Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charné Baird Place: 1 Tunes: The Mist Covered Mountains Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Very well played ! Great fingers, very relaxed and very cleanly executed throughout. Just a little tight on the first tachum (C doubling, B Low A 2nd line) D throw perhaps just a shade light on the first low G And although it was very steady I think you could get a little more expressionout of this tune - really get some stretch into those long notes, last 2 bars especially - I felt they were just a touch straight through. However a top rate performance for this level and I would be excitied to hear you play this on Bagpipes.
Watch Video


Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Arran brown Place: 2 Tunes: La Boum Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: A very enjoyable performace Arran. Great control, very clean and tidy technique throughout. Relax off the C taps a little bit, just jumping at those ever so slightly. Onelittle missed G gracenote note at the end of one line there and open out the D a fraction before the Doubling (C D E doubling..just again rushing a little) Keep working onthe consistency of that G gracenote. Dont let it get nippy Overall an excellent tune! A bright future here.
Watch Video


Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Poppy Middleton Place: 3 Tunes: The Mist Covered Mountains Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: I really enjoyed this Poppy! You have very clean and tidy fingers, your execution is top notch - Those torluaths, booming. But...just keep working on getting them consistent, some were ust a little quicker than others at times. Little bit of a crossing noise to clear up when playing that F grip and when you do the wee touch to through low G (B Low G touch Low A) go a bit softer there, you are kind of 'swooshing' the pinky at it...you will achieve a better sound with just a soft quick Low G there. ie less effort from the finger. Some of it just needs to flow a little bit to draw some more music out but overall this was an excellent presentation.
Watch Video


Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Henry Bautz Place: 4 Tunes: Scots Wha Hae Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: A very enjoyable presentation Henry. Fingers look really good, nice lift and control from them throughout the tune. I reckon that left hand is just a little too far over the chanter, causing some awkward gracenotes and note transtions at time (ie not cleanly closing the chanter holes). Mostly well executed - keep working on nailing every G gracenote cleanly ...watch out in the 2nd part there , 2nd bar D back to E, dont be ahead of your G gracenote. Also a couple of tiny crossing noises to clear up, again when moving from D to E. Lastly, make sure you give those big long notes there full value, particularly at the ends of bars and parts. This will really lift the music from the tune. Great stuff, loads of potential in here!
Watch Video


Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: David Sands Place: 5 Tunes: Highland Cathedral Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: A well controlled and musical piece overall. Just a little shaky there in the first few bars, and watch that false fingering when you played High G, High A and back to High G - you arent playing the High A properly. Seemed a bit more settled into the 2nd part and certainly the technique was a lot clearer. Main thing to work on David would be the consistency and accuracy of your technique and always executing a clean G gracenote. (B down to Low A was a bit untidy for example, and a couple of embellishments just a bit tight) Relax that right hand a little bit too.. Liked it, good talent here for the future!
Watch Video


Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Laura Zöllner Place: 6 Tunes: Highland Cathedral Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Lovely music here Laura. Nicely expressed with good flow at a steady tempo. Certinaly some areas to work on and improve - just generally relax it , open out the fingers and give the embellishments a shade more space to improve the execution. Main one that needs work is the E doubling from F, not as clean or as preceise as your other doublings. Birl not quite executed when playing it from the F, A few crossing noises evident A little 'clunky' through some of the top hand work and you were tending to grab the C grip early...relax that, again give it a bit more space to hear a lovely low G through it. I particularly enjoyed the music though, Well done
Watch Video


Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Benjamin Veyt Tunes: Echo Lake Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks Benjamin. A couple of timiing issues in here just tripping you up - that 2nd bar and into the 3rd - tending to jump at that F early and that is upsetting the flow of it. Second part was much much better though, nice swing happening through it. your technique requires some focus to improve overall clarity of your doublings and gracenotes. Some work on this will also help the timing and control of your movements to improve the music,
Watch Video


Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Chui Ka Shing Tunes: MORAG OF DUNVEGAN Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Some great playing on display here. Lovely musical flow to this, well expressed and very clean single gracenote work. Your doublings require some attention as you arent quite getting the clarity, the two gracenotes are tending to be on top of one another. Also there is a slight crossing noise evident when executing the F doubling. First birl a little tight, second muc much better. Overall, well played and enjoyable to listen
Watch Video


Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: David Shepherd Tunes: Mo Ghile Mear Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Good tune, well presented David I would maybe just slow it down a touch more to give yourself a little more time and space to articulate the embellishments more cleanly. Also that will allow for a little more musical expression Main things to work on would be - the separation of the 2 gracenotes on the D strike, they are coming in on top of one another - Articulating the D throw , start it more solidly on that first low G - doublings, a few issues evident on the E doubling there but it was generally nice when you played it from the F. - Couple of crossing when you were changing hands - working on getting comfortable moving between the top hand notes
Watch Video


Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gaelle Fayolle Tunes: Highland Cathedral Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks Gaellle Nice music here, steady and well controlled in general. Nice sound being produced from the fingers - nice and soft which is great. Keep working on getting that G gracenote consistent, make sure it is getting you to each note accurately and cleanly - this will aid the execution of your doublings. In particular work on the E doubling from F, you are landing the middle finger ahead of the G gracenote which is causing this to be untidy. The E doubling in the 2nd part from low A was awesome! So you are looking to mimic that sound with all the doublings. A couple of passages of rushing evident (jumping at the High A dbl for example, and just a bit quick through the 2nd part. Also the D strike gracenotes need to be separated - just happening on top of one another. Relax the left hand a touch as it is moving about a lot. Good stuff , keep at it, sounding nice overall
Watch Video


Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Stephen E. Thopson Tunes: Scots Wha Hae Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Stephen. Drawing some good music out of this tune overall but it just got a little quick in the 2nd part which upset the execution a little bit. Started very well, nice clean playing (and generally clean throughout). Some areas to work on: - Not stopping before the D throws. Practice landing on Low G from every note, make it clear and then add the D throw move. this will really help - There is a little bit false fingering evident 3rd bar. B finger staying up as you play the top hand work - G gracenote articulation. Just relax it , make sure it is getting plenty of lift and is driving you to the destination note - Just stumbled a bit in the 2nd and it sped up, the gracenotes not coming out quite right. Just make sure to slow down, relax as much as possible and give yourself plenty of time to get the fingerwork in there. Just keep working on those fundamentals.
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens Place: 1 Tunes: Scotland The Brave Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Wow, great job Hamish! Finger positioning looks really good. Embellishments are clean and crisp. A missed E tap in 2nd part, but otherwise very cleanly played. Excellent control of dot/cut phrases. A bit more time needed on the first dotted 1/8 low A in last bar. Tempo steady start to finish. An excllent performance. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Benton Lewis Place: 2 Tunes: MacCrae Meadow Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Some really fine march playing! Strong fingers with clear and crisp doubling and grip technique. Good control of phrasing and timing. Tempo steady from start to finish. Very musically played. Be mindful of how far you're lifting your fingers off the chanter. It's a bit excessive at times. Not really affecting your playing at this point, but it may become an issue as you advance to quicker and more technical tunes. Very well done!
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Charné Baird Place: 3 Tunes: When The Battle’s O’er Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Very well played! Finger positioning is excllent. Execution is clean and crisp. B doublings from C not always clean. Tempo steady throughout. Maybe jumping into phrase a bit at times. Always wait for downbeat! Good dot/cut feel. Nicely done!
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Arran brown Place: 4 Tunes: Heineken’s Polka Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hand and finger positioning excellent. Execution is clean and crisp. The odd missed birl, but otherwise, excellent technique! Good control with nice dot/cut phrasing. Good tempo, maybe dragging slightly in 2nd part. Very nicely done!
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: David Sands Place: 5 Tunes: Scotland the Brave Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Good finger positioning. Top hand maybe could move over slightly. Try to avoid playing on the pads of your fingers. This will make the transition to bagpipes easier. Overall, technique is very good. Embellishments are crsip and mostly clean. A couple sloppy moments; B tap and C doubling in 1st part. Temo steady. Good control of dot/cut phrases. Very nicely played!
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Carol Macdonald Place: 6 Tunes: When The Battle's O'er Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Finger positioning is generally good. Top hand fingers could maybe move over a bit. You don't want to be playing with the pads of your fingers; try to be closer to the first joint, especially with the F and high G fingers. Good control of tempo. Careful not to begin phrases ahead of the downbeat; especially when begining a phrase with a doubling. The first gracenote of your doubling should happen right on the downbeat. Doublings and grips generally good. E doubling lacking crispness at times. Keep separation between your gracenotes within your doubling movement. Good, controlled playing overall. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Aaron Hewitt Tunes: Pay The Piper Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hands and fingering positioning are very good! You played the first 3 parts of tune nicely. A bit ragged in 4th. You seem to be leaving out some embellishments, especially in the 4th part. Double check the music. You're playing your taorluaths incorrectly! The last gracenote in your taorluath should be an E gracenote. You're playing a G gracenote. Last 4 bars of video cut out.
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Benjamin Veyt Tunes: The Rowan Tree Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hand and finger positioning is good. Good grip technique. Doublings are crunched. Try to keep more separation between the gracenotes within your doubling movements. Watch the crossing noises on E to high A in 2nd part. Timing is erratic, not really following the beat. I'd suggest practicing with a mentronome to address this. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Chui Ka Shing Tunes: THE ROWAN TREE Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Very good hand and finger positioning. Some execution is not quite clean. Careful not to crunch your doublings. Each gracenote within your doubling movement needs to be clear and distinct from each other. A few crossing noises; E to C and E to high A. Really good control of timing and tempo. Very musically played. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: David Shepherd Tunes: The Rowan Tree Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hand and fingering placement is good. Some execution issues to work on. Crossing noises, especially C to E and E to high A. Doublings; gracenotes within your doublings need to be clear and distinct from one another. You're crunching the gracenotes together at times in your doublings. Grips; make sure you hear a distinct low G sound at the start of your grip movements. Good birl technique!
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Fred dixon Tunes: Jim Thompson of flag star Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Good hand and finger positioning. Execution is quite good overall. Some doublings need to be a bit crisper. Make sure each gracenote within your doubling movement is clear and distinct from one another. Your C grips from B are a bit labored. Watch the C to high A crossing noise in 2nd part. Timing a bit erratic. Make sure you're practicing with a metronome to help this. Nice job!
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Gaelle Fayolle Tunes: The Rowan Tree Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Good bottom hand placement. Top hand could slide over a bit. Try not to have the pads of your fingers over the holes; should be closer to the first joint, especially the F and high G fingers. This will make transition to bagpipes easier. Good grip technique. Top hand doublings are good. Bottom hand doublings need more separation within movement. Make sure each gracenote within doubling is clear and distinct from each other. A few crossing noises at times (E to high A and C to E). Good tempo, but rushing phrases at time. Practice with a metronome can help correct that. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura Zöllner Tunes: Green Hills of Tyrol Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Try to keep fingers a bit straighter. A bit of curling going on. Most of your embellishments are quite crisp. At times some embellishments are a bit too crushed. Keep things more open rather than crushed at this stage. This will help develop good consistency in your technique. Watch the crossing noises in 2nd part; C/E/high A intro phrase and when going from D/E/D combination. Good, steady tempo throughout. A bit more dot/cut at times would make tune more musical. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Sands Place: 1 Tunes: Donald McLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: A steady tempo evident. Good clean fingerwork in this tune. Just a couple of E doublings from F need attention. Seperate your gracentes here to help. Good understing of long and short note values meaning that the tune flows well. watch for catching noises in last line. Don't stop the concentration! Great potential David. Well done
Watch Video


Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Harry Rooksby Place: 2 Tunes: 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: A nice and steady tempo throughout. You show some excellent technique. Your first few taorluaths were really neat and executed well. However, this didn't happen all the way through so you need to concentrate to keep it consistent. practice your grips and make sure there isn't a catching noise in the process. You are finding the strong pulse well in this tune but I would like you to try and shorten some of the cut link notes to help this tune further. You show great promise and you being taught well. Keep working hard Harry. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Murray Barclay Place: 3 Tunes: The 79th Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: A really nice tempo for this tune. I would like to see your Doubling and grip movements opened up a bit as some are a bit rushed and overlapped. At this stage in your development, you really need to focus on your accuracy of embelishments. Your low A taorluaths were good and it looked like you were focussed on them. This needs to happen throughout with ALL movements. You have a good musical understanding and I enjoyed that aspect. You have bags of potential and please keep up the good work. Well done Murray
Watch Video


Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Poppy Middleton Place: 4 Tunes: The 1st Battalion Scots Guards Farewell To Southampton Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Well done Poppy. you show some very good technique with some great open doublings and lovely C taorluaths!! This was also backed up by a good musical understanding as you kept a consistent tempo! I would like to practice your birl. I know it is tough! Try drawing the figure 7 with your little finger and on the 2nd hit on the chanter flick your finger back. Keep working hard Poppy! Bravo
Watch Video


Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Benton Lewis Place: 5 Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Good attempt at this tune Benton. You show lots of very strong technique and your doubling work is open and heavy, which is great. However, you are perhaps a little too deliberate with your fingework and this disrupts the musical flow, You keep a consistant tempo which is really good and you are hitting your strong pulse well but you need to make sure that the cut notes are shorter to give a better presentation of a 2/4 march. You had a little added 2nd timing in part 3 and an issue at the end of part 4 which need to be rectified. Keep working hard and aim to work on your usical style as you show great promise. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Benjamin Veyt Place: 6 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Great effort, Benjamin. There are 2 separate issues that you need to pay attention to. 1, spend time really working on your technique. Try to be a little more deiliberate with your doublings and making sure that they are cpomplete with 2 gracenotes and not overlapped. take care with your throw on d so that we can hear that strong low g sound in the movement. Pay attention to what is written in your music as there are some extra gracenotes coming through and some crucial movements missed. 2. Musically, you need to try to understand where the beat lies within the tune and understand what the dots and cuts do to enfance the music. First step, I would reccomend playing to a metronome and start to realy emphasise the beat note and this will help you find the strong pulse. Missed out repeat of last part. You have lots of potential here and you need to sit with your tutor and go more in-depth into this tune. Well done and keep working hard.
Watch Video


Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Barr Tunes: The Barnyards of Delgaty Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Thanks for your performance. Be careful with your finger placement between D and Low A. you have all fingers off at once during this transition so try to work on this. Pay attention to not let catching or crossing noises creep in. Your G gracenote work is neat and tidy but I would like to see you develop into more advanced movements such as doublings. Keep working hard and you will get there. Well done
Watch Video


Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jason Storter Tunes: Barnyards of Delgaty Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: A consistent tempo and you are showing good G gracenote work. Note changes are generally good but sometimes the odd catch evident. I would like you to push forward and develop on to more techniacal movements such as doublings to help you progress onto more advanced tunes. You the ability to do this. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Arran brown Place: 1 Tunes: Atholl Highlanders Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Great job on this tune, Arran! Glad to see more young pipers coming from your town, lots of history in Campbeltown! Your tempo on Atholl Highlanders was very well set, and the music was flowing right through to the end. Watch some of the more technically difficult areas to make sure that you're staying on tempo all the way through, even when those tricky gracenotes or embellishments are in there and you'll be spot on! First part - you started off very strong, with a great tempo. One thing to watch out for are those pesky Low G Gracenotes between B and Low A, they sometimes get a little too big and take away from that "swing" of the 6/8 March. Your reverse cut from the C to High A in the ending phrase was very nice both times as well! Second Part - Good control of the rhythms here! Swing is staying with you, but be careful to avoid some of those bottom hand to top hand crossing noises, like C to E and D to F, just small catches. Third Part - Great job holding out those Long High A's!! Your E Doublings here were especially well executed. Take a look at the ending phrase of this part to make sure you're starting Bar 7 right on time, the C was just a tad early there. Fourth Part - You showed strong technical ability on the tricky D Gracenotes that happen two in a row! That rhythmic swing was lost a little bit through those sections, but that's a really challenging bit to play. Keep up the hard work! It's clear that you're getting expert tuition, so keep on listening to your tutor and you'll go far in piping.
Watch Video


Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens Place: 2 Tunes: Cock O' The North Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Hamish! Great performance today! A few notes: Part 1: Good start, lots of strong technique! The second time through the part the rhythm was strongter than the first. Be sure that when you start the tune you're showing off your music as well as your doublings! Try to maintain that "6/8 Swing" that we're always chasing in these tunes all the way throughout. Your technique is spot on here, so it's just getting that rhythm as consistent. Your tachums were a joy to listen to, very well articulated! Part 2: Like the first part, your technique is very well done here! Try to focus on that Quarter Note to Eighth Note relationship (or Crotchet to Quaver) to keep that swing all the way through. Once you master the feel of a 6/8 you're going to be a master! Very strong playing, I enjoyed your tune! Keep up the hard work and listen to your tutor, you're clearly being taught well!
Watch Video


Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Carol Macdonald Place: 3 Tunes: The Steamboat Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Carol! Part 1: Great tempo choice! While it's a bit on the lower side of the spectrum, all of your technique is clear and you're showing strong control of the rhythms in compound time, no easy feat! Be careful to avoid some tiny crossing noises, particularly C to E or E to High A, and watch out for those D gracenotes on C, both in the C Doublings and in your Tachum bits there in the ending phrase - sometimes the gracenotes weren't perfectly clear. Part 2: Nice D throws and rhythmic balance. Same notes as the first part, those pesky D gracenotes aren't always spot on, but they're very close! Also watch out for your E Doublngs - sometimes the gracenotes overlap. Not every time, but since you've shown you can do it, aim to get them as perfect as you can, each time! You're clearly well taught and are working hard on your music, Carol! There are a lot of positive things here in your playing, just some small notes to watch out for. Two final things to work on - your birls are good for this tempo, but maybe would be a bit behind as you bring up the pace of the tune, so some exercises there may help you get more comfortable getting that pinky to do that tricky movement. One final word; I'm sure you're already working with a metronome (considering how strongly you held the beat in this performance), but try to bump the tempo a little bit, I think you'll see that you can have both the technical accuracy you have at this tempo and a bit more "swing" as you brighten the pace a little more. Great performance, keep it up, and thanks for playing!
Watch Video


Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Benjamin Veyt Place: 4 Tunes: Bonnie Dundee Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Benjamin - Nice tune choice! Glad to see you playing this classic march. Your performance showed a great deal of musical ability, with nice rhythmic playing and a consistent tempo throughout. One thing that I think will help you on your piping journey - be sure that you're playing at a tempo where you can get all of those challenging gracenotes and embellishments in the tune. Your grips were very nice, but at a slightly slower tempo you'd be able to get the Doublings, Throws and Taorluaths in a bit more efficiently. You've clearly got the bug for the music Part 1: Some missed gracenotes and bits of execution, but a strong sense of that 6/8 "swing" that we're always trying to get! Try to keep in the rhythm a bit more at the end of the part and as you go into either the repeat or the second part. Really great note transitions here, so once you get all of that technical stuff in there you'll be golden! Part 2: Great D throw!! I can see you're working on those taorluaths, especially that one on C. Slowing down a bit and working on clear and accurate technique will really help you push this tune along. Be careful to listen in for any potential crossing noices, as well. The second line here has a lot of "danger" areas where you can get some of those pesky noises between C and B, D and E and a few other spots. Overall you're on a great trajectory! Keep up the hard work and don't lose that swing that you've already got! Just focus a bit on the technique and getting it all in there. Don't be afraid to slow things down to get everything in, it takes time but it'll all come together. You've got the "unteachables," so work on those small things and you'll be a formidable player!
Watch Video


Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Gaelle Fayolle Place: 1 Tunes: Weighing from land Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Very good fingering positioning, strong execution of gracenotes. Overall, very good sense of timing and musical structure of the ground - you are ready for the rest of the tune! Keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Benjamin Veyt Place: 2 Tunes: Glengarry's Lament Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Good finger positioning on the chanter, fingers straight across the chanter and positioned appropriately. In the second bar of the tune, you are playing the g gracenote on the F, rather than the C (you did that both times). Work on creating a thicker C grip - more empahsis on the low G in the movement. Review the construction of the cadence embellishment at the end of the line - you are not playing correctly. If you do not have a piobaireachd instructor, search the tune in youtube - there are several recordings that will give you a sense of the musical timing. Best wishes with your piping!
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Jules Crane Place: 1 Tunes: Skye Boat Song Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Jules - great T-shirt! I really enoyed this performance. The bagpipe was locked in, and the blowing was really good for this level. The tune had a nice rhythmic flow throughout, and there were plenty of expressive touches that made it a real treat to listen to. One thing to improve - be careful you dont' rush into some embellishments, sometimes. Every now and then you rushed slightly and it had a bit of a jarring effect. With that said though, I really enjoyed this! Keep at it. All the best to you, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Nicola Rott Place: 2 Tunes: A Tune for Lottie Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Nicola - nice job here! Drones are locked in, and the chanter is well in tune. Watch out for some blowing surges on the high hand. The tune is complex and very engaging. I enjoyed it quite a bit. To improve, let's try to get better clarity on the tricky E doubling work. The movement isn't coming through clearly - you are getting to the "E" before the gracenote is coming in. Also - the D throw need more clarity as well. Try to make sure all the steps are heard clearly, and that things aren't jammed together. All in all though, this was great. Good job! All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Sue Kennedy Place: 3 Tunes: Leaving Rhu Vaternish Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Sue! Nice job here! The presentation of the tune was excellent, with a great rhythmical flow. The drones are nicely in tune with eachother and with the chanter (although, the bass is slighly out). Slightly surging on the blowing on HIgh A's. Be careful not to lose focus in the 2nd part - a few crossing noises crept in, as well as a couple of rhythmic hitches. All in all, this was a great presentation for this level. Good stuff!! All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Anja Maroske-Jeck Place: 4 Tunes: The Banks of Locheil Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Anja! Your bagpipe sounds fantastic for this grade. Just be carefull to fully blow the high hand notes so they don't become slightly "scratchy." Steadily blown though in general! Good stuff. Your gracenotes are not always in the correct locations. Sometimes we are missing gracenotes, and other times we are putting G gracenotes where there should be D gracenotes. Just be careful of this. Nice execution of the variation in the 2nd line of the 2nd part. Enjoyed this performance! All the best, AD.
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Shelena Marsh Place: 5 Tunes: The Skyboat Song Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Shelena - Good job here! Your tune is presented with great rhythm and feel! Gracenotes and embellishments are nice and articulate. To improve, we can get those drones better in tune with eachother and with the chanter. Can you hear that they're not locked in? All in all though, this was great! Good stuff, keep at it! All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Melanie Brown Place: 6 Tunes: The Sands of Kuwait Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Melanie - nice job here. The drones are sounding good - chanter is slightly sharp but doesn't detract too much. Watch a couple of blowing surges, but overall the bagpipe was blown very well. I love your rhythmic presentation - just be careful some embellishments aren't being rushed. They are being played with excellent clarity, but not always right with the rhythm/beat. With this in mind, I thought you did a great job! Keep at it, and all the best! AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: (Janet) Ann Snow Tunes: Loch Duich Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Ann! Great to hear your playing! Your bagpipe sounds nice! The drones could be a bit better locked in together, but the chanter sounds excellent. In the first part, your embellishments were all played with excellent clarity, but in the 2nd part, some of them started to come through a bit muddled. Meanwhile, the quality of your gracenotes and note changes is very nice indeed for this level. The last comment I will offer is that the rhythm of this tune is slightly jumbled as a result of rushing some beats. A slow air doesn't have to be rhythmically rigid, but it should have a nice "sway" to it. That sway was a bit off here due to sometimes rushing the "pulse." Great job though! Enjoyed it a great deal. All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Brian Harrison Tunes: Shoshanna's Lullaby Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Brian! Nice job here! Let's start with the bagpipe sound - the drones sound pretty nice together, but can you hear how they are not 100% locked in together? Let's go for that total precision of the drones. Next, can you hear slight surging of the blowing when you go up to the high hand? The sound is coming across quite nicely, but there are your biggest opportunities to improve. I really like the flow of this tune - there is a lot of music coming out to be sure. Be careful of some crossing noises creeping in, and that your embellishments have clear accurate components - sometimes they are getting "jumbled". I really enjoyed this - nice job!!! All the best, AD.
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Chris Zaleski Tunes: Eileen Mary Connolly Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Chris - nice job here. I love the flow of this tune. It's rhythmically really engaging. However, we can improve the playing in general by getting rid of some of these crossing noises! Also, be careful that all the gracenotes are played in the right spots. Sometiems, there are some that are being played where they shouldn't be. Meanwhile, the bagpipe sounds very nice for this level! The drones are locked in nicely, and the blowing is generally very steady. Let's clean up some of that fingerwork and start angling towards the next level! All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Donnie Culver Tunes: Mingulay Boat Song Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Donnie - nice job here. The bagpipe is sounding great! Drones are locked in and the blowing is nice and steady for this level. Nice rhythmic flow to the tune - a nice steady pulse throughout. Let's talk about some areas where you could improve - (1) I am hearing quite a few crossing noises throughout. Usually going from hand to hand. (2) Make sure the steps of your D throws and F doublings are coming through clearly and articulate-ly (is that a word?). These are great opportunities to take your performance to the next level! All the best - I enjoyed this! AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Euan Graham Tunes: The Dark Isle Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Euan - I really enjoyed this performance. The pipes are sounding great, with a bit of improvement yet to be done on the steadiness of the blowing - but you'll get there! The rhythmical flow of the tune is consistent throughout. Watch out for D-to-E crossing noises - they are happening quite frequently. Drones drifted a bit out of tune by the end of the performnce. Overall though, I really enjoyed this. Great job. AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Finlay Macdonald Tunes: Mo Ghile Mear Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Finlay! Nice job here. The bagpipe is sounding good - drones well in tune and blowing steady for this level. The tune settled into a nice flow. Here are a couple of tips for improvement - (1) be careful you're not rushing the beat on embellishments. As I tap my foot along to you, embellishments are creeping in ahead of my foot as I tap. (2) Watch out for blowing surges on difficult bits of technique. Try to keep your blowing steady regardless of what your fingers are doing! (3) The D throw embellishment is (slightly) muddled at times. Whether you play a heavy or a light, be sure to accurately play the steps of the movement each time. With all of this in mind, I really enjoyed this! Keep at it. All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Gregory Kim Tunes: Suo Gan Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Gregory - nice job here. The tune is flowing well, and you are bringing a lot of great music out of it. Let's talk about a few things you can do to improve - (1) The bagpipe needs to be set up a bit better so you can easily blow it without major blowing fluctuations and "chokes" (where the chanter cuts out). It doesn't need to be perfectly steady at this level, but it seems to me you're struggling a bit to control the instrument here. (2) Try to make sure you're playing all the gracenotes in the right spots here. Sometimes, G gracenotes are being played in place of the correct gracenotes... and this makes the tune come out slightly "jarred" because there are so many G gracenotes in miscellaenous places. With these items out of the way, the tune had a nice rhythmical flow, and I enjoyed it quite a bit! Thanks, and all the best! AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Jan Roberts Tunes: Morag Duncan Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Jan! Nice job here. Drones are locked in nicely together, and the chanter chanter sounds good (although the drones could have been tuned slightly sharper to lock in a tad better). Musically, the tune has a nice rhythmic flow, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Let's talk about how to improve - and for me it comes mainly down to the gracenotes and embellishments. You started off fairly well in terms of your gracenotes and embellishments successfully articulating and ornamenting the melody, but by the 2nd part things got a bit jumbled. The gracenotes became too big and the embellishments started to kind of "swallow up" the melody. Can you hear what I mean? Try to keep things crisp and clear, and I think it would benefit the tune quite a bit. All in all, I really enjoyed this! All the best to you, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: john rawls Tunes: Hector the Hero Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi John - nice to hear you playing here. You're bringing a lot of emotion out of this tune and I really enjoyed it. Let's talk about a couple of things you can do to improve: (1) The drones could have been locked in together a bit better. Can you hear how they are "beating" against eachother throughout? (2) I am hearing a C-to-E crossing noises throughout, and a couple of others (like Low A-to-C). We've gotta clean this up! (3) In the more complex sections, I am losing the rhythm a bit. A slow air doesn't have to be rhythmically super-precise, but it shoudl have a fairly steady flow throughout, and I lost it a bit here. With all of this said however, I really enjoyed the tune! Lots of potential here. Wishing you all the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Laura Zöllner Tunes: Scots Wha Ha'e Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Laura! I really enjoyed this. The tune has a nice musical flow. The chanter and drones are in tune nicely together (although, can you hear how the drones could be better "locked in" together?). Be careful about surging in the blowing on high-hand notes. Musically you did a great job. I think the D throws could be a tad cleaner, and that sometimes you rushed the beat slightly, causing the tempo to speed up throughout the tune ever so slightly. But, with these things said, it was a great performance and I enjoyed it quite a bit! All the best to you, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Margaret Hackett Tunes: Topdeck In Perth Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Margaret - I really enjoyed this performance. You're presenting the tune well, and a fine tune it is! To improve, there are several things we can work on. (1) Let's try to set the bagpipe up so it's easier to get a steady intonation. I think the tuning issues and slight "thin-ness" in how you're blowing the chanter could be resolved if the bagpipe setup was slightly more efficient. (2) Unfortunately, some crossing noises spoiled what was otherwise a pretty nice musical flow here. Let's clean up some of the note changes so nothing detracts from the melody. So, with these items out of the way, I thought this was quite nice! Keep at it - all the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Matt Mitchell Tunes: Song for A Smallpipe Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Matt - I enjoyed this performance! I really like this tune a lot - great pick! Your bagpipe is sounding good here, although the drones could be slighly better locked in. Beware of slight blowing surges as well on the high hand notes. Can you hear them? On the fingerwork side of things, unfortunately some crossing noises are getting in the way of the melody. We've got to clean this up to really let the music shine! Other than this, I thought you did a great job. Keep at it! All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Michael Hensley Tunes: Mist Covered Mountains Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Michael - Nice presentation of this tune! The tempo choice was perfect as it brought a lot of emotion out of the tune. Here are some things to think about to improve - (1) Try to make your gracenotes a bit smaller (more articulate) so they don't get in the way of the main melody notes. Also these big gracenotes are sort of covering up the details inside embellishments. (2) I heard a few unfortunate crossing noises in there - be careful! (3) Lastly, I think your drones can be locked in better. They are beating against each other quite a bit here, which takes away from a lot of the great stuff in here. With all of this said though - I really enjoyed this - you are on the right track! All the best to you, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Moira Allan Tunes: Sarah's Song Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Moira! Nice job here. This is a great tune and you played it well. Here are some things to think about to improve - (1) I think this tempo is a bit too fast! A bit slower and you'd be able to get even more emotion out. Try it next practice session! (2) I think your drones can be locked in better. They are beating against each other quite a bit here, which takes away from a lot of the great stuff in here. (3) Rhythmically, you are rushing sometimes. Slow airs don't need to necessarily have a perfectly rigid tempo, but they should have balanced pulses that flow. In your case, I found myself jarred by some rushed rhythms here and there. Just something to think about! Overall all, I really enjoyed this. Good stuff, and keep at it! All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) A
Competitor: Todd Ray Tunes: The Georgia Whaling Song Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Todd - nice job here! The tune is presented really well; a great tempo and flow - I really enjoyed it. Let's drill in to a few spots where you could improve: (1) First off, let's try to get those drones locked in a bit better together. Can you hear how they are beating against eachother a bit, and how it distracts from the otherwise really nice sound of your pipes? (2) Quite a few crossing noises here. Can you hear them? (3) Sometimes, you are jumping ahead of beats, causing a slightly jarring effect - just relax and stay with that nice general flow and tempo you've created here. All in all, I really enjoyed this performance! Good stuff. All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Stella Jacoby Place: 1 Tunes: Tyree Love Song Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Awesome job Stella Lovely perforomance, great clean technique on display and lovely control throughout. Also the drones and chanter sound were very good! Couple of things - just tidy up that D gracenote from low G in the final bars ..bit of a crossing noise in there. Also, just rushing on the odd occasion, certainly after a part end, dont leap into the next part! Maintain the composure, show the 2 bar phrasing. Very enjoyable and definitely able for gr4!
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Eric Willcox Place: 2 Tunes: Victoria Harbour Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Lovely performance Eric Clean fingers, well executed and well maintained tempo. Pleasant music on a lovely bagpipe. Drones just slightly flat to the low A. Tiny bit Really enjoyed this, there is just the occcasional inaccuracy to clear up with your G gracenote work. And this is slightlly picky perhaps but your E doubling is just a little crushed in context with your other embellishments. Look to open that out a shade. Great job here and Gr4 beckons I think
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Evan Jamieson Place: 3 Tunes: Tioram Air Tir Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: First, fantastic bow tie and waistcoat! Great performance, full of confidence and plenty of forward motion making this so enjoyable to listen too. Keep working on that fingerwork! Lovely birll! Your doublings, E especially are just a touch crushed with the odd articulation issue creeping in on your G gracenotes. Also, rushing a little bit through the final phrase in each part. Drones not quite in tune but not too bad overall. Just bags of potential here, well done
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Gus Sevil Place: 4 Tunes: Loch Maree Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Very enjoyable performance. Super steady, super controlled, very steady drones, played with poise and very very clean hands! Just work on the blowing when on the top hand notes there, just tending to waver. And relax your cut notes a bit. Tending to grab at them a wee bit, especially that litlte low G touch from B...relax that. a touch. I would be excited to hear you play some bigger tunes! Great prospect for the future here
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Chui Ka Shing Place: 5 Tunes: MORAG OF DUNVEGAN Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Very well played overall Chui. Full of music , great tempo, well controlled and a lovely instrument. Drones good, but low a touch sharp to the drones. Blowing really steady too. Chanter bright and full Really - just work on the articulation of those doublings. The gracenotes are just sitting too much on top of one another. And make sure you dont rush toward the end, maintain that composure! Great performance
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Renee Charron Place: 6 Tunes: The Lairig Ghru Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks Renee. Pretty good stuff here on a solid sounding. It is clear the fingers are working well, but for the tune was just a little frantic overall and things were getting a little busy and untidy in some of the more intircate passages. Slow it down a bit, use those long notes to get more expression and also give you more space and time to just articulate things a little more clearly. There was some great technical work on display though, certainly the 2nd time through the first part was much more settled but try to apply a bit more composure throughout - that will really benefit your playing, because it is clear that you have great fingers there.
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Alexander Hess Tunes: Loch Rannoch Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thank you Alexander, Very relaxed and composed , steady intro . But drones wavering from the outset. Blowing solid though...Chanter ok,high A a bit flat Tending to rush in places, 2nd part especially. Open it out a bit so we can hear all the notes in there (ie end of part 2 line 1) The tendency to push the beat just caused a lack of clarity in the embellishments. Really work on using those long expressive notes, and also give time on the 'pick up' 8th notes to help the overall control. Ensure you really work on giving those last notes of a part their full value..definitely leaping at the beat on the repeats or into the next part The fingers are certainly capable, like I said very relaxed overall but they need the space and time to articulate a little better. Keep at it.
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Brenda Allen Tunes: Suo Gan Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: A very well controlled performance Brenda. Drones not too bad and the chanter sound was very bright! Liked that perhaps just a shade on the slow side though, need to work on getting a little bit of musical flow to this Also just keep working on your gracenote accuracy. Couple tnding to get on top of one another through this piece, and certainly the D gracenote was causing some issues. Break it down and work on its overall accuracy. And just ensure the gracenotes are clear and tidy here...use the space that's there or a nice open and clear gracenote.
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Cameron Stevenson Tunes: Highland Cathedral Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks Cameron, solid presentation Drones not quite bang on but very close. Chanter well set with a bright sound. Watch blowing on the longer notes, just dipping a little bit. For the most part this was really cleanly executed. Really liking the clarity on your doublings. Couple of bits to keep working on; a couple of crossing noises when going D to Low A and back to D there - have a look at that. And just a pity about a tiny stumble in the 2nd part. Good playing, nice music Thanks
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada Tunes: Hector the Hero Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Gonzalo, a very confident presentation of the tune. For me it was a little clippy overall. Gracenote work a little right which added to this, and I felt you just jumped a bit early into the 2nd part. Some nice touches throughout though which kept it nice and bright. Was a good listen Drones very nice, chanter though was a touch on the sharp side.
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Iain Kane Tunes: Morag of Dunvagen Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks Iain, You have really nice relaxed fingers with bags of potential within. Your execution is generally tidy and very crisp which is great! The main area to focus on improving is your timing. Definitely just straying off the beat in here , tending to jump early and not give the notes the full value. This especially notable in the final bars of the tune. Keep it up
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: John Mall Tunes: The Water is Wide Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks John A very bright up tempo performance. Well maintained throughout , but might have benefitted from tweaking that back a little bit to get a little more music from the tune. I would have quite liked to hear a 2nd part. Drones not quite set to the chanter and some blowing issues on High G and High A. Just suffered overall from from some crossing noises so work at clearing those (Do to E for example) D throw is cracking! Great ripple from it and overall accuracy of the fingers is good. AS said - clear those crossing noises.
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Jonathan Rebelsky Tunes: Air in b Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: A confident presentation, interesting and almost hautning melody here Sounded like a drone popped off at the start ...not quite bang on with the chanter but ok Just work on keeping that blowing action steady, just wavering here and there Overall execution was pretty good, E doubling especially nice and clean! The D torluath in the second part didnt quite come off, and overall there were quite a few crossing noises as you transitioned between top and bottom hands. So work on clearing those up and work on gneral accuracy of your G gracenote - just some untidiness here and there.
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Lars Bertels Tunes: Scots Wha Hae (2 Parts) Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Cheers Lars, a great setting there for your performance! Well presented overall, nice steady drones and a good sound Generally clean playing but crossing noises evident as you moved between top and bottom hands. D to E especially A little bit rushy in places too. Certainly in the 4th bar, you are grabbing that last G gracenote early. The 2nd part certainly sped up a bit too compared to the first. But overall enjoyable and bright!
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Maggie Hick Tunes: Highland Cathedral Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks Maggie Very clean and tidy playing! Loved your doubling execution throughout. Good gracenotes, very tidy Couple of tiny timing issues at the end of the second part, overholding the last B, and maybe not giving full value to a couple of notes thereafter , and just a pity about that wee choke toward the end, Work on your drone tuning...they were quite far out which was distracting, a real pity because the playing was very good. Keep it up !
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Margitta Gaffron Tunes: The Dark Isle Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Lovely steady performance overall Margitta Expressed well with control Articulation of the doublings need attention - not getting the clarity. Looks to me like your top hand is a little far over whichis making life difficult to make gracenotes. And work on the timing at the start of the second part. Just went a little wayward there from the beat Nice bagpipe - a little sharp on D and High G. Quiet but steady drones. Well done
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Matthew Owen-Hunt Tunes: The Water is Wide Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks Matthew, top effort here Lovely tune this andwell expressed music coming through. Cracking drones here too! Just keep working on all those fundamentals! Accuracy and clarity of your embellishments , especially getting some separation from your D strikes, and full accuracy from your gracenotes. Also, keep that pressure up to avoid the wee chanter chokes creeping in. It is all moving in the right direction though Matthew
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Melisa Doyle Tunes: Loch Rannoch Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Solid performance here Melisa Watch that accuracy of your G gracenote, make sure you are always lifting that first to get you to where you need to go However generally a very a clean and tidy performance, just a bit of tightness here and there in the embellishments evident, but generally nice clean playing. At times just leaping in front of the beat and that beat just moved about a bit in the 2nd part which upset the flow of the tune Drones not quite bang on and a very sharp High G distracting. Also - a slight false finger noted (2nd part, High G high A and back to High g..you are leaving your E finger on the hole)
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Michael Hoffmann Tunes: The Waters of Kylesku Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks Michael , lovely tune this, very melodic and you certainly drew that music out of this very well. Nicely controlled, steady and at a good tempo, well maintained. Bit of an imbalance in the chanter sound, bottom hand was quite flat (C and B especially) Drones steady but quite sharp to the bottom notes. As said, playing was controlled and steady - E tap just missing first time through, and then a little late the second tie... was grand in the 2nd part though! Articulation of the embellishments need to be worked on to improve that accuracy and enhance the tune further. Quite a few crossing noises evident as well. Just that general tidy up would benefit greatly here.
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Nancy Guss Tunes: Going Home Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks Nancy. Overall a nice presentation on a solid bagpipe. Steady throughout but the odd occasional rush of the beat (especially right toward the end there F High G High A, maintain your composure there. A big old crossing noise right at the start (C to E) was a shame, the rest was generally nice and clean. C doublings a litlte tight overall , but a cracking B torluath. Chanter / drones were solid but quite sharp up the top on High G. Steady blowing too Just keep working on the fundamentals of the fingerwork to just make it a shade clearer
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Ross McLennan Tunes: Ceannloch Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks Ross General articulation was good throughout, Grips and D throws very well executed, just some work required on the B doubling especially to get a bit more clarity there. Biggest thing to look at would be just nailing the beat and thus the feel and flow of the tune. Tending to move away from the beat at times, certainly felt rushed and a touch disjointed it in passages. Little wee choke of the chanter evident too but generally was steadily blown on a robust pipe (High G a litlte sharp, drones steady but not quite locked to low A)
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Tim Graham Tunes: Loch Rannoch Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Thanks Tim A musical and steady performance there (great day for it too!) Generally well controlled and at a good tempo. Just looks to e like you are overworking your left time which upset the blowing at times , couple of little chokes and losses of pressure. Just have a look at working on steadying that up a bit. A little error evident 2nd part and in generl jsut the odd occassional rush off the beat, certainly in your ending bars to the last low A. Just work a bit on that composure and maintaing the steady 'swing'.
Watch Video


Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts) B
Competitor: Vivian Richardson Tunes: Loch Broom Bay Judge: Davey Welsh Judge's Comments: Cheers for this Vivian. You have very good fingers , nice and clean, with sharp execution. Keep working on the consistency of your movements though Drones and chanter very good, a nice bright sound on display. The main thing to work on for you would be that blowing technique. Couple of chanter chokes there and the left arm getting a little out of sync. So home in on this a little bit, get that arm working a bit more smoothly to assist in maintaining the pressure. Also, take a look at the timing here, some notes need to be given a nit more value in this tune, tending to rush off early at times.
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Theo Paris Place: 1 Tunes: Donald McLeans Farewell to Oban Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Good one Theo. Thanks for this. Tempo is nice and steady. A nice 2/4 feel is evident from the starting part. Lips are giving you a bit of grief today, however you held it together. Watch the wee catches D-E and D-F. Aim for clean lifting and placement of fingers esp in last line. Pipe is well set except for very flat on Hi A. Good understanding of 2/4 structure. Thanks- SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Euan Graham Place: 2 Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Euan. Nice one. A confident musical performance- with appropriate well contained tempo. NIce 2/4 feel with well weighted themal notes. Nice short notes allowing for steady pacing. Watch D throw for a full close to low G, for full effect. Also watch to not sub an E gracenote (where a G gracenote is meant to be played) at the beginning of bar 5 in P2, P3 and P4. check your music. Strong grips. Overall and very nice 2/4 march feel. Thanks - SH!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Maryna Krizman Place: 3 Tunes: Pipe-Major William Grey's Farewell Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Maryna.Tempo quite stable. 2/4 expression .. lean into the themal beat notes for full effect. Nice bottom hand strength, birls, c doublings nice. Top Hand finger placement a concern esp F finger placed on "tip". This is affecting every E doubling and top hand note change clarity. Aim to reach fully with a flat fingers on top hand. Especially important long term. Watch earliness to C Tachum in P3. C lands on the beat itself. Good potential. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gus Sevil Place: 4 Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Gus! A nice 2/4 feel to you tune. Tempo is a bit brisk and will likely slow down once you start marching. Well expresed- you could lean into your themal beat notes a bit more... nice short note treatment. Overall work on your doublings on B, C, E, Aim for 2 seperate* gracenotes in each doubling. They are just overlapped a wee bit at present. This is important long term. Pipe is nicely set. Try and use your arm a wee bit more....to even out your blowing and air flow.. Thanks! -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Finlay Macdonald Place: 5 Tunes: Siege of Delhi Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice on e Findlay. Nice pipe well blown. Tempo is slightly brisk. Pretty good 2/4 feel overall, Lean into beat notes for full effect. Watch your arrival og your beat notes - just sightly ahead of the toe tap - esp at birls at endo of parts. ensure it is right '"on" for full effect. Nice Grips P3. Watch grip from F to E at ending phrae for full closure to Low G. PIpe is well set up and blown confidently. Thanks- SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Adi Moss-Sheth Place: 6 Tunes: Duncan McInnes Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Adi, thanks for this. Tempo is brisk, yet sustained confidently. Nice fingerwork overall with nice treatment of birls and doublings. Keep your bottom hand firmly in place to avoid any shifting. Good playing overall. Work on steady blowing and tuning your drones to one another. Overall a musically spirited performace with good long term potenmtial. Could slow down a shade for full effect. Thanks - SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Brad Weller Tunes: King George V's Army Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Brad! A good effort on your tune. Overall tempo is showing a wee bit of pausing here and there to allow for technical efforts. Try to keep the tune rolling along smoothly. Work on taking a breath (longer than presently) aim for a longer** squeeze. Currently your blowingis doing 85% and arm is 15% - aim for a 50/50 blow squeezing relationship. Several times your blowing and squeezing are overlapping causing some chanter collaping sounds. Good efforts and very nice kilt and sporran. Thanks! - SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Brian Harrison Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice effort Brian thanks for this. Chanter ok, drones wavering slightly. Good musical effort with consistent tempo. Watch bars 3 and 7 for C* to Hi A, rather than a D to Hi A. Nice efforts on E Doublings. Watch E-C-E combinations for note clarity. Nice tachums P3. Overall you could lean into the beat notes for full musical effect. Watch for correct notes in the last line. Thanks - SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Calvin Atwood Tunes: Duncan MaCinnis Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Calvin. Good efforts overall. Brisk Tempo yet sustained. For full musical effect, lean into your beat notes a bit more for full 2/4 musical effect. Several chokes evident . Aim to have and equal blow and squeeze relationship. Nice musical efforts. Nice birls and B doublings, Aim for 2 seperate gracenote within each doubling. Keep at it. Thanks - SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Cameron Stevenson Tunes: The 79th Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice effort Cameron -thanks! Nice efforts and a stready tempo. Wee slip P2 . Watch E-C-E combinations for wee bumps. Nice strong taurlouths on Low A and B. Watch for catches C-HiA. A good understanding of musical 2/4 delivery with nice short notes. A couple wee errors but well on your way Cameron. Good blowing and handling of your pipe. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Chris Zaleski Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice on Chris, thanks for this! A nice 2/4 feel with an appropriate tempo. Pipies quite well set. Blowing is stable. Watch that your arrival of beat notes is directly "on" the contact of your toe tap itself. Just a shade early at times. Aim for a clear E doubling with 2 seperate gracenotes. Same for B and C doublings. Just a shade of overlapping of grcenotes there. A nice musical delivery overall. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Dylan McMaster Tunes: Duncan McInnes Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Dylan. Nice efforts. A couple wee pauses in the tune - P2. Aim to keep the tune rolling along smoothly right thrugh the challenging phrases. Nice fingerwork overall strong doublings evident. Blowing / squeezing is not even - aim for longer squeezing to even things out. Nice fingerwork, D doublings P3 v nice. Some wee memory issues otherwise a nice 2/4 feel and right in there! - Thanks - SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Elias Scharf Tunes: Men of Argyle Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Elias! Thats a very windy seashore ! My goodness. Good efforts balttling the elements. Try to keep the tune rolling along smoothly from beginning to end, even in the challenging phrases. Quite nice fingerwork evident. Several chokes, pauses and a couple wee errors evident today, but overall you have a lot of potential and once the memory work is really locked in you will be right in there ! Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada Tunes: Siege of Delhi Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: A nice recording Gonzalo. Thanks for this. A lovelty set up pipe, well tuned and precise blowing. Your musical delivery is strong with well weighted themal notes and nice treatment on the short notes. Overall watch the structure of a couple embellishments for correctness and clarity. E and B doubing check your gracenotes (G, and F gracenotes on E) (G and D gracenotes on B). Nice grips and birls with a steady tempo. Lovely posture and turnout. Thanks- SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Iain Kane Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thank Iain. NIce one!. Tempo is a little bit slow, with a few wee pauses. Aim to keep the tune rolling along even where the technique is challenging - Strong efforts on your technique. 2/4 feel is feeling new, with a few wee pauses to allow time for technical demands. Its coming along.. aim to lean into your themal beat notes for full effect. Watch for D strikes to have a G gracenote to start each. Watch P3 gracenotes on Low A and Low G, check your music. Try to use your arm a wee bit longer during squeezing to even your air flow overall. Thanks- SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: John Mall Tunes: Mairi's Wedding Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one John. Mairi's wedding is a nice 2 parted tune. Next time play it 2x through. Spirited tempo right through. Lips were nearly letting you down... Wee catches D to E. Aim to lift E and close D finger changes with accuracy. Good 2/4 parade feel (brisk) with well weighted themal notes and nice treatment on short notes. Pipes set up well. Try and blow out HiA a wee bit for full effect. You are ready for a more challenging tune. Thanks! -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Lars Bertels Tunes: Pulling Bracken, The Highroad to Gairloch Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Lars! Thanks for this. A lovely setting in the forest. Nice effort on your technical delivery. AIm for 2 seperate gracenotes in your B and E doublings... just slightly overlapped at present. Good posture and head placement. A fairly large pause / stop at the end of tune #1 and at the end of P1 of 2nd tune. Aim to keep the pace rolling along at the transition from tune #1 into tune #2 (for any set of tunes really). A nice 2/4 march feel minus the pauses. Thanks! -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Margaret Hackett Tunes: The Atholl And Breadalbane Gathering Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Margaret. Tempo quite steady. Drones significantly flat to chanter. Hi A has a buzz. Several chokes today. Nice 2/4 march effort... could lean into the themal beat notes even more for full value. Arriving just ahead of the actual beat itself. Aim to "sit" in it just slightly more overall. Nice grips P3. Watch C doublngs and aim for 2 seperate gracenotes in each one. Those gracenotes are just overlapping at present, A nice choice of tune. Thanks - SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Matthew Owen-Hunt Tunes: I'll Gang Nae More to Yon Toon, Teribus Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Matthew. A good 2/4 effort w Nice tempo. Overall watch technique -as you grow and are reaching a wee bit less, things will become more comfortable. A few chokes today. A large pause at the transition to Teribus. Aim to keep the tune rolling along even during the technically demanding spots. Work on your C doublings for clarity and 2 seperate gracenotes that dont overlap. Good efforts. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Melanie Redman Tunes: John (Denny) MacFarlane Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Melanie. A stabe tempo on an nicely set up pipe. Nicely expressed 2/4 watch finger technique for clarity esp on D throws (aim for a full closure to LowG) and C Doublings (Aim for 2 seperate gracenotes in each... just overlapping at present). A couple small chokes evident. Nice effort on Low A taurlouths. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Moira Allan Tunes: 51st Highland Division at Wadi Akarit Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Moira. Nice one. Overall a nice feel to your 2/4 tune. Tempo was ok, however there were a few moments of pausing** Aim to have the tune rolling along smoothly from start to end, even through the areas where the technique is demanding. watch you G gracenote finger - the strength is something I would work on. The G gracenote is lagging behind your arrival to main notes and lagging behind on the start of your doublings. This causes a wee "bump" or catch note. Otherwise things are coming along in your development. Your reed is a shade too easy for you with a few sessions of over blowing. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Oliver Gordon Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Oliver! NIce one. Doing very well for a wee person... reaching with all your might to manage the pipe. Good blowing and squeezing. A very nice musical interpretation of the tune with a solid 2/4 feel. Tempo is bright and steady. Nice job of your technique for the most part. good D throws and B doublings in P3. Nice half F doublings from High A in P4. A wee pause going into P4. Drones are wavering a bit and may be a bit too open. Well weighted themal notes with nice treatment of short notes throughout. Thanks!! - SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Seamus Clarke Tunes: Walter Douglas M.B.E Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Seumas. Lovely church setting. Some echo evident. Drones wavering chanter quite well set. Tempo is parade appropriate. Tune is well played with a nice 2/4 idiom. Lean into your beat notes slightly more for full effect. Nice Low A taurlouths P3. Some unclear doublings - perhaps due to tempo. Strive for 2 seperate gracenotes in each doubling for better clearer technique. THanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Stella Jacoby Tunes: The Dundee Military Tattoo Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Stella. Nice tempo, at start. A couple of big pauses with tune. A couple of wee slips. You have nice fingers and the technique iscoming quite. Aim for full closeto Low G in B tachums. You have a nice 2/4 expressions happening, nice themal beat notes and good treatment of short notes. Remove the wee errors and pauses and youll be right in there. Keep at it. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Will Napolitano Tunes: Walter Douglas, MBE Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Will. Thanks for this. A nice 2/4 march feel is evident here. You are doing a pretty good job handling your pipe with nearly alway reaching the holes. Nice to see you wearing ear plugs. Very important. A few chokes today. Youe tempo was slow yet steady. Watch for consistent gracenotes in ending phrases, esp on B prior to E doubling. Keep working on your technique listening carefully for 2 seperate gracenotes in each doubling. Lots of potential. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Evan Jamieson Place: 1 Tunes: Walter Douglas, MBE Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Really good execution. Movements are mostly clean and very crisp. Slight crossing noise in first part. A slight bobble in 4th part, but overall very cleanly played! Some slightly rushed phrases in 2nd part but overall, really good control of dot/cut phrasing creating a good swing to your 2/4 march. Some really solid stuff. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jules Crane Place: 2 Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Very nice bagpipe sound! Well tuned and blowing is steady. Some really strong execution. Doublings are clean and crisp. Strong grips! Slight crossing noise in part 4. Tempo is steady. Phrasing is a bit rounded. Try to extend the dotted notes a bit more for a more dot/cut feel. This will create a bit more swing to your 2/4 playing. Overall, a really solid performance. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Eric Willcox Place: 3 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr-Ewing Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Execution is generally quite good. Doublings are mostly clean and crisp. Watch you D strikes at the end of the part. Make sure there is separation between the G gracenote and strike. Good control of tempo and phrasing creating a good dot/cut swing. Good pipe sound; although, drones not quite in tune. A really good performance. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jeremy Almon Place: 4 Tunes: Muir of Ord Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Execution is generally very good. Really strong D throws. Most doublings clean, maybe a bit crushed at times. Watch the D to E crossing noise in 2nd part and D to F in 4th part. Careful not to rush the closing phrase in bar 7. Some good dot/cut phrasing, but you can be early to some phrases. Make sure you're waiting for the downbeat. Use your metronome set to subdvisions to make sure you're placing your phrases accurately. Some very nice playing. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Shelena Marsh Place: 5 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Execution is generally quite good. Good snap in your movements and mostly clean. A slight bobble in 3rd part of tune. A few crushed grips. Good tempo for this level. Generally, you have a nice dot/cut approach which is important for 2/4 marches; however, you have a tendency to begin phrases early. If you watch the video you'll notice that you often begin a phrase before your foot hits the ground. Some practice chanter work with a metronome can help this. Overall, some good playing though. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Donnie Culver Place: 6 Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Very nice bapipe sound! Very good dot/cut feel to your 2/4 march. Good swing! Some executions issues to sort out. Some doublings are too clipped. Keep them slightly more open so each gracenote can be distinctly heard. D throws also need to be a bit more open. I beleive you're playing a heavy D throw, which means you should hear to low G sounds. Grips in 4th part way too tight as well. Not hearing the D gracenote within the grips. Overall, nicely done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ahren Self Tunes: Duncan McInnes Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Very good bagpipe sound! Drones very well tuned and steady throughout performance. Chanter well balanced. Blowing slightly unsteady, especially on high G. Top hand notes can be particularly difficult to blow steady. Must be very conscious of your blowing on top hand. Execution is pretty good. Main issues are crossing noises between bottom/top hand and inconsistency with doublings; especially B doublings. Tempo was steady; however, timing of phrases is very "pushed". You often begin phrases ahead of downbeat. A good example is your birl at the end of each part. You're playing the birl before the last downbeat of the part. Practicing with a metronome can help with this. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Archie Nisbet Tunes: Liberton Pipe Band and King George the V's Army Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Nicely done Archie! Need to work on your embellishment technique. You're crushing most of your movements. Make sure you can clearly hear both gracenotes within your doublings. Grips also need to be more open. Quite a few crossing noises throughout. Watch you top hand finger positioning. Try to avoid curling your fingers; keep them straighter. Your tempo was steady start to finish. Good dot/cut approach to your phrasing. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Brenda Allen Tunes: The High Road to Gairloch Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Embellishment technique needs work. Doublings are inconsistent and at times you're playing the wrong gracenotes within your doublings. You might want to find some good doubling exercises and focus on the those for a while. Watch the false fingering on B and C. You're leaving the pinky finger on the chanter on B and leaving it off on C in second part. Tempo is good, but timing a bit erratic. Make sure to practice with a metronome. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Chris Kerzich Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Watch your top hand finger positioning. Fingers are curled (should be straight) and you're covering the holes with the pads of your fingers. You want to slide your whole top hand over a bit so the high G and F fingers are closer to the first joint and all fingers are straight. Bottom hand fingers look good. Doubling technique quite good. Need more low G sound on D throws. D to F crossing notes througout. Careful not to overcut the 1/16th notes; for example, F in 3rd bar of first part). Good, steady tempo throughout. Drones very out of tune! There are several good tuning meters that can help with this. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Eddie Horath Tunes: The Siege of Delhi Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Nice drone sound! Pipes steady and mostly well blown. Careful not to overblow on high A. Some execution needs work. A lot of crossing noises throughout the tune. Doublings not consistent. Try to open up doubling movements and be sure you can hear 2 distinct gracenotes in your doubling movements. You might want to experiment with a different birl technique. The method you're using will not allow you to play birls effectively. Check with an instructor or online for a more suitable birl technique. A slightly slower tempo might help with some of your execution issues. Nicely done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Gavin Hillhouse Tunes: Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering / MacKenzie Highlanders Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Some doublings are too crushed. Each gracenote needs to be clear and distinct. E doublings from F in first tune are especially crushed. Really strong birl and grip techique. B taorluaths not clean in first tune. Tacums in in last 2 bars of second tune not clean. Maybe open them up a bit. Good, steady tempo throughout. Good dot/cut phrasing. Pipes well blown. One big squawk, but otherwise, good pipe sound! Some good stuff overall. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Gregory Kim Tunes: The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Pipes are well tuned, but blowing a bit unsteady. Execution needs some work. Doublings are very insconsistent. Each gracenote within your doublings should be clear and distinct. You're often leaving out the first gracenote in many of your doublings. B taorluatihs also untidy. Make sure there are 2 low G sounds in your taorluaths. I would suggest a slightly slower tempo until you can clean up your execution. Keep working and good luck!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Marc-Andre LaChance Tunes: Mairi's Wedding, High Road to Gairloch Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Good snap to your embellishments. Mostly clean except for a few minor issues. Bar 7 of first tune; when coming down to your B doubling from D your middle finger must remain on the chanter when playing the B doubling. Really strong grips! Watch the crossing noises between top/bottom hands. Overcutting the E's (1/16th notes in bar 3 of second tune. Actually, you can't even hear the note. Good bagpipe sound. Pipes steady throughout. Tempo steady start to finish. Timing a bit erratic at times. Practicing with metronome will help with this. Nicely done overall!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Margitta Gaffron Tunes: The Liberton Pipeband Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Good, steady tempo to your tune. Could use a bit more dot/cut to create more swing. Execution is generally quite good. Try to create a bit more separation within your doublings. Each gracenote should be clear and distinct. At times the gracenotes within your doublings are running together. D throws need more low G sound. The movement should begin with a clear, strong low G. You might consider an alternate birl technique. The way your playing will not be effective as your playing progresses. Check with your instructor or online for other more effective birl techniques. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Matt Mitchell Tunes: 79th Farewell to Gibralter Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Your doubling technique is generally quite good. Most are clean and crisp. Birls and taorluaths need work! Watch the crossing noises. Tempo is steady, but timing erratic. Would encourage you to practice using a metronome. Set it to include the subdivided beats and focus on placing everthing bang on the appropriate down or up beat. This will help smooth out your timing isues. Pipes steady but drones out of tune. Overall, nicely done! Keep working!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Melanie Brown Tunes: Taking of Beaumont Hamel Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Good, steady tempo to your tune. Some execution issues to sort out. Tacum movements very sloppy. The key to the tacum move is the placement of the D gracenote. It has to be snappy enough so that it doesn't sound like it's own note. Focus on developing some pop to your D gracenote. Your timing is pretty good, but at times you're rounding some phrases. Dotted 1/8th notes in particular need to be held to create a nice swingy 2/4 idiom. Pipes well blown, but drones out of tune. Nice performance. Keep working!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Michael Hoffmann Tunes: Prince Charles welcome to Lochaber Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: I would suggest a slower tempo. This will help you to improve your execution and timing. Right now, your phrasing is very round. 2/4 march should have a distinct swing that you can only achieve with some strong dot/cut. Many of your doublings are very crushed. Make sure you can hear both gracenotes within your doublings clearly and distinctly. You have a tendency to run the 2 gracenotes together. D throws are inconsistent. Try for a clear low G sound to begin each D throw movement. Tempo was steady, but as I mentioned, a bit too quick. Well done, but keep working!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Nancy Guss Tunes: Rantin' Rovin' Robin, Piper's Cave Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Really good drone sound! Well tuned and steady. Top hand finger placement could be straighter. You appear to be playing near the tips of your fingers. I'd suggest working on sliding the top hand over a bit ad straightening out the fingers. This would give better hole coverage and reduce the chance of squeals. Doublings lacking clarity. Make sure to separate the 2 gracenotes within your doublings. Yours tend to run on top of one another. I'd consider trying a different birl technique. Your current technique is not very effective and will become less so as your playing progresses. Check with your instructor or look online for some more effective birl techniques. Overall, a couple well played tunes. Keep working on cleaning up your technique. Good luck!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Rich Laracy Tunes: The Barren Rocks of Aden, The Sweet Maid of Glendaruel Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Really nice bagpipe sound! Well tuned and steady. Execution needs work. D throws and taorluaths need more low G sound. Both movements should begin with a clear low G sound. Gracenotes within your doublings need to be clear and distinct from one another. Careful not to run them together. Tempo good, but phrasing is very round. Good 2/4 playing is dependent on a strong dot/cut approach to phrasing. This requires holding dotted 1/8ths and clipping the 1/16th notes. I'd suggest slower tempo. This will help you to clean up your execution while also focusing on bringing out the dot/cut phrasing. Keep working!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Sue Kennedy Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Good dot/cut phrasing! Careful not to overcut 1/16th notes to the point where they can't be heard. Execution is generally quite good. A few crossing noises in places. Tempo very slow, but only speed up if you can do so without losing your execution. Timing is pushed at times. By that I mean you often begin your phrases ahead of the downbeat. Some metronome work on the PC will help this. Some good stuff. Keep working!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Vivian Richardson Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: You've got really strong technique. Clean with good snap to your fingers. Your main problem is you're just playing way too fast! Try practising with a metronome set to about 55-60 bpm focusing on landing your phrases directly on the downbeat. This will help you to get those fast fingers under control! Also need to work on your blowing a bit. Several chokes throughout. This can be caused by pulling your left arm away from the bag too quickly or it may also be a reed issue. You've got a great start with those hands! Just keep working on some controlled tempos. Best of luck!
Watch Video


Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: William Nisbet Tunes: Liberton Pipe Band and King George the V's Army Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Nice pipe sound. Blowing is steady thoughout. Nice, lively playing. Some execution issues with your embellishments. Doublings lacking clarity. Not hearing each separate graceote clearly within your doublings. Birl movement nees work. Talk to your instructor about changing your birl technique as your current method will not be effective as your playing develops. D throws and grips movements are very nice. A slower tempo might help to clean up some of these issues. Wll done and keep working!
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Evan Jamieson Place: 1 Tunes: Glendaurel Highlanders Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune and you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune. Just be careful to maintain this the whole way through the tune - the D in the EDB group in the last phrase became too small towards the end. Technique: Technique is very clean overall just 1 missed grip in the last part - good job! Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. Overall you blowing is very steady just one part ending that wasn't. Your key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Most of your improvement will come naturally as you learn more tunes but some attention to the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Iain Kane Place: 2 Tunes: Piobaireachd of Donald dhu Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune and you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune. Just be careful to maintain this the whole way through the tune - rushing onto the next beat a couple of times in the last part. Technique: Technique is very clean overall but grips lack clarity - ensure you can hear all 3 gracenotes in the movement. Also make sure to play all the technique in the last bar of each part. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. Drones locked together and compliment your top hand. Bottom hand notes a bit flatter but a great attempt at tuning. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Most of your improvement will come naturally as you learn more tunes but some attention to the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Nicola Rott Place: 3 Tunes: Marche des soldates de Robert Bruce Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: You have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune and are playing it at a good tempo. I feel a different tune with more variety in note values would allow you to deliver a stronger musical performance. Technique: Technique is very good - well done! Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you and you are getting a full sound from it. F is sharp. A great attempt tuning your drones at this level - they are locked together but slightly flatter than the chanter. Summary: This is was a very strong performance but a different tune next time would allow you to deliver a performance giving you the best chance of winning the compeition. You show good potential and have a good ear for tuning. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Peter Crawford Place: 4 Tunes: Loch Ranch Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: You have a good understanding and appreciation of the note values in this tune. Well expressed and very musical. In future I would suggest playing a Quick March instead of a Slow March which would allow you to deliver a stronger competitive performance. Technique: very good overall but opening your grips and doublings slightly would add to your music. Just watch the cut B before the Grip to C in part 2 - this is lacking clarity. Instrument: Your reed appears to be a good strength for you and you're getting a full sound. Your F is very sharp and High G is very flat which is distracting in the second part. Great attempt at drone tuning at this level - drones well locked just slightly flatter than the chanter. Summary: You show good potential and have a good ear for tuning. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Owen-Hunt Place: 5 Tunes: Bonnie Dundee Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: You have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune and are playing it at a good tempo. Technique: Technique is quite good overall but a couple of your taoluaths didn't have a clear low G. Make sure you can hear all of the gracenotes that make up this movement. You also have a couple untidy hand changes Instrument: You seem to be struggling to left arm round the bag so a smaller one may be more suited to you - speak to your instructor about this. It is potentially what is causing the issues in your technqiue highlighted above. Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you and you are getting a full sound from it. A great attempt tuning your drones at this level - they are locked together but slightly sharper than the chanter. Summary: You show good potential and have a good ear for tuning. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sue Kennedy Place: 6 Tunes: Bengullion Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: You have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune and are playing it at an appropriate tempo for your ability. Technique: All technique is very good here. Your first E strike is a bit light but rectified in the next line. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. Your High A is slightly flat but not distracting for the listener. A good attempt at tuning your pipes - the drones are close to being locked together but slightly sharper than the chanter. Summary: You show good potential and there isn't much to criticise in your performance. Your playing just needs to develop and become more fluent which will happen naturally with time. You have been well taught and I have no doubts you'll be high in the prize list next time. Keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: (Janet) Ann Snow Tunes: Colonel Robertson Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune. Very musical in first part with good appreciation of note values in compound time. You are rounding the DEF group in part 2 bar 2 causing bars 3 and 4 to lose their structure. In the first bar of the last line you are over cutting the middle notes which detracts from the musicality of the tune. Your note values throughout part 1 are spot on so ensure you treat them the same in part 2. Technique: Overall your technique is very strong. Your doublings/throws etc are very clear overall with the exception of the D shake at the end of the part. Ensure you always play the G gracenote before the strike/hit to ensure it is clear every time. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. Your key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Alexander Hess Tunes: Marche des soldats de Robert Bruce Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Tempo a bit slow for a march but you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune. This is maintained throughout the tune. Technique: Doublings clear overall. You are over cutting the F in the first note group which is causing the following E doubling to be missed. A couple of crossing noises from C to E but other hand changes are very clean. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. F is flat so the tape will need lifted or may be because your reed is getting wet. Your key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Harrison Tunes: Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune and you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune. Overall this is maintained throughout the tune but a couple of note groups are being rounded in the third part (for example the final EDB group at the end of the line). Technique: The very first bar is lacking clarity. Make sure the G, D and E gracenotes are all heard. Doublings clear overall with a couple of minor misses. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. Make sure not to overblow when you play a high A as this has a negative impact on the sound of your instrument. Your key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Cameron Stevenson Tunes: The 10th Battalion Crossing The Rhine Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune and you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune. Technique: Doublings clear overall. D throw is very strong and but the low G in slightly long which stops the flow of the movement. You have crossing noises between C to E so make sure you are lifting your E finger before you close the bottom hand. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. Your key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Don't squeeze the bag harder than normal when stopping your pipes as this has a negative impact on the sound. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Chris Zaleski Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune and you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune. Be careful not to over cut some notes such as the the C in the final phrase as this detracts from the music. Technique: Doublings clear overall. You have crossing noises between C to E so make sure you are lifting your E finger before you close the bottom hand. Some work needed on tachums - first note slightly too cut causing the D gracenote to be bigger than it. Instrument: Your reed seems too easy for you but is well blown. A slightly harder reed would allow you to get a fuller sounding bagpipe. Drones are well locked together but slightly flatter than the chanter. A good effort at tuning at Grade 5 level. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Colin Tighe Tunes: Bonnie Dundee Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune and you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune. Technique: Doublings clear overall. Taorluath at the beginning of part 2 isn't 100% clear. Ensure the E gracenote brings you back up to the low A at the end of it. Instrument: Your reed seems to be an appropriate strength for you and is blown well. Drones are well locked together but slightly sharper than the chanter. A good effort at tuning at Grade 5 level. Your top hand notes are flat which may be because the reed is getting wet or the reed might need pushed into the reed seat to bring the chanter into balance. Have a chat with your instructor about this as this will elevate the sound of your pipes. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above and continuing to expand your repertoire will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Donnie Culver Tunes: Atholl Highlanders Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune and you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune. The very first pickup into the first part is a bit rushed and causes the first bar to sound unsettled. Take your time on the entry and your music will come across more composed. Stumble in the second part causing you to restart a line which is a shame as the tune was going well. Technique: Doublings clear overall but your C doubling is tighter than others. Ensure you can hear both gracenotes. You have crossing noises when changing hands so make sure you are lifting your top hand as the bottom goes down so you can't hear a small low G between. Instrument: Your reed seems to be an appropriate strength and is well blown.. Drones are well locked together but slightly flatter than the chanter. A good effort at tuning at Grade 5 level. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dylan McMaster Tunes: Bonnie Dundee Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune and you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune. Technique: Technique is very clean overall with the exception of your taorluath. Ensure the E gracenote is always played to the note after the movement rather than after it. You have a couple of crossing noises from C to E. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. Your key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Eric Willcox Tunes: Bonny Dundee Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune and you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune. Technique: Technique is very clean overall with the exception of your taorluath. Ensure the E gracenote is always played to the note after the movement rather than after it. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. Your key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gregory Kim Tunes: The Atholl Highlanders Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: You have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune but slowing it down would allow you bring out the music more and will avoid some round passages such as the last note group of each part. Technique: Technique is quite tight overall - make sure you can hear all of gracenotes in each movement. I think slowing the tune down would help this as well. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. A great effort at tuning your pipes at this level - drones well locked and steady for the whole tune. Just slightly flatter than the chanter. Summary: You show good potential and have a good ear for tuning. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jeremy Almon Tunes: Jean Mauchline Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune and you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune. Have a look at the music to the tune again as you play some wrong notes in the last line. Technique: Technique is clean but a bit tight overall - opening your doublings and grips out would make your playing a lot clearer. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. A fair attempt at tuning your pipes but more work on this would enhance your instrument. F is sharp. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Some attention to the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jonathan Leak Tunes: The 10th Battalion H.L.I Crossing The Rhine Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: You have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune but slowing it down would allow you bring out the music more and will avoid some round passages such as the 2nd beat in part 3 Technique: Doublings quite clear but low G not audible in your D throw and grips. A few crossing noises but slowing the tune down a bit would help all of your technique. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. A key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You show good potential and have a good ear for tuning. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Maggie Hick Tunes: Steamboat Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune and you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune. Just be careful to maintain this the whole way through the tune - a few groups are slightly round in the second part such as the F, High G, High A group in bar 4. Have a look at the music againas you are playing a wrong note going into the repeat of the first part. Technique: Technique is very clean overall but your birl is slightly light and you have a crossing noise from C to E. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. Your key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Most of your improvement will come naturally as you learn more tunes but some attention to the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Marc-Andre LaChance Tunes: VE 75 Years Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Very good tempo for this tune and you have a good understanding and appreciation of note values overall in this tune. The very first low A was a bit short making the same length as the C but rectified in the next line. It is good to see you taking your time to get settled before starting your tune - keep that up as it is something most competitors don't do in grade 5. This also settles the judge for your performance. Technique: Technique is very clean overall but a couple of untidy hand changes for C to High A. A couple of strikes/hits on C do not fully hit the low G. Instrument: A full sounding instrument but the chanter seems to be slightly too difficult for you to comfortably blow. Drones well tuned a compliment your chanter nicely. F is sharp. Summary: You have been taught well and show good potential. Most of your improvement will come naturally as you learn more tunes but some attention to the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the prize list in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Margitta Gaffron Tunes: Hundred Pipers Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: You have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune but slowing it down would allow you bring out the music more and will avoid some round passages. Technique: Technique is quite good overall but taorluaths very tight. Slowing the tune down would help this. Instrument: The reed appears to be too easy for you - a slightly harder reed would give your instrument a fuller sound. Your chanter is well balanced overall but the F is sharp. Your key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You show good potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Matt Mitchell Tunes: Atholl Highlanders Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: You have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune and are playing it at a good tempo. Technique: Technique is quite good overall but your E doubling is a little too open. Be carefull in the second part with hand changes and you can hear a crossing noise from C-E and D-F. Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you and you are getting a full sound from it. Your key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You show good potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Nancy Guss Tunes: Steamboat Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: You have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune and are playing it at a good tempo. Technique: Technique is quite tight overall. Make sure both gracenotes in your doublings and birl can be heard. Note and hand changes are very clean - well done. Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you and you are getting a full sound from it. A great attempt tuning your drones at this level - they are locked together but slightly flatter than the chanter. Summary: You show good potential and have a good ear for tuning. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Seamus Clarke Tunes: 100 Pipers Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: You have a good understanding and appreciation of note values in this tune but slowing it down would allow you bring out the music more and will avoid some round passages such as the entry to the 2nd part. You are playing a C instead of a D in the final note group at the end of line 1. Technique: Doublings etc very good all. Few crossing noises but slowing the tune down a bit would help this. Instrument: A full sounding instrument with a reed that seems to be an appropriate strength for you. A key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You show good potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Vivian Richardson Tunes: The Steamboat Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: You have a good understanding appreciation of note values in this tune. Slowing the tune down would allow you to express this very musically. Technique: Very good technique with clear doublings and clean note changes - well done! Instrument: Your reed seems to be a bit hard for you - you had quite a few chokes so speak to your instructor about this. A good attempt at tuning your pipes. Summary: You have great potential and are clearly well taught. Slowing the tune down and making sure your instrument is totally comfortable for you will make sure you a strong compeitor next time round. Keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Rory Menzies Place: 1 Tunes: The Seagull Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones pretty good but could be slightly better locked, not distracting however. Very good handling with great technique from start to finish. Listen back to your video and ask yourself if all the technique is 100% consistent, by working on this it will take you to the next stage. This was a great performance – there is a lot of potential here, you are on the road to greatness! Keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Seamus Clarke Place: 2 Tunes: The Jig of Slurs Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones here could be slightly more refined but still good. VERY musical peromance which is great to hear, perhaps you could have eased your way into the tune a little more gradually. I think there was a wrong note in the second part perhaps? Technically very sound with a few crossing noises. It was a shame that you never played the other two parts.
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lewis Stewart Place: 3 Tunes: The Seagull Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A fairly good sound at the start but drifted slight. Slightly rushed first phrase but this cleared up – try and ease into the tune a little more. Slightly too much 'dot and cut' for my liking. A more even approach will allow for the melody to flow a little better. Technically sound. Good playing non the less-keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Anja Maroske-Jeck Place: 4 Tunes: Glasgow City Police Pipers Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: GREAT SOUND. A good steady tempo with nice open GDEs. Very good handling in the second part. Movement from B-C in the second part could be slightly tighter executed. This will be made better if you lift the G gracenote finger higher between these two notes. Very few crossing noises. Make sure you blow through the high A at all times to avoid a 'screcky' sound. A very good performance.
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Evan Jamieson Place: 5 Tunes: Lord Dunmore's Jig (The Brides Jig) Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be slightly better here but not distracting. Nice, steady tempo from start to finish however do not be afraid to 'let go' and bring out the musicality and life in the performance-think about what a top player might play it? Technically sound with a few wee crossing noises in place. There is much potential here, keep up the great work!
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Adi Moss-Sheth Place: 6 Tunes: Kesh Jig Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be slightly better tuned. Very good use of handling the 3 even quavers in a beat. Bright and musical throughout. A few crossing noises in the second part. There is much potential here – keep at it!
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dylan McMaster Place: 6 Tunes: Kesh Jig Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good drones at the start but drifting slightly towards the end. Very musically played with great lift and drive. May I suggest that ease into the tune a little more, starting slowly and working your way up to tempo. This will help the overall presentation of the tune. Great supporting technique as well, your strikes, especially on E, seem a little heavy. Try to tap the chanter lightly to allow for musical continuuity. Very well played non the less, there is much potential here!
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Calvin Atwood Tunes: Finlay MacKenzie Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be slightly better tuned. Technique eveidently very good here, keep this up. In terms of musicality the three quavers in the beat were a little uneven and the crotchets were short also. Playing to a metronome will help improve this. Much potential is here non the less.
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gavin Hillhouse Tunes: Mrs. MacAuley of Carradale Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A good sounding instrument. Very steady playing here which is nice to hear. There are a few crossing noises evident between C-E. If you place the C fingers back down slightly later then these will be avoided. Repetition of this exercise will irradicate this completely! Much potential here, keep up the good work.
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Maggie Hick Tunes: Paddy’s leather breeches Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be slightly better tuned, but not far off. Good handling of the melody for the most part – however GDE quaver phrases were rushed slightly, try and even these out a little more to allow for more continuity in the playing. A few crossing noises are evident here as well. An enjoyable performance non the less – keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Melanie Brown Tunes: Honey in the Bag Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones are not quite in tune but not distracting. Good handling of the 3 quavers in a beat with good technique. I felt this was slightly on the 'safe' side and could have done with being played a touch faster – this may give it some more life. A slight slip up at the end? Very well played however – keep up the good work.
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Moira Allan Tunes: The Sea-gull Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones here are good but could be slighty better tuned. There is a good steady handling of the 3 quaver groupings here with good supporting technique. The strikes in this performance seem a little heavey which causes a slight disruption of flow and musical continuuty. If you tap the chanter lighter when separating notes then tune will be able to sing more. It is clear that you love to play the pipes which is great, but show us through you're playing – if the piece has a little lift in tempo it will be brighter, giving more life to the tune. This was a good steady performance non the less – well done!
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Nancy Guss Tunes: Rory McLeod (first two parts) Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Very good drone sound. Good handling of the 3 quavers with good technique. However the strikes are very heavey resulting in lack of flow in the music. Try and tap the chanter with less weight and the music will flow a little better. Great playing non the less – keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Todd Ray Tunes: Glasgow City Pipers Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good drones here – make sure you blow through the high A at all times to avoid a 'skrechy' sound. Nice steady tempo here from start to finish with a good demonstration of technique and flow. A few crossing noises were evident here and there. I would have liked to have heard the other two parts to this tune.
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Vivian Richardson Tunes: Corkhill Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good, well tuned drones. Very musical here with plenty of life in your playing with some exellent technique (especially your D throw) which is Fantastic!! This is let down with a few small 'hiccups' here and there; there were a few chokes and slips. In the minutiae the GDEs were slightly rushed (try and point the first of the 3 quavers) and there were evident crossing noises too. An ease into the tune would have helped here too. It is clear that you have a passion for playing the bagpipes which is so great to see and keep this up! Focus that passion into solidifying your playing and you will be on the road to greatness!
Watch Video


Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Will Napolitano Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones good at first but beginning to drift. Good handling of the 3 quavers here with some excelent technique at times. A few crossings and chokes were evident too, this will improve with time. The performance, although good, was slightly 'safe', don't be afraid to give the piece a lift in tempo, this will enhance the musicality and you'll enjoy playing jigs more. Keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Anja Maroske-Jeck Place: 1 Tunes: Corrienessan´s Salute Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Anja! Thanks for submitting this great tune. Pipes - Nicely tuned!! Line 1: Nice pacing and phrasing here. In your "A Phrase" you're rushing very slightly into the second bar after the long E at the end of the first. A little pause there will help you maintain a bit more composure. Rodin was a bit big there at the end of the first phrase, but well executed! Very well done. Line 2: Better into the second bar! F is a bit flat there in the second phrase. Be careful not to rush into the third phrase after the B Double Echo. Otherwise nice! Line 3: Same concern into Bar 2 as in the first line, a small pause before Bar 2 will help control a bit more. Some tiny crossing noises in the third measure, but a well executed dare movement at the beginning and nice control of the rhythms throughout. Overall a very enjoyable performance, Anja. A few small things here or there, but a well-polished Ground. These small notes will help you continue your success as you progress through the grade levels, you're already on a great path! Keep up the great work!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Evan Jamieson Place: 2 Tunes: The Glen is Mine Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Evan, thanks for entering! Pipes - Well tuned! It sounds like the reed might be just slightly unstable or even a tiny bit too light for you. In just a few spots the chanter changed pitch as you changed blowing. This is a hard skill to master, but you're well on your way! Line 1: Great job with the challenging technique here like the Edres and Grips. Good pacing and phrasing. Sometimes your short notes might be just a tiny bit clipped, like the short C near the end of the line. Line 2: A small hiccup with grip at the end of the line, otherwise very nice! Line 3: One small crossing noise there from the C to E. Softening the E just a tiny bit will give you a little more time to avoid a crossing noise here. Overall a very, very nice performance, Evan! You've shown a lot of potential in a technically challenging tune. Each of your edres was spot on. Just watch out for some of those crossing noises and the keep those short notes consistent. I look forward to seeing you continue progressing!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Stella Jacoby Place: 3 Tunes: The MacLeods' Salute Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Stella, great tune! Pipes: Composed strike in on a very well tuned pipe. Good job! Line 1: Good pacing and execution. Your Donald Mor rundown is well played! Try to get the same kind of D gracenote into your hiharins (birl movements), they are a bit larger than they need to be. One other small technical note, your Low G at the beginning of your D throws is just slightly too long and you could get more flow through the second and fourth bars with making it a little shorter. Line 2: Birl not as strong as before, but still quite good. You can hold on more to the long E's at the end of your double echoes to give some more consistency thorugh the second and fourth bars. Nice job with the difficult Edre movement, though in your practice try to aim to make it a little less E-Dre and more of one movement. Line 3: Very good job showing the phrase ends while maintaining forward motion. Spectacular job getting your pipes in tune, Stella! There were many highlights of your ground and just a few points to work on. Once you have these small technical pieces like the hiharin, D Throw and echo movements locked down and very consistent you'll be well on your way through the grades. You've clearly got a great tutor and are working hard, so keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Rory Menzies Place: 4 Tunes: Lament for the Old Sword Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Rory! Pipes: Good strike in! Drones are relatively well set on a bright and clear chanter that are well blown. Line 1: Very nice tempo and control. Edres could be a little more clear, don't be afraid to open them up a bit more. Good job showing your phrase and line ends. Good job on that tricky High G! The "odro" or B Grip movment at the end of the line could use a little more polish. Try to make that one movement rather than a B and then Grip, in other words "odro" instead of "o-dro." Line 2: Nice edres from High A! Just like in the first line, those "odro" movments that happen on both B and C could be just a tad more composed. D throws are good, but sometimes not as consistent, so try to focus on getting them to be the same each time. You've got 7 of them in this Ground and can clearly play them well, so make every one count! As above, nice phrasing. Line 3: Very nice grips here! Your last birl was spectacular, very clean and clear. Qute the polished performance, Rory! You're clearly well taught and working hard with your teacher. Keep up the great work! Just some small bits to work on as you move through the tune, like those odro and edre movements. Lots of potential!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Matthew Owen-Hunt Place: 5 Tunes: Struan Robertson's Salute Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Matthew - nice tune selection! Pipes - Drones are pretty well set! Not quite locked in with Low A, but good job getting them with each other! Your High G Line 1: Be sure to make that first G Gracenote! Good pacing through this line, though maybe on the slow side, bu Be careful not to rush through the last measure. Low G's can sometimes be uncomfortable to hold on to, but that one before the big hiharin (birl) is such a poweful note. Give that a bit more time and you'll be totally consistent through this line. A few tiny crossing noises or false fingered notes as you're going from one note to the next, so watch out for those. Very well executed D Throws! Line 2: Beautiful High G! That's a very difficult note to achieve and you've done a great job getting the right pitch and clarity here. Be careful not to slow down too much there on the long E's. Keep the music flowing just like in Line 1. Line 3 : Again, great High G! A small squeal and choke here, but a nice finish! A nice performance of this tune, Matthew! You're well taught and clearly workign hard. Fixing a few things will help you get this tune polished as you continue moving through the grades, like holding onto those Low G's in the ends of lines and keeping the tune moving along in the second and third lines. Keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Nick Kane Place: 6 Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Nick - thanks for entering! Pipes - Drones are close, but not quite locked in with one another. Definitley above the standard of G5! Line 1: A bit of an abrupt entry into the tune. Even in an online contest, take just a few seconds longer before starting the tune itself so you can settle your instrument and prepare the listener for your performance. A slight miss on the first E double echo - but a good tempo! Nice treatment of the end of phrase one. The ends of phrases two and three (thinking in two-bar phrases) coulse use more space. You can take some more time here to show the structure of the music. Very nice cadences and grips! Hiharin movement (birls) are a tad light, focus on getting two clear Low G sounds in those movements. Line 2: As noted above, try to take some more time at the ends of phrases, it felt a bit rushed getting into this line. Birl better here! Very nice treatment of the High A and through the end of the line. Like in Line 1, try to hold out that B at the end to show the end of the line. Otherwise a very nice line! Line 3: Very nice birl and High A treatment, well blown and executed. Overall a well put together performance of this tune, Nick. To take this to the next level, try to take some more time before starting the tune. Feel free to play a few notes before that first double echo on E, just like the pros do. Tkaing that time will help settle your pipes, fingers and mind, as well as the listener for the journey you're about to take them on. You're clearly working hard on your music and should definitely be moving on to the full tune!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: (Janet) Ann Snow Tunes: Duncan McRae of Kintail's Lament Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Ann! Nice job! A couple comments: Pipes - drones and chanter weren't perfectly balanced. Be sure to take some more time to get the pipes set, getting those drones right in tune withe Low A. It's a difficult skill to master, but with all the time we have during COVID, it's a great opportunity to work on getting the tone just right. Tune - Nice pacing through each bar, though the measures were a bit separated from one another. If you connect them into two-bar phrases throughout, you'll get a bit more "flow" through this tune. Strong job with the "odro" or C Grip movements! There was only one in the repeat of the first line that seemd a bit tight. Perhaps one thing to work on with those would be to bring the size of that first C before the grip down just a tad to connect into one movement, it's something small, but turns "o-dro" into "odro" and will help that flow mentioned above. Just a couple other small technical comments: Take a look at the "dare" movement in the third line, you're starting them with a G gracenote but it starts with a small F. Try to land on that first F and then do the movement. This is a very common mistake, but something that you can certainly fix with hands as strong as yours! Your D throws and Cadences show a strong technical aptitude, so just working on that Dare will help a lot. In the last bar - double check those gracenotes on the Low A and Low G, be sure that you're playing E Gracenotes rather than G, just a small thing but it helps! Also watch out on your hiharin (birl) at the end. You've snuck an extra G Gracenote on the D inside the movement, so you're working too hard! All in all, a very musical performance, Ann! Just a few small technical things will polish this ground up to perfection. Keep up the great work!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Alexander Hess Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Alexander! Thanks for entering the contest! Pipes - Drones are set relatively well here, but the chanter intervals aren't spot on. Not far off, just some unstable notes and a bit of a flat E. Your tenor drones seemed to be pretty well in tune, but the bass wasn't quite locked in. During the pandemic we have a great opportunity to work on getting the pipes perfectly locked in tune with that Low A, so try to focus on that while we're waiting for reality to set back in and you'll go far! Tune: Line 1: Good job with the pacing of these 3-note groups! Just be sure that you've got the gracenotes occuring in the right order on the right notes, sometimes you're putting those first G Gracenotes on the second note, such as the first Gracenote being on D instead of Low A. It's always helpful to double check the music for where to put all of those embellishments! Nice effort on those challenging edres! You went into the Ground Doubling here at the end, playing the B Odro instead of the B, A, grip to B. Line 2: Some missed or misplaced gracenotes, so be sure to double check those there! Also be sure that you're playing both "B Phrases" here in the second line, you missed the last 2 bars there. Tricky to get all of the phrases in the right order, but there are a few tips that I'm sure your instructor can help with! Line 3: Be careful in the second phrase to make sure you're not false fingering some of those notes, like the F (watch the bottom hand here, especially after B). Ah! You repeated the A and B Phrases like above, keep in mind that in the Third line of this tune we have a slightly different phrase from the rest of the tune, with a very challenging G-gracenote-edre movement. Overall a nice effort on this tune, Alexander. Work on getting all the right pieces in the right places and you'll be on your way! You have a lot of potential, so keep up the hard work and you'll be there in no time!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Chris Kerzich Tunes: The Duke of Atholl's Salute Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Chris! Nice tune selection! Pipes - Drones not quite locked in with the Low A, and some of the intervals aren't spot on. F was a bit sharp, so try adding a bit of tape on the hole to bring it down. It is very challenging to get a perfect sound on the pipes, but it's never a bad time to focus in on that, especially now as it's harder to get in-person lessons or help from a bandmate. Tune: Very nice phrasing and pacing throughout! You've got a nice handle on the musicality of piobaireachd. Line 1: Nice tempo! Try to take some more time before starting the tune to settle your instrument and your hands. Some technical concerns. Be sure to double check the gracenoting of this tune, sometimes you're playing E or G gracenotes instead of D gracenotes, like in the first and second measures going up to the B from Low G. The dare movement is very difficult, but you can get it! You're playing it properly, but just a bit tense, with a small crossing noise or two as you get to the first F of the movement, making it seem like it's not 100% accurate, but you're not far from it! Really nice job showing the phrase and line ends here, very well poised! Line 2: Well played here! Same great job with phrasing, just a few small crossing noises. Try to focus on getting a clean F right at the beginning of the Dare movement and you'll be spot on. Line 3: Same as above, nice phrasing and tempo, just some D gracenote concerns in both measures. Really strong, musical playing! Overall a nice representation of the Duke of Atholl's Salute, Chris. You've got the soul of the music in there, so now it's just addressing some of the smaller technical bits. To polish this up even more, try to focus on getting a clean F at the beginning of each of your Dare movements. We have 4 of them here in the Ground and once they're spot on it'll be the glue that holds the tune together. Once you combine the musicality you've already got with the technical fixes and a perfectly tuned pipe you'll be a force to be reckoned with! Nice job.
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Lewis Stewart Tunes: The Company's Lament Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Lewis - Pipes - Drones are well set with each other, but not quite spot on with the chanter. Line 1: A bit clippy getting from the first Low A to C. Nice Rodins! Your double echoes are well executed as well, but try to soften that second gracenote just a bit more, the longer Low A in your E echoes and E in your F Echoes. Try to relax your fingers a bit more on both the echoes and the grips and you'll be sure to show some more composure. Nice music and phrasing throughout this line! Line 2: A beautiful High A sound! Very well blown chanter sound here. Your F Echoes are still a little open, so relaxing your fingers will definitely help here. Line 3: Again, a very nice High A! The E Double Echo was a bit open, with the first tap being a bit late, work on getting both E and F echoes to be exactly the same throughout the tune and that'll help the music flow right through. A nice performance, Lewis! You're clearly well taught and working very hard on your music. Keep it up and enjoy the journey!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Margaret Hackett Tunes: Field Of Gold Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Margaret! Pipes - Drones farirly well set with each other, but a little bit sharper than the chanter. Your F was sharp, so a little tape there will help bring it back down. Sounds like the reed might be a tad more stiff than you're comfortable with, getting those scratchy High A sounds and a small choke there in the third line. You're getting some very nice harmonics off of your drones, so getting them locked in with the chanter will have you sounding great! While right now it's challenging to get in-person instruction or help from a bandmate, try to focus on locking each drone in with that Low A and you'll hear them lock right in. Line 1: Good pace! Not too fast, not too slow. Very nice Double Echoes, Throw and bottom hand technique. Your Cadences and Edres could be polished up just a bit, they both are a little more open than we'd want, the D gracenotes in the Cadences and the E gracenotes in the Edres. Very nice phrasing through this line! Line 2: Nice phrasing getting into this line with the pause before starting. Double check your gracenoting here, you played an E gracenote when it should be a G. Your edre and grip here were very nice! Work on getting that Dare just as solid as your Edre in this line, they should mirror one another. Again very nice phrasing, showing the end of this line. Line 3: The High A seems a bit sharp and scratchy, so maybe a little tape or easing the reed up a hair wil help get that clear sound we're trying to get each time. Very nice double echoes and throws here again! Overall a strong musical representation of a beautiful Donald MacLeod piobaireachd, Margaret. You showed a great understanding of the structure of this tune and how it should be played. Just a few minor technical things to work on and you'll be flowing right through the whole tune! Keep up the great work!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Nancy Guss Tunes: Cumha na Cuideachd (The Company's Lament) Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Nancy, thanks for entering! Pipes - Drones well set at the start, with the F a bit sharp to the rest of the chanter. As you progressed the drones did drift a bit, so try to focus on maintaining the same pressure inside the bag throughout the performance. You're getting some beautiful harmonics off of your pipes! It can be challenging to get your pipes in without an instructor or bandmate, but being from Dunedin I'm sure some of your neighbors may be able to help while maintaining social distancing! Line 1: Good pacing here. The first Low A came off a bit clipped both times through this line, so you can relax a bit there. Your E Double Echoes are well executed! Work on keeping them consistent through the whole ground, you've got them! The rodin movement was well timed, but a bit cautious in its size. The B finger is one of our weakest, so work on getting a clear B Gracenote in there each and every time. Nice phrasing getting into Line 2! Line 2: Very nice High A! The F is sharper than the rest of your chanter, so a little tape here will bring that right down. Try to match your F Double Echoes with the E's in the first line. Consistency is key from line to line, and you know what to aim for, so just line those up and you'll be spot on. Line 3: A tad rushed into this line, wait just a second longer to start here to show the end of Line 2. Same thing as above with the F echoes - just line them up with the E's and it'll be perfect. Overall an enjoyable, musical performance of the Company's Lament, Nancy. Keep up the hard work!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Shelena Marsh Tunes: His Fathers Lament for Donald MacKenzie Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Shelena - nice tune choice! Pipes - Bass a bit sharp to the tenors and drones overall a bit sharp to chanter. Definitely a pleasing volume balance and quality of sound! Line 1: Good pace and phrasing at the start. Don't be afraid to add a bit more to the second Low A in your E Echo movements, you can give a slight pause there to glue the movement together. Slight gracenote mishap at the end of the first line. At the end of the line, on F, E, C, E it's very common to soften the cut from C to E, I would recommend trying to just soften a bit to show the sadness of this tune, it's one of the most melodic of the old piobaireachds. Very nice job showing the end of the line! Line 2: Just like in Line 1, try to soften some of these short notes just a bit more to show the sadness of this tune. You missed the third bar of this line, a very tricky one to remember! It's almost exactly the same as the fourth, but ends on an E Double Echo. Try to set "mental reminders" for each measure and line to help you keep on track. Line 3: Nice job getting into this line. A quick extra echo there in the third measure, try to make that section like an aria in an opera, a big "show-offy" lyrical piece that conveys that sadness we're talking about above. A very nice end to the tune! Overall a few memory slips here, but you've shown a great understanding of piobaireachd through this tune. Work on those "mental reminders" to help you stay right on track and not to miss any measures. In a tune like this, with so many measures repeated or nearly repeated it certainly is a challenge, but you're up to it! Keep up the great work, lots of potential!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Sue Kennedy Tunes: The Company's Lament Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Sue Pipes: Good job gettting your pipes in tune! Drones are very well set at the start. A bit sharp to the Low A, but not by much! Line 1: Nice tempo here. Some small technical inaccuracies with the rodin movement and the E double echoes. Work on getting a clear B gracenote there between the Low G's and make sure that your first G Gracenote at the beginning of the Echoes is coming through. They're pesky things, but once you get them you'll be spot on! Line 2: Very good job on the D Throw! Phrased very well with a clear separation between the two phrases, and a clear high A. Like in the first line, work on getting that first gracenote in the double echo movements to clearly come out. Line 3: Again a good High A. A well executed grip at the end of the line, but maybe a bit on the slower side, try to get that sped up by a hair to keep forward motion in this section. Variation 1: Strong rhythmic understanding of this variation! Just like above, work on that first gracenote in the double echo. Nice transition into the doubling of this variation as well. Overall a solid performance, Sue! Just those few small points in the Double Echoes will help glue it all together to make it a complete ground. Your pipes were very well set and clearly you've worked hard on keeping them in tune, great job there. Keep up the hard work!!
Watch Video


Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Vivian Richardson Tunes: The Battle of Waternish Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Vivian, great tune choice! Pipes: Drones are well set, good job! Chanter sounds a bit sharp and like it might be taking a bit too much air, maybe a too hard? It's very difficult to get adjust chanter reeds without a teacher or bandmate helping you out, but do be sure to check with them once we're all allowed back to band practices and lessons! Line 1: Good technique on the edres and throws! Try to take a bit more time before starting the tune, and then between the two bar phrases. There's no time limit on a Ground, so let it breath a little bit. Remember that we should keep the tunes nice and slow, so when you're going through a complete tune with the variations we have room to speed up as we get closer to the end. Very nice technique! Line 2: Much more composed here in the first half of the line, good job taking more time. In the ending phrase you can take more time on those long notes, letting them breathe a bit more. Pipes are going well! Line 3: As above, just a bit fast. All of those technical bits are in there and going well, so show them off and give the listener time to enjoy all of your hard work! Very nice effort on a challenging and rarely heard tune, Vivian! You're being well taught and clearly working hard, and your fingers are very strong. Don't be afraid to let the piobaireachds be slow, giving yourself the time to speed it up as you start to get to variations. Keep up the hard work and always listen to more piobaireachd!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Lauren Baures Place: 1 Tunes: 79th Farewell To Gibraltar Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones a little distracting at first but became more in tune as the piece went on. A very musical start, maybe ease into the tune a little better. Very good musical playing with a lovely lift and great supporting technique! It is clear you have a passion for playing bagpipes and this performance explemplified that very much! Well done!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jack Martin Place: 2 Tunes: The 79th Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Instrument started nicely in tune but drifted towards the end. VERY musical start and this continued throughout the tune, great musicality and phrasing. Technique is very good here, one or two slight misses through. Irradicate these and you'll be on the road to greatness! This was a very enjoyable performance – well done!!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Abby Long Place: 3 Tunes: Men of Argyll Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be slightly more in tune but not distracting. Good musicality from start of finish with great poise, phrasing and technique. 1 Slight chirp and the end there, that come about when the holes are not fully covered up. You clearly have a passion for playing pipes, this is evident in your performance which is great to see and hear – keep this up!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Dylan Forge Place: 4 Tunes: Donald Mclean's Farewell to Oban Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Instrument here is good but could be slightly better – not distracting though. A great display of technique here and great musical phrasing – great stuff. Listen back and try and get your top hand technique as good as your bottom hand. There is also a tendancy to to pause at the ends of the lines, just keep playing through the parts. A few wee crossing noises came through here and there also. There is great potential here, keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Colby Forbush Place: 5 Tunes: Glen Caladh Castle Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones are good but could be a little more refined. A great display of technique here, although there were a few crossings at times, particular from D to F. Fairly musical throughout though try not rush off the phrases in the fourth part, hold the Fs with the dots. This was a very solid performance Colby, well done!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Orin Weiss Place: 6 Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont-Hamel Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Lovely chanter and drone sound here although they drifted apart slightly towards. A good start to the tune here. A good display of technique and steady musical phrasing here. At times however there are points of minutiae hesitation, keep playing through the phrases to give some musical continuity. This was a tricky tune that was very well played – well done!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Allen Workman Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A good instrument, well tuned. Nice opening statement to the tune with with good controll and phrasing and technique. Slightly slowing down in the second part but didn't slow down after that. This was maybe a bit 'safe'-don't be afraid to let go and play a slight bit faster. A good performance though – well done.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Ben Beeson Tunes: Men of Argyll Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A good instrument here. Try and ease into the tune a little better. There is a few rushing in half phrases – try and pulse the 'off-beats' in the tune as well. A good exercise here is to double tap when playing this on the practice chanter. For the most part all of the groups of four notes are handled very well but at times they are rushed e.g. F-E-C-A at the ends of phrases were a little rushed at times. Nevertheless a good performance.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Blake Hollingshead Tunes: Siege of Delhi Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A decent instrument here but drifted slightly out of tune towards the end. Nice phrasing in the tune throughout. The last two bar phrase in each part is slightly rushed and is not as composed as the rest of the tune. The 3rd is also particularly as is the 4th and times, don't forget to point the notes with the dots. There is much potential here – keep up the good work.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Charlie Maclennan Tunes: Father John Macmillan of Barra Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones are good here but could be slightly more refined. There is a great display of technique throughout this performance. For the most part there is great composure in the phrasing however at times there is significant rounding of the phrase, more pointing is required, and at times you were rushing off the 'off-beat', try and hold all the notes with dots. This seems like harsh criticism; it was a very good performance non the less – there is a lot of potential here! Well done and keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Daniel Germann Tunes: The Siege of Delhi Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones are good here but could be slightly more refined. A great display of technique shown here – keep this up. The quavers in this tune and were hendled however the dotted and cut semi quaver groups of 4 require more poise. The first two parts were lovely, the third was a little round for me and the fourth part had quite a few crossing noises – the best way to fix this is to place the D fingers down on the chanter later, that way a smooth transition from bottom hand to top hand is aquired. Very well played though, it is clear you have a passion for playing bagpipes – great to see and hear!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Garrett Bargabos Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Instrument here could be better tuned but not distracting. Great musical playing here with lovely technique. Sometimes the G gracenote is small in many of your doublings, if you consciously lift this finger higher then all of your doublings will improve. The phrasing here is top notch, a few crossing noises were present however which let the performance down slightly. You clearly have a passion for playing bagpipes, keep this up – its great to see and hear!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Heather Mcfarlane Tunes: King George the 5th's Army Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones are good but could be slightly more settled, the top hand is also slightly sharp. There is a good display of technique here, good doublings and strikes. There are a few crossing noises in the final 2 bars of each part. Dispite these comments the playing here was very musical, keep this up. Focus a little bit of energy and time on the technique and you'll be on the way up without a doubt!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jared Mays Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Lovely drone sound, chanter well ballanced although F is slightly sharp . Good introduction although the tempo is flucting at times and there is slowing down in 3rd part. In the 3rd part there is trouble with low G-B-C movements in the melody, try and play this slowly on the chanter in order to get the best execution from it. There is a conscious effort being made to express which is to be credited however it is very easy to overdo which happens at times e.g. the C in the 7th bar in each part. Dispite these comments this was still a very good performance, well done! Keep up the good work.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jim Williamson Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Lovely drone and chanter combination, great to hear. Well phrased opening lines with great display of technique and a lovely tempo. Perhaps you could ease into the first a little more softly. Many tachums on C and B with Demi-Semi-Quavers could do with a little more composure. The first 3 parts of this tune were played very well, the fourth part requires a little more poise to get it up to the same standard as the other three parts. Execute this well and this will be an intimateding tune to play against in the future – well done!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Julie Brown Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Good instrument however it might be better to play a 30 second slow air before your march to settle yourself and pipes. Nice musical phrasing throughout and decent decent display of technique. Keep a firm pressure on the bag to ensure a continuous chanter sound. One or two wee chokes here brings the overall performance down. Never the less this was a good performance and it is clear you have a passion for playing the bagpipes, keep this up its great to see and hear!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Kenneth Hiner Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Lovely drone and chanter combo! A good display of technique here and musicl phrasing is evident. Perhaps this is a tad 'safe' and could do with a little more lift. Sometimes there is there is roundness in the groups of 4 notes per beat(second bar second part) and other times there is overcutting (bar 3 thrid part) which causes and imballance of phrasing. For the most part this was a very solid entry, well done. It is clear that you have a passion for playing the bagpipes which is great to see and hear but I would have liked to have seen more of that passion in your playing – show us your love for the music!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Matthew Turley Tunes: The Dundee Military Tattoo Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A good drone drone sound but could be slightly more refined but not distracting. Great display of technique, of which there is a lot of tricky movements well executed! Musical phrasing is well played here too. A slight slip in the fourth part – keep concentrating! This is a very good entry and you have much potential here – keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Peter Case Tunes: Dundee Military Tattoo Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones were ok at the start but started to drift. Great entry into the tune, nice and easy. Good musical phrasing here with great handling. The technique for the most part is good but the G grace-note is often so small that it appears to be inaudable, try and consciously lift this finger higher and your embelishments will improve dramatically. The handling of this tune was great, try play through the phrases at the end of parts 3 and 4. This is tricky to do after the birl and so I would suggest playing the a metronome timing double time for that, it will help to keep the piece moving. This was an enjoyable performance, well done.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Robert W Gough Tunes: 79th Farewell To Gibraltar Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A good, musical start here. Decent technique here, perhaps a little more low G in your taorluath will make the music bolder. The strong beats are good here, the 'off-beats' are perhaps a little weak, if the note has a dot then a little more weight should be added to give it some more flow. Technically very sound with a few wee crossing noises. This was a very good entry, well done!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Shara Maikranz Tunes: The Highland Piping Society of Glasgow (from Donald Macleod's book 1) Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Love the choice of tune, this ought to be played more in solo piping contests, great to hear! Your drones were ok, could have been slightly better but by no means distracting. Technique here is very good. The handling of the notes is very good but very 'safe' which can cause lack of musical flow. Everything you did was very good but just a tad slow and could do with brightening up. You clearly have a passion for playing the bagpipes, let that be heard through your playing, nudge up the tempo a little bit and you will be a force to be reckoned with in future!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Stephen Ladd Tunes: The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones here were ok but required a little refinement in tuning. Very nice lift in the tune but perhaps going a little easier into the tune would bring out the musicality. Handling of phrases is done very well however some short notes are slightly inaudible, they are just as important long notes to bring musical flow. The very last line is also slightly rushed compared to the rest of the tune, resulting in discontinuity. This was a very solid performance and there is much potential here – keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Tony Sharp Tunes: Siege of Delhi Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones here could have done with a slight last second tune. Great start to the tune here, just watch out for the 'off-beats' in this tune, it is very easy to rush off the notes mid-phrases. When playing your practice chanter, try and double tap your foot to the tune and make sure each of the off beat notes sounds when your foot touches the ground. Similarly some notes with dots were heald longer than other notes with dots. Some of the embelishments are very good here but could be handled with a little more delecasy, this will improve your overall performance. You clearly enjoy playing the bagpipes, due to the bright musicality and tempo, and I would suggest focussing some of that energy into improving your technique and you will enjoy playing this music even more.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Zach Snyder Tunes: Prince Charles' Welcome to Lochaber Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Lovely chanter sound, perhaps a short slow air would have settled the drones down a little before your started. The musical handling here is very good with good technique, watch out for some crossings as well. In the fourth part the group of 4 dot/cut semi-quavers are round, try and give more weight to the notes with the dots. Technically sound however maybe more low G in your D throw would make the tune bolder. There were also some minor squeels eveident from the chanter at times, don't be scared to change the reed if this keeps happening. This was a good entry, well played and keep up the good work.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ben Lampman Place: 1 Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Slightly rushed into the start of march but settles to an excellent tempo with lots of music. i'd recommend playing a long low A before starting the tune in future. Slightly clipped going into the third part - open the B and C out and make sure they're both heard clearly. Technique: technique is all very good except the tachum at the start of the third part as mentioned before - great job! Instrument: Very good bagpipe and very well tuned. Well done. Summary: You have great potential and are clearly well taught. Keep up the good work
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Grace Kelman Place: 2 Tunes: PM William Grey’s Farewell to the Glasgow Police Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: A good tempo for this march. Very musically expressed and steady throughout. You are slightly early onto the tachum at the end of bar 2 in part 3 - hold the C a little longer. Technique: Very clean and clear overall - well done! Instrument: Bagpipe well set up and enjoyable to listen to. F and High A slightly flat. Summary: You are clearly well taught and I enjoyed your tune. Your playing just needs to develop and become more fluent which will happen naturally with time. Keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Charlotte Elliott Place: 3 Tunes: Prince Charles' Welcome To Lochaber Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: A good tempo for this march. Very musically expressed and steady throughout. Technique: Very clean and clear overall - well done! 1 missed E doubling in the 3rd part. Instrument: Bagpipe well set up and enjoyable to listen to. F slightly sharp. Summary: You are clearly well taught and enjoyed your tune. Your playing just needs to develop and become more fluent which will happen naturally with time. Keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Hilliard Drew Galloway Place: 4 Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: A good tempo for this march. Very musically expressed overall but slightly round in the last part - make more of a difference between the dots and cuts. You are slightly early off the C and B quavers in the last phrase of each part. Technique: Very clean and clear overall but a few crossing noises from C to E. Instrument: Bagpipe well set up and enjoyable to listen to. Pipe well tuned. Summary: You are clearly well taught and I enjoyed your tune. Your playing just needs to develop and become more fluent which will happen naturally with time. Keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Stevie Hyde Place: 5 Tunes: Morag Ramsay Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: A good tempo for this march and well maintained throughout. You are over cutting cut notes in groups of 4 making it difficult to hear them. This also makes your tune sound a bit stilted Technique: Technique is very good overall but some doublings are crushed due to overcutting of some notes. Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you but High G and High A are sharp. A good effort tuning your drones - well locked together but slightly flatter than the chanter. Summary: You have great potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead for the top end of the prize list next time.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Vicki Kennerley Place: 6 Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Tempo stready throughout but slowing the tune down slightly would imrpove your musical expression. Technique. You technique is a little tight in places. This is probably due to the tune being too fast because there are points where it is very clear and well played. Bagpipe. Full sound from your bagpipe and an approproate strength of reed for you. Great effort tuning your pipes - drones locked together but slightly flatter than chanter. Summary: You have great potential and are clearly well taught. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Allison Hildebrand Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Good tempo for this tune. Very musical in first part. Slowing down where there is lots of technique - see below. Technique: Doublings clear but birl a bit too spread out. D throw and grips a bit too open and causing you to slow down. Instrument: Very good bagpipe except your reed is chirping on low G which distracts the listener from your music. Very good job at tuning your pipes. Summary: You have great potential and are clearly well taught. A new reed and some work on your low G movements will improve your musical presentation. Keep up the good work
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Brad Wilson Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Well presented overall but slowing the tune down slightly would allow you to bring out more music. Technique: Overall very good but a few missed E doublings - slowing the tune down would also help this. Instrument: Your reed appears to be too hard for you - a few chokes in the tune which distracts from your musical performance. A key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have great potential and are clearly well taught. Slowing your tune down and getting your bagpipe comfortable will really improve your musical delivery.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Colin K. Gavin Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Good tempo for this tune and well maintained throughout. Technique: Your doublings are strong and well executed. Your D throw needs more low G at the start of it to balace with with the other notes in the movement. You have the occassional crossing noise when changing hands so watch out for this. Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you and you're getting a full sound from it. High G is sharp and you overblow on low G causing a deterioration in sound.. A key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have great potential and are clearly well taught. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: David Van Buskirk Tunes: The Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Good tempo for this tune and but speeding up slightly in parts 3 and 4. This is causing the busier note groups in these parts to become rounded. Keep the tempo steady throughout will imrpove your musical delivery and make these note groups easier to handle. Also, make sure not to play the birl at the end of the parts before the beat as this is also causing you to speed up. Technique: Your movements are strong and well executed overall. The G gracenote in your C doubling needs to be slightly bigger to balance it with the D gracenote and your other doublings. Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you and you're getting a full sound from it.. A key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have great potential and are clearly well taught. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Evan Mcconkey Tunes: the Siege of Delhi Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Tempo stready throughout but slowing the tune down slightly would imrpove your musical expression. Overall the tune is currently coming across a bit round. You are also jumping into the grips and taorluaths in the 4rd part a bit early. Technique. You technique is very strong overall and your hand changes are clean - well done! Just be careful when playing your taorluath - the E gracenote at the end of it isn't clear to the low A. Bagpipe. Full sound from your bagpipe and an approproate strength of reed for you. A key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have great potential and are clearly well taught. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: James Gendron Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Good tempo for this tune but you speed up slightly in parts 3 and 4 which impacts the musical presentation. Technique: Your doublings are strong and well executed. Your D shake at the end is slightly too open with the g gracenote slightly ahead of the beat. Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you and you're getting a full sound from it. F is sharp. A key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have great potential and are clearly well taught. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jason Nering Tunes: Tom Wilson Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Good tempo for this tune and well maintained throughout. Be careful with groups of 4 as the tune progresses as you round these off and it detracts from your musicial presentation. This is particularly the case in the 4th part Technique: Your doublings are strong and well executed. Your tachums could be neater with a smaller D gracnote. Instrument: Your pipes come across very sharp but this may just be the recording as the audio isn't totally clear. Summary: You have great potential and are clearly well taught. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead and prepare you for the next grade in future.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: John Campbell Tunes: The Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering. Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: A good tempo for this march. Very musically expressed overall but slightly round in the third part - 4th part better. You are slightly early off the C and B quavers in the last phrase of each part. Also early to the taorluath at the end of the lines. Technique: Very clean and clear overall but a few crossing noises from C to E. Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you and you're getting a full sound from it. F is sharp. A good effort and tuning your pipes. Drones well locked together but not quite with chanter. Summary: You are clearly well taught and I enjoyed your tune. Your playing just needs to develop and become more fluent which will happen naturally with time. Keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jürgen Schrall Tunes: Duncan McInnes Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Well presented overall but slowing the tune down slightly would allow you to bring out more music. Technique: Overall very good but a few missed C doublings - slowing the tune down would also help this. Instrument: Your reed appears to be a good strength but your High A and High G are sharp. Also, don't overblow on low G as this is distorting the sound. A key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have great potential and are clearly well taught. Slowing your tune down and working on tuning would improve your overal musical delivery.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Killian Smith Tunes: The Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: A good tempo for this march. Very musically expressed overall but slightly speeding up and round in the 4th part . You are slightly early off the C and B quavers in the last phrase of each part. Technique: Doublings very good overall but opening them out slightly would add to the music. Be careful of some crossing noises from C-E and E-C. Ensure you're playing gracenotes as per the music as there should be E gracenotes in the final bar of each part rather than G. Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you and you're getting a full sound from it. F is sharp. A good effort and tuning your pipes. Drones well locked together but slightly sharper than chanter Summary: You are clearly well taught and I enjoyed your tune. Your playing just needs to develop and become more fluent which will happen naturally with time. Keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Luke Jennings Tunes: The Sweet Maid of Glendaruel, The Liberton Pipe Band Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: A good tempo for these tunes. Be careful not to jump off the D in the last phrase of sweet maid early. Technique: Overall your doublngs very good but your birl could be neater - it is a bit too spread out. Instrument: Your reed appears to be a good strength but your High A and F are very flat. A key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have great potential and are clearly well taught. Working on tuning in particular would improve your overall musical delivery.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Max Evans Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: A good tempo for this march. Musically expressed overall but you speed up and round bar 2 in each part - keep it controlled like you do in bar 4. Technique: Doublings very good overall but jumping into the taorluaths throughout the tune. Watch out crossing noises from C to E. Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you and you're getting a full sound from it. F is sharp. A good effort and tuning your pipes. Drones well locked together but slightly sharper than chanter Summary: You are clearly well taught and I enjoyed your tune. Just make sure to keep the whole tune steady.
Watch Video


"Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Paul Harrison Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: Slowing your tune down would allow you to present this musically. At the moment some of your note groups are very rushed making the tune feel a bit erratic. I would suggest trying a metronome to keep it stready - speak to your instructor about this. Technique: Your doublings, d throw and grips are very clean. Also, you have very clean hand changes with no crossing noises - well done. Instrument: Your reed appears to be a good strength but you have a few chokes - be careful of this. A key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have great potential. Working on your tempo and tuning in particular would improve your overall musical delivery.
Watch Video


" Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Peter Macdonald Tunes: The Australian Ladies Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: A good tempo for this march and well controlled throughout. Musical throughout. You are over cutting the C at the end of line 1. Technique: Doublings very good overall but some tachums clipped. Watch out crossing noises from C-E and D-F in part 3. Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you and you're getting a full sound from it. A key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have great potential. Working on your tuning in particular would improve your overall musical delivery.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Rory Logan Tunes: Donald Maclean’s Farewell To Oban Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: A good tempo for this march and well controlled throughout. Musical throughout except bar 2 in part 3 - don't round this out. Hold the the dotted notes and bounce off the low A. First bar of last line also slightly round Technique: Technique is very good overall with clear doublings - well done! Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you and you're getting a full sound from it. A key area to work on is drone tuning as bringing them into tune with the chanter will elevate the sound of your pipers and enhance your overall performance. Summary: You have great potential. Working on your tuning in particular would improve your overall musical delivery.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Sid Baker Tunes: Walter Douglas MBE Judge: Calum Watson Judge's Comments: Musicality: A good tempo for this march and well controlled throughout except the beginning of the final line is rushed. Technique: Technique is very good overall with clear doublings. Crossing noise from B to the E doubling in the last phrase. Instrument: Your reed appears to be an appropriate strength for you but High G and High A are sharp. A good effort tuning your drones - well locked together but slightly flatter than the chanter. Summary: You have great potential. Some work on the areas highlighted above will stand you in good stead for the top end of the prize list next time.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Paul Mackay Place: 1 Tunes: The Men of Argyll Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: An accomplished performance both musically and technically on a steady well tuned instrument. Your technique shows a great foundation, be sure to continue to develop this on the practice chanter, pay special attention to your 'G' gracenote (as simple as it seems), it provides the foundations for the majority of other movements, this is evident especially in your F doublings. Perhaps allow a little more time for your drones to settle before starting your tune, as they were a little out of tune at the start, but bang on by the second part. Tempo was nice and consistent, your phrasing was very musical and backed up by good technique. Overall, this was a very strong performance showing a good understanding of the 2/4 march Idiom and excellent technical ability, a promising and talented player.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Matt Badmington Place: 2 Tunes: Colin Thomson Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: An accomplished performance both musically and technically on a steady and pleasing instrument. This is an excellent attempt at a difficult 2/4 march, your tempo is good and remains steady throughout, perhpas dipping slightly in the third part. I would recommend bringing your overall tempo up a few notches though, as it felt a bit lethargic in places. Your technique shows a great foundation, be sure to continue to develop this on the practice chanter, pay special attention to your 'G' gracenote (as simple as it seems), it provides the foundations for the majority of other movements. Your Birls from Low G weren't quite right but it was a good attempt and didn't distract from the melody. A good way to think about this tricky movement is as a G gracenote from Low G followed by a birl, as opposed to just a birl from Low G. By thinking purely about the gracenote, it stops you from treating it as a complete movement, forcing you to open the movement out. Overall, this was a very promising performance showing a good understanding of the 2/4 march Idiom and excellent technical ability.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Tayla Eagle Place: 3 Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: An accomplished performance both musically and technically on a steady and well tuned instrument. Your technique shows a great foundation, be sure to continue to develop this on the practice chanter, pay special attention to your 'G' gracenote (as simple as it seems), it provides the foundations for the majority of other movements, and be careful of catching/crossing noises going to High A. Tempo was nice and consistent, your phrasing was very musical and backed up by good technique. Perhaps you could have played through the phrases a little more, in places it cae across a touch stilted. The way that you phrased the last part was unnusual, but not unpleasant, just make sure that you stretch out the beat notes a little further here. Overall, this was a very strong performance showing a good understanding of the 2/4 march Idiom and excellent technical ability.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Hunter Nichols Place: 4 Tunes: Donald Maclean’s Farewell to Oban Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A musical rendition of a classic tune on an instrument that needed a little fine tuning! Your technique was generally good throughout, giving the tune the correct rhythmical boldness that is required. I would suggest that you take a little time, however, to work on your 'birl' movement, as in a few cases you can hear your 'B' finger slipping off the hole slightly giving it a slurred sound. It is also worth spending a little time refining your fundamental gracenotes and technique (G,D,E gracenotes and doublings) in order to improve the more complex movements like Grips and Tachum's esspecially. Overall, this was a very promising performance that demonstrates an excellent understanding of the 2/4 March Idiom.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Devon Saunders Place: 5 Tunes: 79th Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: An acomplished and musical performance reinforced by good technique. Tempo was strong and consistent throughout, though as you gain experience perhaps try to bring this up very slightly. Your technique is very good in places (E doublings), but perhaps spend a little time working on your 'Tachum' movement as this sounded a little laboured through out, especiallly in bars 5 and 6 of the last part. Try to focus in on improving your individual gracenote's as this will in turn make carry over to your other movements and make them much crisper. Nicely balanced bagpipe blown mostly well throughout, with occasional dips in pressure evident when you reach a sticky technical point - this will improve with practice. Overall, a musical performance showing a good understanding of the 2/4 march idiom, and a great potential for the future.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Agustin Arguelles Place: 6 Tunes: Major Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: An acomplished and musical performance reinforced by good technique. Tempo was strong and consistent throughout, as you gain experience perhaps try to bring this up very slightly, and if I am being picky, try to spend some time working on your D Throws from the top hand making sure that you produce a solid low G at the start of the movement. Nicely balanced bagpipe blown well, your drones were not quite in tune, but tuning comes with practice and they didn't distract from the overall performance. Overall an excellent performance from a talented player with good potential.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Allison Moore Tunes: Men of Argyle Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance of a musical tune. Drones tuned to each other, but not to the chanter. Technique is generally accurate, but your birl movement needs some work to take your performance to the next level. The foundation of the movement is there, but perhaps speak to your instructor about how to solidify this movement, and move away from it sounding like two low a strikes to become solid rhythmic movement. Overall, an acomplished performance with a good understanding of the 2/4 march idiom.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Bill Stuart Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome TO Lochaber Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: Nicely tuned and balanced bagpipe, but a little flat on 'D' and 'High A'. Technique is mostly strong, but it is worth spending a little time building up the strength of your G gracenote on the practice chanter, as it is the foundation of all doublings, and is often the rhythmical 'backbone' of the 2/4 march. Working on this will really develop your technique and allow it to support the music and bring your performance to the next level. Try to keep a firmer pressure on the bag, the power should come from your shoulder as opposed to your elbow and will help eliminate the chokes you are experiencing. Overall, an acomplished performance with a strong understanding of the 2/4 March idiom.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Camille Layt Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: Drones not in tune at the start of the performance, in future perhaps play a short section of a slow air or similar tune to allow the drones to settle before you begin your performance. High A tends to 'crow' a bit when you underblow, often this is down to the individual reed, but try to always blow out at the 'top end' of your reed to achieve the best tone. Your technique was mostly strong, however your 'Tachum' movement needs a little refining, as this was a sticking point throughout the tune. Be sure to take this movement back to the practice chanter and develop it further. Overall a nice, musical rendition of a lovely tune, demonstrating a good understanding of the 2/4 March idiom
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Chris Shepherd Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome To Lochaber Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on a reasonably tuned instrument. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, and focus on getting a crisp sound from your gracenotes, especially focusing on your 'G' gracenote, as tackling this will also improve your doublings and bring your overall performance level up a notch. Be sure not to rush to the D strike in the part endings, and try to extend the beat notes a little further. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates an understanding of the 2/4 March idiom
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Colin Thurber Tunes: Donald McLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: An accomplished performance both musically and technically on a reasonably well tuned instrument. The tempo was nice and steady, just perhaps try and push the beat notes out a little more to give them their full rhythmical value. Your technique shows a good foundation, be sure to continue to develop this on the practice chanter, pay special attention to your 'G' gracenote as it provides the foundation to the majority of other movements and by making these more crisp you will bring your performance level up a notch. Overall, this was a promising performance showing a good understanding of the 2/4 march Idiom and great potential for the future.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Ezra Praitis Hill Tunes: Mrs. Tammy Breland Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on a reasonably tuned instrument. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, especially focusing on the foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes and doublings), your technique should support the music and vice versa. It may be worthwhile spending some time with your instructor to discuss your posture and general handling of the instrument, as much of the steadiness of tone will come from standing up straight and not moving around quite so much. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates an understanding of the 2/4 March idiom
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Guido Riedemann Tunes: John Campbell of Bennan Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on a reasonably tuned instrument. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, especially focusing on the foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes and doublings), your technique should support the music and vice versa. Your blowing is mostly steady, but there are occasional dips on longer notes, and to eliminate this try to take longer, deeper breaths and squeeze from your shoulder with a constant pressure on the bag. Try to stretch the beat notes a little further too, as in places you give the music a slight hornpipe-like lilt. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates an understanding of the 2/4 March idiom
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Jenna Dennison Tunes: The Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on a reasonably tuned instrument. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, and focus on getting a crisp sound from your gracenotes, especially focusing on your 'G' gracenote, as tackling this will also improve your doublings and bring your overall performance level up a notch. Be sure not to over-extend phrases or notes just prior to a tricky technical section, as it distracts from the flow and tempo slightly. By spending more time working through these sections on the Practice Chanter - perhaps even to a metronome - you will find it much easier to achieve a good musical flow. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the 2/4 March idiom
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: John Virag Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A largely well handled performance, on a reasonably well tuned and pleasing instrument. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, and focus on getting a crisp sound from your gracenotes, especially focusing on your 'G' gracenote, as tackling this will also improve your doublings and bring your overall performance level up a notch. Your tempo is good, however your performance would benefit by taking it back a notch and thinking about your technique a little more thoroughly. The melody and the technique should both reinforce each other, and in this performance I think the melody becomes slightly twitchy as a result of a slight lack of confidence in your technique. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the 2/4 March idiom
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Kathleen Madden Tunes: Farewell to Oban Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on a reasonably tuned instrument. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, and focus on getting a crisp sound from your gracenotes, especially focusing on your 'G' gracenote, as tackling this will also improve your doublings and bring your overall performance level up a notch. Your interpretation of the tune is very musical, however by refining your technique a little you will be able to lift the tempo slightly, which would give the tune the rhythmical boldness that it needs. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the 2/4 March idiom.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Kimberly Baca Tunes: Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance of a technically difficult tune. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, and focus on getting a crisp sound from your gracenotes, especially focusing on your 'G' gracenote, as tackling this will also improve your doublings and bring your overall performance level up a notch. Your interpretation of the tune is musical, but your drones needed just a small tweak to bring them closer to Low A as it was beggining to distract from the melody. This may be worthwhile discussing with your instructor or Pipe Major. Overall, this is a promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the 2/4 March idiom.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Melisa Doyle Tunes: The 51st Highland Division at Wadi Akarit Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A convincing performance on a reasonably tuned instrument. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, and focus on getting a crisp sound from your gracenotes, especially focusing on your 'G' gracenote, as tackling this will also improve your doublings and bring your overall performance level up a notch. Practice getting between the bottom/top hand cleanly, as there were a few catching/crossing noises coming through in places. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the 2/4 March idiom.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Ray Cai Tunes: Atholl and Breadablane the Gathering Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A convincing performance of a very musical tune. Your technique has a good solid basis, but by taking some time to develop this further on the practice chanter, particularly on your foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes) you will find that this will improve your overall technique significantly. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the 2/4 March idiom.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Roy Eggensperger Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: An accomplished performance both musically and technically on a steady and mostly well tuned instrument. Your technique shows a great foundation, be sure to continue to develop this on the practice chanter, pay special attention to your 'G' gracenote (as simple as it seems), it provides the foundations for the majority of other movements. Tempo was nice and consistent, your phrasing was very musical and backed up by good technique. Perhaps you could have played through the phrases a little more, in places it cae across a touch stilted. Overall, this was a very strong performance showing a good understanding of the 2/4 march Idiom and excellent technical ability.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Sojeong Kim Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: An accomplished performance both musically and technically on a reasonably well tuned instrument. The tempo was nice and steady, but over time perhaps think about lifting the tempo slightly when you are comfortable getting the technique in. Your technique shows a good foundation, be sure to continue to develop this on the practice chanter, pay special attention to your 'G' gracenote as it provides the foundation to the majority of other movements and by making these more crisp you will bring your performance level up a notch. Overall, this was a promising performance showing a good understanding of the 2/4 march Idiom and you are clearly a great potential for the future.
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Xiomara Rivadeneyra Tunes: MISS DELICIA CHISHOLOM Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on an instrument that needed a little fine tuning. This was a well presented interpretation of a very musical tune played at a nice tempo. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, especially focusing on the foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes and doublings), your technique should support the music and vice versa. Your blowing is mostly steady, but there are occasional dips on longer notes, and to eliminate this try to take longer, deeper breaths and squeeze from your shoulder with a constant pressure on the bag, shame about the chanter cutting out before the final D strike. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the 2/4 March idiom
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Tim Riddle Place: 1 Tunes: King George Vs Army Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Nice start to the 1st part, D to double C, a tad tight, open up the movement for better clarity. Again, in the 2nd part, D to Double C. 3rd part, better control of the doublings, slight catch in the 5th measure on the repeat.4th part, Double C's a tad tight at times,work on the consistency here. That's the key! Pipes nice!! Chanter good! Work on the areas mentioned!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Gabriel Densmore Place: 2 Tunes: Angus Macpherson of Inveran Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Watch the Burl movement, weak at times. Nice start to the 1st part. F to Double e's tight at times, open the movement for better musical flow. Double C's, open up a tad, slight churp on low A with g-gracenote. 2nd part, doublings better control here.Forte part of the 2nd part, fingers need to work on control of the phrase. 3rd part, nice Low A tuarluath's, good control of doublings. Slight crossing noise C to E. in the 4th part C to High A slight catch, anchor the high A to A grip, pushing off the High A to the grip. Need to have better double C's consistant throughout, is the key. Work on the areas mentioned. The pipes, nicely set up. Chanter,F atad flat. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Hart M Greenwood Place: 3 Tunes: Father John MacMillan of Barra Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: C to E, slight crossing noise. Expressed the Double C to the B tachum, pushing off the C. Hold the low A before the taurluath, pushing here. Though the movement very good.2nd part,anchor E to E strike, push- ing off a tad.C to E, again crossising noise. Work on this area.3rd part, low A-B-C tachum, pushing the idiom a tad-pushing Tempo a bit here.4th part, slight churp on low A with g-gracenote.Blowing unsteady on the C to E.Hold the F doubling a tad before going to the E, slight rushed here. Slight slip in the forte portion of the 4th part. Careful on this phrase. Work on the areas mentioned. Pipes very nice, Chanter good. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Josh Gordon Place: 4 Tunes: The Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Watch the double B's, missed at times. Start to the 1st part was good.2nd part, anchor the F to the double E, doubling weak at times-g gracenote. Slight rushing in the 3rd part, on the repeat, much better. Doublings need attention for consistency. good expression in the 4th part. Nice hold on the High A's. F to Double E a bit tight at times.B to Double C slight catch.Watch blowing in the last part, unstaedy at times.Pipes are nicely set up. Chanter good! Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Jennifer Toussaint Place: 5 Tunes: Siege of Delhi Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Nice start to the 1st part. Work on F to E grips, open up the movement, tight at times. The same with Taurluath's a little tight, more for clarity and musical flow. Burls weak at times, work on the motion of the movement for better strength.Unsteady blowing on D's.Slight slowing in tempo in the repeat of 2nd part, measures 6th & 7th. B to High g doubling, slight catch in the 3rd part. Tempo much better here. 4th part F to D transitions, crossing noises. Work on top/bottom tranistions to clean up. Tempo in the 4th, was a bit steadier.Work on the ares mentioned. Pipes are nicely set, though tighter tuning to the chanter. Chanter good, C a tad sharp. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: bill zadra Place: 6 Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: A start to the 1st part, watch C tachums, tight at times.C to E slight crossing noise, watch this transition Nice control of doublings in 2nd part. The f-high g-high a, clipping off the high g to high a, anchor the g to the high a. The 3rd part,b-c-e, slight crossing noise, control this ara. C to E crossing noises in the 4th part. B taurluath a tad tight here, try to keep consistancy on the taurluath throughout the tune. Pipe nicely set up here. Chanter balance well. Tunning good! Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Albert Gnodde Tunes: Donald MacLeans Farewell To Oban Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: A nice intro to the 1st part. Watch your double c's, a tad tight. C to E slight crossing noise. Watch ths area in the 1st part. The 2nd part,watch double e's, too tight, open the movement up abit, for better clarity. C to E again slight crossing noise.**3rd part played three times*** Careful here. the c tachums a bit tight in the 3rd part. 4th part,watch the b tachums and reverse tachums inthe forte part. Tight, open up. Over blowing abit on the top hand, especially high A. Pipes balnce, chanter balance.Drones could be tighter in tuning. Wrk on the ares mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Annie Jacques Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Good start to the 1st part. Open the double e's, a tad tight, for better clarity. Slight slow down in tempo in the end of the 1 st part 2nd time through. Nice tempo in the 2nd part, consistant here. Nice doubling control in here. the 3rd part, slight slow down in tempo at the en of the 3rd part 1st time through, better on the repaet. Better tempo in the 4th part. Slight crossing noise from b to e. Careful here. Nice half doublings.Over all nicely palyed, work on the areas above. Pipes nice balance, Chanter balnce nice, tunning could be tighter to chanter, the drones were tad too sharp to the chanter. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Charles Samson Tunes: Donald McLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: A nice start to the 1st part. C to E, crossing noise, work on this area.The2nd part work on double e's, tight at times. High A-F-Double E, slight pause to e doubling from the F. Work on anchor the F to Double E, is the key, threw the idiom off a tad.In the 3rd part, watcha missing double E on the repeat. Double C's tight in the 4th part. Work on opening the doubling for a better musical flow. Nice b grip, unsteady blowing in the last time through 4th part, forte section, on D, not blowing steady. The pipe very nice, nice tuning!! Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Clinton Houston-McMillan Tunes: The Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Watch double C's in the 1st part, too tight, open up the doubling for a better musical flow. But, a nice start to the 1st part.C to E slight crossing noise.The 2nd part, double C's too tight, open up here. In the 3rd part, catching from B to Double C.F to Double E, tight on doubling, open up a tad on the movement. Very much so in the 4th part, could hardly hear the Double E. Work on this area.Tempos good in the 1st three parts, slightly rushed in the 4th part. Work on the areas mentioned. A nice pipe, chanter side, a flat D and a flat F. Brighten up a bit here. Thank you
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Craig Mitchell Tunes: Mrs MacDonald of Dunach Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: A nice start to the first part. Good D throws in the 1st part. Blowing on the D throws was unstaedy. Some Last measure in 1st part, D throw weak. 2nd part was abit better here, E to E grip, tight at times, open up for better musical flow.Blowing unsteady on E to e grip. 3rd part, slight catch from F to high A, D throws not as strong in the 3rd part. Going into the 4th part, the same. The key is consistency here. Blowing in 4th part was also unsteady at times. Tempo held quite nicely. Pipes nice,need to be tighter in tunning to chanter. Work on the areas mentioned. thank you
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Don Mills Tunes: King George the Fifth’s Army Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: D throws need work,too tight at times. ice flow going into 1st part. Burl movement quite nice.Open up C doublings, tight at times.The key is to having doublings open slightly, for a better musical flow. 2nd part slight choke, top hand slight slip, fingers, becoming tight at times. Pushing off the "an" note too much.The C-D-Double E, crushing the doubling. The D (an) note, crushing to the doubling. Control this area for a better musical flow-plus phrasing.4th part, D-C-E-E strike, anchor the D note, pushing off. Work on this phrase.Tempo's quite nice throughout. Nice Pipes, tunned nicely, chanter good. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: James McIntosh Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Try not to jump into the tune, better to control the first note, then present the 1st part. Slight choke in the 1st part..2nd part, nice doublings, though C to E, a crossing noise.Work on this area.3rd part,B to C tachum, anchor the B to the C tachum, pushing off the B. Watch the 3rd measure, wrong note, it's D-C-F, not Low A to F.Careful, study this area of the 3rd part. 4th part, E to Double C, missing the g-gracenote in the doubling.You might want to march in place for steadier tempos, balance the two is the key, fora staedy/controlled march. Pipes are nice, drones could be tighter in tuning to chanter. F note a tad sharp on the chanter. Thnak you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Keith Alexandrovich Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: C to E slight crossing noise. High A-F-Double E idiom,off on the timing.Work on Anchor the High A to F Double E.2nd part, F-High G-Double High A, same here in timing,anchor the F, cut High G.Double C's tight at times,open up the doubling for a more musical flow.B taurluath's, tight as well, open up the movement.3rd part C to E crossing noise. holding the F too long in the 4th part, move along to the E to the double C. Nice low A strikes! Pipes ar set up nicely, chanter is good. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Laura Stott Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Low A to B to Double C,hold the low A a bit longer-pushing off the down beat here.2nd part,C-D-Doube E the doubling was crushed abit, open up the doubling for better musical flow. Had a small catch to double E from the D.Hold the double C's on the endings before the low A to the burl. Slight choke on the repeat of the 3rd part. Blowing unstaedy on D,work on this area for better control of blowing and endurance.4th part High A-E-Double C, open the movement, tight at times. Tempos ar on the cautious side, but consistant! Pipes nicely set up, need tighter drone tuning to chanter. Chanter, flat on D and F. Work on the areas mentioned. thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Matthew Nielsen Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Anchor the Double C on the opening measure. Better on the repeat. Nice 1st part.Duble E missed in the 4th measure 1st time through, watch double E's, weak at times. watch bottom hand in the 3rd part, slight slip (minor) 5th measure 1st time through. Hold the High A before High A grip, pushing a bit. Burls are good, though in the last part, weak.Tempos nicely played,some rushing in the 3rd and 4th part. Minor, this will improve with time. Pipes very good, chanter good, though F a shade flat, brighten up a bit. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Nick Haynes Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Try not to rush into the 1st measure of the 1st part,hold the High A (expressed) then present the 1st measure. A stronger musical form.Double E's tight at times-open the movement for better clarity.2nd part nice Double B's, e grips, a tad tight, but played nicely. 3rd part, churp here on the repeat.Watch blowing, over blowing in the 4th part. E grips, tight again, open up. Maintain grips for consistency. Work on the High A grip, D gracing slightly mispalced on low G, in 4th part. Work on the areas mentioned. Pipes nice, though drones not in tuned to chanter. Work on tuning, takes time. Chanter nice, though F a tad sharp. High G sharp due to overblowing. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Paul McLeod Tunes: Arthur Bignold Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Watch doublings, too tight, open the movements forbetter clarity.4th measure of the 1st part, watch the right melody notes to play, missing the D. Careful reading thismeasure of the 1st part.2nd part, D missing to the Double E, anchor D for musical flow. Double C's, too tight, open this movement up as well.4th part, cut the half doubling c's and half doubling b's, instaed of holding these notes. For better musical taste! The taurluath's were tight, need to work on the control of the movement.I would suggest easier march more suitable to your ability. You will find that doing so, will give a better musical performance. I would look at The Haughs of Cromdale or, Donald Mclean's farewell to Oban. Suggestions of course. Pipes nice, though the bass was slightly out of tune to chanter. The chanter low G a tad flat. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Robert Andrews Tunes: The Detroit Highlanders Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Nice start to the 1st part, double E's tight. Open up the doubling for better clarity. From F to Double E needs control to the e doubling.Same in the second part. The d throws nice, though some were tight, consistency needed.Work on the forte part on the repaet of the 2nd part,rushing phrases, and crossing noises.Nice double B's in the 3rd part, D to f doubling and D to e doubling,try not to rush off the D to these doublings. 4th part, doublings again tight. Open up the movements.High A to High G to HighA, clipping off the G back to A. Work on this phrase. Tempo controlled. Pipes nice, chanter good. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Russell Prewitt Tunes: The Siege Of Delhi Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Work on the B to C grips, too tight, open up for better clarity. Double E to low A to F to low A to Double E, missing the 2nd low A, clipping too much. Control the area of this phrase for a better musical flow. Nice control in the 2nd part, nice double C's. Slight catch from D to F. 3rd part, over blowing on low A's causing (squaks). Work on controlling your blowing-will improve in time. Low A tuarluaths too tight, open up for better clarity, saame with the F to E grips.Again watch the blowing, (squaks). 4th part, watch the transitions slight crossing noises.Slight slip on the C grip, careful.Watch the double C coming off the D, to clippish. Work on the areas mentioned. Pipes nice, Chanter F sharp, High A over blowing. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) D
Competitor: Stella Jacoby Tunes: The Dundee Military Tattoo Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Good start to the 1st part. Watch the low A Tuarluath, too tight at times. Slight memeory laspe in the 1st part, on the repeat. Held your composer well.2nd part, slight memory laspe, work on the D to B tachum. Rushing/clippish.3rd part slight chokes in here,bottom hand slight slippage.4th part B to C to double D, needs control, rushing/weak doubling. Watch the blowing on the D's. Slight slippage on low Gin the last part. Good burls!! Pipes nice,chanter good. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Paul Mackay Place: 1 Tunes: The Rose Among the Heather, Kildonan Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Nice pipes Paul Good lift and tempo in strath, technique pretty good too, taurluaths excellent. Strathspey got better as you went, good break to reel and lovely reel playing with excellent technique Kept is going strongly to the finish, pipes held throughout . Very well played, well done.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Martin Place: 2 Tunes: Stac Polly and Johnny Macdonald's Reel Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Great tune selection Jack, nice pipes Strong hands, good tempo, wee bit round strathspey interpretation but minor issue Conservative break and tempo to reel, slightly rushed in 3rd wee choke 4th part. A very strong performance Jack, impressive hands , strathspey rhythm might be helped by tapping on every beat? Well done.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tayla Eagle Place: 3 Tunes: Mac ‘n Irish, Alick Cameron, Champion Piper Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Tayla, nice pipe sound, well tuned. Good tempo and lift, a few dropped gracenotes here and there, nice throw on D and birl technique A good steady strathsepey. Clean break to reel A few crosses in each part - you'd ideally clean these up to improve the overall impression So it was an enjoyable set of tunes to listen to, a strong confident performance. Keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Grace Kelman Place: 4 Tunes: Maggie Cameron & Captain Lachlan McPhail of Tiree Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Grace, nice pipes (high g a wee bit sharp at times ) big tunes well handled. good rhythm in strath and clean hands, very good. good break to reel and nice swing here, wee slip 3rd part? again good clean hands (almost as good as mum's) enjoyed your set of tunes, well done! that sure is a lot of trophys you've got there........
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Shara Maikranz Place: 5 Tunes: Captain Colin Campbell, Lexie McCaskail Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Nice pipe sounds, well tuned Capt Colin Campbell - good expression , slightly slow to my ear Technique largely correct, wee bit snatchy into the runs. Break ok , again very conservative tempo which does affect the music a bit, again good technique. I think your hands could cope with lifting your tempos, which would make a big difference to your performance, but well done on a strong showing!
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Campbell Place: 6 Tunes: The Caledonian Canal and Bessy MacIntyre. Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Well tuned bagpipe Technique pretty clean, conservative tempo from outset But can hear you looking for that lift which is great Good break to reel, breaking time 3rd part, tacchums not always distinct. A few surges last part Overall nice playing, tempos could come up a fraction, technique pretty solid,well done.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ben Lampman Tunes: Dorney Ferry & Sound of Sleat Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: nice pipe sound, well tuned good tempo some technique missing from outset, half doublings, throw on D in particular good s'spey lift until 3rd part, got a wee bit round here. underblowing slightly into 4th part strath and break to reel, then improved strong reel tempo and rhythm large choke in final part distracted. good effort.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charles Samson Tunes: Brave the Elements + The Rejected Suitor Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: well tuned pipe, slightly down in pitch conservative tempo in strath, tricky sounding tune, breaking time in 4th part better tempo in reeel although crossing noises appear 2nd and 3rd parts again watch timing of the music in the 4th part. good effort here, impressive video/audio quality made for enjoyable listen thanks.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Maclennan Tunes: The Caledonian Canal & Duntroon Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: good effort here Charlie, nice tune selcetion pipe pretty good , occasional skirls , drones well tuned, strsth playing largely ok, occasional technique lapses but you understand the basics good break to reel watch you don't break time last part keep up the good work (nice and sunny too!)
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig Mitchell Tunes: The Caledonian Society of London, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: very smartly presented young man big tunes for a wee man, generally well handled pipes - drones perhaps not quite in from outset, some minor blowing fluctuation throughout good s'spey, a few wee catches/crosses, good break to reel strong reel rhythm, wee catch 2nd and 3rd, strong fniish. lots of potential here keep up the good work Craig! very close to the prize list.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Devon Saunders Tunes: Dorney Ferry - Sound of Sleat Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: pipe well tuned good strath tempo and rhythm, tacchums and tuarluath not always accurate rounding out 3rd part of strsath asnd wee chokes here strong birl, good to reel, well handled again watch tacchum technique 3rd part, wee choke 4th. pretty good stuff Devon, well done.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dylan Forge Tunes: Dorrotor Bridge, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: good tempo from start, drones pretty good hands a wee bit on the tight side, but good strath rhythm slightly abrupt to reel but ok music , a few missed taps and birl not always clean sped up a little 3rd part reel solid performance, well done.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gabriel Densmore Tunes: Jennifer Finlayson and Lexi McAskill Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: well tuned pipe a few crossing noises and doublings not alsways clean, slightly down in tempo good break to Lexie, again a few wee technical issues distract good rhythm in reel missed strikes last part. good effort Gabriel. Music evident in this set of tunes, just some technique issues to sort.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Garrett Bargabos Tunes: Peggy Gillies, Kalabakan Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: nice pipe from outset conservative tempo - but nice expression in strath wee crosses 3rd part and again 4th good break and nice reel rhythm, done stop 3rd part reel? really nice muscial playing , a few technical blemishes throughout. good effort.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Heather Mcfarlane Tunes: Arniston Castle & the Blackberry Bush Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: pipes pretty good wee skirls from outset distract, good tempo but a wee bit round to my ear watch technique, doublings not always clean, likewise grips good to reel, watch you don't break time with those tacchums, wee slip 2nd thanks Heather, good effort
Watch Video


"Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hunter Nichols Tunes: Strathspey - Dornie Ferry Reel - Lumsden’s Rant Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Interesting location Hunter! Nice pipes, tacchums not always accurate, strath a wee bit round interpretation wee slips 2nd/3rd conservative break to reel, well controlled those birls are a wee bit sticky at times breaking time slightly 3rd. 4th nice. good effort Hunter, thanks.
Watch Video


" Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Isabella Foster Tunes: Caledonian Canal and Sound of Sleet Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Nice setting - lovely looking cottage. Traffic noise an interesting addition. Pipes in tune You've got the right idea re the music of these tunes, a few technique issues from outset distract but the bigest thing for me was your blowing , you really need to try to eliminate those wee chokes to progress your performance. You've obviously got the music in you, so get stuck in and work on your blowing - loads of potential here.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jason Nering Tunes: Lady MacKenzie of Gareloch/ Roderick MacDonald Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Nicely tuned drones, high g a wee bit shrill. Conservative strath tempo, but technique largely accurate 4th part a few wee misses again wee bit conservative to reel. watch those tacchums 2nd and 3rd birls not clean 4th part. Overall a good effort, thanks.
Watch Video


"Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Julie Brown Tunes: The Marquis of Huntley's Highland Fling, Colonel MacLeod Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Lovely setting Nice tune selection, hands pretty good Julie, watch the strathspey rhythm, not always coming through. Couple of wee skirls/chokes in performance. Good break to reel and good tempo. The odd wee crossing noise. Good effort, well done.
Watch Video


" Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Keith Alexandrovich Tunes: Highland Harry, Lexy McAskill Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Well tuned bagpipe, Strathsepy rhythm ok, wee bit round in places. Technique not always clean, watch those tuarluaths! Break to Lexie good, again conservative tempo - hands better here but try not to break time to get the technique in. Well done, pipes were good throughout.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura Stott Tunes: Struan Robertson, Sound of Sleat Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Laura, great tune selection, and the feathers are impressive! Drones not quite in tune from outset, Struan Robertson a pretty challenging strath, slightly conservative tempo, and a few wee technical blemishes throughout. Nice break to reel , again slightly conservative tempo. Couple of chokes late in performance distract. Tacchums not always accurate. Well done, good effort.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lewis Stewart Tunes: Maggie Cameron & The Sound of Sleat Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Nice pipes Lewis. Maggie a big tune. Good strath rhythm, wee slip 1st part Watch you don't break time 3rd part (getting a bit round here) and in 4th. Break to reel good and good tempo, lively playing . Wee crossing noises 2nd and 3rd (tacchums not clean) and in 4th Well done an enjoyable performance.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Nielsen Tunes: Dorrotor Bridge, Colonel Macleod Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: NIce pipes Matthew Good tempo at outset, mostly good strath idiom. A few wee technical blemishes and chokes from outset distract. SLightly rounder playing in 3rd and 4th Hanging break to reel, watch D gracenote to C movement. Good tempo, wee slip 2nd Wee slip 3rd. A bit untidy in 4th. I like the tempos and music, just a few technical blemishes throughout which marred the overall performance.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Melanie Brown Tunes: Caledonian Canal and Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Melanie, I like the choice of setting! Pipes ok, maybe drones not quite in with chanter Conservative strath tempo and interpretation a wee bit round. Wee slip 2nd. Some technique issue throughout, nice break to reel. Again wee slip and not always clean with that technique. Performance fell away in final parts of reel, good effort though, keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Noah Grew Tunes: The Ewe With The Crooked Horn, Ca' The Ewes Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Good tempo from outset, big tunes! nice lift, hands a tiny bit tight Pipes pretty good, wonder if D a bit sharp, some variable blowing Wee catch last part Good break , tacchums not always clean Good reel tempo, slightly snatchy , wee slip 3rd Technical blemishes last part. Pretty solid set of tunes though, well done!
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Stephen Ladd Tunes: The Campbelltown Kiltie Ball, The Inverness Fidler, Sound of Sleat Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Well tuned pipes Stephen, quite a bit of distortion on the recording which distracts. Good tempo and lift in Campbelltown Kiltie Ball, a few missed doublings here and there. Good break to reel and again nice swing, missed taps, speeding up 3 rd part Strong performance , great tempos , a few technical blemishes in the hands distracted at times and the distortion of the recording did take the gloss off an otherwise pleasing set of tunes. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Stevie Hyde Tunes: The Marquis of Huntly's Highland Fling, The Blackberry Bush Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Nice pipes Stevie and good strath tempo and lift, wee slips 2nd part (setting?) Hands a wee bit tight at times, good break to reel Again good tempo - tacchum technique not clear from outset Confident playing - good tempos and music, some technical blemishes throughout, a few lapses in control here and there. Pipes held pretty well. Solid, well done.
Watch Video


Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tim Riddle Tunes: Caledonian Canal & Lexy MacAskill Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Tim. Pipes not quite in tune from outset Good strathspey tempo and lift, a few technical issues D gracenote to C for example. Some surging in runs at times Solid break to Lexie, again some technique not always coming through (dropped gracenotes), but good rhythm and tempo. Muscially pleasant to listen to, technique was a distraction at times. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jenna Dennison Place: 1 Tunes: The Atholl Highlanders Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Jenna. Very good strike in and sound. 6/8 idiom is very evident here with good contrast. Crossing notes evident in 2nd part - C to E- exercises wil help to eliminate these. Short notes and contrast well defined. A very musical tune and performance on a well set and blown pipe. Pipe band attack and cut off not required, this did not distract from your performance however is not neccessary for solos. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Devon Saunders Place: 2 Tunes: Hills of Glenorchy & Locheil's Welcome to Glasgow Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Devon. Very nice strike in and first impression. Drones not 100%, however chanter well presented and blown. Very strong execution, good strong hands. 6/8 idiom very evident with fantastic short notes. Again strong bottom hand work here. Watch for cross over notes - work on cross over exercises to eliminate these. Keep an eye out on your blow pipe length as it may be close to being too short and this can cause neck pain and posture issues. Really well played musical performance. Thank you very much, David
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Paul Mackay Place: 3 Tunes: Rab's Wedding Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Paul. Good strike in. Very good first impression. 6/8 idiom is quite evident here with good contrast. Good execution overall however a little delicate in places. Well set and blown pipe. Confident and well presented performance. Make sure all execution is presented 100% of the time as some C doublings not coming through clear and strong. Very well taught wtih great potential here. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gabriel Densmore Place: 4 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald Maclean of Lewis Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Gabriel. Nice first impression with your sound. Good drones and chanter well set and blown. 6/8 idiom evident with good short notes. Watch for cross notes D to E and B to high G. Work on your exercises to strengthen your hands. 1st E tap in 3rd missed, otherwise good strong execution. A very nice tune. Thank you very much. David
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Daniel Germann Place: 5 Tunes: Miss Ishabel T. MacDonald Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Daniel. Good 6/8 idiom as first impression. Short notes very good here with good contrast. There are many crossing notes here distracting from some nice musical playing. Work on stregth exercises to clean these up. Pacing is excellent. Drones are quite out of tune taking away from the musical presentation 4 th part some minor rushing - hold the line. Overall nice tune, thank you very much. David
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Killian Smith Place: 6 Tunes: 10th HLI Crossing the Rhine Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Killian. 6/8 idiom evident from start. Good tempo. Blowing and Pipe OK. Some crossing notes evident although minor they could be cleaned up to improve over all performance. 3rd part - watch to stay consistent in the phrase - dont jump off theme note. Nice overall tune. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Albert Gnodde Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Albert. Watch when you strike in your drones that they are fully sounding. Try and not have a squeal on strike in. This is a compound time signature so do your best to not play like a 2/4 march (there are no off beats in a compound time signature ) Drones and blowing OK. Chanter quite good except high A is distracting when this scratchy. Execution good, low G triplet very good. Part 1,2,3 are played like 2/4, however pt 4 improves closer to a compound time signature. Last line lacking exeution clairty try and keep consistent for better affect. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Anne-Kathrin Albert Tunes: Kitty lie over Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Anne-Kathrin. Nice tempo to start, and consistent start to finish. Timing and6/8 idiom is evident here .Drones not Fully in tune, work to get closer with each other. Chanter and blowing OK. Execution is quite good, however watch not to rush to C doublings. Birl - bottom hand strength (B finger ) B finger not 100% solid during birl causing tonal issues during movement. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Ben Beeson Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Ben. Drones squealing on strike in try for a full drone sound instead here. After strike, drones are boomin and well set. Chanter and blowing OK. Tempo OK. 6/8 idiom evident about 75% of the time. Watch to hold all notes required to achieve 6/8 compound idiom and contrast with short notes. Bottom hand work quite good, some misses on top hand execution. Thank you very much, David
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Brad Wilson Tunes: All the Blue Bonnets are Over the Border Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Brad. Drone strike in OK - not 100% in tune. Work on tuning to get closer every time. Tempo OK. Good solid 6/8 compound idiom. Off tune in second part (mistakes times 2) watch cross notes top to botom hand. Off tune again in 3rd and 4th parts. Memorization not complete for whole tune. Keep working at it as you are quite musical. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Camille Layt Tunes: PM Donald Maclean of Lewis Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Camille. Good drone strike. Drones OK but not 100% in tune. Tempo could come up here. It is harder to play a 6/8 compound tune slower, however 6/8 idiom is evident here. High A is scratchy and distracting at times. Very good execution in 3rd part. Last line mistake, however good concentration to finish. Nice overall musical performance. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Colin K. Gavin Tunes: Pipe Major Gordon Webster Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Colin. Drones not completely in tune to start, however well blown. Chanter has a very sharp high G distracting slightly overall.. Tempo OK here. Lots of repeated E, F and C doublings here, ensure that the note between the two gracenotes is given full value, with two distinct graceotes. Also important to have all doublings sound the same from phrase to phrase. Keep up the hard work. Watch for crossing notes top to bottom hand. 6/8 idiom is evident here and there is good contrast with short notes. Thank you very much, David
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Colin Thurber Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Colin. Tempo good to start. 6/8 idiom is evident here. Good start to tune, however there is a mistake in part 2. Watch to clean up your cross notes from hand to hand. Good strength exercises will clean this up. Watch to hold low A in 3rd for best contrast as you are currently jumping off that note. Make sure final impression is filled with good strong tonal quality. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Guido Riedemann Tunes: John D. Burgess Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Guido. Nice strike in and drone sound. 6/8 idiom evident at start however not consistent in end phrase. Hold the line with your idiom. End phrases are quite round lacking contrast. 3rd part seems to drift to 2/4 idiom. 4th comes back to compound again. Execution quite strong with good blowing and chanter well set. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Hilliard Drew Galloway Tunes: Jean Mauchline Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Hillard. Nice start. 6/8 idiom is evident to start with good consistent short notes adding good contrast to musical presentation. Watch for crossing notes here, work on your exercises to strengthen this. Bottom hand work strong. 3rd part a little round in second phrase both times. 4th part slip F instead of G. Thank you very much David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: James McIntosh Tunes: All The Blue Bonnets Are Over the Border Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one James. Good strike in of drones. Very slow tempo, however consistent. 6/8 idiom evident with contrast. Good overall sound and blowing. Watch the crossing notes and work on exercises to eliminate these. A stronger D gracenote to C will define your note better. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: John Campbell Tunes: Major John Maclennan Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one John. Well blown pipe, however high A is scratchy often distracting from performance. Work on consistent blowing to improve note quality. Parts one and two quite round inside the phrase and not well defined wtih contrast. 3rd part 6/8 idiom is more evident Good strong execution present here. Work on consistent compound time presentation. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Kathleen Madden Tunes: Donald Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Kathleen. Quite slow to start and yet consistent. 6/8 idiom is evident here. Watch size of your C passing notes ensuring they are played as short notes. Watch for crossing notes here and work on excersises to eliminate these in your playng. Well blown pipes with nice full drone sound. 4th make sure low G is sounded fully while playing taorluath movement, fully close to low G prior to the D gracenote in the movement.. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Matthew Nielsen Tunes: Cock of the North Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Mathew. Nice strike in. Good pipe and well blown. 6/8 idiom evident with slight rushing and roundness in spots Make sure all long notes are fully held and a consistent length adding contrast to your phrases. Execution is good and strong. 4th part is very well played. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Nick Haynes Tunes: John D. Burgess Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Nick. Strike in not fully sounding drones as sqeal evident.. Drones not fully in tune and top hand of chanter quite sharp. 6/8 idiom evident here with strong execution. Crossing notes evident and can be cleaned up with exercises. Tempo nice and D throw is also a well played stand out movement. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Ray Cai Tunes: Dovecot Park Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Ray. 100% memorization not evident here from start to finish. 6/8 idiom almost there, keep at it. Some rushing in phrases causing some round playing to be evident. Hold the long notes and cut the short notes for good contrast in the compound time signature. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Robert GRANT Tunes: The Branch Salute Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Robert. Tempo OK to start. Compound 6/8 idiom not evident here. Played quite round with a 2/4 feel work to have good contrast between short notes and long notes to deliver a nice musical compound time signature. Top hand execution quite good. Chanter well set and blown. Drones are well set also. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Rory Logan Tunes: Dundee City Police Pipe Band Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Rory. 6/8 idiom evident here. A good first impression and in the hunt apart from the extra line played in the repeat of part one. There is an extra 4 bars played in part one unfortunately. Pipe well blown and good short notes presented. Strong hands and execution coming along nicely as well. Watch to not speed up in 3rd. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Sandro Zeb Murru Tunes: Dovecote Park Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Sandro. 6/8 idiom is evident here. Execution is not always coming through strong. Could define seperate gracenotes better within the doubling movements. Nice musical tune wtih good short notes and contrast. Pipe well blown sound improved towards the end. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Sojeong Kim Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Sojeong. Drones and chanter not fully in tune to start. Blowing consistent. 6/8 idiom evident from start here. Tempo overall is quite slow, bring up the tempo for an overall more musical effect. Short notes are very good. Execution is nice with strong bottom hand work. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Tayla Eagle Tunes: Miss Lily Christie Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Tayla. Good strike in and very good first impression. Good tuning phrase prior to tune ! Great drones and pipe is overall well set and blown. 6/8 idiom is evident however not consistent throughout. On the right track for sure, however the contrast of a 6/8 compound time signature requires good consistent contrast to avoid some round phrasing to come out. You have great potential and are definately on the right track with your playing. Very nice strong hands with an excellent D throw. You are very close to making the list in this large class ! Keep at it Tayla. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Tony Sharp Tunes: All the Bluebonnets Are Over the Border Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Tony. 6/8 idiom is not evident here. Compound time signature requires good contrast with long and short notes. Drones are not fully in tune. Memorization not fully evident here - keep at it and it will come ! Work to eliminate cross over notes I encourage good exercises for these. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Colin Richdale Place: 1 Tunes: Major John MacLennan Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start.Good tempo and feel.Watdh birl movement consistancy.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Vicki Kennerley Place: 2 Tunes: Frank Thompson Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not 100%at start.Good lively tempo and feel.Good concept and control of idiom throughout. Pipe same at end.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Agustin Arguelles Place: 3 Tunes: Meg MacRae Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start.Good control of 6/8 idiom except for low'A','B',to grip 'C' - not in context. Good steady tempo. Some time dents in 3rd and 4th.Overall good pace and feel.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Orin Weiss Place: 4 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not 100% at start.hi 'G' sharp. Good tempo.Don't overpoint the dotted notes.for correct feel.Lost focus in 3rd.Back in 4th.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jack Martin Place: 5 Tunes: Dovecote Park Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipenot 100% at start.top hand sharp.Relaxed tempo.Good control of your technique and idiom.Pipe same at end.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jim Williamson Place: 6 Tunes: Sweet Maid of Mull Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Ppe nice st start.good pace ad feel.good cotrol of theidiom.Top hand sharpisg in 4th.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Allen Workman Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not 100%at start.Relaxed tempo.Watch catchnotes 'C' to 'E'.Also to hi'A' Would lioke tempo up a few points to better capture the idiom.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Annemieke van Doesburg Tunes: Cock o' the North Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Would like your 'Tachums' loosened up a biot.Sa yhe word "Tachum" and that is how the movement should sound.Steady tempo throughout.Pipe wanderingat end.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: bill zadra Tunes: The McNeil's of Ugadale Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start.Would like the tempo a bit quicker to have a better idiom.The hi'A' gracenotes from hi 'G' to 'E' in 2nd and 4th parts are not necessary.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Brynaert philippe Tunes: Angus MacKinnon Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start.top hand sharp to drones.Good tempo.Make sure the dotted 8th,1/16th 8th figure is consistant throughout.Some catchnotes hrer and there.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Charles Samson Tunes: Tug Argan Gap Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start.'D' and hi'A' sharp to nice steady drones.Good tempo.Good sense of idiom throughout.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Craig Mitchell Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not tuned !00% at start.Blow your chanter out consistantly especially in 3rd.Good tempo and feel.Pipe out at end.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: David Van Buskirk Tunes: The Atholl Highlanders Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not 100% at start.Drone very steady throughout.Catchnotes in 2nd detered greatly from peformance.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Dylan Forge Tunes: Ellenorr Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: pipe not 100% at start.Don't overpoint thedotted notes for this idiom.Give the 1/16th note ful l value.Watch the birl at the end of lines - late to the beat.////some missed hits throughout .The flurry of notes at the end of the tune unnecessary.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Gabriel Holbrook Tunes: Turriff and District Pipe Band Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not 100% at start.Relaxed tempo.Would like a qucker tempo to give more life to the steady control of your idiom.Wath for catchnotes from low hand to high hand throughout.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Hart M Greenwood Tunes: MacLeod of Mull Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start.Watch your idiom control.Top hand rhytm is pointed whereas the bottom hand rhytm is not.Should be consistant.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Hunter Nichols Tunes: Cock O’ The North Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not 100% at start.Watch 'Tachum' movement.--Too choppy.Say the word 'Tachum' and that is how the movement should sound.Steady tempo.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jacob Boyer Tunes: Lothians March Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not tuned at start.The chanter sounds a bit too hard for you.Good tempo. Running out of gas in 4th.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jason Nering Tunes: Bengullion Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not 100% at start.Top hand sharp to bottom hand.The dotted notes are ,to me,too pointed and not creating agood 6/8 feel.Steady tempothroughout.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: John Virag Tunes: Pipe Major Donald Maclean of Lewis Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: pipe okay at start. high g sharp. tempo on the pushy side.relax the tempo a bit to get a better control of the idiom.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Keith Alexandrovich Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: pipe okay at start. tempo a bit slow to capture the idiom. high g to e low a strike e not in time which destroys idiom.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Laura Stott Tunes: Doctor Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: pipe not tuned at start. wrong note in first phrase. tempo slowing in third.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Melanie Brown Tunes: Atholl Highlanders Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: pipe not 100% at start. watch d grace note in first part first phrase. c is sounding like a d. grace note too big. labouring in fourth part.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Paul McLeod Tunes: the MacNeils of Ugadae Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start.Pace and feel OK.'F' to 'E' doubling movement not 100%.Some misses in 3rd and 4th.Catchnotes in 3rd and 4th.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Robert Andrews Tunes: 10th Battalion HLI Crossing the Rhine Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start.Good tempo throughout.Watch catchnotes and grip kovements for clarity and time.Some chanter chirping here and there.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Robert W Gough Tunes: Atholl Highlanders Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start but your pressure changed with the start of tne tune throwingb offyour tuning. Relaxed tempo. Watch for catchnotes in 2nd part.Also the 'D' gracenote on 'C' in the second part is not quick enough casing the 'C' to soud like a 'D'
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Roy Eggensperger Tunes: Dominic McGowan Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start.Drones steady .relaxed tempo but not locked in 1st part.Nice Ral. at end
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Shara Maikranz Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not 100% at start.Tempo a bit slow for me.Don't clip 'F's in 2nd part.Tachums tightin 3rd. Tempo labouring in 3rd an4th.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Stephen Ladd Tunes: The Cock of the North Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start.Good tempo.Tachumsb very tight.Say the word tachum and that is how the movement should sound.'D' gracenote in 'A C E' movementtoo big causing 'C to sound as 'D'.
Watch Video


Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Tim Riddle Tunes: Dovecote Park Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Nice pipe at start.Relaxedtempo Broke!!!
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Paul Mackay Place: 1 Tunes: Sir James MacDonald of the Isles' Lament Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe - well set and well blown. Good pace to start. Drones moving a tiny bit. Excellent technique. Very good flow to this, and tasteful phrasing. C a bit sharp, to get really picky... Wonderful ground. Effective transition to var 1. Lovely presentation and phrase definition. Very impressive! I really enjoyed this.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Shara Maikranz Place: 2 Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe, well set (except low A a bit sharp) and well blown to start. Good pace to the ground, and well phrased. Excellent clarity on edres, and a good rhythmic match to odros. F a bit unstable. Well played ground. Good tempo contrast into doubling. Take care not to open your bottom hand a bit early going from E to C. Good phrasing to start, but got less defined as the variation went on. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Matthew Nielsen Place: 3 Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown. Good pace to start. I feel that you're getting a bit bogged down by overholding some of the big notes in the middle of phrases - maybe try holding at the start and end of phrases, but don't stretch too too much in the middle of a phrase. Minor tempo contrast to doubling. Carefully presented - again, moving throuigh the middle of phrases could help some of the flow (and ebb!) here too. This got better as the variation went on - very nice by the end! Excellent execution. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Keith Alexandrovich Place: 4 Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe, well blown. Good pace, and good phrasing. I'd be careful not to move your wrist for execution, especially on B odros/grips - you'll have more control if you're able to do it by moving fingers alone. Edres well played (one miss). Excellent ground. Doubling - good contrast of pace. Don't rush the odro movement - some a bit fluffy, some spectacular. Another funny edre in line two, but most very good. Var 1 mostly well phrased - don't forget definition of the middle phrase in line two.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Jack Martin Place: 5 Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set - drones not perfect but close. F and C quite sharp. Drones moving a bit with any fluctuation in bag pressure. Good pace to the ground, and tasteful phrasing. Technically strong. Good contrast going into doubling. Well phrased again. Watch for little dips and little surges in pressure - keep your arm firm against the bag and let it move tightly but fluidly with the bag. Steadiness is the area for improvement here. Maybe drone reeds are taking too much air? Well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Grace Kelman Place: 6 Tunes: The MacFarlanes’ Gathering Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set - drones not perfect, but close. Great pace to the ground - lots of drive! Strong technique. One sticky grip in repeat of line one... Watch out for small dops in pressure on some long low As - keep your arm firmly on the bag, moving fluidly with it. Little extra gracenote just at the end of the ground. Once again, a bold and appropriate tempo to the variation. Well phrased. Make sure your thumb doesn't come down a tiny bit late to low A from high A - results in little squeaks. Very well done!
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Agustin Arguelles Tunes: Monroe's Salute Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Nice job Agustin. Really enjoyed your performance. A few things I think you could do to improve your performance. Start with an elongated Low A to ensure you and (your audience) are ready. I like what you are doing withing phrase A – maybe just a little drawn out end of bar 2. Try to do the same as how you play bar 4. If you can, try to play the light D throw in Piobaireachd. Small choke Var 1. Wee catches from LA to D in second line. Great to hear the Var2 and Var3 played. Some minor technique imperfections in GDE. Crunluath variation – nice Edree’s. A little thick on the semi quavers of the Fosgialt movements. Lovely bagpipe. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Alec MacDonald Tunes: Queen Elizabeth II Salute Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Good job Alec. A lovely piece of music. Some minor technical imperfections in particular timing of echos on F and also the throw on F a little untidy – check you are playing this correctly. D echo just need to ensure you do hit the Low G gracenote. The D throw is quite heavy. Might consider playing the lighter D throw to add more grace, Watch the catch from LA to D which is reoccurring. Var 1. Some Taorluaths lacking clarity in particular hearing the second LG gracenote in the movement. Nice flow in the in the doubling. Pipes pretty good overall – bit of blowing on E,
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Anne-Kathrin Albert Tunes: Munro's Salute Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, though tenors not quite locked in together. C and D a bit sharp. Good pace to ground, and well executed. Showing a very good understanging of contrast in timing of the shorter notes. Very good tempo shift into variation one, and effective phrase definition.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Ben Beeson Tunes: Lament for the Old Sword Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Well set pipe, blown well except for a few little dips on the odd low A. High A a bit scratchy - High G very good. Good pace to ground - E of cadences a bit short for my taste, and I feel like you could extend the Ds at the end of the second bar a bit more for phrasing purposes. Take care nat to get any extra low A sounds before the low G of your D throws. Edres well executed. A little bit of extra bottom hand movement in hiharins - make sure you aren't pressing your pinkie into the chanter because that will drag other fingers around and cause stickiness - gently brush the surface of the chanter. Excellent understanding of the Dithis timing. A few little chokes and squeaks, missing thumb gracenotes. Timing excellent in this variation. Minor gracenoting issue at the end. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Bill Stuart Tunes: Glengarry's Lament Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe - well set and well blown. Good pace to ground and well phrased for the most part - maybe a bit short on the low A to finish line two, but that's getting picky. A bit careful in the dithis variation but fairly accurate. Your final pace was better than the initial bars. I think there's room for a bit more phrase definition S-M-M-S in this variation. A solid performance.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Brad Weller Tunes: The Field of Gold Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Ppe fairly well set, though drones not quite locked in. I feel that you could use your arm more for improved bag control - it looks like your arm is tensed, but not moving fluidly with the bag - either rigid or moving suddenly. That will cause imbalance of pressure, and make the blowing part harder. Ground is maybe a bit hurried - I think you'll be more accurate with technique if you hold back on the longer notes, and let the melody shine. First variation - good tempo to aim for, but the same comment as in the ground regarding consistent accuracy. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Camille Layt Tunes: Macfarlane's Gathering Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, though tenors not perfectly locked. Look out for little dips in pressure on longer low As. Good pace to the ground. Strong technique, especially when it isn't hurried. Minor issue going into bar 4 of line two. Ground could use a bit more consistency in pausing at the end of each two bar phrase - sometimes well done, sometimes overlooked a bit. Tenors drifting a bit by end of ground. A few memory issues in variation 1... Both technique and music. This will be a good tune for you!
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Charlie Maclennan Tunes: Glengarry’s Lament Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe well blown - drones a bit flat to chanter and not quite locked, but close! Good pace to the ground. Well phrased. Strong techniques - take care on D gracenotes - both on the cadences and that grip at the end. D gracenotes can get harder as you're growing, so take care, as your fingers grow longer, not to let it start to curl around the chanter - that results in missed or uncontrolled gracenotes. Something to look out for - already starting a bit. Strong dithis variation! Well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Chris Shepherd Tunes: Sir James MacDonald Of The Isles Lament Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, though tenors not quite settled down. Look out for little dips in pressure on low A. Good pace, but I'd prefer to hear some of the longer notes breathe a bit more, particularly at the end of phrases, and you jump ahead to some tricky techinique at times (eg hiharins). Steady variation, though there is room here to show some phrase definition over two bar segments. Gracenotes a bit on the big side, though no threat of missing any! Well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Colin Thurber Tunes: Lament for Alastair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set - look out for dips in pressure on low As. Keep your arm firm against the bag. Ground a bit on the careful side of tempo, but appropriate for the technique. Well executed deliberate technique. Take care on the timing of your D double echo in line two - more E of the cadence to start, and then smack the strike in right away. Variation steady and straightforward. Good recovery from the little slip. You could work on tightening up the low As a wee bit without shortening the long theme notes. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: David Van Buskirk Tunes: Corrienessan's Salute Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe close - drdones a bit flat to chanter and not quite locked. Good pace to the ground. A few little jumpy bits - a bit hurried getting to the E in bar 2 and F in bar 3. Right idea but a bit abrupt. Check the gracenoting of the second last bar of line 1. Technique fairly good - keep working on consistency. Tempo in variation good for the most part, but there are spots when you push ahead a bit, but recover well. Make sure to hold the first theme note of each two bar phrase to stay in control. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Ethan Blain Tunes: Glengarry's Lament Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set - look out for some dips in pressure on low A - keep your arm firmly on the bag to avoid a drop on pressure. Long low As are exposed! Good pace - a bit on the slow side but carefully phrased. Strong technique. A hesitant start to the variation, but once you got into it it was presented very well - good contrast of long theme notes to short connecting notes. A little slow, but you have a firm grasp of how this should go. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Gabriel Densmore Tunes: Lament for Alasdair Dearg Macdonell of Glengarry Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe. Well set - drones not perfect, but very close. Minor steadiness issues - keep your arm moving fluidly with the bag - a bit jerky at times (resulted in a wee choke and some D wobbles). Good pace to the ground, maintained throughout. Strong technique. Dithis var played properly, timing wise - just watch some inverted gracenoting around D. A bit slow to start, but good tempo by line two. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Jason Nering Tunes: Lament for Mary MacLeod Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set - drones not quite locked in. Thoughtful pace to the ground - a bit more momentum in the repeat of line one, which I liked. Technique fairly consistent - little clarity issues here and there, but some very strom dares! F sharp. A little hurried in the final phrase of the ground - right idea but maybe a bit too pushed. If you're going directly from the Kilberry setting, take a look at the first note of the second phrase of line two. Well presented variation. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Jürgen Schrall Tunes: Field of Gold Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, but drones not quite locked in. F sharp. Be careful going from C to low A not to get a low G catch. Good pace to the ground. Good edres. A bit round in line three - all short notes are coming out the same, but I feel there should be some variation here - ie cut the first cut more than the second connecting note. A little open in the variation - I'd prefer more theme note and shorter connecting notes. Take a look at the music again for this variation... With a bit more time, this will be a good tune for you!
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Laura Stott Tunes: Maccrimmon's Sweetheart Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, though drones not quite together. Watch for some fluctuations in bag pressure - keep your arm firmly on the bag and let it move fluidly with it to avoid dips (eg on low A) or little surges. A few gracenotes not quite on the the transition from note to note. A careful start to the ground, but picked up a good flow part way in. Good deliberate darados. Well phrased ground. Good tempo contrast into Var 1. Also wel phrased. Some inconsistencies in technical delivery and some uneven bag pressure, but overall a good tune!
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Maël MacNeil Tunes: MacLeod's Controversy Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe to start. Good pace. Excellent double echo timing. Run down a bit hurried and slightly inconsistent. Good high G - tiny wobble to start but well blown after that. Terrifyingly good chedares! On G double echoes, make sure you hear a high G between the thumb gracenote and the strike. Great ground. Bit of a shaky start to Var 1 but recovered well. A few technical issues creeping in here. I would prefer to hear a bit more time on the long notes of the cadences, esp inl line two. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Nick Haynes Tunes: Struan Robertson's Salute Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, though drones not in with the chanter and not quite settled down. Good pace to start. A bit much separation in your hiharin between the D and the birl pat. Don't forget to hold the last note of each line a bit. High G and A a bit shrill - don't blow/squeeze harder on these notes. Consistently presented ground. Taor 1 a bit slow. Good rhythm to the movements. Connecting note could be a bit smaller. Overblowing again on high G and high A - enough that it moves your drones too. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Paul Harrison Tunes: Lament for the Old Sword Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Chanter fairly well balanced except for some sharpness on the top hand (esp High A and G), but drones not set. Good pace. I'd prefer more patience on cadences. Good recovery at the end of the repeat! Some good technique - esp edres - but some could be slowed down, particularly the cadences - take your time to settle these down. Var one a bit fast, causing inconsistencies in gracenoting - G on the big note and E on the little one (unless coming from a top hand note). With a bit more time this will be a good tune for you!
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Robert Andrews Tunes: Glengarry's Lament Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, though drones a bit sharp to chanter. Drones a bit unsteady - perhaps a bit too open? Good flow and an appropriate tempo. Some unevenness in bag pressure here and there. Good tempo to var 1, though a bit inconsistent at times (ie middle of line two). I'd prefer a bit more theme note and just a bit less connecting low A. Technique good. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Zach Snyder Tunes: The Company's Lament Judge: Stuart Easton Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set - drones not quite locked in. Carerful tempo, but good attention to phrase definition to start. See if you can get the strike closer to the G gracenote in all your double echoes. A bit slow in variation 1. You're playing an E gracenote in place of a D in bar one. You can definitely push the tempo more in this variation so long as you continue to attend to phrase endings. Steady - well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Brennan Foley Place: 1 Tunes: MacIntosh's Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Ground played beautifully. Could give a tad more to the end of the line. D throw a bit on heavy side. Watch wee catch to F. Again, end of line cut short. Intonation issue on B. Last phrase on repeat of line one a bit too drawn out. Var 1. Timing pretty good here but try not to physically conduct this, keep it within. Big catch D to F second phrase. Some HG gracenote inaccuracies in third phrase. Some blowing unsteadiness here E, F and HA. Few more catches line 4. A really musical performance overall, just needs more precise with the Gracenote’s and blowing. Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Garrett Bargabos Place: 2 Tunes: Mackintosh's Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good job Garrett. I think you could hold E before cadence to B fraction longer. You are a little drawn out in third phrase, better in repeat. Echo better also. Again, third phrase in line 3 this time just a bit too slow, interrupting flow of the tune. Var. 1 Could soften the E & the relative D & B semi quavers in bars 2, 4 & 6 respectfully. Pipes not quite holding throughout the performance. Good music for most part. Keep up the good work
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Laurel Leishman Place: 3 Tunes: Struan Robertson's Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Lovely tune Laurel well done. You have a good understanding of the ground & first Var. I felt you were consistent rushing to the hiharin (3rd pulse) last bar in each line. Space this out a bit and you would be right on the money. Some slight overblowing on HiA in lines 2&3. Var 1. Very good control here. Nice Taoluaths. Small catch LA to D last line. Last. A really good musical performance on a pretty good pipe. Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Hilliard Drew Galloway Place: 4 Tunes: The Glen is Mine Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Ground played very well. A good understanding of the music. Could be a little more precise with your edree movement. Var 1. Very good, no major issues. Good technique for most part. Enjoyable tune on a good bagpipe. Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: John Campbell Place: 5 Tunes: Monro's Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good performance John. You have a pretty good idea of the ground & first variation, really well played. Strong technique and no major errors. Some Intonation issues in middle register a bit sharp B, D & F. Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Charlotte Elliott Place: 6 Tunes: The Field Of Gold Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: A lovely tune played well. Some slight rushing and a little inaccurate fingering on the E and F echos in line 1. Just a bit too crushed. Missed HG grace note of cadence to B end of 2nd line. Var 1. Played well. Try not to pulse every note group the same. Typically, we throw a Strong Medium Medium Strong pulsing template over Common time tunes. Would let this flow a bit better, some small catches in line three and tiny note change in last phrase. Otherwise a really musical performance, well done.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Abby Long Tunes: Little Prince - you are my choice Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good job Abby. Enjoyed your tune. Loads of potential here. A few things i think you could improve on, firstly before you start any tune, try to settle yourself with a long Low A. Try to be a little softer C to LA before the LA grip. Typically, in common time tunes we give the first & fourth pulses a strong pulse, & second & third medium weight. I think you are quite heavy on the medium (2nd pulse) - the LA mid bar causing a bit of interruption to the flow. Try to get a bigger D gracenote in the cadence to B. Keep the HA doubling clear. Taorluath var quite nice, i felt just a tad too sudden up to the HG gracenote of the cadences. D gracenote again bit too tight. Nice Taorluath overall. Bagpipe tuned a touch sharp to the chanter, drones waving a little. Intonation on E flat.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Annie Jacques Tunes: Battle of the Birds Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Nice job Annie. Really enjoyed your performance. A few things I think you could do to improve your performance. Start with an elongated Low A to ensure you (and your audience) are ready. Your making a really decent job of the ground. I felt you just need to mark the end of your two-bar phrase and also the lines a bit more. D gracenote to Low A in last bar could be clearer. End of ground needed to hold LA a bit longer. Var 1. A bit sudden. Good technique overall. Good job of the Var 1. Doubling. Pipe pretty close but some obvious movement. Some bottom hand intonation issues particularly B & C quite sharp. Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Beth Paul Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Awesome effort Beth. A really nice tune. Couple of things to work on here. Watch the false fingering/ transition from E to C and B to E. You can hear some false sounds coming out. Good job in lines 2 & 3. Var 1. Good timing of the couplets. Could swell the E and the C in bar 2 where the fermata appears. Missed a few HG gracenote on the LA’s in line 2&3. Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: bill zadra Tunes: Corrienessan's Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Thanks for the listen Bill. I feel you can do more with the flow of this tune. In common time tunes we typically give the first & fourth pulses a strong pulse, & second & third medium weight. I think you are quite heavy on the mediums (2nd & 3rd pulse) in particular the first E which is bogging you down. Try giving weight to the first C and the last E in bar 1. Small catch from C to F. Choke. Last bar you played a random B strike after cadence to B. Could get better clarity in grip movement. Var 1. Need strong pulse on first C. Better in repeat. Jumping off the end of phrase in line 1. Bit untidy bottom hand in line 2. Good fininsh. Pipe was pretty good just some intonation on B & C a bit sharp.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Charles Samson Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: A really nice tune Charles. I thought the C and B grips are played a bit to separate here, need to incorporate the movement so it’s just one pulse each. The end of first phrase you could take much more off the C semi quaver, just a bit too fat here. Nice Edrees from F. Could hold end of line a bit more. Watch catch from B to F, last phrase of line 3 just lost some timing. Need to draw out the crotchets more to smooth this out. Ground Doubling watch catch from LA to D. Transition into doubling very subtle, could perhaps move on a bit here. A really enjoyable tune Charles
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Clair Douglass Tunes: The Company's Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Nice tune Clair and well done for getting your first piobaireachd up and running. Pretty good understanding of the ground. Keep the gracenotes neat and accurate. Couple of missed/ muffled HG Gracenotes on F throughout. Intonation on C and HiA a bit inaccurate. Var 1. Need to hold the first Low A dotted quaver, this is matched with timing of bar 3. Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Craig Mitchell Tunes: The Company's Lament (Ground and 1st Variation) Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Nice tune Craig. A good handle of the ground. Fingering a little bit tight and rushed on the F and E echoes. Try to get a bigger G gracenote on the F. Var 1. Should hold the first Low A dotted quaver, this is matched with timing of bar 3 and would flow better, Pipes pretty good, just a little bit of a waiver. Keep up the good work.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Dylan Forge Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good positive start to the tune Dylan. Could hold the E of cadence to B slightly longer, and edree movement is a little crushed. Thumb Var. Not too sure about the timing of the first couplet to hiA. Pipes not quite holding during the performance. Good presentation, Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Evan Mcconkey Tunes: the Company's lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Positive tune Evan. Little rushed in phrase 2 line 1. Second line second Bar F echo too early. Better line 3. Var 1. Pretty good, perhaps a bit cut. Could smooth out second note grouping. Try mark the end of each line with a musical coma. Line two, second phrase changed timing of E semi quaver. Should keep consistent with first line second phrase. Var 1 Doubling a bit square – I would advise against tapping your foot in piobaireachd! Note error. Pipes pretty good, some intonation issues on chanter. Thanks for the listen,
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: James McIntosh Tunes: MacIntosh's Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good job James. You have the song of the ground quite well. Some technical deficiencies evident in particular Echos to B and some accuracy around the gracenotes. Echo on F untidy start of line 3. Choke phrase 3. Missing HG gracenote on D last bar of ground. Var 1. Just coming out a little square, need to shave a bit off the semi quavers. Drones not quite in from the start of the performance, Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Kathleen Madden Tunes: MacGregor's Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good job Kathleen. Enjoyed your tune. Loads of potential here. You have a good handle of the song of the ground. Firstly before you start any tune, try to settle yourself with a long Low A. Watch out for the catches between C & E. Embarie movement to HG a little untidy. Few catches throughout. Last line of Thumb is tricky to get the timing correct into the last phrase. The Low G taps pretty good throughout. Good Piobaireachd HG. Good tune on a good bagpipe.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Killian Smith Tunes: The Company's Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good job Killian. A few crossing noises up to C and E. Missed HG gracenote on B start of line 2 Also HG gracenote on E phrase 2, line 2. A lighter D throw is preferable in piobaireachd if you can. Note error/ change of mind last bar in ground. Var 1. Bar 1, Quite different interpretation here. Not sure the gracenotes are correct, would pay to anchor the LowA, the following C is an ánd’note. This pattern remains throughout the variation in bars 1 & 3 of each line. Some incorrect gracenotes coming out. No high HA doublings in this variation. Pipes really good. Just some attention to detail in the music. Thanks for the listen,
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Matt Mitchell Tunes: Clan Campbells Gathering Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good stuff Matt. Strong start. Phrase 2 in each line, you are a bit quick off all the cadences down to B. Pull the E out more. Grip a little untidy. Catches up to E line 2. Would recommend just holding the ends of phrases a bit more – a musical coma at end of each phrase and especially the end of the line. Big crossing noises from B to HiA Phrase 2. Bagpipe pretty good overall. Slight overblowing on LG. Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Melanie Brown Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: A great effort Melanie. You have a good musical understanding of the tune. Just a few technical imperfections. The grip movement could be a bit tidier, some gracenotes could be more accurate. Var 1. Second phrase, could swell a bit more on the E to give more effect, and the F in lines 2&3. Bagpipe not quite in tune from the start, Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Noah Grew Tunes: The White Flag(The Mackays Banner) Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Thanks for the tune Noah. I’m not too familiar with this setting you have submitted. In bar two you play a Low A. Both Donald Mac D, and PS, & Kilberry have this as a B on the 4th pulse. On further investigation, I think you completely missed phrase A and have started mid line. Line 2 of ground, over holding the E of the cadence to B, Cadences too long. You seem to have missed the equivalent of what is he third line in all three manuscripts, Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Paul Jarvis Tunes: Field of Gold Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good job Paul. Could be a bit softer with the tune, particularly the cadence to D in bar 2. Cadence to C also too abrupt. Watch the catches from E to C in the cadence, bar 1 line 2. Bar 2 cadence to D (as above) too fast, need to be softer here, also on the C semiquaver need to smooth out to get desired effect. Var 1. Line 3, bar 1 big catch C to HA. No major errors, just work on those cadences and this will be really good tune. Bagpipe very good. Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Paul McLeod Tunes: Corrienessan's Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good start, Watch crossing noise in the cadence to C first phrase. Need to mark end of phrase with musical coma. Cadence to B cut a bit short. Don’t be afraid to pull out the E of the cadence. Line 2, phrase 2, don’t snap up to the F from the C grip, can smooth this out and be softer creating the desired effect. Phrase three same comment as P2, but more importantly just let the phrase breath, mark it with a coma, take a breath before diving into the next one. Jumping off end of line also. Vedree movement on F untidy. Bit of music lost in last phrase of ground. Var 1. Not bad, just a bit of phrasing and timing into the cadences. Few stray gracenotes in the doubling variation (not that its judged). Thanks for the listen Paul, some very easy fixes in here.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Rory Logan Tunes: Company’s Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Nice tune Rory. Watch the crossing noises between LA & C. A little quick in some of the E echos. Make sure you mark the end of phrases and lines with a music coma. Var 1. Could be a bit softer in phrase 2 F to HA. Line 3 phrase one could draw out a tad more. Bagpipe pretty good. Drones not quite locked. Tidy enough performance, thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Tim Riddle Tunes: Sir James MacDonald of the Isles' Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Thanks for the tune Tim. Generally, pretty good understanding of the ground. The Cadences are consistently too short, need to draw out the E much longer. Intonation on E – sounds quite flat. Good edree movement. Var 1. Ticking along quite nicely. Technique pretty good for most part. Keep working on those cadences and this will be a really good tune. Thanks for the listen.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Paul Mackay Place: 1 Tunes: Jig of Slurs Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Well tuned nice pipe. Lovely tempo and musical style throughout. Good technique but some small misses on F strike. Slight chirp from chanter in second part. Some of the strikes were slightly heavy in the last part but a very nice performance from a very promising piper.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Don Mills Place: 2 Tunes: Barbara’s Jig Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Nice sweet sounding instrument with well tuned drones. The tempo and Rhythm of the tune was nice and lively with some nice musical touches. Technique was good overall but could be a little bit on the light side. Some throw on D's could be improved with a wee bit more LG. Slight crossing noise in 3rd part. Overall a very enjoyable performance.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Grace Kelman Place: 3 Tunes: Miss Hannah Morris Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Very well set pipes with nice balance between chanter and drones. Some lovely musical touches throughout the tune and some strong finger technique on display. Excellent tempo. A slight miss when going to LG in third part and a wrong gracenote in the fourth were minor. Some more consistency in musical phrasing will be a good next step. Overall a very nice performance from a talented young piper (with an impressive looking trophy collection).
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Keith Alexandrovich Place: 4 Tunes: Lord Dunmore's Jig (The Bride's Jig) Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Well set pipes. Nice tempo througout although it took a slight dip in the last part. Slightly tight on C doublings in 1st part. Technique was good overall but slight tendancy to slow down when playing throw on D's and C grips which is disrupting the musical flow slightly. Overall a very nice performance.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Charlie Maclennan Place: 5 Tunes: Kenny Gillies of Portnalong, Skye Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Well balanced chanter sound but drones did not quite hold until the end of the tune. Some very musical playing with clean technique throughout in a tricky tune. Be careful to keep the tempo steady throughout the tune and make sure that blowing remains controlled right to the end. Overall a good performance from a very promising young piper.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Craig Mitchell Place: 6 Tunes: The Seagull Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Nice full sounding pipe but drones and chanter slightly out from the start and chanter may be slightly on the flat side. Lovely musical lilt to the tune. Good finger control. Slightly tight on some C doublings in the 2nd part. Make sure to maintain blowing right to the end of the tune. Overall a really nice performance from a promising young piper.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Albert Gnodde Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Nice lively tempo. Some very small crossing noises can be heard throughout. Nice execution of G,D,E gracenotes. Small note error in the 4th part. Pipes are tuned well but have a slight skrech on the high A. The tune had lots of drive and was very enjoyable to listen to. It would have been nice to hear the F and E doublings in the first part.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Ben Lampman Tunes: Mrs. MacAuley of Carradale (2pts) & Mayberry McKay Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Nice, well tuned pipe. Very musical performance of Mrs MacAuley. Well controlled tempo with good technique and nice subtle touches in musical delivery. Maybe the next step for this tune would be to add in some more of the technique as written in the original version. You definitely have the fingers to handle it Ben! A birl was played at the end of the first part but just a gracenote was played in the repeat. Make sure the repeat is the same as the first time through. The timing and phrasing in Mayberry McKay was a little more disjointed than the first tune but was still enjoyable to listen to. Missed B grip but overall technique was good.I am afraid that the requirement was for one four parted tune. A very promising piper!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Camille Layt Tunes: The Seagull Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Strong and vibrant drone sound on the pipes but top hand on chanter may be a little bit sharp. Good rhythmical tempo, showing good control of fingers with steady playing throughout. Slight tendancy to overblow on the top hand. Tune may have benefited from a little more work on phrasing as it was coming across a little bit square at times. Drones were wandering slightly by the end of the tune. Slight slip in the 4th part but it did not detract from a very nice performance.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gabriel Densmore Tunes: Kenny Gilles of Portnalong Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Nice sweet sounding chanter but drones not quite in from the beginning. The fan was possibly not helping matters. Nice steady timing throughout the tune. Technique was good with nice control in GDEs. A couple of small chokes and slips of the finger in the 3rd and 4 part didn't detract from an otherwise very nice performance.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jacob Wolniewicz Tunes: The Bride's Jig Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Sweet sounding chanter but drones not quite locked in. Tune starts well with a steady Rhythm and tempo. A little bit of work on blowing may help with the slight chokes throughout the tune. There are signs of promise in this tune with nice throw on D's and some good technique. I think this tune needs a bit more learning and the last two parts were quite disjointed. Watch out for crossing noises and make sure that gracenotes are clear when going from a D down to a C doubling. Good effort and keep working on this tune.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: John Campbell Tunes: Corkhill Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Pipes are set well overall with nicely tuned drones. F and D are a little bit sharp. Good tempo from the beginning. Technique is good overall but don't let it disrupt the rhythm and musicality of the tune. C doublings seemed to be the main culprit. An overall very enjoyable performance but it was a shame that your fingers were not fully visible in the video.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Liam Boyle Tunes: Fiddlers Rally Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: A very brave tune choice Liam. The drones were not in tune from the beginning and the chanter was a little thin sounding on the top hand. Showing some signs of good technique in the tune but I think the tempo was a touch too fast which made some of the embellishments sound a little bit tight. Definitely a lot of potential Liam and maybe a slightly easier tune played at a more controlled tempo would be nice to hear. Overall an enjoyable performance from a man with fast fingers!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Matthew Nielsen Tunes: Cork Hill Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: A well set instrument. A nice lively tempo with nicely controlled GDEs. Be careful of crossing noises throughout the tune, especially when playing a D gracenote from A up to C. A couple of note errors and slips in the last couple of parts but overall a nice performance.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Shara Maikranz Tunes: Cutting Bracken Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Sweet sounding instrument. Drones not completely locked in from begining. Nice tempo and Rhythm from the start with some nice musical touches. Gracenotes a little untidy in bottom hand work in second part. A small false fingering issue in 3rd part (B finger still up when playing an E). An enjoyable performance.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Stevie Hyde Tunes: The lark in the morning Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: Nicely tuned instrument with a sweet chanter sound. Drones maybe a little on the buzzy side. Double check the music for the first part. It should start with GDE gracenotes. Nice tempo throughout and a good driving style to the playing. Overall a very nice performance.
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Devon Saunders Place: 1 Tunes: Curlew Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well done Devon, very well played! You handle the instrument well and maintain a steady sound throughout. Pipes are well tuned and nicely balanced. You have a good feeling for the music here, playing a tricky tune. A couple of pointers: Keep all your technique nice and open so that it can be clearly heard at all times - a couple of missed gracenotes coming through. Sometimes your High G sounded a bit raspy - you should ensure you keep good pressure on the bag at all times and 'blow through' the note. Overall a musical performance, played with confidence - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jack Martin Place: 2 Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very well played Jack! A confident and musical performance. You have a good handle of the instrument and held a steady sound throughout. Pipes were well tuned and drones steady. A couple of pointers: Make sure that you keep all technique open and precise, especially as you begin to learn new tunes and gain confidence. Take care to maintain pressure on the bag and 'blow through' the notes as sometimes, for example, your High G tended to sound ever so slightly raspy. Overall this was a mature performance and very musical - you have great potential, keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Lauren Baures Place: 3 Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: A confidently played tune on a good bagpipe - well done! You have a good handle of your instrument and maintained a steady sound throughout. It is clear that you have a good feeling for the music, maintaining the jig tempo consistently through the tune. A couple of pointers: Sometimes you tended to have catching noises between C and High A in the last part. Make sure that you transition cleanly between hands at all times. As you progress and gain confidence, rememeber to keep all your good technique nice and open and precise - this will be key so as not to develop any bad habits. On the whole this was a well played tune on a well tuned instrument, keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ciara Anderson Place: 4 Tunes: Kenny Gilles Of Portnalong, Skye Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Overall a very confident, musical performance - well played! You handle the instrument very well, maintaining a steady sound throughout. Drones not quite locked at the start, but did not distract from the music. Dress and deportment is very good! A couple of pointers: Keep all your movements nice and open so that each is heard clearly and consistently - a couple of missed C doublings. As you gain confidence, try to lift the jig tempo slightly - however keep in mind that a steady jig is always far more musical than an uncontrolled one! Overall you have great potential and your handling of the instrument is really good - very well done!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Annemieke van Doesburg Place: 5 Tunes: Glasgow City Police Pipers Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: A very steady performance, holding the jig tempo well throughout. Overall, your handling of the instrument is very good. Tuning of the instrument is generally good, however your drones could have been more tightly locked in. This did not affect a very musical performance overall, however. A couple of pointers: Take care not to have catching noises between High A and F in particular. There were a few missed gracenotes coming through towards the middle of the jig, try to open out your technique and ensure all gracenotes can be heard clearly. Overall a very musical performance, keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Maël MacNeil Place: 6 Tunes: Cutting Bracken Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very good tune, you played confidently with lots of music - well done! Dress and deportment is top notch. It is clear you have a good handle of your instrument, maintaining a steady sound throughout. A couple of pointers: Make sure that your technique is kept open and precise throughout the whole tune, as it started to get tighter towards the final part - especially your doubling movements. As you progress, it is very important that you maintain good technique and ensure it can be heard clearly at all times. Overall this was a very good tune - you have great potential, keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Agustin Arguelles Tunes: Drew James Macintosh Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very steady tempo, held consistently throughout the jig. Pipe sound is well tuned and blowing was steady. Dress and deportment top notch. Clearly a musical individual with many interesting instruments in the background! A couple of pointers: Make sure not to 'false-finger' as you move between D and E - ensure you make this transition smooth. A couple of tiny 'chokes' coming through however these hardly affected a very good performance overall. Keep the good work up, you have great potential!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Blake Hollingshead Tunes: Glasgow City Police Pipers Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very well done, you held the tempo well throughout and this was a good performance overall. Very nice view in the background! A couple of pointers: Make sure that you keep all movements nice and open, especially your GDE's - a few misses throughout the tune. Try to keep a steady pressure on the bag at all times - there was one 'choke' towards the end of your tune which you should try to avoid. Overall a good tune and, with further practice, I expect you to do very well in the future!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Charles Samson Tunes: John Patterson's Mare Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Overall a good performance, maintaining the jig tempo throughout - well done! Drones are well tuned to the chanter and you handle the instrument well. A big Scottish flag in the background, I like it! Also deportment is very good. A couple of pointers: Make sure that your technique is nice and open and precise throughout, especially your GDE's. Usually John Patterson's Mare is a 6-parted jig - this version was good, however in future you may want to aim to learn the full version. Overall, a confident performance on a well-handled bagpipe - keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Dylan Forge Tunes: Cork Hill Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played Dylan - a confident performance! Dress and deportment is really good with two well executed salutes - good stuff. A couple of pointers: Make sure that your technique is nice and open at all times - a couple of C taps were missed, but generally good. One tiny 'choke' early in the tune - ensure you maintain a consistent pressure on the bag all the time to avoid these. Overall a very musical tune, played at a consistent tempo throughout - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Garrett Bargabos Tunes: Alex MacDonald Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played - a good performance overall. You handle the instrument well and have a clear understanding for the music. A couple of pointers: Make sure that your technique is open and precise throughout - in particular, take care to transition smoothly between hands as sometimes this sounded a bit 'fuzzy'. The E finger should be lifted at the exact time the bottom hand is closed on the chanter, and vice versa. Overall a strong performance, keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Isabella Foster Tunes: Glasgow City Police Pipers Jig Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well done Isabella - good performance! You have a good handle of the instrument, maintaining a steady sound throughout. Dress and deportment is very good. A couple of pointers: Try to slow down the tempo a bit, making sure that this is held consistently throughout. This will also help you to control your technique and the tune more easily. Make sure all of your technique is kept precise, particularly in transitioning between bottom and top hands as this can sometimes sound 'fuzzy' on the pipes (may not be heard on the practice chanter). Overall you have very good potential and clearly have a feeling for the music - keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jason Nering Tunes: Paddy Be Easy Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played, you held the jig tempo consistently throughout. Dress and deportment is first class. You have a good handle of the instrument and maintained a steady sound. A couple of pointers: Make sure that your bottom hand, especially when playing throw-on-D's, always maintains good contact with the chanter and covers the holes completely. The movements sounded slightly blurred - make sure that all technique is precise. Bagpipe was good overall, however your top hand notes were on the sharp side, especially your High G. On the whole this was a strong performance - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Josh Gordon Tunes: Kenny Gillies of Portnalong Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played Josh, this was a confident performance on a good bagpipe. Dress and deportment was top notch - also a nice view behind you! You have a good handle of the instrument and maintained a steady sound throughout. A couple of pointers: Take the tempo back a wee bit and try to control the music more, this will allow the music to flow better and for your good technique to shine through. As you progress, it is important that you keep all technique very precise and consistent, played openly so that all movements are clearly heard. Overall a very good performance, well done and keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Noah Grew Tunes: Nelson Mandela's Welcome to Glasgow Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played Noah - you played confidently with plenty music. Dress and deportment was first class. Your instrument was good and I was especially pleased to see you tuning your own pipes - well done! A couple of pointers: Try not to speed up your tempo towards the end of the tune - maintain a consistent beat from start to finish. One tip for tuning your drones, try moving the drones a bit and playing an easy 'warm-up' tune before trying to tune them again - this ensures that the pressure through the instrument (and therefore the pitch of the chanter you are tuning to) is consistent. Practice makes perfect! Overall this was a confidently played tune - you have great potential, keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Paul McLeod Tunes: the Rakes of Kildare Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well done - you played with confidence and have a good feeling for the music. It is clear that you can handle the instrument well and maintained a steady sound throughout. A couple of pointers: Try to work on keeping all of your movements open and precise, also looking to maintain good coverage of the holes at all times. The practice chanter is invaluable to every piper for this purpose. Overall this was a well played tune on a good bagpipe - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Stephen Ladd Tunes: The Banjo Breakdown Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played Stephen! This was a confident tune on a good bagpipe. Dress and deportment was really good. It is clear that you have a good handle of your instrument, maintaining a consistent sound throughout the jig. A couple of pointers: Watch out for the odd catching noise between top and bottom hands - all transitions should be clear and consistent with the top hand lifting and the bottom hand closing simultaneously, and vice versa. Try to keep all ypur technique nice and open and precise, especially GDE's in this tune, so that they can be heard clearly at all times. This is especially important as you progress your repertoire. Overall, a steady performance with good feeling for the music - well done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Donald Morris Place: 1 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, The Shepherd's Crook, John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Strong start to the march but lingered slightly too long on 1st LA. Nice tempo and swing but rushing off phrase endings slightly. Don't rush off last C doubling in the phrase. Strathspey - Good tempo. Slight choke in 1st part. slightly more pointing would benefit this tune but well played overall. Reel - Nice lively tempo. Check the music for gracenotes after birl in 1st part. Speeding up a bit in 4th part. E doublings a little bit tight in 5th part and there was a choke. Good effort on a difficult tune. Very nice performance on a bold pipe which was well tuned. Maybe a slightly easier reed would make the performance stronger at the end and also help to sweeten the High A. A fine young player.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Ewan Allen Place: 2 Tunes: Mrs John McColl, Susan MacLeod, Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - March tempo slightly on the careful side. Strong technique from the begining. A very steady March. Strathspey - Nice technique throughout the tune. A little but on the careful side again but very steady. Try to point the tune a little more and remember it's supposed to be a dance so not too slow. Reel - Nice tempo in the reel. Some small crossing noises in second part. Overall a very nice performance. Pipes were slightly out of tune from the begining but not too distracting. A talented young player. Well Done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jean-Sébastien Gamache Place: 3 Tunes: Captain Carswell, The Shepherds Crook, Sandy Cameron Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Good tempo in to first part. Good strong technique. Don't let the tempo drop going in to 3rd and 4th parts. Double check the music for the gracenote going down to LA at the end of the last phrase. Overall a good musical March. Strathspey - quite a careful tempo in to strathspey with a few slight technical misses. Slightly more pointing and a higher tempo would improve this. Reel - Slightly slow tempo going in to this tune but it settles in to a nicer pace. Tachums in the first part are a little bit untidy. Good last part of the tune to finish off but make sure to play the correct ending of the tune to finish the set. A good performance overall on a nice pipe. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Matthew Wilson Place: 4 Tunes: Detroit Highlanders, Stac Polly, Colonel MacLeod Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Nice tempo in to the march. Really nice choice of tune. Lots of nice phrasing throughout. A couple of minor untidy embellishments towards the begining of the tune. Strathspey - slightly quick transition in to strathspey but settled down quickly. Nice strong doublings throughout. Nicely phrased but maybe a touch on the slow side overall. Reel - Nice lively tempo. Slightly untidy with the GDE movement at the end of the parts. Some minor misses but overall a good reel. Excellent bagpipe with well tuned drones. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: George Panagiotou Place: 5 Tunes: Glen Caladh Castle, Archie Duncan, Lieutenant Colonel D.J.S. Murray Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Nice tempo to the March. Good musicality from the begining. Nice clear doublings. Good fingering with just a couple of small misses. Slight slip in the last part. Strathspey - Good strong technique. Some slight rushing of phrase endings. Reel - Excellent pointing in the tune and a good tempo. A few chirps towards the end of the 4th part. A good performance. Pipes were not quite in tune from the begining and were wandering a lot by the end. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Quinten Bachman Place: 6 Tunes: Benderloch Bay, Captain Colin Campbell, and Kildonan. Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Nice tempo in to march. Some strong technique on display with only a few slightly tight doublings. The tune was a little bit straight and a little more pointing would be an improvement. Strathspey - Nice transition in to Strathspey with good pulsing. Some slightly tight taorluaths throughout and the triplet runs can be a wee bit rushed and untidy. A wrong gracenote was played in the last phrase of the tune. Reel - Nice pointing in reel overall but make sure GDEs are not getting too rounded off. Quite a big chirp from the pipes in the last part. Pipes were well set and drones were well tuned. The F was slightly on the sharp side. A good performance. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Andrew Seevers Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban / The Shepherd's Crook / The Sound of Sleat Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Careful tempo but well controlled throughout. Nicely phrased. Some missed doublings and grips but technique generally sounding strong. some slight chokes. Strathspey - A good effort here with a brave tune choice. A few small chokes and chirps in here and some slightly tight technique throughout. Make sure tachums are nice and clear. The tune came across a little bit straight. Try to keep the strathspey pulse more lively with a strong, weak, medium, weak ideom. Reel - Strong finish to the performance. The quick tempo was a contrast to the more careful strathspey but was musical and lively.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Caleb John Macpherson Tunes: Millbank Cottage, The Fiddler's Joy, Lieutenant Colonel D. J.S. Murray Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Gradual build up of pace was maybe slightly overdone but some nice musical touches to the begining of the tune. Some strong technique coming through. Rushed in to taorluaths a couple of times. Very nice March overall. Slightly chirpy chanter. Don't rush off C doubling in the last bar. Strathspey - Strong start. Try to keep scotch snap strong throughout. Tune has slight tendancy to get a little bit straight. Make sure triplet runs are nice and snappy. You are playing some nicely and some a little round. Reel - Try to point the reel a wee bit more. A little more emphasis on the first not in GDEs will help this, especially going in to the tune. It is important to get off to a good start. Nice tempo in the reel but does up slightly in 3rd part.
Watch Video


"Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Chaz Stuart Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothseay Mrs. Morag Banks Sandy Cameron Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Nice start to the tune, maybe at a slightly careful tempo but settles in well. Last phrase of each part could be pointed a little more. Technique sounds strong overall but a few small crossing noises and misses. Strathspey - Too long on first LA. A wee bit messy in 1st part. Second part sounding much more settled. Overall a good strathspey. Reel - Watch out for tachums in first part of tune. A few crossing noises in 3rd part. Grips in last part should be played with G gracenote as part of the embellishment rather that as a separate note. Overall a nice performance on a well tuned instrument.
Watch Video


" Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Clayton Nelson Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, The Ewe with the Crookit Horn, Johnnie MacDonald’s Reel Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Started off at a very careful tempo but settles in quite nicely. Careful to to overblow on the HGs. Be careful not to rush the last phrase of the tune. Wrong gracenote in repeat of last part. Overall a nice March with some strong technique. Remember last phrase is the most important to express. Strathspey - Nice expression in strathspey. A couple of slightly untidy embellishments. Reel - Reel starting on the slow side but sped up quite a bit through the duration of the tune. The tune had nice swing to it once it was up to speed so try to play like that from the start. Overall a very nice performance in a good instrument which was well tuned but was out slightly by the end.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Conall Gibson Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay; Loch Loskin; Sound of Sleat Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Nice start to the tune with good swing. A few slightly tight taorluaths. Tachums a little bit untidy in 3rd part. Very steady tempo throughout. Good steady playing overall. Strathspey - Try to keep the tune moving along at a steady pace. Tempo a little uneven. Some technique slowing the tune down a bit e.g. birls. Reel - Nice tempo in the reel. A few tight tachums but a strong finish to the set. Pipes were good but not 100% in from the begining. A promising player.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Dr Dan Cameron Tunes: P/M Wm Gray's Farewell, Maggie Cameron, Lexy McAskill Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Good pointing from the start of the tune. Slightly tight grips to C. Strong doublings in the 3rd and 4th part. Be careful of slightly tight tachums. Tempo slightly on the careful side. Strathspey - be careful of throw on D's slowing down the tempo of tune in 1st part. Some false fingering issues in 2nd part. Good birls in 3rd part. Reel - Nice lively tempo. Really nice musical touches in this tune and interesting dot and cut style. Slight slip in last part. Nice overall performance on a pipe that wasn't quite in tune from the begining.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Eric Sparklin Tunes: Mrs Donald MacLean, Maggie Cameron, Major Manson Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - A slightly rushed start to the march but settled in nicely. Nice steady tempo throughout. Good strong technique. Slightly more pointing could benefit this tune. Strathspey - Slightly straight rhythm to this tune. More of a strong, weak, medium, weak idiom would help. Reel - A little more pointing would help this tune. Tachums are a little bit open. Throw on D's are a little bit light. Nice steady tempo. An enjoyable performance on a well tuned instrument.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jacob King Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel, Highland Harry, Willie Murray Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Nice tempo from the begining. A bit more pointing in this tune would be good. Overall good technique. A couple of slightly tight doublings. Strathspey - A wee slip in the 1st part. Tempo was a little bit unsteady at times. Remember to play with a strong, weak, medium, weak ideom. A few technical misses. Reel - Good steady tempo. A bit more pointing would be good but still a strong finish to a good set. A good performance. Drones settled down nicely. High G was a touch on the flat side. Lots of potential!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: José Manuel Medina Soto Tunes: Father John McMillan of Barra, Mc'n Irish,Captain Lachlan Mc Phail of Tiree Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Good steady tempo to start the march. Tachums are a little bit untidy. Slightly rushing the phrasing in the repeat of of 2nd part and the 3rd part. Some nice musical touches to this March. Strathspey - Slightly rushed shakes in 1st part of strathspey. Really nice pointing and tempo. Watch out for tachums again in this tune. Reel - A bit more pointing required in this tune. A slightly slower tempo with more controlled finger technique would help this reel. Overall a nice performance on a well tuned intrument. The F was a bit on the sharp side but wasn't far away. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Kim Greeley Tunes: The Taking Of Beaumont Hamel, Caledonian Canal, Kalabakan Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Nice tempo in to the march. Some slightly clipped short notes in the 4th part. Good March overall with good technique. Strathspey - A slightly careful tempo in the Strathspey. Slightly straight in the 1st part but 2nd part onwards is more pointed. Reel - Nice strong throw on D's. Slight choke in the last part but other than that a very nice tune. Good overall performance. Chanter sharpened up a little bit during the performance but drones were well in tune with themselves. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Lauren McMillan Tunes: Lieutenant A. E. Cameron of Aldourie, Caledonian Society of London, Lexy McAskill Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Careful but steady tempo from the begining. Some good strong technique on display throughout. Slightly skrechy HA. Some nice phrasing throughout the tune. Just a little bit on the slow side. Strathspey - Nice rhythm to this tune. A few wee misses on the C doublings. A slight pause before going in to 3rd part affected the flow a little. Reel - Some good toe-tapping reel playing here at a good tempo. By this stage the chanter had sharpened up a bit making the drones sound a little out. Overall an enjoyable performance. The pipes were just a wee bit on the sharp side but still a good performance.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Maggie Jeschofnig Tunes: Mrs John MacColl, Susan MacLeod, The Man from Glengarry Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Nice lively tempo in the march. A small note error in the last phrase of every part . Check the music. Nicely phrased throughout and some good technique coming through. A few minor slips. Strathspey - Overholding the strong beats in the last phrase of the parts. Some nice playing here and good "bubbly notes". Just a few slightly untidy bits of technique. Reel - Nice tempo to reel. Try not to slow down in the 1st phrase of 3rd part. A strong ending and a good overall performance. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Mckenna Sharpe Tunes: Kantara to El Arish , Susan Macleod , Lexy Mcaskill Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Nice lively tempo in to march. A few small misses and HG doublings were s little untidy. Small slip in 2nd and 4th parts. Some nice phrasing coming through but make sure to hold last C doubling in the ending phrase of the tune. Also, a bit of work could be done on tachums. Strathspey - Nice and controlled tempo to the Strathspey with some strong technique being shown. Slight note terror between "bubbly notes" in 3rd part. Reel - Nice steady tempo in to reel with good swing throughout. A few wee chokes throughout. Overall a nice performance. Bagpipes were a little bit sharp on the top hand notes but the drones were well set. Lots of potential. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Ronald Frederick Alexander Woodaman Tunes: 93rd at the Modder River, Maggie Cameron, Rejected Suitor Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March -Nice controlled tempo in to march. Slightly rushing of phrase endings. Slightly untidy going in to 3rd part with a few wee note errors. Technique is good at times with just a few tight taorluaths and doublings. Rushing slightly through some of the more difficult sections of the tune. Strathspey - Nice transition in to strathspey and a nice driving pulse throughout. Some note errors in 1st part. Watch out for rushing in the 3rd. Triplets are a little bit inconsistent. Reel - A bit more pointing required in this tune. Nice lively tempo but a few slightly untidy GDE movements. The pipes held well throughout the performance and the drone sound was nice and rich. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Steve Coontz Tunes: The 8th Argylls, Clachnaharry, Scotsville Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Nice controlled tempo in to March. Some slightly light grips throughout. A bit more LG would help with this. Throw on D's are a little bit untidy. Nice musical playing but left foot beats could be a little stronger. Strathspey - Nice transition in to Strathspey. A few small chokes and misses. Try to get more of a strong, weak, medium, weak idiom in to the strathspey. Reel - Nice lively tempo in to reel. Some untidy GDE movements at times. Overall a nice performance and pipes held well. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Tamara Miceli Tunes: Willie McCallum Sr, Marquis of Huntley’s Highland Fling, The Brolum Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Some nice phrasing going in to the march. Some slighty untidy tachums and doublings. Small choke in the 1st part. Nice musical tune. Strathspey - Nice transition in to strathspey. Some good pulsing in the tune. Some small crossing noises coming through. Slight chirp in the 4th. Reel - Quite a careful tempo in reel. Slightly over pointing this tune which is taking away from the flow slightly. Some slight chokes throughout. A nice performance overall. Pipes held well but were chirping slightly. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Tina Falconer Tunes: South Hall, Catlodge. Jock Wilson's ball Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Steady tempo in to march. Showing some good control and tachums are really good. Some slight crossing noises coming across thoughout. Some slight rushing of phrases particularly in 4th part on short C's. Strathspey - Quite a careful tempo in Strathspey but played well. Some slightly round triplet runs to watch out for. Some throw on D's were played instead of D strikes. Check the music again. Reel - Nice tempo in to reel. A few slight misses but otherwise well played. Drones well tuned and lasted well. Chanter was overall quite flat, parulicularly the top hand. Good performance overall. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Zoey Flansburg Tunes: Tommy MacDonald of Barguillean, Caledonian Canal, The Sound of Sleat Judge: Cameron MacDougall Judge's Comments: March - Nice musical March. Nice steady tempo from the begining. A few slightly tight doublings but strong technique overall. Strathspey - Slightly quick off the first beat in strathspey but settled in to the tune quite quickly. Tiny slip in 2nd part. Nice pulsing throughout the tune. Reel - Nice transition in to reel. Well pointed tune at a good tempo. Some really good playing. Chanter was well set but drones were not in tune for the duration of the performance. A very promising young piper. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Aidan Scott Place: 1 Tunes: The Knightswood Ceilidh, Shepards Crook, Sheepwife Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: an excellent march idiom and pulse coming through, emphasised by strong technique (other than the odd tight D doubling in latter parts - minor). S: Strathspey phrasing very evident too – well done. Relax/slow down your grip movements from C to E so they are crystal clear every time. R: Another tricky tune tackled very well. Most of your tachums are accurate but for even better effect, please have a bigger gap between G and D gracenotes (hear more C or B). Generally: Well tuned drones and blown solidly throughout – well done. High G sounds like you could use a slightly stiffer chanter reed in the future to take your bagpipe to the next level. Thanks for your tunes – I thoroughly enjoyed!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Seumas Eade Place: 2 Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban, Highland Harry, Bessie MacIntyre Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: An exciting tempo for this march which engaged me straight away – a cracking pulse coming across too. I feel you could open out your tachums ever so slightly in bar 4 for the full effect (they’re close but you can split the G and D gracenote even more). A couple of technical blemishes in the third part – D doubling. S: A bold tempo once again, but displaying good technique and a nice strathspey pulse nonetheless. Hint of a crossing noise on occasion? Just not quite displaying that same composed phrasing in the latter parts. Keep stretching the first and third beats for the full strathspey effect please Seamas. R: A musical delivery of this reel, once again at a tempo that is close to your limit (or perhaps slightly beyond optimal?) Generally: a musical MSR on an excellent bagpipe – well set and blown throughout. You’re clearly displaying excellent technique and musical understanding which made for an enjoyable listen, Seamas. I feel that to take your playing to the next level, you just need a little more emphasis on the beatnotes throughout your tunes which will aid your control of tempo and allow you to get that technique 100% crystal clear. Keep up the great work!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ethan DesChamps Place: 3 Tunes: The Marchioness of Tullibardine, The Caledonian Canal, Dolina MacKay Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: A strong pulse coming through in this march. Technique coming across crystal clear at this tempo – well done. (Tiny wee catch on D doubling from E part 2). For the next level, work to keep your technique excellent, but inject even more life into the tune by making the note before the tachums a little shorter (I repeat – make sure it doesn’t affect your technique) and let the tempo increase a little. S: Great strathspey idiom giving a musical delivery – great work again. R: Enjoyed the reel too – well done. A minor hint of untidiness from top 2 notes to bottom hand in the last part: keep on it 100% til the very end of tune. Generally: Thanks for your tunes, Ethan. Very clear technique is emphasising the musical delivery throughout your performance. Bagpipe tuned and blown very well. Keep up the great work and you will continue to improve as you grow more comfortable with these big tunes.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Danielle Warren Place: 4 Tunes: Colin Thomson, Highland Harry, & Thomson's Dirk Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: The music is coming across well in your march – strong pulse evident, just losing a little of the emphasis on the beat note in the start of the 4th. The tempo is on the high side I think – for solos I’d like it down a fraction so you can ensure 100% accuracy with the cut notes around the tachums (eg 2nd beat in first bar). Opening these sections out will help your delivery: keep the “a-ta-chum” sound coming across by spending a fraction more time on the consecutive cut notes. S: Great strathspey phrasing coming across too – well done. A bold tempo but handled well in the main. R: Pulse and phrasing very clear in the reel too. A very musical delivery once again. I feel you could refine your D gracenotes: the D gracenote is bigger than the cut C in first bar, for example. Generally: an excellently set, tuned and blown bagpipe. A very musical set with minor technical things to work on to take your playing to the next level. Thank you, Danielle.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Drew Marshall Place: 5 Tunes: Mrs. Duncan MacFadyen, The Sound of Invernochty, Kildonan Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: Strong march pulse coming through in this tricky tune – well done. Technique generally good with clear doublings, other than the odd E and D doublings in which gracenotes are a little close together spoiling the effect. S: A very musical delivery once again. Excellent technique early in the tune, but C doublings becoming tighter as we go on – try to keep your fingers a little more relaxed so you can be consistent throughout these long sets R: Tiny slip on top hand at start of reel, but controlled the rest of the tune well. Perhaps beginning to tire a little, with the odd tiny choke slightly affecting delivery. Generally: I enjoyed your performance Drew – great music coming through. Bagpipe well tuned and blown, with the exception that your High A is coming across a tiny bit flat for my liking. Well done for the performance. Keep up the practice and try to relax (almost slow down) your doublings so they are consistent throughout the performance and this will take your playing to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Bridget Englebretson Place: 6 Tunes: Captain Campbell of Drum a Voisk - Barry Ewen - Over the Isles to America Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: An excellent march pulse coming through at an appropriate tempo. Strong movements emphasising your music throughout. Minor criticism: your D gracenotes are a little big and need refinement to ensure you hear plenty of the cut note after (usually C in this tune). S: A great strathspey pulse coming across at a lively tempo. R: I’m enjoying this tune too – relax your D throws so you always hear plenty of low G at the beginning before the rest of the movement. Generally: Did a tenor drone stop in first part of strathspey? I felt your pipe was about 95% tuned throughout the march then it changed a little in first part strath but I haven’t penalized you as I’m not totally sure! I enjoyed your tunes – thank you Bridget. It's clear you have a great grasp of the music and technique required. Keep up the good work and bear in mind my minor criticisms going forward to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay, Caledonian Society of London, Lexi McAskill Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: March: an excellent tempo for this tune allowing music with control. Some taorluaths and grips a bit ‘tight’ – try relaxing your fingers so you don’t squeeze and the D gracenote will come more easily. Strathspey: I’d like to hear you a little more careful with the tempo: losing the technique a little in the last phrases (careful with hand changing on the cut notes – try making the short notes a tiny bit less short for absolute accuracy). Great strathspey idiom coming across. Reel: flowing well, if maybe a little quick again for my personal preference. Calm it down a little by stretching the beatnotes. Generally: Top work Aidan! Thoroughly enjoyed your tunes. Bagpipe is full sounding and resonant, other than a couple of chokes, with good chanter intervals.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Cameron MacNeil Tunes: The Hills of Perth, Struan Robertson, Colonel MacLeod Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: A solid tempo and a clear march pulse coming across in the early parts, perhaps losing the emphasis on the beat note a little in the trickier 3rd and 4th parts. Generally excellent technique with doublings and rodins – although a couple of the latter were tight (keep bottom hand relaxed so the B finger can work consistently). S: Strong technique coming across generally once again, with strathspey pulse evident. I’d like you to stretch out the first and third beat a little more and take some off the 2nd and 4th to really bring the tune to life – are you becoming a little tired now? Possibly affecting your technique with hints of crossing from bottom hand to E. R: A little pushy on the tempo I feel (possibly tiredness related too) – try to stretch out the beatnotes like you do in the march to keep the tune in check. Generally: thanks very much for the tunes Cameron – clearly you have a great grasp of the music and technique required. I feel that a little tiredness has affected this performance in the latter parts, so consider how your preparation and warm up strategy could take your future performances to the next level. Keep up the great work.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Chris Tabram Tunes: Tommy McDonald of Barguillean, Rose Among the Heather & Captain Lachlan McPhail of Tiree. Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: A great march pulse giving nice phrasing to this tune. Technique generally clear, other than some cut notes disappearing into the their gracenotes – generally this is when there’s 2 short notes together. Try to open these out so you hear each of the notes a bit more. (Bar 7 should sound “a ta-chum”. S: A well played strathspey generally – for the full strathspey effect try to emphasise the first and third beat notes in each bar, and take a little off the 2nd and 4th for Strong weak Medium weak. R: Phrasing this tune well too – similar minor technical issues with the consecutive cut notes in this tune (bars 4 and 7 are the parts to look out for). Ie in bar 7 make sure you’re feeling and hearing the B and C at a slow tempo and build it up. Generally: a nicely set and blown bagpipe generally, well done. I enjoyed the music coming across in your tunes, March and Reel especially, thanks Chris. Work to open out your tight technique in these big tunes to take your performance to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Clive Brodie Tunes: Millbank Cottage, Caberfeidh, Loch Carron Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: Strong technique coming through in this tricky march – well done. I feel you can emphasise the notes that fall on the beat a little more in places to keep the march pulse evident throughout – eg the Low A before the B and tachum in bar 2 of latter parts. S: Another tough tune tackled well on the technique front. I can hear strathspey idiom of Strong Weak Medium Weak coming through clearly – top work. Minor criticism: your D gracenotes are a little big and need refinement to ensure you hear plenty of the cut note after (usually B in this tune). R: Great music here again, controlling a highly technical tune very well. The odd B being dominated by a big D gracenote in this tune – slightly affecting overall effect. Your birl movement is superb – occasionally you are mistiming the G gracenote from B to A just before it (low A is coming just before the G grace) to give a minor technical blemish. Generally: a well tuned and blown bagpipe, dealing with challenging tunes very well. Enjoyed the music and your playing Clive – thank you. Keep up the good work, improve the bottom hand by refining the gracenote timing and bring out the pulse in the March more to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Damian Bell Tunes: Donald MacLeans Farewell to Oban, Caledoinian Canal, Thomsons Dirk Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: a very clear march pulse giving this tune cracking phrasing at a good tempo – well done. Technically strong too with most doublings coming across clearly. At times your tachums are a little tight in bar 4 – keep the cut notes a little more open and relaxed so you hear the short C and B before the low A and grip (minor note error part 4 – went to E doubling?) S: A little ‘snatchy’ with your short notes in this tune for me – work to ensure the technique is spot on before you take the tempo up and make short notes shorter. For example, to get a clean hand change from E to C then low A. R: Music coming across well in this tune once again – nice work. As with the march, I’d like to hear a little more of the short notes in tachums by keeping the G and D gracenotes separate. I expected to hear different line order (line 1 as you played it is line 2?) but I haven’t penalized you for this. Generally: I enjoyed your performance – thank you very much. A full and resonant bagpipe, in an astounding venue. I’m sure they sound even better in the flesh! Keep up the great work, and work to open out your technique as above to take your performances to the next level. PS – thanks for the excellent dress & deportment, Damian.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Frank Igoe Tunes: The Duke of Roxburgh's Farewell to the Blackmount Forest, Peggy Gillies, John MacInnes Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: A musical march presented with a strong pulse – well done. Sometimes your gracenotes are a little bigger than the short note afterwards which is affecting delivery. Work to refine your gracenotes so they don’t dominate the notes around them. Third part a little less pulsed in delivery. S: Great strathspey idiom coming across throughout this tune – top work again. R: A couple of minor finger faults slightly affecting the delivery of this technical reel, but I enjoyed the music once again. Work to ensure your G gracenotes switch cleanly on the note afterwards, sometimes you hear a little bit of the next note before the gracenote finger lifts. Generally: A resonant and well tuned bagpipe – following all the steps I’d expect to see when tuning drones. Thank you for the performance Frank. A very musical delivery and technique generally good, other than the odd mention above, which could take your performance to the next level. PS thank you for the full highland dress, including glengarry!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Isaac Fisher Tunes: Allan Dodd’s Farwell to Scotland, Major Manson, The Shepherd’s Crook Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: Strong march pulse coming through in this march. Great music – well done. Tempo is on the high side for my taste: if it was a little down you could really enhance the consistency of the technique (the odd hint of a crossing noise is evident, and tachums occasionally have G and D gracenotes a little too close together for full “ta-chum” effect in bar 4). S: A much better tempo to begin the strathspey – better control here. Make sure you’re you’re always playing E gracenotes after the C doublings and D throws and not G for 100% accuracy. I feel you could stretch the first and third beats of the bar a little more to emphasise that strathspey idiom throughout. R: A good tempo here, returning to the pulse displayed in the March. Good work. Keep your tachums open in this tune too: sometimes the gracenotes are bigger than the cut C which is affecting your delivery slightly. Generally: a well tuned and blown bagpipe other than the odd minor choke later in performance – possibly a little fatigue? Generally strong technique and great music in M and R, work to get a little bit more out of your S as you go forward. Keep up the great work Isaac! Open out/relax that bottom hand technique and you will continue to improve your performances.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Janelle Bird Tunes: John MacMillan of Barra, Dornie Ferry, Willie Cummings Rant Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: A great march idiom coming across – good work. Doublings and grips conisistently delivered too. I feel your gracenotes are a little bigger than some cut notes. Work to refine, for example, your D gracenote on the small Cs so you hear more C than gracenote at end of bar 1 in part 3. Keep the fingers relaxed, just work to make the D grace smaller. S: Strathspey idiom is very clear in this tune meaning a great musical delivery at a careful tempo. Well done. Minor concern with the odd D gracenote as before (but more on B in this tune). R: An accurately delivered reel in a musical fashion too with nice phrasing. Thumb gracenotes can be refined too so your thumb is only off the chanter for a miniscule amount of time. Generally: thank you for the tunes, Janelle! An enjoyable performance because you clearly have an understanding of the musical aspects required for an MSR, and a strong grasp of technique. A composed delivery, too. Bagpipe fairly well set, tuned and blown. For the next level, work to refine those gracenotes so you always hear the cut notes crystal clear.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jeffrey Nagy Tunes: Ronan, Mrs. Jean Morrison, Bessie McIntyre Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: A musical delivery of this march – nice tempo displaying generally solid technique and a nice pulse. Keep that bottom hand relaxed so you can display every grip with a D gracenote. Just the hint of a little catch/crossing noise in a couple of last phrases in parts (B to E) blemishing this tune slightly. S: Showing off good technique once again Jeff – good work. I’d like to hear a little more emphasis on the first and third beats of every bar to give a consistent strathspey idiom (eg the last B of each line – wait for that little C). R: pulsed and phrased as I would expect, just like the March. Well done. Great hand changing in last part from the High As especially. Generally: a well tuned and blown bagpipe generally. You clearly have an understanding of how to phrase the march and reel, just work to display a bit more strathspey phrasing to complete the package and take your playing to the next level. Technique is very strong too, if anything I feel you could allow your fingers to relax a little and flow between the bottom and top hand to eliminate any danger of crossing noises/catches. Thank you for an enjoyable performance and keep up the piping.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Joseph Gallagher Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm, Captain Colin Campbell, Sound of Sleat Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: Strong technique and a nice pulse coming through in this march, displaying good understanding of note values. I feel you can let the short notes before doublings become a little smaller to let the tune flow in places, for example work to bring in the E doubling in bar 4 a little closer to the D while keeping the E doubling open to bounce through bar 4. (The D is a little big). S: Great strathspey idiom displayed in this tune, other than second part when I felt you were a little less certain in your delivery. Keep that first F pulsed at the start of the bar, like you do with the Bs in part 1 & 3. R: Very clear technique evident in the Sound of Sleat too – especially tachums. Great work. Generally: An enjoyable performance Joseph on a well set and blown bagpipe – thank you. It’s clear you have a great grasp of the music and technique required. Keep up the learning and work to deliver your strathspey with the certainty you displayed in your other tunes. If you aren’t learning a more technically demanding March, get that on your “to do” list as you showed in the other tunes you can cope with one. Enjoy the piping!
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Laurel Leishman Tunes: The Haughs of Cromdale, The Caledonian Canal, MacKay from Skye Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: a nice tempo allowing you to display great basic technique and good march phrasing. On a technique note – ensure you don’t bring your bottom hand to D before you leave E as this gives a false E sound. S: a well controlled tempo set for the strathspey – well done. Strathspey idiom coming across clearly too. Some untidy bottom hand work in latter parts – keep those bottom hand gracenotes relaxed and accurate. R: possible note error in bar 4 – is it a small B instead of a small low A after the low G? A nice tempo once again for this reel – I feel you could spend a little more time on the dotted notes to hear the theme of the tune better, for example you’re rushing a little into the D gracenote of the GDE combination for my preference. Generally: a well set bagpipe and well blown – following all the steps I’d expect to see tuning the drones. Thank you for your performance. It’s clear you have great technique and a composure about your playing which will serve you well in future. Just watch out for that hand changing from top to bottom hand and the other minor technical points to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Logan Kaern McGregor Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale, Highland Harry, Willie Cumming’s Rant Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: A lively tempo for this march displaying good appreciation of note values and accurate changing between top and bottom hands generally, with the odd occasion I’m sensing a hint of a catch from D to E in 3rd part. Ensure you play an F gracenote (middle finger) in the E doublings from High A as you may be playing a G instead. Nice march phrasing evident throughout – well done. S: A great strathspey tempo displaying a nice pulse. Keep the phrasing consistent by waiting for the little D in the 3rd beat in the 3rd part (before the run). R: A very musical delivery – great phrasing and gracenotes coming across crystal clear, great work with GDEs especially in third part. Possibly mixing up some E and G gracenotes in last phrase of first part? Generally: a solid MSR showing great understanding of the musical aspects required. Keep on top of that technique. Bagpipe generally well blown and continue to work on your drone tuning so you can improve the tone of your bagpipe in solo competition. Thank you for an enjoyable performance.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Mary Scholtens Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering, The Marquis of Huntley, Lexy McAskill Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: a nice tempo allowing you to display great basic technique and good march phrasing with appropriate note values. Work to refine, for example, your D gracenote on the small Cs so you hear more C than gracenote. This pops up in a few places, for example third bar in latter parts. Just beginning to lose the march phrasing in 4th part – keep a little emphasis on the note when you tap your foot. S: Strong technique on display once again at a composed tempo. You’re showing understanding of the dots and cuts once again. To improve the strathspey phrasing, stretch each 1st and 3rd beatnote of the bar so they stand out and give the Strong weak Medium weak idiom. R: Reel well played – just keep the composure throughout the trickier last parts with a hint of pulse on the beat notes. Generally: a solid MSR showing solid technique generally. Work to bring out that music in the dance tunes, just like you show so well in the march. Bagpipe generally well blown and continue to work on your drone tuning so you can improve the tone of your bagpipe in solo competition.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Matthias Kuehn Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering - Dorrator Bridge - Colonel MacLeod Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: A good march tempo showing good understanding of note values and doublings. Work to time your hand changes so they are 100% clear all the time – sometimes I can hear a low “crossing noise” for example from E to C. You can refine your D gracenote on the small Cs so you hear more C than gracenote. This pops up in a few places, for example third bar in latter parts. S: Strong technique on display once again – well done. Some hints of crossing noises once again affecting the delivery. I can tell you are displaying a good understanding of strathspey phrasing with an emphasis on the first and third beats of each bar – great to hear. R: I feel this was handled pretty well too – if a little too fast for your fingers because the dots and cuts weren’t always coming across clearly. Aim a little slower and keep those fingers relaxed (I know it’s tough to do that at the end of a full MSR!) and you will see your reel improve. Generally: I enjoyed the performance Matthias – thank you. Particularly your March and Strathspey which showed great understanding of the music. Keep working on that technique and improve your changing between top and bottom hand notes to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Michael Jones Tunes: Piper Major Wm. Gray's Farewell, Caledonian Canal, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: a good tempo for this march displaying a good pulse from the outset. Great control of fingers in bar 2 first part. Wait for the small Cs at the start of bar 1 and 3 in third part – they’re coming a little early which is affecting the delivery. S: a cracking tempo once again, showing off a good understanding of the strathspey phrasing. A small technical point – there’s lots of small Fs before E doublings in this tune. Ensure you just lift middle finger to play this F, you’re lifting 2 fingers to give high G instead. R: An enjoyable reel too, Michael, showing top control of those bottom hand gracenotes just like in the march. Well done. Similar concern as S re. E doubling from F. Generally: showed throughout this MSR that you are comfortable with the instrument and displaying the musical aspects required – top work and thank you. Just a few minor technical issues as mentioned. Keep working on your drone tuning and instrument so it can be 100% for the whole performance to take it to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ron J. Graham Tunes: Tommy MacDonald of Barguillean, Dornie Ferry, Broadford Bay Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: A well controlled tempo set out here – allowing you to display fairly clear technique throughout and a nice march pulse. Watch out for timing of gracenotes in some places – eg in bar 7 the F then G gracenote to E – sometimes you’re giving a little bit of E before your G gracenote which is affecting delivery slightly. S: A nice strathspey tempo too – well done. Watch hand changing, eg from low G to high G in bar 4. I feel you could extend the first and third beats more to emphasise the strathspey rhythm. R: A very tricky reel handled generally excellently – showing a great understanding of the rhythms required. Just a hint of the crossing noise from bottom to top hand on occasion once again here. Generally: An enjoyable MSR Ron - thank you. Played on a well set, tuned and blown instrument, with the exception of a small choke early in the strathspey. You’re showing a great understanding of the technique and music required, just keep on top of that hand changing and work to get a little more phrasing into your strathspey to take your performance to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Taine Harvey Tunes: Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band, Susan MacLeod, Thomson's Dirk Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: A nice tempo for this march showing a good technique and appreciation of note values (dots and cuts). I feel you could stretch the beat notes a little more to emphasise the march idiom – the delivery is a little ‘straight’ at present. For example, wait for the first taorluath then bring the birl a little earlier to pulse. Your setting of the tune includes a few gracenotes where I would expect doublings – eg on the second F in bar 7. S: A sound tempo once again for this tune, showing solid technique in general. Great work with the darado technique in third part – very impressive. Next up work to keep the small notes small in that phrase so you keep the rhythm smooth. (You will need to worry less about the darado movement the more you practise it). R: small hesitation in a couple of places in the reel slightly affected the musical flow, but I can tell you have a great grasp of this tune’s technical requirements and it will come good with more practice. Generally: thank you for the tunes Taine – I thoroughly enjoyed your performance of a technically demanding set. Your bagpipe was well set, tuned and blown. Just work to pulse your march and keep your technique nice and relaxed throughout to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Thomas Johnson Tunes: Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban, Dorrotor Bridge, The Blackberry Bush Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: A cracking tempo for this march, also displaying a strong march pulse in general. Keep it up in the more technical passages (when there’s 4 notes in a beat, work to emphasise the first dot). Generally excellent technique with clean doublings and tachums, just the odd C doubling from E losing definition. S: Another fine tempo displaying an excellent understanding of the music required for this strathspey. Minor concerns once again about the timing of your C doublings from the small E – just relax/slow down the doublings in the bar 4 so you can deliver these consistently. R: An enjoyable musical delivery once again – well done. Some G gracenotes not landing with 100% accuracy on the change of note. Generally: a well presented MSR showing all the aspects of march and dance idioms that I would expect meant I thoroughly enjoyed this performance Thomas – well done. Your bagpipe was tuned and blown well throughout. To take your playing to the next level, continue to open out that technique and ensure it’s relaxed and accurate in your tunes.
Watch Video


Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Walter Ivey Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban, Captain Colin Campbell, Lexi MacAskill Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: M: A nice tempo in this march, displaying a good appreciation of note values. Technique is generally all correct and accurate – gracenotes are a little bigger than cut notes in places which is affecting the delivery in places (eg bar 4). Make sure you feel hear those short more than the gracenotes around them. S: An appropriate tempo for this tune too, and displaying a good understanding of strathspey idiom. Practise those triplet runs so they are a little more open and 100% accurate – on occasion the notes are too close together to be crystal clear. R: An enjoyable reel too Walter – nice work. I felt it was a shade on the fast side: try to use a little more pulse on the beat note to keep it under control in the trickier parts. Generally: a well presented MSR showing all the aspects of march and dance idioms that I would expect meant I thoroughly enjoyed this performance Walter – well done. Your bagpipe was tuned and blown fairly well throughout – keep working on the drone tuning and maintaining a full pressure for best effect from the instrument. Continuing to refine that technique as mentioned above to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: George Panagiotou Place: 1 Tunes: Tug Argan Gap Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: An accomplished performance both musically and technically on a steady and pleasing instrument that is well tuned (perhaps drifted towards the end a little) You do a great job of giving this tune the correct pointing whilst still playing through the phrases, and it has a lovely swing to it. Your tempo is strong and consistent, but I would suggest bringing this up just slightly to give the tune more forward motion. Your technique shows a great foundation, be sure to continue to develop this on the practice chanter, pay special attention to your 'G' gracenote (as simple as it seems), it provides the foundations for the majority of other movements and will help reinforce the music. Overall, this was a very promising performance showing a good understanding music and excellent technical ability, yu are clearly a very talented player with great potential.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Ewan Allen Place: 2 Tunes: John McColl's Farewell To The Scottish Horse Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A convincing performance of a technical tune. Your playing is excellent overall, but perhaps take some time to do some fine tuning before performing, your chanter is mostly balanced, but your drones needed a wee tweak to bring them into tune with Low A, perhaps give them a little time to settle before starting your tune too. You phrase the tune very musically throughout, paying good attention to the beat notes and giving it the appropriate swing. Your tempo increases slightly in the third part, and you have a slight tendency to rush to the birl in the part endings. I notice you seem slightly uncomfortable with your pipes, perhaps check that your bag is tight and drone reeds are set correctly, and if that doesn't help then ask your instructor for an easier reed, there is just no point struggling over a big belter of a reed for a solo contest. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique, you are clearly a very talented player with great potential.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Clayton Nelson Place: 3 Tunes: Fairview Cottage Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A very accurate performance of a musical 6/8 march on a well tuned bagpipe. Your playing is very good, and you do a good job of pointing the beat notes, however in a 6/8 march I would suggest trying to flow through the phrases just a little more, as in places it sounded slightly stilted. Tempo was good too, however if you were to bring it up just slightly, I think it would help you with the phrasing. Technique is generally very good, although it seems that your Low A finger is being slightly lazy and not playing the proper closed C when you go up to E in the first line ending in each part. (B, C, E section) Overall this is an accomplished performance, just make a conscious effort to fix that pinky finger!
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Quinten Bachman Place: 4 Tunes: Auld Adam Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A convincing performance of a musical tune on a mostly well set bagpipe. Your technique shows a great foundation, be sure to continue to develop this on the practice chanter, pay special attention to your 'G' gracenote (as simple as it seems), it provides the foundations for the majority of other movements and will help reinforce the music. You phrase the tune very musically throughout, just be sure to stretch the beat notes out a touch further. Your blowing is nice and steady, however it was a shame about the squeal right at the end of your tune, that is an easy fix at least! Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique, you are a talented and promising player.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Drew Marshall Place: 5 Tunes: The Hills of Glenorchy, Lochiel's Welcome to Glasgow Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A convincing performance of a very musical tune. This is a nice interpretation of a fantastic tune, you do a good job of pointing the beat notes whilst still playing through the phrases apporpriately, giving attention to the upbeats and giving it a nice swing. Your technique has a good solid basis, but by taking some time to develop this further on the practice chanter, particularly on your foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes) you will find that this will improve your overall technique significantly (especially D doublings from E and E doublings from F), and will help reinforce the music. Your blowing is generally good, a few slight dips around complicated phrases, and your pipe sound is good too, albeit a little flat on high G. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Jeffrey Nagy Place: 6 Tunes: Angus Mackinnon Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A convincing performance of a musical tune on a well set bagpipe. Your technique shows a great foundation, be sure to continue to develop this on the practice chanter, pay special attention to your 'G' gracenote (as simple as it seems), it provides the foundations for the majority of other movements and will help reinforce the music. You phrase the tune very musically throughout, however you need to pay more attention to the beat notes and give it a little more swing. It is also far to slow, had you brought the tempo up, you may have been higher placed. Slight choke, make sure you keep on top of your instrument and blow your chanter out at the top of its threshold (without overblowing!) Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Andrew Seevers Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on an instrument that needed a little fine tuning. This was a well presented interpretation of a very musical tune played at a nice tempo. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, especially focusing on the foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes and doublings), your technique should support the music and vice versa. Your blowing is mostly steady, but you perhaps overblow your insturment slightly (accounts for the chirps on Low G) and your drones are not quite in tune, which distracts from the performance slightly. This is an easy fix, and will take your performance on to the next level. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of both the music and the technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Brynaert philippe Tunes: P/M Donald McLean of Lewis Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A convincing performance of a very musical tune. Your playing is very good overall, but perhaps take some time to do some fine tuning before performing, your chanter is mostly balanced, but sharp on (D and High G), and your drones needed a wee tweak to bring them into tune with Low A. Your technique has a good solid basis, but by taking some time to develop this further on the practice chanter, particularly on your foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes) you will find that this will improve your overall technique significantly, and will help reinforce the music. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Cameron MacNeil Tunes: The Heights of Cassino Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A convincing performance of a very musical tune. Your playing is very good overall, but perhaps take some time to do some fine tuning before performing, your chanter is mostly balanced, but flat on F a little, and your drones needed a wee tweak to bring them into tune with Low A. Your technique has a good solid basis, but by taking some time to develop this further on the practice chanter, particularly on your foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes) you will find that this will improve your overall technique significantly (especially D doublings from E and E doublings from F), and will help reinforce the music. Your blowing is generally quite steady, but you have a light tendency to underblow. You should try to blow your reed out at the top end of its threshold (without over-blowing), this way it will not choke/cut out and will give its best tone. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Danielle Warren Tunes: The MacNeil's of Ugadale Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A convincing performance of a very musical tune. Your playing is very good overall, but perhaps take some time to do some fine tuning before performing, your chanter is mostly balanced, but your drones needed a wee tweak to bring them into tune with Low A. Your technique has a good solid basis, but by taking some time to develop this further on the practice chanter, particularly on your foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes), try to get that seperation between individual gracenotes the same length within all doubling movements, you will find that this will improve your overall technique significantly and will help reinforce the music. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Dr. Dave Carlson Tunes: Major John MacLennan, Gordon Highlanders Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance of a very musical tune. Well done for making a good attempt at tuning your drones, this is a vital skill that many struggle to master, and I have a few tips to help with this. 1) tune to High A instead of D, as it gives you a better idea of its tuning against low A. 2) When you bring another drone in, make sure you tune it with your chanter sounding, as even that small drop in pressure without your chanter sounding will cause the drone to change pitch slightly, meaning that when you bring your chanter in, the drones are no longer in tune with each other or Low A. 3) Once you have gained more confidence, try to tune two drones at a time. This is easier than it sounds if you tune your basss and tenor together, move your tenor slightly, then - while still holding high A - tune your bass too, and then check against low A. When they are in tune, just bring your middle tenor in and tune that to match the other two drones whilst sounding high A. This not only prevents significant pressure changes against the reeds, but will cut your tuning time in half once mastered. Your technique has a good solid basis, but by taking some time to develop this further on the practice chanter, particularly on your foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes), try to get that seperation between individual gracenotes the same length within all doubling movements, you will find that this will improve your overall technique significantly and will help reinforce the music. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Eric Sparklin Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A convincing performance of a very musical tune on a nicely tuned instrument. Your technique has a good solid basis, but by taking some time to develop this further on the practice chanter, particularly on your foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes) you will find that this will improve your overall technique significantly, and will help reinforce the music. Try to land your G gracenote right on the appropriate note when you are playing a doubline, it sometimes comes just a little early that makes your doublings slightly smudged sounding. Part three is a little stilted in the first couple bars of each line, practice that phrase as it is a tricky one! Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Isaac Fisher Tunes: The MacNeils of Ugadale Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A convincing performance of a technical tune. Good attempt at tuning your drones, they are locked together, but needed to be sharpened up to meet your chanter just a fractrion which is a shame, but well done for doing it on camera! Your playing is excellent overall, I got the impression that you were underblowing slightly in places, perhaps to compensate for your drones an help match them against your low A. You phrase the tune very musically throughout, paying good attention to the beat notes and giving it the appropriate swing, you perhaps over extend the beat notes in places though. Slight choke in third part. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique, you are clearly a very talented player with great potential.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Judy Campbell Tunes: Angus MacKinnon Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on an instrument that needed a little fine tuning. This was a well presented interpretation of a very musical tune played at a nice tempo. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, especially focusing on the foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes and doublings), your technique should support the music and vice versa. Your blowing is mostly steady, but there are occasional swells on longer notes (especially noticeable on F as this note was already set a little sharp), and to eliminate this try to take longer, deeper breaths and squeeze from your shoulder with a constant pressure on the bag. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Kim Greeley Tunes: The Cock Of The North Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on an instrument that needed a little fine tuning. This was a well presented interpretation of a very musical tune played at a nice tempo. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, especially focusing on the foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes and doublings), your technique should support the music and vice versa. Note the first tachum from High A to Low A through C, the D gracenote doesn't quite land on the Low A. Your interepretation is generally good, just try not to overstretch the beat notes as it gives the music a slightly stilted feel, and by playing through the phrases a little more it would have a more natural flow. Your blowing is mostly steady, but there are occasional dips on longer notes, and to eliminate this try to take longer, deeper breaths and squeeze from your shoulder with a constant pressure on the bag. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Logan Kaern McGregor Tunes: Angus MacKinnon Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A convincing performance of a very musical tune on a nicely tuned instrument. Your technique has a good solid basis, but by taking some time to develop this further on the practice chanter, particularly on your foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes) you will find that this will improve your overall technique significantly, and will help reinforce the music. Try to land your G gracenote right on the appropriate note when you are playing a doubling, it sometimes comes just a little early that makes your doublings slightly smudged sounding. Your blowing is sometimes steady, but the tone dips when you take a breath and swells when you blow, and to eliminate this try to take longer, deeper breaths and squeeze from your shoulder with a constant pressure on the bag. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Mary Scholtens Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on an instrument that needed a little fine tuning. This was a well presented interpretation of a very musical tune played at an appropriate tempo. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, especially focusing on the foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes and doublings), your technique should support the music and vice versa. There are some catching/crossing noises in places, and needs a little practice. Your interepretation is generally good, just try not to overstretch the beat notes as it gives the music a slightly stilted feel, and by playing through the phrases a little more it would have a more natural flow. Your blowing is mostly steady, but there are occasional dips on longer notes, and to eliminate this try to take longer, deeper breaths and squeeze from your shoulder with a constant pressure on the bag. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Matthew Wilson Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on an instrument that needed a little fine tuning. This was a well presented interpretation of a very musical tune played at an appropriate tempo. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, especially focusing on the foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes and doublings), your technique should support the music and vice versa. There are some catching/crossing noises in places, and needs a little practice. Your interepretation is generally good, perhaps try to bring the tempo up slightly when you are more confident with the technique, as this would benefit the musical flow. Your blowing is mostly steady, but there are occasional dips on longer notes, and to eliminate this try to take longer, deeper breaths and squeeze from your shoulder with a constant pressure on the bag. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Ron J. Graham Tunes: Lady Dorothea Stewart Murray Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: Some very strong fingerwork however, be careful with part ends C to E as there is a catching noise each time. You show good musical knowledge and express the tune well, A great effort Just tidy up the hand change! well done
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Thomas Johnson Tunes: The MacNeils of Ugadale Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on a sweet instrument that needed a little fine tuning. This was a well presented interpretation of a very musical tune played at an appropriate tempo. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, especially focusing on the foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes and doublings), your technique should support the music and vice versa. There are some catching/crossing noises in places, and needs a little practice. Your interepretation is generally good, be sure to stretch the beat notes right out and play through the rest of the phrase. Your blowing is mostly steady, but there are occasional dips on longer notes, and to eliminate this try to take longer, deeper breaths and squeeze from your shoulder with a constant pressure on the bag. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Walter Ivey Tunes: Dr. Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering Judge: Finlay Cameron Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on a well tuned instrument. (drones drifted slightly) Well done for giving the instrument a little time to settle, however your blowing needs a little mwork,the pressure dips whenever you take a breath, giving it a slight unsteadiness, and to eliminate this try to take longer, deeper breaths and squeeze from your shoulder with a constant pressure on the bag. This was a well presented interpretation of a very musical tune played at an appropriate tempo. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, especially focusing on the foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes and doublings), your technique should support the music and vice versa. There are some catching/crossing noises in places, and needs a little practice. Slight choke. Your interepretation is generally good, be sure to stretch the beat notes right out and play through the rest of the phrase. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Ethan DesChamps Place: 1 Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Good tempo for tune. Lovely fingerwork evident and great swing in the 6/8. watch blowing pressure especially highA. I really enjoyed this Ethan, well done.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Chris Pearcy Place: 2 Tunes: The Bonawe Highlanders Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Drones could be better tuned at start. however, really enjoyable 6/8 playing backed up with good technique. Slight miss on Hih A grip last part. Well done Chris. Just work on your drones. Thanks.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Jean-Sébastien Gamache Place: 3 Tunes: Cameron MacFadyen Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Good tempo and swing for this 6/8. Throw on D 1st part missed. Slight loss of flow part 4 and missed grip. Lots of very positive playing and good fingerwork, High G flat, Drones held quite well. On observation, I would look at that middle tenor reed. It seems quite sensitive! Well done
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Maggie Jeschofnig Place: 4 Tunes: Mrs. MacDonald of Uig Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: A well pulsed tune with good technique. be carefull with timing in part 3 ( b strike) And make sure you don't round off the E before the E strike in part 4. Bass drone could be a little more blended with tenors. A great effort Maggie, Well done.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Aidan Scott Place: 5 Tunes: Bruce Gandy's Farewell to the Iron Horse Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: some very good fingerwork evident. this tune really needs lots of pulse. You are getting it most of the time but there are some passages in link phrases that are rounding off. Not sure of your setting of part3! F is a bit flat and High G very flat. Nice drone balance. Watch your blowing! Great effort Aidan. Thanks
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil Place: 6 Tunes: Tug Argon Gap Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Nice swing and pulse. Slight slip at end of part 2. Watch your blowing pressure as it is not100% steady. You show good musical knowledge but a little tight with your technigue at times. Try to work on this and open it up to develop. Chanter well balanced and in tune. Drones could perhaps be a bit more locked in. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Bridget Englebretson Tunes: P/M Sam Scott Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Playing well on the beat and keeping a consistent tempo, Be careful with your technique. Some crossing noises evident. Try to aim for more low G in the throw on D. Work on D gracenote through C to get it a bit neater. Slight waiver in drone sound. D and top hand sharp on chanter. Some good playing on show, it just needs to be more consistent. Well done Bridget
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Caleb John Macpherson Tunes: Dovecote Park Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Nice lift in tempo. Some good fingerwork evident throughout. Try not to lose the pulse in part 3 as it starts to round off slightly. you need to develop your pipe sound as your chanter is very sharp from D upwards. Keep working hard to develop your skill. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Clive Brodie Tunes: Leaving Port Askiag Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: This tune would benefit from a lift in tempo. Try to open up E doublings more as there is an overlap in this movement. Some of your finger would develop with a bit more snap in the gracenotes that form the embelishments. The tune could flow a bit better for my liking. Really nice, steady drone sound. Chanter sharp on B and F. Well done. Thanks
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Dr Dan Cameron Tunes: Donald Maclean of Lewis Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Drones could be better tuned at the start. watch your part ends with what should be a D gracenote through B. However, coming out as a D. Throw on D could be more consistent. Certain phrases in first 2 parts are a little erratic. Try to focus on the beat and this will smoothen off. Good attemp Dr Cameron. Thank you.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Ella Fleming Tunes: Angus MacKinnon Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: nice tempo for this tune. Try not to be too tight with taorlath movement. Slight choke part 2. you start to round your phrasing off from part 3. Keep the strong pulse going. Try to keep even pressure on your bag to help your tonal output. Keep working hard as you show lots of very good fingerwork. Well done Ella
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Frank Igoe Tunes: Dornoch Highland Gathering Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Drones not 100 % locked in at the start. Slight catches from C-E. Taorluaths could be more open The tune would benefit from a lift in tempo. However, you are delivering the strong pulse well. Slight slip part4. Great effort Frank. Well done
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Ian Blackie Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: A nice lift in tempo for this tune. C taorluaths not quite full in part 2. some crossing noise evident parts 3 and 4 which needs attention. However, some lovely phrasing coming through and well controlled. well done Ian (drones very good)
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Joseph Gallagher Tunes: Angus MacKinnon Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Great effort Joseph. Some very strong fingerwork evident. You are controlling the tune well. However, a bit quicker will help the flow.Parts 3 and 4 could do with more attention to dots and cuts as it becomes a bit round and stilted. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Kelly M Foster Tunes: Ellenorr Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Some good fingerwork Kelly. Spoiled by a few crossing noises. You are pointing the tune well but it would benefit with a little increase in tempo. drones not quite in tune. (Bass) A really good effort. Well done
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Lauren McMillan Tunes: Mrs. Dalzel-Job Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Very clean and precise fingerwork evident. Nice control over the tune. Perhaps a little safe. Chanter a bit sharp against the drones especially F. High A is a bit "scratchy" Great effort Lauren. well done
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Matt Greco Tunes: Bruce Gandy's Farewell to the Iron Horse Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: B doublings not always complete. Be careful with hand changes as catches are creeping in, You are controlling the tune well but try to be more accurate with your technique. keep working on your piping . Well done Matt
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Michael Jones Tunes: Cameron MacFadyen Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Try to work on your note values as the tune rounds off in certain areas. emphasise the beat notes but also shorten the cut notes to heighten the effect. be careful with your technique. Everything is there, it just needs timed better, Well done Michael
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Steve Coontz Tunes: The Infantry Charge Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: A well handled performance, on a sweet instrument that needed a little fine tuning. This was a well presented interpretation of a very musical tune played at an appropriate tempo. Take some time to develop your technique further on the practice chanter, especially focusing on the foundation movements (G,D,E gracenotes and doublings), your technique should support the music and vice versa. There are some catching/crossing noises in places, and needs a little practice. Your interepretation is generally good, be sure to not over stretch the beat notes, as in places it comes across a little stilted. Your blowing is mostly steady, but there are occasional dips on longer notes, and to eliminate this try to take longer, deeper breaths and squeeze from your shoulder with a constant pressure on the bag. Overall, this is a good and promising performance that demonstrates a good understanding of the music and technique.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Tamara Miceli Tunes: Miss Isabel T MacDonald Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Try to get a little more energy into your bottom hand work. Try to make doublings a bit more deliberate as they are overlapped. You control the music well but a little attention to your technique will make it really good. A very good effort Tamara.
Watch Video


Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Tina Falconer Tunes: Duncan McGillivray Chief Steward Judge: Matt Wilson Judge's Comments: Try and identify the beat note better to help the flow of this this tune. Be careful with the grip movement as there are some catching noises coming through. There are lots of positives go on. Take your time and focus beat/note relationship and open up the technique. Don't get so frustrated Tina!! A really good effort.
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Donald Morris Place: 1 Tunes: Donald Cameron's Powder Horn Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Donald - Great job here. You set your bagpipe up superbly and you present the tune with great rhythmical flow and technique. Here are a couple of minor thoughts to improve. (1) Try to get three distint sounds out of your birl - sometimes the steps are crushed together so not much rhythm is coming out of the movement. (2) There are some missing D gracenotes to the "original" setting of this tune that I think you definitely have the ability to put in. Exaple is D gracenote to Low A in beat one of third part (and other simliar spots throughout the tune). (3) I think you can lock your drones in even better than they already were. I hope these comments help! Superb job. Best, AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Drew Marshall Place: 2 Tunes: Pipe Major Joe Wilson Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Great job Drew! Your technique is superb, your bagpipe is set up well, and the tune had a great musical flow to it. Let's talk about what to do to improve. (1) your blowing became less and less steady as the tune went on. Try to use a bit more arm in your blowing cycle, so you can balance out the cadence of it. Right now, your arm isn't engaged enough so you're having to gasp for air a bit. (2) The tune slowed down just a bit in the third part - keep that tempo steady throughout! I thoroughly enjoyed the tune. Well done! AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Seumas Eade Place: 3 Tunes: Donald Maclennan's Tuning Phrase Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Seamas - nice job here. This is a very tricky tune and you handled it really well. Watch, in the "tuning phrase" itself, that your gracenotes stay clear and precise each and every time. In this performance, they are coming "out of sync" a bit causing some sloppiness. I also heard some very small crossing noises here that need to be cleaned up a tad. With this said, your bagpipe sound really nice and your music flow was right on the money throughout. Great job! Wishing you all the best - stay safe out there! AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Maggie Jeschofnig Place: 4 Tunes: The old wife of the Milldust Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Maggie - nice job here! I thought the drones could have been locked in slightly better, but overall the bagpipe sounds very nice. The technical elements of the tune were presented really well. You have a great foundation of technique, and you showed that here with very few errors. I think the biggest area to think about to improve are in the rhythm department. Sometimes, you are over-holding quartner notes, causing the groove to become stilited. Also, the tempo decreased a bit in the more technically demanding parts. Other than this though, I thought it was a great performance. Wishing you all the best! AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Jeffrey Nagy Place: 5 Tunes: Troy's Wedding Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Nice job Jeff! This tune was full of great music, and the bagpipe sounded excellent. To be critical, there's just a lot of "little things" there that are slightly distracting from the performance. (1) Watch false fingerings in the third part! (2) watch some crossing noises throughout, particularly on the bottom hand (can you hear them?) (3) Tempo slowed down a bit in the 4th part. I would spending some time over the course of a few weeks really digging into the details here, and this performance can be even better! Regardless, really enjoyed this! All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Chris Pearcy Place: 6 Tunes: Kenny Gillies of Portnalong Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Chris - Nice job here! You picked the perfect tempo I think, and presented good rhythm throughout. The pipes sounded really nice, although perhaps the bass was slightly out of tune with the tenors. Watch out for Low A to C crossing noises - can you hear them? Also, in the third part, the tricky gracenote passages need some work, and are coming across sloppily at the moment. I enjoyed this! Great job. All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Andrew Seevers Tunes: Old Wife of Mill Dust Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Andrew - nice job here! The performance has a lot of spirit and energy. However, I think a slower tempo would benefit the performance. At this speed, some hole coverage issues, rhythmic inaccuracies, missing gracenotes, etc are present. Also, the drones aren't locked in together, which is slightly distracting. Good job though! Keep at it! All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Cameron MacNeil Tunes: Hammer on the Anvil Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Cameron - nice job here! The tempo was nice and steady throughout and you have a great sense of the jig idiom. I think the bagpipe could be set up better. This performance had a few "chokes" and a few times where you're blowing so softly on the chanter that the high hand notes start to get stratchy. Either blow harder, or set the bagpipe up to be more efficient. Fingerwork wise, we had some crossing noises. Also, watch that your Low G strikes get a full Low G sound of of them. As it stands now most are just striking down to the Low A (can you hear it?). All the best! A ton of potential here! AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Clayton Nelson Tunes: The Curlew Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Clatyon! Nice job here. You started out at a great tempo - but just be careful that you don't speed up too much during the course of the performance. You controlled the bagpipe well, but i felt that the drones could have been a bit better tuned. On to the fingerwork - tons of potential here! I would like to see you get a more consistent D throw. Can you hear how sometimes your'e crushing it and that it isn't coming across cleanly? A couple of crossing noises in there too to sort out - these may go away just by controlling the tempo ever so slightly more. I enjoyed this! Keep at it. All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Conall Gibson Tunes: Donald MacLean Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Conall - great job here. You chose a great tempo and a great tune. Just be sure that all of the gracenotes are in the right places here. Sometimes what you're playing doesn't quite match what the setting says (unless you have a much different setting than I know, which is fine, but you should probably mention it beforehand). Can you hear the discrepancies I'm referring to? Meanwhile, the bagpipe sounded great, with the possible exception of some underblowing on high hand notes. I enjoyed it! Tons of potential here. All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Ella Fleming Tunes: Nelson Mandela's Welcome to Glasgow Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Ella - nice job here! The tune has a great flow and lots of music in it. Let's talk about the bagpipe though - it needs to be set up a bit better. The drones aren't in tune well together, and we had several chokes in this performance. A good maintenance session would help solve these issues! (Make sure those drones aren't too open). Once you get this sorted out, you are desitined for success as the fingerwork elements of this tune are in good shape! All the best to you, I enjoyed the performance! AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Eric Sparklin Tunes: The Curlew Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Eric - Nice job here. The bagpipe is certainly set up well and you have a great control over the instrument. Your finger technique is also good but! We really need to work on these rhythms. The Jig "feel" was missing from this tune because you weren't getting a steady 3-pulse-per-beat "groove". I would recommend some metronome work at a slower tempo to get a feel for how this melody should fit into the rhythmic framework that you'll need to get that flow happening. Other than this, you're definitely on the right track so dig deep! All the best to you, and keep at it! AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: George Panagiotou Tunes: Patty O'Rafferty Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi George! Nice job here. The bagpipe sounds good and you have some great technique happening. The biggest thing we need to improve is to get the rhythmic groove more consistent. As it stands now, you are "over holding" all of the quarter notes in the tune. Each time we get to a quarter note, the tempo is slowing down. I would recommend some metronome work at medium tempo to get the rhythmic feel of this tune a bit better. Solve this, and you are on the path to great success! All the best to you, I enjoyed this tune! AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Isaac Fisher Tunes: The Green Ivy Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Isaac. Nice job here! You've got a great sounding bagpipe and a good foundation of techinique! I think what's slightly lacking in this performance is rhythmic control. You seem to be "fighting" a bit with the beat, and as a result a nice relaxed "groove" is absent from the performance. You're not far off, but we need to align each and every beat's technique exactly with the foot so that we have control throughout, and so that the audience really feels like dancing along. Sort this out, and you are on the track to great success I'd say! Good stuff, keep at it! AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Kim Greeley Tunes: Paddy’s Leather Breeches Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Kim! It was great to meet the puppy here! Now, back to business 🙂 I really liked this tune a lot. The pipes are sounding great, and your uptake to the tune is very spirited and exciting. Here are some ideas to improve: (1) First off, I wonder if the tempo could come down just a smidge. Right now, we are getting some sloppiness in the gracenotes and other elements, and I am wondering if it's just due to the tune being taken on a little bit too fast. (2) You played this jig in a very "dot-cut" style, which in itself doesn't bother me, but if you are going to play in this style you need to make sure all the detail work in the cut notes is there. At this tempo, and with the currect approach, the middle notes are getting swallowed up so it's tough to hear the melody at times. With this said, I really enjoyed the tune, and am wishing you the best of luck!!! All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Michael Jones Tunes: The Bride's Jig Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Michael - nice job here! The bagpipe is set up great and is well in tune. (watch out for some tiny chokes though!) Nice foundation of technique, and very few technical misses. The setting of this tune isn't quite correct - be sure to have a look at the setting a bit more carefully so all the correct notes get in there. With that said though, the biggest issue here is with the rhythmic groove. You're not quite locked in to the rhythm and we have some stilted playing and some tempo variations. Lock in so that the audience can really relax and just tap that foot! Larger choke in 4th part. Keep at it! Enjoyed this quite a bit. Keep up the good work sir! Best, AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Robbie Gibbons Tunes: Cork Hill Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Robbie - nice job here! the drones are in tune nicely together - however, the chanter is a bit sharp relative to the drones. Next, I would say the tempo is a bit too high here. It is causing some technique issues like crossing noises (particularly 2nd part), sloppy gracenotes, and at one point you actually went off the tune ever so slighly. I would recommend slowing this down to focus on precision and detail work a bit more. That's what's going to earn you competitive success which, I am confident, you certainly have the potential to achieve!!! Good job; Wishing you all the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Tamara Miceli Tunes: Gurkhas’ Joy Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Tammy - nice job here! The bagpipe is set up well, and nicely tuned. The tune starts off very well spirited, but then technique starts to bog it down a bit. Also, you have a tendancy to sort of over-hold the quarter notes in these rhythmic figures, causing a somewhat "stilted" feel. I think the reason for this may be that there's so much technique in this tune, and it can be tough to fit it in. However, that's the challenge you need to solve - how to get these embellishments to fit the rhythmic structure of the tune without sacrificing any musical flow! Your technique is great - no major issues to report. But, we've just got to get the groove and flow sorted out, that's all! Wishing you all the best - I enjoyed this! AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Walter Ivey Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches Judge: Andrew Douglas Judge's Comments: Hi Walter - nice job here! The bagpipe is sounding pretty good, and you're playing the tune well overall. The biggest thing to drill into with this performance is the blowing. Even when you're tuning up, I can hear that your blowing cycle isn't quite steady enough, and then in the tune the issues are exacerbated by surges when you go up to high hand notes. I would recommend really digging in to this so that you can get that bagpipe sound solid (for whatever tune you may be playing). Other than this, I really enjoyed the performance. Keep at it! All the best, AD
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Aidan Scott Place: 1 Tunes: Brae Riach Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: A really well played jig! Great control of triplets creating a really enjoyable rythmic effect. Execution very clean. Crisp and clear doublings. A lively tempo, but under controlled. Drones steady and well tuned. Chanter balanced, but tonal quality lacking a bit of warmth. Overall, this was a very enjoyable and well played tune. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Hannah Focken Place: 2 Tunes: The Judges Dilemma Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Reallly good execution! Strong, crisp fingers. Generating some good jig drive with strong and consistent triplets pulsing. Only place you lose this consistency is with your ending birls. They're early. Make sure to place birl on the final beat of each part. Drones very well set. Nice chanter sound. High A can be a bit scratchy if underblown. A solid jig performance. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Ethan DesChamps Place: 3 Tunes: The Irish Washerwoman Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Excellent execution. Techique is crisp and clean! Tempo a bit conservative; however, your phrasing was accurate, no pushing of beats. I liked your subtle use slight pulsing on the first note of your triplets. Not an easy thing to do consistently, but you maitained it under control through the whole tune. Drones not totally locked in but steady. Chanter well balanced. Some high A scratchiness at times. Also maybe some slight chirpiness. Some really good, controlled jig playing. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Danielle Warren Place: 4 Tunes: Old Wife at the Mill Dust Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Technically very well played. Crisp and clean fingering overall. Jumping into the D throws a bit early. Give the proceeding E a bit more time. Some rushed GDE's at times. You're playing the tune super round which is okay, but I think a slight pulsing on the first note of your triplets makes a more musical tune. Otherwise, it gets a bit monotonous IMHO. Good drone sound; well tuned. D a bit sharp, but chanter othewise balanced. Chanter sound coming off a bit metalic sounding; lacking warmth. Could be the recording. Overall, a very well played tune!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Jacob King Place: 5 Tunes: 9/8 Jig Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Nice job with a difficult tune! Really good drive while also maintaining a steady tempo. A few minor execution slips, but overall, your technique is very good. Really strong, crisp movements. Small choke in 4th part. Drones not quite in tune. Nice bright chanter sound. A bit flat on top hand. Some really good jig playing. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Quinten Bachman Place: 6 Tunes: James MacLellan's Favourite Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Really strong, crisp fingers! Some sloppiness in 2nd and 4th parts. Lively tempo, but under control. Very good control of triplet movement creating very pleasing rythmic effect to your jig. Excellent pipe sound! Drones locked and steady throughout. Bright and balanced chanter chanter sound. Other than a few minor slips, some really good jig playing. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil Tunes: Alan McPherson of Moss Park Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Nicely played! Overall excecution is quite good. Some missed B and C taps at times. A few slight crossing noises. Tempo is good, but your phrasing is a bit pushed at times. First note of each 1/8 note triplets is generally placed right on the downbeat. You're often just a wee bit ahead of the downbeat. Really rushing in 4th part. Try to stay relaxed through last part. Drones well tuned to each other, but set a bit flat to chanter. Pipes steady throughout. Good performance!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Bridget Englebretson Tunes: Over to Uist Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Execution generally good. Some GDE triplets a bit sloppy, mainly those ending on low G. The timing of the E gracenote on low G is sometimes off. Steady tempo throughout tune. Timing is a bit erratic. Switching from round to dot/cut thoughout tune. Try for a bit more consistency in your phrasing. Nicely tuned pipes. Steady sound. Drones well tuned, and chanter balanced. Nicely done!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Chris Grenke Tunes: The Glasgow City Police Pipers Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Execution is generally good. Slight crossing noise in first part, but otherwise very cleanly played. A bit too heavy on the dot/cut for my taste. I think a slighlty rounder triplet effect works better for this tune. Really good drone sound. Locked in and steady throughout tune. I felt the chanter was a bit underblown. Blowing into it a bit more would have cleared out the scratchy high A a bit and brought the chanter up to pitch better with the drones. Very nicely played!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Chris Tabram Tunes: Glasgow City Police Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Tempo too fast!! Need to slow down and develop some consistency in the timing of your triplets. Your GDE triplets are too rapid fire. This approach does not allow for any sense of rythm. Would urge you to slow things down and practice with a metronome. Drones not in tune. Nice changer sound, but not in tune to drones.
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Clive Brodie Tunes: Skyeman's Jig Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Execution is very clean. Birls in 4th part need a bit more low A sound proceeding birl movement. Nice, controlled tempo. Phrasing is very round which is fine, but also pushed at times. This means you tend to begin some phrases early, or you can think of it as leaving the proceeding phrase to early. Practice on the PC with your metronome and you'll feel it. Really good drone sound. Well tuned and steady throughout. High G a bit sharp on chanter, but otherwise well set. A very steady perfomance. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Dr Dan Cameron Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Mosspark Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Execution is quite good. Very cleanly played! Tempo also good, but phrasing and timing is very erratic. You're varying quite dramatically between round phrasing and very heavy dot/cut phrasing. You're especially overholding the low A GDE triplets. I think you need to find a happy medium. this tune lends itself to some slight pointing, but whatever direction you choose, be consistent. Pipes steady throughout. Drones not quite set. Good chanter sound. Careful not to overblow especially on top hand. Nicel done!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Emile Suerinck Tunes: Arniston Ichol Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Some very lively jig playing! I'd suggest a slightly less aggressive tempo. This would allow you to focus on keeping your execution cleaner. While there's not a lot of highly techical execution in this tune, there are some tricky bottom hand phrases in the 4th and 8th bars of each part. Your tempo slowly increased throughout the tune and these phrase became more sloppy. Nice drone sound, but chanter a bit sharp on top hand notes. I think a more controlled tempo would really help your playing with this tune. Regardless, a very fun tune! Well done!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Joseph Gallagher Tunes: Cork Hill Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: You're execution is very clean and crisp. Tempo is dragging. Timing of triplets is pushed, in that you're arriving at the first note of your triplets ahead of the downbeat. This gives a slightly pushed effect to your phrasing. Try playing with a metronome on your PC and I'm sure you'll feel it. Very nice drones! Well tuned and steady. Good changer sound; D a bit flat. Nice performance!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Laurel Leishman Tunes: The Banjo Breakdown Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Execution is generally quite good. Some crossing noises at times! Triplet movements are rushed. Try to space them out a bit more. Tempo is fine, but timing is erratic. You're playing some phrases very round and others very pointed. Try for a bit more consistency one way or the other. Drones not in tune. Good chanter sound but you're overblowing at times. Some good moments, but generally you're playing was a bit unsettled. Keep working!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Matthew Wilson Tunes: Cork Hill Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Overall, execution is quite good. Little sloppy in 3rd part. Watch the crossing noises in 3rd part. A good, steady tempo, but you're rushing the first note of your triplet movements. This creates some erratic timing and interferes with the flow of the tune. Drones well tuned. Chanter set a bit flat, but well balanced. Some good playing, just need to sort out the timing of your triplets. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Sarrah Wood Tunes: The Skye Rovers Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Execution is geneally quite good. Some grips a bit too crushed but overall played pretty cleanly. Tune lacks a bit of drive. Partly this is the tempo, but it's also your treatment of the triplets. You're playing almost completely round. A slight pulse on the first note of each triplet will generate a bit more drive and excitement to this tune. Drones well set, but changer is a bit thin and sharp to drones. Some good stuff, but consider injecting some pulsing into your phrasing. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Steve Coontz Tunes: The Golden Jubilee of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Some technical issues with execution. D throws need more low G sound. Doublings generally lacking crispness. Tempo is good, but phrasing lacks consitency. You wander from round to dot/cut. Try to keep consistent. Drones not in tune. Chanter set a bit flat, especially on high A. Main work needs to be on consitency of phrasing. Keep working!
Watch Video


Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Thomas Johnson Tunes: Rory MacLeod Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Good snap to fingers, but playing a bit untidy at times. Struggling with taps throughout tune. Good energy and drive to jig! A slightly more conservative tempo might help with some of the missed execution. Nice, bright chanter sound; however, drones not in tune. Some really good moments. Just need a bit more consistency with execution. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Danielle Warren Place: 1 Tunes: Duncan Johnstone Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Danielle. Nice strike in and full sounding pipe. Drones are quite good and chanter is well set. Strive to get your best drone sound so continue to work on drone tuning to get even closer and acheive that full harmonic sound. Nice dot cut Hornpipe feel straight away with good attention to pacing and idiom. At times your bottom hand closure to low G is not as "strong" as it could be causing a wee tonal "leak" - work towards strengthening this with exercises " D to low G and B to low G" Watch that you dont let up on your bag pressure towards end of the tune as you had a tonal issue on the final high G. A nice musical tune on a pleasing pipe. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Scott Place: 2 Tunes: Tain Bain's Lum Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Aidan. Very good strike in of the drones and good first impression HP idiom very musical here capturing the listener straight away. Pipe overall quite good apart from a flaf F, however well blown. Your pacing is very good start to finish and the tune is very musical. D strikes - you are playing both heavy and light strikes within the same tune - both are acceptable and you are playing them both well, however you should choose one or the other for consistency. Thank you very much, David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: George Panagiotou Place: 3 Tunes: Train Journey North Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one George. Very good strong first impression. Pipes are full and sonorous. This looks like a nice inspiring place to play pipes. Very good pacing, pulse and musical idiom presented here. Could come up in tempo just a wee bit.Strong hands and very deliberate in your execution Watch that you dont lose the flow of the tune when executing a difficult movement - keep the flow moving forward. A very nice musical piece played on a nice pipe. Thank you very much, David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Maggie Jeschofnig Place: 4 Tunes: Raigmore Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Maggie. What an amazing accoustic room to play in ! A full sonorous bagpipe to start that is well set and blown. Tempo is well set and approprate for this tune. Good overall strong fingerwork with some work to be done at times to strengthen your bottom hand movements. There are a few cross over notes that come through the odd time that can also be cleaned up wtih some excercises. This was an enjoyable tune played on a nice pipe. Thank you very much. David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Seumas Eade Place: 5 Tunes: Crossing the Minch Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Seumas. Nice first impression with your bag strike and pause prior to chanter sounding. Pipe well set and blown - nice one. Tempo is well selected and idiom musical for this hornpipe. Not all final beats of tour parts are full length, ensure you are not jumping into the next part beat one too soon. Its ever so subtle to inject a bit more emotive contrast. Good strong hands and a musical tune played on a well set pipe. Thank you very much. David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clayton Nelson Place: 6 Tunes: The Man from Skye Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Clayton. Very good to see drone tuning here, please continue to strive for better and better drone sound and work on your tuning skills. You can always get a better drone sound. VG start here, pacing very well. HP pulse is musical and captures the tune well. Your overall execution is strong, however your bagpipe is not tuned very well. This will let you down in the future so strive for the best sound you can get. Have a look at your playing in the mirror and watch that you are correcting some false fingering here. B is being played then up to a quick D and all of your bottom hand is off the chanter ( your birl finger should be down for the D ) Get that pinky down on the chanter while playing D no matter how quick the note is. Nice overall feel to this tune. Thank you very much. David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Seevers Tunes: Donald MacLeod Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Andrew. Lovely to see full number ones with feather bonnet. Great job playing outisde and handling the wind with feather bonnet and plaid. Tempo OK to start and idiom OK on initial listen. Drones OK however could always be closer, strive to get those drones even closer in tune. There are a few cross over notes that need to be cleaned up so look for these type of exercises to eliminate cross over sounds. Nice overall feel and idiom, please have a look at your birl placement in the timing of the movement. This should be placed directly on the beat (with your toe tap) to end the part. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bridget Englebretson Tunes: Lucy Cassidy Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Bridget. When initially striking the bag, try and get a good solid drone sound without the howling squeal as this will instill a good first impression. Drones came in quite well with chanter sounding. Fairly good blowing overall. Make sure E doublings have a good solid distinct two separate gracenotes this is a good goal to strive for. Top hand coming through overall strong,bottom hand needs some strength in part two ( apart from birl that is very good, strong and musical) Good overall effort with HP feel, I feel that if the tempo was lifted ever so slightly ( one BPM ) the idiom would pop out musically. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Grenke Tunes: The Scotsaire Hornpipe Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Chris. Good lively tempo for a good lively tune. Within the phrases it is very important to pace on the beat and have the beat notes follow your toe tap. Try working a little with a metronome to acheive more accurate pacing on the beat. There are some crossing notes to clean up here also. Have a good look at your sheet music and make sure all the correct execution is being played here - example - you are playing brushes where birls should be. Check your setting and ensure it is accurate for best effect. Thank you very much David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Pearcy Tunes: Lucy Cassidy Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Chris. Nice first impression with the strike in of your drones. Good effort to tune your drones and get them even closer in tune. Keep working to improve your drone tuning as they can always be closer. Tempo good to start with a consistent beat. The tempo does wander a wee bit through the tune, always a good device is a metronome to keep us all honest and on the beat. B to low G - this grouping of notes and gracenotes is as follows - G gracenote on B, D gracenote to low G then an E gracenote while on low G. Slow this down and ensure that you are following this formula as I am hearing low G prior to D gracenote through the tune. A nice effort here. Thank you very much David.
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Tabram Tunes: The Straloch Turkeys Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Chris. This is a very tough tune, you do a good job of the first two parts to deliver a good rendering of this tune. In the third part there is a wee booble that takes you off track fully and it appears it was difficult to recover back into the melody through the fourth. Keep working hard at your memorization of this tune to truly produce a delivery iof this tune at its full potential. Thank you very much David.
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clive Brodie Tunes: The Man from Skye Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Clive, Nice pipe with a good strike in. Tune evovled into a good musical pulse that was lacking in part one. Work towards gettting that pulse in straight away. In the passage B doubling into Low A to Low G tachum take time to get good clarity on your tachum. Remember this movement sounds just like the word "TACHUM" and that is how it is timed. Very good timing and pacing especially your final birls of the parts. Thank you very much, David.
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ella Fleming Tunes: Moving Cloud Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Ella. Nice strike in and wee tuining phrase Pipes set nicely. Nice tempo and pulse straight away with a nice musical presentation. Bottom hand can use some strength when closing as well as some good hard work to strenghten your birl. Small wobble and choke in the middle. Very nicely paced start to finish A nice natural musical player with tonnes of potential just needing a wee bit more polish overall. You have a nice natural ability to pace wtih good musical idiom and feel. Thank you very much. David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Emile Suerinck Tunes: Billy's Belly Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Emile. A very cool room to play in it seems ! Try and get a bag strike with the drones sounding fully ( no squeals ) drones nice and full upon chanter sounding. Chanter has quite a sharp top hand, bottom hand is ok. While a dot cut Hornpipe is preferred in solos this tune is very well paced and I like how you are double tapping your toe to fully accomplish the musical delivery oft his tune. Execution is coming along quite well, however at times there is a wee pause after the movement. Work to keep the flow going smoothly. Nice overall tune. Thank you very much, David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sparklin Tunes: The Man From Skye Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Eric. A nice lovely garden setting to play pipes outside. Drones sounding nice and full, chanter is sounding dry and chirpy however it could be the outside environment being cold and dry. You may want to look at your overall set up to ensure there is enough moisture getting to the chanter reed to allow it to vibrate at the optimal level. Pacing, pulse and idiom are all very good here and delivering a musical tune. When iniially striknig your bag, it is optimal to get both hands on the chanter prior to sounding the chanter as it is slightly more pleasing for the listener. Overall a nice musical tune. Thank you very much. David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hannah Focken Tunes: Henningham Reunion Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Hannah. Very nice start and good impression. Pipes are sonorous and blown well. Pacing here is very good and your tempo is musical. In the future your D finger hooked like that may hinder some execution however at the moment it is not causing any issues. Strong hands delivering good execution. Double B movement could be stronger (you are missing these at times ) to match the same movement on D. Good strong delivery. Thank you very much. David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Isaac Fisher Tunes: Touchin’ Cloth Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Isaac. Tempo to start is Ok. Make sure to keep tempo consistent thoughout the phrases as it is easy to be less accurate when tempos increase. Your bagpipe apears to be quite hard and could be leaking air. Take the time to ensure your pipes are as efficient as possible to help with the enjpyment of playing. Phrasing overall is quite good, part four has a wee booble that takes the part off the original tragectory, nice job keeping the tune going. Keep up the good work. Thank you very much, David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jacob King Tunes: Mr. and Mrs. J Duncans Golden Wedding 2000 Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Jacob. A very nice strike in and fiirst impression. A well set, tuned and blown pipe also apart from a wee choke in part one. Execution is coming through nicely with strong top and bottom hands. This tune was paced very well with an appropriate tempo. There was a wee bobble in part 4 first time through. On the final beat of the parts, make sure you are giving full value to that note and not rushing into beat one of the next part. Thank you very much, David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kim Greeley Tunes: From Maui to Kona Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Kim. A lovely sunset in the background, very inspiring. A nice tempo set here for this tune. Do your best to really stay in the tempo pocket by pacing the beat notes on the toe tap. You are very close however in spots you are just slightly ahead of your toe. You are presenting good strong finger work here the tune is presented musically and you are very close to showing in the list, keep up the good work. Thank you very much David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mary Scholtens Tunes: Crossing the Minch Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Mary. Some good moments here with your hornpipe. Overall some good solid pacing start to finish. Tempo is a wee bit on the slow side and could come up a click or two on the metronome. Execution is quite strong through this tune,however have a look at your bottom hand placement as it may impair your ability to play at faster tempos later on. The bottom hand is over a wee bit far. Otherwise a nice tune, thank you very much. David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Thomas Johnson Tunes: Jim Tweedy’s Sea Legs Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Thomas. Tempo here is ok for this tune. I would encourage you to check your sheet music to clarify several note errors in your recording. While some of your execution is coming through nicely some other execution is not audible at times, again I would encourage you to have a look at your sheet music. Nice background in your recording, thank you for your service. David.
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tina Falconer Tunes: Arthur Gillies Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Tina, Nice bag strike in and first impression. Drones not 100% however chanter is well set and blown. Tempo here is a nice tempo for this tune and idiom. You have some good strong consistent doublings coming through here. This is a new genre of tune at this level and i would encourage you to continue to study hornpipe recordings to expand your knowledge. You are doing well and on the right track with your playing. Keep up your good work. Thank you very much. David
Watch Video


Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Walter Ivey Tunes: The Jolly Beggarman Judge: Dave Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Walter. Looks like a nice room to play in. Tempo to start is good and hold well start to finish. Concentrate on your clarity of tachums and double tachums to low G work on the space between the gracenotes and the space will open up and add to the musical emotion of your tune. A good job of this tune. Thank you very much. David
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Jacob King Place: 1 Tunes: The Duke of Athole's Salute Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Very nice playing. In the ground, I would have given just a little more weight to the 2nd last note in each phrase - i.e. the F throw before the E in phrase 1, and the high A doubling before the F in phrase 2. Still, you were consistent with your treatment of both phrases, and showed maturity and musicality. A few small gurgles on low Gs and chirps on Low A's after high A's in the variation singling, but very good dot/cut work, and good contrast from singling to doubling. Taorluath (triplet) and crunluath variations very good. Very strong embellilshments with just a few chirps - excellent phrasing throughout with only a few small technical misses in the crunluath movements. I really enjoyed this performance - you demonstrated a very strong grasp of the music in this tune.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Jean-Sébastien Gamache Place: 2 Tunes: The Munro's Salute Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Lovely sounding pipes. Great pacing and phrasing in the ground, even though you put a doubling in on the high A at the end of line 1. Didn't take away from the musicality and flow in the ground. Variation 1 again had a very good flow with excellent consistency throughout, You might want to give just a small push to the last long note at the end of every two-bar phrase to give it a bit more definition. Taorluath (triplet) variation excellent, with the exception of a note error at the end of line 2 where you played a Low A instead of Low G. Crunluath variation very well done - perhaps a touch long on the short note between the held note and the E throw in each fosgailte movement, but it was consistent and clean every time. Tiny stumble in line 3. Very enjoyable performance.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Hunter Nichols Place: 3 Tunes: Macintosh’s Banner Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Very strong ground - well phrased. Well tuned chanter. Excellent timing and phrasing in Variation, with good dot/cut work. Transition to the doubling could have used just a bit more contrast - the pace could have been picked up just a little, and it was a touch on the draggy side, but still well within the prarameters. Your taorluath and crunluath variations were similarly strong, however there were a few misses here - most notably low A taorluaths. Good contrast between singling and doubling in these variations. Your drones weren't quite on with your chanter and got a bit distracting, but it was nevertheless a very strong performance musically and technically.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Conall Gibson Place: 4 Tunes: The men went to drink Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Technically, you played this tune very well, although you were off the tune in the beginning of the first variation. The issue with this tune is that it's almost the same all the way through, so in order to create musical interest, you have to be a bit more inventive when it comes to phrasing - for example, stretch out the last long note at the end of every two-bar phrase, and also at the end of each line - otherwise every variation sounds like one big long phrase. Variation 2 singling and doubling could use a bit more dot/cut. Very nice taorluath movements in those variations, but the variations themselves were a bit rushed. In the taorluath and crunluath variations, you could place a bit more emphasis/stretch on the theme note each time and a bit less on every D. Very good overall playing - just a few nuances needed to pull a bit more musicality out of this piece.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Clive Brodie Place: 5 Tunes: The King's Taxes (PS: Please watch video in full screen otherwise it appears as though my head is cut out of the frame. Thank you) Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: You did a good job of this difficult tune. Good timing and phrasing in the ground. Your E throws were a bit unclean, with the E gracenote far larger than the F, and not enough separation between the two gracenotes. This same movement to high G was good almost every time though, perhaps because you were far more cautious with it. High G tuned very nicely. Could have used a bit more contrast between the singling and doubling of variation 1, and a bit more rhythmic consistency with all of the various throws. Again, the High G one was good, and D was good, but E was played much faster and was not as clean. Taorluath movement good phrasing - you could be a bit more consistent with the length of the theme notes after each triplet. Crunluath doubling nice contrast from the singling, with just a few issues in the embellishments as noted already. An enjoyable performance of a big tune - one of my favourite tunes actually! Small slip right at the very end of the crunluath doubling. Very musically presented.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Maggie Jeschofnig Place: 6 Tunes: The desperate battle Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: You did a nice job of this big tune. The ground and first variation were very well played, if a touch on the cautious side - everything was clean and your pipes sounded lovely, but you could perhaps have pushed the tempo just a bit more. Variation 2 and doubling were very well played, with the doubing variation showing a bit more aggression/tempo, which I liked. Variation 3 was good but a little on the round side - the low A's could have been a bit shorter in the singling. The doubling of this variation took off a bit tempo-wise - perhaps too much contrast this time? Same with the taorluath and a-mach variations. I loved your taorluath movement - clean, well timed, and sounding great, but the a-mach variation got away from you a bit tempo-wise. This carried through to the end of the tune, with the crunluath well phrased, but the a-mach a bit too fast, leaving the embellishments a little unclear sounding. Still, this was a very enjoyable performance - a great effort at a great tune - with only the drastic tempo shifts in the last few variations taking away a bit from the musicality.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil Tunes: A Flame of Wrath for Patrick Coach Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Good musical flow through this tune, with nice transitions and contrast between variations. There were some small stumbles and unfortunately too many chokes. Regardless, your embellishments were very strong and clean, despite a few gracenote misses here and there. Lovely birls throughout! Be careful on the B double echoes to make your first strike all the way down to Low G - sometimes it was, but sometimes it didn't quite hit the hole. Very good control of timing and phrasing throughout. I enjoyed this performance musically.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Allison Moore Tunes: Queen Elizabeth the Second's Salute Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: A very solid performance both technically and musically. In general, I found you were putting a bit more emphasis on the beginnings of each phrase/bar than you were putting on the phrase endings, and I would have preferred the phrase endings to be a bit more definitive. This was the case throughout the tune - the phrase and line endings didn't have as much definition as I would have liked, but yet the variations were all a bit on the slow side. Your execution throughout was very clean if somewhat cautious and at times a bit laboured sounding, but in general very accurate. In your crunluaths, you might want to focus on making the E and F gracenotes the same height - the E is far larger than the F, and sometimes the separation is lacking as a result. Very clean performance over, just sometimes a bit on the slow and laboured side.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Bridget Englebretson Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll's Salute Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Good phrasing and pacing in the ground, although I would have preferred just a little more definition at the end of each line - a more definitive pause. As well, you were off the C grip a bit too quickly each time up to the F.Good contrast between singling and doubling of variations. Taorluath variations were especially strong - nice work - if at times the embellishments were a bit overly-cautious. The crunluath variations were phrased a bit clippy, in particular the two "joiner" notes in the breabach movement, which were very quick in relation to the theme note and to the crunluath movement itself. In the doubling, the phrasing was a bit inconsistent as part way through you began to over-hold the E at the end of each crunluath. Still a very solid performance showing lots of promise, with clean and accurate embelishments throughout.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Cameron MacNeil Tunes: Pipers Warning to his Master Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: This performance showed maturity in its interpretation and phrasing, but unfortunately it was blemished by too many chokes, particularly in phrase with top-hand work, and going off the tune in a few places. The ground was well timed, and there was good contract between singling and doubling in each variation. The embellishments were solid for the most part. The chokes were unfortunate, as they took away from a potentially very strong performance.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Chris Tabram Tunes: Too Long in this Condition Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: This tune was quite well paced, although I found that throughout the tune you tended to jump off the ends of phrases and lines, rather than completing the phrases by holding the long notes at the end of two-bar phrases and at the line-ends. In the ground, your embellishments were quite strong, although the F embellishment was sometimes quite hurried. Variation 1 was a bit on the rushed side, but settled very nicely in the doubling. In the crunluath variations, the same issues were evident - rushing off phrase endings, and the F throws were not always as clear as they could have been. Having said, the doubling of the crunluath variation was perhaps your strongest variation - a tiny bit rushed, but all embellishments very well played. Overall an enjoyable performance, with just a few phrasing and execution issues.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Dr. Dave Carlson Tunes: Corrienessan's Salute Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Strong consistent playing throughout. Some phrasing suggestions - in the ground, I think you could focus a bit more on the notes at the end of bars, for example at the end of Bar 1, the last E of that bar could be held much longer to bring a bit more uniformity to the phrasing within the bar - same in line 2, with the last B after the set of double echoes. The issue with the 2nd B at the end of the double echoes carried throughout the tune. It would enhance the musicality if you treated this B as a two-bar phrase ending, and held it appropriately. Good use of dot/cut in taorluath doubling - be careful not to get too fast with it though, otherwise it becomes a bit erratic. Crunluaths - your E and F gracenotes could have a bit more separation - make sure the E gracenote has a solid landing before lifting the F gracenote. A good job of a fairly big tune, with the issues being mainly phrasing, and specifically ending phrases rather than jumping offf of the ends of bars and two-bar groupings.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Ewan Allen Tunes: Too Long In This Condition Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Nice job of the ground, although I would have preferred a bit more emphasis on the long notes at line endings. a little rushed in the ground in general - focus on two-bar phrases, and also line endings. Really nice execution throughout the ground and doubling. Variations showed excellend dot/cut work, although the doubling of variation 1 was too quick - make sure you stretch the theme notes in the doubling of the variations as well as the singlings. Crunluath variations - embellishments were quite strong, although the F throw was quite cautious throughout, and again I would have liked to hear a phrase ending at the end of each line by holding the low A a bit longer after the cadence in the singling of this variation. Good strong playing, just a few phrasing issues and some execution that wasn't quite consistent.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: George Panagiotou Tunes: The Field of Gold Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Lovely phrasing in the ground, with just a few technical imprecisions. Variation 1 was very well played, but again a few missed gracenotes - otherwise really nice musical phrasing. In the taorluath (triplet) variation, you were going along great until you missed a few gracenotes and then went back and played them again - and unfortunately you did this a number of times. If you miss some embellishments, let them go and carry on with the tune - don't go back to try again. The crunluath variation was very strong. A few missed movements but the ones that you made were very well executed. A very enjoyable performance from a musical perspective - nice transitions between variations, and lovely phrasing throughout.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: John Campbell Tunes: Monro's Salute. Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: I really enjoyed your phrasing of the ground - consistently well timed. Some of your D throws weren't entirely clean. Variation 1 again had excellent timing but again with a few execution misses. Be careful to get all of these embellishments into the ground and 1st variation of this tune as the embellishments aren't plentiful or particularly tricky. Still, fabulous music and phrasing in these variations. In the taorluath (triplet) and crunluath variations, you seemed to lose a bit of composure and started to rush a little. Stretch out the theme notes, in both variations. Regarless, they were clean and consistent. An enjoyable performance.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Judy Campbell Tunes: The Lament for the Old Sword Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Your ground was well phrased for the most part, although the embellishments not always 100% clean, and there were a few crossing noises. The variation singling and doubling had good contrast between them, but seemed to come off a little round-ish - both of these variations could have used a bit more dot/cut than what you were presenting. You were consistent, and there were no errors or anything, the timing just wasn't quite as snappy as it could have been. Taorluath variations - your taorluath movements were very clean and accurate for the most part although a touch slow and cautious, which took away a bit of the musical flow. Same in the crunluath variations - embellishments overly cautious at times, with an issue of lifting your low G finger a bit early, before making the E gracenote toward the end of the crunluath movement. The crunluath a mach variation wasn't 100% clean, and wasn't necessary to complete this tune. Musically, the piece was very well presented, with thoughtful phrasing and transitions between variations, with some technical issues taking away from the music ever so slightly.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Kelly M Foster Tunes: Struan Robertson's Salute Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Good phrasing in the ground. I especialy like the definition you gave to the line endings each time. Be careful to blow that high G steady - it was warbling a little. Your phrasing in the Taorluath variations was somewhat unusual. Generally, in breabach tunes, you would either hold the low A at the end of every taorluath and then cut the next "joiner" note, or you would do the reverse - cut the low A at the end of the taorluath and hold the joiner note. You tended to play the low A at the end of the taorluath and then the joiner note both evenly. I'm not insinuating that this is wrong, but I've never heard a Breabach tune phrased in this way, and to me it seemed rather un-musical. In the doubing of the T variation, the last bar has the dots/cuts written in, and you played them as written - this is how I would have liked the entire variation to be phrased. Crunluath variations were phrased more nicely. Some of the crunluath movements themselves weren't quite 100% clean - try to avoid lifting your baby finger off the low G too early, otherwise a Low A sounds before you've lifted the E gracenote. You did a good job of this tune, but I woud perhaps listen to a few more recordings of different people playing it, and then decide whether you want to re-think the phrasing in the taorluath variations.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Lauren McMillan Tunes: The Massacre of Glencoe Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: You did a nice job of this tune. In the ground, I found the second strike iof the E and F double echoes to be a bit heavy, and also some of the short notes could be given more cut - eg the short C in bar 1 could be quite a bit more cut. F and High A a touch on the sharp side. Thumb variation - be careful to blow that high A so that it doesn't scratch/crow part way through the note. Taorluath movements quite good, if a little on the cautious side. As with the ground, some of your short notes weren't quite short enough - in this instance, the low A's at the end of each taorluath had a bit too much weight. The crunluath movement was very good, although the theme notes seemed to get a bit shorter as you went along, and the E at the end of each crunluath got a little longer. In general, you're playing this tune very well but could perhaps focus a bit more on the treatment of the short notes throughout. Still, a consistent and enjoyable performance.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Melanie Brown Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Nice performance of this tune. The ground was well phrased, although some of the embellishments, particularly the grips, were overly cautious and distracted from the flow of the music a bit. Variation 1 and doubling were quite well played although a bit on the quick side. Be careful of the gracenote sequence in these variations - often you ended up playing an E gracenote where it should have been a G on the long low notes. Generally this happened in a place where there should have been back-to-back G gracenotes, but you played the second one as an E. Thereafter, the taorluath and crunluath variations were a little laboured because of the embellishments themselves. While the embellishments were clean and accurate, and of coure that's a great thing, it does take away from the musicality somewhat. An enjoyable performance regardless - and I loved the location!
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Patrick Teffs Tunes: Field of Gold Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Loved the burning fireplace as your backdrop! The ground was very nicely phrased, although some of the embellishments were a bit tight/sticky. Variation 1 was very well played with only a tiny note error where you played the 2nd note of Bar 4, line 3, as a D. Still, a strong variation. The taorluath/triplet variation started to pick up some speed, which you need to be cautious about. The them notes seemed to have less and less stretch as you went throughout this variation. The triplets themselves were very well played, with only a few misses, but be careful to keep the tempo, and the length of the long notes, consistent. Your crunluath variation went the other way - with the movements a bit too cautious and slow, taking away some of the musical flow of the piece. An enjoyable performance overall, just a few phrasing issues that you could work on to improve consistency and musicality.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Robert Miller Tunes: Too Long in This Condition Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: I really enjoyed your phrasing in the ground of this tune. You missed the strikes down to low G at the very end of each line - make sure you hit that Low G hole! The F throw wasn't always clean, but otherwise a lovely ground. The doubling of the ground seemed to drag just a bit - I think it was the fault of the last note of each taorluath - the short note - which was often given just a bit too much weight. Variation 1 was very good - just a bit of inconsistency with the length of the line-ending notes. Doubling very good, only comment here would be to try to stretch just a bit more dot/cut out of this variation. Crunluath singling - the embellishments weren't always clean; however, in the doubling of this variation you redeemed yourself, as it was probably the strongest variation of the tune. Well done! An enjoyable tune with only minor phrasing and technical issues.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Ronald Frederick Alexander Woodaman Tunes: Lament for the Old Sword Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Nice phrasing in the ground - high G a bit on the sharp side though. E throws very good in ground. Good dot/cut work in the variation and doubling, with just a few chirps between high G and low A (after thumb gracenote), but both variations clean. A bit more contrast between singling and doubling would be nice - perhaps a little slower in the singing; however, the doubling did pick up as you went through it. Taorluath variations started off much too quickly and there were some missed embellishments that might have not been missed had you taken your time just a bit more in these variations. The embellishments that were completed were extremely good - you just got a bit ahead of yourself tempo-wise, and there seemed to be no turning back. Crunluath was a bit the same - the theme notes became less and less held as you went through these variations. Perhaps you could try stretching every 4th theme note in taorluath and crunluath variations a bit? It would provide a bit of phrase definition and would give you a bit of a grounding point if you found you were getting a bit fast. You just have to be careful not to overdo the holding of these phrase-ends - they can be there, but it's best if they're kept very subtle. Still, and enjoyable performance, just a bit fast in the second half of the tune.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Steve Coontz Tunes: Colin MacRae of Invereenat's Lament Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: The ground was quite nicely paced, although I would have liked to hear the E in the line endings, which is the presentation note of the cadence each time, stretched out a bit. It felt very rushed each time. Also make sure that each D throw starts out with a big strong low G. The low G wasn't there in some cases. Thumb variation was nicely timed - but the same issue regarding the E of the cadence at line endings - and this carried throughout the singling of the variations each time. Throughout the tune, which was very well phrased in general, there were small technical issues - the D taorluaths and crunluaths - you were lifting more than just your B finger to make these embellishments - and some small gracenote misses overall. This is a really nice tune, one which I have never played, but I think you could have pulled out a bit more music from it by varying the pace between the sections a bit more. That doesn't necessarily mean the tempo has to pick up every time, but it could pick up for example from the ground to the thumb variation, then slow a bit for the next variation, then pick up for variation 3, then slow back down for the taorluath - you get the idea I'm sure - it's just too pretty a piece of music to play it all at the same tempo. An emjoyable performance overall.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Tamara Miceli Tunes: Caber Feidh Gu Brath Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: This is probably my favourite of all contemporary piobaireachd. You did a lovely job of the ground, although with a few gracenote misses. In line 3, in the 2nd bar, you might want to try cutting the first and third short notes quite a bit shorter while leaving the 2nd short note less short, as you played it, just to add some variety to that phrase, which is the loveliest of the whole tune, I think. Variation 1 could be just a bit more up tempo in general, sort of as a "doubling" to the ground. Be careful of the gracenote sequences - you were putting in a few E's where they should have been G's. Taorluath variation could then have slowed a little after variation 1, to give the piece a bit more ebb and flow.. Some little slips happening in taorluath variations. Crunluath variations had a few little slips and chokes. Good strong embellishments/execution for the most part - overall, and really strong performance of a really big tune - watch those ittle slips and chokes and you'll go far with this piece.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd a
Competitor: Zoey Flansburg Tunes: Alasdair Dearg Judge: Ann Gray Judge's Comments: Ground very consistently phrased, if just a touch on the slow side. Be careful of the bubbly B movement. The issue is often (as it was in your case a few times) that the C gracenote doesn't actually get closed down to the low G before going back up to B - work on this slowly, thinking about finishing the C gracenote before going up to B, and it will be perfect in no time. Very good dot/cut work in Variation 1. Good contrast between the singling and doubling of this variation. A few gracenote misses and small choke in the doubling. Taorluath variation - you show great potential in that these embellishments are clean and accurate, but sometimes a gracenote or two went missing - be sure to lift your gracenotes nice and high off the chanter so that they will be heard. Same with the Crunluath and a'mach variations - just a few too many misses, despite the lovely phrasing and musicality. An enjoyable performance - just continue to work on lifting those gracenotes.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Seumas Eade Place: 1 Tunes: A Flame of Wrath for Squinting Patrick Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Nice pipe, and nice start to this. Nice and assertive playing-full of fire. //var1:very well played. full of music. //var1doub: nice into this, and good pace and rhythym.//Crun: a touch aggressive on double low G's, but overall a nice assertive, and rhythymical approach in here. Strong technique. //Crun doub: moving along very nicely. very aggressive (in a good way). The timing of those low G's is very good in the doubling. Very well though-out, and presented tune on a good pipe, with strong technique. Well Done. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Matt Badmington Place: 2 Tunes: Weighing from Land Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Nice pipe. Good ground. //thumb: nice into this. good pace. //var1: assertive entry. well played. //var1doub: good. pause a bit before next variation. //Taor: good pace and fingering. a few light gracenotes. //taor doub: could use a slight bump in temp, and more pause needed at variation end before crun.//Crun: good flow and pace here. technique coming through well, just needs to be a bit more consistent. Good job of this tune. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Kim Greeley Place: 3 Tunes: Too Long In This Condition Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Drones nice, a bit sharp to chanter . Nice chanter sound. Groud: Nice music and technique.// G.Doub: Nice into this, could use a slight bump in pace, and steady rhythym. SLight choke. //Var1: nice into this. nicely played. //Doub: nicely played. //Crun: Nicely played. Good technique. Crun doub: again good technique and pace. Slight squeal. Good job of this tune. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Gregory Wolfe Place: 4 Tunes: The Earl of Seaforth's Salute Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Very nice start to this. Well balanced pipe, down in pitch but pleasing to listen to. // Ground If anything, you could be a bit more consistent in contrast on your 3 note run pairs. Push the first, and roll the next.//Gr.doub: same as ground. good. //Var 1: very good. // Taor: Good.//Taor doub: good, careful not to lose rhythym slightly in places. //Crun: Movement could be a bit more rhythymical, as well as the notes following the movement to keep tempo/rhythym going here. Tempo could come back a bit.// Crun doub: same as singling. Stumble at end. Good job with this difficult tune. It could be boosted by working a bit more on articulating all the notes clearly and rhythymically in the crunluath movements. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Quinten Bachman Place: 5 Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll Salute Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Nice pipe. Good start to tune. Nice ground. //Var1: nicely played, good cadence treatment and phrase definition Var1doub: be careful not to jump off theme notes too quickly. //Taor: nicely into this. Good technique. //Taor doub: good rhythym and pace here.//Crun: nicely into this with a strong crunluath movememnt.//Crun doub: Good job in here with techniqie, pace, and staying in the grid. Strong technique coming through. Good job with this. If anything, the tune could be a shade quicker, but overall well presented. Good job in here. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Jonathan Shepheard Place: 6 Tunes: Clan Campbell’s Gathering Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: nice pipe. Watch you don't jump off the first low A (through ground) too quickly. Give it a bit of a pulse. Well played ground.//Thumb: into this nice. well played. //var 2: into this nice. good pace. //Taor: into this nicely. well played. //T.Doub: nice. Pause a bit before getting into the crun var. //Crun: Nice. Movement a bit inconsistent. Make sure to articulate each note in the crun, played evenly.//Doub: Nice pace. Slight choke at end. Good job of this tune Jonathan. Nice and assertive, it could use some more attention to definition between variations for contrast.. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Andrew Seevers Tunes: Queen Elizabeth the Second's Salute Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Well-dressed. Drones could use some fine tuning before starting. F a touch sharp. // Ground: Good start to tune, with good control of the song. Nice ground - I would suggest sofentening the second E-gracenote on F (double echos on F) throughout.// Toar Sing: E-gracenotes/touches better in taor singling. Chokes line 3. Toar Doub: This could use a bit more rhythym/pace - choke line 2/end.//Crun Sing: Nice music. Crun's could be approached with softer/slower fingering (the second part of the movement could be articulated a bit clearer. Crun Doub - chokes. Pace consistent. Could use a bit more drive to it. Andrew, musically you've got a decent grasp of this tune. I think you could really nail this with a slightly more comfortablly-set instrument. THanks for sending this. Sean
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Caleb John Macpherson Tunes: Lament for Captain MacDougall Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Nice start to the ground. Drones a touch flat to chanter, F a bit sharp. Good music - you could use a bit of pause/definition between 2 bar phrases and end of lines.//Var 1: Nice rhythym. Line 1 and 2 - bars 3 and 4, you've got a few gracenotes in the wrong places. Line 3-bar 3 no gracenote before e-dre, and could use some swelling/slowing on 2nd last E of bar 4.//Var 1doub - Nice pace/rhythym - watch putting g-gracenotes on E-dre where they aren't. Could use a bit of pause before going into the taor varitaion.//Taor - good. Taor Doub: Good pace and rhythym. Could use pause again at variation end. Crun: A bit of a snappy uptake to the crun. You could get a bit more out of it by softening your fingers and bringing the tempo back a bit. //Crun Doub: Good technique. A bit fast. You could pull this back and get much more out of it. // Good job Caleb. Strong technique. Just be careful not to jump into the next phrase/line/variation without giving a subtle pause to it. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Chaz Stuart Tunes: Glengarry's Lament Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Nice start. F a touch flat. Ground: It could use a bit more pace. Well phrased.//Var 1: Well played with good phrase control. //Var 1 Doub: Could use a bit less pause between phrases to flow a bit nicer. Otherwise good.//Taor: slight miss line one. Good technique. This could use a slight boost in tempo, but otherwise well thought out.//Taor Doub: Same as var 1 - pauses between phrases stunts the flow a bit. Movement/technique is good, it could be a bit more consistent. //Crun: This is a bit slow. When you make your crun's they are articulated well, just a bit inconsistent. //Crun DOub: Same as taor - slight choke line 1. I think consistency and pace could bring a bit more out of this tune for you Chaz. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Clayton Nelson Tunes: Struan Robertson’s Salute Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Good start. Full chanter sound. Drones could be fine tuned a bit. Good music. Could use a bit of pause before getting into the taor. //Taor single: you forgot to repeat line 1! Good technique. This could use a slight bump in pace. Slight pause at end. //Taor doub: this could be a touch quicker - good technique. Slight pause.// Crun: Nice into crun. Good technique. Well played. SLightly longer pause.//Crun doub: well into this with good technique. Nice rhythym here. // Overall well done Clayton. You missed a line. Good technique and pace. Add a slight pause at line/variation ends. THanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Colin Richdale Tunes: The Massacre of Glencoe Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Nice pipe. Try not to jump too quickly to the C's in bar 1s (also repeated through ground), otherwise nice playing. //Thumb: Nicely played.//Taor: swell the note before the cadence. Slight choke. Nice technique. //Doub: Nice technique. Slight choke. Need to pause a bit at the end here before your crun.//Crun: Briskly in, good technique. Same as taor - pause slightly on the notes before the cadences. Choke. Slight stumble line 2 and 3. //Crun doub: Very good. Strong technique and good pace. // Well done. Strong technique Colin. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Danielle Warren Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Good music to start. Intervals on chanter not quite balanced.Pipe a bit unsteady. Could hold D at line 1 end a touch longer. (Same for E). Good ground. // Taor: Nicely into this, and handled well with good technique. Taor Doub: Same. Nicely done. //Crun: Nicely into this. Musically played. Good technique. //Crun doub: Good technique. Good music. Good pace. Good job with this tune Danielle. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Eric Sparklin Tunes: To Long In This Condition Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Good start to tune. Drones could use a bit of tuning. Good flow with the music. Watch the timing on your cadences, they are inconsistent. //THumb: Good flow - could be a touch up in tempo. //Var 1: Nice into it. Watch cadence consistency again.// Var 1 doub: well played.// Crun: Nice into it. Watch cadences again - technique could use a bit of refinement/tightening. Nice pace to the variation. //Crun doub: Good flow, could use a bit more pace. Well done. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Frank Igoe Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Ground well phrased. //Thumb nice start. Careful not to pause too long at line end. Interesting/tough setting. Var 1 Taor: Well played. Watch cadences, losing flow in some places. // Var 2Doub: Well controlled. Chokes. Losing a bit of rhythym in places. //Doub: Same. //Crun: Same as toar single - well controlled, just losing flow in places. Technique could be a bit more articulate. //Doub: nice and assertive. Nice, big presentation of this setting. Thanks for sending Frank.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Isaac Fisher Tunes: The Boat Tune Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Good pace to start. F-slightly sharp. A couple chokes. Var1: Good assertive playing here, choke. //Doub: Stumble/choke. Good pace and tempo. Pause a bit at variation end. //Taor: Good technique, a few chokes. // Doub: Good tempo.//Crun: Into crun ok. chokes. //Doub: Nice assertive playing. You could benefit from a slightly easier pipe set up i think. Good job. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Janelle Bird Tunes: Straun Robertson's Salue Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Nice ground. Drones could be tuned a bit closer (flatter) with chanter. Ground well played. Piob high G not quite solid. //Taor: Well played. //Taor Doub: well played.// Crun: nice and steady, and movement articulated well. //Doub: Could use a bit more pace. Good job on this. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Jeffrey Nagy Tunes: The Massacre of Glencoe Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Good start. Pipe a bit flat. Well played ground. Missed gracenote at end of line 2. Line 3 bar 3 a couple missed gracenotes. //Thumb: nice into this. Well played. //taor: nice into this. good technique. chokes. //doub: Good. could use a pause before getting into crun. //crun: well played. movement being articulated well, could use a bit more speed/rhythym (equal lengths to the gracenotes) to the movement. Good job of the tune beside a few chokes. Well done on a decent (though a touch flat) pipe. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Kathleen Madden Tunes: MacGregor's Salute Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Nice ground. Chanter not quite with drones. //Var 1: Nicely played. //Var 1 doub: Nicely played.//Var 2: nicely played.//Taor: nicely into this. Notes in the taor's not coming out clearly. nice pace. hold theme notes a touch longer before taor's, and jump off the low A's.//Crun: Nice into this. Same comments as taor. Good pacing in this tune, and phrase control. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Logan Kaern McGregor Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Drones could use a bit of tuning before starting. Ground ok, some missed technique. //Taor: good bottom hand technique. Some missed gracenotes.// Taor doub: overblowing a bit into this. good bottom hand technique and pace.// Crun: nice into this. Make sure to articulate each note clearly in the crun movement.//Crun doub: same as singling. Good pace. Slight stuble towards end. Nice pace to this tune. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Michael Jones Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll's Salute Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Good start to this. Pipe ok - drones could be a bit closer and F a bit sharp. Nice assertive ground. Var1: good//Var1doub: good.//Taor: Nice technique and pace here. Good treatment of the cadences and line ends throughout.//Taor doub: good pace and technique. slight choke. //Crun: nice into this, and fingerwork coming across clearly. Be careful not to lose rhythym/fall out of the musical grid in here. //Crun Doub: Good pace, same comments as singling - try to evenly space the connecting notes between theme notes. Good job of this. Nice treatment of cadences. Good pace. Good technique. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Ron J. Graham Tunes: Glengarry's Lament Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Nice start. Drones nice. E and F a tad sharp. Musical ground. could use a slight pause before going in to var1.//var1: nice pace. Doub: Pace could be lifted a bit for more contrast. slight choke. again, could use a slight pause before taor var.//taor sing: well played. Watch that your pinky doesn't come up too early in the taor movement - coming accross crisply though. //Taor doub: nice pace, a bit of a stumble. //Crun: nice into this. chokes. //Crun doub: same with the cruns - watch the timing of your pinky. good pace, a few stops in flow. musical tune. thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Taine Harvey Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Nice ground. It could a small bump in tempo. //doub: this needs to be a bit faster than the ground, but well played.//var1: a few wrong notes line 1, otherwise well played. //taor: GDE's are coming across clearly, try to speed them up a tad. a few wrong notes here too. //Crun: the technique is coming out nicely. a few wrong notes. Good job with the tune. THanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd b
Competitor: Walter Ivey Tunes: Lament for Alan, My Son Judge: Sean McKeown Judge's Comments: Nice background. Pipe a bit unsteady. Ground ok. Could use a bit more pause at end before var1 //Var1: Good pace. //Var1doub: good pace in here, nice subtle phrase definition.// taor: good pace in here. try to articulate each note in the taor movement a bit more, and not lifting your pinky finger too soon. //taor doub: nice into this, and good pace. same comments as singling. smal catch/note slip. //Crun: nice into this. Crun movement could be improvemed with a bit more articulation of each note, and watch the timing of your pinky.//Crun doub: Good pace in here. same comments re: movement. Good presentation of the tune. A steadier pipe and a bit more articulation in the technique could boost this a bit more. Thanks for sending.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Hugo Mackay Place: 1 Tunes: Morag Ramsay, The Shepherd's Crook, Dr MacPhail's Reel Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - A well played tune, just a few misses in technique. Sometimes the last phrase of each part is not always clear - Short Low A note. Strathspey - Bright tempo and very well expressed. A few untidy birls at times. Reel - Good transition and well played. A few HA's not blown to best quality. Overall, a good performance. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Connor Eckert Place: 2 Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Susan McLeod, Sandy Cameron Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Steady playing here with good expression. Missed technique throughout and tight D doublings would be my only criticism. Strathspey - Tempo a little slow for my liking especially at the start of the tune. Losing HG note in bar 3 of the first part (between the 2 F's). Reel - Delayed break (like a pipe band break) but tune was well played but again missing technique. I enjoyed this performance, well done!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Joseph Votta Place: 3 Tunes: Kantara to El Arish, Blair Drummond, Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Steady tempo, but could be lifted a touch for my liking. Strathspey - Deliberate transition here, but picked the tempo. Some untidy birls. Reel - Break is too deliberate (like a pipe band), but played the tune well and overall a solid performance. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Dugald MacKechnie Place: 4 Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay, The Islay Ball, Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Well played with good expression and technique. Take care when transitioning between HA and HG. Strathspey - Well played and expressed, but a little on the slowside for me. Reel - well played. Overall, I enjoyed your recording- well done!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Ewan Jones Place: 5 Tunes: John MacColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage, Dora MacLeod, The Little Cascade Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Overall well played, just a few crossing noises crossing across (C to E) and the F note isn't the best quality. Strathspey - Well played minus a few technical misses. Reel - A little deliberate and loud with foot on break (like a Pipe Major might do). I enjoyed your reel, just losing pulse a bit in 4th part. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: David Stulpner Place: 6 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Maggie Cameron, Bessie MacKintyre Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Good playing here- just phrasing a little round at end of parts and at start of 4th part. Strathspey - bright tempo and well played. Reel - Try to avoid lifting your leg to break (looks like a pipe major break which you don't need to do for solo piping competitions). In the reel you were rushing off F at end of line 1 of 1st part I also felt you were leaving out a lot of E and F doublings and i am not familiar with the way you play the end of 2nd part of this tune. Have a look at a reliable setting for this tune. However, overall I enjoyed your set. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Alexandra Miller Tunes: The Argyllshire Gathering, Inverary Castle, The Grey Bob Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: Nice steady march tempo with good expression and execution for the most part. I feel you are rounding the rhythm of the march at times when playing HA-F- E doubling passages. E doublings in general at the ends of parts and at the start of parts (3rd part and last line of tune) are not always being played clearly where the HG and F gracenotes can be heard Strathspey - I liked your playing and expression here! I felt you were just rounding the final few notes of the parts which took away from the rhythm. Reel - steady playing here, perhaps B to birl movement needs a little more work to get it cleaner (same in Strathspey). The birl movement itself looks good, but off lower hand notes it can be tough to pull off consistently.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Andrew Buchanan Tunes: Clan McColl, Lady Loudon, Major Manson Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Nice bright tempo, but rhythm getting rounded a little when playing E-D- C doubling phrases. The setting you are playing is not one i'm familiar with and I would suggest checking the music. Strathspey - bright tempo again here and good playing coming through. Some F to E doublings not always coming across clearly and also not getting momentum off of B strike onto triplet movement in first part. Reel - A little hurried off first note of this tune (Birl Low A) and tachum not coming out cleanly following the birl. Again, I would check your music for gracenote settings- I know this tune with an E gracenote on Low G in the last bar. Drones were not in tune throughout performance.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Caleb Bremner Tunes: Mrs. John McColl, Tulloch Castle, John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: Good March playing for most part. The C note before the Throw on D is a short note, but it sounds almost non existent at times- take care with this. In the last phrase of this tune, the doublings are not always coming through clearly and sound crushed at times especially the D doubling. Missing technique also. Strathspey - Good playing here, but the darado movement is not coming out consistently. Reel - A little round with the phrasing in the first part and the birl movement not always coming through clearly. Drones not in tune. Overall, a solid performance and showing good potential. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Cameron Bonar Tunes: The Cowal Gathering, Captain Colin Campbell & Traditional Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Steady presentation with good clear technique. Perhaps a few deliberate passages at line 1 endings, but the momentum will come naturally with continued practice. Strathspey - Jumping into bar 2 (Low A) in first part and also rushing into some parts, especially the B strike at start of 3rd part- a little more space is required between the triplet at the end of the 2nd part and the B strike at the start of the 3rd part. Reel - Break a little delayed (like a pipe band break). Reel was well played and controlled. Overall, i enjoyed your playing and you are showing great potential for the future. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Charles Elliott Tunes: Pipe Major Willie Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police, Heilan' Harry, Brown Haired Maid Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - I really enjoyed your expression throughout the march. Just some crossing noises coming through from E to HA and C to E. Some tachum rhythms not always clear. Strathspey - Short B's are not sounding enough before HG doublings and at the start of parts (for example, the B note before HA at start of 2nd part). Grips from HA not clear enough in 2nd part. Reel - Steady playing and musical playing, but transition to C doublings are not clean.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque / Maggie Cameron / Kalabakan Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Bright tempo. HG doubling movement sounding light in 2nd part (more F required and less HG gracenote). In the 3rd and 4th parts I can't always hear the D gracenote on short C's. Strathspey - Again, another bright tempo for strathspey. HG doublings and Stathspey doubings not consistently coming across with the definition required. 3rd and 4th part phrasing rounding at times and losing strathspey feel. Reel - Nice break into reel and again the tempo is lively. However, the tune rounds a little too much at times and loses expression.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Ed Kitlowski Tunes: Miss Elspeth Campbell, Mrs. Donald MacPherson, The Smith of Chillichassie Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - A lot of round passages here. A slightly slowly tempo might be better to allow more time for expression to be added into tune. F note to HG doubling passage - not coming out clearly throughout. Strathspey - Good transition into this tune. Phrasing starts off good, but starts to round after the first phrase of tune and goes between some good phrasing and round phrasing. Reel - Phrases getting rounded out at times especially at end of parts.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Janna Freed Tunes: Mrs. Alex Johnstone, Sandy MacPherson, Willie Cumming's Rant Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March- steady tempo, but some technical issues throughout performance. Tachum rhythm is not coming through in the march and some B strikes are on the heavy side. Strathspey - Some D gracenotes on C note not coming across cleanly at times. False fingers at end of Strathspey (4.11 on video). Reel - Steady into this, but a few chanter chirps on Low G at start.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: John Ballard Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque/Mrs. Morag Banks/Bessie MacIntyre Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Steady tempo, but a few untidy technical passages. Grips to E missed a few times and some HG doublings on the light side. 3rd part - Bar 3 a little untidy and some crossing noises in 4th part. Strathspey - Good transition from march. First note rushed off and some triplets less controlled than others at times. Reel - Steady playing here, but some transitions onto gracenotes are not always accurate and makes it a little untidy at times.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Katherine Miller Tunes: The Braes of Castle Grant, The Bob of Fettercairn, The Smith of Chilliehassie Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Bright tempo and musical playing throughout. Bar 8 timing a little rushed at times to birl. Strathspey- It sounds like you are not holding the second beat of the bar at times throughout your strathspey. For example - the low G in bar 1 (2nd beat) is dotted. Reel - Very good playing here, just some untidy birls. Overall, I can hear some really good things in your playing and with a few tweaks you will do very well. Good job!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden Tunes: The Conundrum, Highland Harry, & Mackay From Skye. Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - I would check your music setting to make sure you stay on the tune melody and use the correct gracenotes throughout. Sometimes you are playing an extra HG gracenote on your birls in bar 8 and there are also some untidy D gracenotes on C note coming across. Strathspey - Losing the short B note leading into 2nd part and note error in 4th part. Reel - Good transition and bright tempo.
Watch Video


"Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Luuk Dekker Tunes: March: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel Strathspey: Highland Harry Reel: Sound of Sleat Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Bright tempo and musical playing. Check your music and make sure you are including all the second timings and watch last part setting also. Missing some D gracenotes in tachum movements. Strathspey - Again, i would check your music and make sure you are playing correct gracenotes. Off tune in 4th part. Reel - Showing some nice phrasing here, a few mixed up gracenotes- check tune setting
Watch Video


" Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Michael Molloy Tunes: Duncan McNeil's Farewell to Melfort, Captain Colin Campbell, Sheila McMurchy's Dance Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Steady tempo, but C to E crossing noises coming through and a few weak birls. Strathspey - Good lift and a good sence of the rhythm. The D gracenotes on C are not coming through. Reel - GDE rhythm could be stronger here. We need the balance between the amount we give the melody note and the gracenote to be right to create a defined rhythm.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Olivia Corcoran Tunes: John MacColl’s March to Kilbowie Cottage, Susan MacLeod, Fiona MacLeod Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Good tempo, but passages are on the round side at times. Technique is coming across well. Strathspey- I felt you expressed this really well. YOu missed a few C doublings due to the D gracenote finger not lifting. The was a bit too much of a delay between the end of the Strathspey and starting the Reel (like a pipe band would do) and then you rushed the start of your Reel. With a bit of forcus on this, you could gain better control of Reel with a better transition between these tunes. I felt the tempo was on the quick side and losing control of some phrasing due to that. Try to always aim for a confident and clean stop. I can hear some really good playing and expression and I look forward to hearing you play in the future. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Philip Duthie Tunes: The Clan MacColl, the Shepherds crook, the sound of sleat Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Steady play at the start of this tune. The melodic line is getting lost at the start of both lines of the 3rd part. The rhythm you are playing is not what is written and it is usually because it is a technically tricky bit and can be hard to get the technique and the rhythm correct here. 4th part-Some rushed phrases here also. Strathspey- Some missed technique and untidy technique at times and the F note immediately before some E doublings is getting cut far too much. Reel - bright tempo and steady playing, just a little rushed in places towards end of 4th part.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Rory Bain Tunes: MacLean of Pennycross, Susan MacLeod, The Rejected Suitor Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March- Some notes getting over held causing a lack of flow at times in the march. Technique coming through strong. Strathspey- Good start to Strathspey, but check setting to make sure you are playing the second and 3rd parts correctly. Darado movement needs some work in 3rd part. Reel - Nice into reel, but again, check your music for gracenote settings. I play E gracenotes on Low A in 2nd and 4th part.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Travis Combs Tunes: Doctor E.G. MacKinnon, Maggie Cameron, Bessie MacIntyre. Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March- Last phrase of march not always coming across technically strong. 3rd part getting rounded out a lot and losing expression. Strathspey- technique seems to be getting in the way of the expression. Reel - some notes getting over extended, particularly in the 4th part and this is disrupting the flow of tune. Overall, I feel that the technique needs to be worked on so when you play movements in the tune the movement will not disrupt the melody line and the expression of the tune.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Joshua Truesdale Place: 1 Tunes: Inveran, Piper's Bonnet, Rejected Suitor Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Composed entry to the march, well controlled execution of technique and phrasings. Drones well tuned and set against the chanter - slightly thin on the top hand, sharp on the high A. Very good birls part endings. Getting a wee bit tight fingering in the 4th part and some tight, crushed technique. Good and well composed entry to strathspey, well pulsed and phrased, execution played very well on the beat. blowing slightly unsteady 3rd, 4th part. Good entry to reel - thin top hand more evident here. some crushed embellishments, 2nd part. Overall a very strong performance and great potential here!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Megan Brodie Place: 2 Tunes: Kantara to El Arish, Lady Loudon, Thomson's Dirk Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Very nice start to the march - steady playing and strong technique. Chanter well balanced and drones well tuned against chanter but underblowing the top hand, distracting. Great grips, birls at part endings! Very good execution of technique, and good musical presentation of the march. Good break to strathspey, good drive and lift to phrasing. keep it moving through the 4th part, dropping in tempo. Slightly exaggerated break to reel. technically very good, and timing excellent. A very strong performance marred by underblowing the reed - blow "through" the top hand. Heaps of potential here, well done!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Aly Williams Place: 3 Tunes: The Argyllshire Gathering, Tulloch Castle, The Cockerel In The Creel. Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Good steady and controlled start to the march; good execution of embellishments; very strong grips; birls coming in ahead of the beat at the end of the parts. slight catching C - E in 2nd, 3rd pts. Chanter well balanced and tuned. Drones not quite locked in from the start, bass begining to drift mid way through the march. Slight unsteady blowing towards end of march. Nice break to strathspey, good timing and phrasing but getting a wee bit bogged down with the embellishments B bubbly note interrupting the flow slightly throughout the tune. Drones drifting further. Nice timing in 4th pt! Good break to reel, perhaps a bit cautious in tempo. Very controlled execution and especially well controlled technique and timing in last 2 bars of each part. Overall a very enjoyable performance!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Calum Dunbar Place: 4 Tunes: Kentara To El Arish, The Ewe With The Crooked Horn, Willie Cummings Rant Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Nice bright tempo to start the march. Overall pipes well tuned, top hand a bit thin in harmonics, esp high G. Good timing and execution on the beat, especially the birls at part endings v good. Some rushing end of lines in the 3rd part and catching C to E. A bit of rushing ahead of the beat in the 4th part. Good break to strathspey, bit tempo and phrasing a bit laboured in 1st part - too long on A before A toarlauth. Not holding 1st beat of pharse long enough in 2nd, 3rd, parts, 4th part played very straight. Good break to reel, good tempo and steady throughout. Drones held well throughout, and enjoyable performance!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Victoria McRae Place: 5 Tunes: Kantara to El Arish - Struan Robertson - the Blackberry Bush Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Confident start to the march, well balanced chanter and drones tuned well. A wee bit stilted at the end of phrases, especially the end of parts, keep the beat moving. Slightly flat blowing on D. Overall technique very good. Watch some catches C to E. Blowing a wee bit unsteady in 4th part, flat on D and F. Nice entry into the strathspey - very good pulsing and technique. Watch C doubling to E in 2nd part - come catching. You are slowing down a wee bit in 3rd part, keep it moving! Perhaps break to reel a wee bit too deliberate - bandy. Smoothen the transition - great drive in this reel - make sure you keep it going to the very last note, you lost some steam in the last couple of bars. Overall a very enjoyable performance Victoria, lots of music and drive - focus on your blowing steady throughout perfornace .
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Esther scheren Place: 6 Tunes: The Detroit highlanders, dorrotor bridge, bessie McIntyre Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Steady entry into the march, well balanced chanter and drones tuned quite well against chanter. Bass slightly unsteady. Very pleasant tempo maintained throughout and clean and clear technique and execution of embellishments throughout. A wee bit more phrase definition required in the 4th part of march. Good break to the strathspey, could use a bit more emphasis on 1st beat in each bar phrase. Clean technique throughout! Good break to reel, bass drone drifting slightly - A grips a wee bit inconsistent 2nd part. Very strong to the end. Very enjoyable performance!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Anne Gallo Tunes: Donald MacLellan, Struan Robertson, Bessie MacIntyre Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Steady start to the march; timing overall good, tempo a wee bit cautious. Some embellisments, toarluaths, high A grips crushed, not consistent. Chanter pitched and set well. Drones not quite in tune from the start and some unsteady blowing throughout the march, some underblowing of the chanter in the 4th part of the march. Good break to strathspey, nice lift and very good timing. Excellent birls and throw on Ds rich and full! slightly ahead of beat in places in 3rd and 4th pt. Entry to reel a bit stilted, could be smoother (a bit band-like break). Steady playing throughout, drones drifting with unsteady blowing. Overall an enjoyable musical performance, I really enjoyed your strathspey playing !
Watch Video


"Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Cameron Stewart Tunes: John MacDonald Of Glencoe Stac Polly Roderick MacDonald Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Nice stready start to the march, lovely chanter/drone harmonics, well set and tuned. Coming in slightly ahead of the beat in places, especially on birls. Tempo well maintained throughout the march. Strong and clean embellishments throughout. Good break to strathspey, could use a wee bit stronger pulsing on the first beat in each phrase, its coming across a bit straight. good technical execution overall. blowing a bit unsteady as the strathspey progressed; regained composure in entry to reel. Good reel playing, a wee dive to the end of the bar at the end of the 3rd and 4th parts of the reel. Overall very enjoyable music Cameron, strong technique, and a rich bagpipe. Keep up the good work!
Watch Video


" Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Christopher Boyles Tunes: Angus Campbells Farewell to Stirling, Caber Feidh, Sandy Cameron Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Confident start to the march. Drones not in tune with the chanter - chanter flat on bottom hand, especially low G. Steady march playing at a bright tempo and strong technique. Could use more 2 bar phrasing at times, especially to define part endings. slowing down tempo slightly in 4th part of march and rushing ahead of beat at times. Nice break to strathspey, good lift! Getting caught in the execution of some technique which is upsetting the flow of the tune in places (2nd, 3rd pt). Again slowing tempo in the 4th part. Good break to reel, seems brisque in contrast to tempo you left the strathspey. Good execution, expecially in 3rd and 4th part. Overall very enjoyable performance, perhaps a focus on chanter and drone tuning.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Connor Francis Tunes: Millbank Cottage, Captain Colin Campbell, Aleck C. McGregor Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Confident start to the march, well set instrument, well balanced chanter and drones well tuned. The march feels a bit laboured in tempo, could use a bit more lift, really focusing on the down beats. Strong embellishments, esp B toarluaths and high A grips. In last bar, watch the B before the C doubling , A birl. You are clipping the B too short and coming in on C ahead of beat. Steady break to strathspey, again labouring the tune, too much emphasis on 1st beat in the bar, let the music flow! Watching the 4th, 8th bars - clipping the runs. Good break to reel, nice easy flow here. rushing end of beat in last bar of 3rd and 4th parts. Overall a very nice instrument, let the music breathe!
Watch Video


"Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Daniel (Dan) Sanchez Tunes: Leaving Glen Urquhart, Maggie Cameron, The Blackberry Bush Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Cautious entry to the March, could increase tempo a wee bit, would help with the musical flow of the tune. Overall chanter a bit sharp and thin on top hand, especially high G. Drones in tune but blowing a bit unsteady. Strong technique and execution of embellishments, especially birls and toarluaths. Good break to strathspey - open up your C doublings, they are a wee bit crushed. Blowing unsteady in 2nd part, Note error in 4th part - check the music. A wee bit abrupt entry to reel, but nice music and lift to start, tighening up a bit in 3rd part making musical delivery a bit erratic. Overall, enjoyable tunes, strong technique - focus on improving the steadiness of your blowing.
Watch Video


" Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Doug Yates Tunes: Duncan McNeil's Farewell to Melfort, Highland Harry, Bessie McIntyre Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Steady start to the march, but tempo very cautious. Technique executed well, slowing down in 2nd part to fit in the execution, interrupting the musical flow. Birls not fullsome at part endings. Drones well tuned against chanter, chanter overall tuned in balance, but F a bit sharp. Some catching C to E in 4th part. Steady entry to the strathspey, good pulsing of phrases and execution of technique but tempo very cautious and slowing down in places, esp 3rd part. Steady entry to the reel. some catching C to E in and B -C - E in 3rd, 4th parts. Steady blowing and bagpipe through to the end - work on bringing the tempo up across the three idioms.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Duncan Petersen-Jones Tunes: John MacColl’s March to Kilbowie Cottage, Susan MacLeod, Mrs. MacPherson of Inveran Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Nice bright entry to the march, good musical flow. Drones tuned pretty well, chanter OK but sharp on top hand especially F. Overall technique pretty good, birls at part endings need more weight. 3rd part watch catching C-B-C. 4th part playing ahead of the beat at times in the first line. Good break to the strathspey, musical presentation a bit square overall, could use more strong first beat accent. Top hand sharpening up. Strong technique, esp 3rd part. A bit abrupt entry to reel and blowing increasingly unsteady as performance progresses. Rushing ahead of the beat in places starting in 3rd part and then in subsequent parts. Overall, enjoyable music, just unsteady playing and blowing in places.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Huber Karina Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Lady Louden, The Rejected Suitor Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Confident start to the march, could use more 2 bar phrasing effect. Drones well set, chanter quite sharp in pitch, especially on the top hand, high G. Embellishments played on the beat, but at times crushed or missed. Good birls at part ends! Steady tempo maintained throughout. Missing out doublings in the 4th part - check original manuscripts. Strathspey good entry, but phrasing getting bogged down to make the execution correct. Musical presenttion quite straight, needs more emphasis on the 1st beat in the bar. Steady entry to the reel. well executed technique, clean and correct. Tempo slowing as tune progressed. Overall steady playing but need to re-set reed to flatten off chanter pitch.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: James Doucette Tunes: Invergordon's Welcome to H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, Kristy McCallum's Favourite, John MacInnis Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Confident start. Robust and well balanced bagpipe, although blowing unsteady, and blowing flat on D throughout. Overall execution of technique pretty good. Underblowing on high A in 4th part. Entry to strathspey a wee bit brisque, but nice lift in playing and strong technique. A wee bit more phrase definition required in 3rd part. Good break to reel and steady playing throughout. Overall your blowing is very unsteady, perhaps the pipe is too strong for you? You don't look comfortable. But you had a nice audience, and the dog enjoyed it 🙂 Keep up the great and constant progress you are making James, techique is very good.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: JD Ingraham Tunes: March is "Balmoral Highlanders" by PM Angus MacKay. Strathspey is "Susan MacLeod" by PM Donald MacLeod. Reel is "The Brown Haired Maid" by PM Donald MacLeod. Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Bright tempo to start the march, steady throughout. Good execution of technique. Chanter set well overall against drones that are well tuned. D and low G are a bit flat. Birls at part endings very good. Some slight catching creeping in C to E. Good break to strathspey, strong phrasing in 1st part, rushed a wee bit in the 2nd part. Rushing end of part in 3rd, and a wee pause in 4th part. Good break to reel - blowing a bit unsteady in the reel. Some underblowing on the top hand, 3rd pt onwards. Overall a strong performance marred by some unsteady blowing and a couple memory pauses. Great potential !
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: John D Mitchell Tunes: The Marchioness of Tullibardine, The Ewe with the Crooked Horn, Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Steady start to the performance. Overall pipe good, chanter flat on high G, drones well tuned. Steady tempo and good execution of technique throughout, but lacking phrase defiinition throughout. be careful not to get bogged down in the 3rd part embellishments (keep tempo steady). Good break to strathspey. quite good lift throughout the tune and very good execution of technique. watch throw on Ds end of 3rd and 4th part not clean. Good break to reel, clean playing. 3rd part tricky and getting bogged down in techique in 1st line of part. strong finish to the tune. Enjoyable performance, drones held well!
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Kieran Sylvestre Tunes: Brigadier General Ronald Cheap of Tiroran, Susan MacLeod, The Rejected Suitor Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Confident entry to the march, playing ahead of the beat and a bit erratic timing. Chanter pitched and tuned well, except flat on low G. Drones tuned a bit sharp against the chanter, bass drone sound light. Strong fingerwork and execution of embellishments. Missed E hits in 4th part. Strong birls! Good break to strathspey, overall tempo a bit laboured and dragging down embellishments in the phrasing. A bit erratic timing entry to the reel but you settled in to the 2nd part. Top hand of chanter becoming sharp. Drones not quite right against the chanter at the end. Overall strong fingering, and execution of embellishments, but try practicing with a metronome to even out the timing.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Linda Snoddy Tunes: Tommy MacDonald of Barguillian, Kirstie McCallman's Favourite, and Man from Glengarry Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Very nice musical start to the march, good flow and timing. Chanter overall balanced, slightly overblowing on top hand, high A. Drones not quite locked from the start. good part ending birls! a wee bit tight in the repeat of 3rd part. Note error first time through 4th part. Nice break to strathspey, steady playing and well phrased. A few wee missed gracenotes 3rd pt. Good entry to the reel, steady playing throughout and good execution of the tune. A wee bit frantic last 2 bars of tune. Very nice musical playing and strong technique throughout! Enjoyable performance!
Watch Video


"Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Noah Schnee Tunes: Mrs. John MacColl Highland Harry John McInnes Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Nice bright tempo to start the march. Well executed technique, chanter pretty well balanced and drones well tuned. Low G a bit flat. Great drive to the march, but could use a wee bit more phrase definition, especially at part endings. A few missed doublings in 3rd and 4th parts. Good entry to the strathspey - slight underblowing at times on top hand. Good execution of technique and strong pulsing and understanding of musical delivery of strathspey idiom. Rushing ahead of beat in places in 4th part. Good break to reel, some stumbles in the tecnhique to deliver on the beat in 2nd, 3rd parts. Strong finish. Enjoyable performance, lots of great music Noah!
Watch Video


" Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Robin Sulzer Tunes: Doctor Allan MacDonald, Shepherd´s Crook, Bessie MacIntyre Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Cautious entry to the march, clean execution of technique and embellishments timed well but tempo could come up a bit. Chanter overall well pitched and balanced, and drones well tuned. Slowing down tempo in the 3rd part. The playing is quite correct, but needs a bit more musical drive. Good break to strathspey, again tempo a bit careful. Strong technique and playing embellishments on the beat. more time on A before grip in 4th part. Good break to reel - and nice lift and tempo - although slowed down in 2nd half of first part. and dropped further in tempo in 3rd part. Strong finish. Very strong technique and a good bagpipe, you just need to bring tempos up a bit and infuse a bit of musical drive in the playing.
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Tracy Wilson Tunes: Glenfinnian Highland Gathering, Highland Harry, Captain Lachlan McPhail of Tiree Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Steady start to the march, chanter well set and balanced, drones not quite locked in, but not distracting. watch some catching creeping in C to E. Slight overblowing on high A, 3rd part and blowing overall becoming a bit unsteady. Note error 4th part, both times through (check manuscript). Good break to strathspey, coming in a wee bit ahead of the beat on the A toarluath 1st part. A bit square overall in pulsing, try focusing attention on 1st beat in the bar. Losing some momentum in 4th part. Good break to reel, and steady playing. Watch the last bar, diving for birl - it is coming in ahead of the beat at the end of the 1st and 2nd part. Enjoyable tunes !
Watch Video


Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Zippa Curiskis Tunes: Mrs. John MacColl, The Shepard's Crook, Mrs. MacPherson of Inveran Judge: Andrea Boyd Judge's Comments: Very steady start to the march, good execution of technique. Chanter well pitched and balanced, and drones well set, bass drone slightly overpowering balance. Really excellent march phrasing! Bass drone drifting a wee bit in 4th part. Good entry to strathspey, feeling a wee bit laboured in tempo trying to fit the technique into the beat. Rushing to the birl in the 3rd part. 4th part - B dblg - A - low G - diving down to the low G. Good entry to reel - but cautious tempo and slowing down. Steady playing throughout to the end. Really excellent fingerwork and great potential here, keep the drive going in your strathspey and reel playing!
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: David Stulpner Place: 1 Tunes: Alan McPherson of Mosspark, The Curlew Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one David. Lovely pipe sound welll blown. A very fluid delivery of your jigs today. Nice triplets, birls, taps and gracenoting coming through in AMc. Good steady tempo sustained into Curlew. Nice F doublings P2 and consitent D throws throughout the tune. Nice musical and technical delivery overall with appropriately placed themal beat notes and fluid triplet feel. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Connor Eckert Place: 2 Tunes: Jig of Slurs, Rory McLeod Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Connor. Thanks for this! Lovely pipe sound and precise blowing. Jig Tempo is spot on. This G.S. McLennan composition is a classic. I would strongly recommend leaving in all 6 doublings in P2 (F, F, E, E, F, F, missing in your setting for example.when playing it for solos- Again a nice flow and touch with Rory M as well... super fluid musical presentation but with several movements removed that I would recommend for solo comp. G gracenote finger is just a shade low in the "lift" at times causing some misses. Otherwise tremendous potential. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Megan Brodie Place: 3 Tunes: Alan McPherson of Mosspark, Troy's Wedding Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Megan thanks for this. Nice pipe well set chanter and drones nicely matched. AM - Clear and smooth jig feel with consistent pulses. Technically strong presentation throughout. Very slight hesitation at transistion. Nice TW with strong technige and clear note changes, strong taps and d doublings. Musically consistent triplet feel. Thanks - SH
Watch Video


"Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Cameron Stewart Place: 4 Tunes: John Paterson’s Mare, Alex MacDonald Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Cameron. Thanks for that. Pipe is quite nicely set and blown well. Just a shade dry sounding and nearly chirpy. Nice effort on your jigs today. Technique is coming through quite well. These are big tunes. Nice D throws and triplets in JP. Good tempo a couple spots not quite fluid. Nice transition to AM. Good playing overall. Be careful of rushing the odd triplet here. Aim for consitent triplet feel for full effect.. Thanks! -SH
Watch Video


" Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Andrew Hill Place: 5 Tunes: Dr. Flora MacAuley of Carradale, Old Wife of the Mill Dust Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Andrew. A nice set of tunes. A strong start. Nice pipe well set and blown. Nice technical delivery in Dr F with good musical consistency and pacing. Good transition to Old Wife. Watch P1 triplets for slight rushing, settled in beyond. 2 wee chokes. Nice P5 triplets. Good momentum sustained on this 6 parted tune. Thanks - SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Brennan Foley Place: 6 Tunes: Alan McPherson of Mosspark & 20/20 Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Brennan. Thanks for this. Pipes are ok. Hi A flat. Tempo is brisk and perhaps top shelf here. Watch for precise placement of your G Gracenote on Low G in P3 in 20/20 just a bit of bump in spots. Nice transiiton to AM. Would like to hear a wee bit more value on beat notes, and just sit inside it for full musical effect. Watch A-A-A triplet in P3 for smooth triplet feel, and E-B-E at all ending phrases. Just a shade rushed. Lots of spirit ! Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Alexandra Miller Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Mosspark, Spice of Life Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one ALexandra. Thanks for this. Pipes quite nice and blowing is ok. Nice feel to AM, Just slightly late to birls in each part. Aim to be right on top tap. Nice triplet feel. Good transition effort. Som tricky note combinations in SoL Jig. Edre at ending phrase is coming in late. Good effort at all the technique , its a mighty tune. Aim to keep the tune rolling along at tempo even in the challenging phrases to achieve ideal musical effect. thanks - SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta Tunes: The Curlew / Paddy's Leather Breeches Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Dagmar. A nice set of tunes here. Pipe is ok and blowing is stable. Good technique coming through generally. You have a mix of jig expression in your presentation. Some areas have a strong pulse on the triplets, while other area have a hearty cut on the themal beat note. For full effect I would choose either a slight pulse on the themal beat (all the themal beat notes) or a rounder even style for each triplet. I would shy away from cutting the themal beat notes. Either way choose one style and stick with for consistency. Nice poster of you in background!! Thanks! -SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Duncan Petersen-Jones Tunes: Rory MacLeod, St. Ninian’s Parish Centre Ceilidh Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Duncan. A solid effort on your jigs today. Pipe is just a shade sharp on top hand, drones are ok. Jigs have a wee bit of a choppy feel overall aim to keep things rolling along smoothly for full effect. A good effort on your technique at the expense of your musical delivery. good transition with NParishP3 birls just a shade behind. Good efforts on Chedre in P1 as well. Keep working hard. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Esther scheren Tunes: McGuire's jig & the mull of kintyre Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Esther.A nice selection of Jigs today. Drones wavering slightly, stable blowng. Tempo is consistent and appropriate. Triplets are stable, nice taps. Nice fingerwork overall with good gracenoting. P4 McGuires has an unexpected variation yet it is consistently presented. Aim for a better tuned instrument and ideally no wavering of the drones. Watch P3 of McGuires, aim for full length 1/4 notes (D and F) for full effect. No off beat in a 6/8 and those areas are feeling slightly even,. THanks - SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Huber Karina Tunes: McGuire's Jig, The Curlew Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Karina. NIce one. Tempo is quite consistent fro both jigs. Drones are wavering quite a bit, chanter sounds dry with sharpness on top hand esp High G. Good effort on technique perhaps at the expense of musical delivery. Grips, F doublings, and D throws all thick and consistent. Aim to lighten up just slightly and let the momentum progress forward for full effect. Thanks! -SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: James Dean Tunes: The Glasgow City Police Pipers, Rockin the Baby Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: A nice verbal intoduction here and thank you for all the thanks! Congratulations on your first competition here today. It is a challenge to enter the right grade, You are very nicely turned out. Nice tempo and forward momentum and spirit. The GCPP Jig, have a look back to your music to double check your notes. The first note in the triplet grouping is where the beat falls, Making a notation on your music can be a helpful. Stick to the traditional settings where possible and be sure the beat note (first note in the grouping) is landing squarely on your toe tap iteself. Same for RB Jig. Good Luck! Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: John D Mitchell Tunes: The Curlew, The Fittie Boatman Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one John. Thanks for that. Tempo is steady. Drones are balanced and set up well. Nice effort on all your technique. Transition between is good. Overall aim to have a consistent approach on your jig style.. Some triplets have the first note cut. B for example (B-A-A in P1 of Curlew) AIm for a wee pulse on the B or a smooth round feel through that triplet for ex. Consistency in style is key for the full effect. In FB Jig watch for earliess at C - C*doubling when you are not changing notes. Be sure to wait until your toe tap is fully down. Strong technique, just aim to place it precisely. Thanks- SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Kieran Sylvestre Tunes: Michael MadDonald's Jig, Mary Horne's Jig Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Kieran. Thanks for this. Drones wavering slightly from start. Nice start, bobble in P2 MM Jig. At times the pulse is shifting with some of the beat notes feeling cut or rushed. AIm to have an nice open / round feel throughout, or a very slight pulse on the themal beat note, for full effect. Good technical effort throughout the set. Be aware of your strength on the bottom hand, and perhaps keeping your hands lower may help with fluidity of bottom hand triplets. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Linda Snoddy Tunes: Whatever Moreover, The Old Woman's Dance Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Linda. NIce one. Pipes are quite nice. Tempos are perhps top shelf here. A few misses and a couple spots of tricky note combinations where its feels unsettled. Aim to "sit" just a shade more for full effect.. Good transition. 2nd Jig is the better of the 2. Nice triplets in P3 here. Aim for a smooth un hurried musical feel which will also aid in technical delivery and consistent tripleting style. THanks -SH
Watch Video


"Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Noah Schnee Tunes: Donald Willie & His Dog Michael MacDonald's Jig Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Noah. Great Background !!! Nice pipe and good blowing. Watch for bottom hand clarity, precise placed gracenotes in DW. Good tempo for these tunes. Watch for clarity on bottom hand work in P3 (both tunes) some B and C doublings are tight. Nice musical flow, just watch the themal notes in P3 for anchoring points. Aim to place beat notes squarely on the toe tap itself. Just a shade unsettled. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


" Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Philip Duthie Tunes: Jim McGillvray's jig, paddy's leather britches Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Philip. Nice pipe and good musical flow with JM jig. quite smooth with nice treatment of gracenotes. Good transition - watch for C-A-A combinations in Paddy's for smoothness. Just a bit cut on those C's. Nice triplets in P3. A bit light technically in P1, 2, 4 with the omission of the F doublings. A good set otherwise. Thanks - SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Ritchie Gardiner Tunes: Steve Byrne's Jig, Skye (both by Fred Morrison) Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Richie. NIce one. 2 challengig tunes here. Tempo is top shelf. Technique is challenging with tricky note combinations. wee bobble P2. P3 you could lightenup slightly on the D strikes and focus on keeping the momentum moving forward. Nice transition. Again good efforts on the these challengin tunes..Just a week bit unsettled in spots. Aim to land all your themal notes squarely on the toe tap for full effect. Thanks -SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Travis Combs Tunes: The Banjo Breakdown, Cork Hill. Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Travis. Chanter is ok, drones are quite flat to chanter pitch. Overall the technique is coming in clearly through out both Jigs. Overall your musical style needs attention, with different styles of triplets displayed throughout. Sometimes the beat note in your tiplets are cut, and others times the beat note is held. Aim for either a smooth even triplet, or a slightly pulsesd triplet, but be consistent and dont mix the styles. This is important to obtain full musical effect. Good strong hands. Thanks - SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Vienna Scheyer Tunes: The Old Wife of the Mill Dust, The Gold Ring Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Vienna. A big set 6 + 6. Good tuning efforts. Tempo is Brisk, top shelf fo sure. A couple of unclear moments due to tempo. D-B-Low G bars 4 and 8 throughout Old wife. Nicely handled triplets P3 and P5. Good transision. Gold RIng musically pleasing with fierce momentum. Really going for it and handling the technical aspects pretty well for G2. Kepp things smooth and tempo would come down a shade for full effect. Thanks! -SH
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Hugo Mackay Place: 1 Tunes: Lieutenant McGuire's Jig, Alan MacPherson of Mosspark Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Nice pipe at start.Good clear technique throughout.Som 'sticky' movements.Good tempo and idiom.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Dugald MacKechnie Place: 2 Tunes: Troy's Wedding, The Hen's March Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Nice pipe at start.Relaxed tempo in Troy's.Scott MacAuly's version here.Better feel in 2nd jig. Pipe nice at end
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Cameron Bonar Place: 3 Tunes: St. Ninian's Parish Centre Ceilidh & Old Wife at the Mill Dust Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Nice Pipe at start.Good tempo and idiom throughout.Nice clear technique.Pipe OK at end.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Connor Francis Place: 4 Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches, Over to Uist Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: PipeOK at start.Tempo good throughout.Idiom not 100% locked in 1st jig.Better in second.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Zippa Curiskis Place: 5 Tunes: Archie Beag, The Braes of Mellinish Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start.Tempo and feel OK but a tad flat.Nice clear technique. Watch tempo in 3rd part 2nd jig - Slowing.Pipe OK at end
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Liza MacFarquhar Place: 6 Tunes: Donald Willie and his Dog, Duncan McKillop Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pop OKat start.Good controlled pace and feel throughout.Bobble right at end.Pipe not 100% at end.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Aly Williams Tunes: St. Ninian’s Parish Centre Ceilidh, Rory McLeod. Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not 100% at startGood pace and feel throughout.Some misses in 2nd jig .Drones causing some worry?
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Anne Gallo Tunes: The Curlew, Donnie MacGregor Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Chanter pitch changed from tuning to tune.Good tempo.Would like more accent on the first note of each beat to give a brighter iodiom.Some catchnotes here and there.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Christopher Boyles Tunes: The Curlew, Old Wife of the Mill Dust Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not 100% at start.Tempo pushy in 'C"phrase in 1st jig.Not locked in.Tempo increasing in 2nd jig.Pipe same at end.
Watch Video


"Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Daniel (Dan) Sanchez Tunes: Alan MacPherson Mosspark, The Bride’s Jig Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe Ok at start.Frantic feel in 1st jig.Betterbin 2nd jig.A less agressive tempo would help create a better idiom and be easierto dance to.
Watch Video


" Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ed Kitlowski Tunes: The Old Wife of the Mill Dust, The StarCraft Trip to Glencoe by Ann Gray Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OKat start.The dotted1/8th,1/16th,1/8 figure is not consistant throughout creating a franic feel and irratic tempo.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ewan Jones Tunes: The Braes of Mellinish Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Nice pipe at start.Good pace and feel.Thetune requirements are two jigs in succession not one only.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: JD Ingraham Tunes: "Honey in the Bag" by Charlie Glendinning and "The Banjo Breakdown" as arranged by PM Donald MacLeod, MBE Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: pipe not 100% at start.Consistant tempo.Some brain fade in places.Idiom better in 2nd jig. Pipe wanderig at end.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Katherine Miller Tunes: Dunrovin Farm, The Skye Rovers Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: pipe not 100% at start.Consistant tempo.Some brain fade in places.Idiom better in 2nd jig. Pipe wanderig at end.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden Tunes: Rory Macleod & The Curlew. Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: pipe not 100% at start.Liely tempo.Idiom OK in 1st jig.Frantic sounding 3rd and 4th parts in 2nd jig.Pipe wandering at end.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Miranda Germann Tunes: Jimmy Mac Gregor, Kenny would dance with the maid Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pip[e not 100% at start.Tempo and feel a bit flat for me in 1st jig.Watch ontrol of the idiom in 2nd jig. Pointed here and not in 1st jig.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Reid Kyrzyk Tunes: Donella Beaton, The Banjo Breakdown Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe nice at start.Relxed tempo.4th part messy in 1st jig.Watch control of the idiom with top hand in 2nd jig.More consistancy required here.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Rory Bain Tunes: St. Ninnians Parish Centre Ceilidh, The Brides Jig Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe OK at start.tempo OK.Would like more consistant dotted1/8th,1/16th,1/8 figure to create a betteridiom throughout.
Watch Video


Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Victoria McRae Tunes: Curlew & Old Woman's Dance Judge: James W. Troy Judge's Comments: Pipe not 100%at start.tempo and feel OK.would like more phrasing throughoutt make a more interesting idiom Pipe waderihng at end
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Cameron Bonar Place: 1 Tunes: Murdo MacKenzie of Torridon Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: A well set and tuned bagpipe coming across in this tune - well done. High G just verging on the flat side. You showed a great understanding of the compound rhythms required for this tune - just a couple of places where it starts to lose a little value on the dots, eg the second phrase in the last part but this is only a minor criticism. Great technique, especially your birls which although they are a little 'wide' at present are exactly as I like them played. Keep practising these and they will get even more refined and impressive. To take your performances to the next level, I think you could inject a hint more life into the tune with a tempo increase and stretching that dotted note as long as you can throughout the whole tune.Thanks very much for an enjoyable tune, Cameron and keep up the great work.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Connor Francis Place: 2 Tunes: Major John MacLennan Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: An excellent understanding of compound rhythms displayed from the outset, with strong emphasis on the dotted quavers - top work. Your cut notes are nice and small which is maintaining the life in the tune. Just beware of a hint of crossing noise from a small D to F in the third part: make sure those hands are switching crystal clarity throughout to take your performances to the next level. Drones well tuned together and pipe blown well. C and E verging on the flat. Thank you for an enjoyable tune Connor - keep up the great work.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Duncan Petersen-Jones Place: 3 Tunes: The MacNeils of Ugadale Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March, with a nod to the phrase endings punctuating the tune nicely. Bagpipe pretty well set and tuned, with the exception of F and D which are verging on sharp. Technically all present and correct too - well done Duncan. Couple of minor things - I felt the odd D throw was a little early to low G which disrupted the flow slightly, and in the Bar 7 your G gracenote is occasionally bigger than the F which precedes it - for absolute perfection keep that G grace smaller than the cut note. Well done and thank you for an enjoyable tune.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Liza MacFarquhar Place: 4 Tunes: Pipe Major Sam Scott Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March, and pulling out the dotted note in each beat to pulse nicely. Lively tempo grabbed my attention from the outset. Excellent technique throughout with accurate gracenotes and changing of hands. Minor criticism - grips could be a little more open and relaxed for rhythmical effect in solos. Just to hear a bit more low G.Bagpipe well tuned, chanter reed just verging on thin on the F and high G.Thank you Liza for an enjoyable tune - just find a slightly more robust bagpipe and open those grips to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Katherine Miller Place: 5 Tunes: Fairview Cottage Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March, and pulling out the dotted note in each beat to pulse nicely.Bagpipe set and drones tuned quite well together, but there's just a hint of flatness from some notes, for example F in the latter parts.Your technique is generally excellent, with the exception of the hint of an untidy hand change from the small B to E in the last phrase (I think your E finger is lifted up when you're still on B on the bottom hand giving a slight tonal discrepancy) and the odd grip in the last part which isn't timed to absolute perfection (pinky is moving slightly out of synch with top hand).Thanks for an enjoyable tune Katherine, showing great rhythm and music throughout. Continue to improve your tuning and refine the hand changing to take your performance to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Rory Bain Place: 6 Tunes: Big Don Macdonald Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March, and pulling out the dotted note in each beat to pulse nicely. You coupled this with a lively tempo which grabbed my attention and maintained. Bagpipe very well set - with the exception of high G which was verging on flat. I wasn't able to fully assess the consistency of your drones due a fair amount of wind noise on the video but I haven't penalised you for this as when I could hear them clearly they were well tuned and blown.Technique is generally sound with strong embellishments - watch for the run F E to D in places your bottom hand is playing D just a hint too early (before the E finger) which is affecting the clarity here. I think you could relax your grips to hear a little more low G for maximum effect too.Thank you for an enjoyable tune Rory - just a couple of minor technical and tonal things to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Alexandra Miller Tunes: Miss. Ishabel T. MacDonald Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: You set a steady tempo, showing great understanding of compound rhythms. You could emphasise the dotted note a little more in the beat, and take a little off the quaver in places to really emphasise the 6/8 march swing - for example the high As on the left in the second part. Technique excellent in the early passages, just beginning to let a couple of light strikes sneak in in the last part. I'm expecting to hear a full E doubling in bar 4 but this seems really tight each time. Keep those fingers relaxed and you'll maintain your embellishments.Pipes well set, well tuned and well blown. Just a hint of a chirpy gracenote on C would be a minor criticism.Well done Alexandra and thanks for an enjoyable tune.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Andrew Buchanan Tunes: Cameron MacFadyen Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: You set a steady tempo for the tune, showing a great understanding of the compounds rhythms required.Drones tuned well together, chanter a shade out of balance with High G coming across as a little sharp at times and low A verging on flat. Technically sound with good doublings, throws and grips throughout - well done. Just a hint of a crossing/catch noise from B to E early in the tune. Well done Andrew and thank you for an enjoyable tune.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Bobby Wallace Tunes: Isabel T MacDonald Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: A well set and well tuned bagpipe coming across early in the tune - well done. Nice tempo for this tune showing off good technique and understanding of compound rhythms required. You could get a hint more out of the tune by stretching the dotted note in the beat a little extra, and taking some off the quaver, eg the beat note high As in the second part could be emphasised more for me. Grips upsetting the flow of the third part slightly - try to make the B smaller by bringing the low G of the grip earlier.Thanks for the tune Bobby on a cracking instrument - I enjoyed it.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Christopher Boyles Tunes: Dr Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: A positive tempo set for this tune giving an enjoyable listen. Drones well tuned together but a little too sharp, so chanter is coming across on the dull side despite being well set. Showing a cracking understanding of the compound rhythms required for 6/8 marches, just losing than emphasis on the dotted quaver at times, for example the E in bar 2 in 2nd and 4th parts - wait longer for the wee C. Technique excellent throughout which contributed to an enjoyable listen - thank you Christopher.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Daniel (Dan) Sanchez Tunes: Rab’s Wedding Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: A positive tempo for this tune on a well set, tuned and blown bagpipe. Technique sound throughout. Showing a good understanding of the note values required generally, but sometimes moving early into the cut notes before strikes which is affecting the compound rhythm of the tune. For example in the groups with F then E and strike, wait as long as you can for the small E so the dotted F is emphasised more in the beat. This will keep the 6/8 march rhythm throughout and take your performance to the next level. Thank you for an enjoyable tune, Dan and enjoy your piping.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Doug Yates Tunes: Jean Mauchline Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March from the outset, at a careful tempo. Bagpipe set, tuned and blown well. Technique generally sound with good taorluaths and doublings throughout. Quite often in bar 4, you're generating a crossing from the small D to F - make sure you switch hands accurately so bottom hand doesn't land on the chanter before top hand is playing F. Thank you for an enjoyable tune Doug - just refine that hand changing so you can maintain that technical accuracy throughout the tune to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Esther scheren Tunes: Dundee city policy pipe band Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March, with a nod to the phrase endings punctuating the tune nicely. Technique is good Esther - well done. Just a couple of minor points: G grace from the short F to E a little untidy, for example in bar 1 first part. I'm hearing a little bit of E before the G gracenote finger lifts. Make sure sure pinky and top hand leave the chanter together at the end of a Grip too. Sometimes I can hear a little bit of low A before the E. Chanter well set, drones are close, but not quite perfectly tuned together.Thank you for an enjoyable tune - just a couple of minor technical points and keep working on the drone tuning to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Huber Karina Tunes: El Alamein Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March, with a nod to the phrase endings punctuating the tune nicely. Chanter fairly well set, with the exception of F and High G which are a little sharp. Drones are close, but not quite perfectly tuned together.Great doublings and strikes on D - very impressive. Sometimes your bottom hand is down before your E finger lifts, when playing D to E, which is resulting in a slight crossing/catch noise - work to ensure crystal clarity with hand changes.Thank you for an enjoyable and rhythmical tune - just keep learning about that bagpipe setup and clarity of fingerwork to take your performances to the next level Karina.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: James Dean Tunes: O’Sullivans March, Mairseail Ri Laoise Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: A spirited and lively tempo for these tunes James meaning an enjoyable listen - showing an appreciation of the compound rhythms. Technique in general is good, with the odd blemish of a crossing noise bottom hand notes up to E. Chanter well set and drones fairly close but not quite perfect: consider tuning your drones when sounding high A on the chanter to maintain a constant pressure. Most solo judges will expect to hear a four parted (Scottish 'regimental' style?) tune for solo competition - just something to be aware of. Thank you James for an enjoyable listen and excellent dress and deportment. All the best for your piping future.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Janna Freed Tunes: O'er the Hills to Inverary (John MacLellan, Dunoon) Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March, with a nod to the phrase endings punctuating the tune nicely. Chanter fairly well set, just the odd hint of a chirp on the bottom hand notes with G gracenotes. Drones are almost perfect set together, just a hint of drift in them.Your technical is all present and correct - on occasion your gracenotes are as big as the cut notes around them which is slightly affecting the flow/musical presentation of the tune. Keep working to refine those gracenotes smaller than the short notes around them.Thank you for an enjoyable and rhythmical tune and enjoy your piping, Janna.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: John Ballard Tunes: All The Blue Bonnets Are Over the Border Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March, with a nod to the phrase endings punctuating the tune nicely. Bagpipe fairly well set and drones well tuned - nicely done - with the exception of F which is verging on sharp. Technique is generally sound with strong embellishments. Take care with the C doublings from low A - this is a danger area for crossing noise if your low G finger hits the chanter before other fingers, eg in bar 1. Just a couple of hesitations in parts 2 and 4 which interrupted the musical flow here.Thank you for an enjoyable tune, John, and keep up the good work.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Michael Molloy Tunes: Jean Mauchline Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March at a careful tempo, and pulling out the dotted note in each beat to pulse nicely. A nice nod to the phrase endings is punctuating the tune to good effect. Grips and taorluaths not always landing cleanly - take care to ensure that your low G finger hits the chanter and leaves the chanter at the same for the perfect effect.Pipe well set, and drones tune very well - top work.Thanks for an enjoyable listen Michael - work to refine those movements with low Gs to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Noah Schnee Tunes: Pipemaker Jerry Gibson Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March at a careful tempo, and pulling out the dotted note in each beat to pulse nicely. Technique generally very good - I just feel you could work on the consistency of your taorluaths and birls so you hit them all. Consider your tune choice in this respect: there were a lot of taorluaths and grips in this tune so you may have more success if there's more variety in the embellishments in your next tune.Bagpipe very well set and tuned - with the exception of high A which was a little scratchy at times.Thanks for an enjoyable tune and keep up the excellent work Noah.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Victoria McRae Tunes: Cameron MacFayden Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March, and pulling out the dotted note in each beat to pulse nicely. You coupled this with a lively tempo which grabbed my attention and maintained. Bagpipe very well set - with the exception of F which was verging on flat. Technically sound with good doublings, throws and grips throughout - well done. Just a hint of a crossing/catch noise from B to E on occasion: keep the hand change clean from bottom to top. Thank you for an enjoyable tune Victoria - keep up the good work. Just a couple of technical and tonal things to refine to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Zippa Curiskis Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie Judge: Jonathon Simpson Judge's Comments: Showing great understanding of compound rhythms required for a 6/8 March, played at a lively tempo which maintained my attention throughout. You are pulling out the dotted note in each beat to pulse nicely. Technically sound with good doublings, throws and grips throughout - well done. Just the hint of a crossing noise from bottom to top hand when your bottom hand is going before your top hand (eg second part second bar 3).Bagpipe well set with the exception of F which is verging on sharp. Drones almost spot on but still room for a little bit of improvement to have them 100% set together.Well done and thanks for an enjoyable tune Zippa - great rhythm. Keep up the good work to refine those minor technical and tonal issues to take your performances to the next level.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Connor Eckert Place: 1 Tunes: Dr. Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very well played Connor, this was a confident performance on an excellent bagpipe. You played with poise and finesse, it is clear you have a good grasp for the music. Dress and deportment was very good. A couple of pointers: I felt that the pace of your tune could have been slightly brighter - having momentum is a key aspect of 6/8 playing. In the 4th part, try to hold onto the theme notes prior to the taorluaths more, therefore not rushing the beat. In general, your D gracenotes were quite tight, especially in the taorluath movement. It is really important that all technique is kept open and precise - relax your hands. Overall this was an accomplished performance, worthy of a place in some professional graded competitions. However it is key that you keep up the good technique, keep working hard and enjoy playing the music. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: David Stulpner Place: 2 Tunes: Dovecote Park Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very well played on an excellent bagpipe. You play this tune with plenty poise and finesse, allowing the expression to shine through. Dress and deportmanet was very good. A few pointers: I felt that the tune could have been lifted slightly in tempo to increase momentum - this is a key aspect of 6/8 playing. Some movements were quite light - particularly grips and taorluaths where the D gracenote tended to come across too tight. It is key that all technique is kept open and precise - especially on the practice chanter in preparation for playing the tune on the pipes. Overall I really enjoyed listening to your tune - well done and keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Brennan Foley Place: 3 Tunes: Dr. Ross Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played - very confident performance on a good bagpipe. It is clear you have a good handle of your instrument, maintaining a consistent sound throughout. Dress and deportment was first class. The momentum of the tune allowed the music to flow freely - a key aspect of good 6/8 playing. A couple of pointers: I noticed you tend to bow your head whilst playing - posture is as important as anything else in piping so try to keep your head up, shoulders back. Try to keep all your technique open and clear - precision is key and only practice can solve this. Birls especially were a bit inconsistent at times - this did not take away from the music however. Overall this was an excellent tune and you have great potential - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Aly Williams Place: 4 Tunes: Pipe Sergeant John Barclay. Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very musical tune Aly, well played! You kept the tempo consistent throughout and delivered a confident tune on a well tuned instrument. Dress and deportment is excellent (I recognise that tartan). A couple of pointers: Try to increase pace of the tune a wee bit - not to the detriment of technique though as this is equally as important to get right. A few movements (particularly your doublings) were quite tight so try to keep these open and precise - relax your hands and let the music flow. Overall this was a great performance - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Dugald MacKechnie Place: 5 Tunes: The Braemar Gathering Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very well played! You kept a steady tempo throughout and delivered a confident tune on a well tuned instrument. Drones were locked in and steady. A couple of pointers: A wee squeak in the 4th part - this did not take away from the music however. Once you have gained more confidence with the tune, try to increase the pace a wee bit - not to the detriment of technique though as this is equally as important to get right. A few movements were quite tight so try to keep these open and precise - relax your hands and let the music flow. Overall this was a really good performance - you have great potential, keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Vienna Scheyer Place: 6 Tunes: Fairview Cottage Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very well played Vienna! You presented this tune with confidence and have a clear grasp for the musical structure. The tune flowed well and had lots of momentum throughout - an important aspect of good 6/8 playing. Your dress and deportment was first class. I particularly appreciated your slow air warm-up, this was a good way to settle your pipes. Also, you tuned your instrument very well and, with practice, this will begin to get faster and become more 2nd nature. A few comments: Be careful not to have catching noises when changing between notes on each hand - although not as easily heard on the practice chanter, they are very easily picked up when playing the pipes. In general, your technique is very good, however remember to keep this up and continually practice your technique to ensure it is clear and precise as you progress. Overall this was a well played tune on a good bagpipe, you have lots of promise - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Andrew Hill Tunes: Fairview Cottage Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very well played tune. It is clear you have a good handle of your instrument, maintaining a consistent sound throughout. The tempo was bright and had good momentum. A couple of pointers: A few catching noises between (particularly C-E and D-F) came across and these should be worked on. It is key to keep all note transitions clean and clear. Drones were not quite locked at the start - this did not take away from the music however. Practice is key for tuning. Overall this was a mature performance - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Cameron Stewart Tunes: Pipe Sergeant John Barclay Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very well played tune. It is clear you have a good handle of your instrument, maintaining a consistent sound throughout. Dress and deportment was excellent! Your bagpipe was really well tuned - drones locked in and steady from the start, balanced well with the chanter. A couple of pointers: In the 3rd part, remember to wait for the beat and not to rush, especially down to the birl on the 1st beat. Overall I feel the tune could be slightly more upbeat, momentum is key in 6/8 playing. However this should not necessarily mean play faster, aiming for the beat will naturally create momentum. Overall this was a very good performance - you have lots of potential, keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta Tunes: Rab's Wedding Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played Dagmar! This was a musical tune played on a good instrument. It is clear that you have a good handle of your instrument, maintaining a steady sound throughout. Dress and deportment was really good. A couple of pointers: In the 3rd part (2nd time through) you missed an E tap which unfortunately meant that the part was shortened by a beat - this is an easy mistake to make. Try to ensure that your bottom hand keeps good coverage of the holes when playing D-throws - I felt they were a bit light on the whole and needed more Low G. Overall this was a very musical performance and you play this tune well. Keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Ed Kitlowski Tunes: Jean Mauchline Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very well played! You kept the tempo consistent throughout and delivered a confident tune. Your bagpipe was very well tuned and drones nicely locked with the chanter until the end. Dress and deportment first class. A couple of pointers: Pay attention to the transition between hands as sometimes this comes across (going from top hand to bottom) as if you are 'peeling' your hands off the chanter as opposed to cleanly lifting and closing them simultaneously. It is key that this transition is clean so that there is no 'overlap' between D and E causing false fingering. In the last part, try to aim for the beat more and point out that first High A before the grip as this will help set you up for the remainder of the part. Overall this was a great performance - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Ewan Jones Tunes: The Trees of North Uist Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very good tune Ewan! You played with confidence on a well tuned instrument. I felt you paced the tune very well, pointing out the beat and giving a feeling of momentum throughout. A couple of pointers: Focus on maintaining a steady pressure on the instrument so that blowing remains steady - a couple of times on D especially the pitch fluctuated quite a lot. Remember to keep all technique open and consistent, having precision is key and this can only be gained through practice. Overall very well done, this is a tough tune to play - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Hugo Mackay Tunes: MacLeod of Mull Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played Hugo, a confident tune on a good bagpipe. You maintained the tempo well and gave a feeling of momentum by pointing out the beat - keep this up. Dress and deportment very good. A couple of pointers: In the 3rd part, you played the opening anacrusis (F before the 1st beat in the first bar) first time through but missed it the 2nd time. Ensure that you keep up the good technique and keep all movements open and clean, precision is key and this can only be achieved through practice. Overall a great performance, pity about the wee mistake in the 3rd part. You have great potential - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: James Doucette Tunes: General Hunt's Welcome to the Queen's Own Highlanders Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played tune James! The tune flowed along nicely and you carried momentum by correctly pointing out the beat - keep this up. Your technique is very good - make sure to continue the practice and ensure this doesnt change. A few comments: A wee slip in the 1st part (ending bar). Make sure you blow out your High A as this was a bit inconsistent at times, tending to sound raspy when not blown fully. Overall this was a confident performance and you have very clear technique, pity about the slip in the 1st part. Keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: JD Ingraham Tunes: "Tug Argon Gap" by Pipe Major John MacKenzie Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played tune! You play with plenty poise and finesse, allowing the expression to shine through. Overall, your technique is very good - it is clear and precise, this should be kept up as you progress and gradually expand your repertoire. A few pointers: I felt that the tune could have been lifted slightly in tempo to increase momentum - this is a key aspect of 6/8 playing. Make sure that you maintain a steady pressure on the instrument at all times so that blowing is steady - your High A tended to sound raspy which is caused by underblowing. One way to think about this is to 'blow through' the notes and maintain that pressure, this way you can find a steady pitch. Overall I really enjoyed listening to your tune - well done and keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: John D Mitchell Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Enjoyable tune, well played! You have a good handle of your instrument and maintained a steady sound throughout. The instrument was well set up and drones locked in - drifting a bit towards the end. A few pointers: Some movements were quite light (especially E taps and birls), these should be worked on to ensure they can be clearly heard at all times. It is key to have consistency and precision in your technique, this can only be achieved through practice chanter work. Chanter a bit chirpy on the G gracenote throughout - this did not take away from the musicality of the tune however. Overall a very well presented tune - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden Tunes: Angus Mackinnon Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played Kurtis! This was a confident tune and you clearly have a good handle over your instrument, maintaining a steady sound throughout. I felt that you played the tune with plenty drive, giving momentum to the music - a key aspect of 6/8 playing. A few comments: Be careful, when transitioning from E to B, not to false finger as this came across a few times during your performance. It is key to ensure all transitions are smooth and that movement between notes always sounds clean. Drones not quite locked from the start - however this did not really take away from the performance as a whole. Overall this was a well presented tune - keep up the good work.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Megan Brodie Tunes: Dornoch Highland Gathering Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Really enjoyable tune, well done! Your technique is very good on the whole - very clean and precise, this should be kept up as you progress onto new tunes and start to increase your confidence. Bagpipe was very well set up - drones locked from start to finish. I really appreciated the section of piobaireachd prior to the 6/8 - you cleary have a good feeling for music. A few comments: Try to give the tune more lift by marginally increasing the pace - though this should never be to the detriment of technique as this is equally as important. Momentum is a key aspect of 6/8 playing and this can naturally be created by pointing out the beat. Overall, this was a very well polished performance - keep it up!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Miranda Germann Tunes: Macleod of Mull Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very well played tune Miranda! You kept the tempo consistent throughout and delivered it with confidence. Dress and deportment was first class. A couple of pointers: Pay attention to the transition between hands as sometimes this comes across (going from top hand to bottom) as if you are 'peeling' your hands off the chanter as opposed to cleanly lifting and closing them simultaneously. It is key that this transition is clean so that there is no 'overlap' between D and E (for example) causing false fingering. In the last part, try to aim for the beat more and point out that first High A before the grip as this will help set you up for the remainder of the part. Overall this was a great performance - keep up the good work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Philip Duthie Tunes: Pipe Major Donald McLean of Lewis Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Well played tune Philip! You presented the music with confidence, showing good technique and a clear grasp for the structure. You have a good handle over your instrument, demonstrated by the consistent sound held throughout. A few pointers: Be careful not to have catching noises when switching between notes on either hand. This requires the top hand to be lifted and bottom hand closed simultaneously, and vice versa. Drones not quite locked with the chanter at the start - however this did not take away from the performance as whole. Overall, this was a well presented tune played with good momentum and poise - keep it up.
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Robin Sulzer Tunes: John D. Burgess Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very good tune Robin! You played with confidence and clearly have a good handle over your instrument, maintaining a consistent sound throughout. Your dress and deportment was first class. A few comments: Overall I thought your tune was very muscial, however the tempo should be lifted slightly to give more momentum to the music - a key aspect of 6/8 playing. Your technique is generally good, however as you progress, you should try to refine each movement so that they are consistent and clear throughout. Overall this was a good tune, you have lots of promise - keep up the great work!
Watch Video


Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Travis Combs Tunes: Atholl Highlanders. Judge: Sandy Cameron Judge's Comments: Very good tune Travis! You played with confidence and have a good handle over your instrument, maintaining a consistent sound throughout. Your dress and deportment was first class. Very nice view in the background as well! A few comments: Overall I thought your tune was very muscial, however the tempo should be lifted slightly to give more momentum to the music - a key aspect of 6/8 playing. Your technique is generally pretty good, however as you progress, you should try to refine each movement (in this case particularly the High A to E grip in part 3) so that they are consistent and clear. Overall this was a good tune, you have lots of promise - keep up the great work!
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: David Stulpner Place: 1 Tunes: Jim Tweedies Sea Legs Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi David, strong pipe, well tuned . Strong hands too, nice h'pipe rhythm Well presented tune throughout, controlled and clean, well done.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Connor Eckert Place: 2 Tunes: College of Piping at Summerside P.E.I Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Connor, nice sound , well tuned bagpipe Good tempo lift from outset Wee surge and missed strike 2nd part Speeding up 4th part (slightly ) missed strike. Really good playing on a well set instrument. Strong hands although a couple of wee technical blemishes did occur. Good work.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Cameron Bonar Place: 3 Tunes: Crossing the Minch Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Cameron , well tuned pipes Good rhythm and expression from outset Tidy fingerwork, watch the underblowing 2nd part Killer birl last part. Well done, a clean, musical performance on well set pipes. Great stuff. Tempo ever so slightly conservative.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Robin Sulzer Place: 4 Tunes: Duncan Johnston Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Nice pipes Robin. Great tune selection. Good tempo and drive from the outset, wee technical issue second part. Speeding up 4th part, but strong finish. Well done, enjoyed this tune.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Edmund Boland Place: 5 Tunes: Cluain Dolcáin Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: On the covid bus - outstanding. Strong pipe, good start to tune, controlled tempo and clean hands. Hint of cross 3rd/4th parts line endings. Otherwise a good strong tune. Great stuff.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Megan Brodie Place: 6 Tunes: The Train Journey North Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Megan, nicely tuned drones and a great hornpipe to select. I wonder if you are underblowing at times. Nice clean fingering, especially those shakes. (oops missed one 3rd part) . 4th part solid. So a nice musical performance with largely clean hands, blowing on your top hand ( Hi G and HiA) needs some attention to bring this tune to the next level. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Aly Williams Tunes: Crossing The Minch. Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Nice dog Aly. Drones not in from outset. Conservative tempo. Crisp fingering. Wee catches 3rd part. Shakes not always clean. Again catches and dropped gracenotes last part. Pretty solid effort, well done. An increase in tempo and slightly cleaner fingering would greatly enhance your performance.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Brennan Foley Tunes: Journey to Tatooine Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Strong pipe, flat High A. Drones well tuned Wee catch 1st part. ANd again second part (crossing noises bar 7/8) Crossing noise 3rd part. Some missed technique last past. Good shake movements but crossing noises really distracted. Good effort.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Cameron Tillery Tunes: Donald MacLeod Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Strong pipe, well tuned. Conservative tempo, a few wee catches /crosses at outset. Crossing noises 3rd part Some mistimed gracenotes 4th part. Good effort, nice instrument, some technical blemishes distracted throughout.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta Tunes: The Man from Skye Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Dagmar, nice tune selection. Well set drones. Hands a wee bit tight from outset with a few crossing noises increasing as you went on. 3rd part had some technical issues. Good expression mostly throughout , tacchums we bit tight at last part variation. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Duncan Petersen-Jones Tunes: The High Level Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Duncan, didnt feel pipe was quite right at outset - drones needed to come down? Good tempo and lift at start, hands pretty clean, a couple of wee crosses 2nds/3rd parts, hint of chirp 4th part. Overall a solid performance, well done.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Ethan DesChamps Tunes: Donald MacLeod Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Ethan, robust pipe sound, perhaps drones not 100% locked Conservative tempo, well handled. Technique solid at beginning of tune. Wee choke end of 3rd part (underblowing as you go on) good final part. A tidy performance, hands largely doing the business, muscially a slight lift in tempo and phrasing would take it to the next level, well done.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Huber Karina Tunes: Redondo Beach Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Karina, good tune choice. Drones well tuned, chanter top hand a little shrill to my ear. Tempo good and noce swing to the tune, a few technical blemishes creep in here and there. Watch the timing of the D stikes at part endings . (just firing in ahead of the beat) Good effort though, well done.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: James Dean Tunes: The Pumpkins Fancy Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Thanks James. I am not familiar with this particular setting of the pumpkin's fancy. I note that there were false fingering issues from the outset and wonder if you've taken the time to go over this with anyone? The bagpipe itself was not quite in tune. In order to progress your performance of this tune you may wish to seek out some constructive feedback from piping colleagues/mentors. All the best.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: JD Ingraham Tunes: "Rathven Market" as arranged by PM Sandy Jones Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi JD, good tune selection. Robust pipe, not 100% locked in. Strong grips , occasional finger lapses, darodo not always consistent. Good tempo and rhythm from outset, good effort.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Kieran Sylvestre Tunes: Crossing the Minch Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Thanks Kieran. A classic hornpipe to select. Drones are not in from the outset which distracts. Parts 1 and 2 quite good, 3rd part some crossing noises and variable blowing. Again a few crossing noises in 4th part as well. Good tempo and rhythm though, keep up the good work, performance would have been greatly improved with some judicious tuning.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Philip Duthie Tunes: Donald MacLeod Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Thanks Philip. Drones not quite locked in from start. Good tempo and expression, a few technical issues from outset. Third part - throw on D not accurate. 4th part. Gracenotes up from low G at part endings not consistent. Good steady performance otherwise.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Travis Combs Tunes: Duncan Johnstone Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Thanks Travis. Pipes ok, drones pretty close, chanter unbalanced (top hand sharp compared to flattish bottom hand. Wee hiccup into second. Good tempo, fingering not always 100% accurate. Good effort.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) a
Competitor: Zippa Curiskis Tunes: Lucy Cassidy Judge: Dr. Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Zippa, Lucy Cassidy is a great tune. Didnt think your drones were quite in from the start. Conservative tempo, hands pretty good though, a couple of tiny crosses 2nd part. Hint of a chirp 4th part. Strong music in this performance, would be greatly enhanced with more attention to tuning, and a wee lift in tempo, well done.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Hugo Mackay Place: 1 Tunes: John Mackenzie's Fancy Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe well set. Good strong correct fingering producing rhythmical clean technique. Tune very well presented with great musical playing and expression. Overall a lovely musical performance of a technically demanding piece of music. Playing well ahead of your young years.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Katherine Miller Place: 2 Tunes: Tam Bain's Lum Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe. Great lively tempo from the outset which suits this tune. Great musical playing with solid clean fingering demonstrating strong technique. A minor point, some triplings on C third part not quite the same as others, make all similar movements identical throughout the tune. Overall a lovely musical performance on a good pipe.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Ewan Jones Place: 3 Tunes: Pipe Major George Allen Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Good pipe, excellent technique, tune played at a good tempo. Musical playing throughout, lovely flow to the playing of the tune. Watch last part of tune a minor point in the GDE movement on one occasion it was slightly nipped, keep they all the same throughout the tune and need to hear full movement. Overall a quality musical performance throughout on a good pipe.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Dugald MacKechnie Place: 4 Tunes: Crossing the Minch Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Good pipes well set, good balance chanter to drones. D slight sharp, overall good strong fingering technique. Good steady tempo and playing. Occasionally some B and D triplings we're technically better than others. Make sure you make every type of movement identical throughput the tune. Try not to play some better than others. Overall a good musical performance on a good pipe. Playing ahead of your young years I
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Daniel (Dan) Sanchez Place: 5 Tunes: Tam Bain’s Lum Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipe very good. Good correct clean fingering showing strong technique. Lovely musical lilt to your playing. Musically an excellent presentation of this tune. Overall a lovely musical performance on a steady pipe.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Vienna Scheyer Place: 6 Tunes: Hornpipe for Clansey Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe, beautifully balanced instrument. Overall good solid technique with strong clean fingering. Good tempo for this tune maintained throughout the tune. Minor point , watch the slight crossing noise end of second part on D. Tune musically presented and played.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Alexandra Miller Tunes: Gordon MacRae's Favourite Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipes good, good balance drones to chanter, technique solid. Tune played at a good steady tempo and well phrased. Please check your tune setting as you are swapping a low A for C in the second last bar all the way through the tune. This did not detract from the musical presentation and maybe the setting you have been given however the original is Low A which to my ear sounds better. 1st time through last part you need to close the chanter fully onto Low A. Overall a good musical performance on a good pipe with solid fingering technique .
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Bobby Wallace Tunes: Donald Macleod Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipes good, good steady tempo, technique also good. Slight slip 1st time through 2nd part. Tune well phrased. High A becoming slightly flat. Overall a good performance on a nice pipe, with sold correct technique.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Caleb Bremner Tunes: Crossing the Minch Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipes overall well set, good steady tempo, nice tempo for this tune, technique solid, strong fingering. Tune well phrased with good musical expression throughout. D slightly sharp towards end of tune . 2nd bar the B grip you are playing is more generally played and written in most versions of this tune as a B tripling. This is carried on right through the tune. It maybe the setting that you have however to my ear sounds more musical with the tripling. However this did not detract from your overall musical presentation of the tune. Overall a good musical performance on a good pipe.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Cameron Stewart Tunes: Joe McGann’s Fiddle Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe, steady tempo, tune well phrased and expressed. Slight squareness coming through in the first time through 3rd part. Pipe possibly on the strong side, tiring towards the end of the performance. Overall a well played tune played musically on a good pipe with solid technique.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Christopher Boyles Tunes: Ina Mackenzie Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipe reasonably well set, chanter on the flat side. Tune played at a good tempo with good solid strong fingering technique. Overall a well structured tune with good musicality and expression.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Connor Francis Tunes: Una McIntyre Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipe quite well set. High G was slightly flat and High A was slight Sharp. Good tempo fir this tune. Overall technique was clean and accurate with solid fingering. Musical playing throughout the tune. Overall a steady tune.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Ed Kitlowski Tunes: Emily Kate Maclellan Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Nice pipe, good tempo for this tune. Overall good technique. 2nd part slightly erratic , losing the tempo here slightly. The tempo must remain consistent throughout the tune. Overall musical playing. Overall a solid performance on a well tuned pipe
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Esther scheren Tunes: The Man from Skye Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipes good overall, pipes well balanced, high A slightly sharp. Overall technique is good showing strong fingering. 3rd part watch the phrase Low G from D, some occasions canter is not being closed fully. Overall a music performance on a good pipe.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Janna Freed Tunes: Onward and Upward Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipe overall reasonably well set, sounds on the strong side. Good steady tempo, technique ok. Some technique in 3rd part slightly muffled. Needing more definition in the movements from top to bottom hand. Similarly in 4th part. Overall a reasonably well played tune.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: John D Mitchell Tunes: Sandy's New Chanter Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipe good. Good lively tempo fir this tune. Good playing showing good strong clean technique and fingering. Throw on D could benefit from more low G prior to complete the movement. Overall a well constructed musical performance.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Liza MacFarquhar Tunes: Lucy Cassidy Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipe overall well set. Chanter slightly high pitched to my ear. Good tempo for this tune demonstrating solid technique throughout. Slight choke last part. Overall a good performance.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Noah Schnee Tunes: Crossing The Minch Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipes overall ok. High G and high A slightly flat. Good steady tempo. Technically soli throughout. Watch B triplings some are not coming out with the full movement. Overall a musical performance.
Watch Video


Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts) b
Competitor: Rory Bain Tunes: Eric Stein Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipes well set. Technique solid overall a musical performance. Slightly erratic tempo first part then the settled done and tempo for the remainder of the tune was good. Overall a good performance showing good musical presentation.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Hugo Mackay Place: 1 Tunes: Beloved Scotland Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: good job on pipes to start! High G not so great L well controlled ground. I think there’s room to get a bit more out of this, but still, nice and steady. Steady to Taor singling, missed gracenote in cadence. Again, quite steady in singling but I find all of the 1/8 notes being played almost exactly the same. Good contrast to doubling. Make sure we hear a strong E gracenote at end of taorulaths. Contrast ok to crunluath, but gracenote weak sounding undecided, is it there, hmm not sure. That’s the feeling from the listener. With your hands, do not take that stuff for granted, own it! Crunluath was also quite well timed. A couple of tight ones now becoming slightly unclear and rushed. You have a good feel for this tune, a good solid effort , High a is scratchy ( unpleasant) and high G flat. Enjoyed this, this will be a good tune for you, thank you!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Robin Sulzer Place: 2 Tunes: The Field of Gold Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: A nice start to a fine ground. One or two “ overcut” or rushed spots. Otherwise well controlled. Pipes sounding good in the variation. I find the 1st variation a bit overpointed and not flowing together, but quite steady. GDE variation has a nice flow to it. Tiny wee miss in taor. Handwork is good for the most part. The crunluath really should roll along a bit more. Holding the notes too much give a staccato or stilted feel to what is a well played tune for the most part. A good effort, thanks very much.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Cameron Bonar Place: 3 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: - a good feel in the ground. Watch the occasional “light” gracenote to low G or on the cadence to B. Pipe settled back in quickly. Nice rhythmical edre movement. High A not quite blown out, just a touch more to clear or get ring. Thumb- this is steady and decent, but I feel you could be just a bit softer on the 3 note group after the long E, just a bit,,,- good move to Var II- for me, I want to hear you finish the dre movement, it just feel like you’re jumping off. Steady though! Nice touch to Taorluath. A wee bit unsteady in balance and blowing in TS. TD started nicely, but then started cutting off the E’s giving it a “limping rhythm, like dot cut” versus the pendulum you started with. Good crunluaths to start. I like how you’re moving through doubling, but I’d swear the cruns got slightly bigger in the doubling. I think this started to block the flow. Listen back yourself. Overall a very good strong effort.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: David Stulpner Place: 4 Tunes: Corrienessans Salute Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: good pipe to start. Steady ground, a few grace notes seem to be rather light at times. Watch that as you have lots of time for good gracing. Nice move to variation 1- In line three, last phrase, you left out two G grace notes, otherwise a good variation. Started into doubling nice but slowed slightly at times. Keep the doubling variations moving along. In toarluath, you seem to be losing momentum. This is usually caused from over thinking or being cautious about missing a movement. Remember, this is a salute. Contrast to doubling good. A tiny pause as you enter crunluath will help bring the pace back down a bit. /Crunluath singling is on the quick side even as a 5 pulse movement, forcing you to make a big slowdown into cadence. Crunluath, movement nice here. If you tap your foot in the doubling, you will realize you’re pausing on the E and that turns the variation into a ¾ tune instead of 6/8 . consistent though. Overall, a strong tune played on a good pipe. Thank you.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Katherine Miller Place: 5 Tunes: Lament for Captain MacDougall Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: solid pipe sound to start. Ground well played. A couple short notes on the tight side for me, and the timing of B phrase, while consistent, seems to lack a touch of light and shade. Unfortunate miss in line 3 leaving out a few notes at ending bar. Var 1 a bit straight but well played. Xtra gracenote on b before grip to c. in Doubling, try to weave those 3 note groups together a bit more for fluidity. Pipes very good here! TS- this is bit chopped into pieces. Try to think of it in groups of bars vs individual wee chunks- better in doubling. Crunluath singling is quite steady. IN the doubling you are lacking some movement here. Overall, a good strong effort here and an enjoyable tune. Good hands ( borderline too tight in movements) and a nice pipe which made the listen more enjoyable.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Olivia Corcoran Place: 6 Tunes: Lament For Donald of Laggan Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: taking a small minute listen back yourself first would help mic placement and distortion. Chanter seems okay, but perhaps its very nice? Can’t tell. Ground well played apart from a few spots where the short notes were cut just too much. TS-cadences need to show a bit more Long/short in the note length. Otherwise a nicely played variation and good move to doubling. When I can hear the pipes clear, they are nice. Miss on a toar line 2 of doubling. Crunluath Var-a couple of small misses there also but good feel (apart from those even cadences) off the tune in the doubling with a slip in line 1 repeat, unfortunate. Apart from a couple of missed bit of technique and and the mistake, this was good playing, keep it up, thank you!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Alexandra Miller Tunes: Lament for Mary MacLeod Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: Ground okay, but rather cautious. Try to keep hiharins clean and in balance. Look for a bit of light and shade in the length of pulse notes here. VarI- don’t pause to long on 2nd note, head toward’s the C’s or F’s. Doubling could move along a bit quicker. TS- same again, try not to dwell on the E or F right after taorluath. Good move to doubling. By crunluath, the pipe is moving a bit. Quite a good sound overall though. Crunluath is lacking a spark. Wee choke here! Crunluath movement is coming along, but it is just a bit big still and interrupting the melodic flow of tune at times. That’s better than being too tight and missing though! Themal note is too long in the doubling and not letting the tune move. Overall a good effort, thank you!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Anne Gallo Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll's Salute Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: good effort at tuning, I can hear a surge in blowing so try to listen for that. Remember this is a salute, and must move along. Var I- This is moving at a pace too quick and then slowing to a near stop for cadence type movement. Hiharins quite good. In doubling, a nice pick up in pace but you could extend the big theme notes just a wee bit. Choke in Line 2!! TS- okay here, TD, slightly abrupt entry, and a couple of small unclear movements as well as a few chokes which hurt you. First few crunluaths coming in well but then again, many light moves and chokes . balance of variation okay. Pipes wandering now. The crunluaths that you are making are good! Just a bit more discipline here to make ALL of them and stop the chokes. Good effort overall, some nerves snuck in perhaps.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Charles Elliott Tunes: The Company's Lament Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: nice pipe to start, drones not quite in with E. decent ground, I would try to find the odd short note just to give it a bit more variety as each short note seemed the same to me. Good in var I , not familiar with the simon fraser manuscript and the slight change in line 3. Doubling nicely done. A wee Near chirp on a couple G grace’s . Move to GDE var is confident. I find this variation on the square side. The toarluath movement is incorrect here, sometimes with two low G’s and then next time with the D grace landing on Low A. pace going through is good. Chokes are troublesome to any listener, any musician knows that, that is a real error and the sound stops. I like how you are trying not, to let the music suffer here, where as some people play their embellishments so big and careful to be “right” that the tune itself is no longer right. Good effort, clean up a bit of the handwork/chokes and this will improve drastically. Thank you
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Connor Francis Tunes: Field of Gold Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: I’d like to see you just take a wee breath before starting, and, try to at least tune the drones a wee bit. You don’t have to do a “band start”. I like “cut notes” but these are just a touch sharp losing tune flow. Grips to C missed each time. First variation is quite nice! Could use a bit more movement going to GDE var. Most of these are good apart from a couple of weak movements. A good movement though going to the high note. Drone is a bit distracting. Your crunluath is good, however, there are about 5 or 6 misses so the discipline needs work. Breath a bit on final e before going back to ground. This tune has a lot of potential, I think if you clean up the misses, and just be slightly more patient musically, you’ll do better.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Duncan Petersen-Jones Tunes: Sir James MacDonald of the Isles’ Lament Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: Thanks for trying to tune a bit. F, and D sharp in line 1. The pace of the ground is good, a bit square at times but line 3 settled better. Two small bits of unclear handwork. Var I is ok. Some G gracenotes, nearly chirping, either a weak reed, too much tape on high G, or not liftiing the finger enough. Good variation musically. You, must, make a transition of some kind to the Taorluath. You just kept basically the same pace as previous variation. Try to think “up” when playing this, instead of being heavy on the down part of pulse. This will help to give it lift. Same thing into crunluath. Btw, you can keep a beat to this and you are playing it in pure 4/4 which takes the swing out of the tune. Pipe steadying up here, better blowing as well. Overall, just a few untidy pieces with the hands and mostly, the tune needs to breath somewhat and show some light and shade in phrases. Good effort for sure, thank you.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Ewan Jones Tunes: The Desperate Battle of the Birds Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: drones wavering a bit to start, wish you had tried to touch the drones a bit. A good start to the ground musically, although in Bar 4 of line 2, you did not play up to High A as in the music, you played to E as in line 1. Nice first variation. Contrast to doubling good. Slip going into Var II Left out last note E. you either play the short high A or you can play a G gracenote on C. then you had a wee mental slip/choke. Off the tune in this variation. Good doubling and contrast to dithis and doubling. A bit quick into taorluath and movements not always sounding clear. Mach -ok apart from a couple small slips. Lacking contrast between variations in Taorluath and crunluath. Hand work needs to be tidied up. Your feel for the tune seems quite good which is nice. And your cunluath mach’s are better for the most part than T’s and C for rhythm and clarity.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: JD Ingraham Tunes: "MacCrimmon's Sweetheart" aka "Maol Donn" Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: in Grade 2, you should make an attempt to tune the pipes a bit as the drones are distracting when wavering. This tune started out rather quick, and while technically it was okay, it lacked in phrasing. This beautiful has many great notes that can be stretched out to give what we call light and shade to the tune. Another big item in the playing of Piob, is that we must show contrast between the variations, with pauses, changes of pace and feel etc, otherwise it become a very long line of waltz time. The ground and 2 variations are strongly fingered, I just question who taught you. -Showing much more poise in suibhal. A bit aggressive in the 3 note group leading to cadences but consistent. Good contrast to doubling. Good job on the GDE variation, just a couple untidy, otherwise ok. Movement to doubling good. ( drones now quite distracting for listener). Playing mostly the old style “redundant low A” in crunluath. If this is be design, you need to tell the adjudicator. Work to make all of the movements sound rhythmically the same. I think with a bit more guidance, you can make much more of this piece.
Watch Video


"Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Jordan Chowen Tunes: The Desperate Battle [Note from competitor: ""The sheet music I submitted shows a high A to start the Var II singling. However, my instructor has taught me a G grace note to start instead of the extra high A. "" Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: a nice ground to start-unfortunate wee chirps, var 1 okay but I feel the move to var 1 doubling needs to be more direct and get moving a wee bit. Another unfortunate squeak starting variation.I like short high A’s but I feel this is a bit overdone. Not so noticeable in var 2 doubling, although High A getting sharp and thin. Playing of dithis is good, but marred again by squeeks which really hurt you. Contrast to doubling good. Be careful not to completely stop at end of variation heading into Taorluath. Again, troubled by misses here. Same in Crunluath and mach. It sounds as if you know “how to” play the tune, but the chanter is squeeking too much and just too many wee slips in T and C variation. On a sidenote, the sound quality and viewing from in the church was absolutely first rate. Thanks Jordan!
Watch Video


" Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Michael Molloy Tunes: The Lament for the Viscount of Dundee Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: a nicely tuned pipe to start. You high G is on sharp side and I feel you are over doing the low G in the D throws, Otherwise a nice ground. Var I and doubling well controlled albeit just a wee bit over pointed losing the lamentfulness. Some handwork up to here not always 100% clear, cannot tell if fingering or the reed itself. In suibhal singling, work your way to those cadences and try to show them off a bit. Doubling good. TS- getting some large gracenotes in the gde’s producing a near chirping sound. This throws off balance and in doubling, the lack of crisp sound is hurting the flow of tune. Crunluath singling- some oversized gracings again. Overall I want to say that I enjoyed the playing of the tune, but being a competition, I cannot ignore the faults in the handwork. Keep working to get those grace notes sharper and clearer and this will be very good. Thank you.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Philip Duthie Tunes: The little spree Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: would have liked you to take a moment to tune up for a better listen. Try to show the phrase ends more in the ground to help add some feel to this. I also find the grips and dres, a bit inconsistent with some coming in too tight. In doubling, remember that the tune is in bars and phrases, vs it all being 2notes, grip, pause, etc. rolling through that more would help. In variation, drones a bit distracting and while it’s correct, it’s rather staccato in how it’s played-too pointed. GDE’s coming through quite clearly, but again the tune seems to stop on each high themal note. Crunluath movements are hurting you competitively unfortunately as you’re just too tight and results are that many are unclear and missed. Wee stall in line 2 . Overall , 3 things – tune the pipes better or at least try. 2- open up the technique of cruns, and the grips and dres in ground, try to not over point and allow it to be played in phrases vs one or two pulse moves.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Tracy Wilson Tunes: Lament for Kinloch Moidart No 1 Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: nice surrounding for a recording. Good pipe sound to start although Drones a bit wavering. High G and High A suspect. Ground ok, try to hold onto phrase ends a wee bit more to show it off. Var 1- okay here. I do like the slight hesitation going to cadence and good contrast to doubling. Drones now becoming a bit distracting. Watch taor at line end for clarity. A couple wee dropped grace notes here also. I”ve not heard the cadence to open the taorluath, and there was a crossing there also. Settling a bit better by repeat of line 1. Tone of pipes distracting overall listen. ( unsteady blowing) the doubling sound as though you are really playing down on this, instead of both notes of the pendulum. Couple misses in doubling. IN crunluath, you are rather tight to hear the rhythm of the movement. As well, jumping off the E’s. Try to open up crunluath, and tell yourself you need to hear the E before you move of it. Overall a good solid effort in a very big class. I feel this is very close to being a good tune for you if you listen back to the unclear areas and eliminate the errors. Thanks for this!!!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Vienna Scheyer Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll's Salute Judge: Bruce Gandy Judge's Comments: Pipes good to start, thanks! A well played ground. Careful to make that d grace in cadence always heard. Wee crossing in var 1 line 1and an untidy hiharin. Still a good singling. Good job on doubling. TS, occasionally jumping a wee bit ahead losing flow for. A moment. Contrast to doubling is good. OH NO, you’re playing a G gracenote on Low A’s after the crunluath E. that is just not written. Same in doubling. And in doubling you started to really lost composure a fair bit with some mistakes also. The unfortunate slips really hurt you but I also want to say I was throwing your number right up there. Point being you showed great potential and very unfortunately lost yourself instead of getting beat. The upside to this is that YOU, can fix that and then other will definitely have to play well to get past you. Thank you!!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Joseph Votta Place: 1 Tunes: Field of Gold Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Lovely played Ground on a beautiful instrument well tuned and full chanter projection; Nice touch and feel throughout ground. -Nice into Variation 1; Nice pace here and either a wrong note or C with a real big D grace note 😉 at end bar of Line 1. -Nice into Taorluath; Again nice pace here and ensure you keep your hands loose to ensure there is zero tension going from GDE to GDE as there were a couple that were slightly inaudible. -Nice into Crunluath; Nice pace here and I felt the Crunluaths on F in Line 1 in bar 2 you left the theme note a tad early which causes you to force the movement instead of letting it happen rhythmically the way you are throughout the rest of the variation. -Very enjoyable tune on a lovely instrument. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Dugald MacKechnie Place: 2 Tunes: Too Long In This Condition Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Good in Ground, Pipe well set and well blown...excellent quality and tonal balance; lovely feel here; mistake in the last line in bar 2 (you played a cadence?). -Good into Doubling; slight squeal on B in Line 1; nice pace. -Good into Variation 1; I would like to see a little more on the dotted 1/8 notes before the 1/16 (where you swell and treat as a passing note) prior to the cadences to create more touch as it is coming out a bit square and even throughout. -Good into doubling and well played here. -okay into Crunluath; tad slow in pace but I feel you set the tone by jumping off the first Low A early and into a short note that is a tad too big. To get the correct rhythm here you need to push theme note (Low A and B 1/4 notes before the Crunluaths) out longer which will naturally cause you to play the short note in the middle before the edre of the movement short enough (ensure there is zero tension here and your D grace note on the short note is small and effortless)...when it is right all you should hear are the 1/4 notes throughout the variation and a nice, steady rhythm; One missed Crunluath in Line 2 of doubling. -Overall a very good tune on an excellent instrument that you have command of from start to finish; you need to improve the timing of the rhythm in the Crunluath to really pull this all together and it is a matter of just pushing out theme notes longer and playing nice, relaxed short notes to the movement to make this happen; Enjoyable tune and you show excellent promise!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Calum Dunbar Place: 3 Tunes: Massacre Of Glencoe Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Ground: Good start, pipe okay but F a tad sharp; I felt the Low A following the opening double echoes on E was a tad long...think a little softer here on the Low A treatment throughout. -Good into Thumb; steady pace here; Your treatment of the short notes in bars 3, 4 and 5 came across as a little clipped and could be a little smoother as you are doing in the 2nd bar swelling the F a tad which is perfect...to stay consistent do the same in bars 3(short E), 4(short C), and 5(short E); watch you don't emphasize the Low G in the last cadence of the variation too much - If you think about being lighter with your hands in all of the things mentioned above it may fix everything up just by doing that. -Good into Taorluath Singling; rhythm is a bit round and square and needs to be more length on themal note and quicker up to next theme note following movement (which is nice and clean BTW) to establish a nice 2/4 rhythm with each theme note and movement (I know this may seem strange inside a 4/4 time signature but will assist in establishing the correct feel); The length of the E in your cadences is a tad long in delivery as well throughout this variation in my opinion. -Good into Doubling; could use a little more pace here and again a little longer on the theme notes and less space following the movement up to the next theme note to create correct rhythm. -Good into Crunluath Singling; A little quick into the G grace note of the Cadence following the movement creating a bit of a pushed delivery here...give it a bit more space to show poise they way you do in the Taorluath (however the length of your E's in the cadences here is much better in Crunluath 😉 -Good into Doubling; could use a little bump in pace here but lovely variation muscially and technically. -Good into Crunluath a mach; jumping into the a mach movements instead of waiting and keeping a nice consistent rhythm throughout; a mach movement pretty consistent but again a little less grip on the chanter will really make them sound clean and full and of course less taxing on your hands. -Overall a very nice tune played with confidence and nice command of technique; As mentioned a little softer with the hands will give you more mobility about the chanter which will allow you to stay relaxed and full of energy from start to finish; nice performance and pipe held from start to finish.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Andrew Buchanan Place: 4 Tunes: The Desperate Battle of the Birds Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Ground nicely presented and pipe sound is good with drones slightly out from Low A but nice chanter pitch and projection; In Line 2 you started putting G grace notes on E's in bar 2 and carried on from there putting G grace notes in where they are not in the music? -Good into Variation 1; I feel you could give more to the dotted eighth note in this variation as you are playing them quite even and square which will create more contrast when going into Variation 2. -Lovely going into Doubling- nicely played. -Good into Variation 2; micro choke at end of Line 1- nicely played -okay entering into Doubling but thought you pushed a bit at the end of Line 3 in previous variation; well played here as well -Good into Variation 3; thought you could treat the short note a little softer (loosen grip a tad) and really push out the theme notes here in order to create more contrast between Singling and Doubling. -Good into Doubling-nice pace and this would have sounded even more dramatic with more theme note in previous variation. -Good into Taorluath-nicely played and again a little softer with hands will keep movement nice and continue to push out theme note to get into a nice rhythm. -Good into Taorluath a mach but need to go here a tad more and not lose drive in the Taorluath portion as you are slowing down (intentionally I think for musical effect?) however it is more subtle than this and more closer to playing on a beat as in the Crunluath a mach. -a bit abrupt into Crunluath and slight change of mind at the start-nicely played here and keep pushing out theme note. -Good into Crunluath a mach; movement a little "cushed" could use a little more separation between Grip and Edre within movement and again a little softer with your hands will allow your hands the mobility to make this happen easily and consistently; still losing pace a bit too much when playing notes with just Crunluath (again I feel on purpose) which detracts from the drive and rhythm within this variation (and all Crunluath a mach variations). -Overall a nicely presented tune on a pleasant sounding instrument that was not quite locked; you have good command of all technique and music here and a softer feel on chanter will improve some of the technical/musical comments mentioned above. Good Stuff!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Alexander Sime Scott Place: 5 Tunes: The Earl of Seaforth's Salute Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Nice Ground; Pipe okay but drones not quite locked together however pretty close to Low A but being slightly out has caused notes like Low G, F and High G to be slightly out so overall sound pretty good. -Nice subtle increase in pace for doubling and moving nicely musically; some blowing inconsistencies where there is wavering on notes-try to really keep everything smooth and clear which can be accomplished with a really efficient bagpipe that is the right weight for you. -Nice into Variation 1 and again nice feel for the music; ensure you keep pace moving here; slight choke at end of Line 2 (Pipe a little too hard I believe) -Good into Taorluath and nice pace; A little brisk with the cadence at the end of LIne 2 and Line 3 on D...E a little too short compared to others. -Good into the Doubling but a slight "choppy" feel here instead of more pace - I prefer a little smoother approach to connecting notes with longer theme notes but the intention is to drive through controlling the short notes; I felt you started okay but got more "clipped" with the short notes as you went; slight choke in Line 2 and not sure of setting in LIne 3 where you cut B to D as not in Kilberry Book? -Good into Crunluath; solid Crunluath technique here; Line 3 choke; nice musically here. -Good into Doubling but could go a tad more here with the pace but consistent nonetheless throughout variation. Overall you have a great feel for Piobaireachd and this tune is polished with lots of music. I think you will benefit greatly with a pipe that is slightly easier (ie. more efficient via ensure bag is airtight; reeds are not taking up too much air; chanter reed a little easier [it has nice qualities so try an elastic band down by wrap or scrape some wood to free it up a bit more] as this will enhance the enjoyment for yourself and the listener. Technically and musically you have everything going and a hard pipe only creates tension and unforced errors (ie. chokes, inconsistent short notes; wavering of sound on notes that should be sustained in tune etc.). Very enjoyable performance.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Megan Brodie Place: 6 Tunes: Black Donald's March Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Good in Ground musically; Pipe okay but not quite locked with drones to Low A on chanter. Slight micro choke at end of Line 1. -Good into Thumb; choke in Line 1 but well played. -Good into Variation 2; in bars 3 and 5 you are really driving here creating more of a pushed feel than being sightly aggressive. This continued throughout Lines 2 and 3 especially in Line 3 where it is pushed and needs to be pulled back a bit. -Good into Leamluath Singling; well played but you again are pushing in the same places as mentioned above which detracts from the contrast between Singling and Doubling. Hold the Singling back and let go in the Doubling. -Good into Doubling and nice pace here. -Good into Taorluath Singling - same pushed feel as mentioned already - in general I think you need to lengthen out your theme notes more here anyway. Slight choke in Line 2. -Good into Doubling and again more theme note length to establish correct rhythm but pace is fine. -Good into Crunluath; same pushed feel (almost faster than the doubling). Need more length on theme notes here as well which will hold you back a bit. -Good into Doubing and nice pace here. Still need to ensure more theme note length is given to put you into correct rhythm. -Overall a pretty solid tune on a decent instrument that may be slightly underblown; Need to hold back a bit in Singling variations to show more poise which will create more contrast between the Singlings and Doublings. Lengthening the theme notes in the Taorluath and Crunluath variations will serve to hold you back a tad and put you into a better rhythmical feel that will make the technique feel effortless as there is a pushed and forced feel. You show excellent promise keep up the good work.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Cameron Stewart Tunes: MacCrimmon’s Sweetheart Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Ground played well; watch bubbly notes at end of the lines and keep them nice and open as you are doing but keep your hands nice and loose; 2nd line I felt that you increased the pace a bit in bars 3, 4 and 5 so keep it back to create nice contrast in the doublings where you can move it along. -Good into Thumb and much better in the 2nd line here for pace being held back. -Good into Variation 2; keep consistent pace here and let it go as you did most of the time; the last two notes are overdone a tad preventing the flow of the rhythm (I believe you have done this intentionally for musical sense as written) and needs to be a little more subtle here in my opinion (enter to the B as you do with the other connecting notes but swell it a tad and then swell the Low A a fraction more then get back into the driver's seat 🙂 -you are too long on the Low A. -Good job going into the Doubling as this can be tricky but you do it well; watch you don't come off the 2nd dotted 1/8 note on Low A in bar 1 and then repeated before the even notes continued on from there before the cadences in variation...you are hit and miss here but if you listen to the very first one you do it will emphasize the point of jumping off this low A too quickly...again needs to be more subtle but the right idea. -Good into doubling-nicely played; slight wabble in last bar but nice transition. -Good into Taorluath here; again a little pushed in the middle bars of Line 2 in terms of pace and notes coming after cadences were a bit pushed as well...give it a breath of space here to show poise. -Good into Doubling although some misses at the start (tension ?); good pace here but keep the length of the theme note and relax your hands on the GDE's to allow your fingers to move freely (trust them they're plenty fast enough) and this will put you into a nice rhythm as it is slightly pushed and forced on delivery; slight choke in last line. -Good into Crunluath; Again a little pushed in delivery and an increase in middle bars of Line 2; keep much longer on the theme notes and this will put into the correct rhythm and feel to make this sing...it comes across as pushed and forced throughout. -Good into Doubling and again pushed and forced here abeit a nice exciting pace...need to increase the length of the theme note and tempo NOT decrease the theme note to create tempo; a wrong note at the end of Line 1 (you played a C when it should have been a B in the 2nd last note of the line). Slight choke in 3rd Line. -Overall a nice tune played on a solid bagpipe that held in tune although not quite locked together from start; keep working on controlling the pace and avoid being pushed by keeping theme notes full and phrases intact to increase the overall poise deilvered. Good stuff and show lots of promise!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Christopher Boyles Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Ground- nicely played and pipe okay but drones not quite locked in with chanter detracting from overall tonal quality; solid variation. -Good into Thumb Variation- a little too long on the B at the end of Line 1 and 2 (better in last note of variation use this is your length of note to show phrase endings-THINK it don't DO IT). Lovely sounding High A BTW 😉 -Good into Taorluath Singling; I would like to see a little more length on theme notes then play movement and right up to next theme note to create a nice 2/4 march type rhythm; some inconsistent lead-up to cadences here as some were swelled and others not...I like to swell the theme note prior to playing the movement before the cadence slightly. -A little abrubt into the Doubling but nice aggressive pace here which I like...Keep the theme notes a little longer here as well to get that nice 2/4 rhythm. -Good into Crunluath Singling; Much better here in terms of setting up the cadences throughout where you slightly swell the theme note of the Crunluath before Cadence occurs; -Good into Doubling; again a little more length on theme notes but great drive here. -A little indecisive going back into the Ground at the end. -Recommend Crunluath a mach here although I know it is not written in Kilberry book but usually played in my experience. -Overall a solid tune played here with what sounds like polish underway...I felt the phrase endings at the ends of the lines throughout were overdone and should be more subtle than what was delivered however the idea is correct; Pipe okay and lovely High A and show excellent promise...Good Stuff!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Ground nice; Pipe okay with nice, clear, chanter projection; double echoes a tad laboured but consistent and some pushed passages that detract from the overall flow of the ground (ie. last two bars too quick to the D passing note leading into bar 4 and then jumping off the High A to the Vedre in the 2nd time through causing a loss of articulation); Line 2 a little too quick with the 2nd and 3rd pulse (beat) in bar 2 creating pushed feel here; light double echo on E following; in Line 3 again a little quick with the even notes and not waiting long enough in between pulse to maintain the pace and prevent pushed feel. -Good into Taorluath Singling; a little quick off of the theme notes throughout here but I love your subtle treatment of notes leading up to cadence...excellent; You need more lenth on the theme notes, play a nice taorluath with a nice 1,2,3 rhythm (I think you are gripping and coming off the Low G early with a bigger E grace note - you need to play the D grace note and stay on Low G longer to complete the 2nd pulse of the 1,2,3) and then spring up to the next theme note ensuring not to fall off of it early as this is what is creating the pushed feel. -Good into Doubling and pace well established; the movement and short theme note length is evident here as well so you need to work on slowing the Taorluath movement down to ensure there is no slamming to pulse 1, full length value on low G following D grace note on pulse two before springing up with the E grace note on pulse 3; Not having the correct theme note length makes this more difficult as when you are in perfect rhythm (timing of the 1,2,3 pulse together) this creates a beautiful melodic 2/4 march type rhythm in these variations but you need to master the movement so you no longer think about anything but the theme note length and not forcing the movement in creating a pushed feel. -Good into the Crunluath Singling; the connecting notes are a tad pushed here but it sounds as though you are using a six pulse rhythm for your Crunluath which means they will be a little quicker so you will need to just hold back a little here to prevent this from happening. -Good into doubling and the movements are clearer here than as what is heard in your Taorluath; slight hesitation in repeat of Line 1 in a couple of places but one in and around bar 2 on E and choke at end of Line 2. -Overall a nicely presented tune on a nice instrument that held in tune; Work on improving the Taorluath movement and holding onto theme note length to create a nice, poised rhythm in Taorluath and Crunluath variations and as mentioned once you have established this rhythm, technique is always easier as there is no gripping and forcing things out which is audible in presentation; Keep up the good work and well done!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Esther scheren Tunes: The battle of anldearn no.1 Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Ground okay; pipe okay to start but not locked and High G is sharp; overall I felt ground a tad pushed especially in Line 1 Bar 5 and again same in Line 3 Bar 3 (same place) where you left the low A in previous bar early and jumped to High G-give it some space; Line 2 you increased the pace (pushed) from bar 3 right to the ending bar where you pulled it back...pace should stay the same here throughout; The low G grace notes following cadences were not always clear and effortless sounding in the Ground. -Good into Thumb and your treatment of the passing notes following the Cadences was inconsistent and I am not sure if done on purpose; Would like to see poise here and if you are going to pass briskly as you are doing in Line 2, I would do the same in Line 1 as well OR keep it longer as you are doing in Line 1 (I prefer this as it shows poise). -Good into Doubling and well played; slight chirp on Low A entering LIne 3. Good into Dithis Singling; Ensure accurate grace notes at the start; watch you don't linger too long on the passing note entering just before the Cadence as it is too long on Low A before going up to the E to start the cadence and this must also be consistent throughout variation; Again your treatment of passing notes following Cadence in LIne 2 is definitely too abrupt and I would prefer you to remain consistent and keep it long as you are mostly doing in LIne 1 (as was mentioned in previous variation-now I know it is on purpose 😉 Crossing noise on B cadence at the end of the lines throughout this variation. -Good into Doubling but again some grace notes not articulating at start correctly; slight change of mind to start Line 2; Nice pace throughout this variation. -Good into Taorluath Singling; Again some slight crossing noises and missed Taorluaths here in Singling; Treatment of passing notes before Cadences too long and again similar abrupt passing notes in Line 2 as already mentioned. -Good into Doubling and nice increase in pace but theme notes need to be longer and the movement needs to be cleaner to really bring out the beauty in this variation. -Good into Crunluath Singling; some dirty cadences on B again and some missed technique and similar phrasing of passing notes in Line 2 as mentioned; Line 2 was very nice here and had much more control and music than in the previous variations in Line 2-Good stuff -Good into Doubling and although Line 1 was a little inconsistent with technique you really settled down and finished strong in this variation...a nice flow (although you could hold the theme notes a little longer) of rhythm here and felt relaxed as a listener...Awesome 😉 -Crunluath a mach was a bit pushed and you need to make the initial note before the grip a little shorter and keep your hands relaxed to play a nice grip full of Low G and finish with the Edre portion of the movement right after...This should be done in time to ensure you have a nice rhythm going that is not pushed just like you had in the Crunluath Doubling. -Overall an enjoyable tune played on a solid instrument; Needs a bit more poise to really bring out its beauty and you have the tools to make it happen...Good stuff!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Huber Karina Tunes: The Munro´s Salute Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Ground moving nicely right up to the third line where I felt your treatment of the 3rd bar was a bit pushed with the short notes causing a rushed feel here but lots of nice music nonetheless; Pipe okay but drones not locked into Low A detracting from overall chanter quality where B, D and F are sharp. -Good into Variation 1; playing well here but again a little too much pace in Line 3 giving this a rushed feel. -Good into Variation 2 but delivery is a bit round and GDE's too open; try to give more to the dotted 1/8 notes following the GDE's to get into a nice poised rhythm as there is a tad too much frenzy here. -Good into Crunluath but some big grace notes causing some of the movements to sound muffled; Need a little more on the theme note (1/8 notes at the beginning of each grouping) and then a small precise grace note to the short note before playing the edre in the movement. Once you can do this cleanly the rhythm will ensure that you remain consistent and everything will seem effortless (after some work of course). Again the big grace notes in your Crunluaths on E is inhibiting the correct articulation of the movement itself but again ensure there is enough theme note before beginning the movement as this again will keep you in rhythm and more successful as opposed to rushing and missing technique. -OVerall and enjoyable tune and you have a good grasp of the music and technique is emerging. Keep up the practice!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Janna Freed Tunes: Lament for the Little Supper Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -A lovely presented Ground musically with merging technique. Watch your throws to High G are consistent and I like that you are playing them nice and slow but you need to ensure that there is a longer Low G to start before beginning the movement and then the E and F grace notes are even and given full value (I know it is quick) on Low G (especially the Low G after the F grace note) with nice light hands before going back up to High G; Pipe sounds pretty good but drones not quite locked together but close to Low A. Watch blowing on the High G as it comes out sharp at times. -Good into Taorluath Singling; okay here and a tad slow but consistent. -Good into Doubling; again a tad slow but you have picked up the pace from the Singling which is perfect; a missed Low G Taorluath on repeat of Line 1 at start. -Good into Crunluath; Well played. Again a tad slow but consistent. -A bit abrupt going into the Doubling but got the pace up here now nicely; off tune a bit on repeat of Line bar 2 otherwise played nicely. -Overall a good tune with solid musical foundation and touch in the Ground; I can hear developing technique which will progress with smart practice and your pipe has good quality but not quite in tune which detracts from overall performance; You have excellent feel for Piobaireachd and you sound as though you enjoy it so keep it going!
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: John Ballard Tunes: The Red Speckled Bull Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: VIDEO TOO LONG - REMOVED ACCORDING TO MESSAGE
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Miranda Germann Tunes: Too long in this condition Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Good start to the ground; Pipe okay but not quite locked together and some blowing irregularities not producing sustained tone on notes consistently. Slight catch (crossing noise with D Grace note) in first Cadence to B line 1; Slight chirp on Low A to start Line 2 and a slight choke in Line 3; Try not to tense up and jump to the Edre with a G grace note at start coming from F ensuring you stay loose and keep it nice and even as you do with the vedre from High A's. -Good into Thumb but could use a bit more pace in Line 1 as you did in Lines 2 and 3 just for some subtle contrast. Well presented. -Good into Variation 1; I think what you are trying to do to set-up the cadences in the Singling here is correct but not coming off as you need a bit more length in the 2nd grouping on the dotted 1/8 note and a little less on the short note here creating a passing note effect as this was inconsistent and awkward in terms of flow. You could also play as written and swell the note before the cadence slightly for musical effect? Either way your idea is correct but needs more consistency. -Good into Doubling but could let it go a bit more in terms of pace for contrast. -Good into Crunluath; Here again a little awkward with set-up for Cadences as mentioned above. You could use a little more lighter feel with your hands here by lengthening the note prior to playing the D grace note on the short note up to the edre. There is a pushed and clipped delivery here and the blowing on notes indicates a tension which prevents the natural flow necessary here to deliver the technique consistently and effortlessly. Tight hands will not allow you to move quick enough nor articulate the short note with a small D grace note (ie. use three even beats...The first note (theme note) will get 2 beats and then play a small D grace note to the short connecting note and finish by putting the E grace note of the Edre on the 3rd beat and continue this thought process throughout variation. Start slow and work it up but no tension and all grace note height should be small and loose. -Good into Doubling and you had the right pace here but rhythm is pushed due to incorrect length of theme note delivery more of a "clipped and pushed" rhythm. -Overall a good tune; Watch your blowng and try not to squeeze the bag to make the technique
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Ritchie Gardiner Tunes: Too Long in this Condition Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Nice Grond; Pipe nice and drones not quite locked to low A but pleasing balance nonetheless. -Good into Thumb and nicely played: Light Vedre in 2nd line and crushed Edre with G grace note in 3rd Line. -Good into Variation 1; pushed here in the middle bars (ie. Line 2 bars 3, 4 and 5) too quick. Needs to be held back a bit and then will create more contrast in Doubling variations. Okay to be aggressive but not pushed here; Set-up for cadences not consistent musically and again coming across a little pushed. -Good into Doubling; This presented as a little round and lacking in drive. Needs more length on theme note and a little less on short note...relaxing hands and just thinking longer theme notes will probably clear it all up 😉 -A little abrupt into Crunluath but I think that because you jumped off first note too early it created a sense of "frenzy" right off the hop. Not consistent treatment of lead-up to cadence here again and coming across pushed; missed Crunluath in Line 2. -Good into Doubling and again I think you need to really lengthen out the theme notes here and be less heavy-handed to allow the short note to properly articulate before the Edre portion of the movement as there were some that were crushed. Relaxing your hands and having the correct length of theme note will put you into a rhythm that will make everything feel and sound perfect. -Overall a very good tune on a good bagpipe that did not quite hold; you need to relax your hands a bit more which will allow you more freedom to move your hands and hold onto notes longer to establish the beautiful rhythms present in this music; You show excellent potential keep up the good work and listen back to your recording as there was some slight high pitch distortion present but nicely turned out uniform.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Sid Baker Tunes: The Battle of Strome Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Good Ground; Pipe okay but drones not quite locked in and stability on notes wavering slightly detracting from overall tonal quality; Off tune in Line 2. -Good into Variation 1; could use a little more consistency with cadence and note following where some are slightly pushed; watch you don't push in Line 3 to the point of rushing. -Good into Doubling; steady. -Good into Taorluath; ensure the grace notes are small and accurate as there are some little catches at times; technique pretty consistent but again some pushed phrasing especially in Line 3 (ie. jumping to GDE on C) where you need to hold it back to provide more of a contrast into the Doubling; weak GDE in Line 3. -Good into Doubling; pace is fine and again some little catches on grace notes articulating at times with D grace notes or notes themselves following GDE movement. -Good into Crunluath; the movement itself would improve with less grip, more theme note length at the start, a smaller (NOT tight) D grace note to the short note and an accurate placement of E grace note to Low A to begin the Edre part of the movement and the result will be a nice, settled and consistent rhythm as it is coming out the opposite here with a pushed and inconsistent feel. -Good into Doubling but again the rhythm is pushed and square and could use some longer length of theme note and the above to really settle this and get you locking in. -Overall a good tune presented on a good bagpipe; Need to work on ensuring your blowing is steady, effortless and consistent to establish a stable intonation throughout tune and you appear to be working hard (you may even play an instrument with a bellow from watching you perhaps?). Don't fight by blowng and squeezing at the same time as this can create obvious conflict ;). This battle can be the cause of most of the items mentioned above and detracts from the enjoyment you could have just by being relaxed and allowing your hands to move freely and accurately when you want them to; Keep up the good work and enjoyable performance.
Watch Video


Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Travis Combs Tunes: Lament for Mary MacLeod. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: -Nice Ground; Pipe okay but drones not quite locked to Low A of chanter (tad flat) detracting from overall tonal quality; Well played but watch grace notes are not too big preventing proper articulation of technique such as Edres. -Good into Variation 1; Pace is good but LIne 1 was a tad pushed especially in length of quarter notes as you are playing them quite even (on purpose I think?) where I would like them to be longer to prevent the pushed feel; better in LInes 2 and 3. -Good into Doubling; well played but I am detecting a bit of stiff and heavy hands in your playing which causes "clipped" short notes; The large grace notes also prevent the articulation of technique as mentioned above. -Good into Taorluath but the large grace notes are intruding in the Taorluath movement (1,2,3 rhythm - 1=Low G, 2=SMALL D grace note to Low G, 3=SMALL E grace note from Low G to Low A) and you are creating a "laboured" feel by holding the 1st pulse a little longer and then snatching at the 2nd and 3rd pulse of the rhythm (this is why there is not enough Low G sounding in the movement). You are not getting this rhythm in the movement consistently which detracts from the beauty inside these variations and a crucial foundation for the Crunluath itself. -Good into Doubling for pace and feel but the movement is still inconsistent. -Good into Crunluath; As mentioned the only thing hurting the Crunluath itself is the Taorluath inside it. Really important to improve here and with softer hands, slowing down the movement ensuring small (as close to the chanter as they can be without tensing and gripping) grace notes and now there will be a long theme note and a 5 pulse rhythm (3 pulse for Taorluath and then an extra 2...4= SMALL F gracenote to Low A, 5=E from the Low A). This formula shows the importance of mastering good Taorluaths and how easy Crunluaths actually are once you have them. -Overall musically you have a nice sense of the tune and once you master the grace note size, Taorluaths and Crunluaths, your presentation will raise to a higher level of enjoyment for you and the listener. Show excellent promise!
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jordan Johnston Place: 1 Tunes: Dr E.G. Mackinnon, Lady Louden, The Sound of Sleat Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: March very good. Well paced, great exoression and technique to back it up. Strathspey very well played just compressing low As on the birls at line ends just a bit much. Reel very good. bagpipe very good. Overall really enjoyed the playing lots of music and control.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert Place: 2 Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Susan McLeod, Sandy Cameron Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: March was well executed and good expression and control throughout. Good lift and control in Strathspey wellplayed and good execution. A composed MSR on a very good bagpipe. Well played!
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ross Davison Place: 3 Tunes: Jeannie Carruthers - Bob of Fetticairn - Alick C MacGregor Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: March playing very good, lots of expression and control. Good tempo. Strathspey very good lift shown and really strong sense of control. The break missed the final strike, so wasn't as convincing as it might have been. Reel very strong and very well driven along. Very nice msr in general on a very nice instrument.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Elizabeth Knox Place: 4 Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal, The Islay Ball, and Lt. Col. D. J. S. Murray Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Very well expressed march with very good tempo and execution solid. Excellent strathspey. Great drive in the reel and confidence shown here.Pipe very good and the performance always had you making the music rather than playing through it. Well done!!
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joshua Hogg Place: 5 Tunes: The Rosshire Volunteers, The Islay Ball, Wlie Murray's Reel Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Strong technique shown in the march and well expressed. Tending to slow down very slightly particularly in endings. Strathspey very good and well controlled. Reel you kind of rushed into and it was the 2nd part before the tempo was settled. bagpipe very good. Good MSR overall.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aiden Fowler Place: 6 Tunes: Abercairney Highlanders, John Roy Stuart, Broadford Bay Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Very brightly played MSR and I liked the tempo throughout. Drones were good but some chanter tuning issues on B, E and F in particular. A couple of crossing noises in the strathspey but overall very well played technically. Good control of the expression throughout. Strathspey especially good.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aaron Malcomb Tunes: Knightswood Ceilidh, Caber Feidh, The Smith of Chilliechassie Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Very steady march good tempo. End of 3rd part and in 4th part some small technical blemishes not tidy fingering.Strathspey good tempo and music, a few little untidy bits and pieces of fingering. Reel steady as a rock very good to listen. Pipes very good full drone sound. Musical MSR with just little untidy passages.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexandra Knox Tunes: Bonnie Ann, The Doune of Invernochty, and Arnish Light Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: March well played and expressed just a tiny bit deliberate. Strathspey well played with lots of good tempo and lift. In 2nd part a couple of untidy changes high A to Low A. Steady Reel from the start and superbly executed. Reel perhaps tiny bit slow. Bagpipe very good to listen to, well balanced and steady.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin Tunes: Mrs. John McColl, Lady Mackenzie of Gareloch, Johnnie MacDonald's Reel Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Good music throughout this MSR and a very melodious bagpipe. Tempos were very good throughout. There were some technical things that counted, little untidiness on D throws in 1st part of the march, the D to B harachums in the strathspey and missing the d doublngs and high A gracenotes in the reel which are a major part of the tune. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Cahoon Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, The Ewe with the Crookit Horn, The Smith of Chillichassie Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Tempos were steady throughout and good expression. The main issue for me was execution in particular tightness leading to catches throughout the MSR. I thought t all the tunes just need some care in the presentation of note changes in the more intricate passages, some examples are going up to top hand in part 6 of the march but there are several examples. Enjoyable music and control of tempo.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Danny Koch Tunes: The 93rd at Modder River, Monymusk, Willie Cumming's Rant Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: March took a part to settle, but after that flowed well. 3rd part you played hornpipe shakes instead of b then b grip. In strathspey it was played well but you had a choke then note error and it slight untidiness. Reel well driven along and well and well executed. Pipe well set up and tuned, steady.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gillian Blaney Tunes: Captain Carswell, Pipe Major Hector McLean, The Blackberry Bush Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Well played MSR with very clear and strong execution, played in a very steady fashion. march Good expression throughout, there was a couple of minor crosing noises. However, march was overall a bit slow. Strathspey playing was very good and displayed lift and control well, error made in 1st part. Reel showed strong control and good steady drive. Bagpipe: drones good but some chanter tuning issues esp on B D F and High G.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hamish Reade Tunes: David Ross, Catlodge, Sandy Cameron Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Good steady march and flowed well throughout, with good expression and execution apart from an early catch in line 1. Pipes good here. Good strathspey throughout, musical and well played. Reel quite solid. Overall good execution and tempos. Nice performance. Pipes set out good but the drones went out from the strathspey onwards.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jesse Robson Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal, Susan MacLeod, Alick C. MacGregor Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Bright tempo fro the beginning and musical rendition of the march throughout. You missed out the E doublings from F throughout, this is a major part of the tune and really should not be omitted. Strathspey playing was very musical, a couple of technique misses. Reel was fairly well played but not all GDEs were executed properly some being EDE. Pipe nice and melodious and steady.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jim Roberts Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay, Cabar Feidh, The Smith of Chillichassie Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Good tempo to start but flow not always steady and some passages rushed, eg some endings. Sometimes rushig to the B taorluaths. Good tempo in strathspey but not always controlled phrasing. Reel steady. Throughout there was a sense of unsteady blowing which needs some work. Some untidy fingerwork in some passages, and a few crossing noises here and there, work on clarity of the short notes. Overall well paced MSR but needs better finger control to make it totally in your command.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Fischer Tunes: Inveran, Maggie Cameron, Lietanant Colonel DJS Murray Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: March started a bit erratic in the opening phrase. Some misses in 1st part. Rest of march quite well played but again there were some erratic passages. Execution mostly good a couple of misses. Starthspey good tempo and strong opening, 2nd part a bit unsteady. Reel was quite steady. Drones went in the reel. Overall you have the right idea but need to be more consistent in the flow of the march in particular.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joshua Truesdale Tunes: Major Manson's Farewell to Clachantrushal, Caledonian Society of London, Major David Manson Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Nice expression in the march - good tempo - a couple of places you slowed down. E doublings a shade tight. Some tight doublings E and F in the strathspey and the harachums not always clear. Good tempo and expression and lift in strathspey. Reel steady troughout but a shade careful. Great break from S in to R. Pipes well set up and came across as melodious and steady.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kendrick Rutherford Tunes: Leaving Lunga, The Piper's Bonnet, Sandy Cameron Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: March good tempo and very good expression and control. Some untidy fingers in 1st part and a couple of misses. Strathspey was very good up to the 4th part where the g gracenotes and As in the taorluaths were too clipped. Reel was steady with good drive but a few untidy moments of execution. Pipes good.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque, Doune of Invernochty, Broadford Bay Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Good tempo to open the march and steady throughout. I thought could draw the opening Es out a bit more. One or two phrases in the march maybe a bit straight could be sharper treatment. Good tempo in strathspey but a bit straight in places didn't get the lift. Reel good tempo but a bit mechanical and lacked pulse. Pipes very good. Overall technique is good but would advise working on the g gracenote which at times was not clear or loud enough.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kyle Banta Tunes: Taking of Beaumont Hamel, Dorny Ferry, Bessie Mcintyre Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: March tempo and expression very good but sometimes the execution not 100% clean and clear, eg f e then c doubling.Strathspey lift and tempo very good.but again not 100% on execution esp going to bottom hand doublings. Steady and well pulsed reel, Pipes very good. main thing to work on is clarity and accuracy of technique as the music was very good.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Leyton Bennet Tunes: Donald McLean's Farewell to Oban, Susan McLeod, John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: March expression was very good and tempo also very good. You had note errors in the 3rd part bar 3 and 4th part second timing. Execution was quite good but some misses. Strathspey was a bit hesitant and execution wasn't strong enough to carry the tune in terms of lift and steadiness and control of phrasing. Good flow in reel and very steady, quite well exected. Pipes are quite well balanced but the drones weren't tuned close enough at the beginning so do some work in getting them tuned and bang on before you begin. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Liza MacFarquhar Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal, Cabarfeidh, Fiona MacLeod Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: march, you clearly want to to point the tune but I think overdoing it a shade try to let it go a little bit. Execution was a bit in the march. Good overall tempo. Strathspey was pretty well phrased and only in a couple of places you over held, this was in 2nd part after the gdes. Reel was very well played and I enjoyed it. I think a major thing to work on is the blowing, as I can hear a bit of overblowing causing surging of drone tone. Work on managing the pressure within the bag and listen carefully to what is happening there, sometimes overfilling the bag is a mistake.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mark Elliott Tunes: John MacDonald Of Glencoe, The Ewe With The Crooked Horn, Kalabakan Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Good steady start and good tempo set. Maybe a little more attention to the dot cut in places would would give a less clunky feel. Needs to feel sharper. Execution overall good. Good break to strathspey. Clean fingering mainly in the strathspey and good lift and tempo good. Reel very steady and well pulsed. Very enjoyable. Pipes bang on at started but but got better in the reel.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Melissa Bautz Tunes: The Lochaber Gathering, Ullapool to Stornoway, Drum Major John Seton Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: I enjoyed the opening parts of the march and you were making a good job of the expression but I felt in places it was not well timed in some bars where the execution was difficult. But good tempo throughout. The strathspey was well played and you showed good lift throughout. The reel was steady but maybe not as tidy in some passages where the execution is demanding. Pipes sounded quite nice at the beginning but I felt they were out at the end and high G sharp in reel. Difficult tunes and the secret is being totally on top of them technically to allow you to be controlling the expression all the way.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Trenor Tunes: Mr. Donald Shaw, MacBeth’s Strathspey, The Grey Bob Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: The march I think needed a little more expression and appeared to be faster than you could control the expression. It was steady enough but as it progressed it got rounder. Strathspey was quite well played but the execution was always clear enough. . Reel steady but a shade fast and grips and birls not always clear. The MSR has lots of potential but I think it was too fast for you to be in control and didn't sound composed. Pipes sounded good.
Watch Video


"Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nick Tomkins Tunes: March: Colonel Maclean of Ardgour Spey: Pipe Major Hector Maclean Reel: Alec C McGregor Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Bright and well controlled march. Nice expression and tempo. Some very clippy notes the only issue I had but strong playing just listen for these. Strathspey lift and control good, just a few D strikes were unconvincing. Steady reel and good control and drive. Good pipe
Watch Video


" "Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Niklas McPhee Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal,The Bob of Fettercairn, Thompson´s Dirk Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Very bright start to the march and being played confidently good tempo with good execution. There's maybe a little more to get on the pointing I think just a little more on the left foot especially evident on the Fs in the last part. Strathspey was very well controlled and excellent timing and lift, a couple of untidy notes in 3rd part then choke!! Very strong playing otherwise. Reel was steady and well pulsed, but a few little crossing noises coming through. overall good MSR pity about choke. Pipe was very well set up and sounded steady as a rock.
Watch Video


" Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Patrick MacDonald Tunes: The Pap of Glencoe, Cabar Feidh, John Garroway Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: March had an excellent tempo but within that I felt there was a slight lack of expression and control. Too round in some passages. Good execution. Strathspey well expressed and lots of good lift shown. A couple of passages were a bit rounder than the rest. Reel well driven on excellent control and musicality. Pipe very good.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rory Bain Tunes: Maclean of Pennycross, Susan MacLeod, The Rejected Suitor Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: I felt the march was a bit erratic, over emphasised then flowing, then over emphasised again, so that inconsistency needs a little work. Execution good. Strathspey good tempo but some note errors and a little bit of untidy fingerwork, and again in the reel some untidiness. Good tempo and drive in the reel. Pipes sounded good.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sandy Adams Tunes: Morag Ramsay, Ewe with the Crooked Horn, Rejected Suitor Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Good strong March, well expressed and well driven on. One untidy birl and missed strike. In the strathspey you went for tempo rather than phrasing and so it didn't have the lift and control. Well controlled reel very strong. Good execution in general. Pipe good.
Watch Video


Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Steven Knox Tunes: The MacNeill's March, Susan MacLeod, and Col. MacLeod Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Very well expressed march and the tempo well controlled. Some little bits of untidiness in execution coming through. Note error 4th part. Good tempo in strathspey, just a lack of finger accuracy hampering the fine control to get the lift. Reel a shade fast but you handled it pretty well. Pipes were sounding very good and just the execution in places the main area to work on.
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jordan Johnston Place: 1 Tunes: St Ninian's Parish Centre Ceilidh, Karen Nuttal Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Nice 1st part of jig #1.2nd part good. 3rd part good, watch double E's a tad tight. 4th good. #2 jig nice drive in pulse of 1st part.2nd part good, 3rd part good.4th, nice control of finger technique. Overall, very good. Pipes nicely set up, chanter good. Work on the small areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura Mullin Place: 2 Tunes: Humours of Ballyloughlin, Silver Creek Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Jig#1, E to Double E to E strike at the start. 2nd part good, 3rd part good, 4th part, slight rushing the endings on the pulse. #2 jig, 1st part, good pulse here. 2nd part and 3rd part good.4th part nice pulse. Also watch the b strikes, weak at times. Nice pipes, chanter good! Work on the small areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Patrick MacDonald Place: 3 Tunes: Donald MacKillop, Patrick’s Revelations Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: #1 jig, work on the GDE's at times weak,rushing off the 4th measure to the 5th measure. 2nd part, good. 3rd part watch the e strikes, not always coming through. 4th part, here as well on the e strikes. A stronger pulse on the motion of the strike needed.#2 jig, nice 1st part and 2nd part good. 3rd part, watch the bottom hand work on the 1st measure/2d measure.4th part, watch the low g with GDE's, a tad tight. work on the E strikes, nice, but need consistency. Pipes good, chanter good! Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sandy Adams Place: 4 Tunes: Flora MacIsaac, Mill in the Glen Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Jig #1, Nice intro to the 1st part. 2nd part F to double E's tad tight. try to space the last d strike to the D with g-gracenote, too close together. 4th part nice strikes. Slight deviation in tempo on the repeat ever so slightly. Jig #2, Nice control of the GDE's, round distinctive movements good pulse.2nd part good.3rd part, good GDE's. 4th, again, watch the double e's, ever so tight, open up a tad. Overall, nice jigs, pipes good, chanter good. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jesse Robson Place: 5 Tunes: Donella Beaton, Dunrovin Farm Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Nice start to the 1st part of jig #1. Watch the half c doubling going back into the1st part, a tad tight. 2nd part good. 3rd part GDE's a bit tight, open up for a better musical flow. 4th part good. #2 jig, good 1st part. Good double d in 2nd part. Missed e strike in 2nd part. 3rd part good. 4th part, watch the tightness of double E's. Pipes good! Chanter good! Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi Place: 6 Tunes: Donald Mackillop, Rory MacLeod Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Nice start to Jig #1, watch one gde's in the 1st time through 1st part rushing a tad.rpeat of 1st part good. 2nd part good. 3rd part anchor the c to the low a's with gracing. Pushing off slightly on the c. 4th part the same here.Jig#2, open up the half c doublings a tad. 2nd part good.3rd part good. 4th, watch the f to e to e strikes, could be cleaner. Overal nicely played. Pipes good, Chnater good. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aaron Malcomb Tunes: Over to Uist, Skye Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Fisrt jig, watch the GDE's on low A, a tad tight, open up ever so slightly. 2nd part, High A to brush High A on the repeat too close together, spaced between the two. 3rd part, again watch the GDE pulse, to tight at times.4th part, expressed the 1st note ever so slightly in the runs in the forte on the repeat. for a better musical flow. #2 jig, watch the phrasing in the 7th and 8th measures in the 1st part. Control the fingers here. Nice double D's, F strikes good.4th part watch the 2nd and 4th measures not as controlled. Nice pipe, chanter good, F a tad sharp. work on the areas mentioned above! Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexandra Knox Tunes: Donella Beaton and McGuire’s Jig Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: #1 jig, nice GDE's control in the 1st and 2nd part. Slight choke in 1st part on the repeat. Watch the double c's tight at times. Overall, nicely played. #2 jig nice 1st part and 2nd part. Good D strikes, slight catch in the 3rd part, in the 4th measure into 5th measure. Careful here. 4th part, nice pulse! Pipes nice!! Chanter good! Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin Tunes: Drew James MacIntosh, Piper's Bonnet Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: #1 jig, nice 1st measure of the 1st part.Slight catches in the 1st part on the repeat. Slight deviation in tempo. 2nd part better control, on the forte part of the repeat of 2n part, the same problem in the 1st part. 3r part space the d gracing on the low g's, tight at times, or almost missed.4th part slight pause/slowing a bit. tempos not as consistant. #2 jig,nice 1st part. 2nd part, slightcatch i the 4th measure to the 5th measure. slight misplaed of g-gracenote on E before e strike. slowing ever so slightly. 4th part, GDE's tight, try to open up for better musical flow. Pipes good, chanter good. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Cahoon Tunes: The Bride's Jig, Michael McDonald's Jig Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: #1 jig, F strikes good, though at times on the repeat weak. Consistency is the key. Better in 2nd part on finger control. 4th part, Double C's tight, open up ever so slightly. #2 jig,Low A to Low G with g-gracenote, rushing-control the low A to low G. On the forte part of the repeat of 2nd part, slight slip to low G. Double c's in 4th part, tight again, open up for better musical control. Pipes good, chanter good, F tad sharp. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Danny Koch Tunes: Walking the Floor, St. Ninian's Parish Centre Ceilidh Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: #1 jig, nice GDE's in the 1st part. Anchor the low A before the burl. Pushing here. 2nd part better control here. 3rd part slight rushing of the GDE's. 4th part, slight slip, on the repeat, better! #2 jig,Rushing the E note to the Verde' movement on F. Try not to rushed this portion of the phrase. watch the end of 2nd part wrong note, it's F to C to E, not D to E.3rd part nice control. Slight slowing down in tempo 4th part. Pipes are nice, chanter good. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Elizabeth Knox Tunes: St. Ninian's Parish Centre Ceilidh and The Old Wife of the Mill Dust Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: #1 jig,Good 1st part. Open up the Double D's in 2nd part.3rd part nice control of phrasing.4th part nice finger control. #2 jig,Slight rushing of the repeat of 1st part. 2nd part good. 3rd part double c's a tad tight. 4th part good, though Double e's ever so tight,open up a tad. 5th partgood. 6th part, slight rushing off the GDE's in here. Overall, very nice! Pipes good, though the tuning of drones to chanter needs attention. Chanter good. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kyle Banta Tunes: Drew James Macintosh, Michael Macdonalds Jig Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Jig #1, g-gracing and d-gracing on D's at the top of jig,slightly weak motion, better on the repeat. 3rd part watch the blowing on D 1st time through,repeat good.4th part good. Jig#2 watch the GDE's on low A, tight at times.Double C's tight in 2nd part.3rd part GDE's again, tight, a bit rushing the pulse. 4th part, Double c's tight, open the movement for a better musical flow. Pipes nice, Chanter good, tad flat on D. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Leyton Bennet Tunes: Michael McDonald's Jig, Old Wife of the Milldust Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Jig #1, missed some Doulbe E's the first time through with the exception of the first double e. On the repeat, better.GDE's a tad tight in 2nd part.3rd part better on the pulse of the GDE's. 4th part good pulse, thougha cleaner control of finger technique in measures 6th and 7th. Jig #2,1st part not as precise on the GDE's pulse.Could be cleaner.2nd part good. 3rd part missed high A doubling.4th part ending rushed, to 5th part GDE's a small catch. Careful here.6th part, anchor the low a before the GDE's, pushing a bit. Pipes good, drones wondering by the last jig. Chanter good, F tad flat. Work on the ares mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mark Elliott Tunes: The Rakes Of Kildare, Alan Macpherson Of Mosspark Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Jig #1 over emphasizing the low G to the GDE's, smoother/anchor the low G to the low G to the low As. 2nd part, Control the 4th measure, rushing off the D to B to Low G. 3rd part, over expressing the down beat of the GDE's, GD movement a tad tight open up slightly. #2 jig, 1st part good, nice pulse.2nd part nice strikes on c's and b's. 3rd part GDE's first two weak, better on the repeat. Watch the 4th measure, finger technique, not as clean. Good pipe, nice chanter. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Melissa Bautz Tunes: Echoes of Oban, Joseph MacDonald's Jig Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Jig #1 B strikes slightly weak, work on consistency. better on the repeat.2nd part good, 3rd part good, nice f strikes. 4th part, nice control in here, good figer technique. #2 jig, 1st part low g with GD gracings a bit tight, open up slightly.2nd part, better control, pulse and finger technique.3rd part slight rushing in the 2nd measure and 3rd measure. tempo was not as consistant. 4th part anchor the High G to the High G strike, space between the two. tight on the repeat. Work on the areas mentioned. Pipes nice, chanter good. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Trenor Tunes: The Judges’ Dilemma, The Piper’s Bonnet Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Jig #1, GDE's way too tight, open the movement for a better musical flow. Same in the 2nd part. 3rd part pushing tempo slightly. 4th part,slight catch from E to C, on the repeat. #2 jig, Round distinctive movements GDE's on B to Low G-tight. Open this movement up. Burls good in 3rd part.Work on the endings, weak movements, open up here as well. Space the pulse ever so slightly.4th part, again, GDE's too tight. Bring the tempos down in both jigs, too fast. Work on the areas mentioned. Pipes are good, drones wondering towrads the end of second jig. Chanter nice. Thank you!
Watch Video


"Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nick Tomkins Tunes: Jig 1: The Curlew Jig 2: Drew James McIntosh Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Jig #1, Nice start to the 1st part. Watch the blowing on D's slightly unsteady. 2nd part good.3rd part good the endings F to d throw, try not to push off the F to the D. 4th part good. #2 jig, Good pulse in the 1st part. Again, watch the blowing on D in the 2nd part. 3rd part good. 4th part,slight churp from High A to low A 1st time through. blowing on D's could improve. Work on the areas mentioned. Pipes good, chanter good, tad flat on D. Thank you!
Watch Video


" Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Niklas McPhee Tunes: St. Ninian`s Parish Centre Ceilidh & Skye Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: #1 jig, slight choke in the first part. 2nd part, nice pulse, slight rushinginto the 3rd part,careful of the pulse of this measure to the 3rd part. 4th part, nice burls. # 2 jig, low A to D throw, try not to cut the low A to the D. 2nd part, finger technique weak in the 7th and 8th measures on the repeat. 3rd part, regain nicely. 4th part, watch the half e doublings, a tad tight. Work on the areas mentioned. Pipes good, chanter good.
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rhys O'Higgins Tunes: The Rakes of Kildare, Piping Hot Summer Drummer Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: #1 jig, watch the GDE's tight at times, workon open up the movement slightly.2nd part watch top hand in the 1st measure, 1st time through, not as clean ason the repeat.3rd part better.4th part, watch the 4th measure on bottom hand work, open up the movement. #2 jig, control the low a to b to c not as evenly distributed, rushing slightly off the low a to b. 3rd part good. 4th part, watch the g and e gracing on d to d strike, not consistent in the last measures of each part. Need that balance. Pipes good, chanter good. Work on the areas above. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rory Bain Tunes: St. Ninnians Parish Centre Ceilidh, The Brides Jig Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Jig #1, Slight catchfrom low A to D to D strike in 1st part, better on the repeat. 2nd part, double E's tight at times.3rd part, tending to slow down in tempo, though nice burls. Going into 4th part with tempo about the same as the 3d. Holding the down beats, a tad longer, than necessary. Deviating tempos in 3rd & 4th part. Jig#2,Watch GDE's tight, open up for a more musical flow. Parts 2 and 3 good, though Double C's in 3rd part a bit tight.4th part Nice f strikes, slight pause on High A in forte part to finish. Work on the areas mentioned. Pipes nice, chanter good. Than you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ross Davison Tunes: Old Woman's Dance - Donella Beaton Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Jig#1 Nice intro to the 1st part. Nice GDE's, 2nd part good. 3rd part, slight sliippage on low G 5th measure 4th part, nice E strikes, pushing tempo towards the end. Jig #2, 1st part, watch double c's, a bit tight. Open up the doubling for a better musical flow. Round distinctive movements, anchor the C to the low A's with gracing. Pushing off the C in this part.4th part watch the double c's again, tight. Work on the areas mentioned Pipes good, chanter good. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Steven Knox Tunes: Duncan the Gauger and Troy's Wedding Judge: Seamus Coyne Judge's Comments: Jig #1, Nice E strikes, botom hand work needs control, rushing tempo, slight erracttic tempo. 2nd part, finger technique tightness on the repeat. 3rd part, e strikes weak at times, consistency needed.4th part slight push in tempo in the 4th measure into the 5th measure. Jig#2, GDE's a bit tight on b's in 1st part. Low A to B to C, not as smooth, n the group 3 notes. Slightly jagged. 3rd part,nice pulse, though C to double D, slight phrasing problem, work on the smoothness in this area.4th, GDE's, again tight, open up a tad. High G to the E to E strike, pushing off the high G, anhor the G to the E to E strike. Pipes good, chanter good. Work on the areas mentioned. Thank you!
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jordan Johnston Place: 1 Tunes: Miss Ishabel T Macdonald Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: A lovely well set pipe with beautiful balance between drones and chanter. Excellent strong clean fingering producing a quality of technique which is rhythmical accurate allowing you to predict a musical performance of the tune. The tune was extremely well presented both in tempo and phrasing and expression. A quality performance of this 6/8 showing a strong mit sucks grasp of the 6/8 idiom.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura Mullin Place: 2 Tunes: The City of the Seven Towers Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe extremely well set with a good balance between drones and chanter. Chanter well pitched producing a bright sound. Good clean strong fingering producing excellent rhythmical technique. Phrasing throughout the tune was excellent showing lovely musical expression which in turn gave a great presentation of the 6/8 piece. Showing an excellent grasp of what is required in 6/8 playing.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Elizabeth Knox Place: 3 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Good pipe well set. Balance if drones to chanter good. Good strong clean fingering demonstrating good rhythmical technique. Good tempo for this tune which in turn provided you with the platform to play the tune musically bringing out good expression and quality phrasing. Overall a first class presentation of this 6/8 on a good pipe.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexandra Knox Place: 4 Tunes: Dr. Ross’ 50th Welcome to the Argyleshire Gathering Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Lovely well tuned bagpipe. Good balance between chanter and drones. Good clean strong fingering producing excellent rhythmical technique. Good steady tempo for this tune. Minor point, in the third part 1st bar hold the Low A prior to the taurlauth, this will assist you with the strong best and keep the tune properly pointed. Overall a lovely musical performance on a good pipe demonstrating a good understanding of what is required in 6/8 playing.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Melissa Bautz Place: 5 Tunes: Angus MacKinnon Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Lovely well set and balanced pipe. Good strong clean fingering producing crisp technique. Tune well phrased with good musical expression played at an appropriate tempo for this particular 6/8. You have demonstrated a good understanding of what is required at this level if playing and how to phrase and express this tune.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nick Tomkins Place: 6 Tunes: PM Bill Boyle, New Zealand Scottish Regiment Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipe overall well set good balance between drones and chanter. F slightly sharp. Good solid technique displaying good clean fingering throughout the tune. The tempo of the tune was consistent, for my taste slightly on the careful side and would benefit from a slight increase in tempo. Tune well phrased throughout showing good expression and a clear understanding of the 6/8 idiom.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin Tunes: The 10th Bn. Highland Light Infantry Crossing the Rhine Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Lovely well balanced pipe. Beautiful drone sound nicely pitched chanter. Good solid technique. Some D throw movements throughout the tune need more Liw G prior to completing the movement. Dome grips High A last part chanter not fully closed when completing the movement. Overall a quality 6/8 performance showing good musical understanding of the tune on a lovely pipe.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jesse Robson Tunes: Maritime Mum Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Good pipe well set. Good clean strong fingering allowing good technique. Tempo slightly erratic in first part then settled for the rest of the tune. Phrasing in first part needed more attention to the dominant strong beat however this was rectified throughout the remainder of the tune showing good expression and phrasing. Overall a slightly erratic start which settled into a good 6/8 showing an understanding of 6/8 playing on a good pipe. Possibly a wee touch nervous to begin with.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi Tunes: Kenneth J. MacCleod Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Good pipe overall. Craw on High A slightly distracting. Good clean strong fingering producing a high quality of technique. The tempo of the tune for my taste was slightly on the slow side. The tune was well phrased with good overall expression. The tune I think would benefit from a flight increase in tempo. Overall the tube was well played showing an excellent grasp of the requirements of 6/8 playing.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kyle Banta Tunes: Jean Mauchline Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipe good and well set. Technique overall sound with good strong fingering. Tune played at a good tempo. Slightly slowing in passages in third and fourth parts. The tempo was good overall but keep it consistent throughout the tune. Overall tune well played showing an understanding of what is required in 6/8 playing.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mark Elliott Tunes: The River Creed Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Good pipe well set and balanced. Good strong clean fingering showing good overall technique. Tune was played for my taste slightly on the slow side, however the tune is technically very demanding and you keep the tempo consistent throughout. The tune was well phrased throughout demonstrating good expression and what is required in 6/8 playing.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Patrick MacDonald Tunes: Tug Argan Gap Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipe good. Overall reasonably well set. Fingering is strong and clean allowing you to play with good correct technique. Tempo of the tune was good and flowed well. I feel that you could point the strong beat more throughout the tune which would assist you in your musical presentation of the tune. This apart the tune was reasonably well phrased and expressed. You should an understanding of what is required at this level in 6/8 playing.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rory Bain Tunes: Big Don Macdonald Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Pipe ok overall. Reasonably well set. High A slightly flat possibly due to the craw of the note. Technique overall was solid with strong clean fingering. Overall the phrasing of the tune was ok, on occasions the phrasing was noticeably round when there was a technically more demanding parts of the tune. Overall phrasing and expression were ok showing a generally good understanding of what is required at this level of 6/8 playing.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ross Davison Tunes: Jean Mauchline Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Good good and well set and tuned. Good strong clean fingering overall displaying solid technique. On occasion some biro movements were not as strong as others. We must hear the full movement. Keep the movement consistently the same throughout the tune. The tune was well phrased and expressed slowing fir a musical performance and a clear idea of what it takes to play a 6/8 at this level.
Watch Video


Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Steven Knox Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Gordon McCready Judge's Comments: Good pipe well set. Drones to chanter good balance. Technique was solid with good clean fingering. The tempo of the tune was good. The phrasing I felt could have done with slightly more emphasis on the strong beat at this tempo. Overall you showed a good understanding of what is required at this level to play and express a 6/8.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jordan Johnston Place: 1 Tunes: Captain Collin Campbell's caprice, Duncan Johnstone Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo and musical playing on a well set instrument. I think you are leaving out Hi A gracenotes on the low G's in the first tune however this is minor issue but something you should check out in the original setting. Enjoyable performance.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura Mullin Place: 2 Tunes: Hiccup, Jock the Coalman Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good lively, musical tempo. Good fingerwork and technique. I'm not overly keen on the 2nd tune as it doesn't show off your ability. Good solid pipes.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ross Davison Place: 3 Tunes: Ducking and Diving - Lynn Sutherland Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Missed D throws. A musical set well played. Not keen on the settting of Ducking and Diving. Great pipes, well done.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi Place: 4 Tunes: Donald MacLeod, Ceilidh Lines Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Careful tempo. Good accurate playing and good technique. You can make the performance more musical by lifting the tempo. Watch birl from B in 2nd tune. Great bagpipe sound.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sandy Adams Place: 5 Tunes: Ina MacKenzie, John F. Kennedy Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Some bottom hand work not accurate, Missed grip in the last part. Some technique not coming through cleanly. Generally well phrased. Good pipes, C sharp on chanter.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Niklas McPhee Place: 6 Tunes: Redondo Beach & Winnipeg forger Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Some birls not clean and some fingerwork not accurate. Rushing phrases in the 2nd tune. I suggest playing tunes of similar style for competition and I don't feel the 2nd tune showed off your ability. Good pipes.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexandra Knox Tunes: The Train Journey North and Redondo Beach Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Careful tempo. Some untidy technique and unsteady blowing. Untidy birls in 2nd tune and the extra beat in the break is not necessary. Good quality, well set bagpipe sound.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin Tunes: Hamilton's Nut Sack, Sandy's New Chanter Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Tempo slow. Untidy fingerwork with some catches. Chokes. Throw on D not always clear. Erratic phrasing in the 2nd tune. Good chanter sound although drones tuned sharp compared to the low A. Hi G was flat and distracting.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Danny Koch Tunes: Colin MacKay, Pipe Major George Allan Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Careful tempo. Phrasing rather straight and round for this style of tune. Good 2nd tune however some untidy bottom hand work. Error last part. Unsteady drones from the start otherwise pipes were good.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Elizabeth Knox Tunes: The Train Journey North and Joe McGann’s Fiddle Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Some missed execution and untidy fingerwork. More emphasis required on strong accents in the 2nd tune, some loose playing here and a slight error. Unsteady drones and D sharp on the chanter.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jake Robertson Tunes: Ina McKenzie and Doctor McInnes Fancy Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Some execution not coming through strong enough or accurately placed on notes. Untidy bottom hand work in the 2nd tune. Good pipes.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jesse Robson Tunes: The Henningham Reunion, The Train Journey North Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Playing triplets ahead of the beat spoiling the musical flow. Untidy bottom hand work and missing E doublings in the 2nd tune. Good pipes.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kyle Banta Tunes: Train Journey North, Milwaukee Gigglers Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Careful tempo. Missing F and E doublings in 1st tune. Technique laboured at times. Rushed last bar of 2nd tune and triplets are too open. Good pipes.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mark Elliott Tunes: The Man From Skye, Jim Tweedie's Sea Legs Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Careful tempo. Untidy fingerwork and laboured technique spoiled the musical flow. Rushing ahead of the beat at times. Better playing in the 2nd tune. Error last part. Nice pipes although chanter sound could be improved.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Melissa Bautz Tunes: Donald MacLeod, Train Journey North Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Cautious tempo. Accurate playing although birls not always clean. D triplets not defined in 2nd tune. Drones slightly unsteady and some sharp notes on the chanter distracting.
Watch Video


"Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nick Tomkins Tunes: Hornpipe 1: Joe McGann's Fiddle Hornpipe 2: Miss Megan Harrington Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Untidy fingerwork patricularly on the bottom hand in the 2nd tune. I suggest playing tunes of similar style for competition. Good pipes
Watch Video


" Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Patrick MacDonald Tunes: Colin MacKay, The Henningham Reunion Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo. More emphasis required on the strong accents. Rushing at times and triplets too deliberate affecting the musical flow. Untidy fingerwork in the 2nd tune. Good pipes although scratchy hi A was distracting.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rhys O'Higgins Tunes: The Burst Mattress, Sandy's New Chanter Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Birls untidy and fingerwork could be more accurate. Rushing/clippng B strikes too much for this style of tune. Good pipes however the scratchy Hi A was distracting.
Watch Video


Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rory Bain Tunes: The Captains Pledge, Eric Stein, Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Chokes. Playing grips ahead of the beat. Rushing in 3rd part and birls not always on the beat.Untidy fingerwork in the 2nd tune, clipped strikes spoiling the style of tune. Hard to hear pipes with the wind interference.
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Jordan Johnston Place: 1 Tunes: I Got A Kiss Of The King's Hand Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground - very nice. You really caught the "joy" in this tune. Pipes really tuned too, so it was a pleasure to hear the harmonics on the F, B and G (where the internet allowed them to be heard!) Var 1. Lovely, nice and gentle, just the way a Singling should be Doubling. Great, you even managed to get phrasing in there, which is difficult ... and a nice wee slow-down at the end TS - very good, especially use of cadences TD - super fingering, remember to try and hold the tempo back - you were on the verge of letting it run away from you (but it didn't) CS - at this point you could have slowed the tempo by holding the theme notes longer. This is long tune and you have a Doubling and an a-mach still to come, so definitely give yourself more room here by taking things back a bit CD - this was nice but would have been even better if the CS had been slower to give some contrast C-a-mach - good, but the a-mach movement is faulty in some small way that I could not make out from the video, so please get the practice chanter out and go over it slowly with your teacher. This was the only major criticism of this tune which I thought was absolutely superb
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Hamish Reade Place: 2 Tunes: I Got a Kiss of the Kings Hand Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground. Very musical and well thought-out. If I had one bit of advice it would be not to rush the last bar - that one can lengthened (as a sort-of coda to the Ground) but in fact you raced through it Var 1. Nice, but quite brisk and more like the tempo of a Doubling. Try and soften the short notes here, literally soften the movement of the fingers, and you'll get the right effect Doubling. Perfect. All I would have wanted more here is a contrast from the Singling ... I think the advice above would sort that T Singling. Very good, especially the use of the cadences. T Doubling. Even better. This tune is really flowing well here C Singling. Your transition to this from the T Doubling was a bit abrupt ... try and slow the last wee bit of the T Doubling, or at least pause on the last note of that variation, before playing the first one in the C Singling. In the C Singling you were overdoing the cadences a bit (i.e. they were too long) - have a listen back and you'll see what I mean. C Doubling - very nice C-a-mach - great. Some people prefer some more speed in the a-mach (i.e. the various a-mach movements roll into each other faster than the usual speed of the plain crunluaths). I prefer what you do, which is to stick strictly to the timing. A really tough judge would have called your a-mach variation "cautious" and perhaps there would be a case for relaxing a bit here, and letting go? But that is a very small criticism, and I would not wish you to speed up and then wreck your fingerwork, which is admirable at present Pipes - lovely at start and they held well. Any "interfering sounds" were the internet scrambling the file slightly. I was very impressed that you proposed this rather challenging tune ... and you made a good job of it. Well done
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ross Davison Place: 3 Tunes: Isabel MacKay Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground. Very stately and musical. Thumb/Var 1. Nice ... be careful you don't slow down ... I think you were (not surprisingly) enjoying the sound of the high A notes ... at times these seemed longer than the corresponding E/F notes in the Ground Var 2. perhaps becuase of the mild slow-down in the last variation, this one was perhaps a bit slower than one would wish to be at this stage in tune. TS - nice. I don't wish to become repetitive, but it was "a bit on the back foot" TD - one or two missed movements - not important. The tune was beginning to flow better here CS - I think here the tempo was about right but you had a tendancy to play in one-bar phrases. The sensation of forward movement would have better if you were to leave the pauses to the end of each phrase, rather than pausing at the end of each bar CD - a couple of wee misses - not important. Again flowing better in the Doubling, as in the TD Pipes = lovely. The notes B and D were particularly nice (important in this tune) and the high A was (as mentioned above) very nice indeed
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Aaron Malcomb Place: 4 Tunes: Sir Ewin Cameron of Lochiel's Salute Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground. Very nice, you caught the drama in the melody perfectly. There were a couple of passing noises and they were always in the same place ... so you should be able to spot them if you listen back (and hopefully easily correct them). They come when moving from the note F to the note B and secondly from the note F to the note D - the two fingers of the L hand are not coming down together. Initially I checked my edition of the tune to see if there was an E gracenote there - that's the impression you give. It's a small point, but in this tune which was so nicely played otherwise, that kept you out of the top place in the contest L Singling - great Doubling - very musical and I liked the way the way you held the tempo back here. One tiny fumble - not important T Singling - also very musical. One fumble - not important Doubling - Well controlled, maybe overly so? I would have been inclined to let go here and then slow again for the C Singling .. you did slow for the C singling but the contrast would have been even better with a briske T Doubling variation C Singling - Nice Doubling - Same comments as T Doubling. Lovely bagpipe. Please take the above comments in the spirit of contructive critcism, as I think this is overall very good playing ... and with some minor adjustment this tune would be a clear winner for you in future
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Patrick MacDonald Place: 5 Tunes: Cabar Feidh Gu Brath Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground: Lovely, really good phrasing, and showing the ends of lines. It's only a personal preference, but I prefer a wee bit longer on the F notes in the Ground, they really can shine if the F is well-tuned (as yours was) .. you missed a wee bit of subtlety there, I thought Var 1. Great - really very nice indeed T Singling. Very good fingering. I would have made more of the cadences - you were rather flat-lining the tune at this point - especially rushing off the B cadences - listen back to those and you;ll see what I mean. In this simple melody the cadences are what makes the musical punctuation. T Doubling. Cracking fingering - really good. When your fingers are as good as this, you should try and make these Doublings more musical - it's difficult, but have think about phrasing them, maybe holding out the 4th theme note in each bar? It's a very subtle thing (and easily overdone) but worth trying. Your performance was technically correct but after a while became a bit like a finger exercise C Singling and Doubling - identical comments to T variation. You rather "fell in" to the C Singling and a wee pause or slow-down at the end of the T Doubling would have helped. These comments on the T and C variations are important - and are to encourage you in the future ... if you had made these more subtle and musical, you would have been higher in the prize-list. Your fingers are excellent and really all you need is "controlling", if you follow me Pipes - really nice set-up ... lovely high A and F (as mentioned above) so you should let those notes sing out where they occur in the tune
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Joshua Hogg Place: 6 Tunes: Lament for the Viscount of Dundee Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground: Lovely gentle melody here. If I can give a little advice, it would to be to make some of the movements more punchy, to contract with the lyrical melody. Specifically I would make the Double echo's on D a bit quicker, and the chelalo, which is beauthiful, but you rather overdid it by opening it so much, I think. Var 1. Your short notes could be shorter here. This variation can be tricky to play as there is a temptation to make it rather even, and that can lead to it being "over-sentimental" . Your performance was verging on this. Doubling. Brilliant - a really nice variation Var 2. Same comment as Var 1. By making some short notes, contrasting with the long ones in the cadences, you could create more drama Doubling. Nice, rather a marked contrast to the Singling but I liked it Tripling. Nice Doubling. Very nice indeed Crunluath. Good technique, a couple of wee fumbles, not important really. Doubling. Lovely The sound of the pipes was outstanding - one of the best I had heard all day. One wee double toning episode in the tripling - not important . This happened to Angus MacColl in the Clasp at Inverness in 2019 and he was still in the prize-list I'm not sure if you are member of the Piobaireachd Society, but if not it;s cheap to join, then go to this link https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/library/tunes-index/g-m?tune=lament-for-the-the-viscount-of-dundee Apart from admiring Andrew Pitkeathley's bagpipe and amazing technique (he was the Queen's Piper at the time), you'll see what I mean about the way the movements in the Ground could be tightened a bit to good effect. Also a quicker first variation. Note that he does something different with the cadences in the Singlings of all variations, by the way, but I liked what you did there, so don't change that
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Aiden Fowler Tunes: Kings Taxes Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: I like the effort you made with the background to the video - it's been a while since I saw Braveheart but very approporiate. Ground: You set this out well. It was a bit "cautious" maybe? Some people think of this tune as an angry one, and either way you could benefit from increasing the tempo a little. The best way to do this is usually to leave the long notes alone and make the short notes shorter - but in your case the short notes were fine, but the long notes were too long, for my liking. Var 1: Same comment as above - if the tempo was up a bit, it would benefit. Good technique, except for the very first edre on E which was a bit less good than the others Doubling; Now, at this stage in the tune there should really be a good "swing" to this variation. You were missing that ... I don't know if you are a member of the Piobaireahcd Society but if not it is cheap to join - then go to this link https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/library/tunes-index/g-m?tune=kings-taxes-the-2 ... you'll hear lots of versions of this tune, the best being Iain Speirs winning his Gold Medal with it - cracking tempo ... try and have a listen to that if you can Tripling; Nice use of the cadences here Doubling: spot on - I really liked this Crunluath: Here, you were in more of a hurry to come off the cadences and I think you could have held this varation back a bit, by making more effect with them Doubling: great Drones nice and held well to the end. High G could be better - don't we all wish we had a better one? Myself, I struggled with High G until I bought a plastic Ayrfire chanter with an oval shaped G hole - never looked back. The maker has not paid me to say that! (but if you wanted one you would need to specify that you like the oval hole, and he will oblige).
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Alexandra Knox Tunes: Lament for the Viscount of Dundee Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground: Nice ... personally I open up the chelalo movement more than you, but it;s only my opinion. Try a wee pause at the end of each line, to good effect ... I would have preferred that, but you certainly kept thtings moving. Var 1 - this diffcult variation is often rushed ... you didn't do that (=nice). Some would say you overdid the phrasing and made it all too sentimental ... I liked it, but it was a bit "obvious" Doubling - really nice Var 2 - good. There is some argument amongst pipers as to how to do the cadences. You opted to have a very short second note (and the same in the rest of the tune). I thought your second note was very short indeed. Could you be a bit more subtle about it? Doublng - really nice, no need to go fast here Tripling - same comments re cadences as above, vey short second note Doubling - great, top notch. A couple of wee misses, not important Crunluath - correct and I would not change it, though in time the movement will be more flowing Doubling - great Pipes not perfect at the end but not distracting. I'm not sure if you are member of the Piobaireachd Society, but if not it;s cheap to join, then go to this link https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/library/tunes-index/g-m?tune=lament-for-the-the-viscount-of-dundee Apart from admiring Andrew Pitkeathley's bagpipe and amazing technique (he was the Queen's Piper at the time), you'll see what I mean about the way the cadences could be played ... he does the same as you but he holds a milisecond longer on the second note, which I think works well
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Charlie Martin Tunes: The Groat Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground. Very nice - good contrast between the long notes and the short ones, which is essential in this tune, or you miss the "drama" of the melody. Watch out for the throw on D from a short B - that was too light with no audible low G. Var 1. You were perhaps a bit over-lyrical with the cadences, which were stretched a bit too long for me Doubling - great. The only quibble might be on the grip movements - they have to be very slick so that the melody is not interrupted by this movement. Tripling. Nice - same comments about the cadences as Var 1. Could you be a bit quicker with the GDE movement? I think you could Doubling. Nice. Watch out for a couple of tiny crossing noises when moving from low G to D. Definitely a quicker GDE would have been nice here. This is meant to be a somewhat aggressive tune Crunluath. Nice - cadences better here Doubling. Nice. Pipe was nice, with a well-tuned note D (very important here) I donl't know if you are member of the piobaireachd society but it's cheap to join online, then go to this link: https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/library/tunes-index/g-m?tune=groat-the In that recording (the James MacGillivray one) you'll hear what I mean about the cadances - they can be long, but not overly so. Secondly you'll hear his grips in Var 1 doubling - they don't get in the way, ... and finally I think you should aim for that speed of GDE movement - I'm sure you can manage it
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Chris Cahoon Tunes: Lament for the Viscount of Dundee Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground: Nice ... In the very last line I would have preferred shorter short notes (semiquavers on the score) ... you were a bit gentle with them i.e. they could have been a bit crisper oin comparison to the long notes Var 1. Also nice. I think you really understood this variation Doubling. Rather more of a contrast than I was expecting, but good playing Var 2. Lovely. Doubling. Again you got quite carried away here with the tempo, in my opinion, and there was one wee note error Tripling. Good Doubling. Great tempo but note errors, it's easy to get lost here! That was a real pity, as if you had not made errors here you would have been pretty high in the prize list Crunluath. Really good technique Doubling. Even better - perfect, in fact Pipes held really well. There were a few low G notes which very nearly squealed - but not quite. If you hadn;t made the note errors this would have been an outstanding tune. Your fingers are top class and you obviously have thought about the tune a lot.
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta Tunes: Catherine's Lament Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: I liked the background - a banner and everything! Wow Ground. Dagmar, remember when you blow up the pipe, have a wee rest on low A, or lay soem tuning notes ... and then start the tune ... the impression was that you rushed into the 1st phrase. The ground settled down nicely after that. Var 1. Nice Doubling. You did the acceptable thing here, namely to speed this up ... but I think you overdid it. You thus struggled with the fingering when playing the two F notes separated by a G gracenote. Just take it easy here and it will flow perfectly if played virtually the same speed as the singling Taorluath. Nice Doubling. OK, but you seem to rush off the theme notes at times, especially when the theme note is low G, for some reason - this is is a common fault and is easily corrected with some practice chanter work Crunluath. Nice Doubling - same comments about the low G theme note - listen back and you'll see what I mean ... you simply need to remember to pause on this theme more than the others. It's because the T and C movements are shorter (less gracenotes) when played from low G, so everybody falls into this trap
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Danny Koch Tunes: Cabar Feidh Gu Brath Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground. Musical and enjoyable Var 1. Also very musical, really good in fact. T Singling. Great Doubling. Also great - this tune is flowing really well C Singling. You rather rushed into this variation and had a tiny fluff in the 1st phrase - the latter is not important, but setting up the transition between T and C variaitons is an important skill. Two general principles are helpful - 1) slow a tiny bit at the end of the T Doubling, or at least pause on the last theme note 2) the C Singling can be a slower speed than the T Doubling, to good effect. The impression you gave was to motor from one variation to the other without considering either (or both) of the above. Doubling, Nice C-a-mach. Clean fingering but a bit slow .... and all you need to do is play several hundred C and C-a-mach movements and they'll become slicker. Sorry, there's no other way to get them better! Pipes - nicely tuned. Watch out for some mild uneven blowing, most noticeable on the note E, for some reason.
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Elizabeth Knox Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground. Very nice. You have clearly thought about the music here. I would have liked to see a litle more of a pause at the end of the 1st phrase - you can either make the B long, or the low A, or both. You were a bit quick with both notes. In the double echo beats, I prefer the throw on D to be as written (not the "heavy" throw that you do). But that is a personal preference. Has your teacher showed you the other way to play a throw? Have a look online and you'll see what I mean Taorluath. You fumbled the 1st movement, which was a pity as this was otherwise a very nice variation Doubling. Spend a milisecond longer on the theme note before the T movement, and less time on the quavers that follow, and this will flow better. You are somewhat reversing the melody by coming off the theme note, and then spending time on the low after the T movement, and the following quaver. All brebach variations should "roll along" Crunluath. I see you are opening up the movement to get all the gracenotes correct, and this is absolutely what you should do until the crunluath is second nature. The only way to acheive that is to play (literally) hundreds of thousands of crunluaths. And if you do them all as well as you did in this recording, you'll be a great player. This variation and its doubling were very enjoayble to listen to Pipe - nice - held well to the end. I liked the sound of the top hand in particular. Good job
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Gillian Blaney Tunes: The Battle of Waternish Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Gillian, I was impressed at the outset by two things - your homemade banner ... and the fact that you chose this big tune to compete with - a brave move: it's usually thought of as Gold Medal level piece. Ground. Nice and steady. Var1. Great Doubling. Also good - it's tempting to charge ahead here, but there's a long way to go in the tune ... I would be inclined to hold it back, closer to the Singling speed, than you did Var 2. Great - one wee fumble, not important Doubling. Also good - this time I think you nailed it - perfect tempo. A couple of wee fumbles, not important T Singling. At your level, I think this is right speed to play this. It was musical ... and one day (after you have played a few hundred thousand T movements) it will be really slick. There's no real way to hurry that. T Doubling - ditto, just right, I thought C Singling - you could actually slow a bit here, spending a bit of time on the theme notes. This can thus make a good contrast with the T Doubling. C Doubling - good job, and would have been even better if the C Singling was slower (i.e. would have been a better contrast). A couple of note errors, that's not important compared to my other comments C-a-mach - good clean fingering - again, just a couple of hundred thousand of these to go, and you'll have it licked! The drones held well but the chanter was sharp from the outset especially the note B - and that was a pity as this was a really brave stab at this tune. I think you have a bright future if you keep up the practice. You are obviously being taught well and all you have to do is carry on practising the same stuff. Well done
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Jim Roberts Tunes: Lament for the Viscount of Dundee Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground: E intro notes were very short indeed - simply by lengthening them, this Ground would be more flowing ... do you know the notes I mean? .. the first note of the tune is a G gracenote on an E which is correctly written in the score as a quaver. You are playing them all as semiquavers or shorter. Var 1. Short notes remain very short here. This variation can be tricky to play as there is a temptation to make it rather even, and that can lead to it being "over-sentimental" . Your performance was somewhat in the other direction, where there could have been more feeling here, by making the short notes more subtle. Doubling. Same comment as above - those short notes! Var 2. Your style of playing was more suited to this variation, but even so it could have been more subtle Doubling. Nice Tripling. Nice Doubling. Very nice indeed Crunluath. Good technique, a couple of wee fumbles, not important really. The main issue remained the E notes of the cadences ... yep, they were too short Doubling. Lovely The sound of the pipes was OK and held throughout the tune, but watch out for the set-up of the piobaireachd high G, which was very flat. I'm not sure if you are member of the Piobaireachd Society, but if not it;s cheap to join, then go to this link https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/library/tunes-index/g-m?tune=lament-for-the-the-viscount-of-dundee Apart from admiring Andrew Pitkeathley's bagpipe and amazing technique (he was the Queen's Piper at the time), you'll see what I mean about the way the E introductory notes could be played ... and the short notes in the first variation. Note that he does something different with the cadences in the Singlings of all variations, by the way, but I liked what you did there, so don't change that
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: John D Mitchell Tunes: Lament for the Only Son Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Well done for tackling this deceptively diffcult tune. The Ground is very hard to play and it lays the pattern for the rest of the next 2 variations. You played it slightly unevenly. The 1st phrase was great - and if you can somehow get that swing into the next phrase you'll be on a winner. You tended to rush the D echo beats so that the next phrase (whch contains them was foreshortened). Thumb. Same comments as above. 1st phrase good, next one slightly uneven Var1 Doubling - nice, but the low G at the cadence can still be held a bit longer at this point. It's only in the Dithis and after that when this low G can be allowed to shorten. Perhaps this is the time talk about those long low G's ... there are two accepted ways through this tune - one is the long low G (you did that) and this is well illustrated in this recording by James Murray : (you'll need to be a Piobaireachd Society member to hear this but it's easy and cheap to join online) https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/library/tunes-index/g-m?tune=lament-for-the-only-son If you are going to do that, then go for it (holding the low G) right up to the dithis. Make a feature of it. The other approach is to always have a shorter low G, right from the start. Bill Livingstone does this, at this link: https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/library/tunes-index/g-m?tune=only-son-lament-for I think at the end of the Var 1 doubling and in some other places you were wavering off your original course (long low G) and I suggest you listen back to that and see what you think. It's a small point, but it;s the thing that makes this tune stand out from all the rest Dithis. Nice Doubling. Nice - rather a marked contrast to the Singling, you could have have been more subtle here and there's still quite a long way to go in the tune ... I would be inclined to go a bit more gently in this doubling TS - nice. Same comments as above re cadences TD - also very nice CS - nice. Same comments as above re cadences CD - nice C-a-mach - sadly you got a bit lost here as things were going quite well Pipes nice. As I said at the outset this is a Gold Medal level tune and well done for trying it. Have a listen to the various recordings and see if you can follow these past masters, as at the outset this was a very promising piece
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Joseph Fischer Tunes: The Earl of Seaforth's Salute Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: A very sweet-sounding bagpipe. I thought it was really brave to attempt this tune which P/M Donald MacLeod described as "being most elusive" and is of Gold Medal standard. Ground was nice, but the key in each phrase is to treat the first 3 notes differently from the next 3 ... you need to "push back, then roll" ... the way to do that in the first phrase for example is to play the first 3 notes as you did, but then come off the F onto the G and high A fairly briskly. In the 1st and 2nd phrases you were holding this F overlong and prolonging the phrase overmuch. In the 3rd phrase you overheld the D, and so on Am I making sense here? The best person to explain it is Jimmy McIntosh ... he's pretty old now and his singing is a bit wobbly, but he gives you the timing quite clearly at https://vimeo.com/channels/103905/62184757 Var 1 - same comments exactly to those above Var 1 doubling - this was more flowing TS - you were a bit brisk on the run-up to the cadances. The first cadence, for example, comes after a long high G = correct, but you leapt up that high G from a very short low A. Just relax at this point and it will flow better TD - nice CS - rather quick brebach, I would be inclined to hold back the tempo here, and again you leapt up to the notes before the cadences CD - you got a bit lost here. Again I thought it was a bit quick. The tune is a salute but it is a melodic one Pipes nice - the high G was nearly always correct, but took some effort for you to keep it there.
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi Tunes: The MacDougall's Gathering Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: This is technically a very challenging tune, so well done for putting it in. The Ground was too gentle for me, though you often hear it played at the your speed. See If you can get hold of some recordings to guide you. The easiest way to do that is join the Piobaireachd Society (easy to do online) and then go to this link https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/library/tunes-index/g-m?tune=gathering-the-macdougalls-2 What you will hear there is lyrical versions of the Ground, and then real game-changers like Bill Livingstone who gets through the whole tune in less than 10 minutes (you took 12 minutes). P/M Donald Macleod used to say that this is a tune "to be taken by the scruff of the neck and shaken" - again his teaching of this tune is available in various places online so in summary I thought your Ground was technically correct, just too slow TS - Very nice, good movements, rather gently and slowly played, but best to get them correct now, and once you have mastered them you can let go and be more aggressive here TD - Very nice indeed ... you handled the diffcult tripling passages well. Same comment about the tempo CS - Very nice ... You were slowing down however, and the end of the CS was slower than the start. CD - Very nice, but could have more "fire" The key in this tune , to the T and C variations, is to use those lovely 3-note cadences to the full. Your Singlings and Doublings could actually be exactly the same speed (in my opinion, quite fast) and then the cadences in the Singling should hold back that variation to provide the contrast, while the Doublings are "free" and somewhat triumphant in character. The pipe was really nice to listen to and the drones held well.
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kyle Banta Tunes: Catherine's Lament Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground: nice. It was a trifle on the slow side for me, but musical. Var 1. This was definitely too slow. The short notes were fine, but theme notes too long Doubling. Better flow here, maybe this would be a good speed for the Singling? TS - nice, but (yes, you guessed it!) a bit slow ... in this case leave the cadences alone (they were nice) but don't spend so much time on the theme notes. It's not often that I say that ... most pipers veer the other way and don't spend enough time emphasising the theme notes TD - better - as above, this would have been a good tempo for the Singling. CS - same comments as above for TS CD - this was actually at the correct speed for a Doubling C-a-mach - this was nice Pipes very nice to listen to, stayed in tune well
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Mark Elliott Tunes: The MacKays' Banner Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground. Nice, flows really well Var 1. Also very well played Doubling. Could have moved on the tempo here, in fact you slowed down a wee bit in the 2nd line T Singling - great, the tune really started flowing at this point. One wee fumble, not important Doubling - a couple of fumbles and the tempo was rather brisk, considering there was still a trebling to come Trebling - nice , would be even better if the Doubling beforehand had been a bit more steady, to provide contrast C Singling - good Doubling/Trebling - exactly the same comment as for Taorluath. Hold back the Doubling a trifle, and then the fingers have got somewhere to go in the Trebling C-a-mach - you really got excited here and I think some more poise and control would have benefited the ending of the tune. It's a difficult balance ... because if you make the whole thing too measured then it;s a bore, while if it's too fast then it's hard to control. You veered towards the "too fast" here, and I think if you listen back you'll hear that. Pipes very nice to listen to, beautifully tuned. High A was suspect at times in var 1.
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Melissa Bautz Tunes: MacCrimmon's Sweetheart Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground was nice ... lots of poise and extremely musical Var 1. Ditto, beautifully performed Var 2. Even nicer - the tune is really flowing here. You missed/fluffed one darado movement Var 3. I thought the treatment of the notes before the cadences was a bit brisk, though I know some pipers do like that. I would be be more inclined to dwell on the low A more (the last one before each cadance) Var 3. Doubling - nice Tripling. Singling and Doubling - super C Singling and Doubling - both super The thing that let you down here was the sound. It was ebbing/flowing/coming /going in a most off-putting manner. I thought the pipe might have been out of tune but it was impossible to make that out. I actually contacted the competition organiser to see what to do here - i.e. was it fair to penalise you on this as it was an online contest and a face-to-face encounter might have sounded differently? We came to the conclusion that the drones probably were out, and this led to the odd "to and fro" of the sound. But you should remember this lesson ... this was a very well-played tune and if you had nailed the sound, you'd have been high up in the prize list. So take some comfort from that, and work on the sound ... we've all been there ...
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Michael Trenor Tunes: A Flame of Wrath for Patrick Caogach Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: The Ground in this very aggressive tune is meant to be quick, and you achieved that ... but I think you could have shown some phrase endings, and line endings. the best way to do that is simply to spend more time on the double echoes on B, and the hiharins ... particularly the second one in each pair Variation 1. Singling - nice. The same comment as above, about showing some more shape to the tune. Otherwise I wouldn;t change this, though some players cut the theme note a bit more and dwell on each of the low A notes Doubling - perfectly acceptable to do what you did, namely even notes. I prefer making one of them longer than another, as mentioned in the comment above about the Singling Crunluath Singling. Only one thing to change here, and that is to reduce the time you spend on the E after the crunluath movement. This is certainly unbalancing the variation a bit. Crunluath Doubling. Great - very powerful. A few wee misses particularly on the D crunluath movement. You could make things a wee bit easier by not going so fast in this Doubling - the way you played was right at the limit of your ability. Same comment as in the Singling, less time on the E will make it easier overall ... A rolling brebach feel is quite acceptable, where the length of the E and the two low Gs is identical. I don't know if you are member of the Piobaireachd Society but if you were to join (easy online, and cheap) you would be able to hear masters of the past playing this. My favourite is John MacFadyen https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/library/tunes-index/a-f?tune=flame-of-wrath-for-patrick-coagach he demonstrates much of what I have said, and his crunluath is a cracker - you donlt need to go that fast but maybe copy his shape of brebach for that variation? Just a thought
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Rhys O'Higgins Tunes: The Massacre of Glencoe Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground was musical but definitely very much on the slow side. Thumb - same comment, I think it could simply flow better, like a song. If I played like this to Willie McCallum (and I have done, in the past) he would say "it;s a bit on the back foot, try and get in on the front foot" ... not sure if that helps you! T Singling - the tune began to come to life for me, here. Very nice fingerwork T Doubling - nice, but a wee slow-down at the end, or at least a pause on the last theme note, would have been nice - you went into the C Singling rather abruptly as a result C Singling - Nice C Doubling - Also nice. Crunluath movements are correct though somewhat deliberate. I would however prefer you to be doing this rather than trying to speed them up too much. After a period of time (and several thousand crunluaths) you'll have a slicker movement ... and that will be a nice one, going by what you are doing right now C-a-mach - generally good, a couple of wee misses Pipes well-tuned and the drones held well
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Sandy Adams Tunes: Battle of Auldearn #1 Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground - great, you absolutely nailed it. Thumb variations - again very enjoyable, especially the doubling which had some some very careful phrasing Dithis vartiations - same comment, doubling particularly well-played Taorluath variations. Great - one wee miss (not important). The only thing I would have wished for is a wee slow-down at the end of the Doubling, or at least a pause on the last theme note, before heading into the Crun variations Crunluath variations. As mentioned above you came rather directly/abruptly into the Crun Singling and from that point the tune rather set off at a gallop. If you had some poise in the Crun Singling then the Crun Doubling would not have had to go at such a speed that you lost the plot. After a tune full of good phrasing and control this was a real pity. The a-mach was consequently a real rush-job and not what I was hoping for here. Pipes nice - maybe not 100% locked in but not at all distracting. Please take the above in the spirit of constructive criticism. It's clear you are a very good player and you would have been in the prize list in this contest if the Crun variations had had the self-control shown in the rest of the piece ... so work on that and you'll have a very bright future
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Stephen Ross Tunes: MacDonald of Kinlochmoidart’s Lament No 1 Piob Soc Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: A good room to play in - the sound was great. I like the wee Scottish flags! Ground : the impression here was that you were treating the beginning of each bar (first 4 notes) the same as the second 4 notes. Thus the Ground became a bit repetitve. I would have preferred for you to do something more interesting with the first two notes in each phrase (for example, the B and low A in the first bar). There's no real convention on what to do with them, some people hold the B, or the low A, or both - but if you want a couple of examples, go to the Piobaireachd Society page on this tune (you need to be a member to listen, but it's cheap and easy to do so online) ... https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/library/tunes-index/g-m?tune=macdonald-of-kinlochmoidarts-lament-tune-no-1 Var 1 Singling - great Var 1 Doubling you could have moved the tempo on a bit here, then slowed for the T Singling? Just a thought. T Singling - great, mirroring the 1st Variation T Doubling - you did better, getting things moving. Watch out for slowing down at the ends of lines ... if that was deliberate, you are over-doing it C Singling - nice C Doubling - perfect tempo, again watch the ends of the lines ... a couple of misses (not important) Pipes very nice and held well
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Steven Knox Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Ground. I know this is a "gathering" tune, but wow, you started like a racehorse let off the starting line. The chance to use the phrasing and so on was thus lost, I thought Var 1. Ditto comment. It was very "square" and some recognition of the phrase ends would be helpful Var. 2. And the same comment as above Taorluath and Crunluath variations - same comments. Even if you do end up playing the Crun Doubling at the speed you did, you need to build up the tune to that point, gradually increasing the tempo and the tension. You do have excellent fingers and could do a lot more with them, I think. The bagpipe was nice too. Can I suggest something? If you are a member of the Piobaireachd Society then have a look at this page; https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/library/tunes-index/a-f?tune=clan-campbells-gathering If you are not a member, you can easily join online and it;s not expensive. On that page see 3 examples of how to approach the tune.... the 3rd example is similar to yours, but have a wee think about the first two (Andrew Wright, Iain Macey). The judging of these contests is difficult as I only have my own opinion to go on, but I think you could have done more with this tune, and hope you find these comments helpful.
Watch Video


Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Zippa Curiskis Tunes: The MacDougall's Gathering Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Well done for tackling this technical and muscial challenge. It's a very hard piece of music to get right. Ground. You started this well, but the difficult bit comes when there are 4 notes all written in the score as crotchets ... in your case you were consistantly coming off the 3rd of these, almost every time. Listen back and you'll hear that. The overall impression of the ground was that it was too slow and gentle. See If you can get hold of some recordings to guide you. The easiest way to do that is join the Piobaireachd Society (easy to do online) and then go to this link https://www.piobaireachd.co.uk/library/tunes-index/g-m?tune=gathering-the-macdougalls-2 What you will hear there is lyrical versions of the Ground, and then real game-changers like Bill Livingstone who gets through the whole tune in less than 10 minutes (you took 11.5 minutes). P/M Donald Macleod used to say that this is a tune "to be taken by the scruff of the neck and shaken" - again his teaching of this tune is available in various places online TS - Very nice, good movements, rather gently and slowly played, but best to get them correct now, and once you have mastered them you can let go and be more aggressive here TD - Very nice indeed ... you handled the diffcult tripling passages well. Same comment about the tempo CS - Very nice, again gentle movements - same comment as the TS CD - Very nice, but could have more "fire" ... to do that you will have to get really good at the C movement The key in this tune , to the T and C variations, is to use those lovely 3-note cadences to the full. Your Singlings and Doublings could actually be exactly the same speed (in my opinion, quite fast) and then the cadences in the Singling should hold back that variation to provide the contrast, while the Doublings are "free" and somewhat triumphant in character. Pipes not quite in tune ... and this tune needs a perfect high G - yours was rather wobbly.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Ian K. MacDonald Place: 1 Tunes: Medley 4-6 mins Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Not sure about the timing of the birls at the end of the parts in the opener. I feel you are over emphasising some phrases in the strathspey. Great medley, great tunes, excellent pipes and a fantastic Fiddlers Rally! - even with a few minor untidy bits.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Sean McKeown Place: 2 Tunes: Medley Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Cautious tempo in the march and strathspey lacking life. Otherwise an excellent medley on a great bagpipe - lovely warm sound.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Gillian Blaney Place: 3 Tunes: Starting with Castle Dangerous Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Enjoyable medley. Good playing overall. The reels are quite straight and lacking life. Good jig playing. Nice drones although tuning issues with notes on the chanter. Lots of potential, keep up the good work.
Watch Video


"Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Erik J. Leiken Place: 4 Tunes: Smiler Donald MacLennan's Tuning Phrase The Haunting Mac An Irish The Smith's a Gallant Fireman The Pigeon on the Gate Angus Stuart Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good selection of tunes. Bottom hand work untidy and not always accurately defined. Good strathspeys and reel phrasing. Nice drone sound but not locked in with the pitch of the chanter sound.
Watch Video


" Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Mary Wallace Place: 5 Tunes: Paardeburg, Flee the Glen, The Panda, Marion Livingston, A.A. Cameron, Maids of the Black Glen, Patti, The Stone Frigate Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Nice playing. Some untidy fingerwork, watch bottom hand work in the strathspeys. Slightly laboured in the strathpeys and reels. Good pipes.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Aidan Scott Place: 6 Tunes: Bulgarian Bandit, Ian McNeill's Farewell to Barra, Aspen Bank, Bohemian Piper Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good selection and arrangement of tunes, good playing. Pipes unsteady and chanter sound quality could be improved. Flat notes on chanter distracting.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: (Janet) Ann Snow Tunes: My Land, Skye Boat Song, Road To The Isles, Keel Row, Becky Ewen, Throw The Dead Cat Under The Rug Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Nice selection of tunes. Fingerwork and technique are untidy. Not hearing all the short notes in Keel Row. Drones slightly unsteady, nice chanter sound.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Alexander Hess Tunes: Piper to the end, Morag of Dunvegan, Skye Boat Song, Highroad to Gairloch Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Enjoyable set. Untidy fingerwork and technique. Drones not in tune from the start and unsteady.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Catriona Norman Tunes: Raymond Bradford - (S/Police), The fuddler - (D Boyle), The Riddler - (Ryan Canning), HMS Endeavour - (Simon Blackshaw), Domhnall Phradaig Nicholson - (Bruce Gandy), The Devil in the Kitchen, Ca' the Ewes, Jenny Dang the Weaver (Trad, Arr. D. Bradford), The flowers of Rosehill - Reel set - Lomond and Clyde PB 2018 Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Phrasing erratic in openign tune. Good selection of tunes and nice playing. Some of the arrangements here are not as effective for a solo performance compared to in a band setting. Unsteady drones were distracting. Good chanter sound however the low G was quite sharp.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Charlie Martin Tunes: The Intermountain Workshop 1982, Back O' the Bus, The Devil Among the Tailors, Fire Piper, Ben C. Niven, Dances With Wolf Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Enjoyable selection of tunes well presented. Untidy fingerwork and tempi on the slow side. Some erratic phrasing in the jig. Unsteady drones distracting, nice chanter sound.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Chris Cahoon Tunes: Big Road Brusher, Alex MacDonald, The Piper's Bonnet, C'est La Vie, JF MacKenzie of Stornaway, Cameronian Rant (Strathspey), Cameronian Rant (Reel) Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Great tunes in this selection! Some untidy fingerwork however not always playing on the beat in the opening tune. Untidy bottom hand work in the Rant. Great drone sound however the chanter is too high pitched.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: John D Mitchell Tunes: Marching Out St. George's, Lady Louden, Bush Reel, Within a Mile of Dublin (reel), Lamenting in Self Isolation (own composition), Flee the Glen (slip jig arrangement), Within a Mile of Dublin (jig), Flee the Glen Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Untidy fingerwork and overly deliberate at times. Rushed transition to reels and erratic phrasing in places. I enjoyed your own composition. Untidy playing in the slip. Good pipes although D sharp on chanter.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Mark Hollingsworth Tunes: Wha' Saw the 42nd, Mac n Irish, The Walrus, The North Country Slow Air (original), The North Country March (original) Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Playing quite round and not emphasising strong accents enough. Untidy fingerwork and chirps on low G, check you covering the holes fully. Unsteady drones and some sharp notes on the chanter.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Miranda Germann Tunes: The long Island Jig, Dream Angus, Captain Horne, Mac an Irish, The High Road to Linton Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Some catches in the opening tune. Quite round playing, some subtle pulsing would help the music. Strikes quite heavy in first strathspey, better phrasing in the 2nd S/S. Reel quite slow and straight. Drones good but sharp compared to the chanter.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Peter Macdonald Tunes: Siege of Delhi, Mo Ghile Mear (Bridge), Flee The Glen, Mo Ghile Mear (jig time), Calliope House, Mo Ghile Mear, Halligan Street Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo to start. Fingerwork and technique untidy and not always defined. Nice playing in the jigs although some untidy passages. A well thoughtout set. Drones sharp making the chanter sound flat, scratching Hi A was distracting.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Rory Bain Tunes: Glasgow Week in Hamburg, Mo Ghile Mear, Deputy Chief Wingate, Flee the Glen, Calliope House Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Untidy fingerwork in opening tune. Nice playing in the slow air. Erratic phrasing in the hornpipe. Good tempo in the jigs. Drones slightly unsteady and some tuning issues with the chanter.
Watch Video


Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Steve Joubert Tunes: P/M Calum Campbel's Caprice, Rodney Hull QC, The Fuddler;, Hector the Hero, John Morrison - Assynt House, Sleepy Maggie. Judge: Alastair Dunn Judge's Comments: Crossing noises, untidy fingerwork and technique. A well put together medley with effective transitions. Good pipes.
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Cameron Bonar Place: 1 Tunes: The Cowal Gathering Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March- I really enjoyed your playing and the quality of sound you are producing Cameron. Other than a few minor misses this is a very high standard of playing for someone of your age. Well done and I look forward to hearing you again in the future.
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Paul Mackay Place: 2 Tunes: The Men of Argyll Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: A well played march, Paul. Other than missing a few technical movements such as Throw on D and a B taorluath it was played to a very high standard. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Josh Gordon Place: 3 Tunes: The Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: A very bright march, Josh. Not all your birls at the end of the parts are coming through fully. I enjoyed your playing, well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Ethan DesChamps Place: 4 Tunes: The Marchioness of Tullibardine Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: A very steady march presentation, Ethan. A few crossing noises coming through at times, but overall it was a well played tune. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Rory Menzies Place: 5 Tunes: The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: I really enjoyed your march, Rory. The expression was impressive and your technique also. Just take with some misses in technique at times especially the HG gracenote part of your C doubling. Great playing, well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Maël MacNeil Place: 6 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr-Ewing Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: Bright tempo to march and well phrased throughout. Missing some technique in the tune at times and some crossing noises to HG doubling. Overall, i enjoyed this performance. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Alexander Stone Tunes: King George V’s Army Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: A nice steady tempo Alexander. A few untidy passages in the tune and some B doublings not coming across at the end of some parts. Overall, I enjoyed listening to you play and I hope to hear you again some day. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Andrew Fraser Tunes: Highroad to Gairloch, Teribus Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: A nice steady and bright march tempo Andrew. You are playing these very musically indeed. Try to make sure you get the Low G sounding at the start of all your Throws on D. Keep up the good work. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Charlie Mack Tunes: Captain Norman Orr-Ewing Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March- A nice bright march tempo, Charlie. I enjoyed your playing-just be careful that you are playing the correct gracenotes especially on the B note in the first and second parts. Well done.
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Charlie Maclennan Tunes: Father John Macmillan of Barra Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Nice steady playing, Charlie. I can clearly hear all your doublings coming out in your playing, which is great. The phrasing of the tune is a little too round at times and keep a close eye on the music and make sure you are playing all the correct gracenotes, especially in the 3rd part. Good effort, well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Craig Mitchell Tunes: Mrs MacDonald of Dunach Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: A very steady march, Craig. Just be careful that the D gracenote part of the Throw on D is sounding when playing that movement. A few untidy passages (crossing noises) in 3rd part of tune also, but overall I enjoyed your playing. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Euan Graham Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: A bight uptake to your march, Euan. Take care when transitioning between C and E and when playing D gracenotes on a C note- these are not always clean. You are slightly ahead of the beat to the birl at the end of each part- just wait for it a little more. Keep up the practice. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Grace Kelman Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March- I really enjoyed your playing and the quality of sound you are producing, Grace. Just take care with some HG doublings- these are not always coming through. I look forward to hearing you playing again in the future as I can hear great potential in your playing. Very well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Gus Sevil Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - Nice tempo and playing with good musical feeling. Take care on the clarity of some doublings, especially the B doubling. Some missed grips to E and the birl in bar 8 is not always coming out fully. In the 4th part some short notes are being over cut - take care over these passages. Good effort, well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Jules Crane Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: Good steady start to march with good expression coming through. The phrasing got a little rounding as you went into the 3rd and 4th parts. Keep a check on the written score to make sure you stay on the tune to the end. Good effort!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Kyle Watson Tunes: Mrs Macdonald Of Dunach Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: Very musical playing Kyle. You are hesitating a little going into the start of a new part and this is disrupting the flow of the tune at times. Take care also with D to F transtion in 3rd part - I can hear a crossing noise coming through. Overall, a good effort. well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Lewis Stewart Tunes: Glenfinnan Highland Gathering Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March - nice bright tempo, Lewis. Take care when playing Tachums from C- check that your little finger is fully down when playing the C note of the tachum and that you are playing all the gracenotes (HG and D). In the 2nd part you have a few crossing nosies here and your birl is not coming through fully at end of parts. Keep up the practice, well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Matthew Owen-Hunt Tunes: I'll Gang Nae More to Yon Toon, Teribus Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: March 1- Overall your marches were steady and well expressed. Just take care with some transitions - some HG gracenotes missed on C doublings at times and some crossing noises when transitioning onto HG doublings. In Teribus- again take care with crossing noises to D note and when moving onto HG doublings. A lot of your technique is very clear-these are just a few things to work on a little more. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Oliver Gordon Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Margaret Dunn Judge's Comments: A steady march tempo, Oliver. Have a check of your music and make sure you are not playing HG gracenotes where there are E gracenotes. Try to also keep Low G coming through when playing a Throw on D movement. In the 3rd part there are a few crossing noises from D to F and when moving to D note in 4th part. These few things i have mentioned can be easily fixed with some practice. Good effort. Well done!
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Angus Crockett Place: 1 Tunes: Dugald McColl's Farewell to France Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe. Great fingerwork. Nice steady tempo. I particularly liked the pause after the taorluath movements. This was a very self-assured tune and there is no doubt you will (should) step onto the adult solo boards as soon as you can ... before you are 18, I would say. You would start to get prizes there, believe me
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Connor Eckert Place: 2 Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe sound, especially the high A. Your movements and fingerwork are execellent , evidence of good teaching and much practice on your part. The birl is really good ... and all I would say there is donl;t make it any faster/shorter. Some players with really good fingers (like you) can eventually reach a point where movements become so fast that the beauty of the movement is lost. In the 3rd part you missed a couple of gracenotes, which was a pity, but overall this was a very good performance. The tune was very steady in tempo and could have been a tiny bit quicker? Just a thought - you know you can do it ... .
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Gregor Grierson Place: 3 Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Beautiful pipe - really one of the best I have heard all day. Tempo was spot on. This is a very tricky tune, so well done for putting it in. Good fingerwork throughout and I thought you made the whole tune roll along nicely. You have excellent technique. I particularly liked the pause before the B taoraluaths in the 1st part, and the same pause before the grips in the last part. In this tune having really good movements is vital. Your taorluaths and grips are very nearly perfect so just carry on practising them. The grips from high A to high A had some minor problem that I couldn't quite place The only technical error (and this is nit-picking) was the birl in the thrid part which could have been cleaner. I got the impression that you are pretty good at the birl, but as you are playing it so fast it has got a bit "crushed"? Just a thought
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Megan Brodie Place: 4 Tunes: Kantara to El Arish Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe .. and you looked really confortable playing it. On a couple of wee occasions I thought you let the pressure off on the notes F and high G but that is splitting hairs. This was a very impressive performance of one of the more difficult marches in the repertoire. You really have an excellent technique and it is clear you have been very well taught and have practiced hard. In fact it's hard to think of anything you could have done better, here, except perhaps to up the tempo a wee bit. It's always tempting to try and do that, but the danger is that the technique can then go out the wiindow, so actually I'd rather you carried on at that speed ... and the tempo will gradually increase as your fingering becomes more confident. Maybe there would have been more "swing" in the tune if you had marched rather than stood still? I appreciate it can be hard to find a place to make a video during this covid-19 lockdown.
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Jake Robertson Place: 5 Tunes: Tommy McDonald of Barguillean Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe. You have a very good technique and I enjoyed this tune a lot. Tempo lively though at times you got ahead of yourself. This was most noticeable at the end of line 1 of the 1st and 4th parts - have a listen back and you will see what I mean. At these points you seemed in a hurry to play the C - B followed by taorluath on B (but you were OK in 2nd and 3rd parts at the same point). Watch out for your ending ... the very last birl was delayed too much - have a listen back and you'll hear that. I wonder if things would have been steadier if you marched rather than stood still? I appreciate that finding a decent space to produce a video like this can be tricky.
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Dugald MacKechnie Place: 6 Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe - but remember to keep the pressure on playing the high notes especially the high A, which was flat at times. This is a very tricky tune, so well done for putting it in. Good fingerwork throughout and I thought you made the whole tune roll along nicely. You have excellent technique. I particularly liked the pause before the B taoraluaths in the 1st part, and the same pause before the grips in the last part. I have few comments to make to improve this tune: one thing you might want to check on is the cut from C to E throughout (and in the last part, from E to C). ... they were not all completely "clean".
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Calan McGuigan Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Pipes not quite in at the start but that was not distracting to the listener. One of your drones gave a few double tone noises at the very outset of the tune, and towards the end. The way you approached the tune was correct and it is clear that you have worked hard at the movements in this tricky tune. The tempo was rather slow and you slowed further in the 3rd part, which is where the harder fingerwork begins in this tune. But I think the aim here would be for you to carry on with what you are doing, virtually unchanged ... until your fingerwork naturally gets slicker and the music flows more naturally. If you want to make one wee change just now, it would be to think (at this tempo) how to play the last phrase of each part .. you are coming off the last low G of each part a fraction early (this was most noticeable at the very end of the tune - listen back and you will hear that). If you end up speeding up the tempo (as you will, one day) this could lead to that wee bit becoming too clipped. Just a thought.
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Charlotte Elliott Tunes: Prince Charles' Welcome To Lochaber Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe. Remember to keep the pressure on when playing the top hand notes. The tune was nice and steady. and came across as a very musical performance. The only technical comment I would make would be about your throw on D - which was not consistant, and of course there are very many in this tune. Some were good, some were not so good. I think you are playing what is sometimes called the "heavy" throw on D? I wonder if you would find the light throw easier? That's up to you to discuss with your teacher, and it's not my place to get involved with that... Maybe you have not seen this, but you can learn it either way.
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Conall Gibson Tunes: John MacColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Pipes not quite in at the start but that was not distracting to the listener. You had a lively tempo whcih was steady throughout. In the majority of the tune, you were quite cautious with the short notes (semiquavers) ... which I thought was the right approach for someone playing at your level - for example I liked how you played the last part. If you rush the semiquavers while playing at this speed, you will not be able to hear them when you speed it up further (as you will hopefully do, one day) However for some reason the very first line was not treated the same way - in the first phrase and in the difficult cuts from C to F in the 2nd phrase, you were making the C very short at times. This tune is one which really challeneges the ability of a piper to play a short (semiquaver), C so listen back to those and see if you can make them clearer. The second musical comment, just a small one, would be to pause on the low A before each taorluath movement: There are not many in the tune and they deserve a wee "breath" before you play them. This holds true for vritually every taorluath played in every march. Technically there is only one comment that I would like to make and that is about your E doubling, This can be one of the trickiest to play especially after a short F (as happens in this tune). You were tending to crush the E doubling rather small ... and I would be inclined to slow down that movement and get it really slick, then try it from the F. Dougie Pincock, a great piper with a glittering career in all aspects of piping, used to practice the following repeatedly, every day in life: long High A, short F (semiquaver) and then E doubling ... he considered it one of the hardest things to play, in the light music. Give it a go?
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Ethan Blain Tunes: Duncan MacColl Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: You started the tune rather suddenly having blown up the pipe ... remember that, in competition, is quite acceptable to settle yourself with some tuning notes, or even a slow air. Certainly you should rest on low A for a number of seconds, composing youself, before launching into the tune. The pipes might have a been a bit hard for you? You were blowing pretty hard and this made the the top hand sharp, and you had a few wee chokes. Musically the tune was nice and steady and I would stick with this tempo just now. At times you rushed ahead of yourself. This was most noticeable in the 2nd and 4th parts - listen back and you'll see what I mean. Technically you could work on your E doublings, These can be one of the trickiest to play ... you were tending to crush the E doubling rather small ... and I would be inclined to slow down that movement and get it really slick, maybe playing it as an exercise from each note of the scale. then try it in the tune itself. I liked your outfit a lot - a very neat and impressive appearance.
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: James Fraser Tunes: Allan Rowan of Port Appin Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Nice outfit and nice to see a salute to the "judge on camera" and even a wee "march off" at the end - very professional, and as a result I am going to put you forward for a prize in dress and deportment (not something that I judge, but I can propose pipers). The pipes were not quite in tune at the outset and I wondered if they were a bit hard for you? You were blowing out at times and this caused the occasional squeal on low A and low G. The birls might have been suspect - it can be hard to tell wheh you have a squeal, what has gone wrong exactly This is tricky tune so well done for putting it in. Many pipers would be scared by the first phrase alone (Low A taorluath, then birl played after a short B). I wonder if you want to try an easier tune next time as this one was really stretching your technique and memory (you had a wee memory lapse in the last part). I listened to yout tune several times to see if I could advise you on technique ... and I think I would probably say work harder at being comfortable playing the Great Pipe, and the technique will come in time with practice chanter work. The overall impression was that your technique was OK, but when you got on the pipes, the effort of playing was making the fingers not do what they were told. the answer to this is hours of practice on the pipes playing easy tunes like slow airs and 3/4 marches, so that the blowing is second nature ... and you can then produce the harder music more readily. Does that make sense?
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Matthew Turley Tunes: The Dundee Military Tattoo Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: I must say you had chosen a beautiful setting for your video. Tempo nice and steady - just right for this level of competition. Bagpipe was nice and the only thing that stood out with your sound was a slightly sharp D note. Your technique is good.and there was only the wee fumble in the 2nd bar of the 4th part (this emphassied the slightly sharp D note - listen back and you will hear it in that bar) ... which was a pity as this tune was going well up to that point. I think your doublings are nice and (over time) they will speed up a bit - you won't have to do much except play lots of them (like, thousands of them) for that to happen.
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Max Evans Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: The pipes were not quite in tune from the outset (and high G was flat - which really matters in this tune). It's actually a really tricky tune - you had a couple of fumbles - and I wonder if you wish to pick an easier one next time? Just a thought. In Arthur Bignold the trick is to get the "swing" into the tune by emphasising the notes played when you plant your foot on the ground. So in the first and second parts that's the first long E, the long C, and so on. The corresponding notes are stressed in the second phrase (long D, long B). This is hard to do, without unbalancing the tune. And things get harder in the 3rd and 4th parts where there are so many semiquavers - but you still need to try and get that "swing". For example in the 3rd and 4th parts you have to really hold out the low A before the taorluath movement (and the first low G in the next phrase which corresponds with that). What you were doing was technically correct, but all the notes were being given the same weight. Have a listen back and you'll see what I mean
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Mckenna Sharpe Tunes: Kantara to El Arish Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: You aee wearing a very neat and impressive outfit. The sound of the bagpipe was OK and I think any irregularities in the sound were to do with your blowing which was not quite steady. The tune had a nice tempo which was steady in the main - it's a hard to tune to pick, so well done for trying it. The main issues with your technique were; 1) the birl, which needs quite a bit of work, I hope you will agree. Get your practice chanter out! 2) on a more subtle note, you need to be careful with the short notes (the semiquavers) .. some of those were great (for example the 3rd part, which is full of cut notes, e.g. cut C up to E, cut D up to F) ... you really played that well. But the 4th part where the C was cut up to E was not cleanly done. A harder cut is the cut B up to E in the last phrase of each part - you'll need to work on that. And finally the very difficult cut from C to E with a grip in the middle which appears here and there... a lot of pipers avoid this tune completely, because they don't wish to attempt that sequence! One wee thing - are you playing another setting of this tune that I have not heard? In the last part the note before the B hit at the end of line 1 is usually a C - you were were playing a wee low A there - listen back and you'll see what I mean. Maybe you meant to do it, but I have not heard that before, elsewhere
Watch Video


Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Seumas Eade Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Peter McCalister Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe. Watch the blowing on the high A which was a little unsteady at times - keep the same pressure throughout. Lovely tempo, really nice. You have a good technique and I only noticed a couple of minor "misses" where the C doublings were not perfect - this was mostly in the last part. My main comment on the tune would be to suggest you start thinking aboiut the phrasing ... you have the notes correct now and fingering is good, so time to start making one or two notes in each part longer than they appear on the score. The impression you gave was that every note had equal importannce (which is technically correct, but not as musical). This is particularly true for the very first C in the tune, which you can really hold out quite significantly, to good effect. Similarly in the second part, the second High A (the long one) could have been stressed more. I could go on to describe which notes to stress for the whole tune, but it would make this note rather long ... do you understand what I mean? The best way to learn this is to find a recording of the tune played in competition (but not band competition!) and see if you like what the player does. The other trick is to sing the tune, leaning on certain notes by making them louder ... if you do that enough, it will creep into your playing.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: David Stulpner Place: 1 Tunes: Craig'n'Darroch Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo to start and an excellent sounding instrument; Technique projecting nicely throughout tune and very solid and consistent playing on the beat and the only criticism I would have here was a slightly pushed feel in the 1st time through the fourth part but did not really detract from this performance. Very enjoyable and you show excellent potential.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Catriona Norman Place: 2 Tunes: Tommy MacDonald of Barguillean - Dr. B. E. Thomson Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo to start and lots of nice clarity coming from your chanter however I thought drones were slightly out from Low A; You have a nice feel for the music and your technique is in very good shape; I think you could just be a little more accurate with your beating as I felt there was a slight jump to F doubling in bar 2 of the first part, to the birls in the third part and F doublings in the fourth part where you could just sit back and wait a tad to give you a little more poise and accuracy as there was a missed F doubling 2nd time through. You have lots of potential and enjoyble performance.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Alexandra Knox Place: 3 Tunes: The MacNeill's March Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Controlled tempo but lovely bagpipe with lots of harmonics and pretty well tuned; a slight chirp 2nd time over 2nd part; Not sure about setting in the repeat of the third part where you just played an E doubling instead of short B to E at the end of bar 4 as you did the 1st time?; A little bit of rhythm issue to start 4th part but settled in and overall this was a very polished and controlled performance on a nice bagpipe. I would like to see you loosen up your hands a bit more to allow the short notes to become more audible and will also allow you to move about the chanter more freely. The gripping is a normal part of development but your grace note sizes are perfect now so you can now just relax and let the technique go which will move you to another level up. Show excellent potential.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Aiden Fowler Place: 4 Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo to start; missed F half doubling at end of first time through 2nd part; Overall a very nice performacne that has lots of drive and I feel you could use a little more poise just really paying attention to the offbeat. Also your hands seem a tad tight which prevents the short notes from sounding out and allows you to move about the chanter more freely and will actually assist in developing more of a polished performance. Pipe was okay but drones were not quite in tune with the chanter which diminshes the chanter quality as it came out sounding a bit brash and flattish when most likely this is not the case when in tune. You have excellent potential so just loosen up a bit, wait for the offbeats and everything will just settle in nicely.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Hugo Mackay Place: 5 Tunes: Morag Ramsay Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo to start; slightly pushed in terms of phrasing especially between bars 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 (phrase end) where you could use a bit of space to really settle the tune down and create more poise; Pipe sounds okay but lacking a bit of ring and coming across a bit flat due to it being underblown slightly however drones sound in tune; 1st birl from Low G to begin line 2 (bar 5) not clean and pushed and Low G doubling in the 2nd time through second part not clean; Overall you have a nice feel for the music and hands are very good; I would like to see you with less grip on the chanter and a little more poise in terms of timing as mentioned I felt that you going from bar 2 into 3 and bar 4 into 5 was consistently a tad pushed which puts the tune a little too much on the front end of the beat; You have excellent potential and this was an enjoybable performance.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Luuk Dekker Place: 6 Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo to start and lovely sounding instrument with lots of poise in your playing; mistake in 3rd part 2nd time through where you played a double C and should have been a B to C as played the 1st time through and I also felt that you were a little pushed in the first two bars here to the birl and I could not hear whether or not you are playing a D grace note in your tacchums down to the Low A in the 1st bar either?; Not sure about the setting of your music in fourth part where you cut back up in bar 6 first time through?; Overall you show lots of promise and poise and your bagpipe is outstanding; Need to sort out the music a bit more to really pollish the tune up.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil Tunes: Miss Elspeth Campbell Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: High G a tad flat. Missed birl at end of first part first time through; Choke in 2nd part; Choke in 3rd part first time through. Overall you have a nice feel for the music and great posture on the pipes. I believe that if your bagpipe was a bit more efficient or easier there would be fewer chokes, better technique (fewer missed doublings and birls) and way more enjoyment for you which will allow you to move freely about the chanter more accurately. Show excellent promise. Pipe okay but drones not locked and again as it sounded a tad hard you will not be blowing the reed in the sweet spot to really make it vibrate and ring out.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Aidan Scott Tunes: The Knightswood Ceilidh Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start with a solid and aggressive tempo; Watch blowing in the 2nd part near the start (High G flat); Birl at the end of 2nd time through 2nd part weak; I really liked your drive throughout the tune and now you can ensure there is a bit more poise to accompany this drive as there were some spots that felt a little pushed including the birl right at the end of the tune. You have good technique and lots of potential so just sit back and wait for that offbeat and this will settle it just enough. Nice bagpipe and well blown other than the start of the 2nd part.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Caleb Bremner Tunes: Major Manson's Farewell to Clachantrushal Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice aggressive tempo to start but some subtle crossing noises appearing in the first part involving the C's to E; 2nd part pretty good except for weak tacchum at end of part and nice into the 3rd part however there is a little bit of pushing on the offbeats and a weak grip to end the part; missed E strike first time through at the end of the part. Overall a good performance on a decent bagpipe that was close to being in tune however drones were slight out. I liked your drive but I think you can now start to be a little more loose with your fingers on the chanter to allow them to move about freely which will improve your accuracy in terms of playing technique in time and maintaining a consistent rhythm throughout. Use a metronome to establish control of the offbeat as you are slight ahead in areas like the first bar in first part following the grip on C you play the B doubling in time then you jump the offbeat on the Low A instead of waiting for it and the same again in the 2nd part however you were slightly early to the 2nd beat (F doubling) in bar 1. Show excellent potential.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Caleb John Macpherson Tunes: Millbank Cottage Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: I would start with the High A doubling but good tempo; High A and High G is flat in chanter but drones not locked in which may cause this flattish tone; the tacchums in the first part and in the 2nd time ending of the second part are a little pushed and out of rhythm where you are finishing the one going down but quickly jumping to the one going back up (C to E). Wait longer to keep you in time and right on the offbeat and a metronome will help you identify and correct this; Overall this was a solid performance that could use a little less grip which will allow you more freedom about the chanter and actually assist in preventing the jumpiness with offbeats. Chanter sound pretty good but as mentioned the drones being out may have contributed to flat sounding High G and High A. Show excellent potential.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Cameron Stewart Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: NIce controlled tempo; some missed techniqe in the first part 1st time through and some tight doublings with really short short notes which indicates some gripping on the chanter; Overall this was a very nice performance on a nice bagpipe and you are playing pretty well in time ensuring offbeats are also being adhered to rhythmically. I feel you need to loosen up the grip a bit which will allow you more dexterity and freeness which also makes your short notes more audible. This will be less taxing on your hands and will move you up to another level in terms of your playing standard. You show excellent potential so get the metronome out and loosen things up but maintain your timing both in terms of the down beat and up beat.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Clayton Nelson Tunes: Hugh Kennedy Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo to start; watch you are not early to the down beat starting the 2nd line on the C doubling in the first part (I like to think of this as a place to take a breath - phrasing...finishing line endings); A little overdone in terms of expression in the third part 1st time through but better in the 2nd time through; some slight catches/crossing noises in the fourth part around High G and some pushed phrase endings (jumping into the short E up to the High G in the part ending [Bar 7] throughout tune...just wait here to give you some more poise); Overall this was a solid performance on a nice instrument that was well tuned; I would like to see a little less of a grip on the chanter to allow you more freedom to move which will also assist in eliminating the slight catches/crossing noises that occur on the top hand and making your short notes more audible; Show excellent promise.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Dylan Forge Tunes: Donald Mclean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo at the start; pipe tuned okay and chanter a little brash sounding in terms of tonal quality; missed C doubling at end of first part 1st time through; missed some E doublings in second part 1st time through; good third part; slight crossing noise on the C doubling coming from E in the fourth part which was slightly pushed as well here; Overall a good march played with confidence and I feel a little less of a grip on the chanter will allow you more freedom which will make your short notes more audible and eliminate slight crossing noises; A metronome will also assist in really establishing a consistent rhythm ensuring that there is no rushing which again allows you to play all technique accurately and in time. Show excellent promise.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Elizabeth Knox Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice aggressive tempo to start; watch you dont jump to the short C to E at the end of the line to start bar 4 as this same combination occurs throughout the tune and some light B doublings; A little loss of tempo to some of the F doublings in the 1st bar of the second part and again to the C after the grip on C in the 1st bar in the third part and then you get back up to tempo to complete the next two bars that follow in bars 3 and 4 where you slightly push; Again some light technique in fourth part on half doublings on C and I would play right to the end of the tune ensuring you are staying in time and then squeeze to cut-off in solo performances; Overall you have a nice feel for the music and your technique is projecting pretty well but I feel a little less grip on the chanter and some metronome work to identify and correct some rhythmical imbalances as mentioned above will really elevate you to another level as you show excellent potential.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Isaac Fisher Tunes: P/M Bob Brown’s Farewell to Ballochbuie Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Not sure what happened here but you played a part of a 2/4 (not sure it was Bob Brown's Farewell either) and then went into a 6/8 march (MacNeil of Ugadale I think?); Pipe sounded okay and played a pretty good 6/8...watch you don't jump to the short C to start the 2nd bar in the first part; slight chirp in last part on the D throw from High A I believe because you rushed from the High A...just wait and put the Low G of the D throw right on the beat; Overall you seem to have good command of the technique and with a little less grip you will be able to move about the chanter freely to eliminate rushing and missed technique...shame about mix-up but show great promise.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Logan Kaern McGregor Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Good start with a nice aggressive tempo; pipe sounds okay but drones not in tune with the Low A of the chanter which will detract from overall tonal quality; A little rushed in 2nd offbeat on short B to D in bar 1 and again in bar 5 of the first part and a slight catch on D at the part end from E; Good in 2nd part but a little out of rhythm at the end of the part 2nd time through; a little dirty going to the B doubling from short D in third part and a little pushed to the High G at the part ending in fourth part; Overall an enjoyable performance and you have a good sense of timing but need a little more attention to the offbeat to really settle things down; I would also recommend just walking and avoid heavy marching as this will create some pushiness as well so practice your marching by singing the tune while you walk (march) and on the turns keep pace but lower the knees and avoid a stomping motion in solos (okay to lead a band but again stil creates pushiness and uneasiness even in that environment).
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Noah Grew Tunes: Donald MacLeans Farewell to Oban Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice controlled tempo to start; bagpipe okay but drones are not locked to the chanter detracting from overall tone; watch your short notes are not too clipped; end of the 2nd part there was a slight crossing noise; good but again some little dirty catches 2nd time through 3rd part and some loss of rhythm; missed C doubling at end; Overall a nicely played march that has a bit of a gripped feel to it which is most likely contributing to some of the little catches and dirty passages. I feel that you have good command of the technique but now you need it to be effortless and the most important thing is staying in time which allows you to place the technique right where it needs to go. Keep up the good work as you do have a nice feel for the music and this is all about getting you up to another level.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Reid Kyrzyk Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo at start; pipe okay but drones not locked to chanter detracting from overall tone; The C to E combination has a slight catch and again from the E doubling to short D to C doubling combination there is a slight catch on D that occurred a couple of times; B doubling at end of 2nd part 1st time through; E D to C doubing to start third part has a slight catch as well; E doubling from High G to short F to E doublig not always accurate and slight choke 2nd time through in fourth part; Overall a nice performance with lots of music and I feel that you are gripping the chanter a tad which is what is contributing to the slight catches mentioned above. The tightness also contributes to big grace notes which inhibit the rhythmical flow in doublings and tacchums and also creates a clipped sound in your short notes. Just loosen up a bit more and work with a metronome to ensure everything is placed accurately and in time which will improve the overall feel you will have which will make things easier on yourself especially when called upon to play a Piobaireachd or MSR. Keep up the good work.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Ritchie Gardiner Tunes: The Siege of Delhi Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo to start and playing nicely on the beat; Drones are not quite locked to the chanter detracting from the overall sound of the instrument; Loss of tempo in the 2nd time through the second part; missed grip 1st time over the third part; Overall a solid tune played with lots of drive and you seem to have good command of the technique which is developing nicely but remember to keep the same tempo throughout the tune; Would like to see you loosen your grip of the chanter a bit to allow you more freedom to move about the chanter which will be easier on you and thus more accurate and will allow your short notes to be more articulate; Show excellent promise.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Robin Sulzer Tunes: Duncan MacColl Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice controlled tempo to start; bagpipe nice; slight catch on the D grace note to short C from the Low A to E doubling as if the D grace note is slightly too big?; Overall nicely played tune with nice control and poise throughout. I feel you could play with a bit more of a loose feel in order to allow you to move about the chanter more freely and efficiently which will push you up to another level as you do have a nice sense of the music and staying in time; Show excellent promise.
Watch Video


Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Zippa Curiskis Tunes: Colin Thomson Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice controlled tempo to start; Drones not locked together and not in with the chanter but I can tell that it is a good chanter quality and your technique is projecting nicely; A lttle dirty to the first E doubling in bar 1 in the first part; Tacchum in second part 2nd time through at end of 1st line was dirty; A bit tight and pushed in the third part end of bar 2 into the low G doubling to start bar 3; a bit of dirt on the tacchum in the fourth part from High G, E to short D back to E combination (catch on D); Overall a very nice march played with control and I feel you could really make a jump up by taking some tension off of your hands by loosening up your hands which will allow more freedom to move about the chanter, more accuracy with technique and prevent the short notes from sounding too clipped and short which makes technique like grace notes and therefore tacchums and doublings inaudible and pushed; Show excellent promise.
Watch Video


Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi Place: 1 Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Kevin - great to see you! Pipes - Drones set well to Low A. Chanter seems like it might be .05% harder than you want it to be, with some inconsistent High A and a microchoke or two. Part 1: A bit of a brisk tempo for my taste, but consistent through the first part. A few technical bits to think about, the short B in the ending phrase seems a bit too clipped and almost is disappearing. Don't overplay it, but make sure it's audible each time. This tune has the very challenging long High A, short F followed by and E Doubling. It is difficult to get the correct Dot/Cut ratio here, but work to be sure you aren't rounding it out to get a perfect E doubling, the goal is to keep the same Dot/Cut while also getting a clear doubling. Part 2: Nice control. Same as above for the High A, F and E Doubling sections. Part 3: A small crossing noise in the ending phrase the first time through on the grip. Very good control, though it seems you are holding the downbeat of Bar 2 more than you are the downbeat of Bar 1, creating some inconsistent phrasing with the rest of the tune. Part 4: Again, good control of the tempo and phrasing. Some of your 32nd notes are tending to be slightly shorter when they occur on a downbeat or upbeat, rather than between them. These are important notes not to overclip, especially when they occur at a hand-change (bottom hand to top hand, D-F, etc.). Nicely played last line. Overall a strong tune, Kevin. Just a few small points that will help you get this to be a fully polished, top level performance.
Watch Video


Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Gillian Blaney Place: 2 Tunes: Brigadier Cheap Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Gillian, great tune choice! Pipes: Drones well set to Low A, but chanter intervals suspect in spots. D and E a little sharp. Part 1: Very nice controlled tempo. Sometimes you're slightly inconsistent with the left-beat phrasing, make sure that you're staying the same throughout the whole part. Part 2: Good job keeping the momentum. You're tending to be a little early on the tachum C's in the first and third phrases. Try to land those short notes directly on the beat in order to not rush ahead that smidge. Very nice control of the D Doubling in Bar 4, a tricky spot. Gracenote Strike on B in Bar 4 isn't always consistent yet, think of it being the same rhythm as a B Doubling and aim to keep that the same throughout the tune. We hear that 8 times, so an important area to focus on. Part 3: Well executed in a technically challenging part. One tight section in the repeat of the first line, but you're showing a confidence in your playing here beyond your years. Part 4: Top hand is a bit sharper than it was in the 2nd part, particularly on E and High A, maybe blowing? Tempo has stayed very controlled and consistent. Good job handling the last line of this tune! A very well-polished performance of a classic 2/4 march, Gillian. To help match everything, try to work with a metronome in the early parts (1&2) to make sure you're not over or under phrasing some of those challenge areas or tricky bits, like the tachums in the second part. You've got a solid understanding of the idiom and clearly work hard at your piping! Keep up the great work!
Watch Video


Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Rhys O'Higgins Place: 3 Tunes: The Knightswood Ceilidh Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Nice tune choice, Rhys Pipes - Well tuned with a very rich, harmonic drone sound. Good job! Part 1: Very well executed technique here. The tempo "ramped up" through the first time through the part. Try to start at one tempo and hold throughout. A small "introductory ramp up" is okay, but should be only in the first beat or two. Very strong bottom hand technique! Part 2: Nice control of phrasing and compsure through this. Slightly rushed into the repeat of this part, try to show the end of the final phrase by extending the Low A after each birl an extra 1%, just a little will go a long way here. Part 3: Some inconsistency in the second phrase, losing some of the Dot/Cut and rounding out slightly. Better on the repeat. Part 4: Losing some of the forward motion and rounding out just a tad here. Push those High A's out in the first and third phrase to keep phrase consistency with the rest of the tune. Overall a strong performance, Rhys! You're well taught and playing with control beyond your years. Your pipes sound great and have great hands. Addressing these small inconsistencies will help push you to that next level, but I really enjoyed your tune!
Watch Video


Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Sojeong Kim Place: 4 Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Sojeong! Nice tune selection! Pipes - Drones well set to each other and almost locked in with Low A, just slightly flat. You've got a good balance between drone and chanter volume. The top hand of your chanter, F in particular is pretty sharp. Adding some tape on F will fix that right up. Part 1: Good tempo choice and strong pointing here. Be careful not to rush the first tachum, you have time to hold on to the first C in bars 1 and 5. You're phrasing well, just make sure it's staying consistent through each measure. The first beat of Bar 8 (C doubling) can be just a tad longer. Part 2: Nice job getting all of the short C's to land right on the beat. Part 3: Rounding out in the second phrase on the more technically difficult D doubling. Good job on the grips! Part 4: Very well phrased and pointed throughout this part, especially the challenging final line. A very well polished performance, Sojeong. Work on getting those pipes perfecty set in tune, and on those few technical misses here and there. It can be hard to get the pipes in tune without an instructor or bandmate around to help, but it never hurts to experiment with moving the tape around on your chanter. If you move something and it sounds worse, try going in the other direction, and if it sounds better, then you're well on your way. Great job!
Watch Video


Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Ella Fleming Place: 5 Tunes: The 79th Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: Andrew Donlon Judge's Comments: Hi Ella, great tune choice! Pipes: Good projection Part 1: A lively tempo here, but mostly clean and clear technique. Try to bring the tempo back a bit to allow for more rhythmic execution and fingerwork in a more solo style. Very nice consistent playing and phrasing here. Part 2: Some tight technique, like taorluaths and those tricky Half F Doublings. Part 3: Nice job in the second phrase of this part, a very challenging section. Some tight technique, Part 4: Very well executed grips. Some chokes coming through here, but maintaining the tempo. Nice job handling the tachums in the second line! Overall a strong, lively march, Ella. Try working to bring the tempo back to allow for some more "breathing room" for your embellishments to really add to the music. You have very strong fingers and a good pipe, so give that time to let the music flow just that little bit more. Great effort!!
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Charlie Martin Place: 1 Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: A solid well executed and expressed march on a very well set up and tuned bagpipe!!
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Brandon Gardner Place: 2 Tunes: The Clan MacColl Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Steady march with good controlled expression. Technique generally solid all the way. Pipe good.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Andrew Hill Place: 3 Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Good tempo and control of tempo. Expression good. Some short notes a little clippy here and there but overall a good tune. Some doublings a little tight. Pipes good.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Mark Elliott Place: 4 Tunes: John MacDonald Of Glencoe Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Steady march throughout on a good bagpipe. Good expression in the main with a couple of the phrases just a little square. A couple of little untidy note sequences with unclear fingering.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Nick Tomkins Place: 5 Tunes: Colonel Maclean of Ardgour Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Good tempo from the outset and steady playing. Expression quite nice but could have been a shade more on the beat notes. A few little crosing noises going up to top hand. Very nice bagpipe and overall a good march.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: (Janet) Ann Snow Tunes: Muir of Ord Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Tempo was good. Try and play a little slower, paying attention to the short notes before doublings in particular, in most cases they are clipped too much and inaudible. In terms of the overall expression and control of tempo it is good. Drones need a little more precise tuning.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Andrew Seevers Tunes: Mrs. MacDonald of Dunach Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Steady march and good control of expression. Some of the execution could be a little tidier and better clarity would enhance the melody. Drones were out of tune need more precise tuning. Chanter good.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Clive Brodie Tunes: Millbank Cottage Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Well executed march and played steadily. It was, however a shade careful but better that than rushed. Good control of expression. A couple of little untidy passages with crossing noises. Pipe very steady.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta Tunes: John MacDonald's Welcome to South Uist Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: A very steady march and a good sense of expression. However, it was not executed that well in places. Rushing of the Cs in beat two of bar 1 and 5 part 1. Some work required on the clarity and precision of fingerwork to make the melody show through better. Pipe quite nice.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Duncan Petersen-Jones Tunes: Invergordon’s Welcome to Queen Elizabeth II Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Quite a good tempo shown from the outset and maintained. Within the phrases there needs to be some more control of the timing as there were some little rushed passages. Good execution overall but sometimes you could hear it getting in the way of the tune, and more confidence in this would help that steady control throughout. Pipes sounded good.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Eric M. Stein Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: very good sense of the expression from the outset. Tempo good throughout and very musical presentation. Some little inaccuracies in the execution, a few clipped notes and a little imprecision in gracenotes on the notes. Pipes sound well set up but drones not locked in.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Esther scheren Tunes: Major Byng M. Wright Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Very musical and well controlled march with generally good execution. Great tempo. A few little technical inaccuracies and watch the little grips in bar 7, the c gracenote before grip not being heard enough.Pipes very nice.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Huber Karina Tunes: Mrs. MacDonald of Dunach Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Nice steady tempo and lots of expression which was controlled throughout. On the technical side there were quite a few crossing noises which need a little work. Drones not tuned as well as they could be which didn't show off the tune as well as it might, as the pipe I think is good. Just pay a bit more attention to this
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: JD Ingraham Tunes: "Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque" by Pipe Major John MacColl Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Steady march which was well expressed in general. In bar 2 and 6 almost every time you are rushing of the A and also catching a to C or C to High A. Pipe good.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: John D Mitchell Tunes: The Edinburgh Volunteers Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Steady performance at good tempo. There were a few little technical inaccuracies, place where the fingering wasn't just totally accurate and a few little crossing noises or imprecise movements through 4 note beats eg DCBA or DCBLG. Nice expression throughout and pipe very good.
Watch Video


Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Kim Greeley Tunes: The Taking Of Beaumont Hamel Judge: William McCallum Judge's Comments: Very steady and well expressed march, carefully controlled tempo. Some little crossing noises in evidence. Steady pipe well set up and steady blowing. Execution of movements pretty good except a couple of taorluaths not full. In 3rd part CBCA not always convincing. Well done was an enjoyable tune.
Watch Video

<