Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens      Place: 1      Tunes: Hector the Hero      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Hamish; Excellent job with your slow air! Very melodic! Most of your technique is really strong. Birls are especially good! Watch that you don’t crunch your B grips. In a slow air you want your movements to be a bit more open than you might play them in marches, strathspeys, etc. You’ve expressed the tune very nicely; however, I’d prefer just a bit more tempo. You’ve got all the tools to be a really good player. Keep at it!!
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ronnie Maclennan      Place: 2      Tunes: Loch Rannoch      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Ronnie; Some really good playing! Your execution is excellent. Finger and hand positioning is spot on and your fingering technique is crisp and clean. This is exactly what you need and should be focusing on at your stage of learning. You’ll need to work a bit on your timing and tempo. Pay attention to your note values as you’re not always holding your dotted 1/8th notes long enough which is leading to some rushing of phrases. Listening to and playing along with a recording or using a metronome can help with this. Otherwise, you’ve got all the tools to become a top notch player. Keep it up!
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Stephen E. Thompson      Place: 3      Tunes: Scots Wha Hae      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Steve; Your fingering is very crisp and mostly clean. At times, some note transitions are not 100% accurate. This is usually due to a finger being either early or late leaving the chanter. For example; the hIgh A to E in bar 5 of first part. If the E finger is late coming off the chanter you get an extra sound between the 2 notes. In the case of the bottom hand to top hand notes, you’ll get what’s called a “crossing noise” as in bar 3 to 4 in 2ndpart. Your tempo is good, but timing is a bit erratic. Make sure to give the ¼ notes their full value. Practicing with a metronome will help you to hear this. You’ve got a really solid start, especially with your execution which is critical at this stage of learning. Keep it up!
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Pippa Bett      Place: 4      Tunes: Amazing Grace      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Pippa; Very nicely done! I like your hand/finger positioning. Everything is where it should be! Your grace notes are crisp and clean. Be careful with your D strikes. You need a bit more separation between the G grace note and the strike movement. You’re crushing them together. Also try to let your D throws flow a bit more. You’re pausing on the C within your throw movement too long. Get to the D a bit sooner. Your phrasing is a bit rushed. Make sure you’re giving the ½ notes their full note value. Listen to some recordings of the tune and try singing along to get a feel for the correct note values. I’d also encourage you to use a metronome when practicing so you can feel/hear when you’re leaving notes early. You’ve got great fundamentals. Keep it up!
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Rita Haddad      Place: 5      Tunes: Heather Island      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Rita; Your fundamental technique and finger positioning is really good. Some movements need some work. Your birl movement will need to develop. The double tap technique you’re using now has limitations so you might start working on a more effective birl movement as it will take time to develop properly. I’m sure your instructor can help with that. Your taorluath movement is very good! Continue to focus on nice, crisp technique as this is the best time to develop these habits. Your expression and timing is a bit erratic which is preventing the melody from coming through. This will get easier as your execution improves. You’ve got a solid foundation so keep it up!
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Max Coupland      Place: 6      Tunes: Islay      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Max; You’ve got good control of phrasing and expression in this tune. I like that your fingers are actually following your foot as you tap. Not always easy for beginners to do! Your execution is quite good, but it seemed that you were leaving out or missing quite a few embellishments and grace notes in the tune. Perhaps that is how your version of the music is written, but I suspect you may be missing some movements. The embellishments that you did play were well executed. Nicely done!
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov           Tunes: Skye Boat Song / Traditional      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Ivan; Nicely done! You’ve got a good sense of the melody for this tune with good control of phrasing and timing. You’ll need to focus on cleaning up some of the execution. The timing of your grace notes is not always accurate. Be sure to place the grace note right on the theme not. D throws, grips, and taorluaths should always have a nice, full low G sound. Yours are lacking this so make sure you’re actually closing the bottom hole to fully sound a low G during these movements. If you have some good embellishment exercises, I’d encourage you to spend a lot of time going over these as this is the best way to improve your technique. Keep at it!
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Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Laura Sanford           Tunes: Mist Covered Mountains      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Laura; Well done! Your grace notes and most of your doublings are coming out clean and crisp. Grips and taoruaths need a bit more work. In grips and taorluaths you should hear 2 distinct low G sounds (before and after the D grace note). At times, you’re not fully sounding low G during these movements. Open the movement up so each individual grace note can be heard distinctly. Watch the high A to C going from bar 5 to 6. You’re have some false fingering there as you’re lifting your bottom hand off the chanter too early. Overall, your timing is a erratic making it difficulty\ for the melody to come through. Use a metronome to ensure you’re giving notes their correct value. You’ve got a good start with the fundamentals. Keep it up!
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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: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Hamish. An excellent performance from start to finish. Great composure on the E, cracking technique all the way through, so clean ! And the timing of a tricky beginner tune was just spot on. Couple of tiny things - the High A grip could be a little bit deeper through the Low G, and I spotted a false finger in the last 2 bars (C to E to C...the pinky didnt come up when you went to E) Look to fix that one Thoroughly enjoyed this overall, and you have the talent there to go all the way. Excellent
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Benton Lewis      Place: 2      Tunes: MacRae Meadow      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Benton. Lovely playing here throughout. Very clean and accurate fingers on display. I really liked the depth you are getting on your grips and overall execution was very good. Just the odd doubling or two not quite balanced correctly, and also just the odd gracenote missing here or there...watch those fingers dont get too small and tight. Overall, a very high standard of playing.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian Kellock      Place: 3      Tunes: Rowan Tree      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Lovely playing here Ian. Very enjoyable Good clean fingers, and your embellishments are generally well executed. Just work away at that grip in the first bar to get the D gracenote coming out, and just be on the look out for the odd crossing noise that occurs, got to clear those up. Nice and musical though, well played overall
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Bloy      Place: 4      Tunes: Colin's Cattle      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks for this - a very confident performance. You clearly have very good fingers and are handling the various embellishments very well. However, just work on keeping that tempo steady, and adding a litlte bit more expression through the tune. Use those dots to keep you under control - you almost let it get away from you in the second part with it speeding up. Take it all back a notch, let the fingers breathe a bit! Allow that great execution to be more consistent. They are very clean and tidy and deserve to be heard. A little bit more poise and this would have been a contender for a higher spot in the prizes.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Rita Haddad      Place: 5      Tunes: Bluebells of Scotland      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: This was a lovely performance of Bluebells Rita. Very musical with great control of the fingers You have a good grasp of the basics , your fingers are clean and tidy, and getting lift off the chanter. Birl is on point and like I said, lovely music. Just make sure those gracenotes are accurate when landing on the chanter. , Now look to add in more embellishments to add that colour. Well done
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Eoghan Grant      Place: 6      Tunes: Rowan Tree      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Eoghan. Your fingers sit just great on the chanter there and you display a good general grasp of the technique. Now, when you start, use that dotted low A to help steady you from the outset. It was just a little hurried there to begin. Look to work on note values and timings as it was a little unsteady in places. Also - some of the technique was a little tight as a result. But I could hear some great things happening - just take that time to play nice and steady on the beat throughout and you will get much more from those fingers.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Jed Campbell           Tunes: Scotland the Brave      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Great effort there Jed! Some excellent playing on display , I especially love your doubling execution. The biggest thing to work on here would be clearing up those crossing noises , for example from C to E and High A to E. Then work on the note values and timing. This is quite a tricky tune for a beginner, I feel maybe something lighter might have really highlighted what those fingers can do? Very good effort though and bags of potential here
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura Sanford           Tunes: The Maple Leaf Forever      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Laura, an enjoyable upbeat tune here. Fingers are moving pretty well, birl is lovely , but the overall execution and articulation of your embellishments needs some attention. Just tending to miss a few G gracenotes here and there (on the B doubling for example) and the doubling / gracenote work is just tending to be a little small overall, so the accuracy moving between notes isnt always on point. I also spotted a D and G gracenote being played at the same time early on in the piece. Look to take your tempo back a fraction and work on getting some lift through your gracenotes to improve that accuracy and ensuring all the movements are being played correctly, with a little more space.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Pippa Bett           Tunes: Bluebells of Scotland      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Well Done Pippa! Good tune here , very stready and with lovely clean fingers I very much liked the execution of your gracenotes...just the odd one or two not quite as accurate as the rest, but all in a good place to move forward with your playing. Keep working on that birl, you were just coming in early with the first low G tap, and try to not let the other fingers move with it. Good stuff, keep it up!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Benton Lewis      Place: 1      Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: good basic technique throughout.watch the value of the hi a in the 2nd part--too short to the beat.the 2nd ending should have the same tempo as the rest of the tune.
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz      Place: 2      Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: steady tempo throughout.would suggest not rushing over the different embelishments.make sure every one is 100% clean.
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Edward Crundell           Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: I cirular breathe while playing also.good steady tempo throughout.good basic technique.you did not repeat the 2nd and 3rd parts.
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Max Coupland           Tunes: The Barren Rocks of Aden      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: good steady tempo with good basics.good feel throughout. you only played 2 parts instead of 4 parts.
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rita Haddad           Tunes: Maire’s Wedding      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: good basics.good pace and feel.you only played 2 parts and the requirement is four parts.
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ronnie Maclennan           Tunes: Teribus      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: very good tune. good basics. you only played 2 parts rather than 4 parts.
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Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens      Place: 1      Tunes: Cock 'o the North      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: Great job Hamish! Good technique, timing, and compound/6/8 rhythym. Keep up the good work.
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Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Bloy      Place: 2      Tunes: Steamboat      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: Well done Matthew. Nice technique. Keep up the good work!
