you have been working hard. Well done.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jamie Cockburn 🏴 Place: 3 Tunes: Rhonda Blair, Bronni’s Blue Brozzi Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Jamie. Thanks for this. Drum pitch quite deep, but full snare sound. Scores well set and very appropriate to the Grade level. Strong intro rolls and tempo steady into Hornpipe. Confident performance. Great lift and expression in your Hornpipe, rock solid tempos, and mostly clear execution. Pushing slightly in Part 2, but settled back in the repeat. Same in the ff repeat of Part 3. Great lift in Part 4. It would be great to see more variety in terms of light and shade incorporated into this score. Solid break to Jig. 'A well-constructed and very musical score. Tempo quick but well-controlled at first. Starting to push the beat in Part 2, and then tempo really begins to creep upwards -- starting to affect clarity especially at the end of Part 4. Again, absence of much light & shade in this score. 'An impressive performance that can be improved in future by greater finesse, increasing dynamic range in selected passages, and maintaining stronger control over Jig tempo. Thanks again.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron W. MacDonald 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Barry Ewan & The Mermaid Jig Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello Cameron. Thanks for your performance here. Drum well set, with good pitch and full snare sound. Strong intro rolls. Tempo maintained into Hornpipe.. Very musical score well-suited to the Grade level. (I really like the ending phrase, but be sure to keep it under control.) Watch clarity and finesse of your ruffs in the Hornpipe -- Keep them consisent. Lots of drive in this Hornpipe score. You express it very well, and it could be strengthened even further by more variety in terms of dynamics and playing the secondary (non-accented) strokes with more finesse. Good break into a well-constructed and musical Jig score. Good quality and variety here. Quite well-played, but your musical expression could benefit from more finesse and more light & shade in the score. I thought this was a solid performance is a very competitive contest. You have loads of potential and I hope you keep up the hard work. Thanks again.
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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, MacAllistair’s Dirk Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slight pulsating coming through on introduction rolls but well sustained, confident and solid with a lively tempo to March, technically strong and phrased well to melody with a strong dynamic interpretation to the score. Strathspey, well played with a great use of dynamics and a sold S.W.M.W. providing the drive within the score. Reel, again another solid performance. This was a very enjoyable presentation with well-constructed scores. Congratulations Grant on your performance.
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tilak Manu 🇸🇬 Tunes: The 79th Farewell to Gibraltar, The Caledonian Canal, Lexy Macaskill Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Pulsating introduction, tempo down and lacking drive. Accent roll work lacking accuracy and clarity. The tempo was unsettled throughout the March Break to strathspey to long between tunes, strathspey lacking S.W.M.W. feel to the score, the tune was rushed and lacked accuracy throughout. Reel, again the break was too long, the score felt panicked and lacked the musical feel that was required. Unfortunately with a lack of melody to play to, you rushed your rudiments and didn’t play with the accuracy required for this grade.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Grant Maxwell 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Reverend AWR MacKenzie’s Revenge, Callum Magee Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Drum very well set -- great pitch and full snare. Strong & solid opening 3-pace roll; slight pulse on Beat 2 in second roll. Great lift overall in the Hornpipe -- loved the phrasing in Bars 5 & 6. Rocking through Part 2, and great dynamics interpretation in Part 3. Great expression in Part 4, but pushing the triplet run slightly in Bar 4 of the FF. Solid into Jig, with great dynamics build-up in Bars 3 & 4. Part 2 solid, and great interpretation in Part 3. I really liked the dynamic contrast between Bars 1/2 and Bars 3/4 in Part 3. Great control through Bars 5 and 6 of that part -- especially on the repeat -- and I really liked the entry into Part 4. Strong finish. I really enjoyed this performance, Grant. Thanks very much.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tilak Manu 🇸🇬 Tunes: The Rainbow, The Hen's March Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Wthdrawn.
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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: Gale Walker 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: John McDonald, Ewe With the Crooked Horn, Major Manson Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - Drum sounds very nice: resonant and well-tuned. - Very nice tenor score composition and choreography. - There are a couple of spots where your left hand stalls don't match the look of your right hand ones, so this could be an area to work on. - rhythmic timing is very good, I like that I can hear a veriety of dynamics - in the first part of the march, the ending phrase was a little bit rushed, but it settled in well and was fine the rest of the tune. - ok break to strathspey, although in a solo performance I would encourage you to consider an adjustment so that you do hit the drum on the first note of the strathepey - nice touch on drum in the strathspey, very strong rhythmic performance. - confident break to reel. - in 2nd part of the reel, the rhythm got a bit ahead of the accompaniment, otherwise spot on and right with your accompaniment. - The timing of your flourishes with music is done well. I noticed though that you sometimes have difficulty catching cleanly after a flourish. It isn't affecting your transitions to the drum, which is great! I bring it up because improving your catching will allow you to time the moment that you catch with the music - this will sharpen up your performance visually. Some drummers find they have more consistency with catching if they tighten up their strings a bit. Tying your cords to your hands in a way that includes your pinky finger will allow you to spread your fingers to draw the mallet into your hand, but I know that many people are very comfortable with the way they tie their cords, so this may not be a suggestion that would fit for you. - Overall, your flourishes are very creative and well timed, and your rhythms are well executed and nearly always locked in with the backing track. I enjoyed this very much! Thank you.
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Allan Dodds Farewell to Scotland, Atholl Cummers and Mrs Macpherson of Inveran Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - confident rolls. - sight hesitation to first note of March, but second note and beyond very well timed. - very detailed rhythm playing in this score, and smooth flourishing transitions. - excellent variety of complex flourishes here. - some variety in dynamics, but playing is coming through quite loud (may be a balance issue between accompaniment and your drum). I'd love to hear softer pianissimos to balance out the strong fortissimo playing. - rhythms very slightly ahead of accompaniment in march part 3. - confident break to strathspey. - If you play your piano time in the strath with a strong-weak-medium-weak feel, it will help emphasize the transition to the new tune/idiom - especially in the first bar! - good break to reel - very nice rhythm playing here. There is a note around 4:28 timestamp that is not quite placed accurately. The accent it aligns with is a little bit earlier in the accompaniment, so you may have to adjust the catch timing on the previous flourish combination to nail it exactly - this issue occurs both times you play that sequence. Overall: very enjoyable and confident set on a well-tuned drum. You could add in some quieter passages to add additional excitement to your complex and well-timed rhythmic playing. Your flourishes are creative and fluidly executed. Well done!
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Mrs John McColl, Maggie Cameron, Willie Cummings Rant Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - rolls well timed, drum sound is very nice. - falling behind the accompaniment a bit in the first part, but settled in well in the repeat. - flourishing has very nice variety and well timed, good catching, and generally good transitions between visuals and rhythm (occasionally slightly late to drum) - 4th part timing a little unsettled - watch last bar of your ending phrase in the March - I think you may be playing a 16th triplet over a set of four 32nd notes in the accompaniment. - confident break to strathspey - a couple of moments where the rhythm was not spot on (when there is a triplet on beat 3 and you play the 3nd and third notes of the triplet and then beat 4, sometimes you stretch it out a bit too much and end up behind.) - flourishing suits the tune and snare score well. - I'd like to encourage you to play the four beats of your piano time here as it can really help bring out the STRONG-weak-Medium-weak strathspey idiom. - Flourishing in break to reel got away from you a bit as you weren't quite locked in with the music. My personal preference is for soloists to strike the drum in the break to the reel (every break actually), as it really defines the break and the change in style and tempo.
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Event 210. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Flying Scotsman, Battle of Waterloo and The Panda Judge: Kahlil Cappucino Judge's Comments: 1, Erin, thank you for your very strong and dynamic performance. All done on a drum that has been set-up very nicely. Keeping in mind that what translates into a recording can be different from what the sound is in person but I felt that at times your volume and accompanying expression was over-powering. What is very clear is you have a great understanding of interpreting a tune and scoring; you might wish to focus in on your use of the dynamic range from pp-ff. Introduce subtlties from the range into your playin and this will take your performance to another level. Maybe consider the setting in which you are playing: solo performance use a stick wiht a softer core for a more refined sound vs. a band performance where the need for a defined attack and sustain off the drum might be needed to cut through as a distinct voice in a tenor section? Really strong scoring, played very well with occassional lapsing out of fluidity of the rhythm. 2. Great intro! You started out and you meant business! This translated well into a strong first part with where your ending phrase was played superbly (you use effecitve dynmaics in these, you have control and expression) . You kep tthis going through all parts of the hornpipe but I would refer you to my observations above. 3. Again your scoring is excellent, You have found a really nice balance of rhythm and flourish but it's the rhythm that stands-out as being thought through and created to be an excellent and integral part of the ensemble if you well (though this is a solo event). 4. Very strong to jig - you remained in time and on phrasing as you transitioned from HP to J. Excellent first part! Second part -such a cool and well-played opening phrase.. Thrid part - good. Fourth part - superb and very nice orchawstration to the ending. 5. Excellent jig scoring and playing. I would say again look to explore how you can use dynamics to lift your performance even more. For example, even in your time-playing thinking about how you might bring more sublety and jig feel to that straight time.
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Event 210. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Tam Bains Lum, Donella Beaton Judge: Kahlil Cappucino Judge's Comments: 1. Ryan, many thanks for this very nice performance on a a well-tuned drum. Your sound was full, the decay was sustaining just long enough and attack was soft but precise. 2. Strong intro rolls played with confidence that sets up the viewer/listener for a strong performance. However, first time through, the first two bars were slightly unsettled detracting a bit from expectatons; you quickly adjusted and ensured that the remaining rhythm in the first part was clear and well articulated. 3.Onwards you displayed a nice balance of rhythm to flourish though at times your timing out of a flourish onto the drum impacted the fluidity of your timing and quality of your played score. Subtle but enough to throw the flow a bit. 4. When you are using triplets frequently in a tune you may wish to focus in on their consitency. In some cases they were slightly crushed and in others spot-on. Aim for bigt fat open triplets such that you can and that the tempo allows for. It's not easy to do but when you master that it will bring your playing along to an even better place than it is now. 5. Careful of your endings as well in the condtext of consistency. It effected the quality of your transition into the jig as your ending phrase was a bit hurried, I think marked by your anticipation to hit the jig break. 6. First part of jig was very well done as you played forthrightly and as the jig progressed it was clear you enjoy the tune and that translated into your playing. 7. Second part was excellent! Your scoring and use of space and dynmaics was so well done. You might wish to explore the dynamic range a bit more here (pp-ff). Make the bottom end of the crescendo even quieter. 8. Strong to end with full conviction. 9. As far as your scoring goes for the jig, you have effectively picked-up the opportunity to use triplets towards getting to a "jiggedy" feel. You might wish to consider variatons on full triplets to bring that feel out even more - e.g. take out the middle note of a triplet. Add a bit more variety into your score and encourage the listener/viewer to a more diverse experience if you will.
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Allan Dodds Farewell to Scotland, Atholl Cummers & Mrs Macpherson of Inveran Judge: Kahlil Cappucino Judge's Comments: 1. Erin, thanks for this MSR. Overall a very good performance with opportunity to build on. My observation on sound remains as it did for your HP/J but it is evident you can nuance and express using a nice dynamic range. The trick is to make that regular thoughout your playing. 2. Strong rolls but late on first beat of the march. You very quickly fixed that with your time-playing for bar 2 and that set you back in time that you held throughout the tune. Good second part - what do you think about playing that nice sharp snappy crescendo roll with the snare in the first bar rather than flourish (which was excellent by the way and an strong visual representation). Third part, some wobbly bit taking you slightly off time, 4th part - excellent, especially the crescendoed triplet runs. 3. Good to strathspey but you were slightly behind the beat particuarly in bar 3. Second part very well done, Third part excellent! Fourth part the same with a nice syncopaed phrasing. A good strathspey overall. 4. Very strong into reel howver, you seemed to be hitting your drum a bit harder than normal and it created a bit of a dischordant sound. Second part excellent! Third - good. Off a bit in the fourth, timing and expression stumbled a bit. Good to end but it felt, sounded and looked like you were in a rush to get it done. 5. Erin , this was a very good play. You have tons of skill and you have a good understanding of the music. Consider expression, light and shade such that one can on one's own. I wonder if you might think about relaxing your arms a bit and that might bring a bit of "lightness" to your playing and that could address expression and so on. Food for thought. Btw, that 's a beautiful Christmas Tree. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, The Islay Ball, Mrs MacPherson of Inveran Judge: Kahlil Cappucino Judge's Comments: 1.Ryan, thank you for this MSR. A good performance on a nice sounding drum. 2. March - good intro rolls. First bar or two were fine but then you fell off the pace causing your performance to be unsettled and your rhythms stilted and expression to be lost. Second part you settled back in somewhat but on the repeat issues re-emerged with timing and feel. Third part well done. Fourth - good. Fifth- excellent, very nice use of time and space, you nailed this part and that continued for you through the sixth part. 3. Strong break, Here you remained relaxed it appeared in the march's ending which made for the nice break to the strathspey. 4. Strathspey - this was really good, Ryan. Feel, space, time, nuanced. Not much more I can say. 5. Very very strong break. Flow into reel was superb, you were relaxed and it sounded natural and right . Set things up for a nice tune. 6. The reel was well done! A nice variety of scoring and balance to flourishes, you were hiting experession and feel that made for a very enjoyable reel. Slight wobble, going off time in the last part but recovered well and stron gto the end. 7. Job well done!on the strathspey and reel. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and your family!
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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: Hugh Kennedy, Maggie Cameron, Bessie MacIntyre. Judge: Kahlil Cappucino Judge's Comments: 1. Christine, thank you for this MSR performance. You project confidence and enjoyment that makes it way into your playing. You displaying sharp visuals in your flourishes but I suggest you focus on the transition from air to drum and vice versa, it is a bit unsteady which then impacts the overall flow of your playing and how the rhythms sound. 2. Your drum seem to be throwing overtones and you might wish to do a check on evening out your the tension so that there is equal tension against each tuning rod. That will smooth out your sound and warm up the tone. 3. Intro rolls going well until the very last beat which went slight off, I think in anticipatin of the first beat of the march. 4. First part of march good , time-playing excelent for first bars but watch your timing in bars 4/5. Second part good but watch timing in bar 2. Third part, really good time-playing though a bit of a stumble in bar 7 in terms of flow of rhyhm. Fourth part good, strong time playng. 5. Strathspey - slightly rushed into first beat that carried through-out the part. Seconid part good though watch your timing in the 5th bar. Third part you bring forth a good effect with your spacing in the score but are slightly off the beat, late on occasion. Fourth part - same issue as third part. 6. Late into reel bu thtis was the strongest of your tunes. First part good! Second part well done!, Thrid and fourth parts good! As with the march and strathspey, you may wish to focus on how you fit in the space of melodies of the tunes. How do you create a fluid smooth performance where you are able to transition out of flourish to drum so that what you are strking for sound is contained in the flow, feel adn tempo. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and your family!
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Flying Scotsman, Battle of Waterloo & The Panda Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - strong start, drum sounds lovely. - very energetic start! Rhythmically complex and played confidently. - your time playing feels very even, needs more emphasis on the beats and less on the offbeats (and the strongest pulse should be on beat 1) - flourishing is flawless and complex - well executed with perfect transitions to the drum. - good break to jig - really good jig feel, lots of variety in flourishing here, and good touch on the drum. - nice balance between syncopated rhythms and more steady beatings. Every note here is spot on, with good dynamics (subtle crescendos in groups of three notes are very nice). Overall: great composition and choreography in the score, and excellent excecution. A very poised performance! Thank you.
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Mason’s Apron, Archie Beag Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - confident start, rolls great, drum is well-tuned. - Part 1, Bar 2 rhythm: there are 2 16th notes/semi-quavers, an eighth/quaver rest followed by a 16th/semi-quaver reston beat 2, and you're playing the next 16th note (2 E + a). It sounds to me like the accompanying snare score is placing the accent on the "and" of 2 instead of on the 16th note before that (2 e AND a). Since it's a recurring theme in the first part, it thought it worth mention. - fantastic groove and feel in your rhythm playing in the hornpipe in part 2 and beyond. Sometimes the "5s" in your ending bar are a bit rushed, so watch that. - score fits well with the accompanying track, and flourishes cleanly executed - more complexity/variety in flourishes would be nice at this level. - HP part 4, great idea with the flourish to start, but late to the drum afterward. - solid break to jig. - jig is generally well played, rhythmically, and could use more dynamics to add excitement and variety. - in my opinion, the structure of the composition of the jig score is not as interesting as I would like to see at the grade 1 level. I have no issue with any one of the flourish combinations in this jig performance. If you were to add additional flourishes to the second line of each part, it woud be an opportunity to maintain more excitedment and interest as well as demonstrate additional skills (since I can see you have plenty of flourishing ability). As is, the flourishing is quite repetitive. - Overall, a steady performance! Lively hornpipe with plenty of energy. The jig did not feel as enthusiastic as the hornpipe, and I'd love to see you spice things up with more flourishing variety and complexity at this level (gr1). - Thanks so much!
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Man from Skye, The Hen’s March. Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - good rolls and confident start. - scoring is very complex, and mostly well played, but some phrases are a little rushed (e.g., bar 4 of the first part after the flourish) - ending phrase a little behind with the arm circle - final note is placed a little late. - slight hesitation (memory slip?) start of part 4. - good break to jig, although tempo is a little quick for you I think - you fall behind a bit once you begin the singles in bar 3. - nice variety of flourishes. - I'm noticing some difficulty with catching/transitioning cleanly to the drum. This is impacting your rhythm playing because sometimes you are a little behind on the rhythm following a flourish. - some of your complex rhythms are not played perfectly, ex. part 3 bar 3, but they are quite good, and you've almost got them! - I like the variety and energy in your flourishes! I'd encourage you to work to time them precisely with the accompaniment, which will sometimes mean making them a bit quicker. Overall: I enjoyed your hornpipe-jig, and I LOVE that i can see how much YOU are enjoying yourself as well. Your music is very well composed and choreographed. Some adjustments to execution with both rhythm and flourishing will help polish your overall performance. Thank you so much!
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Event 301. Novice Bass Drumming (Grade 4 & 5) - Any March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Yuen Ka Ming 🇭🇰 Place: 1 Tunes: 2/4 March: Hugh Kennedy Judge: Kahlil Cappucino Judge's Comments: 1. Yuen Ka Ming, I enjoyed your march performance very much! Done on a nice sounding bass drum that you may wish to experiment with in tems of the amount of dampening you have in the drum and finding a bit more of a sustain or slower decay off the strike of the heads. Your motion and technque is very strong and you are using both hands very well which is not an easy thing to do and not mastered by many regarddless of grade! Think a bit more about brushing down onthe drumhead rather than striking into them. You've almost got it! Maybe try practicing on a doorjam which I find to be helpful for me. 2. In the parts 1,2 and 4 you are creating a nice flow and feel with your effective use of space, syncopation and beat placement that are just right in balance. Part three, you may wish to match how the pipes are stressing the melody, there's a real nice smoth driving downbeat feel here that you could mirror to great musicality. 3. Well done! All the best to you in 2023!
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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: 1 Tunes: Braes of Castle Grant, Susan McLeod, Lexi McAskill Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - solid intro beats. drum resonance is lovely. pitch of drum is a little bit sharp to the accompaniment, but only very slightly. It is likely because the recording is a practice chanter/pad (which is lower pitched than bagpipes). This is not a big issue - just a comment! - Confident opening. - You are using a very nice combination of time beatings and more complex rhythms - very important for bass drummers and you clearly understand this. - fluid arm motion and very nice touch to the drum. - good break to strath, and nice feel in this piece, good dynamics and you are locked right in with your accompaniment. - Flawless transition to reel. - The reel is my favourite part of your performance, as I can see you are comfortable and enjoying yourself. Your rhythm playing is totally solid with a good sense of "groove" and feel. - Excellent work on this set. Thanks so much!
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: 12I Singapore Boys' Brigade Bagpipe Band 1 🇸🇬 Place: 1 Tunes: Horsburgh Castle, Gardens of Skye, Lord Lovat's Lament Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: Andrew Womersley (Side) — Place: 3 — Pulsating Introduction rolls, well set tempo, Bass and Snare not together at first beat of tune. Snare line trying to put expression into the score however the separation between drummers is making it difficult to achieve. Accent roll work not coming together cleanly in the 1st tune 2nd tune, long runs not together separation between all sections in last part of this tune 3rd tine , part ending separation, this was your strongest tune . Overall I would like to see the Bass contribute more by following the metrical accent for this time signature, the bass tended to play a straight beat with no variation in weight, I would also like to see a lead and corps drummer this can help with your dynamic presentation going from one to two drummers will change the volume and help create interest in the presentation. Judge: James MacHattie (Piping) — Place: 2 — Good start, drums and pipes. Both sections playing well together. One pipe sharper than the others. Drones not quite settled. Lively tempo. Very effective harmonies. Tempo holding steady. Steady bass. Some of the snare precision in Gardens of Skye drifting a bit - better by LLL. Good piping unison. Good stop. Well done. Judge: Kate Dudek (Midsection) — Place: 2 — - very good attack. - bass drum beating starts out very steady and maintains throughout - this is excellent to hear and really helps keep everyone playing together. I would encourage you to add some variety/pulsing to your playing - start by making beat one of every bar a little louder. - the tempo in this performance is very good and seems to work well for all players in the ensemble. - some of the snare execution could be tidied up, but I can see you are working hard to play well together, so keep it up! Bringing the tempo down a bit and playing to a metronome will help you lock everything in. Overall: t's great to see young people making good music together! - thanks so much everyone, I enjoyed this a lot. Judge: Terry Lee (Piping) — Place: 1 — Hello Silngapor Boys I. Thank you for doing this! Tone: A very bright pitch from chanters and snares. Really like the bass drum sound. Pipers make sure to play right to end (sound drops off early). Unison: Small pipe slips in first tune. Snares farily tight. Moving through the tunes seamlessly - very good. Pipers watch uneven blowing, especially at part endings. Musicality: A musical tempo is called and delivered. A nice drive to your playing. Summary: A good performance - lively and together. Look at bagpipe tone to try to match closer. Could drop the pitch somewhat which could help. Nicely done thank you.
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Hamilton Boys' High School Junior Pipe Band 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Green Hills of Tyrol Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: Andrew Womersley (Side) — Place: 1 — Clean and confident introduction from drummer. Simple score played very well, showing rudimental accuracy and a good use of dynamics. Drummer forgot to stop at the end of the performance. Well played. Judge: James MacHattie (Piping) — Place: 1 — Lively tempo, playing well together. Chanters close, but drones could be tuned a bit better. Not totally together on the very start of the tune but settled in right away. Not all togethar at the very end either. But the bits in the middle were quite good! Lively playing and good unison by pipers and pipes and drum in time all through. Well done. Judge: Kate Dudek (Midsection) — Place: 1 — - this was really enjoyable for me to watch and listen to. - you three did a very good job of playing this very musically and together; I can see that you have been playing together for a while. - you had a very strong start, good steady tempo and good attack, and you kept the same steady tempo the whole way through. - one thing i noticed was that for the first several bars of music after you got going, the three of you were all tapping your right foot, but you weren't *quite* tapping together. As you relaxed into the repeat of the first part, all of your foot taps synced up and I could feel you settle into the performance as well. - very nicely played, and keep working hard. Judge: Terry Lee (Piping) — Place: 4 — Hello Hamilton Boys. Thanks for getting together and making this happen. Glad it is sunny somewhere! Tone: Sound is good other than drones. Maybe a bass drone slipped on the pin or, perhaps, they just need more tuning? Pretty good blowing pipers. Unison: Very well started. Pipers the "F" is on the sharp side. Musicality: Lively tempo and good score to this tune. The snare playing with positive drive and accompanying the pipers to good effect. Summary: A musical, short presentation. Playing well together and thank you again for taking part.
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: 12I Singapore Boys' Brigade Bagpipe Band 2 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: The Rainbow, Bride's Jig, Because He Lives, The Keel Row, The Keel Row (Reel), Lexy MacAskill Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: Andrew Womersley (Side) — Place: 4 — Clean introduction. Separation from the first note, a sense of panic from the snare line at the start of the tune, you must take your time and work as one unit. Jig, timing issues from all three sections. Air – pulsating roll work, rudiment work rushed Strathspey, bass lacking S.W.M.W. by adding this to the bass it may help the rest of the band play with more feeling and accuracy Keel Row Reel - rushed and continued to increase in speed Lexie MacAskill – serious tempo issues here Over-all I felt the scores were too complicated for the snare line to provide accurate musical support to the melody. These scores are great for the individuals to challenge themselves and to help lift the standard but for a band performance you need to play to your strengths. Judge: James MacHattie (Piping) — Place: 4 — Good start together, but then it took a bit for the group to come together with slightly different tempos. Extremely fast! Chanters pretty close together, but drones not quite set. Very quick in jig too. Bass drifting off the beat a bit. Pipes and drums playing much better together in the strathspey. The reels are too quick to keep everyone playing together. Not quite a clean stop together. A fun set, and lots of potential here if you slow it down a bit so everyone can keep up, keep together and keep control. Judge: Kate Dudek (Midsection) — Place: 3 — - attack was much quicker than the count-in, and took a few bars to settle in (drummers ahead and pipers trying to match count-in tempo) - once you settled though, it was very strong and lively. - bass left hand is sometimes a little less locked in to the tempo than your right hand. - I like the effect of the bass drummer playing minimally in the first part of the jig and then adding a bit more in the second part. - nice crescendo and decrescendo rolls in the slow air. Overall: a very nice medley of tunes. I can see you are still working on getting everyone playing all of the tunes in full, but I'm glad that didn't stop you from putting an entry together for this contest, as I enjoyed this very much. It might be helpful to bring the tempo down a bit while everyone wraps their hands around the material (metronome work will help with this too). - Bass drummer: you have a good touch on the drum and a generally steady tempo, in fact you got more steady after the first tune. In terms of next steps, I'd like to see you start putting a little more weight on beat one of every bar. - thanks for a very fun medley. I really enjoyed the tune selection and scoring. Keep working on cleaning up execution and locking into all the same tempos across the instruments. Judge: Terry Lee (Piping) — Place: 2 — Hello Singapore Boys 2. Thank you for being here. Tone: Sound is quite good together. Bass drum okay but too heavy. Drones seem to be quite sharp. Chanters are very high pitched. Unison: Too fast at the start and this created a scramble. Snares behind...pipers ahead... Would suggest slowing the opening tune down. Snares raagged in 2nd part. Better in jig. Snares somewhat uncertain at the start of each tune. Need to be definite. Musicality: Not together at the beginning - pipes or drums. Lots of uncertainty causing a messy opening. Setlles a bi as it goes on. Jig also ia quite fast. The Air is a nicde break from the speed! Pretty much collapsed at the end of the medley. Summary: An interesting set with pretty much all tunes at top speed. Try to remember that it is music and not a race. Thank you.
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The 79th’s Farewell to Gibraltar, Struan Robertson, Colonel MacLeod. Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: Andrew Womersley (Side) — Place: 2 — Introduction rolls not together, Bass late to first beat. A greater use of dynamics required from snare and bass line. Break to strathspey separation from all corps of the band, bass could provide more S.W.M.W to assist all in this presentation, I felt the snares could hold the Strong note a little longer this would help follow the melody a little closer. Reel - break much better slow but steady tempo, snares lost clarity at times, roll work not coming through clean, this was your strongest tune. Thank you for your performance, a nice selection of tunes. Judge: James MacHattie (Piping) — Place: 3 — Rolls a bit ragged to start, but pipes and drums settled in fairly well once the tune started. Chanters fairly well set, but drones are well out... Good control to the march. Steady bass. Errors in part 4. Not quite together into strathspey, and it took a while for the drums and pipes to play the same tempo. Strathspey feel a bit round - dotted notes need to be stretched and the little notes quite small. A number of errors. Steady tempo. Lively reel. Better ensemble work here. Good clean stop. Well done. Judge: Kate Dudek (Midsection) — Place: 4 — - good attack. - the tempo is slightly slow, but it is smart of you to keep the tempo down as you develop all the skills and master the tunes and scores. this will help you make sure that everything is being played corectly. - bass a little unsteady at the start, but settled in well by the repeat of part 1. - break to strath well together. - Bass Drummer: you have a very nice touch on the drum. I encourage you to try to play beat 1 with your right hand, then beats 2, 3, and 4, alternating left-right-left. While you do this, putting your strongest emphasis on beat 1 (with the right hand) will help with the dance feel of the music. That strong pulse on beat one will be an important one in all music, and mastering this will help the band lock in together, like a heartbeat. Although this comment is about bars where you are playing time, it also applies to more complex rhythms - your timing with the syncopation is generally good, and the next step is keep that strong pulse on beat one in those passages as well. - drum corps seems to be pushing a little in the strathspey - good transition to the reel. - very musical reel playing. - At times, the drummers are a little behind the piping in the reel/ pipers ahead. - Drum scoring appears to be very appropriate for the grade, aand metronome work will help you wrap your hands around this material at the tempos that the band played at today - playing slow can be a big challenge, but it's worth it because it will make your playing much more precise and together as you bring the tempo back up. - It's great to see so many musicians playing together and working hard to keep improving! - Thank you very much. Judge: Terry Lee (Piping) — Place: 3 — Hello Alaska Celtic. Thanks for getting together and making this happen. What a spectacular setting! Tone: Pretty good sounds all round. Drones notably rough. Bass drum a bit heavy but a good sound. Chanters seem to be at a sweet pitch which is good but I am concerned with small squeaks that appear throughout. This needs addressing (I would consider what reeds and chanters are being played and are they a good fit...or a good fit for Alaska?). Unison: Small pipe slips in 4th (March). Snares could be tighter in March as well. Tempo seems to slow in last part. Pipe slips again in reel. Musicality: March is very controlled. If you can bring this up a few beats per minute it will be even better. Strathspey is very square...needs pulsing and not so even....strong ..weak..medium...weak kind of thing. Score here also needs attention. Very jerky/square. Summary: An interesting MSR. Good tunes that need attention on style/scores. Good presentation overall. Thank you.
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Glasgow Week in Hamburg, Cutting Bracken, The Duck, The Mist Covered Mountains, Jennifer Finlayson, Flora, Mrs MacLeod of MacLeod, Kate Dalrymple. Judge: Panel B Judge's Comments: Judge: David Coleman (Side) — Place: 1 — Thank for your performance. The band looks very smart in full uniform, and you have a great backdrop for your performance. Introductory 3-pace rolls pulsed on the middle beat -- Keep steady and smooth throughout. There was some confusion over tempo after the opening rolls -- the side drummers drum corps slowed down and got out of sync with the Bass and the pipers -- but then recovered later in the first part.. March -- Drum score is basic but fits the tune. Make sure the Lead Drummer is positioned to see the P/M's foot in order to keep tempo through the tune and lock on to the breaks between tunes. Jig -- Took a few bars before the snares and Bass got comfortable with the Jig tempo and locked on with the pipers. Drummers sounding confident through Part 2 of the first Jig. Unison suffering a bit in the second jig. Slow Air -- Score perhaps a bit busy for this Slow Air -- especially at such a slow tempo. Watch unison playing here through tap work, and make sure your rolls start and stop together. Strathspeys -- Cleaner break into this tune. Again, corps having unison issues but keeping time quite well. Try to focus on improving strathspey expression and dynamics here. Reels -- More confident break into the first reel as well. Drummers seem more comfortable with the expression here -- and it sounds like you're having fun through these two tunes. Scores throughout are quite basic but fit the melodies. As the band progresses, you will get more comfortable with the most appropriate tempo for each tune and the nature of the breaks between tunes. It woud be good for you to get some examples of simple pipe band scores for these types of tunes from other sources as well -- both the written music and recordings -- so you can get a better sense of the composition and structure of the drumming. Budgets and schedules permitting, I think the drum corps would really benefit from some supplementary drumming instruction with an external instructor -- possibly starting online but also organizing an in-person weekend workshop or two through the year. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald (Piping) — Place: 1 — Intro : Rolls not quite in time with tempo called by Pipe Major. Nice controlled tempo to start. -Some ensemble issues at the start of the march where drummers fell behind a tad losing the ensemble -Pipe unison pretty good and nice sound coming from the pipes in terms of chanters and drone tuning. -not quite precise going into the Jig with all secionts not quite hitting the mark but tempo is appropriate and nice unison from pipe corps. Bass drum coming across a little heavy. -2nd jig pretty good and some slight errors popping out from pipes here but better ensemble between the band. -Nice into the slow and appropriate use of space coming from the drummers here to allow the song to sound out from the pipes. -Okay going into the Strathspey but one piper not quite there. Nice expression here and drumming offering a nice compliment here. -Good into the Reel but again a couple of piper's not quite there upon entry and several errors popping out. Again drummers providing a decent compliement of basic Reel rhythm throughout the tunes. Clean finish Overall an enjoyable medley played with appropriate tempos on instruments that were tuned pretty well. Some ensemble issues creeping in as mentioned above but generally pretty close. Work on ensruing drummers are matching the pipers especially upon entry into different time signatures as mentioned above where Drums, Bass/Tenor secion and Pipes were not in sync. Correcting this aspect of your performance will enhance the presentation. Still, a very enjoyable medley!!! Judge: Kahlil Cappucino (Midsection) — Place: 1 — Mid-section - 1 bass., well-tuned, deep resonant tone, harmonic to the low-end. Bass drummer may wish to work on technique and using a "brushing" motion moreso thatn hitting straight into the drum. Do so will take his sound to a new level. 1. A good compound time tune to open a medley with that requires a strong beat presence from the bass to bring the band along and set the tone for the rest of the medley selection. 12/8 can be trkcy and here the bass throughout the tune the bass wavers between a swinging compound time feel that is steady and musical. Seemed a bit of an odd feel to the start overall from the band bu tthis is where the bass can play that galvanizing role. 2. Unsure to jig. Perhaps someting more emphatic from the PM, LT and bass. For the break (and breaks in general as well as tune to tune) the bass should seek to give a very definitive strong first beat that "announces" the tune. You may wish to think about if there is an opening phrase you can hit the big beats on to open a tune. Nice treatment of, "The Duck" by the bass, generally holding things steady for the band but giving it a bit of syncopated flavour. Moments of unsteadiness but otherwise it was good. 3. "Mist-overd Mountains" - excellent from bass. Well-placed, tasteful accents on beat to promote a solid flow overall. 4. Strathpeys - important element here in the medley where the bass can play a decisive role in cultivating that SWMW feel at the very least. The bass could explore beyond that expression pattern - is there an opportunity say to stress beats one and four. Perfect treatment into the second strathspey by the bass stresing 1 and 2. Well done! 5.Unsteay into reels. Suggest the bass play striaght beat time for the fist two or three bars to help establish the reel feel and ensemble. All the best to the band in 2023! Judge: Nick Hudson (Piping) — Place: 1 — Rolls pulsed and open. Solid start, though slow tempo causing difficulties for drum corps. Good pipe corps unison in Cutting Bracken jig. Mistake in part 2. Some separation in the first part of the Duck. Bass drum behind the pipers in the jig, reacting rather than anticipating. Nice tempo in the air. Grip unison is ‘broad’. Drumming feels cautious, just behind the beat of the pipers. Solid intonation and stability from the pipe corps throughout the air. Rough break into the strathspey with mistakes from the pipers. Stable tone on the held F# at the end of the strathspey. Unsettled transition to the reels. Dot-cut-cut-dot rhythms in the reel are rushed from some pipers. Rushing the final phrase. Strong, clean cut-off! Overall effect is just a tad cautious. Lots of potential from the band. Good pipe corps stability, just work to eliminate mistakes. Nice tunes and overall medley construction!
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Robert Real and Ivan Agarkov 🇨🇾 Place: 2 Tunes: High Road To Gairloch Skye Boat Song Mingulay Boat Song Rowan Tree Judge: Panel B Judge's Comments: Judge: David Coleman (Side) — Place: 2 — No drummers in this video, so I will leave it up to the two Piping Judges to offer their comments. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald (Piping) — Place: 2 — Not quite solid upon entry into the Slow. -I think the tempo was a bit aggressive as well. -Slight errors creeping at the end of the first time through the first part. -2nd part pretty good throughout. Pipes okay but not quite locked together with drones not quite locked in tune with low A detracting from the overall sound quality. Overall a very nice performance of a beautiful song. Just need to work on ensuring the chanters are right on together and the drones are right on with the Low A to ensure the sound quality is optimal as even if the chanters were close (which they were here for the most part), the fact that the drones are not on with Low A dulls the chanter sound. Also for presentation, ensure there are no mistakes or unison errors to enhance the performance. I can tell that you both love to play and for that alone it was very enjoyable to listen to. Well done! Judge: Kahlil Cappucino (Midsection) — Place: 2 — Mid-section - none. 1. Ivan and Robert, an emjoyable and interesting intercontinental performance. We are small and close community in a big world. All the best in 2023! Judge: Nick Hudson (Piping) — Place: 2 — Awesome effort playing together virtually! Solid High Road. You aren’t quite getting the compound time feel in Skye Boat, overholding the long notes and speeding through the shorter notes too much. Settled in as you went with the 3rd part much better than the first. If you try this again, I’d recommend each playing to the same click track (metronome beat). Mingulay Boat Song taking a little while to gel. Strikes and such not together. Some strategic mixing in Rowan Tree! Obviously some unison/tempo issues here. Definitely consider a metronome to play with via headphones when recording separately. It’s much more difficult to play together when not in person, not visual, etc. Solid effort and it looked like you had fun putting that together. Well done, I enjoyed it!
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Event 403. Piping Duet
Competitor: Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Jimmy Blue, The South Georgia Whaling Song, The Edradour Stagger, The Mexican Hat Dance. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Pretty good intro. –Pipes okay but chanters are not quite together on the top hands with the drones not locked onto Low A detracting from the overall sound quality. -3rd Part slight mistake but otherwise pretty good unison throughout Jimmy Blue and a nice, aggressive tempo. Nice into the Slow and nice unison here throughout the tune. -Solid into the JIgs - again pretty good unison coming out. Nice Natural F's in first part 🙂 -Good into the 2nd Jig and again nice unison and a clean finish! Overall a nice performance played with drive and precision in terms of unison. Try to improve the chanter tuning and ensure the drones are right on with the Low A to provide you optimal sound to really enhance your presentation as you both have the tools to play great music! Very enjoyable!
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Event 403. Piping Duet
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Place: 2 Tunes: Mingulay Boat Song Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Not quite solid upon entry into the Slow. -I think the tempo was a bit aggressive as well. -Slight errors creeping at the end of the first time through the first part. -2nd part pretty good throughout. Pipes okay but not quite locked together with drones not quite locked in tune with low A detracting from the overall sound quality. Overall a very nice performance of a beautiful song. Just need to work on ensuring the chanters are right on together and the drones are right on with the Low A to ensure the sound quality is optimal as even if the chanters were close (which they were here for the most part), the fact that the drones are not on with Low A dulls the chanter sound. Also for presentation, ensure there are no mistakes or unison errors to enhance the performance. I can tell that you both love to play and for that alone it was very enjoyable to listen to. Well done!
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Competitor: Erwin Verheyen 🇧🇪 Place: 1 Tunes: Amazing Grace Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Nice music here with well-embedded technique throughout. Well done. Also, make sure the E doubling is played correctly.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Yao Zongrui 🇸🇬 Place: 2 Tunes: Highland Cathedral Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good musicality here with a good tempo. First part was great, a few missing gracenotes in the second part. This makes the tune seem a little too light, Overall, a solid performance - well done
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Julian Chua 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: The Iona Boat Song Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good musicality here with a nice tempo. Gracenotes and strikes are good however some of the more technical movements are a little unclear, especially in the last phrase in each part, try and open them out a little more. Also, try to ease yourself into the tune a little more at the start. Overall, much potential - keep it up.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Leaving Lismore Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A nice bright start. Make sure the notes get their full value e.g, how the low A before the birl. Similarly you could express the first note in the phrase. The technique is good for the most part, one or two doublings are too open though and the grip from A to B could be clearer. Lots of potential here, keep it up.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Llewellyn Leung 🇭🇰 Place: 5 Tunes: Flower of Scotland Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good technical playing here and a decent tempo, although could be a little brighter. Big breath got in the way of the musical flow. I would encourage that you try and play in competitions without sheet music
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charles F. Eyler III 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Sou Gan Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good start, it could be a little brighter. Even though this is a "slow air" it can be a little brighter. A few wee slips inbetween lines after the half way mark. Technically proficient as well, much potential keep it up.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: George Hah 🇸🇬 Tunes: Skye Boat Song Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Struggling to see your fingers so I can't offer any technical advise. Musically sound with a good sense of musical rhythm however some doublings and grips could be more accurate and watch the gracenote placement. Similarly, there is a chance of flase fingering as I can't see your chanter.