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens      Place: 1      Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Some really good stuff being played here Hamish. Technique coming through clean and clear. Try to keep the tune moving along a wee bit quicker. Overall a very nice tune by a promising young piper.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Adi Moss-Sheth      Place: 1      Tunes: The Dark Stream      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones at the start could benefit from being slightly tuned. The chanter is lovely however. The musicality in this performance is first rate and is backed up with great technique! This was a fantastic performance and it is clear you have a passion for playing the bagpipes which is great to see and hear - keep this up!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gus Sevil      Place: 2      Tunes: Loch Maree      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones were ok at the start but faded slightly part way through, the chanter is nice and bright however. The first part is very well expressed with good musicality and technique. The second part is good as well just make sure the short notes arent clipped too much. On the whole this was a lovely performance with great controll, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Stephen      Place: 3      Tunes: Dream Angus      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones at the start are very nice but faded slightly towards the end, The chanter is nice and full however the F is slightly sharp. The first part is very well expressed with some great technique and musicality. The musicality in the second part is just as good as the first. The tempo could however be slightly brighter, don't be affraid to bring the pace up slightly. Overall this was a very enjoyable performance - well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Anja Maroske-Jeck      Place: 4      Tunes: Cronan      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: A good instrument here, great to hear! On first impression I felt this was very musical however the musicality could be enhanced with an increase in tempo which will make the piece as a whole brighter. The piece is backed up with some great technique. On the whole this was a very well composed performance, well done
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Evan Jamieson      Place: 5      Tunes: Tioram Air Tir      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here are good with a lovely bright chanter, although the High A is slightly flat. The first part is very musical and backed up with a great degree of technique. However there were a few crossing noises evident at times. The second part is just as musical. This was a solid performance, You clearly have a passion for playing the bagpipes which is fantastic - keep this up!!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Andreas Popp      Place: 6      Tunes: Rhue Vaternish      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here are very nice and the chanter is lovely. This was well expressed however perhaps on the fast side for me and would benefit from being slightly slower-this will give you more room for expression and enhance the overall musicality. Technically a sound performance with a few small things creeping into place. On the whole a solid performance, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Bianca Sparkes           Tunes: Loch Skerroll      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The instrument here is very good with a nice bright chanter. The first part is well expressed with good technique, although a few crossing noises were coming in going up to high G. Make sure the runs and short notes arent too clipped either. This was a solid performance overall, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Harrison           Tunes: Shoshanna's Lullabuy      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones could have been slightly better tuned at the start however they did not worsen. The chanter was ok but could also be slightly better on the top hand. This is a lovely, upbeat slow air that is musically played. The technique is a little hit or miss, sometimes its really good and sometimes its a little shady, try and make these gracenotes consistantly good. Overall this was a well controlled performance with good musicality.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Collin Leigh           Tunes: Calium Mo Ruimsa      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones at the start here were fairly in tune but could be slightly better. There is a good sense of pulse here and musicality backed up with good degree of technique which is great! The only thing I might say is to work on getting everything slightly more crisp and precises and generally keep it under controll a little more. You may have also had a mistake? Otherwise a very sound performance indeed!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Erica Swenson           Tunes: Highland Cathedral      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones at the start could have been slightly more refined but didn't worsen. Overall this was slightly on the fast side for me however you have a very good grasp of the rhythm in this piece which is great. Generally though if you brought the tempo down a notch it would be more musical. Few minor comments: The technique for the most part is good but there were a few crossing noises in the last two lines and make sure you give the full note lengths at the end of the second part. There is great potential here, keep it up!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Guido Riedemann           Tunes: My Home      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The bagpipe here is pretty good with a lovely chanter sound. The first part is very well expressed with a good understanding of the pulsing. The technique is very good although it could be that tiny little bit sharper. This will make the ornaments better embedded in the melody and increase the overal musicality of the piece. The second part is played slightly faster than the previous. On the whole this is great performance, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens           Tunes: Hector the Hero      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Make sure when you strike in to get a tenor drone in too. The first part here is very musical and is backed up with good technique. There was a slight choke on the repeat but other that it was very well handled. The second part is good as well but could be as musical as the first part. The blowing and general intonation is very good, you did well to keep the pipes going. It is clear you enjoy playing the pipes which is great to see - keep this up!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov           Tunes: Scots Wha Hae / College of Piping Highland Bagpipe Tutor Book 1      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The instrument here for the most part is well tuned but the blowing is slightly unsteady. The first part here is very well controlled and well expressed with great technique! The high A and F are slightly sharp but other wise a lovely chanter sound is evident here. The second part is just as good as the first part, This was an awesome performance, just missing out on the prize list, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: J Ann Snow           Tunes: Loch Rannoch      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here could be slightly more in tune, the chanter is lovely and bright. The first part is very musical and backed up with a great sense of technique. There was a slight choke and a missed grip here though. The second part is very musical too however a few technical blemishes let the performance down slightly. Overall this was a lovely performance, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jan Roberts           Tunes: Morag Duncan      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones at the start were ok, but could be slightly better tuned. The chanter is much better in tune with itself. The first part was very musically played and backed up with great technique. The second part is just as good as the first. This is a great performance with great musicality and pulsing, good job. Generally speaking the technique is good but could be more crisp at times. (Might I suggest that for these contests that you play indoors if possible, the wind came across very strongly. An indoor video may have helped the overall performance)
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Janine Lee           Tunes: Dream Angus      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The instrument could be slightly more refined in terms of tuning. A lovely feel and brightness here which is great musically. There are at times a few crossing noises moving from the top hand to D. There were a few chokes here and there too which detered from the overall performance. On the whole however this was a lovely tune, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: John Mistler           Tunes: Dark Isle      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here could be slightly more refined but not too distracting. Very nice pulsing throughout the tune with lovely crips technique. The drones began to fade out of tune slightly in the second part and the D began to sound slightly sharp too. Musicality holding well throughout with a wee choke and a missed low G gracenote. Overall a solid performance, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jonathon Coe           Tunes: Loch Skerroll      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here are lovely and the chanter is fairly well ballanced however the F is pretty sharp. The first part is very well played with good musicality and phrasing. There is a slight catch creeping in when you move from the bottom hand down to F. There was also a few chokes creeping in at times. On the whole this was a solid, very musical performance, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Joonas Martin           Tunes: Sine Bhan      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The pipes here are pretty well in tune however the drones are slightly sharp. There is a great sense of pulsing here with some decent technique coming through however there are a few crossing noises coming through as well moving from bottom hand to top hand. The top hand technique is very crisp which is great to hear, try and make the bottom hand technique just as crisp as well. On the whole this was a very enjoyable performance, well done.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Garrett           Tunes: The Dark Island      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here are not bad all at, the chanter is ok as well although the top hand in general is slightly flat. The first part is well expressed however the technique could be slightly better as some gracenotes are nearly inaudible. To fix this try and lift the fingers as high as possible off the chanter to ensure that they are clearly heard. Similarly there are a few crossing noises when moving from the top hand to the bottom hand and vice versa. Try not to move the other hand whilst that hand is on the chanter. On the whole this was still an enjoyable performance.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Laura Sanford           Tunes: Mist Covered Mountains      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones at the start could be slight better refirned. The first part was fairly good for the most part however one or two notes maybe weren't given their full value. make sure these notes have their proper value and the overall musiclity of the piece will be greatly enhanced. The technique is good for the most part with a few crossing noises creeping in from time to time. On the whole this was a lovely performance, well done.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Logan Murray           Tunes: Loch Skerroll      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here could be slightly more refined and the chanter is ok for the most part however the top hand is generally a tad sharp. The first part here is very musical with good technique at times although there are some crossing noises coming through moving from bottom hand to top hand. Also try not to clip the short notes, if you make these nice and smooth then the overall musical effect with be enhance. On the whole this was a well controlled performance, well done.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Maddy Palmer           Tunes: Leaving Lismore      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: At the start the drones weren't quite in tune but did not worse. A good start to the tune with a good sense of flow. The technique here is really good and open, expecially the birl, however it is slightly too 'open' and could be better embedded within the melody. Make sure that the High A is fully blown out for the duration of the piece, it was sometimes 'strechy' which comes from underblowing the high A. A slight choke was evident as well. This was a great performance, there is much potential here - keep it up!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Malcolm Russell           Tunes: Song for a Smallpipe      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here are fairly nice but could be slightly more refined and faded slightly towards the end of the piece. The chanter is nice and bright. The first part is very musical and well expressed and for the most the part the technique is good but there are a few crossing noises creeping. Similarly you tend too lift the bottom hand fingers whilst the top hand fingers are still off the chanter, this is causing a kind of wobbling sound. However there is a very good sense of musical pulsing and expression throughout. This was an enjoyable performance, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Marc-Andre LaChance           Tunes: "The Dark Island"      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here were ok here but could be slightly better. The first is very musically played and backed up with great technique, the doublings are great! Try not to clip the short notes here, make it all as smooth as possible. The second part is just as good as well, there were one or two wee chokes however and I think you played the last part 3 times. The overall tempo could come up slightly as well. On the whole this was a very well expressed performance backed up with fantastic technique. A few chokes however did bring the overall performance down slightly. However this was very enjoyable to listen to and awas a great first attempt in a contest, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Marion Owen           Tunes: Mingulay Boat Song      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The instrument here is not bad but could do with some refinment. The first part is well controlled however there are a few miss-timed notes throughout. Make sure you give each note its full value and the overall musicality will improve significantly. The technique is for the most part pretty good but a little inconsistent. Try and get each gracenote and doubling as good as your best doubling. On the whole this was a lovely performance.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Mia MacInnes           Tunes: Cro Chinn t-Saile      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The instrument at the start was fairly good but faded slightly as the performance went on. The first part was very musical indeed, try and make the second part just as musical. There was one slight crossing noise from the top hand to the bottom hand in the second part too, this is a minor issue but easy to fix. On the whole this was a lovely performance, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Michael Hensley           Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones at the start are very nice. The first part is very nicely played with good technique. Watch out for crossing noises to D from the top hand. Also, in the first line the C is rather clipped for my liking. The second part is good, a slight slip however and starting to lose the pulsing which you captured so well in the first part. Overall this was a lovely perforance! Well done.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Milan Gilmore           Tunes: Setting a Course for Lewis      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The overall tuning of the pipes could be slight better but its not too distracting. The overall tempo of the tune is slightly on the fast side for me. There are few timing issues, make sure you give each note its full value and this will enhance the overall musicality of the piece, Similarly on a technical basis there were a few small slips evident. This was a good performance non the less.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Poppy Middleton           Tunes: Lament for Rory Mor      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The instrument is fairly well tuned here, the F and high A are slight sharp however. The first part is very musical and well expressed with a great deal of great technique. The second part is very good however there are slight chokes coming in from time to time. There was a wee choke here an there however. Other than that this was a solid performance with some execellent playing that is well beyond your years! Well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Shelena Marsh           Tunes:      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here could have been slightly better tuned however the chanter is lovely and bright. The first part is well expressed with great sense of pulse. The top hand technique is great however the bottom hand technique is not as crisp which detracts from the performance ever so slightly. The second part is well expressed as well and is very musical. this was a very musical rendition and you clearly have a passion for piping which is great to see and hear - well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Steven Grahl           Tunes: Bells of Dunblane      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here are pretty good with a lovely deep chanter sound. The drones started to fade out of tune slightly towards the end however. This was a very musical performance with good expression and a nice bright tempo, well done. Technically there were a few slight issues with some crossing noises evident and a few miss-timed embelishments. Work to make these slightly more precise and the overall musicality will improve significantly. On the whole this was a solid performance, well done.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sue Kennedy           Tunes: Banks of Lochiel      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Your drones were good at the start but started to fade away fairly early on in the piece. The tune is very nicely played with great feeling and musicality, although the last bar in lines 1 and 3 are rushed ever so slightly - keep the pulses consistant. The technique and embalishments are well embedded in the melody which is great to hear. High G was slightly sharp and blowing was ok but could be slightly better. Overall, an enjoyable performance, well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Vickie Gray           Tunes: By Loch Etive Side      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones at the start here could be slight better but the chanter is lovely and full. the first part is very well controlled and expressed. A few chokes were coming through however. The top hand embelishments are very good, try to make the bottom hand ones just as good too. On the whole this was a lovely performance, well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Maddy Palmer      Place: 1      Tunes: Captain Norman Orr-Ewing      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Maddy, great tune selection, one of my first 2/4's too. Bagpipe in tune at outset, good to see you marching to this. Nice technique coming through 1st part, 2nd and 3rd also going well. Tempo is slightly down but good expression nonetheless. D is sharp which distracts a little. Watch the timing of the D strikes at the part endings. Sometimes they're early. A very strong tune with good technique and loads of potential.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Dylan McMaster      Place: 2      Tunes: Duncan McInnes      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Dylan, Duncan Macinnes is a great 2/4. Drones not in from start which distract but you have stong clean hands and a confident manner. I like the tempo too, upbeat but phrasing is not lost. Wee pause 4th part ( mnid blank?) otherwise a very strong performance. Great stuff. Technique particularly strong in this grade.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Calvin Atwood      Place: 3      Tunes: Duncan MacCinnis      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: HI Calvin, thanks for entering this event. A bold start to the tune, drones together, chanter a little shrill. Uptempo march playing from the outset, lively. Wee fumble into second part. Hands pretty good they were a wee bit tight in the beginning but improved as you went on. Enjoyed your performance well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Sue Kennedy      Place: 4      Tunes: Walter Douglas MBE      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Sue , thanks for the recording. Nice intro and pipe sounding well from outset, well tuned and well blown. Conservative tempo, 2 bar phrasing evident , clean playing part 1 , crossing noise 2nd part. 4th part crossing noise again, and a small catch i n4th variation. Well done , good effort. strong rhythm and control throughout your performance.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Josh Bruce      Place: 5      Tunes: Donald MacLean`s Farewell to Oban      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Josh, thanks for your entry, Donald Maclean's farewell to Oban is a great tune. Bagpipe - drone nicely tuned at start. Tempo - lively, sometimes at the expense of musical lift ( the upbeat) but generally well handled. Some tiny crossing noises, and watch you don't fire the birl in early at the ends of the parts. 3rd part a bit round, but nice grips. Drones drifing now, Good solid tune, well done, bags of potential.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Shelena Marsh      Place: 6      Tunes:      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Shelena, thanks for your entry. Strong hands from outset, drones arent quite in though. Conservative marchtempo but good 2 bar phrasing. Wee chips to low G and missed tuarluaths 3rd part. Wee miss last line. Lots of good things here, especially your technique and musicality . Once you're on top of the tune at this tempo suggest you increase a little to get more flow and livliness. Thanks again for the listen.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Adi Moss-Sheth           Tunes: Duncan McInnes      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Adi, a nicely tuned bagpipe from outset, with a lively tempo. Watch you don't sacrifice your technique for the sake of speed though. Wee error 3rd part. Good 4th part. A few wee technical misses throughout the performance and the odd crossing noise. Bags of potential, make sure you focus on playing on the beat and keep working on your technique to lift your overall performance, well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Bianca Sparkes           Tunes: 79s Farewell to Gibraltar      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Bianca, thanks for sending in your tune. Nice background too. Bagpipe is well tuned from the start and well balanced. March begins at pace, perhaps to the detriment of the muscial phrasing,with occasional technical blemishes. 2nd part crossing noises more distrsacting. Only 2 parts of march music were played. Good effort nonetheless, thanks.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Brian Harrison           Tunes: Donald McLean's Farewell to Oban      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Brian , thanks for your recording. One of the all time great 2/4 marches. Error 2nd, wee chokes from outset and wrong note in part ending consistently. Interpretation a little round to my ear, and not always in control of the more technical passages 3rd part. Good lift into 4th, again a choke. SOlid finish, well done .
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Callum Ross           Tunes: Mrs MacDonald of Dunach      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Callum, thanks for taking part in event 7. Mrs MacDonald of Dunach is one of my favourite marches. Conservative tempo from outset, and technique not always clean from outset, (throw on D, grips) wee crossing part endings, wee bit round 2nd line 2nd part, 3rd part is tricky, wee choke and again a wee bit round to my ear. 4th part - crossing noises distract, but gets better as you go on. Keep on working on those hands and work on getting the lift out of parts 3 and 4 to improve your overall standard. Well done, all the best.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Christopher Scott Duncan           Tunes: Prince Charles' Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Scott, thanks for the recording. Bagpipe not 100% at start, the wee chirps are a little distracting good tempo and music though. Throw on D is a feature in this tune, a wee bit more low G in the movement would help sell it I think. Hint of error 4th part. A confident performance, marred by a chirping chanter. Well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Erica Swenson           Tunes: Muir of Ord      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Erica, thanks for the entry, Muir of Ord is a real GS masterpiece. Bagpipe not in tune from outset, a few wee crossing noises from early on, watch blowing on top hand . third part going well, wee error 4th I think musically you understand this tune well, a bit more work on the technical aspects will help lift it to the next level. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Evan Jamieson           Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Evan, thanks for your tune, Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban is an absolute classic. Bagpipe sounds good at outset, well tuned. A good tempo for this level and clean sounding hands. G gracenote sometimes missing in action. High A a little flat. 3rd part - technique not always clear, and losing musical expression here (it's a hard part!) Wee catch 4 th part, again looking for that g gracenote. Lots to like about this performance , keep up the good work.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Geoffrey Garst           Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Geoffrey, thanks for your entry. Another classic 2/4 . The sound quality of your recording was seriously affected , lots of distortion from the beginning which made it difficult to hear . Parts 1 and 2 pretty good but parts 3 and 4 you were breaking time a little, also a wee choke, and wee errors crept in. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Gus Sevil           Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Gus, thanks for your entry. Big tune for this event. Nicely tuned instrument. Reasonable tempo , 1st part solid. 2nd part a few crossing noises. 3rd part, rounding out here , more technical issues. 4th part - again round interpretation and technical blemishes. This tune certainly is more demanding in parts 3 and 4. Generally well handled, keep up the good work.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Harrison Tesselaar           Tunes: Campbell's farewell to redcastle, Mairi's Wedding      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Harrison, thanks for your tune. Is that a lawn mower in the background? Nicely tuned drones. Controlled march tempo, generally technique is accurate, wee choke in 1st part. Conservative tempo persists and again the odd wee choke, well done though , all the basics are there. Your top hand seems to be gripping the chanter quite firmly, as you develop you may wish to soften your grip. Well done on a solid performance.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: J Ann Snow           Tunes: Cpt Norman Orr-Ewing      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Ann, thanks for your tune entry and great to see you in the Fire Service uniform. Strong pulse to your playing , those drones arent quite in tune from the outset. Good rhythm, some technique lost at times, throw on D for example not always consistent. The odd catch in your grips too. However a solid tune nonetheless. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Janine Lee           Tunes: The Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Janine, a classic tune this one. Bagpipe not 100% at start. Watch you don't rush through the upbeat and bring your birls in early in the first part. A few crossing noises in first part, which continue through the tune. A hint of rushing here and there. 4th part slightly round interpretation at times. And again those crossing noises. Thanks for the tune.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Jonathon Coe           Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Jonny, thanks for enetering . Nicely tuned instrument with a confident tempo from outset. Good musical playing, 2/4 rhythm coming though well and 2 bar phrasing evident. Hands a little tight, would prefer a little more low G in your throw on D. THe odd catch/cross throughout. A solid 2 parts of march playing. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Logan Murray           Tunes: The Barren Rocks of Aden      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Logan, welcome to event 7. Nice relaxed march tempo, drones well tuned, slightly sharp top hand, hi G. Try to gt more clarity in your doublings , need to be more defined I think. Again nice 2/4 rhythm, with 2 bar phrasing. 2 parts played. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Malcolm Russell           Tunes: The Haughs of Cromdale      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Malcolm, thanks for the tune. Conservative tempo from outset, mostly good technique however. The drones aren't locked in from the start and are a bit unsteady at times. Well controlled tune, steady, wee catch on bottom hand 4th part. Wee choke at the very end of youe performance. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Marion Owen           Tunes: Prince Charles's Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Marion, thanks for sending in your entry for event 7. Great view you've got there. Bagpipe - drones not in tune from outset. Start was a little shaky but picking up steam in second part, more of the 2/4 rhythm coming through now. The odd technical blemish distracts at times, Interpretation of bars 7/8 each part a little round for me. Losing our way muscially in 3rd part, also chokes creepng in, 4th part picks up with the grips and finishes well. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Matthew Stephen           Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Matt, from the recording that I could hear you have good techniue, a nice 2/4 rhythm and well tuned bagpipe. Unfortunately the recording was pretty dodgy, regularly cutting out and clicking, so my feedback is pretty limited, sounds like you have heaps of potential and may well have placed more highly had the sound not been corrupt. All the best.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Max Coupland           Tunes: The Barren Rocks of Aden      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Max, thanks for your tune. Drones are pretty good at start, controlled tempo, a few crossing noises tight hands from the ouset, slightly round interpretation of this tune, dont forget the 'dot cut'. wee chokes second part. A good effort, make sure you keep practicing and pay attention to your tutor! all the best. 2 parts only.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Melanie Brown           Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Melanie, thanks for your tune. Great lakeside setting. Bagpipe - drones not accurate to chanter from outset. SOlid tempo, good 2/4 rhythm and hands pretty good, the odd crossing noise creeping in 2nd part. (low A d gracenote to c movement) wee choke 3rd part. watch you don't fire the birl in early part endings (and a wee plane flying over in the background?) - strong 2/4 playing , those crossing noises need to be eliminated to feature more strongly in the grade, thanks for the listen.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Milan Gilmore           Tunes: Mairi's Wedding & Barren Rocks of Aden      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: HI Milan, thanks for the tunes. Marie's wedding - note errors distract from outset, also the bagpipe is not quite in tune ( drones not with chanter and some chanter intonation inaccuracy) It'a really important not to let some of the more challenging technique cause breaks in time in these tunes. Thanks again and all the best.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Peter Butts           Tunes: Liberton Pipe Band      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Peter, thanks for your recording. Slowish uptake to this classic tune, and some technical issues apparent (crossing noises). Bagpipe is not in tune, drones tuned sharp to chanter, F and C intonation flat. Strong rhythm throughout though, musical interpretation. Careful not to bring the D strikes in early at the part endings. Crossing noises persist throughout the recording. Wee pause into third part then a wee error. Thanks for the tune, well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Poppy Middleton           Tunes: 1st Battalion Scots Guards Farewell to Southampton      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Poppy, thanks for sending in your recording. Drones are well tuned and instrument is well balanced from the outset. Careful tempo from the start, nice clean fingers in first part. Sticky birl. Wee crossing noises 2nd part. 3rd part going well, watch those tuarluaths. Strong grips 4th part, occasional catch. Nice 2/4 rhythm from start to finish, well done, I think you have a lot of potential, keep up the good work!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Ryan Strong           Tunes: 72nds Farewell to Aberdeen, Brown Haired Maid      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Ryan , thanks for your tunes today. Strong 2 bar phrasing coming through. Bagpipe not quite in tune. Chokes distracting (and changing bass) unsteady blowing 2nd part. Playing more confident;y in Brown Haired maid. Wee choke again. Plenty of potential here .