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Simon Gideon Ong 🇸🇬 Tunes: Highland Cathedral Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good bright tempo here. Decent musicality here with a few slips here and there. Make sure the gracenotes are in the correct place and you'll be playing this at a much higher level.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Julian Chua 🇸🇬 Place: 1 Tunes: The Rowan Tree Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Very quick hands - and good gracenote quality, though some were barely coming off the chanter near the end. Make sure to control them, though, especially on your C doublings where your G and D gracenotes are on top of each other - you want to hear a bit of the melody note in between. Lively tempo, well handled all through.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Joel Dorning 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Blue Bells of Scotland Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Steady tempo from the start. Take care not to let the G gracenote of your E doublings get too big. The size in your C doublings is excellent and results in a clearer movement - see if you can get your E doublings to match. Might need to stretch just a bit more on birls. Well pleyed.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Yao Zongrui 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: Twenty Men from Dublin Town Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Well done. Steady and lively tempo handled well. Good quality of G gracenotes. Take care on consistency of throws and birls - some coming out clearly and others not quite - for example one of your D throws had no audible low G in it. Nice job!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Salute to General Mark Clark Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Steady tempo from the start, with some minor fluctiations (occasional pauses). Some grips excellent, but keep working on the consistency. The first E doubling is ahead of the beat - make sure the G gracenote on all doublings falls on the beat (or offbeat) but not ahead of it. Gracenote quality is good, but I suspect you squeeze a bit hard, resulting in some doublings not having a G gracenote to start - keep your thumbs relaxed and then your hands will relax!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Tom Wilkinson Place: 5 Tunes: Castle dangerous Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Steady tempo, slowing slightly in the final phrase in the first time, but better on the repeat. Clear fingering - one rodin not quite right. Be sure not to grip the chanter too tightly. Just couple of minor misses but a strong performance.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Charles F. Eyler III 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Balmoral Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Well played. Good hand and finger position. Gracenotes are clearly delivered, though some extras. Make sure not to add high G gracenores to your grips. Steady timing. Sounds like you're ready to play a version with doublings in it - certainly if you can handle the grips and throws. Well done.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Erwin Verheyen 🇧🇪 Tunes: The Siege of Dubrovnik Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Steady tempo and a tough tune. Your hands look quite stiff - maybe squeezing hard? Try to keep them relaxed. Some gracenotes a bit big, so try to keep the movement concise for greater clarity. Birls a bit early - and make sure your little finger doesn't lift off creating extra movement. I find you're cutting notes quite aggrssively if there's a cut on a beat - maybe soften a little bit. Well done.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: George Hah 🇸🇬 Tunes: Rowan Tree Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Steady tempo in part one. Check the gracenoting on the first big movement. Bit tight on the B doubling at the end of part one but good techniqe apart from these two mentions. Part two, your tempo increases a great deal! There should be lots of space here, so try not to race through the first line of part two. Back to original tempo for the final line. Good job.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Simon Gideon Ong 🇸🇬 Tunes: Horsburgh Castle Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good tempo to start, but then it took off! Most of the melody lies in the big notes - be patient on them. Take care not to let your gracenotes get too big. If you slow down a bit you'll have more time to take care on each one or each piece of execution. A few little memory issues. Lots of potential here, but don't go too fast!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Tunes: Wings Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Lively tempo to start - maybe a bit quick because you had to slow it down in places, such as bar 4 approaching the D throw. Try to set an initial tempo that you can manage in the hardest parts or with technique that requires more attention. Some of your gracenotes are a bit big, taking away from the crispmess of the movements - gracenote quality is the key to all good technique. Nice birl to finish!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Yao Zongrui 🇸🇬 Place: 1 Tunes: Mairi's Wedding, Highroad to Gairloch Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Yao! Thank you for entering this event, and I'm jealous of the lovely weather you're enjoying there (it's 2 degrees C and wet here). All that said, you put forward an excellent set here. There were a few technical things I want to mention. -Your gracenote work is very tight, but it is correct. This is more of a point about the qualities of your gracenotes, but I would like to see you open them up a little bit more. One specific example is the D gracenote in your D throws. -Be careful not to let a short Low A slip out at the end of your grips (like in the 2nd part of Mhari's Wedding) -Without seeing your music I can't be certain, but at times I felt you were switching G gracenotes in for other kinds of gracenotes -There were a few very slight crossing noises, but I can tell you've put in a lot of work to get everything very clean, and it shows As I said above, these are mostly quality critiques and not issues of being right or wrong. A little more open with your gracenotes and you'd be spot on Musically, the main criticism I have is there were a few spots where you pushed forward a little too much. You had one slight miss at the end of the 1st part, first time through, when you didn't hold the last Low A long enough (exactly one upbeat short). Other than that, you displayed a lot of grace and poise with your treatment of the tune. Great tunes here Yao, and you should be proud. A little more polishing with your technique, and you'll be in great shape!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: David Arrotta 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Mairi's Wedding and Teribus Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi David! Thank you for entering this contest, and I enjoyed your tunes. Overall, a very nice presentation here of 2 classic marches. I noticed a few technical things in your playing that I would suggest working on: -At times, when coming from D to the top hand, or coming from the top hand to D, you'll have a crossing noise show up. Be sure to have your top hand open before you close your bottom hand (when moving up the scale), and similarly make sure to have your bottom hand open before closing the top hand (when moving down) -This is tough to be sure of without seeing the music you're working from, but be careful not to exchange G gracenotes for other gracenotes that might be written -Be careful not to let a low A sneak out at the end of your grips Those said, your technique is otherwise very good. Lovely clean & precise gracenotes. This is a great place to be and a great foundation with which to make music. Rhythmically, you have a really steady sense of tempo and melody, whcih is great. But, the few spots where this wavered tended to be in embellishments that involve two parts. Think of birls for example, you tended to rush into them. Gracenoted strikes are another place. Overall, very good playing here, and this is a performance you should be proud of. Well done!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Erwin Verheyen 🇧🇪 Place: 3 Tunes: Greenwood Side & The 72nd Highlanders Farewell to Aberdeen Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Erwin! You're playing well here, and I enjoyed the performance. Thank you for entering this competition! You played with a lot of poise and grace, showing through in your steady tempo and rhythmical treatment of the tunes. Your music was lively and interesting- well done! My notes are mostly dealing with some technique issues that came up. I do want to note however that you might check your chanter (or your tape if there is tapeof your chanter). There were several times where I could see your G gracenote finger move but I didn't hear any gracenote. You've got really great strikes, and this performance highlighted that well. There were two situations where you would want to clean up your fingerwork: -You're getting some crossing noises from E to High A (your ring finger is closing the chanter and producing a short Low A noise). This is a tricky crossing noise to get rid of, but it is noticeable -In the 2nd part of Greenwood Side, your short C to Bs weren't always precise. I also felt that your bottom hand pinky had some spots where it seemed to be a little sticky. I know that finger is one of our weakest, but time spent strengthening it is time well spent. Overall, really good performance here with a lot of good attributes. There are few things to work on, but I look forward to hearing you in the future!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: George Hah 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: Mairi's Wedding, Highroad to Gairloch Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi George! Thank you for competing in this competition! Overall, I like a lot of what you're doing in this video. You're playing with a lot of confidence, and though you made mistakes, you were quick and confident in your recovery. You should be proud of that fact. There were some technique things I want to be sure to bring up: -You had some crossing noises when moving from D to the top hand or when moving from the top hand to D -At times, it seemed like you were playing G gracenotes when different gracenotes were written (without seeing your music I can't be certain, however) -There were a few spots where you didn't quite cover the hole, but I am sure you knew about those Musically, you've got a really good sense of the melody, and it shows through. Your tempo is bold and confident, although I might think about maybe slowing down just a few beats per minute in the future. I'm like you in that I like exciting fast tempos, but it can get you into trouble if and when you make a mistake. There were a few spots where you lost track of the tune, but that's something that has happened to every piper in the world at some point. The only other thing to watch out for is being sure you don't play your gracenotes too tightly. Even with those things, your musical sense of the tune made for a very enjoyable performance.
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Tunes: Corriechoillie's 43rd Welcome to the Northern Meeting Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Todd! Thank you for entering this contest. This is a tune I've always liked, but I've never known the name of it until now. Thank you for an enjoyable performance! First thing I want to mention is unfortunately, the submission only includes 2 parts. The rules of the event are such that I had to judge this just for feedback rather than a placing. The event called for a total of 4 parts of 2/4 march playing, either one continuous tune or two tunes joined together. That said, I did write some feedback for you to use as you move forward in your playing. Technically, you have a lot of good things going on. You've got a good grasp of gracenote timing, and your embellishments are very consistent. There are a few crossing noises popping up, usually in transitions from D to the top hand and vice versa. I also noticed you had a tendency at times to rush into and through gracenoted strikes (like on D at the end of each part). You want this to sound like you're saying Ta-da right on the downbeat, rather than ta-DA (DA being on the downbeat). Musically you've got a great tune here. Rhythmically and tempo-wise, very steady. I can tell you also have a developed sense of the melody; I never had any doubts about the melodic line of the tune. Like I said above, because of the rules of the event, I wasn't able to do much more than the feedback above. However, I hope this helps, and I look forward to hearing more great music from you in the future!
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Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Julian Chua 🇸🇬 Place: 1 Tunes: The Steam Boat Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Nice Tempo 1st part was very good - just watch you are playing all of the technique (ie. doublings and grace notes) as it was presented with C doublings which came across as very tight and not really hearing the space in between the two grace notes and for this tempo, there should be a little more articulation than what you presented. Slight issue going back into the repeat of the 1st repeat but maintaining the correct rhythm. 2nd part again very good musically and again some C doublings still a bit tight. Incorrect grace notes on the repeat going back into the 2nd part as well here. I like your grace note sizes (not making them big by raising the fingers off the chanter too high) however you could separate them more just to ensure they are sounding out correctly (1,2 rhythm) and consistently. Overall a nice performance which will improve with more practice. Hands look like you have been taught properly which will benefit your continued progress. Well done!
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Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Bonnie Dundee Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Nice Tempo 1st part - Some slight crossing noises coming from the C to E hand exchange 2nd part - Same as above. You are doing just fine at this stage and I can tell that you have your hands properly placed and will have the abilitiy to improve with just some more practice. I mention the crossing noises above to bring it to your attention and you can pull out the area (ie. C to E at the end of bar 1 of 1st part and the C to E to start bar 3 and wherever else this occurs in the tune). Keep your hands relaxed and ensure that you go from the C to E without hearing the slight Low G (indicates you were late in raising your E finger during the hand exchange). Musically I can hear that you know how the tune goes and just try to keep a nice steady 1...2,3 , 1...2,3 rhythm (1 is the longer note value usually) consistently throughout the tune at the tempo you are using which will create the correct 6/8 "Lilt". Keep working at it you are on the right track 🙂
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Ian Lothian 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: The Wee Spree Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Well phrased and nice tempo for this tune. Watch for cross noises from B to F and C to E. Great effort for this grade overall - I'd expect you to play it on the pipes next time round.
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good technique overall but a few missed G gracenotes. Overall I felt this was a bit quick with the short notes in particular needing to be relaxed to bring the music out in this tune. Good effort for this grade and hopefully you'll play this tune on the pipes next time round.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Hector the Hero Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones in nicely with low A Nice tempo and music coming through. Watch crossing noises when changing hands Technique good on the whole but watch E doublings from F - these aren't always clear Overall I enjoyed this tune
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Nolan Schoenle 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: The Mist Covered Mountains Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones in nicely with Low A. B, D, F and High A are all a bit sharp which is detracting from your music. Lovely tempo and phrasing throughout. Watch the entry to the last phrase in the 2nd part - the doublings aren't totally clear here.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jan Roberts 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Morag Duncan Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good effort at tuning your drones for this level. Getting this 100% will really enhance your performance. Good technique - this just needs to become more fluent as you progress. Minor choke at the end but blowing otherwise good.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: The Mist Covered Mountains Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good effort tuning your drones at this grade. Getting this 100% will enhance your performance. F quite sharp which is distracting Very good technique - Watch crossing noise from B to F Good overall understanding of this time signature. Very musical overall
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gavin Syme 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Skye Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good effort tuning your pipes for Grade 5. I'd suggest blowing your pipes up and getting comfy in the solos - you don't need to go straight into the tune. Excellent tempo and music. Good technique overall - your birl could be a bit stronger. Be careful of crossing noises when changing hands.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: James beaudry 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Going home Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good effort tuning your drones for this grade. Getting them 100% would imptrove your performance. Good technique overall Good understanding of the 6/8 time sig. I just feel you were a bit quick with the tempo. Playing it a little slower would have earned you a higher prize. 1 minor crossing noise and you squeezed the bag too hard at the end - finish the tune before thinking about stopping.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ben Brodrick 🇦🇺 Tunes: Skye Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: A key area to focus on is your drone tuning - this will really help your overall performance. Good technique and clean hand changes overall - grips/taorluaths are a bit crushed. I think this is because you played the tune a bit too quickly and couldn't get them in properly. Slowing the tune down would help here but you have a good understanding of the compound time signature.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Blake Ketchum 🇺🇸 Tunes: Breizh Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good effort tuning your drones for this grade. Be careful with crossing noises when changing hands - this is a hard tune for Grade 5 from that perspective. The biggest thing to work on is keeping the pressure steady. There were a few flat Es for example and some high As you blew too hard. Good E doublings
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Caleb Pang 🇸🇬 Tunes: The Skye Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune. The key area to work on here is tuning - your drones are distracting and taking away from your music. Good technique. Make sure you can hear 2 taps with the birl.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Land o' the Leal Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Chanter balanced well overall. Drones not quick locked - working on your tuning will help your overall performance Steady performance overall with good technique Your blowing would be the biggest area to imrpove here - try and keep a steady pressure on the bag.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Corey Tucker 🇨🇦 Tunes: The Skye Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones in nicely with Low A. E and F very flat which is distracting - the reed may be getting wet so I'd suggest speaking to your instructor about moisture control. Lovely tempo but you're jumping into the grips/birls at the line ends. Be careful of crossing noises when changing hands. Technique very strong on the whole - well done.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Danilo Jewell 🇺🇸 Tunes: Scots Wha Hae Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Bagpipe well tuned Good understanding of the compound time signature but too fast for a slow air - bringing the tempo down will really bring the music out in this tune. Speak to your instructor about getting a reed that's a good strength for you as it seemed like you were struggling to keep your pipes going here - your tenor drone went back to the primary tone and there were a few chokes/dips in pressure. Good technique overall
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dave Otto 🇨🇦 Tunes: Mingulay Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: The key thing to work on here is your tuning as this would enhance your overall performance. Good understanding of the 6/8 time signature but overall a bit fast for an air. Your technique has the makings but a few misses (some E strikes a bit light) Watch crossing noises when changing hands - esp. D to F in 2nd part.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz 🇺🇸 Tunes: Cap'n No More Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones well locked together but significantly flatter than the chanter - working on your tuning will help enhance your overall performance Good overall understanding of the compound time signature but slightly too quick Technique good overall Speak to your intructor about getting a reed the right strength - your reed is gargling on low A so I think it's too easy for you.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Joel Dorning 🇺🇸 Tunes: Loch Rannoch Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Bagpipe well tuned except top 2 - High A flat and High G sharp Good understanding of the compound time signature and nice tempo in part 1. Unsteady in a couple of places in part 2. Good technique overall and this will become more fluent as you keep practicing. Watch for crossing noises when changing hands
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jonathan Morrison 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Dark Island Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Not a bad effort tuning your pipes. Good understanding of this time signature The key thing to work on is your technque - your doublings and birls could be a bit stronger Watch crossing noises when changing hands
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Julian Chua 🇸🇬 Tunes: The Iona Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: The key thing to work on here is your tuning as this would enhance your overall performance. Good understanding of the 6/8 time signature but overall a bit fast for this tune Your technique has the makings but a few misses. Taorluaths are far too tight
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lucas Ang 🇸🇬 Tunes: The Piper's Waltz Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: The key thing to work on here is your tuning as this would enhance your overall performance. F quite sharp Good understanding of the 6/8 time signature. This would be more musical slightly slower Good technique. Grips in 2nd part a bit too tight. Last D dipped - make sure you finish the tune before you think about stopping
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lucas Bannan 🇺🇸 Tunes: Suo Gan Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good attempt at drone tuning for this grade. Working to get this 100% will really enhance your performance. Great phrasing and tempo here but I feel the short notes are a bit too clipped - opening these out would make the tune more musical. Next time it would be nice to hear a tune with a bit more technique in it.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lynn Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Mist Covered Mountains Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good understanding of the 6/8 time signature. Good effort with your technique - this just feels like it needs to become more fluent and you progress The biggest thing here was that it seemed like you were really struggling to keep your pipes going - speak to your instructor about getting a reed you can blow comfortably.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Pedro Ramirez 🇺🇸 Tunes: Morag of Dunvegan Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good effort tuning your drones at this grade. Getting this 100% will enhance your performance. Technique good on the whole but grips and birls could be a bit cleanrer. Watch crossing noises Try and keep steady pressure on your bag - this varied quite a lot. Good overall understanding of this time signature
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Tunes: Skye Boat Song Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones well locked together but flatter than the chanter - working on your tuning will help enhance your overall performance Good overall understanding of the compound time signature but early into a couple of birls/grips at the end of lines Excellent D throw when you hit them but a couple of missed low Gs Be careful of crossing noises when changing hand and from E to High A Make sure to keep the pressure on as there were a couple of dips throughout. Overall a good effort
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Gavin Syme 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Prince Charles’s Welcome to Lochaber Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Gavin. This was a really nicely played 2/4 march! Your execution is quite clean and crisp. Tempo steady and nicely expressed. At times, you’re landing your phrases slightly early. Watch the D strike at end of part. Make sure the G gracenote of your strike is right on the last beat. Some grips in 4th part not 100% clean. Really nice bagpipes! Steady and well tuned. Overall, and excellent performance!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Cadell Merritt 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Cadell. Some really good 2/4 playing! Your execution is very crisp, but not always clean. I’d suggest keeping your movements a little more open. This will help with consistency. Lively tempo, but steady. Some untidiness in 4th part. Drones very out of tune which distracted from your overall performance. Very enjoyable tune. Thanks for the submission!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 3 Tunes: Pipe-Major William Grey’s Farewell Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Sean. Nicely played march! Your execution is very good overall. Some birls not coming out clearly. Tempo good, but you’re jumping into phrases too early at times. Use a metronome to check for this. Phrasing a bit too round. A more dot/cut approach with give the tune better swing. Rushing a bit in 4th part. A few chokes. Overall, some good playing. Just a bit more pointing needed. Nice job!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Nolan Schoenle 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: King George V's Army Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Nolan. Nice job with your 2/4 march! Your execution is quite good with crisp and mostly clean technique. Watch the early birls at the end of part. Try to place them right on the last downbeat. Good tempo control. Nice dot/cut phrasing. Watch not to overcut the short notes too much. Drones not quite in tune. Watch the overblowing. Overall, a really strong 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: Andrew mcilwaine Place: 5 Tunes: The Conundrum Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Andrew. This is a challenging tune for grade 5, but you did a nice job! Very slow, but well executed. Very good clarity and accuracy with your movements. A few missed doublings at times. Tempo slowing in 3rd part. Watch the E to high A crossing noise in last part. Overall, a very well played tune. Nice job!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 6 Tunes: Muir of Ord Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kane. Nice job! Overall, your execution is quite good. Mostly clean and crisp. E doublings lacking clarity at times. Some sloppy bottom hand work at times (first part, third bar). Some chokes. Good, controlled tempo. Some phrases rushed at times. Use a metronome to check this. Nicely played overall.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Ben Brodrick 🇦🇺 Tunes: The Brown Haired Maiden Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Ben. Thanks for submitting your 2/4 march. Some of your execution is very good, but other movements need some work. Your doublings are mostly clean and crisp. D throws need more low G sound at start of movement. Birls are not coming out clearly. You appear to be using the double tap technique, but only one tap is being heard. Tempo is too fast! I think a slower tempo would help you to get your execution in better. Use a metronome to help with your tempo control and timing. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Brian. Nicely played tune! Your execution is generally quite good. A few missed doublings here and there. Birls not always clean and sometimes early. Some crossing noises throughout. Good tempo, but your phrasing is pushed, in that you’re starting phrases too early. Practice with a metronome and you should hear it. Very nice bagpipes! Well tuned and steady. Nice job!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Caleb Pang 🇸🇬 Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Caleb. Thanks for your submission. You have good crispness to your fingering technique, but your embellishments are coming out too crushed. This is causing some sloppiness with your execution. I liked your tempo, but some phrasing is rushed. Practicing with a metronome will help you to hear where you’re rushing. Careful not to overcut the short notes. Very good potential. Just to loosen up your execution and your playing will really improve!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Calum Steel 🇺🇸 Tunes: Vancouver Police Pipe Band Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Calum. Great job! Your execution is generally quite good. Make sure to keep your doublings nice and open, focusing on clear and crisp gracenotes within the doubling. Grips are coming out nicely! You seem to be struggling with your pipes a bit. Some chokes and underblowing. This will improve as you develop more stamina. Nice tempo for your grade level. Great potential! Keep working!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Tunes: Prince Charles's Welcome to Lochaber Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Charles. Thanks for submitting your tune! I notice your bag positing is quite low. This is causing you to use your forearm to squeeze the bag and can interfere with your top hand movement. Try to get bag up under your arm more. Your execution needs a bit of work. Doublings lacking clarity. D throws and grips need more distinct low G sound at start of movement. Some crossing noises throughout. Good, controlled tempo, maybe slowing a little in 3rd part. Overall, some work on your technique would really improve your performance. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Dave Otto 🇨🇦 Tunes: Liberton Pipeband Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Dave. Thanks for submitting your tune! I would encourage you to go back to basics with your embellishment work. Most movements are sloppy and inconsistent. There are a lot of good exercises that can help you to clean up your technique. Slowing down your tempo will also help you to increase your consistency. Focus on clear and open technique. Keep your tempo at a speed that allows you to keep movements clean. Use a metronome to ensure that your tempo and phrasing remain accurate. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz 🇺🇸 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Imogen. Thanks for your submission! I’d encourage you to focus on cleaning up some of your execution. Embellishment exercises would be a great place to start. Focus on clean and crisp doublings and grips. Much of your technique is crushed and/or inaccurate. I’d also suggest adjusting your top hand positioning. Try to avoid playing on the pads of your fingers as this makes it difficult to get good hole coverage. Finally, double check your music as you had several wrong notes. Some really good potential, but cleaning up your technique is super important at your stage of learning. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Julian Chua 🇸🇬 Tunes: Down on my Wings, Farewell to Oban Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Julian. Thanks for your submission. You’ll need to work on cleaning up your execution. Embellishments need more clarity and consistency. I’d suggest starting with some embellishment exercises. There are many good ones available in tutor books or online. Crossing noises would be the other thing to work on. A slower tempo would also help. Once you clean up your technique, you’ll be better able to properly express the tune. Keep working!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Kathleen Beveridge 🇺🇸 Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kathleen. Thanks for the submission! Your execution is quite good with nice crisp technique. D throws are not always clean. Make sure you get a good low G sound at the start of your throw movement. A few crossing noises throughout. Nice controlled tempo. Phrasing a bit pushed at times. Make sure to land start of phrases right on the beat. Using a metronome can help. Pipes a bit unsteady. You also had some chokes. You might want to make sure pipes are air tight and reeds are set up properly. Overall, nice job!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Lucas Ang 🇸🇬 Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Lucas. Thanks for submitting your 2/4 march! You have good snap to your fingering, but your execution is very tight and inconsistent. I’d suggest opening up your movements until your consistency improves. Good tempo, but rushing some phrases. Careful not to overcut the short notes. Also; try to clean up the crossing noises. Overall, a more relaxed approach to your execution will really help your performance. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Lynn Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Highland Division at Wadi Apart Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Lynn. Thanks for your submission! You really need to focus on cleaning up your execution. Embellishment exercises would be a good place to start. There are many of these available in tutor books or online. Check with your instructor. You seem to be having problems covering all the holes on your chanter. Have an instructor check your finger positioning. It’s difficult to see from the video exactly what’s going on, but it’s clear that some holes are not completely being covered. Once you develop a bit more accuracy and consistency with your technique, you’ll be able focus on expression and phrasing. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Tunes: Corrriechoillie's 43rd Welcome to the Northern Meeting and High Road to Gairloch Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Robert. Thanks for submitting your 2/4 march! Your execution is very inconsistent. At times, movements are clean and crisp, but often they are sloppy and lacking clarity. A slightly slower tempo might help you to develop a bit more consistency. Timing is erratic. Use a metronome to make sure you’re beginning and ending phrases accurately. Again, a slower tempo would help with this. Overall, more consistent embellishments will allow you to address the phrasing and timing issues better. I would start there. Good luck!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Trent Bradford 🇺🇸 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr-Ewing Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Trent. Overall, your execution is quite good. At times, your doublings are a bit too crushed. Some D throws lacking a distinct low G sound at start of movement. Good tempo, but your timing is very erratic. You’re skipping over some pickup notes and jumping to phrases early which is interfering with your phrasing. Try practicing with a metronome to fix this. Start with a slower tempo and include the subdivided beats. This will allow you to make sure your starting and ending phrases accurately. Good luck!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Rab’s Wedding Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Sean! Thank you for playing in this event! Pipes - great, chanter tending sharp (I can tell you're underblowing slightly to flatten the chanter off just that little bit). Drones are great! Technique - I noticed some G gracenote exchanging going on, so I'd recommend double-checking the music for places where you're playing a G gracenote rather than E or D. There were a very few spots where the odd crossing noise would pop up, namely C to E and B to F. Be careful of these, and this tune has a lot of those opportunities in it. Musically, I really enjoyed this performance. The pick up notes into part 1 were a little bit square for my taste, but otherwise this is very similar to how I would play this tune. You've achieved a lot of life and lift without sounding too rushy or pushy. That's a tough thing to do in 6/8s sometimes. You also showed a lot of composure in "finishing the part" before moving on to the repeats, which is an added bonus. Excellent performance here, and you should be very proud of it. Thanks for the great tune!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: A Hundred Pipers Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Kane! Thank you participating in this event! Pt 1 - Not all of your G gracenotes were perfectly anchored to the downbeats, taorluaths not always precise (inconsistent) Pt 2 - Watch for rushing on scale passages and tachums Pipes - Drones were pretty good although not 100% in tune with themselves. All told, however, they were pretty well set to your chanter. Chanter was really well tuned, although the F was a little bit sharp for my taste Your technique throughout the tune was quite good, and you should be proud of that. Some time making sure your G gracenotes are really locked into the beat with pay off hugely (doublings as an example and extension of that). The only other technique thing I could pick at is your grips - they're a little bit soft. You might work on getting a tiny bit more low G in them, and be careful of any potential Low A crossing noises sneaking in at the end of the grips. Musically, this was a very very solid performance. You have a good grasp on the idiom and the tempo, and the few places you deviated from that are outlined above (scale passages includes bits like bar 2 and 3 of part 2). Some of the taorluath issues can also have a tendency to tempt you into rushing, so working on those will help also the musical side of things. Very strong performance here, Kane. Well done!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: 100 Pipers Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Brian! Thank you for participating in this competition! Pipes were pretty good, especially the drones. One of the tenors wasn't quite 100%, but very close Pt 1 - Taorluaths not always convincing, some of them were a bit light and imprecise. Very slight Pt 2 - Taorluath on B was similar to the part 1 taorluaths I mentioned Musically, this is a really good performance. You've got great control over tempo and the idiom. There were a few spots where I felt some pull (generally focused around the taorluath passages), but you adjusted and corrected very naturally and subtly. This was a very close field, but your musical delivery and technical profieciency helped you stand out. Once you get your taorluaths up to the same strength as much of your other technique, you'll be in very good shape. Well done!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lucas Ang 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: John D. Burgess Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Lucas! Thank you for competing! Pipes are pretty good, but the drones aren't quite in tune. It sounds to my ear to be mostly the tenors not being in-tune with each other. The F is a little bit sharp, but otherwise the chanter is quite good. Pt 1 - very good, some underblown High Gs (you might check your instrument for ease and airtightness) Pt 2 - there was a slight choke going into the repeat of the part in the 2nd line Pt 3 - A few D to E crossing noises came up here Pt 4 - In line 2 measure 2, the second beat should be a throw on D to a D 1/4 note (you're playing a doubling on C to a C 1/4 note) Musically, this was a very good performance. You started out at a very musicaly tempo for this tune and sustained it throughout. There were a few mistakes, detailed above, and those are the best places to focus right now. Once those are ironed out, you'll have a very good tune on your hands that will lead you into more success!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Place: 5 Tunes: Atholl Highlanders Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Robert! Thank you for playing in this contest! Pt 1 - Slow tempo, but very steady and controlled (slower tempi can ironically be tougher to control). Slip going ending phrase 1st time through. Better on repeat Pt 2 - Arpeggio shapes a little labored (ACE, BDF), scale passages rushed (BCD, CB LA). One after the other creates a false impression of rushing and dragging Drones- Booming! Although, not 100% locked in with one another. Chanter - A little suspect. Not out of tune, necessarily, but the high A is a thin. The bottom hand is a little flat relative to the rest of chanter In an overall technique sense, you had some C to E crossing noises (this 2nd part is tough for those), so be careful with your note transitions from C to the top hand. Otherwise, your technique is very solid. If I had to be picky, scales are easy, so you have to be very mindful that you don't rush them. A strong, melodic presentation of a classic tune. This is a performance to be proud of, Robert, and I'm sure it will only get better with the last few touches of polish and refinement!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: COREY TUCKER 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Bonnie Dundee Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Corey! Thank you for participating in this event! Pt 1 - Cut Cs up to E a bit clliped for me, otherwise the part was pretty good. There were a few E to D corssing noises that came up Pt 2 - Some C to E crossing noises, and a squeal in this part. Also, in the 2nd time through the part, you played a B at the end of the first line instead of a Low A Pipes were solid, and improved over time. The chanter was pretty well-tuned, but drone tuning wasn't quite stable. It seemed to my ear to be largely the two tenors not in--tune with one another. Musically, this is a strong presentation of this tune. Well done! You've got a good 6/8 feel, and your technique is largely aiding that. You started the tune a lively, but controlled tempo, and it stayed very consistent throughout. Some really good thigns coming through in this performance, and they helped you stand out in a close field. Congrats!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Blake Ketchum 🇺🇸 Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Blake! Well done on playing in this contest, and well done as well for taking on such a tough tune! Pipes are solid, though the top hand is tending a little sharp (which is giving the impression of thinness on High A) Technically, you've got strong performance here, one to be proud of. This tune isn't easy by any stretch, and you handled much of it well and without getting bogged down. Here are a few things I would mention to work as you keep moving forward with this tune: -You had some crossing noises come into play, mostly from E to high A in the 4th part. Be careful with these, because the crossing noise that comes out is a big strong Low A -I would recommend aiming for a stronger G gracenote in your doublings, and that will help highlight a lot of the great work you're doing with your steady tempo and musicality -Be careful that D gracenotes on C or Low A don't turn into fully-fledged Ds. Looking at bar 3 in part 1 as an example, the D gracenote on C is sometimes coming across as a full instead of what's written. Musically, there was very little to criticize here. You maintained a lovely tempo for this tune and grade level, and you played a steady and musical 6/8 march in the process. I also want to commend your focus, especially while your puppy was moving to a different. spot. In terms of bagpipe setup, I would also advise you to work on air strength and blowing to avoid chokes. You had a few come in, so that's something to think about when selecting reeds. As you play more and more, and are more conscious of it, your strength will build. But, chokes detract from the smooth flow of otherwise great tunes. Well played, and keep it up!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Caleb Pang 🇸🇬 Tunes: Hot Punch Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hello Caleb! Thank you playing! Pipes pretty good - drones very good too. Chanter not quite blending with the drones, however. I think the drones are tuned to a different pitch than the low A Technique: -Your G gracenotes are very good, but they are also very tight. Try to open them up a shade to achieve a more rhythmical effect -After grips, be careful that a short Low A crossing noise doesn't pop up at the end of the movement. This softens the grip and detracts from its power -There were a few C to E crossing noises, so that's something to try to work on through excercises and careful practice Musically, this tune was very entertaining. You had a really nice tempo for this tune, and it's always nice to hear this tune (it's not played very often unfortunately). You've got great hands, nice and quick, so the key will be to make sure you're controlling them. Well played, and I look forward to hearing you in the future!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Tunes: Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Charles! Thank you for entering into this competition! E and F a little sharp to the drones, but very close. Tenors not quite in-tune with one another. Pt 1 - C to F crossing noise came through a few times Pt 2 - Be careful of the note groupings that are C B strike to Low A. A few of them were a little fuzzy. Pt 3 - You had a choke in this part at the end of line 1 first time through. Be careful not to let the long notes stretch on too long to where they impact the tempo Pt 4 - Some of the graps weren't as solid as the others, so I would work on grips and focus on making sure the Low Gs that carry through the movement are strong and precise. A common tendency is to let a short Low A crossing noise come up at the of grip, so be careful of that too. Pt 5 - Finishing the tune strong; well done! A strong musical performance, and one with only a short list of technical bits and bobs. Pipes were clear and well-voiced, just not quite settled and tuned 100%. There are a few things to work on, and those are above, but be careful to preserve and protect your melodic approach to this tune. This tune, like many others, has a tendency to feel draggy, so being careful to play longer notes for their full duration but no more is key. Well played, Charles. I enjoyed it!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dave Otto 🇨🇦 Tunes: Steam Boat Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Dave! Thank you for participating in this event! Pt 1 - Some doublings not coming across precisely, and some gracenote exchanging going on. Musically solid otherwise Pt 2 - Better playing here, but a choke in the first time. Slip on repeat Pipes - Pipes were overall in decent tune with itself, though the drones weren't set to ech other 100%. Chanter was really pretty good, though at times the high A was overblown a bit. Be careful to keep your bag arm constantly engaged with the instrument. Technically, the main issues are precision and clarity for the starts of the technique work. Your G gracenotes are pretty good, but you'll want to be a clearer with your doubling work. Similarly, be careful not to give in to the temptation of exchanging the gracenotes that are written in the music for others that might be easier to play. There were a few spots where I noticed you switching in E gracenotes for G gracenotes. These are all fixable issues, and once you get them locked in your musical strengths will shine. Musically, this was a good performance. The tempo may have been a bit brisk, but you handled it well and maintained it throughout. You did have a slip in the 2nd part, but you recovered well with little detriment to the melodic flow. I might suggest slowing down just 1-4 bpm, just enough to feel it, and that will also give your hands just that little bit of extra time to get the technique in cleanly. I'm glad we got your video figured out, and I enjoyed your performance. Be sure to work through your exercises and keep up the good work. You're very musical, and this tune was nice to listen to!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz 🇺🇸 Tunes: Crossing the Oder Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Imogen! Thank you for playing for this event! This is a tune I'm not familiar with, but you inspired me to check it out! Pipes - Bass looks it's tuning very high on the pin, but the drones sound pretty in-tune and stable. It may be time a new chanter reed, since this one is showing a lot of signs of being too easy (squeals and squeaks). Musically, you've got a lot of really good stuff going on here. I can tell by the way you're moving through the tune that you have a really solid vision of the melody and expression of the tune. That's where the perfermance shone most. I would suggest next time getting your pipes up and playing, and waiting a second to settle yourself before starting the tune. Minor thing, but I find it helps me steady my nerves and gear up to play. Technically - Again, a great foundation. There were some points where your G gracenotes were bordering on too open, and other where the gracenote didn't quite make it out of the chanter. Other than that, and without seeing the setting you're working with I can't be certain, I felt that you might be switching out some of the technical movements for G gracenotes. Something to watch out for. The other technical thing I would point out is you had some false fingering of High A in the 4th part, and some crossing noises crept in as you went further into the tune. Often that's a stamina or focus thing, but I also know from personal experience that can be an issue of starting the tune before you're mentally locked in. Either way, that's something I would suggest working on to take your performance to the next level. A great musical show here, and plenty of great things to build on!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jamie Barr 🏴 Tunes: Diu Regnare Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Jamie! Well done for competing in this event! Pipes could be better set, primarily the tuning of the drones. Tenor drones are the main cuprit here, though the bass is a little flat as well. The chanter is lovely, I must say. Technique is very nice throughout the tune, especially in part 1. Nice open and precise gracenotes are helping the melody really take on its full potential. There were some spots of hand to hand transitions where crossing noises crept in, so becareful of those spots (bar 2 of part 2 as an example) In part 2, bars 3 and 4, you rushed the downbeat notes just a tad, but you otherwise maintained a nice and controlled tempo through your performance. Musically, this is very good as well. You have a good ear for the fine touches of phrasing, and that's comnig through very clearly. The playing is very mature and settled. Well played, and thank you for an enjoyable performance!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Julian Chua 🇸🇬 Tunes: The Iona Boat Song Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Julian! Thank you for playing in this contest! Pipes are sounding good, drones especially. High A is little too flat for my taste, so that's something I would experiement with. I also get the sense the reed might be just a little too hard right now, which can contribute to a flat High A There were a few spots with E to High A crossing noises, so be mindful of that. There was a slip going into the 2nd part, and in the repeat it was better. Although, be careful not to overextend the B 1/8th note that leads you into the 2nd part. Landing on the downbeat with the C doubling is key to playing the part confidently. Finally, be sure to clearly voice your G gracenotes and anchor them on the beat. That will help guide you- G gracenotes a little bit like a built-in metronome. Well done!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Cadell Merritt 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Atholl Highlanders Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Cadell. This was a very good G5 performance! Excellent bagpipe! Well tuned and steady from start to finish. Very good tempo control. Rounded phrasing was consistent throughout. Some minor execution issues need cleaning up. Watch the placement of G gracenotes. At times you’re slightly late (E’s in first part). Several missed E taps in 3rd part. Some sloppiness in first 2 bars of 4th part. Overall, a very strong performance. Well done!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: Scarce o Tatties Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Sean. Nicely played tune! Your technique is quite clean and crisp. Your phrasing is a bit too pointed. 6/8 jigs can certainly be played with a dot/cut feel, but if it’s too extreme, it comes out sounding like a march. Try rounding out the dot/cut notes just a little for a more fluid feel. Good tempo for this grade level. Steady from start to finish. Very nice pipes. Drones well tuned. Chanter bright and balanced, except for a slightly sharp high G. Thanks for the tune!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Corkhill Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Charles. Nice performance! Good bagpipe sound. Drones well tuned and chanter well balanced and bright. Careful not to overblow, especially on the top hand notes. You might try pushing the bag up and further under your arm. It appears to be a bit low, almost on your hip. This can cause you to have to squeeze the bag with your forearm rather than your elbow which can interfere with your top hand technique. Some execution needs work. D throws are not always clean and you have crossing noises throughout the tune. Your tempo was appropriate for this grade level and you kept it steady throughout. You’re holding the ¼ notes at the end of phrases too long. This is throwing off your timing. Try playing with a metronome and I’m sure you’ll feel where you’re pausing causing you to be late to the next beat. Overall, nicely done!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lucas Ang 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: The Bride's Jig Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Lucas. Thanks for your submission. My biggest suggestion would be to slow down! While you have some nice snap to your fingering, your technique is too tight and a bit sloppy. A slightly slower tempo would allow you to focus on playing your movements more cleanly and openly. Playing with a metronome can help you keep a more controlled tempo while also improving your timing. Overall, just a more controlled approach to your tune would really improve your performance.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Caleb Pang 🇸🇬 Place: 5 Tunes: The Bride's Jig Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Caleb. A very lively jig, but a bit too fast! I think a slower tempo would really help in that it would allow you to clean up some of the missed execution. Most movements are too tight, causing you to miss many gracenotes and doublings. Try to open things up so that each gracenote can be heard clearly. Also, take your time at the start of the tune. Typically, for solo piping competitions, it is acceptable (and recommended) that you don’t launch straight into the tune after starting your pipes. After striking in the drones, you can play a single, extended note (E or low A) for a few seconds, and then begin your tune. This allows you time to settle your instrument and your mind before beginning the tune. Best of luck with your future piping!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dave Otto 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Dave. Thanks for the tunes! Some execution work is needed; primarily crossing noises. I think a slower tempo would be helpful and allow you to focus on cleaning things up. Timing is also a bit erratic. This is being caused by rushed triplets. Most jigs (including this one) are made up of a series of triplets (three 1/8th notes) tied together. If you play these too quickly, the phrasing sounds rushed. Try to evenly space these 1/8th notes and this will smooth out your phrasing and timing. Although not a priority in grade 5, drone tuning is something achievable for all grade levels, especially with the assistance of tuners. I’d encourage you to spend some time working on drone tuning as it can really distract from a performance. Good luck!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Tunes: Cork Hill Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Robert. Thanks for submitting your tune! Your tempo was appropriate for grade 5 level. Keep working on cleaning up your doublings. At grade 5 level, all movements (gracenotes, doublings, etc.) should be open and distinct. Your biggest execution challenge will be to eliminate the crossing noises when transitioning between top and bottom hand notes. Also pay attention to your finger placement on the holes. If you’re not covering holes completely, this can contribute to chokes and missed execution. This can be even more challenging when transitioning from practice chanter to bagpipes. Eventually, it gets easier! Best of luck with your future piping!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Black Donald's March Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe (F slightly sharp) well set and blown. Good pace, and strong technique. To get picky, I think you could define your 2 bar phrases a little better when you get two bars in a row ending in low A (first phrase line one, second phrase line two) - don't overhold the low A at the end of the first bar, but let the one at the end of the second bar of the phrase breathe a little. If you move through the phrases, you'll keep the momentum going. Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Cabar Feidh Gu Brath Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start (F flat). Fairly steady bag pressure with minor disruptions. A very cautious tempo. Keep the melody flowing forward through phrases so when you do come to a phrase ending you can pause without a full stop. Tachnically strong. I liked the pace of line three the best - well done here. Main thing is not to let the tune drag along - keep the flow moving forward, then pull back to define your phrases. Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Place: 3 Tunes: Company's Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones set well together. Chanter balance isn't quite there with the top hand fairly sharp compared to the bottom. Maybe raise the reed a bit in the reed seat to bring down the top hand. Good pace, and good phrasing, and you handled the technique quite well. Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Joel Dorning 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Glen Is Mine Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start and well blown (watch for a dip in pressure though at the end of the first line). A very cautious tempo all through. Let the melody come out by flowing through bars and pulling back at the end of two bar phrases. One funny grip but technically strong. Just let it go a bit for pacing the ground.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Jonathan Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Munroes' Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe not quite set - drones not quite together, and flat to chanter. Good pace to this salute, and well established two bar phrasing. Take care on the final two bars. You're handling this quite well, so the next steps will be in the subtleties of the shorter notes to smooth it out a little bit - have fun with it!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Lucas Bannan 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Glengarry's Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start, just watch for some surges in pressure. Extra G gracenote on the first cadence. Good pace. I'd like a little more definition to the ends of your two bar phrases - just pause a wee bit longer. Good technique, well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Blake Ketchum 🇺🇸 Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. A few changes in bag pressure. Very slow pace... Move through the 2 bar phrases so you can then hold back a bit at the end of each phrase. If you overextend in midphrase, it makes phrase definition very hard to do. Let it go a bit! Most technique pretty solid. Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe set well, just watch out for some surges or dips in pressure. Good pace, moving along well. Could let some of the phrase endings breathe a little more perhaps, so it doesn't end up sounding hurried. At the very end of the ground it seemed quite pushed. Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Calum Steel 🇺🇸 Tunes: MacLeod of Raasay's Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: You have a nice touch for piobaireachd. Good pace, good phrasing, and good differentiation of the shorter connecting notes. Musically this was very strong. Your technique is also coming through very well. The main issue is management of the big instrument, and the nice thing is that as you grow, it gets way easier. The work you're putting into keeping it going now will serve you well.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Desperate Battle Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close - drones fairly flat to chanter. A bit slow in tempo - move through the bars to pause at the end of the phrases. You're playing a G gracenote instead of a D in your cadences. Most grips coming out well. Take care not to increase pressure on high As. Overall fairly good, but maybe increase the pace a bit.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Ian Lothian 🇳🇿 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, but take care not to have surges in bag pressure. It is making your bass not hold its pitch. Handling the technique quite well. A few small crossing noises here and there. Good pace, and good phrasing. Main issue is to keep even pressure and eliminae the ups and downs. I wonder if your bass is too open? Well done.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Trent Bradford 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lament for Duncan MacRae of Kintail Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close to start - top hand a bit on the sharp side. Maybe the reed needs to be raised a bit in the reed seat. Good pace and phrasing. Quite hurried starting line three. Keep working on those dares, and make sure they start with F. I really enjoyed the flow of the first two lines, but the third didn't quite have the same composure. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Allan Dodd's Farewell to Scotland Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Some slowing in the ending phrase (mostly happening on pick up notes into downbeats) Pt 2 – Slowing down more substantially in the 2nd part, better on repeat Pt 3 – Some of the short notes in phrase 1 (bars 1 & 2, 5 & 6) a little too clipped for the tempo, slight crossing noise from Low A at times Pt 4 – Could use a stronger G gracenote, better on repeat Thank for that performance, Zyggy! This tune found its groove well in the 3rd part, so be careful to commit to a tempo from the beginning. A lot of the dragging was coming through on the pick up notes between measures and phrases. Technically, I would encourage you to open up G gracenotes slightly (which will also pull you toward more steady tempo) because, like many tunes, this tune has almost a built-in metronome with the gracenotes and embellishments. Many of them rely on G gracenotes. Pipes were very good, chanter maybe a tad bit sharp (forcing you to underblow very slightly). Good tune here, Zyggy. The rhythmical things would just be the icing on an already-good cake!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Kantara to Al Arish Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Some tachums not quite precise on the lower note Pt 2 – Great patience on the big long High A at the start of the part! Be careful not to start measure 2/6 too early Pt 3 – D to F crossing noises in spots, but very strong playing in this part Pt 4 – Tachum on beat 2 of measures 1 and 5 just a hair on the front edge of the beat Well played march, Sam! Pipes were very good, and they highlighted some very solid and precise playing throughout. I would encourage you to work on your tachums some, because they seemed to be the main technical issue to come up in this performance. You’ve got a very good sense of rhythm and pulse, and that came through in the more expressive parts of the 2nd and 4th parts. Good work!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Heather Davis 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Try to bounce off the short low As a little more (some seemed a tad sticky), better on the repeat Pt 2 – Great throws! Your gracenoted strike could be a tiny bit snappier (the strike portion of it) Pt 3 – Good pace through the heavier embellishments in this part. Small choke in repeat Pt 4 – Small crossing noise from High A/F to D at times Good tune, Heather! You’ve obviously got a great technical and musical grounding here, and you should be proud of that. There are a few spots rhythmically you’ll want to polish up (bouncing off the short low As in pt 1 for example). I would also encourage you to stretch the downbeat long notes just a little bit more (like in the 3rd part), but be cautious not to be late to the following beat. Very steady tempo and pipes good (bass might not be 100%, but probably somewhere around 95%). Great music here!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Gregg 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: John mcColls march to kilbowie cottage Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Blowing not quite steady, but mostly there. Better once you got into the tune. Both times through the part very clear and musical. Being very picky- F doublings missing a tiny bit of initial definition Pt 2 – Good patience on the long High As! 2nd ending very strong and fluent Pt 3 – some clipped short notes in beat 2 of bars 1, 3, 5; better on the repeat Pt 4 – Good job keeping the phrasing going in the denser portions of this part. 2nd ending, the C doubling on beat 2 snuck out ahead of the beat, otherwise strong Well played, Charlie! Pipes were pretty good, well-tuned and sustained. There was a little bit of soft blowing at times, but only detectable on the longer Low As (partially as a result of being so in-tune). Your technique, especially in the 1st part, was very clean and precise. Your F doublings might benefit from a slightly stronger first G gracenote, but only very slightly. Apart from the odd clipped short notes, this was a very mature musical presentation. Well done!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 5 Tunes: John McColl’s March to Kilbowie Cottage Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Good, but at times I felt you being tempted to jump off of the ¼ note C in bars 1 and 5 Pt 2 – Great phrasing and melodic playing in here! Pt 3 – Low A to F transition not always precise (beat 2 of bars 1, 3, 5). Otherwise, good patient playing Pt 4 – The Low A (beat 2 of bars 1 and 5) could maybe be stretched a bit more for me, but still maintaining a strong tune Great tune, Anthony! Pipes were good (chanter was very good), and you’re managing the instrument well throughout. Be careful not to let the denser sections pull you forward on the beat, which I felt happened a few times in relation to tachums and sections without big, long anchor notes. Those are more specifically outlined above, but they stuck out a bit from the rest of your otherwise very controlled and patient playing. Polish up these last few fine details and keep up the good work!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Greg Pampling 🇦🇺 Place: 6 Tunes: The Clan McColl Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – good tempo at start, some doublings on tight side (mainly E), be careful that cut notes aren’t so cut that they don’t sound Pt 2 – Some incorrect notes, Bar 1 and 5 should be High Gs not Fs, be careful to wait for the upbeat and not rush into it Pt 3 – Cs cut to high A a little abrupt Pt 4 – Tachums a little too abrupt, but technically correct and very consistent Good tune, Greg! You started at a very good tempo with good sounding pipes and maintained that throughout. Some of your cut notes, tachums as an example, are a little too cut for my taste. The short notes being so short can give the impression of untidiness. Your E doublings were also a little too tight, but otherwise you’ve got really good technique (very clean and precise). Well played!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexander Gluchowski 🇺🇸 Tunes: King George the V's Army Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Some crossing noises from C/D to E, precise technique otherwise, slight slip in repeat (2nd line) Pt 2 – More melodic playing in the 2nd part, good job! Pt 3 – Small crossing noises from F to D coming through, musically very strong and engaging Pt 4 – Slip bar 2, fixed on repeat. Some chokes coming through toward end Nice job, Alexander! Pipes were okay: your drones weren’t 100% but the main thing here was your chanter pitch is pretty flat in comparison to the drone pitch. I also wonder if your chanter reed might be on the stiffer side, so maybe consider using a dental elastic band to help ease things slightly and sharpen as well. Musically, the tune came alive in the 2nd part and stayed for the remainder. The first part felt a bit stiff and square in comparison (slight but noticeable). Work on your crossing noises, and this tune is great for that. Lots of hand to hand transitions. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Allan Kerr 🇨🇦 Tunes: Edinburgh City Policy Pipe Band Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Taorluaths a little unclear (make sure the D gracenote is evenly splitting the Low G tone) Pt 2 – Much stronger playing in this part. You settled into the groove nicely. Pt 3 – Low G doublings in bar 3 not quite precise on the downbeat. Gracenoted birls similarly unanchored at times Pt 4 – slight slip bar 5 first time through, nice recovery. 2nd time through part very strong I enjoyed this tune, Allan! Musically you’re very strong in this tune. The first part was a little unsettled, but once you hit the 2nd part the groove was steady and appealing. Try to work on improving the clarity of your heavier embellishments, like birls and taorluaths. Your gracenotes are predominantly solid, though a stronger G gracenote would help anchor everything even more. Otherwise, your strong sense of melodic line was the highlight in this performance. Well played!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Reynolds 🇺🇸 Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Missed the odd E doubling, mostly just a gracenote-too-tight issue Pt 2 – Make sure to hold the long high A in the middle of the line as long as possible to ensure landing on the next downbeat accurately Pt 3 – Doublings tight first time through, better on the repeat. Pt 4 – G gracenotes are a little light at times. 2nd ending strong Good music here, Andrew! Musically and rhythmically this was a very strong performance. The only rhythmical note I would give is that high A in the 2nd part (outlined above). Technique-wise, some stronger and clearer doublings and G gracenotes would enhance the strong musical package further. This was a strong performance, and I enjoyed listening to it. Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brian Bowman 🇺🇸 Tunes: Pipe Major Willie Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Watch for clean note transitions from E to High A (not a crossing noise, per se, but some transition notes coming through at times) Pt 2 – Excellent patience for the upbeats in this part. C doubling in final measure not always precise Pt 3 – Be mindful not cut the short C to long E in beat 1 of bars 1 and 5 too much. The tachum is really nice, but the abrupt short note following it distracts Pt 4 – Good part of music here, and good strong 2nd ending Well played, Brian! You have a great sense of rhythmical control, and this tune highlights that. There were a few doublings that snuck ahead of the beat, so that’s something to be mindful of. Tempo was strong and steady throughout, as were the pipes. Some technical things popped up, mostly in the third part. Watch for those, and I look forward to hearing more from you in the future. Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Declan Ng 🇸🇬 Tunes: Donald McLean Farewell to Oban Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Good tempo for this tune, grip a little fuzzy (needs clearer Low Gs). Some crossing noises evident (Low A to C, C to E) Pt 2 – Good, missed G gracenote on E in ending phrase on repeat Pt 3 – good, and maintain the tempo well. Tachums a little unclear at times Pt 4 – C doublings a little light (G gracenote could be stronger), watch G gracenote timing in the 2nd ending Enjoyed this tune, Declan! Pipes weren’t quite set in tune, but the chanter was very clear and crisp (mostly just the drones not in tune from start). Pipes held well, and you maintained the music throughout. Some technical things to consider- open up your G gracenotes overall, and soften the tachums slightly. This tune has a ton of tachums, so softening them up with smooth out the entire melody nicely. Thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Frances McChesney 🇺🇸 Tunes: Duncan McInnes Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Some D throws missing a clear Low G and some doublings missing a clear G gracenote Pt 2 – Better here, similar issues coming up however Pt 3 – Music flowing well Pt 4 – Some rushing at ends of phrases Thank you for competing, Frances! This is a musically solid package. Pipes were pretty good, though the drones weren’t quite bang on with each other. Overall bagpipe, however, was very steady and stable. Musically and rhythmically very strong- there were a few small instances of rushing in the earlier parts. In part 4, especially, I noticed some rushing on spots like the C doubling to Low A and B doubling to Low G. Be sure to articulate strongly the G gracenote in all of your doublings, and be careful to get a healthy, well-fed low G in D throws. Otherwise, very well done!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada 🇨🇭 Tunes: Siege of Delhi Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Bold tempo, handled well. Some doublings not quite articulated clearly. Pt 2 – Very musical and patient treatment of this part. Pt 3 – Some crossing noises evident from C to E Pt 4 – Similar to the 2nd part, very musical. Some G gracenotes losing clarity. A few crossing noises here, too, mainly D to F and D to High A Very enjoyable, Gonzalo! Pipes were very good, and you are playing this march at a strong tempo with an equally-strong sense of melody and musicality. The main things to work on here are technical. Make sure to articulate your G gracenotes clearly, especially in doublings. Also, work on your hand to hand transitions, as this is where crossing noises are popping up at times. Great work here, and very musical playing!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇨🇾 Tunes: John MacDonald's Welcome To South Uist Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – first measure fast, settled in to a steady tempo very quickly after that. Some doublings not quite precise Pt 2 – Some slight slowing down in the ending phrase first time through this part, better in the repeat Pt 3 – Some of the short notes that cut up to higher note a little abrupt and harsh for me. It can give the impression of rushing, so I would soften those a little Pt 4 – C to E crossing noises evident. Some doublings ahead of the beat Overall, Ivan, you should be proud of this performance! The pipes were good (not 100% together, but full and resonant). The musical impact of the performance was strong, though some of the rushed and clipped notes detracted slightly. I would encourage you to work on making your G gracenote a little bit stronger, as that will help your doublings and your short notes be more precise and clean. All in all, this is a great foundation and an enjoyable tune!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lam Yau Chuen 🇭🇰 Tunes: 2/4 March: Donald Maclean’s Farewell to Oban Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Reed might be just barely stiff, because some of the G gracenotes are coming through as chokes. Musically, strong part Pt 2 – G gracenotes and doublings not quite precise, and at times happening ahead of the beat Pt 3 – Tachums (like in bar 4) not clear Pt 4 – Better playing here, cleanest and strongest. Choke in the 2nd ending. Enjoyable performance of one of my favorite marches! Your pipes are bold and resonant, but the chanter sound leads me to think that your reed isn’t at an appropriate strength for you. It sounds and is behaving like it’s too stiff. That said, I would also encourage you to strengthen your G gracenotes throughout the tune. Many of them were very light, which can lead to issues of playing things too early or fuzzy. Do your best to clean them up and make them more precise, but be careful not to make it feel forced or tense. This is a good start on a tune that will be with you forever!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lisa Martin 🇳🇿 Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Great handling of the longer notes in this part- aiding a really defined sense of the phrases! Pt 2 – At times, some of the High As are bordering on too long, leading to a sense of dragging. I would say right now it falls more under “back of the beat,” but something to play with a bit Pt 3 – D gracenotes and tachums not precise in some spots. Nice job with the taorluaths from C to B! Pt 4 – Slip 1st time through bar 4, better in repeat. 2nd ending strong Very enjoyable performance of a tough tune, Lisa! At times, I felt that you were bordering on playing too much on the back end of the beat, looking at the High As in the 2nd part as an example. Otherwise, musically you’ve got a strong grasp of the tune and the melody therein. The first two parts were very strong technically, but the D gracenotes and tachums in the 3rd part aren’t yet quite as strong. The 4th part was largely a return to that strength, so polish up the technique in part 3 and you’ll be in great shape!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Ross 🇺🇸 Tunes: Prince Charles’s Welcome To Lochaber Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Controlled and steady tempo. Good, clean D throws. A few crossing notes from D to F (very minor) Pt 2 – just before the 2nd ending, I think you switched out a G gracenote for what would usually be written an E gracenote (end of the line on B) Pt 3 – Low A flat, playing is good otherwise Pt 4 – Good musical treatment of this part. Grips a little light at times. Small choke just before 2nd ending, good recovery Good job with this tune, Matthew! You maintained a steady musical package from start to finish. There were some crossing noise issues with D to F at times, and the grips in the last part weren’t always consistent. Otherwise, technically this was a strong performance. Pipes were solid, although the drones weren’t 100% in tune. The Low A of the chanter is flat to the rest of the scale, but otherwise the chanter was good. This was a good show, thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mike Taylor 🇦🇺 Tunes: Siege of Delhi Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – C doublings at times were starting just barely ahead of the beat, and a few sticky low As impacted your E doublings Pt 2 – A lot of really great phrasing and musical expression going on in this part. Tremendous patience on the high A toward the end of line Pt 3 – Some untidiness after the taorluath, but good otherwise Pt 4 – Some F to D and High A to D crossing noises evident. Much better on the repeat Thank you for an enjoyable tune here, Mike! Pipes were pretty good, although the chanter seems a little flat in pitch compared to the drones. Musically, there’s not much different I would do with this tune. You’re doing a great job of stretching and pulling while keeping the beat steady, and I enjoyed this a lot. There are some technical things to work on, including doubling precision and some crossing noises, but as a musical package this is very good. Keep at the technical stuff, do your exercises (and use a metronome!), and I look forward to hearing more in the future!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mike Yearsley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Dundee Military Tattoo Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Nice controlled taorluaths, tachum a little abrupt (could be very slightly softer), similar on repeat Pt 2 – Nice control and patience on the long High As Pt 3 – pickup notes a little early into, be careful to anchor them exactly on the upbeat. Same in the repeat (you’re finishing the C doubling on the upbeat rather than starting it on the upbeat). It’s fine in the middle of the part, so it’s a consistency issue Pt 4 – same as part 4 in regards to pickup notes Thank you, Mike! I like this tune, and it’s good to hear it played so well. Your technique is very good (clear, clean, and precise). There were a few spots where I felt you could focus on the quality of things now that you have a lot of the mechanical stuff under your belt (softening tachums slightly as an example). In parts 3 and 4, the introductory pick up notes aren’t quite anchored on the upbeat, so take note from the way you’re playing them in the middle of the parts. Otherwise, pipes held well (drones not perfectly tuned, but very steady), and you played well. Good job!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Pang Ka Wai 🇭🇰 Tunes: 2/4 March: Donald Maclean’s Farewell to Oban Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Started a little fast, settled into a nicer tempo. Rushing the tachum in bar 1 and 5 Pt 2 – Be careful with the tachum in bar 4- some of the G gracenotes weren’t clearly voiced Pt 3 – Tempo is lagging a little in the doubling-heavy phrases. Try to bounce off of the short Low As in between the doublings some more. Pt 4 – This was the strongest part of the tune. 2nd ending missing out on some G gracenote definition, but very marginally I enjoyed this tune, well done! Musically and technically, this tune just needs some final touches of polish to take it to the next level. Tachums and doublings were inconsistent, but a stronger G gracenote would help anchor these movements a bit better. The fourth part came alive, so try to approach the prior parts with the same musical bravery. At times, the first few parts felt squared off and safe. You’ve got great hands that are light and fast, so I know you’ll be able to smooth out these points easily. I look forward to seeing you play in the future, and I know it’ll be enjoyable for me!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Donald Macleans Farewell to Oban Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Beat twos with doublings late at times, a little better on the repeat Pt 2 – D to E crossing noises evident, slowing down on the repeat a little Pt 3 – strong and consistent tempo! Be careful not to exchange an E gracenote for the G gracenote on Low A in the pick-up notes between lines Pt 4 – Be careful not to rush the scale sections. 2nd ending strong, but the pick-up notes in most settings into the last line are Low A then B (you played a C) I enjoyed this, Scott! You maintained a steady tempo and have a strong grasp of the melodic line of the tune. There were some technical things I noticed, mainly some of the doublings seemed a little bit sticky and late (when it happened, it was usually beat 2), and that contributed to some dragging later in the 3rd part. In the 4th part, 2nd bar, you’ve got a scale up to High A, and that was a little rushed at times. But, that said, you have a really good 2/4 march feel. Thank you for competing!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Troy Aitken 🇨🇦 Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Rushing into the upbeats at times, usually bars 1 and 5 Pt 2 – Be careful not to let a small Low A escape at the end of grips, better in the repeat. Pt 3 – Some D throws lacking a little substance in the Low Gs Pt 4 – Pickup notes lacking some precision, and some of the upbeats were a little unanchored Well done for competing in this event, Troy! I think you could stand to lean into the downbeats a little more, and one thing that will help with that is working on getting stronger and more poppy gracenotes (especially high G). In tunes like this, the G gracenotes serve as a built-in metronome. Some of your technique was a little on the soft side, so try to make things more precise (be careful not tighten your hands up however). Enjoyed it!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vickie Gray 🇨🇦 Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Be careful with B doublings from Low G that you are changing notes with the G gracenote (not after), better on the repeat Pt 2 – Very clean playing here, well done! Watch that your ring finger doesn’t wander while playing birls, but otherwise a very good part Pt 3 – Good tachum (from D to Low G)! Slight slip on repeat, good recovery. Low G to B not always clean (usually is, but some coming through with small Low A crossing noise) Pt 4 – Some crossing noises coming in through the hand-to-hand note transitions. Much better on repeat. 2nd ending v. good! Well put together performance, Vickie! Your tempo was very steady and controlled, which is often ironically difficult on the slower end of the tempo spectrum. Your technique is right around 90% perfect, but there is the odd straggler coming through. Mainly look at the crossing noises between some of the more awkward note transitions. Musically, this is a very mature and melodic presentation. Very good work here!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: William Nicholls 🇳🇿 Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Pt 1 – Good tempo for this tune, handled well. Steady tempo and musical treatment throughout. Near-miss on E toward end of part Pt 2 – Good part of music, strong 2nd ending Pt 3 – Be careful not to let the D throw disrupt the steady rhythmical flow of the tune, better on the repeat Pt 4 – Good, slight G gracenote unclarity on pick ups to repeat, 2nd ending strong Great job here, William! This tune can be tricky at times because the rhythms in it can come across as even and exercise-ish, but you navigated that really well. Musically and technically strong. At times, some of the denser embellishments seemed to make you want to drag the beat ever so slightly, so be watchful of that. The D throw in the third part is an example. The challenge with a sparse tune like this when you have a heavier embellishment is to make sure to play the embellishment clearly while making sure you are on-time for the next downbeat/phrase/etc. Pipes were very good, and the highlighted a very musical performance. Enjoyed it!
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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: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Maggie Cameron and The Brown Haired Maid Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Great tone overall! Very stable. Music: A few condensed triplets are overly crushed in the strathspey, such as HiG-F-E, and HiA-HiG-F. Technique: Strong C double tachums. Great C grip to E as well in part 4, first line. Played a D instead of a C in the same spot in the second part. Clear F strikes. F half doublings coming through nicely. Don’t normally high A doublings in part 5. Great birl in part 6 of the reel.
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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: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Susan MacLeod/John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Excellent drone and chanter tuning. Music:Good tempo for strath. Excellent break to the reel. A slight flub and some rushing. Strong overall. Technique: A couple C to E crossings and some tight technique in the strathspey. In the strathspey, make sure to articulate the G gracenote in the second beat of m. 7 throughout. Some rushing and untidy bits in a very difficult reel.
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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: Charlie Gregg 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Mac n Irish and the brown haired maid Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Drones perfectly tuned together, just not quite locked with Low A to start. Excellent chanter intonation. Music: Nice tempo for the Strathspey. Good break. Reel could probably come up in tempo. Stable musical control in the reel. Technique: Excellent birls in the 4th part of Mac an Irish. Nice clear C doublings in the reel with strikes projecting well.
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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: William Nicholls 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: Mac an Irish, Becky Ewan Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Drones spot on! Some pressure instability causing E to drop pretty flat. Music: Great tempo and control. In the strathspey, dot-cut-cut-dot rhythms sometimes are over quick and technique suffers. A slight rhythmic stutter in the reel, but again, strong control overall! Technique: Thumb gracenotes not coming through in part 2 of Mac an Irish. Strong birls at part endings. Clear D throw technique. Slight crossings in the last part of reel.
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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: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 5 Tunes: Maggie Cameron and The Brown Haired Maid Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Great bagpipe! High G is pressure sensitive, going sharp. Some F#’s double toning in the reel. Music: Good musical expression in the Strath. Solid break to reel. Technique: Crisp double tachum execution in Maggie Cameron. Birls are rather deliberate sounding and not totally clean. Missed F strike in the reel.
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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: Lisa Martin 🇳🇿 Place: 6 Tunes: Sandy MacPherson, John MacInnes Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Good drone tuning! Recording quality could capture the instrument better though. Music: Nice expression and tempo in the strathspey. Solid break and excellent poise in John MacInnes. Well done with the tricky final phrase of John MacInnes! Technique: Little crossings from C to F in the Strathspey. Clean, if deliberate, C grip to E. Excellent open C doublings in Sandy MacPherson. A handful of C to E crossings in the strathspey. Wee fumble in John MacInnes. Low A to C crossing.
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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: Alexander Gluchowski 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Campbelltown Kiltie Ball and The Piper of Drummond Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Wee chokes in the first go through the strathspey. Blowing the reed harder overall, rather than right at the choke point, will make it sound brighter and more full as well as eliminating chokes from slight pressure fluctuations. Music: Rhythmic stutter in part 2, 1st time through the strathspey. Lost rhythm right at the end of the strathspey. Nice tempo and control in the reel. Technique: C to E crossing in Campbeltown. A few crossing noises near the end of the reel. Strong technique overall!
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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: Caleb Pang 🇸🇬 Tunes: Molly Connell, Piper of Drummond Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Overdoing the pressure on High A, causing it to go sharp. Drones unstable. Music: Solid playing at brisk tempi! This contest required 4 parts of strathspey and 4 parts of reel, but you could repeat the tunes to get 4 parts each. Technique: Great E doublings! Strong technique overall. Great D throws in the reel.
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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: Declan Ng 🇸🇬 Tunes: Mcphederan's Strathspey, The Fairy Dance Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Top hand is quite sharp. Drones not locked in with Low A. Music: Good tempo and expression in the strathspey. A bit of a labored break between S and R. Nice playing in the reel. You are over cutting some of the cut-dot rhythms and could just relax it a bit for more groove. Well done! Technique: A few overly tight C double tachums and condensed-triplet runs in the strathspey. Great technique overall. Slight Low A crossing after grip on High A in the Fairy Dance.
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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: Ivan Agarkov 🇨🇾 Tunes: Dornie Ferry & Fiona Macleod Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Strong drone tuning and good chanter intonation overall. Small choke in the reel. Music: Solid strathspey playing! Lost the flow transitioning to the reel. A rhythmic pause in the first part. Technique: A few slight crossing noises, esp. E to High A. Some tight birls - try to sound 3 clear Low A’s. Tight grip in part 4 of Dornie Ferry. Good going in the reel, but some sloppy bits in part 3 of Fiona.
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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: Joe Korber 🇺🇸 Tunes: Smiths a gallant Fireman (strathspey) Willie Davie (reel) Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Excellent tuning and overall sound! Music: Losing some flow in final two measures of each part in the strathspey. Doing a good job pulling out the expression overall. Rushing part 2, 2nd time through the strathspey. Flub in reel. Strong playing overall! Technique: Taorluaths aren’t getting two clear Low G’s. Some G gracenotes aren’t coming through clearly. A handful of crossing noises. Perhaps just a little slower will help. Very good overall.
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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: Mike Taylor 🇦🇺 Tunes: Dorritor Bridge, Lexi McAskill Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Solid drone tuning with good chanter intonation! Great top hand timbral quality. Music: Nice tempo and control in strathspey. Unsettled break to the reel. I’d recommend omitting the initial High A pickup when transitioning, playing it on the break. Technique: Try to open up the C double tachums. F doubling work coming through nicely. Powerful B strikes. Losing technical control in the reel. Good overall!
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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: Vickie Gray 🇨🇦 Tunes: Dorrotor Bridge and Bessie McIntyre Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Instrument: Solid tuning to start! Slight pressure instability causing chanter to go sharp at times. Good intonation overall. Music: Slow tempo. Perhaps slightly easier tunes would help you to get to dance tempo easier. Reel is also very slow. Also a fairly difficult tune that may be keeping your tempo down. Your technique is strong so I do think with easier tunes you’d be able to get up to speed without issues. Technique: Strong and clear! D strike not always closing to Low G. When playing the C double tachum, be careful to keep from getting a pause after the C doubling, going right to Low A instead. Very clear D throws and D doublings! Super clean technique in the reel. Crossing noises in the third part of the reel, just don’t cut it quite so much to help.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Angus MacKinnon Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe to start. Good swing. Clear technique, though at times a little tight. Esp in part three be careful not to cut the middle note too much. A very solid performance.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Miss Lily Christie Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown to start. Good control of the compound time rhythm. Very clear and clean technique. Good swing. Some minor overcutting in part four (High A before strike and E between High Gs) but minor. Well done.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Dr Ross's 50th Welcome To The Argyllshire Gathering Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe to start. Clear fingering, and a solid display of compount time playing at the start. Losing the feel a tiny bit in part three, with the taorluath coming a bit early at times, and make sure you don't cut the D eighth note after the quarter note C - it isn't a cut note! Excellent taorluaths in part 4, but pulling you off the upper note a bit early. Very well played!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Greg Pampling 🇦🇺 Place: 4 Tunes: The Braemar Gathering Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe (F a bit flat). Good lively tempo. Take care on placement of D gracenotes on cut Cs going up - not always right on the transiton to the note C itself. A few crossing noises. A consistent compount time rhythm all through - welll done. Pipe held well.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mike Taylor 🇦🇺 Place: 5 Tunes: Donald McLean of Lewis Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start, though drones not quite right. Steady tempo and consistent compound time rhythm. Make sure you lift your B finger right off in bar three of part three in the GDE. Clear technique. Main thing is getting the pipe a little closer and steadier.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Guido Riedemann 🇩🇪 Place: 6 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald McLean of Lewis Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start. Lively tempo, and a good demonstration of compound time rhythm. Watch for increase in pressure in part two on the top hand passages. In your ending phrase (bar 7) you're playing a D instead of a B. Some technique not as clear as others, but a musical performance!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Allan Kerr 🇨🇦 Tunes: All the Blue Bonnets Are Over the Border Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones close to each other and to chanter. Some bottom hand coverage issues to start. Watch out that you don't slip out of 6/8 and into 2/4 at times and as the tune progresses. Technique improved as the tune went on. Main thing is to keep the flow in 3s, not slip into 2s.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Caleb Pang 🇸🇬 Tunes: The Atholl Highlanders Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones not tuned together. Lively tempo, but maybe a bit too quick - some errors coming in, and some technique missing, likely due to high tempo. Slow it down for solos, take time on the big notes, and lock into a consistent rhythm. Lots of potential here, jsut too hurried.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erik Lima 🇲🇽 Tunes: The 10th Brigade Highland Light Infantry Crossing the Rhine Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones not quite together and very flat to chanter. Lively tempo - not quite settled in the compound time rhythm right at the start but settled in better, especially part three. Technique tight, but fairly accurate. Main thing to work on would be the setup and tuning of the instrument - drones don't sound steady - maybe too open.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Frances McChesney 🇺🇸 Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close but not quite settled. Look out for some unevenness in bag pressure. A lively tempo, and most beats have a good compound time rhythm. In bar 8 of each part you tend to overcut the E, so it pushes a bit, but in contrast on the CBA at the end of first lines the C is a bit short and the B big. You're playing some E gracenotes in place of Gs, and that complicates the GDEs on low G of the ending phrase! Well done.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gabriel Holbrook 🇺🇸 Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones close together, but not quite with chanter. Chanter is a bit unbalanced with sharpness on top (except for flat High A). A few little crossing noises to sort out. Good compound time rhythm for the most part An overblown low G part three. A musical performance with some little technical and tuning things to attend to.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mike Yearsley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Mary Washington Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones fairly close, but chanter a bit unbalanced - top hand (except high G) sharp - maybe raise it a bit in the reed seat. Good demonstration of compound time rhythm. A few little untidy bits in part two. Some slight unevenness in bag pressure to sort out. A lively tune, well played.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Troy Aitken 🇨🇦 Tunes: Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close, but drones fairly flat to the chanter. Watch your timing on the initial beat - you are rounding out the dot and cut, I suspect in order to get in the gracenotes, but that disrupts the musical flow. Listen for that in all the LA B LA passages. Birls a bit early at the end of parts. Pretty good technique but but occasionally you get some pretty big gracenotes which take away from a bit of the crispness. Steady tempo all through. Well done.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vickie Gray 🇨🇦 Tunes: Farewell To The Creeks Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown to start. (I'm not sure how to handle a do-over on an online contest... But I'll definitely judge it!). A careful pace but accurate in subdivision. Take care not to reverse the gracenotes in any E doublings. Clear and careful technique. A near-mistake in part three but you got the repeat in! Well done. I think you have the control to give this tune a good kick in tempo and let it go a bit!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: The Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry (Alasdair Dearg) Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: Very well presented musically with a high degree of technical prowess for this grade. Hiharin's at end of line were a little too tight preventing the smooth, consistent rhythm that makes this piece of technique special. Well done! Var 1: Excellent and well presented. Overall you left me wanting to hear what you can do with the rest of the tune as you seem to be playing at a much higher level with the quality of your instrument and control and as mentioned above the quality of your technique 🙂 Show excellent promise keep up the good work!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇨🇾 Place: 2 Tunes: Cabar Feidh Gu Brath Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -Nice pace and musical phrasing..maybe a tad longer on the last note before heading into Line 2 -Nice again a little longer on the last note before going into Line 3 -Nicely played ground Var. 1 -A little weak Taorluath at the end of first time through line 1 and on repeat you jumped a little early to the short note following the Taorluath disrupting the flow. -Good here and better entry into the short notes here following the Taorluaths but still could be a little longer. -Phrasing was the best here in terms of entry into the short notes mentioned above which creates a real sense of "poise". Overall a very nice performance on a nice instrument that was in tune from start to finish. You have a great sense of what needs to be done in the tune and as mentioned above, when you do what you do as you did in Line 3 of Var. 1, it only emphasizes how you pushed in the earlier lines as commented on so establish and maintain the poise throughout tune. Very enjoyable!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Vickie Gray 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Lament For the Old Sword Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -a little early going to to the Edre but well played and consistent each time. -a slight slip going to the High G but otherwise very nice -good but ensure you play the small D grace note on the B cadences. Var. 1: -Nice entry and nice pace. A little early into the 2nd phrase first time through the line. -Nice - keep blowing consistently. -Good. Overall a very nice performance on a nice instrument that was tuned very nicely. Try to keep a nice steady pressure on the instrument to allow for maximum enjoyment for yourself and the listener to really bring your performance up to another level. You have all the right things going on with nice, clear technique and good sense of phrasing throughout the tune. Well done and very enjoyable!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: Glengarry’s Lament Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -a little heavy on the Low G grace notes which could be a little softer but you are consistent throughout. -Nice -Nice Var. 1: -Nice in terms of pace and music pertaining to phrasing. -Nice -Good Overall a very nice performance played on a nice instrument that was in tune and steady from start to finish...well done! I would like you to try and work on loosening up your grip on the chanter a bit wihcih will provide you with a little more snap without being cut and will allow you to continue on with the tune for the rest of the variations without getting fatigued. Playing Toarluaths and Crunluathas with tight hands in most cases will create some errors detracting from the overall performance so keep this in mind with your continued development as you show excellent potential.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Matthew Ross 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Glengarry’s Lament Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -a little too long on the Grip on C in bar 1 creating a slight loss of flow. The short notes are aggressive and if you just loosen up your hands a tad more they will sound a little softer instead of being cut which takes the lament out of the song. Nicely phrased otherwise -good here and again same comment about the short notes -good. Var. 1: -slight crossing noise on the C once or twice which again could be the result of just gripping a slight bit preventing your fingers from moving when you tell them too. Nicely phrased and appropriate pace here but don't forget to consider the contrast you want to showcase when playing the doubling in the tune so okay to be a tad slower in the Singling and then let the Doubling go more for greater contrast. -solid -good Overall a good tune on a decent bagpipe with drones not quite in tune detracting from the overall sound quality. You have a nice idea of the music here and just a little softer touch will bring out the music and be less taxing on your hands as you progress into the rest of the tune where this softer touch will be necessary for consistent and hypnotic technique that is the beauty in Piobaireachd. Very enjoyable and keep up the good work!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Troy Aitken 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: The Company’s Lament Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -Good - A little tight with your hands inhibiting free movement on the double echoes. -NIce -NIce Var. 1 -"sticky" D grace notes on initial C bar 1 but good pace and nice phrasing -good -good Overall a very well presented tune on a bagpipe with drones not quite tuned together and on with Low A detracting from the overall sound quality. You have a good idea of how this tune goes and would like to see you work on doing less work....loosen up your grip in order to allow your fingers the mobility to get to the double echoes and play with small grace notes (not tighter grace notes) which will articulate notes better for clairty especially when you get into the Torluaths and Crunluaths. Very enjoyable performance!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Eric LORANT 🇫🇷 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -Line 1 a little inconsistent with length of initial E's in cadences in bar 1 where they were not quite the same length and was a tad too long on the repeat of the first bar. -A little loss of phrasing in 2nd line where you pushed ahead which caused a miss on an Edre. Work on sounding the D grace note a little more in your B cadences. Overall very well presented musically. Thumb -Nice subtle increase in pace here but again just a little pushed in places creating a loss of smoothness. Again the D grace notes in the B cadences could be a little more pronounced and consistent and most likely the result of being a little too tight with the hands and leaving the E a tad early. Overal a nice performance on a decent bagpipe with a nice chanter quality and drones that were not quite locked together and in tune with Low A which detracts from the overall sound quality. Well done and very enjoyable!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Mike Taylor 🇦🇺 Tunes: The Glen is Mine Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: -Nice start and played pretty well -Okay here just ensure you dont push in bars 3 and 5 where you seem to go early to the first short note and could wait a tad longer to stay in rhythm using a softer feel which will articulate the short note better (being tight here will create a "cut" note which is not what should be heard). -a little long at the end of the first phrase halting the flow. Var. 1 -okay to start and would like to see you fall down to the B's and Low A's a little softer instead of trying to force them. Ed Neigh would always say: "Cut up" with short notes that go up and "Softly Fall Down" with short notes and even notes in this tune. -good but same as above -good Overall you have a good understanding of the tune and the comments above will provide a little more consistency and subtleness to bring the musical flow up to another level. You are on the right track amd your pipe was pretty good with drones not quite locked together and on with the Low A which detracted from the overall sound quality. Well done!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Cracking pipe sound here. Great playing here on the whole. Tempo could be a tad brighter to give more lift. Lovely open technique as well, try and embed this a little more into the melody to allow for the tune to be enhance. Much potential here, keep up the good work.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Nice pipe here. Well into the tune. Tempo could come up a fraction to enhance musicality. Good technique for the most part, a few wee catches here and there. Watch out for sticky birls. Much potential here - well done.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joe Korber 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Moss Park Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones tunes are tuned a little sharp to the chanter though not distracting. Try and ease into the a little more. Nice bright tempo however with some musical playing. Watch out for catches and other technical innacuracies. On the whole a solid performance, well done.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mike Yearsley 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Davey Patrick's Ceilidh Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes ok but could be a little more refined. Good tempo with decent expression. Top hand work is good but bottom hand technique could be a little more accurate. A few crossing noises coming through as well. On the whole a solid entry, well done.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 5 Tunes: Donnella Beaton Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Nice bright pipe, try and get the drones closer to low A. Tempo is a tad safe and the tune is pointed a little too much for my liking. Try and make this jig pointing a little more subtle. Great level of technical application however.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vickie Gray 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: The Sea Gull Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be a little more refines, they are a little flat to low A. Although jig was accurately played, the tempo was a little safe for my liking, try and bring this up to give it a brighter feel. A wee hesitation in pt 3. Good level of technique coming through.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Father John MacMillan of Barra, John Roy Stewart, and Miss Proud Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Aiken. This was a very nicely played MSR! Your overall technique is very good with clean and crisp execution. A very nice dot/cut feel in your march. I thought at times you could use a bit more pulsing on the strong beats, but otherwise, a very musically played march. Strong execution in strathspey. A bit more tempo needed. Again, more time on strong pulses would make this tune a bit more musical. Rounding off some phrases, a bit more pulsing on strong beats. A few untidy spots in the reel. B tacums not always clean. Small bobble end of 2nd part. Tempo slowing a bit in 3rd part. Excellent bagpipe! Drones locked in from start to finish. Bright and balanced chanter, well set to drones. Overall, an excellent performance!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Manu Brégent 🇫🇷 Place: 2 Tunes: Mrs John MacColl /Maggie Cameron /Alick C MacGregor Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Manu. Very nicely played MSR on an excellent bagpipe! Execution quite good in march. Some grips not coming out cleanly. Watch the overcutting, especially in the 3rd part. This is interfering with your timing. Very nice break into strathspey. Nicely expressed with good lift. Some hacum movements a bit sloppy. Jumping into phrases at times. Slight bobble in 4th. Again, good break into reel. Some overcutting in 3rd part, but otherwise well played reel. Excellent drone sound! Chanter well tuned except for sharp high G. Overall, this was a very musical performance. Well done!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Leon Lee 🏴 Place: 3 Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban, Dorrator Bridge, Fiona MacLeod Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Leon. This was a well played MSR. Execution in march is very clean with crisp fingering. Good tempo, but slowing down in 3rd part. Phrasing a bit rounded. Try to extend your strong pulse notes a bit more to create more swing. Some missed execution in strathspey (F doublings, taps). Slowing again in 3rd part. Try to hold the D’s after your D throws a bit more. More missed taps in reel. A slightly less dot/cut approach would make the reel flow a bit better. Reels should not sound like marches; they are dance tunes. Drones not in tune. Chanter a little sharp on top hand and set a bit sharp to drones. Overall; an excellent march, with the strathspey and reel needing just a bit more polish. Nice job!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothsay, Lady MacKenzie of Gairloch, Kalabakan Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kathryn. NIcely played MSR! Execution in march is quite good. Watch the E doublings coming from F. Sometimes lacking clarity. B tacums not always clean Good tempo. Nicely expressed for the most part. Slight earliness to phrases at times. Working with the metronome can help with this. Careful not to rush the last line of march; stay relaxed. Nice lift in strathspey! Hacum movements not always clean. Some sloppiness at end of 3rd and into 4th parts. Nice break into reel. Good tempo. Very lively! D throws and birls not coming out cleanly. Pipes well set. Good drone sound. Chanter balanced, other than flat high A. Well played overall!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Rothie Murchus; Caber Feidh; The Sheepwife Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Martin. Very well played MSR! Technique in march is quite good. A few missed birls. Tempo maybe slightly slow. Careful not to drag in 3rd part. Timing off in 4th part, 2nd bar. Timing in strathspey very erratic. Practicing with a metronome can help with this. Some untidy execution in strathspey. Some movements need to be a bit more open. A bit abrupt into reel. Some sloppy hacum movements, but otherwise execution pretty good. Timing again a bit erratic in reel. Really rushing phrases at times. For example, the GDE’s in 3rd part. Stay relaxed and practice with the metronome to sort these sections out. Very nice bagpipe sound. Drones well set and steady throughout. Very bright chanter sound. A bit flat on high G, but otherwise balanced. Good job!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Arniston Castle, Thompson's Dirk (said wrong tune name in video) Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Glen-mary. Nicely played MSR! You’ve got good snap to your fingers, but some movements are a bit too tight. This is contributing to some missed execution. Good tempo to your march. A bit more time needed on the strong pulses, especially in 3rd part. Careful not to start phrases early. Practicing with a metronome can help with this. Nice break to strathspey. Slight choke at start. Again, execution is quite tight causing some missed embellishments. Nice lift to your strathspey timing. Again, a little early to some phrases. Timing a bit too dot/cut which can give more of a “march” feel rather than “reel” feel. Nice chanter sound, but drones were not in tune. You’ve got all the tools; just a bit more polish with your timing and a little more openness with your execution and you’re on your way!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Au Kai Man 🇭🇰 Tunes: March: Mrs John MacColl Strathspey: Susan MacLeod Reel: Fiona MacLeod Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kai. Thanks for your submission! Execution in march is pretty good. Need to clean up the crossing noises. Doublings are clean and crisp. Some grips are a bit crushed. Your phrasing is a bit too round. Try to put more emphasis on the strong pulses. A dot/cut approach will add a bit more swing to the march. More crossing noises in strathspey. Execution becoming more inconsistent with several missed embellishments. Try to open up the half doublings. Generally, a more open approach to your movements would help with the consistency. Break to reel very abrupt. Hang on the last note of strathspey a bit, and then ease into the reel. Execution in reel too tight. Don’t be too aggressive with the dot/cut phrasing in reel or it sounds more like a march. Reels are dance tunes; not for marching. Overall, some work on keeping your embellishments a bit more open and consistent will really help your playing. Good luck!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: B Daniel McLeod 🇨🇦 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing, Stac Polly, Bessie MacIntyre Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Daniel. Thanks for your submission! I’d encourage you to spend some time on cleaning up your embellishments. In particular, your D throws, birls, and bottom hand doublings. There are many good exercises that can help you to work out issues you might be having with these movements. Your timing is quite good in march. The occasional round phrase, but generally a nice dot/cut approach. Some chokes here and there. Really struggling with the birls in the strathspey. Expression too round. Strathspeys need a heavy dot/cut approach to create bounce and lift. Some sloppy execution in reel. Timing erratic; switching between round and dot/cut phrasing. Off the tune in the 4th part. Again, embellishment work will help you clean up your movements and give you more consistency. This will then allow you to properly express your tunes. Good luck!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Iron Division, The Lad that Wears the Plaid, The BlackBerry Bush. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Carsten. Nice job with your MSR! Nicely played march; however, for grade 3 solo competition, I’d encourage you to consider a more challenging tune. Generally good execution. Some B taorluaths not coming out cleanly. Nicely expressed strathspey. Good lift. Some overcutting at times. Taorluaths lacking clarity. I’d suggest opening up your execution a bit more in strathspey. Execution in reel getting a bit sloppy. A little to aggressive with the cut notes. Reels should not sound like marches; they are dance tunes! Very nice bagpipe sound! Solid, well tuned drones. Chanter balanced, except for a flat high A. Overall, I think a more relaxed approach to your execution would really improve your playing. Thanks for the submission!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clive Brodie 🇳🇿 Tunes: March: The Ross-shire Volunteers Strathspey: Islay Bay Reel: John MacKechnie Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Clive. Some good playing, but generally, tempos are quite slow. Of course, the upside of this is that you’re able to get most of your technique in very cleanly. The downside is that it’s difficult to generate much music from the tunes at such slow tempos. At grade 3 level, the expectations for musicality are greater, so tempo becomes more important. Off the tune slightly at end of 3rd part in the march; and again in the 4th. Execution mostly good in strathspey. Bubbly movement in 3rd part very labored. Again, slow in reel. Good job with a very challenging reel! Careful not to overcut the cut notes. Very nice drone sound, but they were set flat relative to chanter. Overall, playing is generally clean, but cautious. A bit more tempo would make for a more musical performance.