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Sean Hudson           Tunes: Dundee Military Tattoo      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Sean, thanks for getting your tune in. Bass drone not in from start, wee error first part ending, A few wee crossing notes from outset , Nice birl. Try to maintain muscial lift and expression in that 4th part. A solid performance, keep working on your technique and watch that 'dot cut' expression that really gives 2/4 marches their lift. Good work.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Evan Jamieson      Place: 1      Tunes: The Glendaruel Highlanders      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: A well phrased 6/8 march at a nice tempo. Strong technique throughout with a couple of minor missed grips and minor crossing noises. A full sounding bagpipe with your drones complimenting the chanter nicely. High A is slightly flat. Great potential here. Keep it up!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Poppy Middleton      Place: 2      Tunes: John D. Burgess      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Excellent tempo and uptake to this tune. Your bagpipe is extremely well tuned and is nice to listen to except for a couple of minor chokes. Your technqiue is excellent but as the tune progresses you get slightly faster and your technique and music suffer slightly as a result - the tempo in part 1 was excellent. You are playing a wrong note in the 2nd note group of the last phrase. This should be HighA-LowA-HighG rather than HighA-LowG-HighG but this minor error didn't impact your performance. You show great potential - keep up the good work!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jonathon Coe      Place: 3      Tunes: 100 Pipers      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Excellent tempo and phrasing in this tune. Your technique is strong throughout except for a couple of light F doublings. Your bagpipe is extremely well tuned except your F is sharp and slightly distracting. You show great potential so keep up the great work!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Adi Moss-Sheth      Place: 4      Tunes: Bonnie Dundee      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Excellent tempo and uptake to this tune. Your bagpipe is tuned extremely well and is lovely to listen to. A minor choke has detracted from the impact of your performance. Your technique is strong throughout just be careful of hand changes from C to E as a few of these are untidy. You show great potential - keep up the good work!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dylan McMaster      Place: 5      Tunes: Bonnie Dundee      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Great uptake to this 6/8. You show great understanding of the 6/8 time signature and the tune has lots of life. You have occasional crossing noise from C to E which detracts from your musical delivery. You have strong technique but some attention is needed to your taorluaths as not all gracenotes can be heard clearly. Spending some time working on your drone tuning would allow your bagpipe to complient your music.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens      Place: 6      Tunes: Cock 'o the North      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Excellent uptake to this tune with trong technique throughout. The high As in part two are just slightly too long with the Es after them being a little short as a result . You show great potential and your overall playing just needs to naturally devlop. Keep up the great work!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Harrison           Tunes: Donald McLean of Lewis      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Great tempo for this tune with a good appreciation of the 6/8 time signature. The first note group is lacking clarity - ensure the G, D and E gracenotes are clean. There is the odd crossing noise which detracts from your playing but overall your fingerwork is clear. Some work on drone tuning would allow your bagpipe to compliment your music.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Erica Swenson           Tunes: Atholl Highlanders      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Great tempo for this tune and you show a great understanding of the 6/8 time signature. You have strong movements but you untidy note changes and note errors throughout distract from the delivery of your tune. Your chanter is sweet and appears well balance. Working on your drone tuning would allow your full bagpipe to compliment your music.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gus Sevil           Tunes: Bengullion      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Your tempo here is slightly too quick which is causing your music and technqiue to lose some clarity - I think playing slightly slower would really allow you to showcase your full potential. Overall your technqiue is good but watch your E doublings from F and the tachum to low G in the first note group of bar 3 and these are unclear throughout the tune. Your pipes are nice and sweet. Your drones are close to being tuned well but a bit of time working on getting them 100% would really allow your instrument to compliment your performance. You show great potential so keep up the good work!
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: J Ann Snow           Tunes: John D Burgess      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Great tempo for this tune with good appreciation of the 6/8 time signature. The cut F in the first bar is too clipped and almost disappears but you rectify this the next time you play it. Your teachnique is very strong and it's clear you've worked hard since I listened to you a few months ago. Keep up the good work. The next area for you to work on is your drone tuning as this would allow your instrument to fully compliment your playing.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Janine Lee           Tunes: Piobaireachd of Donald Dhu      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Great tempo for this tune. You phrase the tune well and show good understanding of the compound time signature. The cut Cs iare too short throughout this tune and it is difficult to hear them. Opening them out would improve delivery of the tune especially with how many there are. Drones are well locked together but quite flat compared to the chanter. Spending some time working on tuning would allow your pipes to compliment your performance.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: John Mistler           Tunes: Bonnie Dundee      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Great tempo for this tune. You phrase the tune well and show good understanding of the compound time signature. The into C-D into the first part is a bit round. Ensure you cut the C and have a slight pulse on the D. Your low G movements (grips/taorluaths) are too tight and it's not possible to hear all of the gracenotes in here. Spend some time trying to relax these as solid movements will improve the delivery of the tune. Drones are bang on with low A but your D is sharp and High A is flat. Spending some time working on chanter tuning would allow your bagpipe to fully compliment your playing.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Maddy Palmer           Tunes: Ellenor      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Well phrased 6/8 march with strong technique throughout. I felt it was a bit slow and slight tempo increase would bring a lot of life to this tune. Drones are very well locked together but the chanter is slightly unbalanced - top hand notes are flatter than bottom hand notes particularly on High A. Spending a bit of time working on chanter tuning would allow your bagpipe to really compliment your strong playing.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Melanie Brown           Tunes: Dr. Nick Read of Dervaig      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: This is a tune I hadn't heard before but I enjoyed it. Good tempo and you show good understanding of the 6/8 time signature. You're just overpointing the tune slightly which is causing some of short notes notes to disappear and is causing some of your technique to become crushed. Loosening it off slightly would allow you to get the most out of the tune. Your drones are fairly well locked together but flatter than the chanter. Some work on getting them 100% would allow your pipes to fully compliment your playing.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Shelena Marsh           Tunes:      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Excellent background! Lovely bagpipe which is well tuned. High G is just slightly on the sharp side. A nice tempo to your tune but your G-D-Es are slightly untidy which is detracting from your musical presentation. Your reed appears to be too difficult for you as there were a large number of chokes in your tune which really distracted from your musical performance - a real shame.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sue Kennedy           Tunes: Bengullion parts 1-2      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Your tune was phrased very well and you show good understanding on the 6/8 time signature. Just watch the Ds (after the D throw) at the very end of lines 1 and 3 - you're not pulsing this the same as the rest of the tune. A couple of tachums were slightly untidy at the beginning of the ending phrase - ensure you are getting precise gracenotes into this difficult note group. Overall I just felt the tempo of your tune was a bit on the safe side and slightly raising it would improve the delivery of your tune. Drones are reasonably well tuned but working towards getting them 100% would allow your instrument to further enhance your performance.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Vickie Gray           Tunes: John D.Burgess      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: A full sounding and well blown bagpipe. A good understanding of the 6/8 time signature and you technqiue is strong overall - just make sure you have a full low G at the start of each D throw. You show great potential and your playing just needs to become more fluent as you naturally develop. Keep up the good work!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Callum Ross      Place: 1      Tunes: Kenny Gillies of Portnalong      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Callum. I thought this was a very good performance of this classic jig. The best thing about it was the rhythm of the GDE movements - in fact all triplets - which were in the correct rhythm of "Strong-weak-weak". This is very hard to achieve as the temptation is to overdo it, and treat the jig in the same way as a 6/8 march. Many pipers play jigs completely evenly to avoid this problem - which can lead to boring jig playing. At times you were drifting towards 6/8 march rhythm, so watch out - if you get into the habit of playing jigs with too much pointing, it can be hard for you to control that. But as you will see from the contest result I found this very entertaining to listen to. There were a couple of small slips but I decided they were not important. The birl is a bit on the slow side but I would rather you got it right now, at your age, and then let it speed up naturally as you gain confidence. Well done.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Maddy Palmer      Place: 2      Tunes: Pipe Major John Macdonald's Exercise      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Maddy, very nice jig playing - perfect rhythm and speed. I really enjoyed this. The drones weren't quite steady but not distracting to the perfomance - I wondered if that was a variation in your arm pressure as they were in tune to start with? There are devices you can get (ask Jori Chisholm) which can monitor your bag pressure and lead to a better sound - ask your teacher if that is the way forward for you or whether you just need to keep playing lots (which leads to better blowing, in the long run). You certainly have the fingers to play a four-part tune well and I think that providing two parts only held you back in the prize-list .... And you have super "dress and deportment" ... I liked the formal end to the tune with the hand going down the side of thigh in military fashion. Really good job overall
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Evan Jamieson      Place: 3      Tunes: St. Ninian's Parish Centre Ceilidh      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Evan, I was really impressed that you put forward this difficult jig - with the movements all designed to make it more tricky - and yet you pulled it off pretty well. I gave you credit for putting in such a difficult piece and pulling it off, even if there were a couple of tiny slips. The dare movement on F was nice, as were the throw on D's and the birls. I thought the bagpipe might have been a bit hard for you? ... (the drone sound did distract a little) ...but just keep playing it and (over time) the blowing will become easier. Super outfit - bowtie and all!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gus Sevil      Place: 4      Tunes: Jig of Slurs      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Gus, this is one of the most difficult jigs to play well and you did a pretty good job. It's great practice for the fingers ... and if you haven't already learned the full tune, I encourage you to do so (though parts 3 and 4 are harder to play). You played virtually every hit correctly, and kept the rhythm steady. Good job
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jonathon Coe      Place: 5      Tunes: Merrily Danced the Quakers Wife      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Jonny, this was fine playing on a nice bagpipe (but was it two or three drones? - the tenor sound was light). I liked your birls, which are hard to fit in here - well done. You did speed up a little in the second part. I was hoping you might go on to the full 4 parts, which you are more than capable of doing. Good job
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Poppy Middleton      Place: 6      Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: My goodness Poppy, a 6-part jig! Well, that was a pleaant surprirse. I was torn between rewarding you for courage and pointing out that the last 2 parts were perhaps not the best in the tune. Anyway to turn to specific small points ... the tune was very well played in the main. Watch out for the difficult turn wihich is in the 4th bar of every line - the bit that goes C-A-A, E-C. When playing the C-A-A the temptation is to cut the C, but that must be avoided - you did cut it at times and that gives the feeling that the tune is speeding up. The 3rd part has a lot of GDE gracenotes on B, and the way to control that is to try and hold the first B a tiny bit (the one with the G gracenote) - you got carried away a bit at times in that part. There were a couple of wee chokes in the last part but actually I thought your control of the blowing was really good. While we are mentioning the last part, always make a grip really stand out, by having two low G notes clearly heard - if you listen back to your recording you'll hear that your grip was a bit "quick" at times. In the end I decided to reward your courage and put you in the prize-list.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Adi Moss-Sheth           Tunes: Kesh Jig      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Adi, you certainly attacked this tune with gusto, and in fact I wondered if you were a bit too quick with it? With jigs, there is a fine balance between too slow (and not exciting enough) and the opposite extreme where the jig is "playing you", if you follow me. Having said that, it was very enjoyable to listen to. You've got good fingers and might now be able to think about a bit of pulsing to make things a bit more interesting to the listener - that is a hard thing to achieve, and involves making the first note of each triplet a little longer than the other two. It's similar to (but quite the same as) a 6/8 march rhythm ... have a chat with your teacher about that and see what you think. If you try the "pulsing" that I describe, it also can help hold back the tempo.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Bianca Sparkes           Tunes: Merrily Danced the Quakers Wife      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Bianca, this was really nice playing and I was hoping you might do 4 parts - you are certainly capable of it, and you got your fingers very nicely round the dificult gracentotes and hits. I thought the tuning of the drones was the best that I had heard all day, though the tenor sound was light. And your dress and deportment was first-class too. One small criticism would be the birl, which is hard to fit in, but I think it would help if you tried practicing that a lot on the practice chanter - it was only the birl that kept you out of the prize-list, really. Good job - and the dress and deportment were also worth commenting on (and I informed the team who judge that, so they can give your video a second look)
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Collin Leigh           Tunes: Swallow Tail      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Colin, nice steady rhythm and clean fingering in the main. The only thing that let you down a little were the throw on D movements, and I would suggest you look carefully at them as (in jigs) they need to be fast, but they still need to be correct. The drones weren';t quite in at the start and I suggest you spend a bit more time on tuning ... even in a short tune, it does make a huge difference.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dylan McMaster           Tunes: Tripping Up the Stairs      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Dylan, I enjoyed this jig. Your fingering was clean and the rhythm very steady. The drones weren't quite in at the start and that was somewhat distracting - even in a sort tune it;s worth taking lots of time to get the sound right. But overall I would just advise lots and lots of practice (at this speed) and you will reap the benefits.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Emmanuel Krethlow           Tunes: The Fittie Boatman      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Emmanuel. This was nice steady playing and I think you are on the right track with the tune. Playing it slow is correct, until you have nailed the technique. There were a couple of technical things to work on, as you will know if you listen back to the recording - the hits on C and B in the second part were missed here and there - but they were fine in the first part, so you know you can do it. Just keep practising. Also, practice the birl until you are blue in the face - just check with your teacher first, as I thought the little finger movement in the birl seemed a bit awkward for you.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Geoffrey Garst           Tunes: Troy's Wedding      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Geoffrey, well done for tackling this classic jig with its 3rd part having the syncopation - which you handled very well. It was just the 4th part that you struggled with a bit. Watch out for the throw on D movement, which I think needs more low G in it. I got the impression that the pipes were well tuned, but the chanter was too close to the microphone, which detracted from the effect a bit - remember that if you are doing more recordings. Your playing is nice and steady and I enjoyed the tune.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Gregory Kim           Tunes: The Glasgow City Police Pipers      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Gregory. This was a nice steady performance of this tune. What a lovely setting for the recording, by the way. The blowing was not entirely steady throughout which let you down a bit. I think you just need to keep on practising the bagpipe until that becomes more even - the trick is to have evn pressure on the bag, and Joir Chidholm can advise you on how to monitor that - maybe check with your teacher too.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Josh Bruce           Tunes: The Glasgow City Police Pipers      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Well Josh, you certainly played the fastest jig I have heard all day - very confident attacking style. If I can give a small bit of advice with this tune, and that would be to try and hold back the tempo - if you had done that you would have been in the prize-list without a doubt. It's difficult to control the tempo, especially in the 2nd and 4th parts which are technically easier - so the temptation is to speed up there. However your speeding-up happened in the repeat of the first part which went off like a rocket! Have a listen back and you'll see what I mean. Try practicing with a metronme - it really helps to stop that tempo problem. Apart from that it was a good tune, really entertaining playing.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lewis Stewart           Tunes: Kenny Gilles Of Portnalong      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Lewis, This is one of the classic competition jigs and you can see why - there are lots of tricky things in there and overall you made a good stab at the tune. There are details to be worked on, and I suggest you look at three things. Firstly tempo - you'll need to pick your tempo then stick to it. At times you were tempted to speed up a bit, which is very tempting in the 3rd and 4th parts. Getting a metronome might help you. Secondly the tune contains a difficult bar at the end of each line - I mean the 4th bar and the 8th bar of each part. The technique there needs to be spot-on and you were tending to rush over those bars. I was recently going over this tune with Finlay Johnston at the National Piping Centre who advised "take the tune apart, get each bar right, separately, then put the tune back together". That can feel a bit artificial, but it really does work as a way to get a tricky jig like this sounding really good. Finally you'll need to decide whether to play the jig evenly (all notes in a triplet the same length) or to put a stress on the first of the three (a "strong-weak-weak" rhythm). Ask your teacher about that - you seemed to swap from one to the other at times.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Logan Murray           Tunes: Merrily Danced the Quakers Wife      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Logan. This is a tricky tune and you managed to keep it under control - well done. The blowing wasnlt quite steady which let you down a bit. you also slowed down here and there, so perhaps the thing to concentrate on for the future is to play very strictly in time. Most pipers find that the best way to do that is get a metronome with a flashing beat ( a number of apps provide this for a mobile phone). Finally, work on those birls - they are tricky in this tune.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Matteo Schaefer           Tunes: Cork Hill (traditional jig)      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Matteo, you made a good a job of Corkhill, nice steady playing, you have obviously been taught the basics well, shown by our gracenotes which were were perfectly clear. Wtach out for the throw on D, which you missed several times - and it really needs a good low G to make it a powerful movement. The bagpipe is a big instrument for you (at your age) but your blowing is coming along well, and I think all you need to do is play it a lot and gradually it will become more comfortable. Good job.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Peter Butts           Tunes: Cork Hill      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Peter, you made a few errors in the tune ... but you know that already and probably just need to practice it more to iron them out. This was a performance which showed a nice steady rhythm and I would like you to concentrate on that - I suggest you keep up this speed of jig playing (and this steady style) until you have absolutely nailed the tune, after which you could start to speed it up (but not before). The drones weren't quite in tune at the start so you could spend a bit longer getting them right, to good effect. By the way your outfit was very impressive
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Megan Amoss      Place: 1      Tunes: Duncan MacRae of Kintail's Lament      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Musically played tune on a steady bagpipe, well done. You seem to have a good grasp for how this tune should be phrased with equally strong technique. As you progress, I would like to hear this tune with slightly more energy and precision - keep the tune moving. Remember to keep your movements open - especially the grips to C in this tune. Good job, Megan - keep it up!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Callum Ross      Place: 2      Tunes: Struan Robertson's Salute      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Very good tune, Callum - impressive! You have a strong feeling for the music and kept the tune moving throughout. Pipes were tuned well and you have a good handle of the instrument. Remember to keep all movements nice and open - practicing this on the practice chanter is very important for learning tunes on the pipes. Some G gracenotes were a little bit too tight and difficult to hear. Overall this was a very enjoyable performance - keep this up!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Poppy Middleton      Place: 3      Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Very well played, Poppy - very impressed! You have a good grasp of the music here, coupled with precise technique and a strong handle of the instrument. Drones tuned well and steady throughout. Be careful not to have any chokes - keep the pressure on the bag at all times. As you progress, I would like to see slightly more energy in the tune - keep it moving. Overall, a very nice performance - keep it up!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Gus Sevil      Place: 4      Tunes: Glengarries      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A well played tune on a good bagpipe. You kept the tune moving well here and played with technical precision on the whole. Just watch not to have the odd catching noise from B to F as this can be quite distracting. Also, when playing low G taps (eg at the end of a cadence), watch that you do not 'slide' your pinky finger off the hole - try to lift this finger directly upwards and keep it straight. Overall a strong performance - keep it up!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Lewis Stewart      Place: 5      Tunes: Lament For The Old Sword      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Well played tune on a steady bagpipe - good job! You played the ground musically and have a good knowledge of how this tune is phrased. Watch out for consistency in your technique as some grips and edres in particular came across quite muffled and difficult to hear. Practice these nice and open on the chanter to improve your technical precision on the pipes. Blowing was a bit unsteady in places so just remember to keep a firm pressure on the bag all the time to avoid dips in the sound. This was a competent tune - keep up the good work!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Brendan Nicholls      Place: 6      Tunes: The Little Spree      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Well played tune on a nicely set up instrument. You have strong technique, playing a technically challenging tune. Be careful though, in the 2nd bar last phrase, not to place the gracenote on the incorrect note. This G gracenote should be placed on the final E in the bar, not the C immediately prior. Keep up the good work, Brendan!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Bianca Sparkes           Tunes: Glengarrys Lament      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A strong performance - well done! You kept the tune moving along well here and have a good understanding of the music. Pipes in tune and steady throughout. Be careful not to rush into your line ending cadences (to C and B) - lengthen out the first E slightly more. Also, try to be more precise with your technique as some movements came across quite clipped, especially some grips to B. Overall a well played tune - keep up the good work, Bianca!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Evan Jamieson           Tunes: The Field of Gold      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Nicely phrased tune, Evan - well done! you have a good grasp of how this tune should be played musically. Watch not to snatch at your E and F taps within each echo-beat movement. This note should be played open, however I like that you are pushing out the 2nd pulse - keep this up. Also, be careful not to lift both your D and C fingers when playing a B cadence movement - this movement only requires the D finger to be lifted. Keep up the good work!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Gregory Kim           Tunes: Fair Honey      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A musical tune Gregory, well played. You have a good overall grasp of how this tune should flow. Just watch not to have catching noises from D to E and from B to E as these can be quite distracting. Nicely played on a steady bagpipe - keep up the good work!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Hamish Stephens           Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Good tune, Hamish! I like what you are doing with the musical flow here keeping this consistent throughout. Your technique is generally very accurate, however try to keep everything open and play every note with the same poise. This will help as you progress and prevent your fingers from tightening up with bigger tunes. Next time, I would like to see you playing all three drones as you are certainly ready to make this transition. Well done - keep it up!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: J Ann Snow           Tunes: Duncan McCrae of Kintail's Lament      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Nicely played Ann, well done! Your turnout is also exceptional. Drones not quite locked from the start, however remained steady. Be careful not to have any chokes and keep the pressure on at all times. In the 3rd line, bar 1 be careful not to place the G gracenote on the incorrect note - this should be on the E prior to the low A. Keep up the good work!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Jonathon Coe           Tunes: Glengarrys Lament      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A nicely phrased tune, Jonny - well played! You have strong technique and a good grasp of how this lament should be played. Watch that you do not rush into your line ending cadences (to C and B) - lengthen out the first E slightly more. As you progress, I would like to hear more energy in the tune - keep it moving along. A couple of chokes - keep the pressure on the bag at all times. Overall a very competent performance - keep it up!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Logan Murray           Tunes: Glengarrys Lament      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Nicely phrased tune, Logan - well done! Pipes well tuned. You have a good understanding of how this tune should be played. You seem to be missing a few G gracenotes throughout - remember to keep these nice and open and possibly refer to the music to remind yourself where these should be placed again. Also, be careful not to lift both your D and C fingers when playing a B cadence movement - this movement only requires the D finger to be lifted. Overall this was a good performance - keep up the good work!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Maddy Palmer           Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Nicely played tune on a very steady and well tuned instrument. You have a good idea for how this lament should be phrased. Be careful not to lift both your D and C fingers when playing a B cadence movement - this movement only requires the D finger to be lifted. Keep up the good work, Maddy - well done!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Mia MacInnes           Tunes: Lament for Red Hector      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Nice tune on a steady bagpipe - well played. You seem to have a good idea of the music here, keeping the ground well structured. Try to open your F echo-beat movements as these sounded crushed a couple of times. Also, be careful not to have any catching noises (moving between top and bottom hands) as these can be quite distracting at times. Keep it up, Mia!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Milan Gilmore           Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Nicely played tune, Milan. Unfortunately you seem to have submitted the video for your slow air instead of for the Piobaireachd - an easy mistake to make! I thought your tune was very musical and you have a good handle of your instrument on the whole. Drones were not quite locked from the start however remained steady. Try to refine your technique and play with more precision as you progress to bigger tunes - work on the practice chanter is very important. Keep up yhe good work!