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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, Captain Colin Campbell and Kalabachan Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Damian. Thanks for the tunes! Your march tempo is quite slow for grade 3. Execution is quite good. Double E’s from F not clean. Timing is very erratic. You’re rushing several phrases. Practice with a metronome and I’m sure you’ll hear it. Tempo in strathspey too slow. Again, erratic timing is your biggest issue. Off the tune in the 3rd and 4th parts. More erratic timing in reel. Would also suggest not playing your reel with round phrasing. Typically, for MSR solo competition, a slightly dot/cut approach is preferred. I would encourage you to practice each tune with a metronome to get a better handle on the phrases that you’re rushing. This will improve your overall playing dramatically. Best of luck!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hunter Nichols 🇺🇸 Tunes: Jimmy Young, Caledonian Society of London, MacKay from Skye Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Hunter. Execution is generally quite good. Some sloppy bottom hand work in march (C and B tacums, B strikes). Try for a bit more time on the strong pulses. Will make your march way more musical. Timing in strathspey is erratic. More emphasis on the strong pulse needed. This is usually the first dotted note of each bar. Your timing more consistent in reel. Some sloppy GDE’s, but otherwise quite clean. Chanter well balanced, but drones were not in tune. Nicely played!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jan-Erik Steel 🇺🇸 Tunes: John MacDonald's Welcome to South Uist, Maggie Cameron, Sound of Sleat Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Jan-Erik. Thanks for your submission! Execution in your march is pretty good. A few crossing noises at times. Some bottom hand work (tacums) not always clean. Struggling in 3rd part. Phrasing is quite round. Try to develop a more dot/cut approach. This will become easier as your technique improves. Strathspey is quite slow, especially in 3rd part. Lacking confidence with this tune. Nice break to reel. Playing much more confident in reel. Some sloppy tacums in 3rd part. You did a nice job with some very challenging tunes! Keep working on your technique. Once you develop a bit more speed and consistency with your movements, you’ll find it much easier to play with proper tempo and expression. Good luck!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: Banksview, Inveraray Castle, Willie Cumming's Rant Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Laura. Thanks for submitting your MSR! Execution in march is generally quite good. Good tempo. Careful not to overcut the short notes. This is causing some erratic timing. Try playing with a metronome and I’m sure you’ll feel it. Nice break to strathspey. Some execution a bit too tight in strathspey. Keep movements a little more open. Jumping into some phrases early. Again, metronome work will cure this! First part of reel quite slow. Picking up by second. Reel phrasing is very pointed. This can cause your reel to sound like a march. Try a little less dot/cut feel. Drones not locked in. Bright chanter sound, maybe a bit thin and sharp on top hand notes. Overall, some strong technique. Just need a bit more control of your phrasing. Good luck!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi, The Lad that Wears the Plaid, Captain Lachlan McPhail of Tiree. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Richard. Thanks for your submission. Execution-wise, I’d encourage you to go back to some basic embellishment work to clean up some your movements. More clarity is needed within your doublings. Grips should have a distinct low G sound to begin each movement. There are a variety of good embellishment exercises out there that can help with this. Without proper execution, it’s difficult to express tunes properly. This generally means either playing too round in an effort to get all the required embellishments in properly, or playing embellishments incorrectly in order to play with the proper note values and expression. Neither of these are great options. Once you clean up your embellishments, try the tunes at a slower tempo. This will allow you to get used to playing cleanly and accurately. Eventually, you should be able to speed up. Good luck!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vincent Guinnane 🇺🇸 Tunes: 2/4 March: 79th Farewell to Gibraltar Strathspey: Marquis of Huntly's Highland Fling Reel: Colonel MacLeod Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Vincent. Thanks for submitting your MSR. Execution is pretty good. Some slight C to E crossing noises. You only played the 2nd part of march once. March phrasing a bit too round. Strathspey phrasing also a bit round. More emphasis needed on strong pulses. D throws need a bit more low G sound. Very unsettled in reel. Choke and erratic timing in reel. Nice drones. Chanter a bit sharp. Overall, just need a bit more polish and confidence with your tunes, especially the reel. Good luck!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Miss Lily Christie Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Sam. Many thanks for taking part in this event! Tone: A bright pitch and well set instrument. "E" and "F" are slighlty sharp to be picky or slight overblowing. Very welll tuned drones and good balance to the sound. HA lovely and clear. Execution: Such a classic tune and you are doing it justice. Good hands are evident right away. Excellent HA grips in 4th. "F" uneven throughout. Not sure if it is blowing or a reed that is bit on the weak side (think it is the latter). If it were me ...a tiny "poke" or switch it. Music: Really great effort to pulse with 6/8 feel. Nice and controlled tempo is helping your quest but really like that you are managing the tune instead of the other way around.. Summary: There is an old expression: "Musical as heck" but I will keep it PG here. Just really fabulous treatment of this gorgeous tune. Well done lad!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Redford Cottage Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Aiken. Good to see you here today. Tone: Quite a full bagpipe sound. Drones well set. Slight flatness to certain notes (i.e. D, E and HG). Execution: Hands are good and clear. Strong fingers. Taorluaths could be finished with a stronger E gracenote. Excellent HA grips in 4th. Music: Nicely started. A very good 6/8 feel. A touch jerky - slight overholding - but a real good attempt here. Be very literal with how long the beats should be in duration and you are to strive for consistency ( beat-to-beat and bar-to-bar). Summary: Really good tune Aiken. You are trying a bit too hard for the music and it comes off a little on the jerky side. Howeber, this is much better than the other way (roundness). Lots of promise here lad!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: John D. Burgess Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Glen-Mary. So good to be with you today and many thanks for doing this. Tone: Pipe sound is big and full. I feel the drones could be tuned closer toegther. But well balanced and chanter is quite bright. Blowing very solid. Execution: Hands are very good. In 2nd part I feel there should be a doubling on the F as well as the E in bar 1. Stong work comilng through inluding birls. Excellent timing on these. Music: An excellent tempo that you have chosen. A musical feel to your 6/8 playing, I can tell you are really trying for the correct pulsing with this and well done. Summary: A very good tune with excellent music and fundamentals. Bring the drones up to par now and tune them tighter (down,...and closer together).
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada 🇨🇭 Place: 4 Tunes: Pibroch of Donald Dhu Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Gonzalo. Thank you for taking part in this online event today. Tone: A sweet and well tuned instrument. Your blowing is solid. Execution: Pretty good hands. I feel you could add a few more doublings to this classic. An example would be bar 8 where an E doubling could be added. This gives the music more emphasis and power to the beat notes. Grips are solid in 3rd. Music: Such a great tune choice! Nice drive to your tempo. 4th part loses some 6/8 rhythmn as the HA's are not held long enough (and the first E of the strikes are too large as a result). Excellent band-like cut off at the end. Summary: Really good tune Gonzalo. Solid fundamentals of execution and music. Good pipe. Work on the last part to finish this tune strongly. Thank you!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Martin. Good to be with you here today. Tone: Pipe is good. Drones not quite in. A little "big" overall for me but pretty well balanced. Just think it could be refined a little to be more instantly pleasing. Excellent blowing. Execution: Hands seem good early. Strong birls are evident right away. Sometimes the G gracenotes are not as clear/big as they could be (mostly on single notes - not doublings). There should be a G gracenote on the C in the last bar at part endings). Music: Such a classic tune. A good tempo chosen. 6/8 pulse is good with the triplets being rounder in feel than other movements. Tempo is consistent - very nice steady flow to your music. Summary: A strong showing and well done throughout. Your basics are all there and very well done. Try to accent the triplets in compound time rhythm. Really impressive overall - thanks!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Orin Weiss 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Dr. Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Orin. Thanks so much for taking part here and what a great background you have for this 6/8! Tone: Good on you for playing in what appears to be pretty windy conditions. The overall pipe is somewhat flat in pitch with the drones also being out of tune. I feel the donres could have been pulled down (they are flat). Execution: Pretty good hands. Watch all the correct gracenoting is in place. At the very start two things: 1) a proper tachum be played from C-A in bar 1, and 2) there should be a G gracenote on the second E in bar 2 Hold HA longer before grip in 2nd part. Good on you for marching as it is harder in a 6/8. It calls for a faster pace of walking. Music: A good 6/8 feel to your playing style. Pretty consistent pace and delivery. Summary: A good tune Orin. Watch tone of your instrument,. Challenge the pitch (sweeten) and tune the drones tighter. Thank you!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: B Daniel McLeod 🇨🇦 Tunes: The Blue Bonnets are over the Border Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Daniel. Thank you so much for doing this. Tone: PIpe a bit rough at start, especially the drones. Need tuning (pullig down). Execution: Hands are pretty good. Doubling work is quite large which it hindeing music at this tempo. Try to slow down and go for clarity on doubling work. Music: A classic tune thanks. Tempo is sprightly but I would pull it back to help with clearing up the technique. The 6/8 feel is getting away from you at times. Try for consistent "rocking" feel to this rhythm. Summary: Good tune Daniel. Enjoyed this. I would just bring the tempo down and clean up some fundamentals as best you can. Thank you!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: P/M Donald MacLean of Lewis. Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Carsten. Thanks for doing this and I believe I recognize this fabulous background! Tone: Chanter is quite sharp and the drones need pulling down,. Well balanced instrument. Execution: Watch to get off to a good start. The very first bar is a tricky combination of gracenotes for this tune. Practice clarity for this bar over and over (tighten gracenoting). Miusic: Really like your tempo. 6/8 pulsing is quite good. Picking up tempo a hair in 3rd part. Finish. strongly (a little bobble in last line) Summary: Thank you again Carsten. A bold tune with good flow and music. The bagpipe and finger technique are where I would suggest some focus will enhance the end result.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clive Brodie 🇳🇿 Tunes: Eleanor Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Clive. Good to be with you today and thanks for doing this. Tone: A nice sound. Drones very soilid and full. Chanter bright. A bit sharp on F. Execution: Hands pretty good. A bil "loose" on note changes. Try to tighten D gracenotes as a example. Also C doublings are quite large. Nice birls overall. Music: A musical style and tempo chosen. Well done. Could have a more consisten lilt to your 6/8 style. Sometimes it is there and other times it drifts into a round affect. Hold beat ones the same duration as a good starting point. Summary: A good tune Clive. Try for consistency on thge 6/8 pulsing.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Dovecote Park Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Damien. Great to be with you today. Really effective space you are using for practice! Tone: A good pitched instrument with drones notably out of tune. The balance is quite nice (dones to chanter). Execution: Hands are okay but some technique could be improved. Largely gracenote clarity in moving from note-to-note. They are very large and are obstructing the main black notes from being clear. Watch to not rush to next beat. Keep it steady. Some surging in tempo is happening. Music: A pleasing tempo to your tune. Quite round in style. Would be better if you held the first note in groupings longer and then shortened up others. You need more of a "rocking" feel to a 6/8. A little square at the moment. Summary: Good tune Damian and thanks for that. Work on drones, technique and rhythm in order to continue to improve.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Tunes: John MacColl's Farewell to the Scottish Horse Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Kathryn. Thanks for being here today? Tone: Pipe sound is pretty good but is quite flat in pitch. Drones are together but could be pulled down that wee bit. Blowing is very steady. Execution: Hands are not bad. I feel the bottom hand could be cleaner as one can hear a lack of clarity on note changes (i.e.moves like C-B-C). To me, your bottom hand fingers are very far over on the chanter. Perhaps you could try to pull that hand back off the chanter somewhat? I realize this could be tricky but, if interested, it ia all about the LG (try to have just the pad of the pinky coverig LG and go from there, It is the C & D fingers that are the concern (seem too far over and getting in the way of each other at times). Music: A pleasing tempo to your tune. Very steady playing overall and this is hard to accomplish, so well done. Musically quite steady. Summary: Thanks for this tune Kathryn. Continue to work on tone but mainly finger clarity.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Laura. Many thanks for taking part in this online event. Tone: Good job in tuning as the drone came from miles out of tune to fairly close. Welll done. Drones moved out of tune quite a bit by end. I think work on steadiness here or the moisture system, etc. Execution: Hands are pretty good. Doublings have nice clarity. Some gracenotes are not as clear. Bar 1 in this great tune is actually very difficult. Try to separate the g/notes evenly. This might offer more clarity to technique. Music: A nicely selected and controlled tempo to start. Watch you are not early to some bars (I feel it more in the line 2's). I can see you are trying to pulse the right way - well done - and still it comes off as that wee bit jerky in feel. Summary: A good tune thanks Laura. Work on pipe sound but, mostly, the musical feel of the 6/8 rhythm.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Dovecote Park Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Richard. Thanks for doing this today. Tone: Pipe is pretty good with the drone being flat (pull down). A sweet pitch to chanter. Execution: Try to pause before starting and let yourself settle in. Hands are okay but quite "loose" on the movements. Try to squeeze harder as a suggestion to clear up very large gracenotes. Music: A good tempo chosen. A little round in style. Try to hold the first beats longer and shorten the second notes. This will create a rocking effect that 6/8 rhythm is known for. Summary: A good tune Richard - thanks. Continue to work on basic fundamentals.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vincent Guinnane 🇺🇸 Tunes: Miss Lily Christie Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Vincent. Great to see you at this event today! Tone: A strong, full bagpipe. The drones are notably out of tune. Chanter at high pitch but watch top hand as it is quite sharp. Execution: Stong hands. Work on D throws (clarity). Most doubling work is pretty clear. A little on the "loose" side overall (meaning the gracenoting is larger than needed)_. Music: Nice tempo picked. Music needs more 6/8 (rocking) feel. Too square in delivery. Hold first beats and shorten short 2nd notes in groupings. Summary: A good tune Vincent. Keep at it in terms of the flow of the tune and your pipe sound.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Judge’s Dilemma Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Aikan! Thank you for playing in this event! Pt 1 – Good Pt 2 – Good, and good navigation of the weird note combinations Pt 3 – Good, slight catch bar 4 first time through, better on repeat. Slight crossing noise bar 6 repeat Pt 4 – Good, started to rush ending phrase 1st time through, continued through to end Pipes very good, chanter and drones a like. Musically very good and steady, bar the rushing toward the end. I would maybe suggest just a half hair of emphasis on the downbeats to accentuate the phrase definition just a little bit more. But, that’s being very picky. Well played!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: The Curlew Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Kathryn! Thank you for playing in this event! This, while it’s not actually that old, is one of my favorite “classic” jigs! Pt 1 – Lovely swing to the GDEs. Be careful that the throws start with a nice, clean low G Pt 2 – Slightly rushing some of the GDE groupings Pt 3 – B strikes might be a little snappier, but good 3rd part Pt 4 – Slight catch bar 2 of 2nd ending, but otherwise good part 4 Pipes very good, chanter lovely with nice ringing timbre. E slightly flat, but not overly so. I really appreciate the swing you put into the tune. Some of the groups of 3 in the second part weren’t maybe quite as consistent as would be ideal, but that’s a small point to raise. Well played; I enjoyed that!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Cutting Bracken. Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Carsten! Thank you for playing in this event! Cutting Bracken is a great old melody; one of the rare tune that works equally well in several different time signatures. Pt 1 – Be careful that the d gracenotes are precise; d gracenotes down to low G not quite as precise as others Pt 2 – Similar to part 1. D gracenotes aren’t always articulated exactly on the note transition Pt 3 – Crosses noises coming in from D to E, otherwise good Pt 4 – Small slip bar 6 both times through, likely stemming from some fuzzy D gracenotes in measures 2, 3, and 4 (places where you change notes on the d gracenote). Pipes not fully in-tune at beginning, mostly an issue with the drones. The chanter is pretty nicely in tune. Part 1 and 2 are really strong, but part 3 and 4 aren’t quite there yet. I would put in a lot of work on changing notes mid GDE on the D gracenote, because that was the primary technical issue I noticed in your performance. Very enjoyable tune here, Carsten, and if the 1st part is any indication, you’re very close to getting this tune locked down!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Mrs. Sharon Duthart Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Glen-Mary! Thank you for playing! This is one of those tunes I’ve always liked but never known the name. Thank you for submitting it today (very enjoyable performance to boot)! Pt 1 – Good groove and feeling for the phrasing in this tune. Don’t let the strike on B disrupt the tempo too much Pt 2 – Try not to rush into the gracenote birl from the GDEs; better on the repeat Pt 3 – Strong part here! Pt 4 – The strikes on C could use a little more heft to get that last little rhythmical embellishment just perfect Pipes fairly good, chanter especially. Drones not quite locked to each other or the chanter. Great feel to this tune, and a good tempo for it too. There were a few aspects I noted above that pulled me out of the groove, so I would work on those. In reference to the gracenoted B strike, you have a little room to lighten it slightly to be sure you hit the next downbeat on time. That’s the opposite to part 4’s gracenoted strike, where I think a little more heft might help pull out just a tiny bit more music from the phrase. Well played!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: Donella Beaton Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Laura! Thank you for playing in this event! It’s always good to hear Donella Beaton, one of my favorite jigs and one I compete with all the time! Pt 1 – Controlled start, but the GDEs tend to really push the tempo higher Pt 2 – Similar here, though some of the GDEs are staying in the groove better than others Pt 3 – The pickup E into the part is a little late at times, but very slightly so Pt 4 – This part seemed more settled than others. Watch for clean note transitions from High A to Low A; it can sometimes have a chirp effect if not done very precisely Pipes close to each other, but the drones not quite locked in tune with the chanter. They were pretty well in tune with each other, though. In part 1, odd numbered measures, the B after the initial C with a doubling is usually played plain (without a gracenote). That’s likely a setting issue, but something to be aware of. The main technical/musical issue that came up throughout your performance was just the runaway GDEs. Once you have those under control, you’ll have a lot more room to play with swing and playing the tune at different tempi. Once you get that tempo issue refined, this tune will have an irresistible groove to it. Thank you again; I enjoyed it!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Trouble at the Croft Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Martin! Thank you for playing! I’m not familiar with this tune, but it’s certainly fun to listen to! Pt 1 – Cool piece of music here. Be cautious of the G gracenotes on Low G that they are precise and clean. A few of them are sounding a bit chirp-adjacent and fuzzy. There are also a few crossing noises cropping up (High A to E, E to D) Pt 2 – Try to get off of the birl Low A to get to the High A with the strike in time (bar 3). Right now you’re sitting just a bit too much on the low A for me. It’s extending the beat too much. Pt 3 – Rhythm issue in Bar 3 both times through (it’s coming across as an extra note in beat 2). Because I don’t have the music, I can’t be certain exactly what’s happening here, but the challenge would be to get all of the technique in without disrupting any feet that are tapping along with the tune. Pt 4 – Excellent control of the high hand work. My only concern in this part mirrors the issue from part 2 the birl. You’ll really want to launch off of the birl to make sure you’re in time for the next beat. Pipes pretty good; chanter well set. Drones not 100%, but stable and steady throughout. Very cool tune here, Martin. Thank you for playing it. I noted some rhythmical stuff above that I’d suggest examining to help improve the tune further. This tune seems to play around with a lot of rhythmical conventions of jig playing. One of the challenges of playing a tune the judge doesn’t know (maybe isn’t likely to know) is to be sure to convey the tune with such rhythmic and musical confidence that there’s no room to question whether something is part of the tune or a mistake. All in all, I greatly enjoyed this!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: B Daniel McLeod 🇨🇦 Tunes: Curlew Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi B. Daniel! Thank you for participating in the event! Pt 1 – Choke on high G of ending phrase, Pt 2 – Steady tempo and good understanding of the phrasing in the part Pt 3 – Very precise technique in this demanding part; rushing in repeat Pt 4 – Crossing noises on the hand to hand transitions (D to top hand and vice versa). Squeak in 2nd ending Pipes not in tune from start, but full sounding. You might check your maintenance and set up, especially in regards to you bass drone. It was changing pitch pretty frequently between two main pitches, so the reed or the slides may be loose. Technically, you’re playing this tune reasonably well. Some of your gracenotes are a little more on the open side, which is okay. The big issue that I noticed was predominantly the bagpipe itself. Once you get that settled better, you’re playing will shine through much more clearly. I enjoyed your tune, and I encourage to invest the time in set up. When pipes are going tough, there are few instruments that are harder to play. But when pipes are going well, there are even fewer instruments that are more fun to play.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clive Brodie 🇳🇿 Tunes: Catlodge Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Clive! Thank you for participating in the event! Pt 1 – Some rushing in spots. You sound a bit like you’re wanting to take this tune at a faster tempo. Pt 2 – Well handled Pt 3 – Strikes on low A and birls late at times, disrupting the steadiness. Pt 4 – Some of the strikes in the 4th part weren’t as solid as others in the tune. Pipes quite good! High A a little abrasive and sharp compared to the rest of the scale, but not wildly so. Once you get the high A tamed down a bit, the pipes would be impeccable. Technique-wise and musically, I think you’re in a spot where you can handle 95% of the tune at a faster tempo. Musically, you’ve got a great idea of the tune and phrases, and that’s being delivered in large part. Technically, you’re in a similar boat. Most of the rushing spots led me to believe that, but the more technically demanding measures of the 3rd part and 4th part are the lynchpins where I’d suggest focusing (seems like mostly line endings). Once you get the rhythms and tempo more under control and smoother, this will be tough to beat!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Turf Lodge Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Damian! Thank you for participating in the event! Turf Lodge isn’t oft heard, but it’s always a joy! Pt 1 – Choke bar 2, some rhythmic unsteadiness in the ending phrase. Pt 2 – Slight slip, better on the repeat Pt 3 – Stronger playing here, and steadier too Pt 4 – Strongest playing in the 4th part. Pipes not quite settled, but steady throughout. The primary thing I would work on from a musical standpoint is smoothing this tune out just a little bit. I liked the tempo, and most of the tune was very smooth, but the pickup notes between phrases were a little inconsistent and pull the groove of the tune in and out too much. I would also suggest a double-check of your set up. Based on the jacket, I can imagine it may be cold in your recording environment. Reeds tend to act and feel stiffer in the cold, so you might consider using a dental elastic on your reed if you aren’t already doing so. Technique-wise, your gracenotes are generally precise and open, which is good. I would practice up on your rodins (grip from D), because half the challenge of playing a rodin in a jig is making sure you make it to the next beat on time. I enjoyed that; thank you!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada 🇨🇭 Tunes: Banjo Breakdown Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Gonzalo! Thank you for playing! Banjo Breakdown is an oldie and a goodie! Pt 1 – Great throws, and great flow of the melody Pt 2 – Consistent tempo is very good here. 2nd time through the part not as confident, but still solid. Pt 3 – Better than Pt 2 Pt 4 – Very good treatment of the strikes, but a slight slow in the tempo as you worked the last line of the tune Pipes very solid, drones not perfect but not far away. The chanter and the drones weren’t quite in tune with one another, but again, they were very close. Be careful with the doublings and the GDEs- a lot of the G gracenotes are missing or so tight that they can’t be heard. I would try to relax your top hand, and open up your G gracenote specifically. This is the main technique issue I wanted to point out to you. Throughout the tune, this was pretty much the only thing that came up. Once you get the G gracenotes going really well, this tune will be even better than it is now. And it’s already really good; well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Corkhill. Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Richard! Thank you for playing! Corkhill is a great tune! Pt 1 – Choke in bar 1, doublings not always quite clear. GDEs very strong Pt 2 – Crossing noises (E to High A, C to E), some slight tempo variation here too Pt 3 – Some GDE inconsistency (sometimes EDE instead) Pt 4 – Slips both times though part Pipes overall fine, although the chanter was sharper than the drones. The main thing to be careful of with jigs, and with all tunes in general but also jigs, is there is a real temptation to exchange gracenotes out for each other. In jigs, because the GDE is so pervasive, it sticks out when there’s some switching around of gracenotes, so be careful that you aren’t doing any accidental arrangements! I enjoyed this tune, and I especially enjoyed the musical treatment and pace you gave it. The only drawbacks in this for me were the choke and the technical inconsistencies. Otherwise, you’ve got great jig on your hands!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vincent Guinnane 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Hens March Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Vincent! Thank you for playing! The Hen’s March is one of my favorites! Pt 1 – Good part, though some of the gracenotes are a bit tight. Slip near end of part Pt 2 – Similar here, good though a bit tight. Choke Pt 3 – Struggling a bit with the bottom hand density, small slip Pt 4 – choke, better playing here. Some spots of rushing Pipes pretty good, drones are a little raucous in the recording though (might be the microphone more than the pipes). Drones not in tune with one another, though reasonably close to the chanter. This tune is tough, especially the 3rd part. You might experiment with bringing the tempo down a little bit. At any rate, let the G gracenotes breathe a little bit more, and they will help you stay rhythmically and technically anchored. A great tune at a pace that may just be a hair too fast right now. I enjoyed the tune, and I look forward to hearing you in the future!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Mr. and Mrs. J. Duncan’s Golden Wedding Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Aiken. That was an excellent HP performance! Really enjoyed it. Not much to criticize. Execution was very clean with accurate and crisp fingering. Very lively tempo, but under control throughout. Perhaps some slight rushing in the last part. Your bagpipe was very well tuned. Drones locked in with a balanced and bright chanter sound. Overall, a top notch performance. Well done!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: The City of Regina Pipe Band Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Glen-mary. Very well played HP! Played with good energy and good control of phrasing. Execution was mostly clean and crisp. Careful not to rush the GDE’s in first part. Slight choke and missed birl in 2nd part. Good chanter sound, but drones were not in tune from start. Overall, a very enjoyable performance. Well done!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The King of Cardenden Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Martin. Very nicely expressed HP! Always refreshing to hear a nice, swingy approach. Execution is generally quite good. Some D throws a bit too crushed. Make sure the short low A’s before the shakes can be clearly heard. Sometimes you’re not giving these their full value. Very nice bagpipes. Drones were well tuned and steady throughout. Chanter bright and balanced. Overall, a solid performance!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Rathven Market Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kathryn. Very nice HP! Controlled tempo throughout with a nice “swingy” approach. A few execution issues to address. Some C grips and D throws are a bit crushed. Bubbly movement 7th bar needs work. Very nice chanter sound. Good “ring” to high A and well balanced scale. Drones not quite locked in. Overall, a very enjoyable performance. Well done!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Sandy’s New Chanter. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Carsten. Nicely played HP! You have good crispness to your fingering technique. The biggest execution issue you’re having is with crossing noises. These are occurring pretty much throughout the tune. D throws at times are a bit too crushed. Try for a bigger low G sound at the start of these movements. You had very good tempo control. Timing is good with mostly good control of the rounded phrases. Drones were nicely tuned. Bright chanter sound, but high A very flat. Overall, some nice playing. Just some work to be done on eliminating the crossing noises. Good luck!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: Rathven Market Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Laura. Thanks for submitting your HP! Some really good execution with very crisp fingering. Tempo and timing are very erratic. There are several sections where you’re rushing phrases which is really throwing off the timing of the tune. A good example of this is in the 7th bar. Try playing through the tune with a metronome and you’ll feel where this is happening. Very nice chanter sound. Well balanced and bright. Drones were not quite in tune. Get your phrasing under control and you’ll have a top notch performance! Good luck!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clive Brodie 🇳🇿 Tunes: Jimmy Tweedie's Sea Legs Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Clive. Nicely played HP! Execution is cautious, but generally clean. Some sloppy birls in first part. Cut B to D a bit sloppy also. Make sure the B is not early and is clearly heard. Slight choke beginning of 2nd part. Tempo was steady, but a bit slow. Nicely expressed. A few timing issues mainly caused by jumping into phrases early. Nice bagpipe! Drones solid. Chanter well balanced except for slightly sharp F. Overall, a nice performance!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Duncan Johnstone Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Damian. Thanks for submitting your tune! You seemed to lack confidence with this tune as there were several times where you were playing wrong notes or going off the tune. Some execution needs work. Make sure that all holes are covered during taps and strikes. The GDE triplets are not coming out cleanly. Try not to rush these and make sure each individual gracenote is clear. Timing was erratic, but much of this was caused by the previously mentioned execution issues. Nice chanter sound, but drones were not in tune. Keep working!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Sandy’s New Chanter. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Richard. Thanks for submitting your HP! You seem to be lacking some confidence with this tune as you went off the tune in several spots. Your primary execution issue is with crossing noises. You’re really going to need to slow down and analyze exactly where and why these are occurring. It’s usually due to fingers lifting and/or lowering at the wrong time, often when switching between top and bottom hand notes. Cleaning these up will vastly improve your playing. Your timing is also in need of some work as you're slowing and speeding up phrases throughout the tune. Work with your metronome to help with this. All of this will help you build more confidence with the tune and improve the overall performance. Good luck!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Vincent Guinnane 🇺🇸 Tunes: Joe McGann's Fiddle Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Vincent. Nice job with your HP! Execution-wise, you should focus on cleaning up the crossing noises. These were pretty prevalent throughout your tune. Your tempo was appropriate and remained steady. Your D strikes at the end of each part are slightly early. Try to place the G gracenote of the strike right on the final beat. Couple bobbles in the last part of the tune. You were underblowing throughout the performance. This was contributing to some crowiness on high G and A as well as some chokes. Cleaning up those crossing noises will vastly improve your performance. Good luck!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Lament for Mary McLeod Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice entry to tune. D gracenotes in hiharin and cadences could be a bit more open for piobaireachd. Same applies to flams and rodins. Well phrased first line. Good treatment of cut C in lines 2 and 3. Bar 2 a bit rush through to the F gracenote in bar 2 in lines 2 and 3. Final phrase in ground a bit rushed. Var 1 - first note of each bar could be held a bit more - a bit like a cadence. I enjoyed this variation overall but your F is a bit sharp which is detracting from the music. Var 1 doub - very musical. F distracting. Drones drifing and becoming distracting. Taor - nice entry from var 1 but rushed into 1st taor movement. Line 1 - hold the penultimate note in each bar more and relax the flam for a better musical effect. Lines 2 and 3 better but cut Es a little too clipped. Taor doub a little square - hold the theme notes more. Crun singling- you're holding the Cs and Bs at the end of each bar better here than in the taor singling. Cut notes before these are too clipped - open them out slightly. Strong crunluath movement at start but getting tighter as you progress through the tune. Last phrase a bit rushed. Crun doubling - You're trying to do the right thing with this variation but it's a bit fast - you're pushing through the connecting notes after the crun movement too quickly which doesn't make this music feel sad. Overall a good attempt at this tune for grade 3.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Hunter Nichols 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Battle of Auldearn #1 Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice entry to ground. The grips could be opened out tomake them more musical. Es in cadences are a bit short for my taste (same throughout whole tune). Also falling off the D in the last bar of each line. Nicely into thumb var. High A before cadence is a bit too big for my taste - it feels like this stops the flow of the tune instead of gently easing you into the cadence. Nice doubling - 1 crossing noise from bottom hand to high A Dithis - first note of each bar could be held longer before the E gracenote. This settles as you progress through the variation - maybe just an issue on Low A? Doubling a little round. Really hold the theme note and cut the short notes. Taor singling - good overall but falling off some theme notes - particularly the low A as per Dithis. Taorluaths feel a bit tight overall - relax these and ensure there is plenty low G in them. Doubling a bit round - falling off theme notes which should be the focus rather than the taor movement itself. Crun singling - this has the makings and just needs your crun movements to become more fluent as you develop. Again focus on the theme notes Crun doubling - as per singling. (1 note error in line 3) A mach - as above Nice bagpipe overall - drones not 100% with D and F sharp. Working on your tuning would really imrpove your performance. A couple of minor chokes in the tune Great effort for this grade.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Marquis of Argylle's Salute Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe - F very sharp Ground - Well phrased overall. The cut B and C are too short throughout the ground - open these out a bit Es in cadences could be a bit longer throughout whole tune. Var 1 - nice overall. Cut notes could be a bit shorter and theme notes before them held more. Cut low A in penultimate bar needs to be relaxed a bit. Doubling - nice entry - rushing into taorluaths at end of line 1 which is then causing the remainder of the variation to be too round. Hold the theme notes. Taor singling - theme notes held well here. Nice variation. Drones strating to drift Taor doubling - a bit round overall - hold the theme notes more Crun singling - Nice overall but the joining notes are a bit too clipped - open these out. Crun doubling - hold the theme notes more here. Joining notes spot on here.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Vickie Gray 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Lament For the Old Sword Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice entry to ground. I'd prefer the first C to be a bit lazier than you're playing it. Edre movement could be slightly more fluent. Musical ground on the whole. Nice into dithis - slightly on the slow side for my taste but well phrased. A couple of crossing noises spoiling this. Doubling as per singling Taor - As dithis. Theme notes could be held a bit more before playing the taor movement. Crun - as taor. Crunluath movement could be more fluent Pipes nice on the whole but D sharp. Good piob high G. Drones drifting by Taor Overall I enjoyed this. You're clear in what you want to achieve with this tune. Your technique just needs to become more fluent as you progress which will allow you to take the tempo up in the variations without losing the phrasing and music.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Desperate Battle (of the birds) Kilberry Book Tune #53 Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Pipe well set - high A a fraction sharp for my taste. Ground - nicely phrased. I prefer the E in the cadence in this tune to be long with the note before the grip short rather than a conventional cadence. Var 1 - you have a good understanding of how you want to play this. Short notes are just a bit clipped for my taste and makes the singling feel positive rather than portraying sadness for the losing bird. Doubling - excellent Var 2 - sadness coming across in the singling but maybe a bit fast. Doubling a bit quick - hold the high As more. cut notes are a good length. You probably want the singling to be a bit slower with the doubling at the tempo you played the singling at. Watch for crossing noises going from bottom hand to high A Var 3 singling and doubling at a good tempo but a bit round. Really pulse the dotted notes and make the cut notes a bit shorter. Taor and Crun - Good tempo but you need to hold the theme notes much more. It comes across a bit round. Crunluath movement a bit right. A mach movement is in 2 halves rather than 1 movement - open the grip element of it up to help this. Pipe held well but F and High A quite sharp when you enter the ground again.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: Salute to Queen Elizabeth the 2nd Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this ground - Hold the Ds at the start of each bar more. Rushing off the E in the D double echos at the line endings. Overall an enjoyable ground. Taor - D double echos as per ground. D taors could be cleaner. Musical overall. A bit round in final phrase - hold the theme notes more. Taor D - very round - theme notes need held a lot more. Crun singling - good overall - d double echos again Crun doubling - as singling - some crun movements too crushed and not completely clean. Drones nicely in with Low A and held. D, E and F flat
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Clive Brodie 🇳🇿 Tunes: The Vaunting Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones well locked but slightly flatter than chanter. Ground a bit quick - cadencial Es in particular could be much longer. Second strike in double echo is too quick - this should be much longer since it only has 2 tails unlike the normal 3 that gracenotes/strikes have. Phrased well overall in ground. Var 1 a bit quick too - the tempo you have your ground at is probably what you're looking for in Var 1. Cut notes are too short - particularly the last low A in bar 3. Doubling as above - tempo of your singling is what you should aim for in the doubling. Trebling again too fast with short notes too clipped. This feels more like an exercise and is lacking music. I liked the way you slowed down towards the end to enter the taor. Taor singling - you need to hold the theme notes much longer before playing the taor movement. Again the cadencial E needs to be longer. In these cadeneces I'd hold the Bs and just use the low Gs as connecting notes. Remainder of taor variations well built on the whole but rushing off the theme notes makes it feel like an exercise rather than a piece of music, Crunluath as per taor. Good technique on show throughout this - the key thing to work on trying to get the music to come out this great tune. Pipe held well - just a shame you set the drones a fraction flat.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Munro’s Salute Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Ground too fast overall. Es in cadences need held a lot more. I think you're trying to phrase this correctly but it just feels rushed overall. Final phrase Var 1 - again far too fast and feels like an exercise Taor - as above and watch crossing noises. Crun - again very fast. you're not playing the crunluath movement correctly. I think you have an appreciation for what you're trying to achieve here but overall this tune is very rushed. You need to seek some instruction from a tutor to get the music out of this tune.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Lisa Martin 🇳🇿 Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice uptake to this - I just feel like you're playing the ground in 1 bar phrases instead of 2 bar phrases - better in line 2. Ground of the doubling could maybe be a little quicker - it felt like quite a big tempo increase going into the doubling. Doubling - very good Var 1 - too clipped. relax the cut notes and this would be a very musical vaiartion Doubling - a bit fast and clipped Taor - triplings a bit too open but well phrased Crun - this just needs your edres to become more fluent as you develop Good technqiue Pipes quite nicely set - F very sharp and distracting C flat.. Some chokes spoiling this performance. Good effort on the whole
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Field of Gold. Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this tune. Ground a bit round - you need to differentiate more between the long and short notes. The Es and D gracenotes in your cadences here are almost the same length - really hold the Es. Var 1 - this is very round - you need to differentiate between the long and short notes to make this musical Taor - as variation 1. Good GDEs but feels like more of an exercise than a piece of music Crunlutath- much more musical and good attempt at crun movements. Bagpipe well tunes overall but a few chokes spoiling. A few note errors throughout. This has the makings but I'd suggest listening to a recording of Donald MacLeod playing this tune - this will help you get the music out of it
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Macintosh’s Banner Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Pipe well set. Nicely into ground. Early off the first pulse of every 2nd group of 4. Really hold these Es in line 1 and F is 2/3. Nice into var 1 singling. Doubling a bit round - really hold the theme not the cut the low As. Both of these could've been a bit quick. Drones drifting Taor nicely set out overall but falling off first theme note (low A). Make sure all taor movements have the E gracenotes played to the low A - open the movement out a bit. Doubling as per var 1 doubling - a bit round. Hold the theme notes. Crun singling - nice overall. Your crun movement just needs to become more fluent as you develop. Crun doubling - as per singling. Good effort overall.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Vincent Guinnane 🇺🇸 Tunes: Struan Robertson's Salute Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice entry to tune. Bs afterlong Es could be slightly shorter for a better musical effect. Low G in D throw movements not clear. Line 2 a bit round. Hold the first high G and cut the E as per the Es and Bs in line 2. Taor singling - hold the first E longer and relax your taor movements. Other than that nicely set out. Some note errors spoiling. Taor doubling - nice overall. maybe just needs the tempo increased slightly. Work on holding the theme note and gliding through the rest. Crun singling - this feels very stilted. The breabach crunluath should be smoother. The E at the end of the crun movement and the 2 following joining notes should be the same length. You're severely cutting the middle note. Crun doubling - as above. Hiharin movement needs opened out throughout so it feels like 1 smooth movement. At the moment it feels like a gracenote to low A followed by a birl. A key area to work on is your tuning - your drones are distracting
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Megan Brodie 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Mrs John MacColl, The Shepherd's Crook, The Sheepwife Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown. Good swing and good phrasing to start. F slightly touchy - easy to blow it sharp. Clear technique, one missed doubling early. A little overcut on the cuts on beats/offbeats in part 4 for my taste. Excellent march. Good start to strathspey. Tiny catch end of line one. Lively tempo. Good phrasing. Strong technique here. Good break to reel. Drones holding well. Really pushing this reel quickly, but controlling it well. But, a bit quick relatively speaking to the tempo of the strathspey for solos. Overall very strong.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Abby Long 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Southall, Monymusk, Malcolm Johnston Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start (F a bit sharp). Quick tempo. Well expressed. Birls a little early at then end of parts. A good march, but I think your phrasing would come out better if the tempo wasn't so pushed. Excellent tempo to strath. Good phrasing. Hold the Low As to start bars in part three a bit longer. Good technique. Some underblown high As. Great groove to the reel. Excellent rendition. Well done.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Dornie Ferry, The Brown Haired Maid Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. Good tempo with strong phrase definition. Solid technique. Lots of swing to this march. Excellent start to strath. Stong strath expression and piles of control. Excellent strathspey. Good into the reel, then not totally settled. Little catches from High A to F causing a strange sound here and there. One tech miss. This tune improved as it went on and was very strong by the end after a bit of a shaky start.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ma Man Lap 🇭🇰 Place: 4 Tunes: March: Hugh Kennedy Strathspey: Susan MacLeod Reel: Smith of Chillichassie Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. Tempo quite quick, but lively and flowing well. Execution tight but fairly clear. I'd prefer a slightly slower tempo for solos with a bit more two bar phrase definition. Good break to strath. Technique more open here - quite good. A well played strathspey. Good start to reel. Also moving quite quickly, but under control. Little bottom hand issue part five. A very good MSR - sounds like pipe band style - for solos just pull back a bit on the tempo and let the phrasing and smoothness take over from speed.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Kelly 🇮🇪 Place: 5 Tunes: Major Manson of Clanastruchal /Dorritor Bridge/ Drumlittie Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. Controlled but lively tempo. Watch out for D gracenotes on short Cs going up to top hand - often sounds like a D. Make sure to close to the C. Some overcutting in part three making it sound a bit choppier that the smoothness of the other parts. Good entry to Dorrator B. STrong top hand work. Good pulsing. Some slightly unclear bits of execution but a strong strath. Good flow to reel, though some short notes a bit clipped. Maybe slow it down ever so slightly, and open up a little on the short notes especially if on a beat or off beat. Well done.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal, Maggie Cameron, Alick C. MacGregor Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start, though high A a bit sharp. Quite quick, and many of the short connecting notes, or cuts on beats/offbeats are very cut, making it sound a little choppy. I'd prefer it pulled back a little and smoothed out, with phrase definition there to avoid it sounding round. Much better phrasing in the strathspey. A bit quick but well played. Reel also quite fast. Nice touch on the GDEs in part three with the emphasis variation. Pretty good stuff here, but blazing fast!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Tunes: The Glengarry Gathering, The Ewe with the Crooked Horn, Over the Isles to America Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones well tuned and set to chanter. High G sharp, F a bit flat. Low G quite flat. Lively tempo. Good phrasing coming out. Part three: beats two and four (and elsewhere) you're not holding the C eighth note for its value, but instead pushing down to the low A - which is only a dotted sixteenth. That also means you're putting the cut note ahead of the offbeat, and not playing the tachum. Those beats are crucial to this part. Same pattern happens in part four beat four but on the top hand. Strathspey is very quick and lacking phrasing and patience. Strathspeys require pulsing and phrasings. Better pace to the reel. Some D gracenotes on cut Cs going up are obscuring the melody note. Good swing and control to the reel. The reel was the highlight for me.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Dugald MacColl’s Farewell to France, The Shepherd’s Crook, Bessie MacIntyre. Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Chanter balance a bit of an issue - sharp bottom hand and flat top hand - some warbly low Gs - drones not in with low A. I'd pull the tempo back a bit so you can get in more of the technique, and have fewer errors. Better tempo to strath - technically much stronger. Errors here too. Steady tempo. Pretty quick and tight in the reel but maintained the tempo - cleaner run than the first two tunes.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kip Morais 🇺🇸 Tunes: Pipe Major J. McWilliams, Bob of Fettercairn, McAllister's Dirk Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close but not quite refined. Top hand flat from E up (high G indistinct) Some little fluctuations in bag pressure. Cautious tempo but moving along well. Speeding through the first phrase of part four. One little note error in second ending (B for C) - it's a tough one to remember! Top hand a bit fuzzy. Good tempo to strathspey. Good pulsing. Slight acceleration starting part four but you reined it in. Reel flowing fairly well. Good job on a tough tune. Next steps should be geared toward refining your sound and tuning.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane 🇺🇸 Tunes: March: The Conundrum, Strass: Capt Colin Campbell, Reel: Col Macleod Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones tuned well together but flat to chanter. Top hand of the chanter a bit sharp - maybe raise the reed a bit? LIvely tempo. I'd like to hear some phrase definition to this march. Little fumbles in part four. Uneven bag pressure on break to strathspey. Strath a bit round - dotted notes need to be extended further - and also needs phrase definition and pulsing SWMW (or a variation of it). A few little issues going into the reel. Be careful not to overcut some of the short notes. Overall your reel approach is good - just a few too many fumbles maybe caused by overcutting in isolated places, or just errors.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommy Burns 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Toronto Scottish Regiment, Peggy Gillies, Dolina Mackay. Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: The echo and distance from the recorder makes it tough to hear clarity of execution... Drones set well but a bit flat to low A - however, your low A is sharp. Good pace to the march. Some unevenness in bag pressure. Good tempo to the strath but lacking phrasing and pulsing. Minor troubles in part three. Good start to reel, but starting with the ending phrase of part one some acceleration crept in, and carried on through the tune - keep it reined in.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Mosspark, Biddy from Sligo Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Paul. Really good jigs! Not much to criticize with this performance. Execution was excellent. Your technique is clean and crisp. A missed taorluath in 3rd part of Biddy and some slightly early B taps at end of part in Alan M. was about all I heard. As you progress to grade 1, you should consider a bit more tempo and maybe some slight shading with your phrasing. Right now your phrasing is very round which is fine, but some subtle dot/cutting in the right places can make both these tunes much more musical and interesting. Excellent bagpipe. Drones locked and blending very well with the chanter. Overall, this was an excellent performance. Well done!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: The Northern Train, The Seagull Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: HI Phil. This was a very good performance. Your execution is clear and crisp. Some taps are not coming out clearly, but otherwise very clean. I liked the way you expressed both tunes. It’s tempting to play jigs these days super round, but that can be a bit monotonous in my opinion. You included some subtle pointing into your phrasing which I thought really enhanced the musicality of both tunes. Your tempos were controlled and appropriate for this grade level. Maybe starting to rush just a bit in 4th part of Seagull. Your pipes were very well tuned. Well balanced and bright chanter blending nicely with drones. Overall, some really well played jigs. Good job!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: The Old Hag at the Kiln, Dancing on Frost Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Graham. Some very lively jig playing! There’s not a lot of complicated execution in these tunes, but they are very entertaining. You did a good job of getting the most out of both tunes. Brisk tempos, but still under control. At this grade level, slightly more challenging tunes are generally expected. Drones were solid. Chanter well balanced except for a very sharp high G. Very enjoyable performance. Thanks for your submission!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Kelly 🇮🇪 Place: 4 Tunes: Butterfingers/Caber Feidh Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Anthony. Nice jigs! Generally, your execution is crisp and mostly clean. Some missed taps and GDE’s throughout. Also, you have a slight hesitation before your birls which is interfering with the timing. GDE’s are also rushed. I’d suggest a slightly slower tempo overall. This would help you to clean up some of the missed execution and to keep your phrasing under control. Very nice drones. Well tuned and steady. Chanter balanced but a bit thin sounding. Overall, some good playing, but just need to pull back the tempo a bit to keep things under control.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommy Burns 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Pipe Major Joe Wilson/ Kenny Gillies of Portnalong, Skye Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Tommy. Not the best acoustics in this space. Lots of echo! However, some pretty good jig playing. Execution pretty good. Some missed taps in second tune. Movements lacking crispness at times. Good tempos. Phrasing is a bit pushed. By that I mean you tend to start phrases slightly ahead of the beat. Practicing with a metronome can help with this. Drones were very well tuned. Chanter seemed well balanced, but difficult to hear given the echo. Thanks for the submission!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Corkhill, The Hen’s March. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Jurgen. Thanks for submitting your jigs! You’ve got nice snap to your fingering; however, your execution is very inconsistent. Quite a few missed embellishments throughout both tunes. You might focus on keeping movements a bit more open until you can develop more consistency. A slightly slower tempo would also help with this. Some of your phrasing is rushed. For example; your GDE’s are often rushed, causing you to be early to the next phrase. Practicing with a metronome will help you with this. Drones were nicely tuned, but a very flat high A really distracted from your bagpipe sound. Overall, slightly slower tempos and opening up your techniques would really help your performance. Good luck!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane 🇺🇸 Tunes: Barbara’s Jig & The Glasgow City Police Pipers. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Raquel. Thanks for submitting your tunes! Your execution is very clean and accurate for the most part. For grade 2 level, you’ll need a bit more tempo and a more musical approach to your expression. You’re phrasing these tunes more like 6/8 marches than jigs. Partly, that’s due to your tempo, but you’re also using too much dot/cut in your phrasing. Very nice bagpipes. Drones well tuned, with a bright and balanced chanter. Overall, you just need a bit more tempo and a slightly rounder approach to your phrasing. Best of luck!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: PM Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice temp and nice pipe 1. A little light with half doublings on E in bar 2 2nd beat both times otherwise good. 2. Good 3. Good 4. Excellent Overall a very solid performance played with lots of poise and confidence. I would like to see you loosen up and work on just walking while you march as you are not using the natural cadence in your walking to assist with the march feel (although you are still consistent musically). Relax and just put the notes to your hands. Show excellent proimse well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Miss Ishabel T Macdonald Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and nice instrument 1. Good 2. Good 3. Light E doubling first time through (bar 4) otherwise good 4. Good (I believe it should be an F going into the 2nd time where you offered a High A but also could be a different settting ?) Overall a very nicely played 6/8 march played with lots of drive and confidence on a very good instrument you have complete control over. Maybe just loosen up your hands a tad to allow them to move more efficiently and accurately but you have a nice, natural feel for the music. Well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Bonawe HIghlanders Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and pipe okay 1. Nice - just try to loosen up a bit and keep the D grace notes small for better articulation. 2. Nice 3. Nice - lighter hands will allow you to feel the Low G more on the Taorluaths which will fill them out better 🙂 4. Nice - last tacchum in bar 7 (i think) was a little pushed and tight. Overall a very enjoyable performance played on a solid insturment you have good control over from start to finish. You have a nice feel for the 6/8 rhythm and were very consistent from start to finish as well. I would like to see you loosen up your grip on the chanter a little more which will be much easier on you and will actually improve your ability to play smaller grace notes for better articulation. Excellent promise keep up the great work!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Kelly 🇮🇪 Place: 4 Tunes: Mick Mahoneys Welcome Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Tempo a little careful but pipe nice 1. Good 2. watch going to E doublings from F (Keep the G grace note small to start the E doubling) 3. Nice 4. Nice Overall a solid 6/8 March performance played at a tempo I initially thought was a tad cautious however it grew on me and you were consistent with it and the 6/8 rhythm. Pipe was okay and was steady from start to finish. I would say a little less "grip" on the chanter will provide you with a a little more freedom to move about the chanter as you present as if you are trying to hold it all back (which you are doing just fine) but this slight bit of tension comes out in the performance and will inhibit your progress. Loosen up more and let the music take you 🙂 Well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Abby Long 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Dornoch Highland Gathering Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and nice instrument with drones not quite locked onto Low A detracting from the overall sound quality. 1. A little tight on delivery here which causes you to come out of rhythm on the front side a tad. 2. Nice and starting to show more poise. 3. Nice starting to relax here and you are delivering a more consistent rhythm now. 4. Nice Overall a very nice performance on a nice instrument not quite locked with Low A. You started out a tad tight but as you moved along it soundsed as if you began to relax which translated into a much more consistent and poised 6/8 rhythm. You have all of the tools and I have no doubt will continue to progress and a good way to begin this is just by staying relaxed (I know easier said than done but the more you practice staying relaxed in competition I guarantee the better your results will be 🙂 Well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Place: 6 Tunes: Wee Willie’s March Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice brisk tempo and bagpipe is well tuned and has a pleasant chanter sound! 1. a little catch or just a little tight Low A, short B to C combination in the first part and the D throw in the part ending is a tad pushed and not quite feeling the Low G to start the D throw movement creating a slight crossing noise but otherwise great sense of 6/8 "lilt" 2. same as above. 3. Good 4. NIce Overall a very pleasing performance on a great instrument that you have great control over from start to finish. The comments above could be the result of just gripping the chanter a tad preventing the free movement required which will actually sound out your short notes more. Take a look at the ending D throws as it was very consistent and slightly early on entry but not going to Low G to start the movement. Otherwise a very solid performance. Well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Trees of North Uist. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice aggressive tempo and pipe okay I think but a poor audio recording creating some sound distortion detracting from overall performance. 1. Okay but a tad pushed here needing to sit it back more to stay in the 6/8 rhythm; Squeal on Low G ? 2. okay but again a little pushed causing loss of rhythm and some light grace notes on tachhums 3. okay 4. okay Overall a good performance which was a little pushed from start to finish. Need to sit it back both in terms of tempo and just maintaining the nice 6/8 rhythm ( 1...2,3 1...2,3 etc.) consistently. Sound quality was unfortunately impacted by poor audio recording which detracted from the overall performance. You appear to have great hands and really just need to relax a bit, sit the tempo back and stay in rhythm to improve your presentation. Well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kip Morais 🇺🇸 Tunes: Heights of Cassino Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and pipe okay but drones not quite locked together detracting from overall sound quality. 1. Okay - going to the D throw early at the end of bar 3 consistently (BTW I dont think I have heard it with a throw here) 2. Okay but same as above for D throw 3. Pushing the beat a tad here especially around the birl from Low G...wait longer on the Low G then hit the G grace note of the birl right on the beat. Tacchum in Bar 5 a little tight too. 4. Okay Overall a very good performance on a decent bagpipe not quite in tune and I would like to see you put a bit more pressure on the reed to be in the sweet spot as it was coming out a little flat and some craw on High A indicative of being on the back side of the reed. Nice feel for the 6/8 rhythm and you were pretty consistent throughout other than the spots mentioned above. Loosening up your grip will assist as well here in terms of waiting and not pushing things. Well done!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommy Burns 🇺🇸 Tunes: MacNeils of Ugadale Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and nice pipe! 1. A little pushed with the 6/8 rhythm 2. Rushing to the E doubling which has a big G grace note to start which is easily fixed. 3. Good - ending not solid (wrong note) 4. Good but just pushing here a tad as well. Overall a very nice performance. I would like to see you just sit back a little more to give yourself more time to put things right in time utilizing the 1..2,3 1...2,3 rhythm consistently throughout the tune. In the 2nd part in bars 1 and 3 you are getting to the E doubling early and the reason is because your short F prior to the E doubling is too small and the G grace note to begin your E doubling is too big. This is quite common and counterproductive in producing the desired phrase here. Break this down by going from the HIgh A in beat 1, playing the short High G and F (I believe you play a back grace note on the F) and then just play a small G grace note to the E and repeat this over and over until it is right in time and you don't feel like too much is happening here. Then add the other gracee note to complete the E doubling and repeat over and over. This should fix it! You do have a tendency to be slightly ahead of the beat at time which ohly gives you less time to play the technique and will pull you out of the 6/8 rhythm. Work on loosening up and staying in time and guarantee your performance will come up to another level. Well done!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: The Sandpiper Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Nice pipe here, a few falt notes aroud the middle of the chanter. Try and ease into the tune a little more at the start. This was well played wih great technique however it comes across a little pipe-bandy, there are more musical nuances to get out of the tune. Inconsistant grips, either A or G grips please. On the whole a great performance with much potential - keep it up.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: The High Level Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Nice drone sound here with a nice chanter, F is a little sharp. The tune itself was quite well played, perhaps a little straight and a safe tempo. You could include a few dot and cut rhythms in the tune. A minor slip in part 3. 4th part losing rhythmic effect from birls, try and close them up a little to get the correct syncopation. Technically great, a very enjoyable performance - keep up the good work.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Jack Aloft Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Lovely drone sound. Nice chanter sound, top hand suspect, drones drifting as tune progresses Nicely into and was played, a few minor inaccuracies throughout however, make sure the G gracenotes are placed accurately. The odd crossing noise. On the whole a solid performance, well done.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Ina Mackenzie Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be a lot closer to the low A and could be a little closer with each other. Good level of technical application here, nice clear doublings etc. However, there is the odd inaccuracy in the third part. The tune was played quite "safe" and so you lose some musical lift. Wee slip towards the end. There is much potential here, keep up the good work.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommy Burns 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Pipe Major George Allan Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipe is a little sharp to the chanter Well into the tune. Musically very well delivered. A number of technical inaccruacies. The main one being the D gracenote, it doesn't quite close properly when going from A to C. This is very obvious in the 4th part as well. a wee slip in pt3. On the whole an enjoyable performance - keep up the good work. Try and orientate the video so that we see you correct way up. Similarly an echoey hall might not be the best place to record pipes as the round reverbarates.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Jimmy Blue, Ceilidh Lines. Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: This catagory requires you to play just one hornpipe so I judged this based on your first tune: Nice pipe here. Try to ease into the tune more. A wee slip at the start plus a choke. Some really excellent technique coming through at the start expecially ion the bottom hand. However, there was a few technical inaccuracies that crept into the mix. Similarly you lost composure towards the end of the tune. Keep the tempo down a little and try and have a nice clean run of the tune - this will be more enjoyable. Much potential here, keep it up.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: The Groat Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start, though low G on the flat side. The D throw in D double echoes should have a bigger low G than regular throws. Good pace to ground, good phrasing. Well played ground. Good technique (edre a bit uneven). Siubhal going very well. Drones drifting a little. Doubling also moving well with good phrasing. Good into T sg. Bold doubling presented well. Good into C sg. Good pace and presentation. Excellent doubling. Low A has risen a tiny bit and drones not completely locked. I really enjoyed this tune - excellent pacing and phrasing made it so fun to listen to. Thank you.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Abby Long 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: The Battle of Waternish Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start and well blown. Ground a wee bit cautious but well phrased, with well thought out treatment of cadences. Strong technique. Good entry to dithis. Excellent subtle expression. Doubling started a bit carefully but by the end of line one moved along well. Var 2 well played. Excellent pace to start doubling. Some low Gs slightly clipped. Good entry to taor. Strong technique. Doubling well played. Bit quick going into the crun singling. Pulled it back once the cadences started. Good into doubling. Good a mach movements. Overall - there were a number of micro-chokes, a couple of minor misses or squeakies, but there was great maturity in presenting this tune musically, and a very steady instrument with high quality technique.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown to start. Good pace, though slightly cautious. Early edre miss. Well phrased ground. Thumb var also good yet also cautious. Var 2 moving well. One more missed edre - but most of your edres are stellar. Taor also cautious - lots of pausing mid bar - try pushing through a bit more briskly to the grips. Good pace to the doubling. Strong technique. Same comment in crun sg as in taor sg - the E and D in the middle of bars are pretty long... Pipe holding well. Getting a micro pause on the E after the movement slightly disrupting the flow after the crun movement and the next big theme. The comments above are quite picky - overall I really enjoyed this performance.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Anthony Kelly 🇮🇪 Place: 4 Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start (High A a bit thin). Good pace and phrasing to start the ground. Well played ground. Good entry to var 1. Minor inconsistencies in hiharin movement. Bottom hand sharpening a bit. Excellent variation. Good entry to T. Well played singling. Good contrast into doubling. A few slightly indistinct movements, but most rhythmic and clear. Good transition to C singling. Well played singling. Good contrast to doubling. Good doubling variation. Jumping off the Es after a mach movements early - leg into pulse three of the first bar - very quick to the low A - disrupting the flow of your pulsing. Your chanter rose a tiny bit, and a few little technical issues, but overall this was a terrific tune.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Place: 5 Tunes: The Men Went to Drink Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. Good pace to the ground, and well phrased - essential in this tune! Var 1 could move a bit more briskly - maybe shorten the Ds in the middle of bars a wee bit. Same comment in Var 2 regarding the Ds in the middle of bars - bit long. Doubling a bit severe, and not hearing the phrasing here. Taor sg again holding a bit much mid bar, which negates any holding at phrase end. Excellent doubling. Bit long on the Es in crun singling. Movements a bit tight in doubling but variation moving along well. Pipe holding well. Well played.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Joseph Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Lament for Sir James MacDonald of the Isles Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start but low A slightly sharp. Maybe extra pressure here and there, becuase at times it is better than others. A well presented ground. Good Var 1 - room to define the end of your phrases a bit. C a bit sharp, but pipe holding well otherwise. Good pace to T, but could use phrase definition here too. Good technique. Good pace to C. Well played - just needs a bit more phrase definition in the variations.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Tunes: Lament for Mary McLeod Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close to start, but bass a bit sharp (or slightly unsteady). Good pace to the ground, and tasteful phrasing. Technically strong start (one edre miss in ground). Excellent flow to var sg. Drones not staying quite together. Excellent pace and ebb and flow in doubling. Minor catch HG to F. A very musical tune so far. Excellent T sg. Pretty sure it isn't just my speakers, but it sounds like the drones drift when you go up to F - maybe an increase in pressure causing them to move a bit? Again, good pace to T doubling. Movements tightening a bit. Excellent phrasing. Good entry to C. Well played variation - just a little hurried to finish. Good pace to doubling. Tight movements. This was an extremely musical tune, and technically good. I would take a look at the drones/bridles so they're not so sensitive, and also be sure not to change pressure when you go higher up the scale.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: Old Men of the Shells (setting no 1) Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start. Well presented ground. Drones not quite together by the end of the ground. F a bit unstable. Good pace to var 1. E sharpening by end of this var. Welll played. Minor point - played G gracenote instead of D to start Var 2 sg. If you open up the D gracenote in the cadence part of the B double echoes (as one does in hiharins) you'll get a smoother start to the echo movement. Well played. Bit of a squeak to start the doubling. A few more. Well played. Good entry to T. Quite tight GDEs and not consistent in timing - maybe open them up a little. More squeaks in doubling on low G. Miss to start C and a bit hurried. Wee change of mind at the end of line one. Good pace to both C variations, but tight technique.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Lament For Donald Laggen Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start. Some minor fluctuations in pressure affecting tone a wee bit. Cautious pace to the ground. Drones moving a little bit. Line two could use a bit more two bar phrasing - presenting it as one bar phrases with equal pauses at the end of each bar. Much better pace to start the T. Well played singling. Good movements. F a bit unstable. Cautious in doubling. Overholding mid phrase which makes you have to really extend the end of phrases to define them. Litte error. Good pace to start the C. E gracenote a bit close to the D gracenote in movements. A couple of errors in sg. Good pace to the doubling. Drones drifting more. E and F gracenotes getting big. Overall you have a good understanding and can deliver this well - just keep it going mid phrases so the melody can shine.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Tommy Burns 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Battle of Auldern No.2 Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. A few moments of uneven pressure (D and HG) to watch/listen for. Don't forget to define your phrase endings in the middle of line two. Good ground. Good pace into doubling. Could use a bit more phrase definition. Dithis a bit slow and needs strong medium medium strong phrasing. Bit scrambly into doubling - wee choke. Var 2 interesting style. Var 3 needs some phrasing. Wee choke. T sg don't forget to define the begnnings of your phrases. Still some sags in bag pressure. Phrasing a little better in T doubling. Watch ths size of your E and F gracenotes in your crun movement - bit big, obscuring the low A you want to hear. E gracenote very close to the D gracenote. Doubling missing the phrasing you had in the T doubling. A mach a little crushed. A big tune - main thing is to watch your phrasing, and control of the bag.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Colin Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Jimmy Young, Susan MacLeod, The Sheepwife Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Colin. Great to see you here today. You may want to record in landscape mode another time? Quite narrow view. Tone: A very bright, sweet sound. Well done in your setup. Execution: M): Good hands but watch 4-note gracenoting clarity. A bit tight. A-C-C-E in bar 1's are a great example to really open up. S): Tight on cut C-doublings. Watch execution tightness does not spoil the music (of which you have plenty). R): Better clarity here somehow. Music: M): Pretty aggressive start. Holding steady though and sure not lacking spark for sure. Nice polish though in general. S): Good interpretation and music to this classic. R): Really good start and really like this tempo here. Summary: A really good set Colin. Watch as - in order to advance - your hands need to keep up with your music. Need to have it all. Thanks!
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hugh Dowell 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Captain Campbell of Drum a Voisk; Mrs. Donald MacPherson; Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Hugh and thanks for taking part in this event! Tone: A bold bagpipe. Well balanced with a lovely HAn quality. Drones that wee bit sharp. Chanter is sweet with "F" being a hair peaky. Too much tuning for this kind of event. Try to limit this (started at 5:52). Still drones are sharp. Execution: M): Hands showing good claritty early. That wee bit open on some 1/16 short notes. Strong bottom hand work n 3rd. Watch E doubling (large). S): E doublings. Cut doublings are a little tight. R): Triplets could be stronger/clearer. Music: M): Nicely started. Flow to tune is very good. Consistent, steady music through the March. S): A bit careful here. Lacks some lift/punch to music. Love this tune. R): Very nice entry to Reel. Good pace here. Summary: A very nice run once you finally got going! Work on Strathspey lift. Lots of skills you have..
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Mrs. John McColl, Catlodge, Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Connor and welcome here today. Tone: A polished sound Connor - well done. Bottom hand a bit brassy for me (LG is flat for example). Beautiful HA. Execution: M): Good hands yet lacking some clarity. Examples would include C & E doublings (both could be opened for clarity). S): Stronger gracenotes would enhance, especially when on a cut note (eg. C - E). Cut doublings (C) are very tight. R): Nice A triplets. Tight gracenotes at times. Music: M): Nicely opened. Good pace and flow. Good music apparent right through. S): Pushing a little here. Quite musical overall. R): Hurried to Reel. Tempo too hot now. Summary: A very good run Connor. Watch your fundamentals overall. To advance you are going to need sound basics. Thanks again!
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Megan Brodie 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: Mrs John MacColl, The Shepherd's Crook, The Sheepwife Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Megan. Grerat to be with you today. Tone: A nice bright pitch. Pipes well set. Your bllowing is very steady and well done. Good pressure throughout. Execution: M): Good hands are obvious.Nice clean fingerwork. Bottom hand doubings are a shade open. Good and clear but watch the size of gracenotes. S): Nicely started. Excellent birls. Small catch sounds at times. R): Very good entry to this great tune. Greacenoting very clear. Wach clarity on tachums. Music: M): A careful start. Your playing is musical - no doubt - and yet the 1/16 notes are a bit too open for a solid 2/4 march presentation. It is creating a round affect to your overall flow. It is all there to address this. Otherwise you are steady and musical. S): Good music and just lacking a little attack for the grade. Good, steady beat pulsing thougth. R): Better here in terms of "letting it go". Flowing well now. Summary: Really enjoyed your playing. Musical in the end and is mostly what needs to happen. Working on letting the whole thing "go" a little. Attack the music in MSR delivery. Really promising stuff. Thank you.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gord Wallace 🇨🇦 Place: 5 Tunes: Major Mansons Farewell to Clachantrushal, Kathleen Mala, Sandy Cameron Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Gord. Great to hear you today. Tone: A good pipe sound. Drones lovely. Execution: M): Good hands are evident early on. Small catches on bottom hand work coming through (A-C/C-A). S): Good work. Watch cut C and B doublings for clarity. R): Clean hands here. Even in the challenging 4th part. Music: M): Starting at good pace. Steadiness of every beat note (esp. beat 1's) is sometimes varying. Try to extend beats with consistency. Pleasant music in the end. S): Nicely to Strathspey. Steady tempo and delivery here. Musically a bit open/round overall but not a major issue. R): Good flow here to this great tune. Flowing well. Summary: Really enjoyed this run thanks Gord. I found it a little careful but steady and musical. Also a bit round in Strathspey playing. Well done thanks.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ray Flanagan 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal; Islay Ball; Mrs. MacPherson at Inveran Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Ray. Thanks for doing this today. Tone: A bright pitch. Pipes pretty well set. "F" sharp. Execution: M): Hands pretty good but tightness to your execution is also obvious. Your fingers are actually looking really good on things like taorluaths. But overall they are "tight". S): Watch E and F doubling clarity. Triplets are very even and open. Could nip them more so that you do not slow down here. R): Catch sounds at times opening to top hand. Music: M): Well started but becomes too aggressive very quickly. Watch to not slow down and speed up at moments. Looking for consistency. S): Slowing down greatly in open passages and triplet runs. Again, speeding up and down. Careful. R): Musically better here. More even at tempol and flowing pretty well. Summary: Good job Ray. You need to strive for a steadier performance. Tempo surges are the main think along with some work on technique. Keep it up!
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Tunes: Invergordon's Welcome to Queen Elizebeth II, The Doune of Invernochty, Lt. Col. D.J.S. Murray Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Charlie and welcome to the contest today. Always great to hear you play. Tone: A full sounding pipe. Perhaps a shade dull in pitch. Especially noticeable on bottom notes (LG quite flat). "F" is uneven at times through the set. Execution: M): Hands nice and clear. A couple small glitches during March. Going from F to HA in 4th seems unclear. S): Cut doublings are very closed. Try to open up. Fight the urge to attack here! R): Really good break to Reel. Good clarity on triplets. Music: M): Flowing well early. A tad "open" in passages. Overall a musical flow to your playing. S): "F" uneven now. Good tempo chosen. R): Musical playing now. Drones out by end. Summary: Really good set Charlie. Watch chanter sound and clarity of fingers at times. Thank you.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eddie Boland 🇮🇪 Tunes: Inveran, Captain Colin Campbell, Col DJS Murray Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Eddie. Thanks for taking part here today. Tone: A good pipe sound. A little blasty for my taste but all together pretty well. Execution: M): Hands are good but a little "loose" overall. Technique needs clarity and an overal tightening. Especially bottom hand work. Pretty good overall and just needs more work. S): Taorluaths coming across well. Not quiet as clear in 4th (a bit loose here). Good overall. R): Nicely to reel. Watch to squeeze Low G on HA grips. Music: M): A musical feeling to your playing. Steady. Watch to not finish the end of lines of early. Occasionally surging in tempo slightly. S): A bit careful at start. Hold beat 1's harder (i notice it particularly in 2nd part). R): Very draggy here. Could pulse beat notes harder in my view. Summary: Good stuff Eddie - well done. Watch clarity of fingers in general. Could be more consistent. Thanks again for playing this MSR.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Friedrich Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Tommy MacDonald of Barguillean, Maggie Cameron, Bessie MacIntyre. Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Friedrich. Welcome today and might I say your appearance and location are spectacular! Tone: A bright bagpipe. I feel your drones are tuned a little sharp giving the appearance of flatness to the chanter sound. Small surges in tone...I think your blowing could be steadier (to me it is more pressure consistently on the bag). Execution: M): Hands are pretty good. They could be opened up overall for greater execution clarity. S): Really nipping the triplet runs and cut doubling work. R): Watch catch sounds opening to top hand notes. Open triplets as well. Music: M): Well started at an excellent tempo. Flowing well. Pulsing pretty well for this great tune. Pushing at times in tempo. S): Nicely opened. R): Too fast from the start. Nice cutting in 4th part. Summary: An enjoyable MSR. Watch aggressiveness and clarity to finger technique. Look at the balance from drones to chanter as well to enhance. Thank you.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Patrick's Revelation, Angus Sutherland Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Connor. Some excellent jig playing! I really enjoyed your tunes. Great drive and control of phrasing. Excellent execution with strong and consistent technique. Really good bagpipe. Chanter bright and balanced with a nice ring to high A. Top notch performance. Well done!
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Colin Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Donella Beaton and Braes of Melnish Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Colin. Very well played jigs! Really strong execution throughout both tunes. Controlled and accurate phrasing. A few chirps on low G at times. Maybe slightly dragging in the 3rd part of Braes. Keep moving through the grips. Drones solid. Chanter bright, but chirping a bit. Flat high A. Overall, an excellent performance. Nice job!
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gord Wallace 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Brides Jig, Old Wife of the Milldust Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Gord. Very nicely played jigs! Execution is quite clean. Watch the placement of your G gracenotes in your GDE’s. Not always being placed directly on the note. Good tempo. Some dragging in 3rd part of Old Wife. At times, you’re beginning phrases slightly ahead of the beat giving a pushed feel to your timing. Very nice bagpipe. Drones locked. Chanter balanced and bright. Very good performance!
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eddie Boland 🇮🇪 Place: 4 Tunes: The Strutting Jig, Donnie Mcgregor Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Eddie. Nicely played jigs! Execution is clean and crisp. Some small chirps high A to low A. Very good control of phrasing. Some slight rushing in 2nd part of 2nd tune. Slight bobble in 3rd part. Excellent bagpipe! Drones were locked in. Very bright and balanced chanter sound. Overall, a very nice jig set!
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Skylark's Ascension, Alex MacDonald Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Charlie. Nicely played tunes! Execution is crisp, but lacking consistency. E and F taps very inconsistent. Missed GDE in part 1 of 2nd tune. Bobble in 3rd part. Tempo and timing a bit erratic. Just a bit unsettled overall. Very nice bagpipe sound other than a flat F. I think with a little work on some of your technique you’ll find your tempo and timing issues will also improve. Good luck!
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Colin Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Rab's Wedding, Miss Ishabel T MacDonald Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: The requirement here was to play just 1 march so I have judges this based on the first tune, 'Rab's Wedding'. Good drone tone here, nice bright chanter. Technically sound as well with some great musical flow and poise. The tempo could just be a tad brighter and try and ease into the tune a little more.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Rab's Wedding Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good drone tone here, nice bright chanter. Good tempo though could be a tad brighter. Technically sound though the D gracenote finger could be lifted a tad higher to achieve maximum clarity in bottom hand technique. Overall an enjoyable performance, well done. Watch E strikes too.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gord Wallace 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones good here but could be a little steadier and locked to the chanter. Getting better as the performance goes on. Lovely 6/8 playing here with good technical skill though doublings could be a little more open. Drones starting to waver in the 4th part.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Iain Campbell of Oban Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be a little more locked tonally together here. Try and ease into the tune a little more. G gracenotes could be more accurately placed in your ornamentation in general. A few crossing noising coming across. Good tempo here with some good expression coming across. Drones getting better as performance improves.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Aberdeen Romeo, Stumbling Through the Grey Area Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe to start. Excellent tonal quality. Aggressive but controlled pace. Minor rushing in part two. Also a wee bit elssewhere around thumb gracenotes on HG. Grey Area more settled. Killer technique. Well played - just a few minor places pushing the beat a bit.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gord Wallace 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: The Ladies Hornpipe, PM George Allan Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. Lively and swingy with clear execution. Slightly aggressive in cuts which land on beats or offbeats at times. Smoothly into second tune. Little miss part three. Steady tempo. An enjoyable set.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Colin Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Tam Bains Lum and Donald MacLeod Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe to start. Lovely tonal quality. Careful attention paid to the big notes - well done. Clear technique. Steady tempo. One funny F in part three. Slowing a little in part 4 of TBL. Then a tempo increase into Donald M, with a sltightly different feel, but very appropriate for this tune. I preferred the flow in the second tune to the first - just a bit more natural, where in TBL sounded like you were trying harder, if that makes any sense!
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Jack Adrift, Lois' Hornpipe Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe, but F flat and a bit unstable. Lively and swingy. Minor hesitation part two and a few tiny catches - maybe caused by some overcutting of the cut notes. Watch bag pressure - esp in part 4 of Jack. More slightly indistinct bits part one of Lois. Steady tempo. Chanter not with drones at the end. Overall a good set, just a few slightly unclear, or slighly scrambly bits particuarly at the end of tune 2.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Colin Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: The Groat Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Nicely phrased start on a good bagpipe. I would say your cadential E is slightly too long vs. the rest of the phrase. I would also prefer a bit more of the themal D at the end of the echos before the G grace note in e.g. bar 2 (copied wherever this occurs through the tune) - Nice Siubhal, I think a missed grace note in Singling L3 the only blemish. I like putting some emphasis on the B grips, but don't do it to such an extent as to interrupt the melody - Torluath Singling strong, perhaps a shade too fast making the cadences at the end of the phrases a little laboured in contrast. I think you could open up the Singling. One missed movement - Torluath Doubling very good, be careful not to lose the phrase endings. Final movement of the variation a little messy - Simliar comments with Crunluath Singling to Torluath. I think you could open this up a bit, let more air into the Low Gs and you could get more flow to it - And Crunluath Doubling comments really as Torluath too Good bagpipe throughout. Drones wavering slightly but never hard on the ear. An excellent tune, really only musical interpretation that differ how I would play the tune. Well done
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Field of Gold Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Lovely start on a good pipe. Top hand maybe slightly shrill but good balance across drones and chanter - Ground well played. I think you could be slighltly smoother through all of it and not cut the semi-quaver notes quite so aggressively, but that is my opinion - Similar comments for V1 - nice phrasing and clean technique, but just seek the rhythm and flow a little more - Torluath very musical. I would try to tighten up the GDEs slightly so you can give more to the theme note without losing tempo - Crunluath also excellent. A couple of missed F grace notes but otherwise very technically. These two variations were definitely worthy climax
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Hugh Dowell 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Lament for the Viscount of Dundee Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Confident start, well phrased on a good instrument. I would prefer it if you weren't so abrupt with the movement and phrase around the grip in bar 3 L1 of the Ground, try to roll through it a bit more smoothly - A couple of minor technical issues in L2 Ground (cherede) - V1 Singling and Doubling good. Nice musical flow, you could perhaps get even more out of the music here. Good transition into V2 - Squeals in V1 and 2, becoming quite regular on Low G in particular - are you overblowing? Becoming common in Crunluath. Pipes are otherwise pretty good so I would see if you can crack set up - Inconsistent treatment of the final note of the phrase in V2 Singling, in an otherwise good Variation. Doubling better, but transition into Torluath maybe good have had more emphasis on closing note - Torluath good, the theme note (after the GDE) felt slightly rushed in the Singling, I don't think you need to push the tempo here, your technique is good enough to hold the tempo up. Again, would recommend more closure to Doubling before entry into Crunluath - Cadences a bit inconsistent in Crunluath Singling, and a hint of the same rushing as in Torluath. A well played tune with good technique and a sound instrument. Only a very few musical criticisms that did not tarnish the overall impact of the tune. Sort the squeals out and any criticism could really only be subjective. Well done
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Groat Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Confident approach to the tune, tempo about right. However, the treatment of cut or joining notes comes across a bit choppy. This is the same in the Siubhal - I feel you want it to be a bit more swingy than choppy, let it flow a bit more - Poweful pipes and a balanced chanter. It sounded like the pipe was maybe a bit too strong and blowing degraded through the tune - The occasional technical blemish in the Crunluath - Nice variety in pace between all the Singlings and Doublings, less so the Crunluath where S&D were very similar. This removed a bit of the climax to the tune Solid performance of a challenging tune. I would say your main focus should be on smoothing out the treatment of cuts and holds and working on the overall impact of the tune - taken separately there were lots of good bits but taken together they were quite inconsistent.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Eddie Boland 🇮🇪 Place: 5 Tunes: Andrew macneil of colonsay Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - The setting you played replicates the music available from the Piobiareachd Society, where the first line is not repeated. There is another setting in the Glenfiddich Collection where the first line is repeated. Worth remembering that - because this is online, I could check but if I were on a judging bench I might not have that luxury! - Squeals from High A to Low A - Pretty good technique throughout, occasional miss towards the end - Musically played, nice hang towards the end of each line. You could perhaps vary the phrasing of the couplets in the ground - there is a recording of William Barrie (the composer) singing the tune and he has some nice variety between first bar and second bar couplets each time they occur. You could slightly more difference between the Singlings and Doublings, particularly in the Variation? It's a very melodic tune and so I think you could really draw out V1 Singling - Phrasing started to wane in T Doubling, not emphasising line endings quite as much and this results in a ver abrupt transition from Torluath Doubling into Crunluath. - Very quick off the final Crunluath back into the Ground. Don't dwell on this, but I'd give it just a fraction more - Crunluath movements came across a bit square, which is because the E after the movement sounds a similar length to the theme note before. Try to draw out the theme not and shorten (not cut too much) the E after the movement so you get more musical flow - Pipes held well through out. You didn't take the time to settle them before the tune began but that didn't seem to bother them. However, the chanter wasn't quite balanced nor in with the drones. Not distracting, but particularly in this tune that slight dissonance can make the difference Overall an enjoyable performance. A top quality bagpipe would turn this from a good performance into an excellent performance. Well done
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Stephen Ross 🇦🇺 Place: 6 Tunes: Lament for the Dead Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Inconsistent treatment of the cadences at the middle and end of each line. There is a lot of opportunity to vary the way each couplet is treated for musical effect, but I don't feel you took advantage of that fully - it seemed a bit samey throughout - Nice increase in tempo in V2, but the monotony of the couplets is more accentuated as you get to this faster and more consistent variation. There is very little phrasing now - You are holding the introductory E at the start of each line / phrase out of proportion with other notes and phrases - in most cases it is too long. - In contrast, music in Torluath Singling and Doubling is nice, good distinction in the phrases and you are holding the first note of each phrase nicely. - Blowing is becoming a bit unsteady by Torluath, on an otherwise good instrument. An unfortuante squeal towards the end of Crunluath Doubling - Technique overall is very good. The one movement to work on would be hiharin, where your first low a is a bit long and your low g taps a little uneven. - Nice to hear Crunluath a Mach in this tune. I am inclined to play one, eve though there is no mention in PS Overall a good performance, a stable pipe and technique. I feel it was lacking a bit of musical interpretation, which with this tune can make it seem a bit boring or monotonous. You did manage to insert nice phrasing and colour in places, so believe you could do more with it. Well done
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Gord Wallace 🇨🇦 Tunes: Mackays Short Tune Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Nicely presented ground, nice phrasing and colour to the melody - Technique is quite inconsistent, particularly hiharin and grips to low A. You played an extra G grace note in the first cadence of the last bar in Ground Line 2. A few misses in Torluaths - Open Torluaths were well-handled, these can be a gotcha but were kept in the flow of the tune - Similar comments in the Crunluath. A tendency to dwell on the E in the open Crunluaths which interrupted the flow a little bit - Pipes good throughout, steady drones and well in tune. Top hand was a bit shrill but it doesn't get much of an airing in this tune so you can get away with it Well played, a musical performance of a tune that can become dull. Unfortunately just a few too many technical glitches to get into the list here
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ray Flanagan 🇺🇸 Tunes: Desperate Battle Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Confident opening and a reasonable tempo. You are quite aggressive with the runs up to High A; if you were a little less aggressive I think you could also lift the tempo a bit. It's a battle tune, after all - Played an extra note in the first bar of V1 (3 C crochets, rather than 2). Rest of variation good - Lost a bit of pace transitioning into V1 Doubling. You were consistent with it when there, though. The impact against V1 singling and V2 Singling is that this variation seemed slow and out of sync with the rest of the tune - V2 Singling good. V2 doubling good, but you dropped tempo from the first bar. Tempo in the first bar was to my liking, it then was a little slow - I like to draw out the end of Variations in this tune. It's a very transitional moment into the Torluath - No Variation 3 or doubling? - A missed note in Crunluath Singling I think too. Try to keep the Crunluath a Mach timing as consistent as possible across a Mach and standard movements. You lost a bit of music here. Good instrument and technique throughout. This was a bit of a shame. There are lots of good bits in the recording but leaving out a whole variation (that I've not heard of before nor can find reference to in PS (i.e. the Setting you are playing)) unfortunately is a bit of a deal-breaker. Get rid of some of these basic memory-lapses and there's a good tune lurking there. I'd like to hear it again, in completemess.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: George Morisson DSO, Flee the Glen, The Kitchen Maid, Mist Covered Mountains, Braes of Marr, Sleepy Maggie, The Antrim Rose Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Paul. Good to see you doing this today. Tone: A good sound with some flatness to the chanter. It sweetened somewhat as you went through the medley. Execution: Very good hands to start. Very good jig playing. Watch to close quickly frm HA to LA (small chirps). Strathspey could be clearer (execution). Music: Don't think you should do an attack at the start - even if this is the bands' medley. This is your event. Jig flow is excellent. A nice arrangement of tunes - pleasing and well put together. Summary: Thanks for this Paul. Your voice has dropped a bit like your chanter did early on. Things change... Nicely done.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Kate Dalrymple/Miss Ada Crawford/Lexy McAskill/My Home/Old Toasty/Staggering Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Zyggy. Tone: A bright pitch and sound. Pipe is well balanced with nice drone affect. Chanter that little bit high overall. The odd busy HA but yourt blowing seems very good overall. Execution: Strathspey could have more content (pretty stripped down). Same for Lexi McAskill. Music: A musical opening. I find that My Home is very dot/cut. Seems jerky for this great tune. An enjoyable group of tunes. Summary: A good performance and I enjoyed this. However, competitive piping requires there be executtion in the music for emphasis,.The content has been stripped down pretty much to the bones here. Thank you.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Farewell to Nigg, The Duck, The Irish Chase, I’ll Remember Tara, Itchy Fingers Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Grant. Thank you for taking part in this event today. Tone: Pipe is well balanced yet there is the chanter appears flat as the drones are set on the sharp side. There is a funny mic setting you have as the sound keeps having small blips. Just check for another time or have an external mic? Execution: Opening needs a strong D throw to start. Hands are prertty good overall. Coming through quite clearly. Hand changes are well done in jig playing. Very good finger control in Itchy. Some catch sounds when changing hands. Miusic: Farewell to Nkgg is such a great tune. Nice job of this. Jigs are very musical. The Air is coming across well. You have chosen very good tempos for all tunes. Well chosen tunes. Summary: Nicely done Grant. Watch the bagpipe sound and occasional crossing sounds.