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Sue Kennedy           Tunes: Company's Lament - ground      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Nice melodic tune Sue, well done. You seem to have a good grasp of the music, though the tune could have been slightly more 'brisk'. I liked how you really lengthened the 2nd pulse of each echo-beat (bar 2&4 each line). Just watch the odd catching noise here and there. You should also work on making your movements more precise as you progress. A good tune on a steady bagpipe - keep it up!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Emma McTaggart      Place: 1      Tunes: The Conundrum      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: This was a great performance Emma , a tricky tune well handled and for me it is well above Grade 4. A superb approach to March playing on show I thought. Really solid expression and pointing throughout. You have a lovely touch on your C doublings too. Great. Some things to work on for sure - the first downbeat could be given a litte bit more as you start, and some technique getting a little crushed at times , ie E doublings and some G gracenotes missing on others. Tending to be slightly sluggish at times, certianly noted in the 2nd part between the phrases and on occasion in the 3rd part (end of the first and third phrases) In the last part, the 4th bar maybe a little round as well. Also the drones were quite a bit out which was a bit distracting but the playing more than made up for that. I really enjoyed this performance.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Sid Baker      Place: 2      Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: This was a really well laid out performance overall. Good execution, a lovely bagpipe with lovely music. A couple of things to look at for sure - tending to rush a little bit off the dotted B in bar 2, and thus rolling a bit through the phrase. A similar issue with a dotted E before the F and High G doubling later on. Also, you were tending to grab at the High G just before entering the final phrase throughout the tune. Maybe not all the time, but on a few occasions, The third part generally was a touch rushed, you were certainly a bit more inaccurate with your G gracenote work (watch Low G to low A for example, the Low A sounding ahead of the gracenote) Pipes were quite nicely set , maybe low A and D a shade sharp. Well played though very enjoyable
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Michael Custodia      Place: 3      Tunes: Edinburgh City Police Piper      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A very steady performance overall Michael. This is quite a technically demanding tune for grade 4 but you handled it very well. Just watch your intro - was a little bit frantic, certinaly that first low A needs a bit more weight to get the expression out. It settled a bit better into the 2nd part and flowed well to the end. Just got a little bit rounded as you progresed and lacked the definition of phraes and pointing. Technically it was very good indeed, it was very clean throughout with crisp execution. Just the odd crossing noise creeping in on occasion. The drones were not locked at the start, and one did pop off early on. The chanter was also a little on the thin side and suffered on the upper register. However, overall a very enjoyable presentation.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Emmett Collins      Place: 4      Tunes: Captain Norman Orr-Ewing      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: I really enjoyed this performance Emmett. It was generally very clean and tidy, played at a steady tempo with good attention to the music. There was a little timing issue I thought in the first two parts; the entry to the final phrase was not quite right. I The high G doubling was coming in a little late which just upset the flow a fraction. Also the technique in the second part was a little bit untidy at times with a little bit of unsteady blowing too. However your 3rd and 4th part shone through for me. Both very steady, and well executed. Also, you have very solid bagpipe with drones were also well tuned. Well done
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Dylan Forge      Place: 5      Tunes: Donald McLeans Farewell to Oban      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Great start into this tune, I really enjoyed your attention to the march idiom and the overall pointing and phrasing required. So well done. You were a little bit tight with your general technique I thought. A lot of doublings getting missed and disappearing within. Certainly as the tune progressed you began to rush a little bit more. In that third part the small linking notes were also beginning to disappear and you were grabbing a little bit at the beat, crossing noises also became evident. Although that attention to phrasing was generally good, I felt you were overextending the ends of phrases at times, which interrupted the overall flow. Lastly the C before the birl was also getting a bit too much weight which also caused it to stick a bit. So, work on getting that technique to open up a bit and you will certainly progress fast. Lots of potential here
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Allen Workman      Place: 6      Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Lovely performance overall here Allen. Super steady, well controlled with some excellent technique. That is a great bubble through your D throw and the birl is excellent. A little bit of tightness here and there with a few G gracenotes going missing or being a shade inaccurate. Nothing too dramatic and also you a show a good attention to overall pointing. I feel it was a shade draggy as you entered the third part and occasionally you dropped behind the beat a fraction. The same was evident in the 4th part. But overall, a quite well polished performance
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Adam Wilcox           Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Adam, a good tune here. I just thought the tempo was just a shade on the high side, certainly felt a bit frantic right from the outset. However it was well maintained but perhaps impeded slightly on some execution. There was the occasional crossing noise evident (watch that High G doubling for example) as was a bit of tightness in some doublings, and a couple of little chirps. The main thing to look at is the definition of your phrase. You were definitely leaping across the phrases / line ends / part ends to new parts which gave that impression of rushing. You tended to control within the phrase itself very well though. Another little thing to look at is the D strike at the ends, the G gracenote was ahead of the beat at times as well. The chanter for me a shade on the sharp side, certainly sharp to the drones. However, it was an enjoyable tune overall
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Allison Hildebrand           Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: This was a very controlled and steady performance overall Alllison, so thank you. Watch your intro to the tune, you were a little bit frantic off the bat and as a result you were a little inaccurate with your technique. (also try to eliminate the chanter squeals prior to starting). It settled nicely on the repeat and the fingers were much cleaner as a result. However keep working on your execution , the quicker cut notes were beginning to get ahead of your gracenotes so work on that accuracy. As the tune progressed it began to slow down a bit and you were being quite careful through some of the trickier passages..this is ok as I would much rather hear clean fingerwork! However certainly look to bring those up to match the tempo set. 4th part was also just a little more untidy than the rest. Overall, a solid presentation,
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Charlie Nevegold           Tunes: The Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Charlie, a very lively and steady performance of Atholl & Breadalbane. Drones started well but drifted a little toward the end, chanter sound very nice As said, very steady, you didnt deviate from that beat which is very important. However I just feel that a little wind back on the tempo, with some more attention to the long notes, both at teh start and ends of phrases, with just a touch more expression would allow for more consistent and accurate execution. There are some really great doublings comoing out, but are just a touch inconsistent. Your C doubling tends to have the G gracenote missing, the E doubling was fantastic at times..but was getting lost at other times. It is certianly in there but just needs a little more consistency in the technique. As I say, just creating the space by stretching the long notes will really help that.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Christopher Zaleski           Tunes: Atholl And Breadalbane Gathering      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Chris, a very steady and controlled performance. The bagpipe was also lovely, well tuned and bright. I can tell you are trying all the right things in there which is great. As I said, very steady and controlled - a good approach to get the fingers to behave! However there is some work to do on tidying up some of your embellishments there. E F to E doubling definitely needs some work to land the E cleanly first, as does the Torluath to ensure the E gracenote isnt late. There was a tendency to grab at the middle beats early, ie the D doubling in the first part, and also leaping a little bit into the final phrase towards the end. A bit of polish on the technique and this would be in the mix.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Don Mills           Tunes: Father John Macmillan of Barra      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A good steady musical performance here Don. I particularly enjoyed the attention to the expression and the fact you were very much on the beat throughout - just straying ever so slightly in the last part. The main issue really was the technique and its execution , generally it was quite crushed throughout so the gracenote wasnt getting out. Also your cut notes were tending to be quite overcut, and some were disappearring, particularly in your tachums (the B in that very first movement for example) Watch that your D gracenote through C is closing properly to the C as well. Liked the bagpipe, steady well tuned drones, chanter was robust, the low A just a shade sharp by the end. Thanks
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Elaine Shoemakere           Tunes: The 74th's Farewell to Edinbourgh      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A very confident uptake to this tune, and going well at the outset. Good steady playing and the fingers handling it well. However it got a little more tight in the second phrase and was marred by a crossing noise and some tight execution . Was a bit more rushed into the second and it just felt a little disjointed musically. I felt that it needed a little bit more attention to pointing and expression to allow the technique to get out..perhaps take the tempo back too a a nudge. Unfortunately it got a little jumbled in the third part and was rounding off a bit in the 4th. There was was really good fingerwork evident but it wasnt being allowed out. Relax, take it back, stretch those long notes and lets hear all that technique.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Guido Riedemann           Tunes: John Campbell of Bennan      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Guido, a steady performance here on a good pipe. It was a shade rushy right from the outset ,running off the first GDE to the C doubling early. I feel overall a little more attention to the dotted notes would be beneficial as you were tending to go and grab movements early and the tune becamse a little disjointed and round. Certainly notable in the 3d part and the fingerwork suffered a little bit too. 4th part - tachums certainly being grabbed at early. So keep working at using those dots to control things, and will sharpen up teh cuts a little to give a better feel for the pointing. Also, make sure you finish teh tune right on the beat, then hold the low A long if you like...not the other way round.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Hayley Whitehill           Tunes: Mrs H.L. MacDonald of Dunnach      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Very nicely played Hayley, a lovely musical performance on a good solid bagpipe I very much enjoyed your attention to expression and pointing which produced a great feel for the music. You just started a little bit quick in context to where the tempo settled too so work on relaxing your start. In saying that, I thought maybe the overall tempo could actually come up a shade. Technique was generally well executed, a few tight gracenotes or some missing at times (D gracenote in the Torluath or grips) The biggest issue though was the number of crossing noises..D to F, C to E for example. Really work on eliminating these as it takes the shine off a quite well polished 2 4 march. there are a lot in the 3rd part which distracts. However, was enjoyable music, and lots of potential here for sure
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jack Martin           Tunes: Pap of Glencoe      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Jack. You clearly have great fingers! You were displaying very crisp execution for the most part but you need to really focus on the musical side. Also the occasionla crossing noise and squeal distracting overall. It was all very straight through and quite round with lots of rushing and grabbing at notes. If you listen back you will hear that you are ahead of the beat that your feet are giving you, especially at the start of the third part...you were really grabbing at that first birl. Work on following that beat, and working on the musical phrase. Get some left foot downbeat expression in there. Use your dots and generate some upbeat and pointing to give the tune more shape. The fingerwork, which is generlaly good, will absolutely shine through with a bit more care and attention to this.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Keith Alexandrovich           Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A good solid bagpipe on dispaly here, lovely drones and solid tone. Overall the march was a bit stilted. You are tending to give too much value to some short notes, in particular the Fs (for example the F right at the end of bar 2, you need to ove through that and cut it onto the E to keep the flow of the tune) Look out for theis throughout as it produced quite a disjointed and , like I say, stilted tune. There was some good clean technique though which is great, however look to eliminate crossing noises that were evident at times from C to E. The main thing though is woeking on that march idiom and letting things flow a bit.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Lillian Prince           Tunes: Siege of Delhi      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: Thanks Lillian, a good tune choice for this grade. The tempo was certainly bright, but I feel that this hampered the overall execution as the technique just wasnt getting out and the performance was hampered by many crossing noises, especially in that last part. I feel that trying to maintain that tempo was the main cause. I would certainly encourage you to take it back a bit, give the fingers some freedom to articulate everything just a little bit more neatly. There was some great neat fingerwork in there - your birl for example is fantastic, but some work is required on cleaning up those hand changes and articulating the embellishments more cleanly and consistently. Pipes were quite nice, drones a little sharp to the chanter overall.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Paul Napolitano           Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: I very much enjoyed the music in this performance. You displayed really good attention to the phrase , with lovely expression coming out the tune. Great control shown at the end of bar 2 throughout on that high A. Great stuff You are just tending to rush through some of it, especially the tachum work and with over clipping some of the short notes, especially in the 4 note groups. The technique as well is a little crushed throughout, you have more time than you think to articulate doublings and torluaths. Definitely spend some time on tidying up the embellishments and opening them out a bit. The pipes were good, drones tuned but not quite bang on to the chanter
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Ryan Leigh           Tunes: John MacColl’s March to Kilbowie Cottage      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A well played tune on a lovely bagpipe. (high A just a shade scratchy) Super steady throughout with well tuned drones Confident start to the tune, just watch the articulation of the grip that the low G is sounding. Good attention to the musical phrase, and a good flow in the first part. The cut notes are just coming across a little big which gives a hint of rounding, and certainly as you progressed through the tune this rounding became a little more prominent. Needs a little more pointing throughout Lovely execution to start the third, gracenote work was lovely. A hint of a crossing noise the first time through. Again it was just a little round overall. Look to work on adding a bit more weight to the downbeats , use those dots and snap through the cuts a bit more. Couple of little technical things to work on , doublings a little tight at times, the odd crossing noise and gracenote inaccurracies . And watch that E C B Tap in the 4th bar, just getting ahead of your gracenotes there too. Liked this, has got a lot of potential here
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Tanya LaMoreaux           Tunes: Walter Douglas MBE      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A good, well controlled performance Tanya. It was a careful performance and that's is fine, it certainly ensured that it was clean and tidy for the most part. Your embellishments were mostly executed well, a couple just diappearing and the the torluath was not quite bang on. Have a look at your E gracenote in there. The drones were a little off to start and one popped off there early on. You were perhaps a shade draggy into your final phrase at times, and the very last line also went a little rounded and was not as musically sound as the rest of the tune. However a solid performance for the grade, well done