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: John McColl’s March to Kilbowie Cottage Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Anthony. This was a very well played 2/4 march! Your execution is very clean and crisp. A couple untidy moments in 3rd part, but otherwise excellent technique. Nice, controlled tempo which is important for your stage of learning. Nicely expressed with good control of phrases. Eventually, you’ll want to bring out a bit more pointing to your phrases, but only do so if you can keep the execution clean. Excellent bagpipe. Drones steady and locked in throughout. Nicely balanced chanter with a bright sound. Overall, this was an excellent performance. 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: Charlie Gregg 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: John mcColls march to kilbowie cottage Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Charlie. Really good 2/4 playing! Overall, your technique is very clean and crisp. F doublings sometimes lacking a bit of clarity. Very good tempo for your level. Timing good, but at times you’re beginning phrases slightly early. Practicing with a metronome can help you with that. Careful not to overcut the C 1/32 notes in part 3. Very nice bagpipe. Drones well set and steady. Bright and balanced chanter. This was a really good performance. Nicely done!
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: William Nicholls 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi William. Nicely played tune! You have good control of your technique with clean and crisp movements. Some finger placement issues at times (not getting holes covered completely). Shouldn’t be a problem as your hands grow a bit more! Good tempo for your grade level. Allows you to focus on your execution and timing. Watch that you’re starting phrases on a beat. At times you tend to be very slightly early. Use your metronome to check yourself. Pipes were very steady and well tuned. Overall, a very strong performance. Nice job!
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Liam Keating 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Pipe Major Willie Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Liam. Some really good playing! Execution is crisp but not always clean. Watch the crossing noises, especially in the 3rd part. Also, C tacums in 4th part not clean. Good tempo. You have a nice dot/cut approach to your expression, but be careful not to overcut, especially the 1/32 notes. These notes should be short, but you still have to hear them clearly. Timing is slightly pushed at times. Use your metronome to make sure you’re starting phrases right on the beat. Big bagpipe sound! Drones well set. Some slight flatness with chanter. You’re a very promising player. Keep working!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Allan Dodd's Farewell to Scotland Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and lovely pipe! 1. NIce - make sure short notes are not too short (try to loosen up your hands a bit more and this will take of this most likely 🙂 2. Nice 3. Nice 4. Nice Overall a very nicely played march with lots of phrase definition and music. Just try to loosen up your hands a bit to get a little more short note articulation as they are coming across a tad tight and with softer hands they will sound out more as mentioned above. Regardless, this was a very nice performance and I believe you will continue to rise as a player and P/M Alasdair Gillies would be pleased. Well done!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Abby Long 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Southall Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and pipe well tuned. 1. A little more low A in front of the Taorluaths in first part. 2. A little pushed to the ending birl first time through but better on repeat. 3. Much better on the Low A before the Taorluaths here. 4. Good Overall a very solid performance on a nice instrument you had great control over from start to finish. Would like to see you relax your hands a tad more which will allow you to wait a little longer to put everything right in time (ie. birls at end of parts and Low A before Taorluaths) as you know what you want to do and not quite always executing. Lots of poise and music coming out most of the time and you show excellent promise moving forward so keep up the good work. Well done!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Kantara to Al Arish Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and excellent bagpipe 1. Nice - just try and ensure you don't push your C tacchums to Low A. Use the offbeat to time them correctly. 2. Nice 3. Slight crossing noise on the repeat here (too tight with grip ?) otherwise fine. 4. Nice - again a slight crossing noise popping out. Overall a very solid March played with nice music on an outstanding bagpipe. Just try and loosen up a tad to allow your hands to move when you want them too which will take care of the little crossing noises that are popping up here and there. You have excellent potential and this was an enjoyable performance. Well done!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Colin Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Donald Ross of Rosehall Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and nice instrument with drones pretty well tuned but not 100 % locked. 1. Watch you don't push to the first birl as you have more time here. 2. missed first E doubling and G grace note on last B strike in the part endings otherwise excellent. 3. some light C doublings at part ending 4. again missing a G grace note. Overall a very nice performance on a nice instrument. I would like to see you relax your grip a little more to allow your hands the freedom to move about the chanter as you missed a few grace notes here and there for no other reason than the fingers just didn't move when you wanted them to which is a sign of gripping. Stay in time and let your talent and musical ability flow out. Show excellent potential well done!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Cadell Merritt 🇳🇿 Place: 5 Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice aggresssive tempo and pipe sounds okay with lots of chanter projection. 1. Good - slight crossing noise 2nd time through the part 2. Good 3. Good - slight crossing noise starting the part (F) 4. missed a short F 2nd time through the part. Overall very well played march with an aggressive tempo on an instrument that was pleasing to listen to. Would like to see you relax a little more with your grip on the chanter and ensure your top hand is placed ergonomically sound as there appears to be a bend in your left wrist which will prevent mobility and could create some tension issues down the road. Placement of holes in bag and length of blowstick could contribute to this so ensure you consult your teacher or reach out to a reputable player to assist in correcting this as the comments made above pertain to top hand technique mostly. Have excellent potential keep up the good work!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 6 Tunes: Muir Of Ord Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and pipe sounds okay. 1. Good 2. Slight Crossing Noise coming from the E to D down to B exchange in 7th bar 3. Good keep the B doublings consistent as the half doublings were better than the regular (with G grace note) where you pushed to them. 4. Good Overall nice consistent march played with lots of confidence and accuracy. Would like to see you loosen up a bit and start to march to provide you with more of a swing while you play your march which will enhance your presentation. This will also allow your hands the ability to move about the chanter more efficiently and accurately. Well done!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: John MacColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Connor! Thanks for playing in this contest! Pipes sound good, though the chanter is a half-hair sharp (you're underblowing slightly to get things to lock) Technique is quite good, though some G gracenotes are coming across as clipped. Musically, I felt that you have a lot more room to express and stretch the long notes on the downbeats throughout the tune. Starting at such a fast tempo is partially contributing, but by the 2nd part you started to play more and more on the front edge of the beat. At times, the tempo got as high as 75 bpm. Be careful about how you hold downbeats, but be especially careful of how early you move on and off of upbeats. That's where the feel and magic of 2/4 march playing lives. I'm being very fine-toothed here, this was a very good performance. That said, your hands are great, and I think the above points would take this march to the next level.
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Megan Brodie 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Mrs John MacColl Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Megan! Good to see you competing! A great tune here, and well-played. Below were my thoughts as you played through the tune. Pt 1 - Late to C doubling in bar 8 first time through, better on repeat Pt 2 - Overextending the B in bar 3 Pt 3 - pick ups into the part were a little behind, and the part felt behind as a result (the high A was a bit too long), this was better on the repeat Pt 4 - Strong part, but I'd like to see a held first High A in bars 1 and 5 to give the downbeat a little exmphasis 2nd ending good, but late to the C doubling in final bar Pipes sound great, especially good drone tone. Cahnter accurately tuned and well-voiced. The High A is nice a bright without seeming sharp. F is a little bright for me, but not detracting at all (personal taste). Musically, this is a very mature performance. You were very well settled on the downbeats, and aside from the few spots I noted above, the groove was impeccable. Well played. My best advice on taking the tune to the next level is to look at the above points, and also to work playing the smoothest melody you can. This involves the micro adjustments on all of the cut notes to make sure things are cut without seeming clipped. You're nowhere near clipping anything, but the last little bit of polishing work lives in this point. Very enjoyable!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Knightswood Ceilidh Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Paul! Thank you for entering this contest! Pt 1 - Good intro into the tune, and a nice tempo to start. The first tachum was a little clipped in comparison to the softness you're using elsewhere, but the repeat was better. Be careful not to be late for the D throw in bars 2 and 6 Pt 2 - Good, although the G gracenote in bar 7 on D as you cut up to the high G wasn't as accurate as others Pt 3 - Slowing down throughout this part Pt 4 - Partially because of the slow in tempo in part 3 and because of being ever so slightly behind in starting the part, the first time through felt unsettled. It was much better in the repeat. You find the groove again. The pipes drifted a little bit over the course of the tune, but they were overall quite good. High A was bordering on sharp, but it didn't sharpen further. I think you were trying to find the Low A with your blowing at times, so I would be careful not to start the tune until you are absolutely sold on and married to the tuning. Overall, a great performance of one of my favorite 2/4 marches! A few small touches in the 3rd part to keep things moving, and a few small polishings on the cut notes in the tachums, and you'll be right there at the next level. Well played!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Father John MacMillan of Barra Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Aiken! Thank you for playing in this event, and it's always good to hear Fr. John MacMillan of Barra! Pipes are very good, although the E tuning wasn't quite bang on for me. Drones were sonorous and stable, which I really enjoyed! Technique throughout was very good. Doublings and gracenotes were nice and clear. If I could be very picky, you might might try to get a little more depth and bark out of your birls. That's just a taste thing, but it is probably worth experimenting. Musically, this tune was also very steady and stable (like your drones). I will say that, at times, you were on the verge of rushing into the upbeats. Looking at the 2nd part, bars 3 and 7, you had a tendency to rush the E and dive straight into the tachum. It was very slight, but that pulled me out of the groove a little bit. The other thing I want to mention is the pickup notes into the first part we a little square for me. This tune has oodles and gobs of room for stretching and pulling (within reason of course), and you were taking advantage of a lot of it. In comparison, the pick up notes seemed to be a bit out of place with the treatment of the rest of the tune. I enjoyed this march a lot, Aiken, and I hope you keep polishing it and refining it. You're doing a lot of great things with it!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Orin Weiss 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Conundrum Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Orin! Thank you for competing in this contest! Pipes are pretty good, although the chanter's tuning isn't quite locked in. It seems like you are trying to find the E, and C and High A are flat. Technically, you're putting forward a good performance here. If I was to be very picky, your High A doublings are little too loose for me. I tend to think of my High A doublings as a thumb gracenote on a very short High G then moving to High A. Also, in the final bars of each part, be sure to play a doubling on B and not a gracenoted strike (that's a setting issue that I write about below). Musically, there are some spots where your treating the upbeat inconsistently. One of the ways this tune is deceptively difficult is because the composer, Peter MacLeod, is playing heavily with where emphasis falls and how that interacts with the upbeat vs downbeat. In part 4, especially, you need to be sure to hold the last F of measure 1, because it's the mirror image of measure 2. You seemed to hold the first F of measure 2 adequately, although I think you could stretch it just a little bit more. Part 3 has a lot of issues. I would advise you to double-check the music and make sure the setting you're using is from a reputable source (Willie Ross book 4 or one of the major online sheet music sites come to mind). This tune is both very distinct and reasonably modern, and as such there isn't room for alternative settings. Enjoyed the tune overall, and I look forward to seeing you grow into it more as you work further on it!
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Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Friedrich Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi. Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Try to ease into a little more. A nice tempo however with some good music and expression at times. A few crossing noises coming across. Pipes were good at the start but drifted towards the end. Inaccuracies in the 3rd part, make sure these are a little tidier.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Joseph Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Leaving Glenurquhart Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Pipes fairly well set Tempo is a bit fast for this tune and you're jumping into some half beats which exaggerates this further. Good technique throughout. A little slower with more attention to the half-beats and this would've been an excellent tune.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Gord Wallace 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Allan Dodds Farewell to Scotland Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe. High A slightly thin Technique good overall. C doublings maybe a fraction open compared to others. Good tempo for this tune. Slightly early into B shake movement at the end of the lines - wait for the beat. C before strikes in third part are a bit too clipped. Pulsing the first note of each bar a bit more and waiting for the half beats would give this tune more lift. It's just overall a bit square for me. Good tune overall
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Alasdair Gillies Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Great tune choice for this contest - this tune will become a classic in the coming years. Good bagpipe - F flat Nice uptake to this march. Cut Cs in part 1 are too clipped. 2nd part run down from high A in phrase 2 is a bit round and ruining the musical effect here. Last part could use much more pulse on the beat notes - this felt more like a 6/8 than a 2/4. Technique very good overall. Taorluaths maybe just a bit crushed.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this tune. beat notes need to be pulsed more and wait for the half beats - this is particularly the case for the first low A and coming off High G into the B-Ds throughout this tune. Very good technique throughout. The biggest area for you to focus on is your tuning as this would really imrpove your overall performance.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Conundrum Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice uptake to march. Drones not locked - this is a key area to work on as this will enhance your overall performance. Good technique! Some groups of 4 are a bit round - hold the first note. 3rd part well handled. Last line a bit round overall.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice uptake to march. You're rushing through bars 2 and 4 in parts 1 and 2. Really holding the first low A/G in these bars will really help and make it more musical. Good technique throughout. Rushing into taorluaths at the start of pt 3 The key area for you to work on is your tuning as this would enhance your overall musical performance. Tricky 4th part well handled overall.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi. Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Drones locked well together but slightly flatter than the chanter. F slightly sharp. Maybe a little quick for a solo performance - I'd slow it down a bit which would help the busier groups and grips in part 3. Good technique but some crossing noises spoiling this. Again, slowing down would help.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Graham Durant-Law 🇦🇺 Tunes: MacLaren’s Farewell to Blairgowrie Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune. A bit early into the tachum in bar 2 of part 2 - really hold the E. Also, make sure your pinkie hits the Low A hole playing tachums. You're also a bit early into the birl in the ending phrase. Nice bagpipe and well blown. Good swing overall. It was nice to hear an unusual tune.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇨🇾 Tunes: 79th Farewell To Gibraltar Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: A good effort tuning your pipes here. Good overall attempt at getting the music out of this tune but I'd slow it down a bit for now. Your technique is good but you're struggling to fit it all in at this tempo and it's getting in the way of the music in some passages. Once your doublings etc are more fluent you'll be able to lift the tempo. Good effort overall
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Joseph Gallagher 🇺🇸 Tunes: Donald MacLean’s Farewell To Oban Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Bagpipe nice overall but E is slightly flat. Nice tempo and swing overall but you are holding the last High A in phrase 3 of part 2 too long. This is slowing down your tune and made the start of the third part too slow. Recovered well after this. Open out the groups of 4 with tachums in them as these are a bit crushed. Other technque is very good espeically tachums at start for parts 1 and 3. Excellent grip movements. Good tune overall
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi. Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Good attempt at tuning your pipes but F is quite sharp. Good technique but rushing into the grips in last phrase and throughout 3rd part - pulse the beat notes and wait for the half beat. A couple of chokes spoiling an overall good tune.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Tunes: 2/4s Corrriechoillie's 43rd Welcome to the Northern Meeting and High Road to Gairloch Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice tempo into this tune. A little hesitant going into the repeat for the first part. Technique good overall but low G inaudible in D throw - make sure you get good contact with the low G here. Shake movements at the end of the parts are a bit early and open - wait for the beat for the G gracenote. Second tune solid but would benefit from your doublings being less open - I think they just need to become more fluent as your playing develops. Drones locked nicely with low A here but some other notes on the chanter seem sharp. Working on your tuning will really enhance your music. Great effort for a grade 5 player.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Tommy Burns 🇺🇸 Tunes: Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band. Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune but it's overall a bit round. Ending phrase is very rushed and round in particular which is affecting the musical delivery. I'd slow this down a bit to ensure you're phrasing it correctly. Technique very good overall but the rushed phrases are making it hard to fit everything in. Bagpipe good overall but D is flat. A bit more focus on your musical delivery and this would be a strong tune.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Vincent Guinnane 🇺🇸 Tunes: King George V Army Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Rushed into the start of the tune. You can really hold the E pickup note and take your time settling in. I'd slow this tune down a bit to let you comfortably fit in all your technque. Playing a bit fast is also causing your third part to be a bit round. Technique strong when you are fitting it in. A key area to focus on is your tuning as this would really help your overall performance.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian K. MacDonald 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: MacLean from Pennycross/Arniston Castle/John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Ian and welcome to this event. Tone: A solid pipe. A bit of flatness to the chanter, notably on F. Execution: M. Solid. S. Ditto R. Watch E doublings in 5th. Music: M. On the front foot. Good, fiery playing. S. Really exciting here. Tiny bit of labour in 3rd. R. On fire man. Really good. For me, it may just be a hair too heavy on tempo but I really like you going for it. Thanks.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Dew 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel Gavin Fergusson John McKechnie's Big Reel Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi John, Great to have you here. Tone: A solid instrument. "F" could be sweeter. Execution: M. Really good hands. S. Solid R. Ditto Music: M. On the front foot to open. Perhaps a touch overcooked. S. Nice tune. R. On that foot but nicer this time. Really good run thanks John.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sean McKeown 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Donald Maclellan of Rothsay, Inveraray Castle, Alick C MacGregor Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Sean and welcome to this event. Tone: A full, resonant instrument. Lovely HA. "F" a titch dull. Execution: M. Solid hands. Sparks flying nicely. S. Nice R. Well finished. Music: M. Flowing very well. Natural. Could flaunt the 4th more in my view. S. Well started. Lacks a bit of attack on runs. R. Lovely Thanks for this terrific set. Really good stuff. Thanks!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Darran Forrest 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Jimmy Young, Susan MacLeod and Major David Manson Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Darren. Wow, great to see you here. Tone: A very nice pipe. Good "solo" balance to the sound. Lovely F and HA. Low G is too deep/low. Low A perfect. Execution: M. Good solid fingers. No worries here. S. Excellent. Great clarity. R. Ditto. Music: M. NIce attack to your March. Feel you could let it swing just that little bit more. A touch "straight" but I am splitting hairs here. S. Very musical. R. A bit too delayed to Reel. Flowing well again. Great style in 3rd. Really excellent Darren. Just solid man. You must take the shackles off re what band you will be in next...gotta do this. Thanks!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Williamson 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Knightswood Celidh, Dora MacLeod, Cockerel in the Creel Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Jack. Thanks for taking part in this event. Tone: A very good sound. Full and well balanced. Nice ring off HA. Execution: M. 2nd time is a charm. Good hands. Solid right through. S. Small wrong note in 1st. R. Nicely to reel. Music: M. Well started but a bit sleepy. Really feel it dragging in 3rd. S. Good tempo. Good music - well done. R. Swinging nicely at this point. A very musical set Jack. I just feel like you could "go for it" a little overall. Then it would be very interesting. Thanks!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joe Biggs 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Mrs. Duncan MacFadyen / John MacDougall Gilles / Broadford Bay Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Joe. Good to have you here. Tone: A bold pipe - full and resonant. Blowing excellent. LG is quite flat. Execution: M. Good hands. Watch E doublings. S. Nice triplet feel to runs. Sometimes G gracenotes could be stronger. R. Solid Music: M. NIce drive to your tempo. Could hold the first beats a hair longer. S. Nicely started. Good Strathspey pulse. Separating beats very well. R. Steady here. LG distracting. Really interesting set Joe. Lots or strength and finesse to your playing at the same time. Fix the LG. Thanks.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Gray 🏴 Tunes: Mrs Duncan MacFadyen/The Islay Ball/John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Andrew and a pleasure to be here with you. Tone: A nice sound. Bold but well balanced. Could be your mic but drones do not seem 100%. HA quite high. HG also kind of uneven as the run goes along. Execution: M. Very good hands. E doubling could be clearer it seems. Tachums a bit loose. S. Clean R. E doublings. D as well. Music: M. Excellent tempo chosen. Flowing well. S. NIce subtlety on triplet runs. A tad careful perhaps overall. R. Carfeful opening. A very good set. Tons of music. Just a few small concerns. Thank you.
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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: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi David. Thank you for being part of this today. Tone: A good sound - very full - a little deep in the end. Mainly due to thickness on the bottom hand. Pleasant but a little flat. Execution: M. Good hands are evident. Watch E doublings for clarity. S. Nicely to Inverary C. R. Excellent start. Music: M. Quite careful in delivery here. Cautious. Watch to keep short 1/16 notes quite short. S. Lacking a little spark here as well (just that wee bit). A musical interpretation nevertheless. R. Really like the tempo and music now. A really good set and player. Need to let it go a hair. You have lots of tools in the toolbox. Go for it. Thanks!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graeme Glass 🇳🇿 Tunes: Glenfinnan Highland Gathering, Maggie Cameron, Major David Manson Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Graeme. Thanks for doing this event. Tone: A nice pipe sound. Lovely HA. Execution: M. Starting well. The short cut notes to the top hand could be shorter overall. A bit even. S. Handling this well. Lots of demands in Maggie. C doublings are rather open. R. Nice. Music: M. Quite careful tempo-wise. Beautiful tune. Nice job on part 3. S. Nice interpretation with this great tune. A little round in ending passage. R. Very round here and lacking anchors on the beat notes. A good set Graeme. A little careful in the end overall. Just a little uneven by the end. A thoughtful approach, however, and well done. Thank you.
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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/The Bob of Fettercairn/Alick Cameron, Champion Piper Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi James. Great to be with you here for this. Tone: A beautiful pipe. "F' a touch uneven. Top hand as you progress is a bit thin - esp. F & HG. Execution: M. Solid. Watch E doublings. S. Very good. R. Uncertainty on LA at moments. Music: M. Great start. Very musical style to the flow of your march. S. Excellent pulse here. R. Flowing well. Really classy stuff James. Not in love with your chanter reed and hoping you are not married to it? Of course, I am spli\.ting hairs but there could be more consistency to the chanter sound.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Katie Buckland 🇨🇦 Tunes: Argyllshire Gathering, Lady Louden, Drumlithie Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Katie. Good to see you taking part here and looking fabulous. Tone: A solid, bold tone. Chanter is fine. HA slightly on the flat side but very Scottish. Execution: M. Great hands. S. Cut C dblg's to LA a bit open. R. Very good. Music: M. Nicely started. A hair careful but, mostly, just a bit open on the short notes. Creating small roundness. Musical. S. Excellent tempo. R. Hesitant to Reel. Great tempo. A very good set Katie. Solid music and hands. Watch the march for possessing drive. Thanks.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Dick 🏴 Tunes: Jimmy Young, Arniston Castle, Bessie McIntyre Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Lachie. Tone: A solid instrument. A little low in pitch. Watch your mic and how it is recording. Some small "pops" in sound. Minor but may just be a setting thing or another mic? Execution: M. Good hands are evident early. Your doublings are exellent in size (don't always see this). S. Handling this great tune very well. Watch clarity on E doublings. R. Music: M. Very careful start. Somewhat round in some parts (e.g. 1/16 notes in bar 4 are slighlty too large...the E in the D-E-C-D). A little more attack might help to sort this. S. Dragging here again. Steady though. R. Better here. A good set Lachie. Would just like to see a bit more fire from you. Thank you!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura Mullin 🇨🇦 Tunes: Leaving Lunga, Lady MacKenzie of Gairloch, Willie Hall's Reel Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Laura. Great to have you here. Tone: A bold pipe. Chanter is that little bit flat. One can hear it notably on C, F. & HA. Reed could be pinched and/or sunk that wee bit. Execution: M. Hands are very good. S. Snatching somewhat at cut doublings. Good birls. R. Smooth approach to playing now. Music: M. Excellent tempo to start. Hold the C starting the end phrase even longer. S. Good pulsing R. Driving hard here. Nice tune. A really good set Laura. I feel llke there is a little more sweetness that could be attained from your sound which would really be impresive. Watch the separating of techique in the Strathspey. Very enjoyable. Thanks.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Murray 🇺🇸 Tunes: The 91st at Modder River/Caber Feidh/The Cockerel in the Creel Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Ryan. Thanks for being here today. Tone: A lovely pipe. Nice bass affect. Lovely HA. Balance is very nice. Execution: M. Very clean. I feel the music could have a touch more attack. S. Could attack the tripet runs a hair. R. A bit even here in style. Music: M. A smooth style to your playing. A little sleepy. S. Jumpig to beats just a hair. Good musically. R. Careful here. A very solid run and a very musical player. Super smooth and I just feel it needs a hair more aggression (for lack of a better word). Basically to "go for it" in approach. Very enjoyable.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Armstrong 🇳🇿 Tunes: Mrs John MacColl, Shepherds Crook & Lt Cl DJS Murray Judge: Terry Lee Judge's Comments: Hi Scott. Thanks for taking part today. Tone: A beautiful pipe. Very resonant. You have a great setup. Execution: M. Good hands. S. Pipe still immaculate. Cut doublings could have more "meat" to them (thicker). Splitting hairs here. R. Very good. Music: M. Well started. Good pace and music. At times, just a touch jerky in feel. A bit of overholding every beat at times creating a stilted feel. S. On the careful side. Musical nevertheless. R. Lovely start. A great tune. A really, really good set. You have lots going on. For me, in the end, it was all slightly on the careful side. I think if you let it go - even a little - it would be killer. Less time to overthink it maybe? Thanks!
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sean McKeown 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Gordon MacRaes Favorite, The Theif of Lochaber Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Slight pause after D grip as starting Jig the only noticeable thing - Some of the E and D doublings in HP were perhaps slightly clutttered - pretty sure mine would be worse!
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Dew 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: Dora Watt The Falconer Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Very open triple strikes in HP P3 slightly jarred - Good tempos and music throughout - Super bagpipe, not my favourite tune selection but not letting that influence matters!
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James MacHattie 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Emily Kate MacLellan/The Hen's March Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Some technique not coming across totally clearly particularly HP P2 - Hint of a squea lon Low Gs? - Jig is a shade too clipped for me, but very nicely phrased
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian K. MacDonald 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: The Goat from Whitefish Falls & Alex MacDonald Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Flawless but fast, particularly jig - Not mad keen on the hornpipe for solos, but not letting that cloud judgement
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Murray 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Man from Skye / The Curlew Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Really good overall, unfortunately just a little messy in P3 of Curlew - Pipes a little bit duller than average in this competition but still nice
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joe Biggs 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: John MacKenzie's Fancy / The Geese in the Bog Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Replacing double D strike in HP P2 with a tripling... much more playable, not sure how allowable though! - Not playing a second timing in P4 Jig - Nice tempos, nice bagpipe, nice technique - well played. In some contests you would be pulled up for not playing as the music
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Gray 🏴 Tunes: The Wee Man from Skye/Alan MacPherson of Mosspark Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Technically a little woolly - Pipes a bit brash - quite a harsh bass drone and powerful chanter - Jig maybe a tad on the slow side
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Tunes: Aberdeen Romeo, The Stonecutter's Pheonix Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Some slight technical inconsistencies - Slight acceleration in P3 HP - Drone sound quite abrasive, but a great chanter sound - Quite a technically challenging Jig, a few slightly muddy areas of fingerwork but very enjoyable
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Darran Forrest 🇨🇦 Tunes: Dr. MacInnes's Fancy and Donella Beaton Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Unusual setting to Dr MacInnes - HP a little on the slow side - Jig better. Different treatment of F strike / F E run in repeat of first part - Birl is a fraction fast and becomes blurred - Excellent pipe
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Stulpner 🇦🇺 Tunes: John MacKenzie's Fancy, The Curlew Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - double D strike slightly out of kilter with other technique, but second part seem to drag slightly - Slightly light birl - Pipes a notch flatter than average in the this class, not unpleasant and good crack off them. Might be a bit strong if in person (a hunch)
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Williamson 🇺🇸 Tunes: Pipers Controversy, Dr Flora MacAuley, Carradale Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Very slightly sharp High G - Slight rushing in 3rd part HP - Jig very good - Slight waver on drones
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Dick 🏴 Tunes: Duncan Johnstone, The Brides Jig Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - HP very controlled, could let it flow very slightly more. Same in Jig - Timing of some phrases in 3rd part HP a tad inconsistent - Pitch slightly lower than the average in this comp, but pipes lovely
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura Mullin 🇨🇦 Tunes: The Iron Warriors, St. Ninian's Parish Centre Ceilidh Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - I feel the abundance of technique required for this HP slightly impacts its melody. You got it all in but slightly arranged the tune around the embellishments, rather than embellishing the tune - Jig good, perhaps a fraction safe
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Armstrong 🇳🇿 Tunes: The Man from Skye and Donald MacLellan's Tuning Phrase Judge: Jamie Forrester Judge's Comments: - Some technical challenges impacting flow of HP, particularly P3 which seemed to drag a touch - Best bagpipe I've heard so far - Playing first line and second line of Jig P3 (where they're the same) slightly differently (grace notes on FCB phrase - maybe that's as written, haven't played the tune in a while)
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Sean McKeown 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: The Lament for the Children Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: E is a bit sensitive. Drones excellent. Overall quality superb. Every now and again, D goes a bit sharp. Excellent ground. A few connecting notes in var 1are a touch clipped, for me, such as the B pickup into the the last two-bar phrase, repeat of line 1, or the D pickup into line 3. A bit fast through the 3rd pulse in each phrase of v2, for me. Consistent until line 3, then more regular. More cut again in final bar. Could have a bit more low G connecting note at end of line 1 of Taorluath Singling, also the Low A connecting note. Lovely shape to each phrase in the TS, with an ebb and flow subtly captured. Low A not dead-locked with drones in taorluath (but there are hardly any Low A’s). Could cut the Taorluath Doubling more, with shorter Low A connecting notes. Perhaps a bit aggressive out of the gate in the Crunluath Doubling. The odd connecting E a little long. Excellent tune, with rock star technique, on a gorgeous pipe.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ian K. MacDonald 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: MacLeod of Colbeck’s Lament Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Interesting round approach to second pulse in initial phrase. Fluid and expressive - making the tune your own. Pausing quite long on the connecting note before the odin motifs, again a round treatment. In Var 1, pretty cut B before the pause point C. Much rounder to B at line endings. But the contrast is dynamic and engaging. F# has flattened by tripling variation. Perfect triplings, clear and powerful, not too clipped. I think the D gracenote in your E cadences to C is hard to hear in the first line of the taorluath singling. Personally, I don’t love pausing that wee bit on the Low A before the cadences. In the taorluath singling, the first note of some phrases could be held longer, esp. High A starting the ‘D’ phrase. Slight F natural finger lag up to F# in the first line of the Taor Doubling. Happened early, more subtly, in the tripling. Perhaps a tad long on some E cadences in the Crunluath Singling combined with a brisk uptake to the beginning of the next phrase. But, dynamic and engaging. Nice pipe throughout! Just a flat F# as you went. I think you are one of the most expressively idiosyncratic players, giving unique shape to absolutely classic tunes such as this. PS - no jacket??
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ryan Murray 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Park Piobaireachd no. 2 Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Locked drones to start. F# prone to slight sharpness. Musical playing throughout! Could have abit more low g in D double echo, speeding up the C of the D throw. Slight hole coverage concern in penultimate line ending. Clear technique overall. On the thicker side. Really enjoyed this tune!
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: James MacHattie 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Lady Margaret MacDonald's Salute Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Great pipe to start. Odd intonation with some hiharins - sounds like the D gracenote fingering is double-toning. Chanter is chirpy on Low G, grips, etc. Musical pace and expression. Hypnotic build through the first two variations. In aiming for two-bar phrasing in the Taorluath, you’re maybe just pushing through the last pulse of the first measure overly quickly. Excellent pace overall. Sudden increase in tempo for the doubling - perhaps just hold the first theme longer before increasing tempo. First-class doubling, rippling technique and musical expression. E in B double echo just a bit short to my ears. Strong crunluaths. Keeping A Mach moving. Tight B A mach in final line. Excellent technique otherwise. Great tune. Maybe dry weather making the reed just a little chirpy? Lovely drone sound throughout.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Scott Armstrong 🇳🇿 Place: 5 Tunes: The Rout of the Lowland Captain Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Well-set pipe to start. Low A not quite locked throughout ground, slightly sharp at times. Putting across the music well, keeping things moving. Nippy with some E cadences in V1 - pace a bit aggressive as well, though you certainly don’t want to play this tune too slowly. In var 2 singling, you could hold out the second note in each grouping a tad longer (D’s and B’s) Cutting the G-E combo on the Low A’s more would give this variation more space without slowing it down. Could get more phrase punctuation in v2 doubling, lingering on the final theme of each phrase slightly longer. Smooth transition to the tripling. Strong technique, clear and consistent. Bagpipe held the course. You’re an excellent player - I enjoyed listening.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: John Dew 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: The Battle of Auldearn No. 2 Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Locked pipe to start. High G flat but also unstable - just fussy enough to be distracting. Musical expression in the ground. Some E cadences could be lengthening just a bit. Could linger a tad at the end of each four-pulse phrase in ground and var 1. E cadence to Low G perhaps a tad aggressive in places. Excellent phrasing and energy in dithis singling. I feel like you’re maybe overdoing the phrasing in the doubling, keep it from flowing a bit. Really enjoying the warm, rich, sonorous pipe. Your recording set-up captures it beautifully. So good. A little slow with some connecting notes in var 2 for me. Phrasing lacking a little subtlety in tripling. Classy segue to the Taorluath Singling. Effective treatment of cadences in the taor singling, keep the tune moving. Line endings perhaps just stretched a bit extra in the doubling. Don’t love sitting on the Low A at the end of the taor doubling - making a lot of a little note. I think the ritard effect works well focusing just on the theme notes, but many different ways to play this music! Powerful, clear, rhythmic technique in the crunluath. Slightly obvious with the phrasing in the doubling and risking losing the hypnotic effect of these variations by breaking the flow too much. I like everything you are doing, but might just aim to make it more subtle. But I know others who would love your phrasing. Excellent A Mach variation. In summary, I think you could let the ground and var 1 breathe with clear phrase endings, but would be more subtle in the rhythmic variations. Aside from a wonky high G, you had a great pipe overall, locked throughout, and your technique is stellar.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Alastair Murray 🇺🇸 Tunes: Tulloch Ard Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Dialed-in and resonant instrument. Dare movement a little deliberate and stiff, slower than odro and edre movements. Lovely music with nice build for the thumb variation. The odd E cadence could be lengthened. Smooth and musical approach to cadences in Siubhal singling. Perfect pace for the doubling. Seamless ritard and transition to the taorluath singling. The odd sharp C# and a few sharp F#’s as well. Strong taorluath technique. Good crunluath technique as well, although you get the odd loose crunluath (not enough bottom end Low G and Low A, with too much E gracenote). Pushing through the initial theme note (E) of the B phrase. Really enjoyable, musical presentation throughout.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Andrew Gray 🏴 Tunes: The Lament for the Earl of Antrim Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. Musical and expressive ground. Losing some flow and getting bogged down within the two-bar phrasing of the first variation. Better fluency in Var 1 doubling. Var 2 & 3 well played. Pipe not totally locked. In taorluath, some Low A connecting notes are longer than others. Rushing it along a little in line 2. Slowing from doubling to crunluath singling could be smoother, esp. Holding out the first theme of the crunluath singling. Strong and clear crunluath technique. In the Crunluath doubling, you could hold out the initial Low A longer. Solid tune overall! Pipe didn’t quite hold.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: David Stulpner 🇦🇺 Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Well-set instrument. Musical playing in the ground and a nice lift of pace for the ground doubling. Rhythmic edre and odro movements. Excellent flow in Siubhal variation with defined line endings. Missed E gracenote in tripling, line 2. Excellent technical clarity overall. Strong crunluath embellishments. Great bagpipe throughout! You could take on a heavier tune to really showcase your pipe, technique, and musicality.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Graeme Glass 🇳🇿 Tunes: MacDougalls Gathering Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Flat B & Low G, sharp D & F#. Some pressure instability causing slight intonation fluctuation, esp. on High G. Slight crossing after B grip/odro. Musical playing in the ground. D taorluath and grips lacking clarity. Overall in the taorluath variations, you could shorten the Low A connecting notes, while simultaneously lengthening the Low G’s in the taorluaths. High G gracenotes aren’t coming through on the theme notes. Minor choke in first line of the crunluath singling. Lovely music and pacing overall. Solid technique overall as well, though a bit tight. Pipe stability is the biggest concern. I really enjoyed the musical delivery of this tune!.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Jack Williamson 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Desperate Battle of the Birds Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: To quote Brown, “Only play the Desperate Battle when you’ve got a pipe that’s just the ultimate”. No issues here: excellent pipe with a ringing high A. Well set out ground and variation 1. I’d soften/lengthen the last E of the singling for a smoother pivot to the round rhythm of the doubling. Again, I’d lengthen the final High A of Var 2 just a bit for a smoother seque to the rhythmic inversion of the doubling. Showcasing that “ultimate” high A here in V2 doubling! Excellent Dithis variation pair. A few connecting notes in the doubling could be more cut. Strong taor singling. I’d hold the first theme note longer at the beginning of the A Mach to avoid an abrupt tempo increase. Smooth transition to the Crunluath Singling. Not quite getting flow in the crunluath singling, some connecting E’s a bit long. Again, a rushed transition to the A mach, for me. Sometimes the A mach E prior to a regular E theme is a bit jumpy. Excellent technique, clear and rippling. Great playing.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Joe Biggs 🇨🇦 Tunes: Queen Elizabeth the Second's Salute Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Such pipe many harmonic high a wow! Such a stable instrument. Slightest of movement on D. Smooth, easy listening, tuneful presentation. Added a G gracenote on F, bar 2 line 3 of taorluath. Could linger slightly on the 4th theme note of each phrase in the doubling, esp. Line endings. Thicc and punchy taorluaths. Didn’t add a gracenote in line 3 of crun singling, sorting earlier taorluath singling blip. Would love to hear you tackle a bigger tune.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Katie Buckland 🇨🇦 Tunes: Pipers’ Warning to His Master Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Locked drones to start. High G flat. F# is pressure sensitive, sometimes going sharp. Slight crossing to high G after embari. Rushed m. 5 of line 3 in the ground. Overall, very musical presentation of the ground. Missed G gracenote on Low A, m. 2 of line 2 in Var 1. Crisp expression, full of energy. Some slight pressure instability. D taorluaths lacking clarity. I think you are over-slowing before and into cadences in the taorluath singling. Drones still locked in and very stable. Great drones sound overall. When slowing at end of T doubling into crunluath singling, I’d focus the ritard on the final two theme notes, rather than holding the Low A connecting note and making a lot of a little note. Strong crunluath technique. F# is quite sharp at this point. The connecting E’s feel a little clipped in the doubling, losing the compound-time flow. One tight/missed crunluath in the final line. Just some minor points, lovely playing overall!
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Lachie Dick 🏴 Tunes: Lament for Alan, my Son Judge: Nick Hudson Judge's Comments: Stable locked pipe. Quite sharp overall and just a touch thin sounding as a result. Really musical ground and Var 1. Thumb gracenotes on Low A a little chirpy. Great music and technique in the taorluath variations. A handful of sticky crunluaths in both the singling & doubling. Excellent tune, just some crunluath consistency concerns.
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Event 50. Colin MacKenzie Memorial Piobaireachd Challenge - for pipers 18 years and younger
Competitor: Ray Flanagan 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: The Battle of Auldearn No 1 Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown to start. Good pace to the ground for the most part, but maybe a bit overdrawn at the end of phrases with a cadence, C or B and then low A - cadence a bit long, and the note before the low A a bit long too - but good patience on the low As to finish your phrases. Good entry to thumb singling. Moving well into the doubling. Could use a bit more SMMS - just a tiny bit. Excellent transition to dithis. First note of phrases could breathe a bit more. Slight inconsistencies in cadence timing, but generally moving along nicely. Good pace to doubling but same phrasing comment as thumb doubling. Good entry to taor - as in previous singlings, the first note of a phrase (ie first theme after a cadence) should be stretched a bit. Strong technique. Pipe holding well. Good doubling. Crun starting well. The low G part of the crun movement a bit tight at times. Good into doubling. A few of the connecting Es clipped a bit too much. Strong a mach movements. So - the comments are me being very picky - this was a terrific tune.
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Event 50. Colin MacKenzie Memorial Piobaireachd Challenge - for pipers 18 years and younger
Competitor: Abby Long 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: The Battle of Waternish Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start and well blown. Ground a wee bit cautious but well phrased, with well thought out treatment of cadences. Strong technique. Good entry to dithis. Excellent subtle expression. Doubling started a bit carefully but by the end of line one moved along well. Var 2 well played. Excellent pace to start doubling. Some low Gs slightly clipped. Good entry to taor. Strong technique. Doubling well played. Bit quick going into the crun singling. Pulled it back once the cadences started. Good into doubling. Good a mach movements. Overall - there were a number of micro-chokes, a couple of minor misses or squeakies, but there was great maturity in presenting this tune musically, and a very steady instrument with high quality technique.
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Event 50. Colin MacKenzie Memorial Piobaireachd Challenge - for pipers 18 years and younger
Competitor: Paul Mackay 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown to start. Good pace, though slightly cautious. Early edre miss. Well phrased ground. Thumb var also good yet also cautious. Var 2 moving well. One more missed edre - but most of your edres are stellar. Taor also cautious - lots of pausing mid bar - try pushing through a bit more briskly to the grips. Good pace to the doubling. Strong technique. Same comment in crun sg as in taor sg - the E and D in the middle of bars are pretty long... Pipe holding well. Getting a micro pause on the E after the movement slightly disrupting the flow after the crun movement and the next big theme. The comments above are quite picky - overall I really enjoyed this performance.
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Event 50. Colin MacKenzie Memorial Piobaireachd Challenge - for pipers 18 years and younger
Competitor: Aiken Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Marquis of Argylle’s Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start, though not completely locked drones. Not perfectly steady bag pressure. Ground well phrased, but could use a bit more subtlety in some of the short notes. Var 1 sg well played - chanter and drones drifting a bit. Good pace and phrasing to doubling. Taor sg well played. Taor db started a bit careful in the middle of phrases but was moving well by the end. Big contrast between the length of the theme note and the speed of the connecting notes in the crun sg - connecting notes moving quite quickly. Much much better in the doubling - you're controlling the connecting notes. Pace picked up a bit as the doubling went on. Well done.
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Event 101. Beginner Drum Pad 3/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ewan Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: 3/4 massed band cadence Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Ewan: Thanks very much for your performance. I thought you were turned out quite smartly and liked the Christmas Tree in the background. 'A very confident performance overall, with great posture. I thought your first opening roll did not end quite as confidenly as your second one did, but most of your rolls overall were quite solid through most of your play. To improve your next performance, pay more attention to the consistency of your flam work -- some of them were played really well, while others were a bit too tight or "flat". Watch how you hold your right stick -- I think you will get more control and balance if you held it a bit further back along the shaft. My compliments to both you and your Instructor. For your next competion performance, I think you are certainly ready and prepared to play a score that is composed to fit a specific tune, and I hope you and your instructor plan accordingly. Lots of potential here. Keep up the good work and keep practicing!
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Event 101. Beginner Drum Pad 3/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Chacko 🇸🇬 Place: 2 Tunes: Land of My Youth Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Matthew: Thanks very much for your performance. I'm glad to see you are performing in uniform. The structure of your 3-pace attack rolls was good, but you tended to play a stronger buzz on your right hand than your left, and this led to a pulsed, uneven roll sound. You can improve this by practicing playing more sustained buzzes on your left hand to match the volume and duration of the pulses played on your right hand. I thought you played parts of your score quite confidently and I liked how those parts fit the melody. Unfortunately -- and particularly in Bars 4 and 5 of both parts -- there were places where you tended to drift off the melody and off the beat. You recovered nicely most of the time, but this was a consistent issue that needs attention. To improve future competition performances, please consider playing a slightly simpler score that respects the pulse at the beginning of each bar. If you want to stay with that score, then you need to get a clearer idea of the structure of the rolls in the transition between Bar 4 and 5 of each part in order to better appreciate where the beat falls. Lots of potential here. Keep up the good work and keep practicing!
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Event 101. Beginner Drum Pad 3/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Chen Taihe 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: The Green Hills of Tyrol Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Chen: Thank you for your performance, and I'm happy to see you playing in your uniform.You started out very confidently with your two 3-pace rolls. I think you could strengthen this introduction even more by smoothing and balancing out the buzzes played on each hand in these rolls. Most important for today -- I notice you and your piper were not playing together through this tune. In fact, your piper started into the melody a beat before you did. Where to start playing the melody after the introductory rolls in a 3/4 march can be open to interpetation in some arrangements, so it must be agreed upon in advance by the piper and drummer, In this performance, you started the drum score one beat behind the melody (or your piper started one beat early) -- and the two of you stayed out of sync through the entire tune. There was lots of positive aspects to your technique, but it is essential for all drummers to know how their drum score fits the melody and then play accordingly. Fortunately, this is something that can be easily fixed with a discussion between you and your piper, and then lots of practice time together to really appreciate how the score fits the music. I think you have the potential to be a strong player and I look forward to hearing you play again sometime in the future.
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ewan Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: 4/4 Massed Band Cadence Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Thanks very much for your performance, Ewan. You played this new Massed Band score very confidently, and looked confident as well. Your introductory 3-pace rolls in this performance were steady in terms of tempo, but "pulsing" here and uneven. Try to smooth out your rolls by keeping right AND left buzzes balanced in terms of volume and texture. You maintained your tempo well into Part 1. Flams played quite nicely here for the most part, but listen and watch to keep them consistent. Part 2 was played a but more cautiously in places, but still steady. Overall, I enjoyed your performance, am confident you have lots of potential, and think you are ready to move on to slightly more challenging material composed to fit a particular tune. Keep up the hard work!
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Chen Taihe 🇸🇬 Place: 2 Tunes: Moonstar Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Thanks for your performance, Chen. You maintained your tempo quite well following the rolls and played quite steadily through the first bars of the tune. Your 3-pace rolls were a bit uneven (pulsing in the middle) and can be improved with more attention to the quality of buzzes played on your left hand. Your playing got a bit unsettled in Bar 4 of the tune -- you can maintain better control here by watching the grip on your left hand and not playing with your sticks quite so high. Drag 5's executed well both times through -- quite an accomplishment at this level. Unsettled into Part 2 -- watch out for those distractions! The "tachum roll" on the 3rd beat of Bar 2 was unsteady the first time but better handled on the repeat. (That's tough to play -- especially for someone at this entry level.). You finished quite confidently. The drum score arrangement played for "Moonstar" certainly fits the tune well. However, this "Beginner Drum Pad" event is at an entry-level for drummers, so you might consider choosing next time a much simpler drum score to demonstrate your command of the basics before moving on to a score that includes so many drags, single fives, and even tachum rolls and ruffs. Lots of potential here. Keep up the hard work.
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Kyler Poo 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: Scotland the Brave Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Kyler. Thanks for playing in your uniform. I thought you delivered a very confidently-played performance of a basic 4/4 march score. You and your piper played well together, and you kept to the music throughout the tune. You had a good confident finish as well. Your introductory 3-pace rolls were quite solid, and can be improved even more if you focus on better balance between the volume of your buzzes on each hand. Tempo remained consistent throughout, and your 7- and 13-stroke rolls were solid. I would like to see you improve the consistency of your flams in future performances -- some were played well, but many were too closed and "flat". When you are practicing, play the score very slowly and focus on making sure your sticks are in the proper relative position just before you play each flam. In addition, I think you can get even better control over your paradiddle movements by lowering your sticks and playing the unaccented noted much closer to the pad. There is not need to raise the sticks so high in these phrases. I think you have lots of potential. Keep practicing and I look forward to hearing you again sometime.
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Chacko 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: Moonstar Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Thanks for your performance, Matthew. I thought you did a good job of trying to play to the melody. While you wandered off the tune in a couple of spots (particularly Part 2), you did a good job of locking back in again, and this shows good musical awareness on your part. Introductory rolls slightly pulsed -- work to improve the overall balance and trexture of each stroke here. Off to a good start in your score and playing well to the music. Rolls solid, but open work is a bit uneven in places. The score in Part 2 is difficult for this grade level and the playing was unsettled in places. Your recoveries through here show a good appreciation of the music itself. You can maintain even better control of your playing if you keep your sticks a bit lower when playing unaccented taps and more complicated open work. The drum score you selected certainly fits the tune well. However, this "Beginner Drum Pad" event is at an entry-level for drummers, so you might consider next time choosing a much simpler drum score. That way, you can better demonstrate your command of the basics before moving on to a score that includes so many drags, single fives, and even tachum rolls and ruffs. Lots of potential here. Keep up your hard work!
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ewan Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: 2/4 Massed Band Cadence Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Pulsating introductionrolls, this was caused by uneven buzz work and stick height throughout both rolls, the tempo was steady and held into the tune, this was an excellent tempo for this level. Your flam work throughout was very clean and consistent in sound throughout the tune. Your 7 and 13 stroke roll work suffered slightly from uneven buzz work, however they finished clean and remain accurate to tempo. There is a slight tendency to over strike your accents, this will improve naturally as you develop your rudimental control. As you neared the end of your perofrmance there was a slight drop in tempo. Over all you demonstrated in this performance that you have a good knowledge of runiment structure and are able to control your drumsticks, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Congratulations Ewan on an enjoyable performamce.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Kyler Poo 🇸🇬 Place: 2 Tunes: Highroad to Gairloch Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Clean introduction rolls. There was a slight drop in tempo when entering the tune, once the tempo settled it remained steady throughout your performance. Your flam work throughout was very tight, sounding like two sticks striking the pad at the same time. I would like to see you work on separating the stick height to assist in opening up your flams work. Ideally the low stick should be 7 cm and the high 30cm, this should be good starting point for you. Triplet work is excellent and consistent throughout, slight error in last bar of your presentation, I would have liked to see you play the repeat in both parts of the tune. Over all, you demonstrated in this performance that you have a good knowledge of rudiment structure and are able to control your drum sticks, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Congratulations Kyler on an enjoyable performance.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Chacko 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: Mairi's Wedding Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Pulsating introduction rolls, this was caused by uneven buzz work and stick height throughout both rolls, your anacruses lacked confidence and there was a slight drop in tempo when entering the tune, once the tempo settled it remained steady throughout your performance. You suffered a couple of timing issues caused by a lack of rudiment control in both parts. Triplets were played a little loud, I would like to see the weight taken out of them, this would show control and add to your dynamic range within your performance. I would have liked to see you play the repeat in both parts of the tune. Over all, you demonstrated that you have an understanding of rudiments and joining them together, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Congratulations Matthew on your performance.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Chen Taihe 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: Utility 2/4 Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Pulsating introduction rolls, this was caused by uneven tight buzz work throughout both rolls, tempo was steady and held into the tune, this was an excellent tempo for this level. Short roll work is not being played to its full value, they are cut short, this has an effect as you play the next rudiment. Flams are open and clean. I would like to see a little more work on your dynamic range, everything sounds loud, this takes away from the musicality of the written score. I would also have liked to see you play the repeat in both parts of the tune. Over all, you demonstrated in this performance that you have knowledge of rudiment structure and are able to control your drum sticks, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Congratulations Chen on your performance.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Bryce 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: The Rhodesian Regiment Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello Andrew. Thank you for playing in your uniform. I really enjoyed your performance in this event. You have a good appreciation of your basic rudiments, a good appreciation of the tune, and played with lots of confidence. I really liked the composition of the drum score -- it fit the tune well, was appropriate for the upper end of Grade 5, and challenged you in places. The buzzes in your first introductory 3-pace roll were strong and confidently played, but a bit uneven. 'Coming in to Part 1 a bit quick, but playing well with your piper. Parts 2 also well played, but rushing slightly here and the ending phrase not quite as clear. Part 3 was played well. Bars 1 and 2 in Part 4 were challenging in terms of content at this level: you played them quite well, but could benefit by a bit more slow-playing in practive here to improve their clarity. Rolls were solid and well-paced throughout. I think this performance could have been improved even further by playing in a space with better acoustics and, in particular, less of an echo. However, that is a minor complaint that will take care of itself in better weather perhaps. A solid performance of a very musical score. My compliments to you and your instructor. You have lots of potential, Andrew. Keep up the hard work and I look forward to hearing you perform again sometime.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Bryce 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Knox Grammar | The Dawning of the Day Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Introduction, first roll uneven at beat 2, second roll very good. The tempo was steady and held into the tune, this was an excellent tempo for this level. Your flam work is well controlled, producing a clean sound throughout the performance. Great crescendo roll work in the second part, this really added to the presentation. Dot and cut work in the third part lacked accuracy this was contained to the one rudiment and didn’t impact on the flow of the written score. The forth part had issues with your single work, it seemed your left stick didn’t get the height needed to flow through the rudiment. Over all you demonstrated in this performance that you have a good knowledge of rudiment structure and are able to control your drum sticks, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Congratulations Andrew on a very enjoyable performance on a well set up instrument.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tilak Manu 🇸🇬 Place: 2 Tunes: Gardens of Skye, Lord Lovat's Lament Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Thank you Tilak for your solo performance today, you displayed a good understanding of the basic structure of the 4/4 March. A well-set tempo, you maintained that tempo throughout your performance, your introduction rolls have a slight uneven pulsating sound coming through them but accurate to tempo. I would like to see you continue focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help you transition from one rudiment to the next smoothly, therefore enhancing the musical presentation of your playing. You displayed a good dynamic range in the first two parts, however all 4 parts at times suffered from untidy rudiments. Your drag work is getting caught on the dead stick and effecting the musical flow of the following run of singles. Over-all this was an enjoyable and confident precentation of well-constructed drum scores. Great job and thank you.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Chacko 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: Gardens of Skye, Lord Lovat's Lament Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Introduction suffered a slight unevenness to the pulses in both rolls, tempo was well set and maintained into the tune. 1st part - Last two bars of the repeat lacked accuracy and musical flow 2nd part - Bars 2 and 3 also lacked accuracy 3rd part - Flam work became very tight, you must separate the height of your sticks to help open them up. 4th part - clean accent roll work, again issues with the part ending. You demonstrated taht you can control your rudiments and play cleanly, however, a lack of consistency did show and spoiled you musical presentation. I would like to suggest that you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this being the building block of all drum scores and will definatly assist you in reaching the next level of your pipe band drumming journey. Congratulations Matthew on an enjoyable performance.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Kirkwall Bay, Dornoch Highland Gathering Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Daniel, you produced a confident presentation today. Starting off I noticed a very well set-up instrument, bright with a lively snare response, very enjoyable! You started with a clean introduction and a well set tempo, holding throughout, you have demonstrated a good understanding of the 6/8 rhythm. Within your performance each part, at times, had its own issue with rudiments not coming through cleanly, your short roll work lacked clarity due to a tight first buzz, this needs to be opened up to allow the sound to get out. Flam work was clean and consistent throughout. I would like to see you continue focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help you transition from one rudiment to another smoothly, therefore enhancing the musical presentation of your playing. This was a well-constructed drum score and you appeared to enjoy playing it. Congratulations Daniel and thank you.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dean wallis 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: Dornoch highland gathering Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Dean, you produced a confident presentation today. Starting off I noticed a very well set-up instrument, very bright with a lively snare response, totally enjoyable! You started with a clean introduction and a well set tempo, holding throughout, you have demonstrated a good understanding of the 6/8 rhythm. I would like to see you continue focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help you transition from one rudiment to another smoothly, therefore enhancing the musical presentation of your playing. Within your performance each part, at times, had its own issue with rudiments not coming through cleanly, doubles lacked clarity and need to be opened up to allow the sound to get out, drags lacked accuracy and tended to throw you off the flow of the rudiment. Your short and long roll work is excellent. This was a well-constructed drum score and you certainly appeared to enjoy playing it. Great job Dean and thank you.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aarya Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Bengullion Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slight pulsating throughout your introduction rolls, this was caused by uneven buzz work, however the tempo was steady and held into the tune. The tempo was on the slow side for a 6/8 March but you did manage to get the correct feel and expression required to produce a confident performance. Your flam work was very clean and consistent in sound throughout the tune, your short roll work suffers from a tight first buzz, this makes the rolls difficult to play to the correctnote value. Over all you demonstrated in this performance that you have a good knowledge of rudiment structure and are able to control your drum sticks, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. This was a very enjoyable performance Aarya, thank you.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Linda Kraft 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Dr. Ross’s 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slight pulsating throughout your introduction rolls, this was caused by uneven buzz work, however the tempo was steady and held into the tune. Your 5 stroke roll work lacks accuracy to the note value, this is due to the first buzz being very tight/closed, this is the same for the 7 stroke roll, however this is not as noticeable due to the extra buzz being played in the rudiment. In each part, you were at times, tripped up with some rudiments causing you to fall behind the beat, this had an effect on the musical flow of your presentation. Over all you demonstrated in this performance that you have knowledge of rudiment structure and are able to control your drum sticks, may I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Congratulations on your performance today, thank you.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Dovecote Park. Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Pulsating introduction rolls, this was caused by tight uneven buzz work throughout both rolls, tempo was down making it extremely difficult to play the correct rhythm required for the 6/8 March. Short roll work is not being played to its full value, rolls are being cut short, this has an effect as you play to the next rudiment. I would like to see a greater use of your dynamic range, everything is played at one level of volume, this takes away the musicality of the written score. It was pleasing to see how accurate you are at playing in the center of the drum, this enables the best sound possible to be produced from your instrument . May I suggest you continue to focus on your basic rudimental work, this is the building block of all drum scores and will assist you in reaching the next level on your drumming journey. Thank you Christine for your performance today.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: John Macoll's March to Kilbowie Cottage Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Daniel. Thanks for your very confident performance of a very challenging tune and score to be playing at this Grade level. Drum well set. Great posture and good grip position. Evidence of good playing technique and expression -- as well as tasteful dynamics -- throughout the performance. Solid 3-pace intro rolls and maintaining tempo into Part 1. Good technique and use of dynamics here, tho' labouring a bit and lacking consistency in the ruff and single 5 in Bars 7 & 9 of Parts 1 and 2 -- 'could be a bit lighter and more relaxed here. Rushing a bit the first time through Part 3, which hurts the clarity on some of your open work, but improving on the repeat. Minior slips in exection in the repeat of Bar 4 Overall a very impressive performance for the Grade level. You have lots of talent, Daniel. Keep up the hard work and I wish you every success.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Bryce 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: The Rhodesian Regiment Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Andrew. I think this is the same video submitted for your Grade 5 Performance (which is allowable in this Competition). Again, I really enjoyed that performance here in this event as well. You have a good appreciation of your basic rudiments, a good appreciation of the tune, and played with lots of confidence. I really liked the composition of the drum score -- it fit the tune well, was appropriate for Grade 4, and challenged you in places. The buzzes in your first introductory 3-pace roll were strong and confidemtly played, but a bit uneven. 'Coming in to Part 1 a bit quick, but playing well with your piper. Parts 2 also well played, but rushing slightly here and the ending phrase not quite as clear. Part 3 was played well. Bars 1 and 2 in Part 4 were challenging in terms of content at this level: you played them quite well, but could benefit by a bit more slow-playing in practice here to improve their clarity. Rolls were solid and well-paced throughout. I think this performance could be improved even further by playing in a space with better acoustics and, in particular, less of an echo. However, that is a minor complaint that will take care of itself in better weather perhaps. A solid performance of a very musical score. My compliments to you and your instructor. You have lots of potential, Andrew. Keep up the hard work and I look forward to hearing you perform again sometime.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brian Kee 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello Brian. Thanks very much for your performance. Drum snare sound very full, although pitched a bit low for my taste. Opening rolls solid. Well off into March with good controlled tempo. Score quite challenging for Grade 4 -- good quality & variety here -- and you are playing it in a very relaxed manner. Part 1 -- off to a good start and playing well with his piper. Unsettled with fla-fla flam work, but overall good lift. Part 2 -- Slowing down in the drag-5 at the end of Bar 2 and therefore not finishing on the beat. Played better on repeat. Part 3 quite well played Part 4 -- Bit stiff and unsteady (esp. in Bars 3 & 4) the first time through, but better on the repeat. Confident finish. You could improve future performances by paying greater attention to dynamics in this score.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aarya Madan 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Piper's Cave and Greenwood side Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Aarya. Thanks so much for your performance. Your drum was well set, and you delivered quite a confident performance of simple but very well-constructed scores that complement the music. Opening 3-pace rolls were a bit uneven and too pulsed -- balance the volume and texture of yiour buzzes on each hand. Tune #1 -- Overall good fit to the music. Bars 3 & 4 consistently well played. Bars 7 & 8 fit, but are not as well controlled. Good attention to hand position going into flams. Tune #2 -- Well played. I really liked the attention paid to roll quality, expression and dynamics. Overall, a very musical performance. You have loads of potential, Aarya. Keep up the hard work and I wish you every success with your drumming.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tilak Manu 🇸🇬 Place: 5 Tunes: The 79th Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Tilak. Thanks very much for your performance. Drum pitch very deep; snares sound choked. Then again, this could be chalked up to the method of recording as well. 3-pace Intro rolls quite solid and smooth, but both rolls ended slightly early. Tempo quite qiuick for this Grade level, but being maintained. Steady into Part 1. Good use of crescendo rolls here. Part 2 -- Effective use of accented rolls here. Rushing the ending phrase here. Part 3 -- Flam triplets a bit overplayed both times through. Part 4 -- Effective use of dynamics here and variety here. Score fits the tune very well and, as a result, it was easy to see how you were playing to the melody. Good play overall hampered by a poorly-set instrument. If anything, relaxing a bit more and lightening up on the flams will improve your overall performance. Also, slowing down your tempo by 4-5 bpm would help you gain better control and consistency in your open work. Lots of potential here. Keep up the hard work as you progress with your drumming.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Linda Kraft 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Teribus, Sweet Maid of Glendaruel Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Linda. Thanks very much for your performance and for being so smartly turned out in your uniform. Drum pitch a bit low, but snares well set. Scores fit the tunes quite well. First 3-pace roll quite solid, but second one a bit more pulsed and uneven in terms of balance between both hands. Maintaining tempo into Part 1. Good lift here. Lacking control in the single 5s. Part 2 -- Effective use of rolls here. Losing a bit of control through the open work. Into Tune #2 -- score getting more complicated, which is having an effect on the performance here. Difficulty with open work generally and with the fla-fla flams in Bars 2 and 6. Similar control issues in Bars 5 and 6 of Part 4. 'A good effort here, and I appreciate the hard work you must be putting in. For subsequent performances, it wouid be great to see you make the opportunity to play a simpler score well and have fun with it. I wish you every success with your drumming.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi. Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello Christine. Thanks very much for your presentation, and for competing in full uniform. Snare drum requires tuning -- pitched quite low and snares sounding choked. Opening rolls very uneven. More attention to fundamentals required here. Christine, I admire your dedication to our community and your interest in competing, and think you have made a good effort to create and play a simple score that fits the music. Now it's time to take the next step. You would really benefit from some sustained expert instruction in the basic components and structure of pipe band drumming. This instruction could be either in-person, online or some combination of the two. That will give you a better appreciation of how and what to look for in terms of basic rudiments, good technique and expressive phrasing. With a proper grounding in the fundamentals, an appreciation of what you need to work on, and a constructive approach to setting learning objectives, you will have a real opportunity to move ahead with your musicianship on this instrument. The organizers of this online comptition are well-positioned to recommend appropriate instruction, and there are useful online training resources available as well. I wish you every success in what comes next.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ron Flanagan 🇺🇸 Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Ron. Thanks very much for your performance. Drum pitched quite low, but lots of snare. Strong opening rolls. You are playing quite a difficult score for this grade level. While there are spots where you are playng confidently, there are too many instances where open work is rushed and not clearly executed. It was good to see you were usually able to recover and carry on, but it proved to be a consistent and recurring issue through your performance. You can improve future performances by paying more attention to slow playing, expression, and tempo control through work wth a metronome.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Confident performance and a well set tempo, however there was slight drop in tempo throughout the first part. Over all this was a good clean performance, I would like to see you work on your drags, they had a tendency to cause a loss of musical flow, you got caught on the dead stick a couple. You accent roll work is very clean and enjoyable to listen to. A greater use of dynamics would add to the overall presentation, a piper or recording may have assisted you in providing that greater dynamic range. Thank you Daniel for your presentation today.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Corkhill. Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Tempo dropped as you enter the tune. Short and long roll work did not finishing cleanly, this must finish with a clean terminal tap, Accent rolls are not starting with a clean tap, they sound like a loud buzz being played as the accent and triplets lacked consistency throughout. This jig score proved challenging with this solo presentation, may I suggest concentrating on the fundamentals of the score that being the triplet rudiment, once this is flowing musically at the tempo required then add in the roll work and build from there. Thank you Christine for your performance.
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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: Ma Man Lap 🇭🇰 Place: 1 Tunes: March: Hugh Kennedy Strathspey: Susan MacLeod Reel: Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slightly pulsated introduction rolls but well sustained, confident entry, bright tempo set but slowed down slightly into tune. March:- lacked drive, at times falling away from the melody, doubles need to be opened up as this caused clarity issues. Good use of dynamics Strathspey:- Clean and accurate break, good strathspey feel to start your performance, last 2 part requires more S.W.M.W. as at this point it started to drift away from the melody. Reel:- Break not as should be. Roll work in 2nd part not accurate Parts 3 & 4 lacked drive, just felt you were going through the motions. Over-all you demonstrated good technique and a high degree of understanding of the March Strathspey and Reel. Your drum was well set up with a good snare response. I would like to see you work on your dynamic range, I felt that this was missing from your performance, at times your rudiments lacked the accuracy required to fit into the melody, example: Strathspey the dot and cut of the melody lacked in the drumming, hold the first beat of the bar a little more to fit with the melody of the tune, this also helps emphasize the Strong beat of the melody. Thank you for an enjoyable performance.
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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: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: John Macdonald of Glencoe, Dora Macleod, Major David Manson Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slightly pulsated introduction rolls but well sustained, confident entry, bright tempo. March:- Lacked expression, you need to work on the low end of your dynamic range and use it to create interest and musicality into your performance. Strathspey:- 1st part - Part ending lacked accuracy 2nd part – Not flowing musically 3rd part – Rudiments lacking accuracy and flow 4th part – More could be down with your accent roll rudiments Reel:- Clean break 2nd part middle bars not accurate 4th part errors Over all you demonstrated good technique and a good degree of understanding of the MSR structure. You drum was well set-up with a bright snare response. I would like to see you work on your natural dynamic range and learn to play at both ends of that range with accuracy, this will enhance your performance and lift it to the next level. I think the lack of melody to play to has effected your presentation today. Thank you for your performance
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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: Eric Sennett 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Conundrum, Captain Colin Campbell, MacKay from Skye Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slightly pulsated introduction rolls but well sustained, unsettled in the first part. March:- I felt you were regularly behind the melody and chasing your piper. Accent rolls lacked clarity and accuracy, at times your flams felt rushed. Strathspey: - Behind the piper, this didn’t help your performance as I felt you were constantly chasing the piper, again the accent rolls were causing you to fall behind the beat. Reel:- clean break but again just behind the beat, last part ending rushed. Over all you did demonstrate good technique, I would like to see you lift your stick up higher to open your rudiments allowing for more clarity and hopefully control, this should also help as you transition from rudiment to rudiment and provide a more musical presentation to the melody that you are drumming to.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Kirkwall bay, Dornoch Highland Gathering Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Daniel. Thanks for your performance in this event. Drum well set. Solid introduction. Held tempo well through first tune. Tune #1 -- Well-constructed score here played with lots of confidence. Remember to keep the "dot-to-cut" pointing here to avoud the expression becoming too round here. Tune #2 -- Well-played here as well. Playing a bit round in Bars 3 & 4 of both parts here, but definitely on beat. Overall a fine performance for this grade. Daniel, it is clear you have been well-instructed, have a good musical sense and have worked hard in your practicing. You have loads of potential. Keep up the hard work and I wish you every success.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Well controlled tempo, you will need to improve the use of your dynamic range, you were starting long runs far too loud and had nowhere to go with them, at times you lost volume as you had peaked to early, thus losing the effect that you were trying for. A well-structured score Over all you show great control, very enjoyable.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sennett 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Dr. Flora MacAulay of Carradale, Am Breamatain Tobhain Dubh Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Well set tempo and held into the tune Throughout your performance you played with your sticks very close to the drum head, this lack of height makes playing rudiments clean and accurate extremely difficult, especially your single work. This had a big impact on your performance today. Lift your sticks up, feel every tap and let the written score come to life Thank you Eric for your performance today
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tilak Manu 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: The Hen's March Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Well set tempo, however it kept increasing throughout your full performance, it eventually got that quick that you lost all accuracy and clarity of your rudiments. You must continue to work on your basic rudiment structure and tempo control.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommi McAndrew 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Highland Wedding, Struan Robertson & Dolina Mackay Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Tommi: Thanks very much for your performance and for playing in uniform. I like your Christmas helper on the drum. Drum well set. Solid rolls in the attack, but dropping tempo in your second roll. March: Excellent score -- lots of quality & variety and fits the melody very well. A good command of technique on display here. Good attention to phrasing and dynamics. Very relaxed playing overall, but be careful of holding some of your dotted notes a bit too long. I'm hearing a slight tendency to drag behind the music at times -- particularly in several of the ending phrases. Strathspey: Good break to Strathspey. Watch tempo here -- dragging a bit going into Bar #4 both times through Part 1. Steadying up more after that. Very effective use of dyamics in Parts 3 and 4, with a solid finish. Reel: Good break to Reel, but then lagging behind piper for a couple of bars before catching up. Once you locked in, phrasing was very effective. Great technique and expression here while staying quite relaxed. Good finish. Very musical scores well played for the most part. 'Lots of potential here. Keep up the great work!
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brendan Soh Heng Yi 🇸🇬 Place: 2 Tunes: The Conundrum, The Caledonian Canal, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Brendan: Thanks very much for your performance and for playing in uniform. Drum pitched a bit low, but full snare (and it may be the acoustics in this recording and/or setting as well). Good full 3-pace rolls, with a slight pulse in the middle of the secord roll. Maintaining tempo well into March. March: Very musical score played with lots of expression. Good phrasing and tasteful use of dynamics here. Watch your phrasing in flams that are ployed immediately before tap rolls -- the pointing is not always consistent here. Strathspey: Excellent break to Strath and establishing a good feel early on. Watch the consistency of your "tachum rolls" -- some are a bit too open and over-accented. Slight delay in your breaks into both Part 2 and Part 3 -- Don't exaggerate the expression to the point that you are missing the beat. Part 4 is fine, but perhaos over-expressdd near the finish. Reel: Interesting delayed break into Reel. I wish I could have heard it played to the music to get a better sense of its fit to the music. Solid playing in Part 1 with really great phrasing. Unfortunate slip in Part 2, but good recovery. Play was a bit unsettled after that, but still a good finish. Lovely scores appropriate to the Grade level played very expressively. You are clearly working very hard and have a real feel for the music. 'Lots of potential here. Keep up the great work.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Minnis 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, the Ewe with the Crooked Horn, Mrs MacPherson of Inveran Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Chris: Thanks very much for your perfomance. Drum well set. Very solid 3-pace rolls, but then a slight timing delay in starting the March. March: Excellent composition with lots of opportunity for expression. Minor slips in execution in Parts 1 and 2. Playing really well through Part 3. Triplet rolls the first tme through Part 4 a bit uneven, but OK on repeat. Minor slip at the end. Strathspey: Good break to Strath. Playing well through Part 1, pushing a bit through the singles in Part 2, but starting to rush significantly in Part 3 and losing lock with the melody there. Good recovery and back on track in the ff. Reel: Solid break into Reel. Very relaxed playing here with great expression and lift. Watch control in the triplet rolls. Rushing in Part 4, but settled down again. Open work execution getting cloudy in the last two parts, with unfortunate slips in the final part. Some really good playing through here. I think the performance could be even better by paying more attention to dynamic range (especialy at the softer end) and really working on locking on to the beat -- especialy in the more complicated open phrases.. Note: Your recording microphone may have been peaking throughout the recording, creating a muffled "thump" on your louder accents. This was a bit distracting, and might be worth checking out to ensure the effexct is minimized for future performances.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Stuart walker 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Athole and breadalbane gathering, maggie cameron, murdo lamonts spree Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello Stuart: Thanks for your performance. Excellent scores appropriate to the Grade level. Drum pitch low, but lots of snare. Strong opening 3-pace rolls. Tempo steady from rolls and locked on through the March. March: Great musical interpretation and playing here -- lots of lift. Tasteful dynamics in Part 2. Maintaining great expression, and nice open work through Part 4. Strathspey: Solid break into Strath. 'A classic score with a few minor amendments. Execution more unsteady than in your March and somewhat lacking in a Strathspey feel. Good effort at integrating dynamics at key points in the score. Reel: Good break into Reel, and on more familiar and comfortable ground here again. "Pushing the beat" in places here, though, and not quite as well-expressed as the March. Again, tasteful incorporation of dynamics in Part 3. "Overplaying" the phrasing and singles execution in Part 4. Overall a mixed performance this time around. Your playing in the March was very strong, and less so in the other tunes. That said, I really liked your attention to incorporating tasteful dynamics in your scores. With continued practice and attention to detail, you have the potential to deliver some great performances in the future. Good luck!
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Donovan Nelson 🇿🇦 Place: 5 Tunes: PM Jim McWilliams , Maggie Cameron , John Morrison of assynt house Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Donovan: Thanks for your performance. Your drum was well set, if a bit low. (That may have been due to the acoustic characteristics of this recording.) Strong opening rolls. Very musical scores well-suited to the tunes and to the Grade level. March: Good expression here. Pushing the tempo in Part 1. Lots of lift -- good expression & flow. Rushing returns intermittently in Parts 3 and 4. Strathspey: Solid break into Strath, but pushing the second beat in Bar 1 both times through. Settling down in Parts 2 and 3. Pushing again going into Part 4 and off the music in Bars 3 & 4. Good recovery in the ff repeat. Reel: Good break into the Reel and much more settled into the groove here. Relaxed, with good attention to technique and expression through most of this tune. A little pushing in the last two parts, but much better overall. Lots of potential here. You have developed some great technique already and are now in the process of getting it under control. You can improve future performances by some intentional slow practice focused on keeping steady tempos, strengthening some weak open work phrases, and increased pointing in the Strathspey. You would also benefit from incorporating more dynamics into your scores -- especially the Strathspey.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Decker 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Balmoral Highlanders, Ewe with the Crooked Horn, Alick C. McGregor Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Ken: Thanks for your performance. You have a great selection of tunes for your MSR. Drum pitch a bit low, but with full snare sound. Opening rolls too pulsed. Maintaining steady tempo from rolls into the March. March: Good score that fits the music and appropriate to the Grade. Minor slips in execution through this score. Tasteful dynamics interpretation in Part 3, and it would be good to see even more of these through this score. Rushing your phrasing in Part 5, but settling back down nicely again in Part 6. Strathspey: Solid break into the Strathspey. Unsettled phrasing in Part 1, but improved in Part 2. Dotted & cut phrases could be pointed even more than they are now. More dynamic range would help improve the lift in this score as well. Reel: Good break into the Reel. Well expessed in Part 1, but getting a bit unsettled in the triplet run in the ff of Part 2. Steady through Part 3 and 4, with a minor slip in the final ending phrase. Good material, but overall the phrasing felt a bit stiff and lacking in flow. Future performances could be improved by better linkage of phrases, greater attention to pointing (especially in the March and Strathspey), increasing your dynamic range, and lightening up on your secondary (non-accented) notes.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Giorgia Di Girolamo 🇮🇹 Tunes: Donald Cameron, Maggie Cameron and The Brown Haired Maiden Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Giorgia. Thanks very much for your performance. Drum pitched quite low and lacking snare response. It requires examination and adjustment. Opening 3-pace rolls need refinement -- pulsed and not smooth. Tempo holding steady following the rolls. March: I like a genuine attempt at a classic (and imposing!) score. I admire your initiative, but it's a challenge to be careful not to compromise expression when tackling the more technical aspects of this arrangement. There was much to like in terms of specific phrases, but overall it felt like you were tackling this score before you were ready. I would suggest focussing on polishing your technique and expression in a less demanding score first. You can build your confidence through performances with that, and then tackle this score in the future when you are better prepared. Strathspey: Good break into the Strathspey. 'A simpler score that fits the music quite well, and you played it with much greater control and musical intention. Your performance could be improved significantly here by incorporating more expression and dynamics into your playing. In the pointed phrases, hold those dotted eighth notes a bit longer and clip the sixteenth notes. Work with your instructor or musical coach to determine the notes which should be accented in a given bar, as well as which ones should be played much lighter. While there are many triplet-based runs here, try not to play the score in too round a manner. Reel: I thought this was your best effort in tems of execution and expression. The score fit the tune well and was appropriate for the grade. 'Still some slips in execution, but I thought your overall interpretation was well done. Giorgia: You have loads of potential and it is clear to me you are already working very hard to meet your musical goals. Keep up the good work!
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommi McAndrew 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Bonnie Dundee & Hot Punch Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Tommi, this was a very confident performance, the first thing I noticed was a well set-up instrument, very bright with a lively snare response, totally enjoyable. You showed great technique and understanding of the 6/8 March, a well set tempo, you maintained that tempo well into the tune. You used your dynamic range to create an enjoyable listening experience. Each part had its own little slip, just concentrate more when taking the weight of a rudiment that you still maintain the clarity, especially when starting with a double tap. Roll work was clean, lookout for the roll into the single run in the 4th part, it’s easy to lose the musicality there Thank you Tommi for your performance.
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Donovan Nelson 🇿🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Angus McKinnon Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slightly pulsated introduction rolls but well sustained, confident entry, well set tempo. I would like to see you work more on the lower end of your dynamic range, when you did play quietly you lost accuracy of the rudiment and to the melody. Flam work was inconsistent, at times it sounded like two sticks hitting the drum at the same time. I would like to see you continue to work on your basic rudiments, this will help you play with more accuracy and allow more dynamics to enter the tune, with the confidence gained from this work this will provide more consistency of your rudiments. You showed a good understanding of the 6/8 March Congratulations Donovan on your performance.
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brendan Soh Heng Yi 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: John D. Burgess Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Brendan, the tempo dropped as you started the tune, this made it difficult to bring out your best 6/8 March performance. You worked very hard to try and create the feel required, so that is to be congratulated. You had a slight pulsating sound through your introduction rolls. The performance became very forced due to the tempo being played. You showed great control and clarity with your rudiments, Flams were consistent in clarity throughout your presentation. You drum was well set-up and had a very nice snare response, very enjoyable.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommi McAndrew 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Crossing the Minch & Donald Camerons Powderhorn Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Clean and accurate introduction rolls, I felt you were having issues sinking up with the melody all the way through the hornpipe, this had an impact on the accuracy of your rudiments to the melody. It also had an impact on your use of expression throughout the Hornpipe as I felt you were trying to force the score out and you lost the musicality of the written score. You certainly play very cleanly and I’m guessing you were playing to a recording, this is always a little more difficult. Jig:- A very good 1st part, great tempo, as you enter the second part and beyond I felt the score became a little difficult for you in places and this effected the flow of the score. Two great scores and I would like to hear you play live with a piper as I think that would bring the best out of you. Thank you Tommi, once again for your performance.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Minnis 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Jimmy Tweedie's Sealegs and Rory MacLeod Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Very confident introduction, excellent tempo. More control required for the 1st part, part ending. The long roll in the second part is coming across as forced Doubles into the single run in the 3rd part came across as rushed and lacked clarity. 4th part had timing issues in the piano part. 5th part felt like you got tired and struggled to hold this part together. Jig, good break with a solid tempo, the score felt forced and as the tune went on it started to get away from you. Over-all - your drum was well set-up and had a very nice snare response, very enjoyable to listen too. You displayed an excellent understanding of basic rudiments, that did come through, these were well constructed scores. Thank you for your performance.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Decker 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Uphold the Right, The Curlew Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Pulsating introduction rolls, tempo on the slow side for me but well controlled. Hornpipe - Take care with your phrasing, felt forced at times and coming away from the melody, take care of the easy rudiments, use them to showcase your control, you tended to skip over these and concentrate on the more difficult rudiments. Jig, lacking musical flow, tempo was on the slow side making it difficult to get a nice flow to the score. Your drum was well tuned with a bright and lively snare response. Thank you Ken for your performance.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brendan Soh Heng Yi 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: The Train Journey North, Troy's Wedding Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Clean introduction rolls, tempo on the slow side for this hornpipe score. Your short roll work in the first part could be a little tighter as it lost the musical flow of the score. 2nd part bars 3 & 4 lacked accuracy. 3rd part single run not accurate in both first and second time through the part. 4th part Bars 2 & 3 lost musical flow. Break to Jig, tempo change was positive and well set, I did feel the score was difficult for you to control at this tempo as you rudiments came across as lacking accuracy and weight control, this did have an impact on the quality of the recording today. You have demonstrated that you have an excellent understanding of basic rudiments, I would like to see you be a little more selective of the score you chose to play in solos as this will defiantly bring the best out in your ability, I am happy to assist you with this in the future if you like. Great job and thank you for your performance.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Timothy Dent 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: John Macdonald of Glencoe, Struan Robertson and Alick C Macgregor Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Accurate introduction rolls and uptake to March. Great tempo and playing well to the recording. You showed great control and a good use of dynamics in the March, it was very enjoyable score. Good break to Strathspey, tempo enabled you to bring out the best in the score. Break to Reel was clean and accurate to piper, this had a nice musical feel to it. Overall a very enjoyable performance. Congratulations Timothy on your solo presentation.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kes Kunze 🇩🇪 Place: 2 Tunes: John MacColl‘s March to Kilbowie Cottage, Bogan Lochan, Little Cascade Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Confident introduction and a well set tempo, you are playing accurate to the beat note just not the sub-division of the beat note, this gives the impression of surging in your performance. Strathspey, solid tempo at the break, the score is lacking the strathspey feel , you need to hold the strong beat note a fraction more, as you tend to rush over this. Reel lacked drive and separated to the melody, there are some difficult passages in the score, although played cleanly they didn’t fit the melody.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jamie Cockburn 🏴 Place: 3 Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, cameronian rant, Pretty Marion Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Nice introduction rolls and uptake to the March, well set tempo, lacked a melody to play to. There was a tendency to rush the part endings, triplet roll movements not always even, I would like to have seen a great use of dynamics, as the March progressed it had a feeling of being rushed, Strathspey, bright tempo set, there were some timing issues, possibly due to a lack of melody. There was a loss of Strathspey feel and your flams lacked control. Reel, again the tempo was excellent, triple roll movement lacked control, and came across as “slapped out” again the lack of a melody made it difficult for you to play to your full potential.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron W. MacDonald 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Highland Wedding/Bogan Lochan/John McKechnie Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Clean introduction rolls and uptake to March, there was a lack of drive in Highland Wedding, at times you separated from the melody due to a lack of accuracy to your rudiments. Strathspey, tempo at break was good, you lost the Strathspey feel and separated to the Melody as the score went on, Reel, clean break playing a nice score, there were some accuracy issues at times and again lost your way with the feel of the tune. Over-all you play well with control, it’s difficult to play to a recording and this showed in places. You drum was well set-up with a lively snare response, very enjoyable to listen to. Congratulations on your performance today.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommi McAndrew 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: Highland Wedding, Struan Robertson & Dolina Mackay Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Well sustained introduction rolls, tempo was on the slow side and lacked drive. March - There was a lack of accuracy to the melody, you have a tendency to follow the melody, more drive required at this level. Strathspey – behind the melody in the first few bars and you are not playing the same execution as the piper, this is making it difficult for you to play accurately to the recording. Reel – the drum score is fluctuating to the melody, you are playing clean rudiments, just not accurate to the melody.