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Vicki Kennerley           Tunes: The Highland Wedding      Judge: Davey Welsh      Judge's Comments: A very lively performance here Vicki, a great toe tapper for sure. Loved the tempo and forward drive , and was well maintained throughout...however, I just feel that it was a little more suited to a band performance than a solo. A little more expression, sympathy to the idiom and some clarity on the embellishments would have given this an extra edge. You were just tending to grab at some of the movements, tachums were a little clipped, doublings a bit tight (E, C) as were your Torluaths. Certainly in the 2nd the Tachums were coming in a touch early, just aim to be a little softer on these overall. Slightly sluggish with the top hand work in context with the rest of tune through the 4th part (bar 2 into bar 3) Pipes were solid too, drones well tuned, chanter just a little scratchy. I cant argue with the life and upbeat generated though, I certainly enjoyed that!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Emily Pentz      Place: 1      Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipe very well set with a lovely balance between drones and chanter. Chanter set at a nice sweet pitch. Technique excellent allowing a beautiful rhythmic delivery of the music. Tune very well phrased and played at a good tempo demonstrating an excellent grasp of what is required in competition 2/4 March playing. I throughly enjoyed this performance, very well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Sarah Carver      Place: 2      Tunes: Prince Charles' Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite well set. Good balance drones to chanter. Pipe at a nice pitch. Tune played at a good tempo with good accurate rhythmical technique. Tune very well phrased and played allowing you to produce a very musical presentation of the tune. I enjoyed this performance, very well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ian MacPhail      Place: 3      Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell To Oban      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite well set if slightly high pitched, especially on top hand. Drones slightly out at start of performance. Overall tune well played at a good tempo demonstrating a good solid technique which allowed a rhythmic musical delivery. You have shown a good understanding of what is required for this time signature. An enjoyable performance well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Harley Jackson      Place: 4      Tunes: Father John McMillan of Barra      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set. Good balance drones to chanter. Pipe pitched very well. Tune played at a nice lively tempo with good correct accurate fingering giving you hyoid overall technique. Watch E and F doublings. On occasions they gave over slightly crushed. We need to hear the full movement and the movement must be accurate and the same throughout the performance. Overall a well played March demonstrating a good understanding of the time signature. An enjoyable performance. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada      Place: 5      Tunes: Siege of Delhi      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Lovely well set pipe with great balance drones to chanter. Pipe pitched well. Tune played at a lovely lively tempo demonstrating a good overall solid technique. Good correct accurate fingering throughout giving you a nice rhythmical musical performances. Your E doubling is slightly erratic at times you must concentrate on making the movement consistently throughout the tune. Overall an enjoyable performance on a good steady pipe. You have shown a good grasp what is required at this level and for the time signature played. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Grace Kelman      Place: 6      Tunes: P/M Willie Grays Farewell to the Glasgow police      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set. Good balance drones to chanter. F on chanter a fraction on sharp side. Tune played at a very steady tempo. Excellent clean crisp technique coming through allowing you to present a very musical interpretation of the tune. Lovely phrasing throughout the tune. You have an excellent grasp of what is required for this time signature. Overall a musical performance, showing tremendous potential. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Brett Montgomery           Tunes: The Stirlingshire Militia      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes reasonable well set. Drones slightly out at start. Chanter slightly dominant. Tune played at a good tempo which was consistent throughout. Technique overall was solid throughout with a good attempt at phrasing a very demanding 2/4 March. Some slight chirps coming through the performance for the chanter. Reed sounds possible a bit tight. It my benefit from easing it off slightly. Overall tune well played showing a knowledge of the required time signature. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Camille Layt           Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite well set Drones slightly out at start of performance Excellent projection from your pipe chanter Overall technique was good and tune played at a nice tempo allowing the tune to flow musically In 3rd part watch the Tachum movement, we need to hear both grace notes when the movement is played Last part watch C Doublings they were a touch untidy in places Overall a good March showing a good understanding of what is required for this time signature well done
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Charlie Maclennan           Tunes: The Braes of Brecklet      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set. Lovely balance drones to chanter. Pipes well pitched. Tune played at a steady tempo. On occasion you slowed down towards the end of phrase and parts, only very slightly but enough to effect the flow, please watch this you must post at a steady tempo throughout the tune. Excellent phrasing throughout a very technically demanding tune. Technique solid overall displaying a good accurate clean fingering. A well played March showing tremendous potential for one so young. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Colin K. Gavin           Tunes: The Haughs of Cromdale      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set. Good balance drones to chanter and chanter well pitched. Tune played at a good tempo which allowed the tune to flow bringing out the music. In 1st part watch your D throws and birls. You have to be consistent with the movements. Play them exactly the same way and weight each time. You have a good grasp of what is required for this time signature. Well done. COOL T SHIRT 😜👍
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Evan Duncan           Tunes: Prince Charles' Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite well set overall. The top hand of your chanter was slightly sharp. The tune was well played showing good technique allowing you to play the tune well. The tempo of the tune was on the quick side for my taste, however this did not detract in anyway the musicality that you projected with your performance. Overall a well played tune showing a good grasp of what is required for this time signature. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Evan McConkey           Tunes: The Siege of Delhi      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes overall well set. Good pitch for the chanter and good balance drones too chanter. F slightly sharp on the chanter. Tune played at a good steady performance clean accurate fingering. Slight slip at end of first part second time through. Tune well phrased overall. Watch grip movement they need to be more consistent. We need to hear more D grace note in the movement. Overall you have shown a good u understanding of the time signature. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Garrett Bargabos           Tunes: John MacMillan of Barra      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes very well set with good projection from your chanter. Good tempo for this tune allowing a lovely musical flow when you were playing the tune. Technique overall good. On some occasions your B grips and Taurlauths were sometimes inconsistent. Try to make each individual movement the same way and Wright. This will help with the delivery of the tune and In turn bring out even more musicality in the performance. You showed good understanding of what is required for this time signature
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Hamish Hare           Tunes: Australian Ladies      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite well slight. Drones slightly out at start but came in during the performance. Top hand notes on chanter slightly sharp. Balance drones to chanter good. Technique overall is solid. Watch doublings on top hand. Sometimes they were a touch crushed. They need to be the same and accurate throughout the tune. Tune well phrased and played at a lively tempo. You have shown a good understanding of what is required for this time signature.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: James Gendron           Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome To Lochaber      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set. Good balance drones to chanter. Tune played at a good steady lively tempo throughout. Technique overall was solid with good accurate fingering. Some slight crossing noises coming through in second part, be aware of this. Overall tune well phrased. Slight choke near the end of the tune. Overall a good March showing a good understanding of what is required for this time signature. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: James McIntosh           Tunes: The Balkan Hills      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set. Chanter possibly on the dominant side. It maybe the room your playing in. Tune played at a steady tempo demonstrating solid technique. Tune well phrased and presented. Pipe seems strong overall with a small choke coming through in 2nd part of tune. You may need to weaken your pipe chanter Reed slightly to help this. Slight crossing noises in last part, watch this from top to bottom hand. Overall well played showing an understanding of the time signature.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Laura Stott           Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes reasonable set. Good steady drones. Chanter slightly high pitched overall. Tune played at at a good steady tempo. Overall good technique with solid accurate fingering. Watch Tachum movement, some of the movements were slightly light. We need to hear both grace notes which will allow you to play the movement consistently. Slightly crossing noises last part c to E be aware of this. Overall a well played March showing what is required for this time signature.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Maryna Krizman           Tunes: Pipe-Major William Grey's Farewell      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite well set. Top hand of chanter a touch sharp on F. Drones out slightly at start. Good tempo for this tune. Technique overall solid. Watch Tachum movement throughout tune we need to hear both grace notes, it was a bit tight in places. Overall nice phrasing throughout the tune which presented the tune in a musical manner. Your pipe seems maybe on the strong side. You may benefit from weakening your pipe chanter Reed to help with your playing. Overall you show a good understanding of the time signature. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Maxwell Evans           Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite well set. Drones slightly out at start of the performance. Overall chanter slightly on the flat side. Tune well played at a steady tempo. Technique overall was good allowing you to play the tune. Good phrasing coming through with good rhythmical technique. A good performance of a technically demanding tune. You showed a good understanding of this time signature. An overall enjoyable performance. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: McLin Choate III           Tunes: Seige of Delhi      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes overall quite well set. The pipe sounds on the strong side. You may find it benefits you if you weaken your pipe chanter Reed very slightly. This will allow you to be more comfortable and help your playing. Good tempo for this tune showing overall a good technique. Watch the Low A before the birl at the ends of the parts. Don't over emphasise this as it knocks the timing and phrasing of the tune out. Last part D to high A passages, try and avoid crossing noises here. Overall you have shown a good understanding of the time signature and what is required. Well done
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ray Morrison           Tunes: Captain Norman Orr-Ewing      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Lovely sweet pipe, very well set, with good balance drones to chanter. Tune tune played at a good tempo which was consistent throughout. D throw needs to be consistent throughout the tune, on occasion it was heavier than others. Overall technique was solid and accurate giving a musical performance of this tune. You have demonstrated a good understanding of what is required for this time signature. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Liam Horne      Place: 1      Tunes: Duncan McInnes      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe, blown well. Steady tempo with swing. Strong technique to start - excellent clarity. Minor blip with the D boubling in part three, nothing major. You have such control and composure here, I would suggest a few more bpms to give it a bit more liveliness and drive. You're definitely ready to let it go a bit. Well done!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Matthew Nielsen      Place: 2      Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe. Well set. Thoughful pace but not dragging. I feel you have an opportunity to show a bit more composure and control in this tune if you pull out the eighth note a bit more in passages that have an eighth note, thirty second and a dotted sixteenth - often a hold followed by a tachum. Distinctive feature of this tune. Technically strong all through. Very well played - take a listen and think about the placement of cut notes on the offbeat (don't be even a tiny bit early!) and see what you think. Definitely in part one, it is all over the place! Better for the eighth note to be slightly long than slightly short.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Paul Mackay      Place: 3      Tunes: Men of Argyll      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe. Steady and relaxed tempo. Some very mature musical expression coming through! Technically strong, with good clarity. In parts three and four, if you come off a beat that is dot-cut-cut-dot, be careful not to jump into the next beat. How's that for being picky!!?? This was a very enjoyable tune to hear - thank you!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Bill Stuart      Place: 4      Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome To Lochaber      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe, well blown. Steady tempo. Lots of control here, so I would suggest extending some of the dotted notes to get a bit more out of them, and a bit of phrase definition with a bit of extension at the start of two bar phrases. Technically sound all through. You've shown a level of complete comfort with this tune - you are certainly ready to give it a bit more flair with phrasing and musical expression - have fun with it. Very solid stuff!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Bill Zadra      Place: 5      Tunes: The taking of Beaumont Hamel      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start, and well blown. Be careful not to actually hit the E melody note ahead of the G gracenote of your E doublings, particularly from High A - F. Birls a tiny bit early at end of parts at times, but often just right! Steady tempo all through. High G a bit sharp by the end. There is the odd unclear transition from cut Cs to E - maybe soften the cut to avoid this as well as keeping the tune smooth? Well done!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Angus Campbell      Place: 6      Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, though drones not together. Excellent clarity on doublings. Take care not to jump the cut C on the offbeat of bar two beat two! Steady pace, well maintained. Not a common setting near the end of line one of part three...! Minor hesitation in the fourth part but good recovery! Solid playing all through - drones a bit wild. Well done!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Aidan Fulmore           Tunes: Jeannie Carruthers March      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Drones well set to low A - top hand a bit sharp though. I would suggest a wrap of hemp to raise the reed a bit and bring the top hand notes in balance to the bottom hand ones. Good clarity and openness to your execution. Birls a bit fuzzy and sometimes early. Little choke in part three. Steady and relaxed tempo in an extremely challenging tune. Nice job holding back on the dotted notes, getting lots of music out of these. Some wavering of pressure as the tune went on - try to keep the bag feeling full and firm at all times. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Albert Gnodde           Tunes: King George Vth Army      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Very well set pipe. Good tempo. I would suggest relaxing on some of the cut notes - very clipped in places making it sound a bit jerky. Especially the tachum in bar two. Definitely cuts on beats and offbeats. Minor inaccuracies in part three. Technique tight, but generally fairly good. Well done overall - just work on smoothing it out for a fluid presentation!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Brooklynn Detheridge           Tunes: The taking of Beaumont Hamel      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe farily well set - a very low pitch, but balanced fairly well. A steady and confident tempo. Lots of clarty to your execution. Little choke in the second part - also a few places where you're getting dips in pressure. Struggling a bit with flow in the thrid part - don't stress about the tachums - keep them open and fluid! Some G gracenotes starting to drop out in doublings. Off a bit in part four... Some great stuff happening here, but also a few more noticeable issues (chokes and errors) getting in the way...