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommi McAndrew 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Bonnie Dundee & Hot Punch Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Tommie: Thanks for your performance here. Drum well set -- good pitch and lots of snare. Slight pulse in middle of first 3-pace roll, but overall quite a solid attack. Tempo steady into tune. Use of multiple ruffs is an effective way of starting into this score. Effective use of dynamics in Part 2. Open work verging on being unsteady the first time through Part 3, but settled down again on the repeat.. Strong finish with excellent rolls and clear open work in Part 4. Excellent scores well played. I enjoyed your performance.
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jamie Cockburn 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: Portree bay Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Jamie. Thanks for your performance. Drum pitched low, but good full snare sound. Very strong 3-pace rolls, and maintaining steady tempo throughout. Part 1 simple but played well. Part 2 -- Open work in Bars 2 and 6 -- specifically, the open work starting on the second beat of the bar -- consistently ending too early. It may be intentionally played that way, but comes across as being uneven -- especially since your tempo is so steady. Good clear execution through Parts 3 and 4, with great 6/8 expression. Overall a very solid performance. Great mitts. I would prefer to see more attention to dynamics in this score, but your playing clearly conveyed a real sense of strength and confidence.
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron W. MacDonald 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: 6/8 March Traditional Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hi Cameron: Thanks for your performance here today. Drum was well set, with good pitch and full snare sound. Solid attack with steady tempo into the tune. Part 1 starting out a bit too round, but setted in. Good roll quality here. Bars 1 and 5 in Part 2 could be more pointed as well. Part 3 and 4 OK, wth good solid crescendo rolls in Part 4. I was surprised to see you choosing to play a generic massed band 6/8 March score in this level of competition. I think you missed a great opportunity to present a more challenging but musical score composed with your tune in mind, and one that allows for greater 6/8 expression. You are a very capable musician, it's clear you have the ability to play something more appropriate to the Grade, and I hope you will consider it for future 6/8 March competition performances.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kes Kunze 🇩🇪 Place: 1 Tunes: Pumkin‘s Fancy, Old Wife of the Mill Dust Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Kes. Thanks for your performance. Drum well set -- good pitch and full snare. Very solid attack and steady into Hornpipe. 'A driving score that fits the tune well and has lots of opportunities for dynamics. Well played. The structure and melody of the tune itself is quite repetitive, and I think that limits the opportunity for variety of content to some extent. However, the execution was very clean and expressive with great dynamics. Solid break to Jig. 'Starting out quite simply, but score gets more challenging in subsequent parts. Excellent control of tempo throughout. Effective use of dynamics in Part 3 without going "over the top". Very expressive final part, with great content and tasteful dynamics. Solid finish. This was a very musical and well-controlled performance in a strong contest. I enjoyed it.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tommi McAndrew 🏴 Place: 2 Tunes: Crossing the Minch & Donald Camerons Powderhorn Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Tommi: Thanks for your performance. Drum well set and sounding good. Strong smooth opening rolls, but second roll slightly longer than the first. A very well-constructed and musical hornpipe score, played very expressively with good dynamic range and finesse. Strong start into the tune, and playing well. Part 3 especially well-expressed, with very effective use of dynamics here. In Part 4, I think the timing of the syncopation in Bars 2 and 6 is slightly off and not coming across as intended. Final roll of the Hornpipe not ending on the beat. Break into Jig was solid, with great dynamics already in Parts 1 and 2. Very tasty bits throughout this score well executed with confidence. While playing was steady through most of the Jig, there was a growing lack of sync with the piper especially in the final part of the tune. 'Loads of potential here and it's clear you have been working hard. Well done.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jamie Cockburn 🏴 Place: 3 Tunes: Rhonda Blair, Bronni’s Blue Brozzi Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello, Jamie. Thanks for this. Drum pitch quite deep, but full snare sound. Scores well set and very appropriate to the Grade level. Strong intro rolls and tempo steady into Hornpipe. Confident performance. Great lift and expression in your Hornpipe, rock solid tempos, and mostly clear execution. Pushing slightly in Part 2, but settled back in the repeat. Same in the ff repeat of Part 3. Great lift in Part 4. It would be great to see more variety in terms of light and shade incorporated into this score. Solid break to Jig. 'A well-constructed and very musical score. Tempo quick but well-controlled at first. Starting to push the beat in Part 2, and then tempo really begins to creep upwards -- starting to affect clarity especially at the end of Part 4. Again, absence of much light & shade in this score. 'An impressive performance that can be improved in future by greater finesse, increasing dynamic range in selected passages, and maintaining stronger control over Jig tempo. Thanks again.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron W. MacDonald 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Barry Ewan & The Mermaid Jig Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Hello Cameron. Thanks for your performance here. Drum well set, with good pitch and full snare sound. Strong intro rolls. Tempo maintained into Hornpipe.. Very musical score well-suited to the Grade level. (I really like the ending phrase, but be sure to keep it under control.) Watch clarity and finesse of your ruffs in the Hornpipe -- Keep them consisent. Lots of drive in this Hornpipe score. You express it very well, and it could be strengthened even further by more variety in terms of dynamics and playing the secondary (non-accented) strokes with more finesse. Good break into a well-constructed and musical Jig score. Good quality and variety here. Quite well-played, but your musical expression could benefit from more finesse and more light & shade in the score. I thought this was a solid performance is a very competitive contest. You have loads of potential and I hope you keep up the hard work. Thanks again.
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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, MacAllistair’s Dirk Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Slight pulsating coming through on introduction rolls but well sustained, confident and solid with a lively tempo to March, technically strong and phrased well to melody with a strong dynamic interpretation to the score. Strathspey, well played with a great use of dynamics and a sold S.W.M.W. providing the drive within the score. Reel, again another solid performance. This was a very enjoyable presentation with well-constructed scores. Congratulations Grant on your performance.
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tilak Manu 🇸🇬 Tunes: The 79th Farewell to Gibraltar, The Caledonian Canal, Lexy Macaskill Judge: Andrew Womersley Judge's Comments: Pulsating introduction, tempo down and lacking drive. Accent roll work lacking accuracy and clarity. The tempo was unsettled throughout the March Break to strathspey to long between tunes, strathspey lacking S.W.M.W. feel to the score, the tune was rushed and lacked accuracy throughout. Reel, again the break was too long, the score felt panicked and lacked the musical feel that was required. Unfortunately with a lack of melody to play to, you rushed your rudiments and didn’t play with the accuracy required for this grade.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Grant Maxwell 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Reverend AWR MacKenzie’s Revenge, Callum Magee Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Drum very well set -- great pitch and full snare. Strong & solid opening 3-pace roll; slight pulse on Beat 2 in second roll. Great lift overall in the Hornpipe -- loved the phrasing in Bars 5 & 6. Rocking through Part 2, and great dynamics interpretation in Part 3. Great expression in Part 4, but pushing the triplet run slightly in Bar 4 of the FF. Solid into Jig, with great dynamics build-up in Bars 3 & 4. Part 2 solid, and great interpretation in Part 3. I really liked the dynamic contrast between Bars 1/2 and Bars 3/4 in Part 3. Great control through Bars 5 and 6 of that part -- especially on the repeat -- and I really liked the entry into Part 4. Strong finish. I really enjoyed this performance, Grant. Thanks very much.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tilak Manu 🇸🇬 Tunes: The Rainbow, The Hen's March Judge: David Coleman Judge's Comments: Wthdrawn.
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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: Gale Walker 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: John McDonald, Ewe With the Crooked Horn, Major Manson Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - Drum sounds very nice: resonant and well-tuned. - Very nice tenor score composition and choreography. - There are a couple of spots where your left hand stalls don't match the look of your right hand ones, so this could be an area to work on. - rhythmic timing is very good, I like that I can hear a veriety of dynamics - in the first part of the march, the ending phrase was a little bit rushed, but it settled in well and was fine the rest of the tune. - ok break to strathspey, although in a solo performance I would encourage you to consider an adjustment so that you do hit the drum on the first note of the strathepey - nice touch on drum in the strathspey, very strong rhythmic performance. - confident break to reel. - in 2nd part of the reel, the rhythm got a bit ahead of the accompaniment, otherwise spot on and right with your accompaniment. - The timing of your flourishes with music is done well. I noticed though that you sometimes have difficulty catching cleanly after a flourish. It isn't affecting your transitions to the drum, which is great! I bring it up because improving your catching will allow you to time the moment that you catch with the music - this will sharpen up your performance visually. Some drummers find they have more consistency with catching if they tighten up their strings a bit. Tying your cords to your hands in a way that includes your pinky finger will allow you to spread your fingers to draw the mallet into your hand, but I know that many people are very comfortable with the way they tie their cords, so this may not be a suggestion that would fit for you. - Overall, your flourishes are very creative and well timed, and your rhythms are well executed and nearly always locked in with the backing track. I enjoyed this very much! Thank you.
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Allan Dodds Farewell to Scotland, Atholl Cummers and Mrs Macpherson of Inveran Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - confident rolls. - sight hesitation to first note of March, but second note and beyond very well timed. - very detailed rhythm playing in this score, and smooth flourishing transitions. - excellent variety of complex flourishes here. - some variety in dynamics, but playing is coming through quite loud (may be a balance issue between accompaniment and your drum). I'd love to hear softer pianissimos to balance out the strong fortissimo playing. - rhythms very slightly ahead of accompaniment in march part 3. - confident break to strathspey. - If you play your piano time in the strath with a strong-weak-medium-weak feel, it will help emphasize the transition to the new tune/idiom - especially in the first bar! - good break to reel - very nice rhythm playing here. There is a note around 4:28 timestamp that is not quite placed accurately. The accent it aligns with is a little bit earlier in the accompaniment, so you may have to adjust the catch timing on the previous flourish combination to nail it exactly - this issue occurs both times you play that sequence. Overall: very enjoyable and confident set on a well-tuned drum. You could add in some quieter passages to add additional excitement to your complex and well-timed rhythmic playing. Your flourishes are creative and fluidly executed. Well done!
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Mrs John McColl, Maggie Cameron, Willie Cummings Rant Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - rolls well timed, drum sound is very nice. - falling behind the accompaniment a bit in the first part, but settled in well in the repeat. - flourishing has very nice variety and well timed, good catching, and generally good transitions between visuals and rhythm (occasionally slightly late to drum) - 4th part timing a little unsettled - watch last bar of your ending phrase in the March - I think you may be playing a 16th triplet over a set of four 32nd notes in the accompaniment. - confident break to strathspey - a couple of moments where the rhythm was not spot on (when there is a triplet on beat 3 and you play the 3nd and third notes of the triplet and then beat 4, sometimes you stretch it out a bit too much and end up behind.) - flourishing suits the tune and snare score well. - I'd like to encourage you to play the four beats of your piano time here as it can really help bring out the STRONG-weak-Medium-weak strathspey idiom. - Flourishing in break to reel got away from you a bit as you weren't quite locked in with the music. My personal preference is for soloists to strike the drum in the break to the reel (every break actually), as it really defines the break and the change in style and tempo.
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Event 210. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Flying Scotsman, Battle of Waterloo and The Panda Judge: Kahlil Cappucino Judge's Comments: 1, Erin, thank you for your very strong and dynamic performance. All done on a drum that has been set-up very nicely. Keeping in mind that what translates into a recording can be different from what the sound is in person but I felt that at times your volume and accompanying expression was over-powering. What is very clear is you have a great understanding of interpreting a tune and scoring; you might wish to focus in on your use of the dynamic range from pp-ff. Introduce subtlties from the range into your playin and this will take your performance to another level. Maybe consider the setting in which you are playing: solo performance use a stick wiht a softer core for a more refined sound vs. a band performance where the need for a defined attack and sustain off the drum might be needed to cut through as a distinct voice in a tenor section? Really strong scoring, played very well with occassional lapsing out of fluidity of the rhythm. 2. Great intro! You started out and you meant business! This translated well into a strong first part with where your ending phrase was played superbly (you use effecitve dynmaics in these, you have control and expression) . You kep tthis going through all parts of the hornpipe but I would refer you to my observations above. 3. Again your scoring is excellent, You have found a really nice balance of rhythm and flourish but it's the rhythm that stands-out as being thought through and created to be an excellent and integral part of the ensemble if you well (though this is a solo event). 4. Very strong to jig - you remained in time and on phrasing as you transitioned from HP to J. Excellent first part! Second part -such a cool and well-played opening phrase.. Thrid part - good. Fourth part - superb and very nice orchawstration to the ending. 5. Excellent jig scoring and playing. I would say again look to explore how you can use dynamics to lift your performance even more. For example, even in your time-playing thinking about how you might bring more sublety and jig feel to that straight time.
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Event 210. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Tam Bains Lum, Donella Beaton Judge: Kahlil Cappucino Judge's Comments: 1. Ryan, many thanks for this very nice performance on a a well-tuned drum. Your sound was full, the decay was sustaining just long enough and attack was soft but precise. 2. Strong intro rolls played with confidence that sets up the viewer/listener for a strong performance. However, first time through, the first two bars were slightly unsettled detracting a bit from expectatons; you quickly adjusted and ensured that the remaining rhythm in the first part was clear and well articulated. 3.Onwards you displayed a nice balance of rhythm to flourish though at times your timing out of a flourish onto the drum impacted the fluidity of your timing and quality of your played score. Subtle but enough to throw the flow a bit. 4. When you are using triplets frequently in a tune you may wish to focus in on their consitency. In some cases they were slightly crushed and in others spot-on. Aim for bigt fat open triplets such that you can and that the tempo allows for. It's not easy to do but when you master that it will bring your playing along to an even better place than it is now. 5. Careful of your endings as well in the condtext of consistency. It effected the quality of your transition into the jig as your ending phrase was a bit hurried, I think marked by your anticipation to hit the jig break. 6. First part of jig was very well done as you played forthrightly and as the jig progressed it was clear you enjoy the tune and that translated into your playing. 7. Second part was excellent! Your scoring and use of space and dynmaics was so well done. You might wish to explore the dynamic range a bit more here (pp-ff). Make the bottom end of the crescendo even quieter. 8. Strong to end with full conviction. 9. As far as your scoring goes for the jig, you have effectively picked-up the opportunity to use triplets towards getting to a "jiggedy" feel. You might wish to consider variatons on full triplets to bring that feel out even more - e.g. take out the middle note of a triplet. Add a bit more variety into your score and encourage the listener/viewer to a more diverse experience if you will.
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Allan Dodds Farewell to Scotland, Atholl Cummers & Mrs Macpherson of Inveran Judge: Kahlil Cappucino Judge's Comments: 1. Erin, thanks for this MSR. Overall a very good performance with opportunity to build on. My observation on sound remains as it did for your HP/J but it is evident you can nuance and express using a nice dynamic range. The trick is to make that regular thoughout your playing. 2. Strong rolls but late on first beat of the march. You very quickly fixed that with your time-playing for bar 2 and that set you back in time that you held throughout the tune. Good second part - what do you think about playing that nice sharp snappy crescendo roll with the snare in the first bar rather than flourish (which was excellent by the way and an strong visual representation). Third part, some wobbly bit taking you slightly off time, 4th part - excellent, especially the crescendoed triplet runs. 3. Good to strathspey but you were slightly behind the beat particuarly in bar 3. Second part very well done, Third part excellent! Fourth part the same with a nice syncopaed phrasing. A good strathspey overall. 4. Very strong into reel howver, you seemed to be hitting your drum a bit harder than normal and it created a bit of a dischordant sound. Second part excellent! Third - good. Off a bit in the fourth, timing and expression stumbled a bit. Good to end but it felt, sounded and looked like you were in a rush to get it done. 5. Erin , this was a very good play. You have tons of skill and you have a good understanding of the music. Consider expression, light and shade such that one can on one's own. I wonder if you might think about relaxing your arms a bit and that might bring a bit of "lightness" to your playing and that could address expression and so on. Food for thought. Btw, that 's a beautiful Christmas Tree. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, The Islay Ball, Mrs MacPherson of Inveran Judge: Kahlil Cappucino Judge's Comments: 1.Ryan, thank you for this MSR. A good performance on a nice sounding drum. 2. March - good intro rolls. First bar or two were fine but then you fell off the pace causing your performance to be unsettled and your rhythms stilted and expression to be lost. Second part you settled back in somewhat but on the repeat issues re-emerged with timing and feel. Third part well done. Fourth - good. Fifth- excellent, very nice use of time and space, you nailed this part and that continued for you through the sixth part. 3. Strong break, Here you remained relaxed it appeared in the march's ending which made for the nice break to the strathspey. 4. Strathspey - this was really good, Ryan. Feel, space, time, nuanced. Not much more I can say. 5. Very very strong break. Flow into reel was superb, you were relaxed and it sounded natural and right . Set things up for a nice tune. 6. The reel was well done! A nice variety of scoring and balance to flourishes, you were hiting experession and feel that made for a very enjoyable reel. Slight wobble, going off time in the last part but recovered well and stron gto the end. 7. Job well done!on the strathspey and reel. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and your family!
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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: Hugh Kennedy, Maggie Cameron, Bessie MacIntyre. Judge: Kahlil Cappucino Judge's Comments: 1. Christine, thank you for this MSR performance. You project confidence and enjoyment that makes it way into your playing. You displaying sharp visuals in your flourishes but I suggest you focus on the transition from air to drum and vice versa, it is a bit unsteady which then impacts the overall flow of your playing and how the rhythms sound. 2. Your drum seem to be throwing overtones and you might wish to do a check on evening out your the tension so that there is equal tension against each tuning rod. That will smooth out your sound and warm up the tone. 3. Intro rolls going well until the very last beat which went slight off, I think in anticipatin of the first beat of the march. 4. First part of march good , time-playing excelent for first bars but watch your timing in bars 4/5. Second part good but watch timing in bar 2. Third part, really good time-playing though a bit of a stumble in bar 7 in terms of flow of rhyhm. Fourth part good, strong time playng. 5. Strathspey - slightly rushed into first beat that carried through-out the part. Seconid part good though watch your timing in the 5th bar. Third part you bring forth a good effect with your spacing in the score but are slightly off the beat, late on occasion. Fourth part - same issue as third part. 6. Late into reel bu thtis was the strongest of your tunes. First part good! Second part well done!, Thrid and fourth parts good! As with the march and strathspey, you may wish to focus on how you fit in the space of melodies of the tunes. How do you create a fluid smooth performance where you are able to transition out of flourish to drum so that what you are strking for sound is contained in the flow, feel adn tempo. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and your family!
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Flying Scotsman, Battle of Waterloo & The Panda Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - strong start, drum sounds lovely. - very energetic start! Rhythmically complex and played confidently. - your time playing feels very even, needs more emphasis on the beats and less on the offbeats (and the strongest pulse should be on beat 1) - flourishing is flawless and complex - well executed with perfect transitions to the drum. - good break to jig - really good jig feel, lots of variety in flourishing here, and good touch on the drum. - nice balance between syncopated rhythms and more steady beatings. Every note here is spot on, with good dynamics (subtle crescendos in groups of three notes are very nice). Overall: great composition and choreography in the score, and excellent excecution. A very poised performance! Thank you.
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Mason’s Apron, Archie Beag Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - confident start, rolls great, drum is well-tuned. - Part 1, Bar 2 rhythm: there are 2 16th notes/semi-quavers, an eighth/quaver rest followed by a 16th/semi-quaver reston beat 2, and you're playing the next 16th note (2 E + a). It sounds to me like the accompanying snare score is placing the accent on the "and" of 2 instead of on the 16th note before that (2 e AND a). Since it's a recurring theme in the first part, it thought it worth mention. - fantastic groove and feel in your rhythm playing in the hornpipe in part 2 and beyond. Sometimes the "5s" in your ending bar are a bit rushed, so watch that. - score fits well with the accompanying track, and flourishes cleanly executed - more complexity/variety in flourishes would be nice at this level. - HP part 4, great idea with the flourish to start, but late to the drum afterward. - solid break to jig. - jig is generally well played, rhythmically, and could use more dynamics to add excitement and variety. - in my opinion, the structure of the composition of the jig score is not as interesting as I would like to see at the grade 1 level. I have no issue with any one of the flourish combinations in this jig performance. If you were to add additional flourishes to the second line of each part, it woud be an opportunity to maintain more excitedment and interest as well as demonstrate additional skills (since I can see you have plenty of flourishing ability). As is, the flourishing is quite repetitive. - Overall, a steady performance! Lively hornpipe with plenty of energy. The jig did not feel as enthusiastic as the hornpipe, and I'd love to see you spice things up with more flourishing variety and complexity at this level (gr1). - Thanks so much!
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Man from Skye, The Hen’s March. Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - good rolls and confident start. - scoring is very complex, and mostly well played, but some phrases are a little rushed (e.g., bar 4 of the first part after the flourish) - ending phrase a little behind with the arm circle - final note is placed a little late. - slight hesitation (memory slip?) start of part 4. - good break to jig, although tempo is a little quick for you I think - you fall behind a bit once you begin the singles in bar 3. - nice variety of flourishes. - I'm noticing some difficulty with catching/transitioning cleanly to the drum. This is impacting your rhythm playing because sometimes you are a little behind on the rhythm following a flourish. - some of your complex rhythms are not played perfectly, ex. part 3 bar 3, but they are quite good, and you've almost got them! - I like the variety and energy in your flourishes! I'd encourage you to work to time them precisely with the accompaniment, which will sometimes mean making them a bit quicker. Overall: I enjoyed your hornpipe-jig, and I LOVE that i can see how much YOU are enjoying yourself as well. Your music is very well composed and choreographed. Some adjustments to execution with both rhythm and flourishing will help polish your overall performance. Thank you so much!
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Event 301. Novice Bass Drumming (Grade 4 & 5) - Any March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Yuen Ka Ming 🇭🇰 Place: 1 Tunes: 2/4 March: Hugh Kennedy Judge: Kahlil Cappucino Judge's Comments: 1. Yuen Ka Ming, I enjoyed your march performance very much! Done on a nice sounding bass drum that you may wish to experiment with in tems of the amount of dampening you have in the drum and finding a bit more of a sustain or slower decay off the strike of the heads. Your motion and technque is very strong and you are using both hands very well which is not an easy thing to do and not mastered by many regarddless of grade! Think a bit more about brushing down onthe drumhead rather than striking into them. You've almost got it! Maybe try practicing on a doorjam which I find to be helpful for me. 2. In the parts 1,2 and 4 you are creating a nice flow and feel with your effective use of space, syncopation and beat placement that are just right in balance. Part three, you may wish to match how the pipes are stressing the melody, there's a real nice smoth driving downbeat feel here that you could mirror to great musicality. 3. Well done! All the best to you in 2023!
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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: 1 Tunes: Braes of Castle Grant, Susan McLeod, Lexi McAskill Judge: Kate Dudek Judge's Comments: - solid intro beats. drum resonance is lovely. pitch of drum is a little bit sharp to the accompaniment, but only very slightly. It is likely because the recording is a practice chanter/pad (which is lower pitched than bagpipes). This is not a big issue - just a comment! - Confident opening. - You are using a very nice combination of time beatings and more complex rhythms - very important for bass drummers and you clearly understand this. - fluid arm motion and very nice touch to the drum. - good break to strath, and nice feel in this piece, good dynamics and you are locked right in with your accompaniment. - Flawless transition to reel. - The reel is my favourite part of your performance, as I can see you are comfortable and enjoying yourself. Your rhythm playing is totally solid with a good sense of "groove" and feel. - Excellent work on this set. Thanks so much!
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: 12I Singapore Boys' Brigade Bagpipe Band 1 🇸🇬 Place: 1 Tunes: Horsburgh Castle, Gardens of Skye, Lord Lovat's Lament Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: Andrew Womersley (Side) — Place: 3 — Pulsating Introduction rolls, well set tempo, Bass and Snare not together at first beat of tune. Snare line trying to put expression into the score however the separation between drummers is making it difficult to achieve. Accent roll work not coming together cleanly in the 1st tune 2nd tune, long runs not together separation between all sections in last part of this tune 3rd tine , part ending separation, this was your strongest tune . Overall I would like to see the Bass contribute more by following the metrical accent for this time signature, the bass tended to play a straight beat with no variation in weight, I would also like to see a lead and corps drummer this can help with your dynamic presentation going from one to two drummers will change the volume and help create interest in the presentation. Judge: James MacHattie (Piping) — Place: 2 — Good start, drums and pipes. Both sections playing well together. One pipe sharper than the others. Drones not quite settled. Lively tempo. Very effective harmonies. Tempo holding steady. Steady bass. Some of the snare precision in Gardens of Skye drifting a bit - better by LLL. Good piping unison. Good stop. Well done. Judge: Kate Dudek (Midsection) — Place: 2 — - very good attack. - bass drum beating starts out very steady and maintains throughout - this is excellent to hear and really helps keep everyone playing together. I would encourage you to add some variety/pulsing to your playing - start by making beat one of every bar a little louder. - the tempo in this performance is very good and seems to work well for all players in the ensemble. - some of the snare execution could be tidied up, but I can see you are working hard to play well together, so keep it up! Bringing the tempo down a bit and playing to a metronome will help you lock everything in. Overall: t's great to see young people making good music together! - thanks so much everyone, I enjoyed this a lot. Judge: Terry Lee (Piping) — Place: 1 — Hello Silngapor Boys I. Thank you for doing this! Tone: A very bright pitch from chanters and snares. Really like the bass drum sound. Pipers make sure to play right to end (sound drops off early). Unison: Small pipe slips in first tune. Snares farily tight. Moving through the tunes seamlessly - very good. Pipers watch uneven blowing, especially at part endings. Musicality: A musical tempo is called and delivered. A nice drive to your playing. Summary: A good performance - lively and together. Look at bagpipe tone to try to match closer. Could drop the pitch somewhat which could help. Nicely done thank you.
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Hamilton Boys' High School Junior Pipe Band 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Green Hills of Tyrol Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: Andrew Womersley (Side) — Place: 1 — Clean and confident introduction from drummer. Simple score played very well, showing rudimental accuracy and a good use of dynamics. Drummer forgot to stop at the end of the performance. Well played. Judge: James MacHattie (Piping) — Place: 1 — Lively tempo, playing well together. Chanters close, but drones could be tuned a bit better. Not totally together on the very start of the tune but settled in right away. Not all togethar at the very end either. But the bits in the middle were quite good! Lively playing and good unison by pipers and pipes and drum in time all through. Well done. Judge: Kate Dudek (Midsection) — Place: 1 — - this was really enjoyable for me to watch and listen to. - you three did a very good job of playing this very musically and together; I can see that you have been playing together for a while. - you had a very strong start, good steady tempo and good attack, and you kept the same steady tempo the whole way through. - one thing i noticed was that for the first several bars of music after you got going, the three of you were all tapping your right foot, but you weren't *quite* tapping together. As you relaxed into the repeat of the first part, all of your foot taps synced up and I could feel you settle into the performance as well. - very nicely played, and keep working hard. Judge: Terry Lee (Piping) — Place: 4 — Hello Hamilton Boys. Thanks for getting together and making this happen. Glad it is sunny somewhere! Tone: Sound is good other than drones. Maybe a bass drone slipped on the pin or, perhaps, they just need more tuning? Pretty good blowing pipers. Unison: Very well started. Pipers the "F" is on the sharp side. Musicality: Lively tempo and good score to this tune. The snare playing with positive drive and accompanying the pipers to good effect. Summary: A musical, short presentation. Playing well together and thank you again for taking part.
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: 12I Singapore Boys' Brigade Bagpipe Band 2 🇸🇬 Place: 3 Tunes: The Rainbow, Bride's Jig, Because He Lives, The Keel Row, The Keel Row (Reel), Lexy MacAskill Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: Andrew Womersley (Side) — Place: 4 — Clean introduction. Separation from the first note, a sense of panic from the snare line at the start of the tune, you must take your time and work as one unit. Jig, timing issues from all three sections. Air – pulsating roll work, rudiment work rushed Strathspey, bass lacking S.W.M.W. by adding this to the bass it may help the rest of the band play with more feeling and accuracy Keel Row Reel - rushed and continued to increase in speed Lexie MacAskill – serious tempo issues here Over-all I felt the scores were too complicated for the snare line to provide accurate musical support to the melody. These scores are great for the individuals to challenge themselves and to help lift the standard but for a band performance you need to play to your strengths. Judge: James MacHattie (Piping) — Place: 4 — Good start together, but then it took a bit for the group to come together with slightly different tempos. Extremely fast! Chanters pretty close together, but drones not quite set. Very quick in jig too. Bass drifting off the beat a bit. Pipes and drums playing much better together in the strathspey. The reels are too quick to keep everyone playing together. Not quite a clean stop together. A fun set, and lots of potential here if you slow it down a bit so everyone can keep up, keep together and keep control. Judge: Kate Dudek (Midsection) — Place: 3 — - attack was much quicker than the count-in, and took a few bars to settle in (drummers ahead and pipers trying to match count-in tempo) - once you settled though, it was very strong and lively. - bass left hand is sometimes a little less locked in to the tempo than your right hand. - I like the effect of the bass drummer playing minimally in the first part of the jig and then adding a bit more in the second part. - nice crescendo and decrescendo rolls in the slow air. Overall: a very nice medley of tunes. I can see you are still working on getting everyone playing all of the tunes in full, but I'm glad that didn't stop you from putting an entry together for this contest, as I enjoyed this very much. It might be helpful to bring the tempo down a bit while everyone wraps their hands around the material (metronome work will help with this too). - Bass drummer: you have a good touch on the drum and a generally steady tempo, in fact you got more steady after the first tune. In terms of next steps, I'd like to see you start putting a little more weight on beat one of every bar. - thanks for a very fun medley. I really enjoyed the tune selection and scoring. Keep working on cleaning up execution and locking into all the same tempos across the instruments. Judge: Terry Lee (Piping) — Place: 2 — Hello Singapore Boys 2. Thank you for being here. Tone: Sound is quite good together. Bass drum okay but too heavy. Drones seem to be quite sharp. Chanters are very high pitched. Unison: Too fast at the start and this created a scramble. Snares behind...pipers ahead... Would suggest slowing the opening tune down. Snares raagged in 2nd part. Better in jig. Snares somewhat uncertain at the start of each tune. Need to be definite. Musicality: Not together at the beginning - pipes or drums. Lots of uncertainty causing a messy opening. Setlles a bi as it goes on. Jig also ia quite fast. The Air is a nicde break from the speed! Pretty much collapsed at the end of the medley. Summary: An interesting set with pretty much all tunes at top speed. Try to remember that it is music and not a race. Thank you.
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The 79th’s Farewell to Gibraltar, Struan Robertson, Colonel MacLeod. Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: Andrew Womersley (Side) — Place: 2 — Introduction rolls not together, Bass late to first beat. A greater use of dynamics required from snare and bass line. Break to strathspey separation from all corps of the band, bass could provide more S.W.M.W to assist all in this presentation, I felt the snares could hold the Strong note a little longer this would help follow the melody a little closer. Reel - break much better slow but steady tempo, snares lost clarity at times, roll work not coming through clean, this was your strongest tune. Thank you for your performance, a nice selection of tunes. Judge: James MacHattie (Piping) — Place: 3 — Rolls a bit ragged to start, but pipes and drums settled in fairly well once the tune started. Chanters fairly well set, but drones are well out... Good control to the march. Steady bass. Errors in part 4. Not quite together into strathspey, and it took a while for the drums and pipes to play the same tempo. Strathspey feel a bit round - dotted notes need to be stretched and the little notes quite small. A number of errors. Steady tempo. Lively reel. Better ensemble work here. Good clean stop. Well done. Judge: Kate Dudek (Midsection) — Place: 4 — - good attack. - the tempo is slightly slow, but it is smart of you to keep the tempo down as you develop all the skills and master the tunes and scores. this will help you make sure that everything is being played corectly. - bass a little unsteady at the start, but settled in well by the repeat of part 1. - break to strath well together. - Bass Drummer: you have a very nice touch on the drum. I encourage you to try to play beat 1 with your right hand, then beats 2, 3, and 4, alternating left-right-left. While you do this, putting your strongest emphasis on beat 1 (with the right hand) will help with the dance feel of the music. That strong pulse on beat one will be an important one in all music, and mastering this will help the band lock in together, like a heartbeat. Although this comment is about bars where you are playing time, it also applies to more complex rhythms - your timing with the syncopation is generally good, and the next step is keep that strong pulse on beat one in those passages as well. - drum corps seems to be pushing a little in the strathspey - good transition to the reel. - very musical reel playing. - At times, the drummers are a little behind the piping in the reel/ pipers ahead. - Drum scoring appears to be very appropriate for the grade, aand metronome work will help you wrap your hands around this material at the tempos that the band played at today - playing slow can be a big challenge, but it's worth it because it will make your playing much more precise and together as you bring the tempo back up. - It's great to see so many musicians playing together and working hard to keep improving! - Thank you very much. Judge: Terry Lee (Piping) — Place: 3 — Hello Alaska Celtic. Thanks for getting together and making this happen. What a spectacular setting! Tone: Pretty good sounds all round. Drones notably rough. Bass drum a bit heavy but a good sound. Chanters seem to be at a sweet pitch which is good but I am concerned with small squeaks that appear throughout. This needs addressing (I would consider what reeds and chanters are being played and are they a good fit...or a good fit for Alaska?). Unison: Small pipe slips in 4th (March). Snares could be tighter in March as well. Tempo seems to slow in last part. Pipe slips again in reel. Musicality: March is very controlled. If you can bring this up a few beats per minute it will be even better. Strathspey is very square...needs pulsing and not so even....strong ..weak..medium...weak kind of thing. Score here also needs attention. Very jerky/square. Summary: An interesting MSR. Good tunes that need attention on style/scores. Good presentation overall. Thank you.
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Glasgow Week in Hamburg, Cutting Bracken, The Duck, The Mist Covered Mountains, Jennifer Finlayson, Flora, Mrs MacLeod of MacLeod, Kate Dalrymple. Judge: Panel B Judge's Comments: Judge: David Coleman (Side) — Place: 1 — Thank for your performance. The band looks very smart in full uniform, and you have a great backdrop for your performance. Introductory 3-pace rolls pulsed on the middle beat -- Keep steady and smooth throughout. There was some confusion over tempo after the opening rolls -- the side drummers drum corps slowed down and got out of sync with the Bass and the pipers -- but then recovered later in the first part.. March -- Drum score is basic but fits the tune. Make sure the Lead Drummer is positioned to see the P/M's foot in order to keep tempo through the tune and lock on to the breaks between tunes. Jig -- Took a few bars before the snares and Bass got comfortable with the Jig tempo and locked on with the pipers. Drummers sounding confident through Part 2 of the first Jig. Unison suffering a bit in the second jig. Slow Air -- Score perhaps a bit busy for this Slow Air -- especially at such a slow tempo. Watch unison playing here through tap work, and make sure your rolls start and stop together. Strathspeys -- Cleaner break into this tune. Again, corps having unison issues but keeping time quite well. Try to focus on improving strathspey expression and dynamics here. Reels -- More confident break into the first reel as well. Drummers seem more comfortable with the expression here -- and it sounds like you're having fun through these two tunes. Scores throughout are quite basic but fit the melodies. As the band progresses, you will get more comfortable with the most appropriate tempo for each tune and the nature of the breaks between tunes. It woud be good for you to get some examples of simple pipe band scores for these types of tunes from other sources as well -- both the written music and recordings -- so you can get a better sense of the composition and structure of the drumming. Budgets and schedules permitting, I think the drum corps would really benefit from some supplementary drumming instruction with an external instructor -- possibly starting online but also organizing an in-person weekend workshop or two through the year. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald (Piping) — Place: 1 — Intro : Rolls not quite in time with tempo called by Pipe Major. Nice controlled tempo to start. -Some ensemble issues at the start of the march where drummers fell behind a tad losing the ensemble -Pipe unison pretty good and nice sound coming from the pipes in terms of chanters and drone tuning. -not quite precise going into the Jig with all secionts not quite hitting the mark but tempo is appropriate and nice unison from pipe corps. Bass drum coming across a little heavy. -2nd jig pretty good and some slight errors popping out from pipes here but better ensemble between the band. -Nice into the slow and appropriate use of space coming from the drummers here to allow the song to sound out from the pipes. -Okay going into the Strathspey but one piper not quite there. Nice expression here and drumming offering a nice compliment here. -Good into the Reel but again a couple of piper's not quite there upon entry and several errors popping out. Again drummers providing a decent compliement of basic Reel rhythm throughout the tunes. Clean finish Overall an enjoyable medley played with appropriate tempos on instruments that were tuned pretty well. Some ensemble issues creeping in as mentioned above but generally pretty close. Work on ensruing drummers are matching the pipers especially upon entry into different time signatures as mentioned above where Drums, Bass/Tenor secion and Pipes were not in sync. Correcting this aspect of your performance will enhance the presentation. Still, a very enjoyable medley!!! Judge: Kahlil Cappucino (Midsection) — Place: 1 — Mid-section - 1 bass., well-tuned, deep resonant tone, harmonic to the low-end. Bass drummer may wish to work on technique and using a "brushing" motion moreso thatn hitting straight into the drum. Do so will take his sound to a new level. 1. A good compound time tune to open a medley with that requires a strong beat presence from the bass to bring the band along and set the tone for the rest of the medley selection. 12/8 can be trkcy and here the bass throughout the tune the bass wavers between a swinging compound time feel that is steady and musical. Seemed a bit of an odd feel to the start overall from the band bu tthis is where the bass can play that galvanizing role. 2. Unsure to jig. Perhaps someting more emphatic from the PM, LT and bass. For the break (and breaks in general as well as tune to tune) the bass should seek to give a very definitive strong first beat that "announces" the tune. You may wish to think about if there is an opening phrase you can hit the big beats on to open a tune. Nice treatment of, "The Duck" by the bass, generally holding things steady for the band but giving it a bit of syncopated flavour. Moments of unsteadiness but otherwise it was good. 3. "Mist-overd Mountains" - excellent from bass. Well-placed, tasteful accents on beat to promote a solid flow overall. 4. Strathpeys - important element here in the medley where the bass can play a decisive role in cultivating that SWMW feel at the very least. The bass could explore beyond that expression pattern - is there an opportunity say to stress beats one and four. Perfect treatment into the second strathspey by the bass stresing 1 and 2. Well done! 5.Unsteay into reels. Suggest the bass play striaght beat time for the fist two or three bars to help establish the reel feel and ensemble. All the best to the band in 2023! Judge: Nick Hudson (Piping) — Place: 1 — Rolls pulsed and open. Solid start, though slow tempo causing difficulties for drum corps. Good pipe corps unison in Cutting Bracken jig. Mistake in part 2. Some separation in the first part of the Duck. Bass drum behind the pipers in the jig, reacting rather than anticipating. Nice tempo in the air. Grip unison is ‘broad’. Drumming feels cautious, just behind the beat of the pipers. Solid intonation and stability from the pipe corps throughout the air. Rough break into the strathspey with mistakes from the pipers. Stable tone on the held F# at the end of the strathspey. Unsettled transition to the reels. Dot-cut-cut-dot rhythms in the reel are rushed from some pipers. Rushing the final phrase. Strong, clean cut-off! Overall effect is just a tad cautious. Lots of potential from the band. Good pipe corps stability, just work to eliminate mistakes. Nice tunes and overall medley construction!
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Robert Real and Ivan Agarkov 🇨🇾 Place: 2 Tunes: High Road To Gairloch Skye Boat Song Mingulay Boat Song Rowan Tree Judge: Panel B Judge's Comments: Judge: David Coleman (Side) — Place: 2 — No drummers in this video, so I will leave it up to the two Piping Judges to offer their comments. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald (Piping) — Place: 2 — Not quite solid upon entry into the Slow. -I think the tempo was a bit aggressive as well. -Slight errors creeping at the end of the first time through the first part. -2nd part pretty good throughout. Pipes okay but not quite locked together with drones not quite locked in tune with low A detracting from the overall sound quality. Overall a very nice performance of a beautiful song. Just need to work on ensuring the chanters are right on together and the drones are right on with the Low A to ensure the sound quality is optimal as even if the chanters were close (which they were here for the most part), the fact that the drones are not on with Low A dulls the chanter sound. Also for presentation, ensure there are no mistakes or unison errors to enhance the performance. I can tell that you both love to play and for that alone it was very enjoyable to listen to. Well done! Judge: Kahlil Cappucino (Midsection) — Place: 2 — Mid-section - none. 1. Ivan and Robert, an emjoyable and interesting intercontinental performance. We are small and close community in a big world. All the best in 2023! Judge: Nick Hudson (Piping) — Place: 2 — Awesome effort playing together virtually! Solid High Road. You aren’t quite getting the compound time feel in Skye Boat, overholding the long notes and speeding through the shorter notes too much. Settled in as you went with the 3rd part much better than the first. If you try this again, I’d recommend each playing to the same click track (metronome beat). Mingulay Boat Song taking a little while to gel. Strikes and such not together. Some strategic mixing in Rowan Tree! Obviously some unison/tempo issues here. Definitely consider a metronome to play with via headphones when recording separately. It’s much more difficult to play together when not in person, not visual, etc. Solid effort and it looked like you had fun putting that together. Well done, I enjoyed it!
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Event 403. Piping Duet
Competitor: Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Jimmy Blue, The South Georgia Whaling Song, The Edradour Stagger, The Mexican Hat Dance. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Pretty good intro. –Pipes okay but chanters are not quite together on the top hands with the drones not locked onto Low A detracting from the overall sound quality. -3rd Part slight mistake but otherwise pretty good unison throughout Jimmy Blue and a nice, aggressive tempo. Nice into the Slow and nice unison here throughout the tune. -Solid into the JIgs - again pretty good unison coming out. Nice Natural F's in first part 🙂 -Good into the 2nd Jig and again nice unison and a clean finish! Overall a nice performance played with drive and precision in terms of unison. Try to improve the chanter tuning and ensure the drones are right on with the Low A to provide you optimal sound to really enhance your presentation as you both have the tools to play great music! Very enjoyable!
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Event 403. Piping Duet
Competitor: Robert Real 🇬🇧 Place: 2 Tunes: Mingulay Boat Song Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Not quite solid upon entry into the Slow. -I think the tempo was a bit aggressive as well. -Slight errors creeping at the end of the first time through the first part. -2nd part pretty good throughout. Pipes okay but not quite locked together with drones not quite locked in tune with low A detracting from the overall sound quality. Overall a very nice performance of a beautiful song. Just need to work on ensuring the chanters are right on together and the drones are right on with the Low A to ensure the sound quality is optimal as even if the chanters were close (which they were here for the most part), the fact that the drones are not on with Low A dulls the chanter sound. Also for presentation, ensure there are no mistakes or unison errors to enhance the performance. I can tell that you both love to play and for that alone it was very enjoyable to listen to. Well done!
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