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Carol Peabody           Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Drones set well together, but sharp to your low A. Take care not to overcut short notes - some of them not quite audible. For example on the low A, cut B, C doubling which shows up frequently, if you don't overcut the B, the C doubling also becomes easier to execute. Steady tempo, well maintained. Birls a bit sticky - make sure you aren't pressing down into the chanter on these. Solid and steady pace all through.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Dave Reisdorf           Tunes: Corriechoillies Welcome to the Northern Meeting and Teribus      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Drones close to low A - top hand notes quite sharp. A wrap of hemp would help you to balance the top and bottom hands a bit better. You can hold the dotted notes a fair bit longer - these notes hold a great deal of the musical flow. Will also avoid surges in tempo. Watch the size of gratenotes - at times a bit on the big side, reducing clarity in some execution. Steady tempo (apart from a few underheld dots) start to finish.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: David Fullam           Tunes: Walter Douglas, M.B.E.      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, though drones not quite settled down. You are getting some dips in pressure here and there - don't be shy to use more power in your arm when you're taking a breath. Your arm looks a bit tense but not fluid and moving with the bag. Then a bit of overblowing/squeezing in part four on the high A. Steady tempo all through. Technique fairly good overall, with just some inconsistencies. Wait for the birl at the end of parts. Good pace all through.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Gabriel Holbrook           Tunes: The White Sands of Mersa Matruh      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, well set. Take care not to put the melody note of half doublings ahead of the beat - actually any doubling, but half doublings in particular. Steady tempo. Some of your gracenotes are quite big, reducing the clarity of your doublings or tachums. Birls generally early at the end of parts. Good pace maintained all through, though there is the impression of rushing because you tend to be impatient on dotted notes, not giving them their full value. Hold back, and pull the music out of these notes!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Kathleen Madden           Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set, though a bit sharp on the top. Could use a wrap of help to raise the reed a wee bit? Good open doublings to start. You may want to try to shrink some of your gracenotes themselves to get a crisper sound. Birl a bit on the big side, making it hard to time the final bar of each part consistently (often early). Steady tempo. Lovely tachum work in the third part. I feel that you are at a high enough level of comfort with this tune to increase tempo a little bit and get a little more swing out of it. Well done!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Liz Chaddock           Tunes: The Australian Ladies      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe farily well set, though tenors not quite locked. Slow and steady tempo. Lots of patience shown on cut notes, especially those on beats and offbeats - well done. Take care (esp part three) to close your bottom hand swiftly C to E and D to F so you don't get a little disruption to the top hand tone by slight false fingering. Careful technique, accurate for the most part, but some movements a bit laboured. Keep working on hand speed to get that next level of clarity, and to match the level of control you have musically.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Melisa Doyle           Tunes: King George V's Army      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Drones set fairly well, but flat to the chanter. Top hand notes are quite sharp - I would suggest adding a wrap of hemp so the reed sits a bit higher up, lowering the pitch of the top hand notes a bit more than the bottom hand ones, creating better balance. Steady tempo, well maintained. Some crossing noises, especially on cuts up to the top hand - make sure you open the top hand early enough, but also beware overcutting cuts on beats and offbeats. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Sandra Rief           Tunes: The Atholl an Breadalbane Gathering      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, though the drones are not quite together. Steady tempo. Technique careful and mostly clear. I think you will need to relax your grip on the chanter to get the same sort of clarity in technique when it speeds up as you improve and want to play with more crispness. Good pace, mantained well all through, sounding relaxed. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Shelley Thorsteinson           Tunes: Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, though sharp on the top hand. A wrap of hemp would help with balance top to bottom. Very quick tempo - causing some of the short notes to almost disappear. Maybe slow it down a bit and go for smoothness - pull out the dotted notes, but don't clip the short ones. I think you'll get more of the technique in, too. There are lots of moments here where the technique is strong, but other times where it is a bit hurried due to the quick tempo. Steady all through though!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts) C
Competitor: Thomas Harkins           Tunes: Jim McBay’s Welcome      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set. A bit of sharpness on the top hand, particularly F, but also some intermittent overblowing on top hand notes. Steady and thoughtful tempo. I feel that you could stretch some of the dotted notes to get a bit more music out of them. Often a bit round in dot/cut/dot/cut passages. The big E in part three is bit too short too. Technique fairly good, though some inconsistencies. Not an easy tune, but well played!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Dylan Forge      Place: 1      Tunes: Dorrator Bridge, Captain Lachlan McPhail of Tiree      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Very nice musical S&R. Strathspey demonstrated nice lift and control, watch strath tachums. Reel nicely controlled. E doublings too tight. Nice pipe. Well done.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Emma McTaggart      Place: 2      Tunes: Monymusk, Willie Murray’s reel      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Very nice technique and very clear and I liked the timing and phrasing. Well done indeed. Drones were not quite in tune. Good tempos and clear fingering
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Liam Horne      Place: 3      Tunes: Captain Colin Campbell, Kalabakan      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: A very well timed and musical SR. Pipe good. Good control throughout. One little thing that you are doing. On the FEC triplet you are lifting the C fingers a tiny bit early sometimes that makes the E and C sound inaccurate. Just have a listen. Otherwise very nice well done.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Paul Mackay      Place: 4      Tunes: A Rose Among the Heather/The Lad that Wears the Plaid, Kildonan      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Nice composed playing and working well at the phrasing. Nice break to the reel. Nice bagpipe and well blown.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Grace Kelman      Place: 5      Tunes: Maggie Cameron & Captain Lachlan Macphail of Tiree      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: very clear technique and accurate throughout, very well done as this is the foundation of your music. Good pipe and steady blowing. One small squeak in reel. Strathspey a tiny bit slow but at this stage technique is more important good flow in reel. Well done
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Garrett Bargabos      Place: 6      Tunes: Peggy Gillies and Kalabakan      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Nice strathspey timing and steady playing, good steady reel. Bagpipe well tuned. In strathspey the execution not always 100% clear but in reel very good
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Albert Gnodde           Tunes: The Caladonian Canal , The Sound of Sleat      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Pipes good. Many note errors in both strathspey and reel. Some nice passages of play but too many errors
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Charlie Maclennan           Tunes: Highland Harry, Thomson’s Dirk      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Execution in strathspey is pretty good but watch the crossing noises, a little work need to get them cleared up. Good pipe and steady blowing. Steady reel again a couple of little finger inaccuracies. Well done and lots of potential.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Craig Mitchell           Tunes: Capt Colin Campbell, Capt Lachlan MacPhaill of Tirree      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Lots of good potential here. Nice music but work on getting the lift in the strathspey a little better. Also watch crossing noises. GDEs in reel not accurate and a few little squeaks to low A. Keep working on technique and you will improve all the time.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Emmett Collins           Tunes: Highland Harry, Lord MacDonald      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: A little slow overall but I don't mind that when the execution is clear. A few inaccurate things to work on. In strathspey you are playing some taorluaths starting with an E gracenote, aslo some gdes too. watch tachums in reel. Overall going in right direction
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Guido Riedemann           Tunes: Madame Gayre of Gayre and Nigg, Sound of Sleat      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Good execution the tune a little too delibarate but the important thing is that the fingering is clean and you did that well. Pipes nice. Reel better tempo and good flow in later part but a little mechanical at the beginning. I liked the stratrhspey, I knew the composer so thank you for playing it.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Hamish Hare           Tunes: Marquis of Huntly & Lexy MacAskill      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Started very nicely and good lift and technique displayed. A little slow but better to be accurate with fingers. Reel good tempo and very musical a little untidy in 4th part. Drones were not in tune and a very iportant part so make sure you do everything to learn that important part of the art. Well done
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Harley Jackson           Tunes: The Ewe with the Crookit Horn and The Brown Hair Maid      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Execution quite good but requires a little work to be more accurate. Nice strathspey timing with only a few little hesitations spoiling the flow. Reel little lacking in pulse and musicality sometimes round sometimes a little pointed. C doublings too open. Drones need to be a little better tuned. Good potential and execution good but needs refinement.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Ian MacPhail           Tunes: Captain Colin Campbell sound of sleat      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Nice steady tempo and timing in strathspey. Some catching from La to C. A couple of untidy passages in 3rd part. Steady reel. Execution quite good. Lots of promise here kkeep working on the execution..Steady blowing
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Jack Martin           Tunes: Stac Polly and Johnny MacDonald's Reel      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Extra bars in first part but well played. Choke. Strathspey got a bit round as you progressed. Execution mainly good with a few little misses. Good tempo in reel and good music. Again technique is the bedrock so needs constant work to finish off the good music.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Jacob Boyer           Tunes: The Caledonian Canal, Angus J. Maclellan      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo but lacking in strathspey rhythm. Many chokes bagpipe seems a bit uncomfortable. Nice tunes need a little more polish
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Keith Alexandrovich           Tunes: Highland Harry, Lexy McAskill      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Very accurate and clear execution. Pipes very good and steady. Strathspey a little slow but better that and accurate so well done on that. Reel seemed a little mechanical and didn't have much flow or pulse again good execution. Well done
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Laura Stott           Tunes: Struan Robertson, Sound of Sleat      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: I liked the tempo and phrasing in the strathspey the main thing to work on is that finger accuracy which is always the foundation of everything. An imperovement in this aspect will reap dividends. Reel good but again fingers just need that bit more accuracy.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Lewis Stewart           Tunes: Maggie Cameron & The Sound of Sleat      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Very nice timing in strathspey and steady pipe. You need a little work on execution to bring the level up as this the foundation of everything. Lots of potential here and great music in reel. Technique is the most important thing for you to concentrate one. Well done
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Ryan Leigh           Tunes: Captain Colin Campbell & Captain Lachlan Macphail of Tiree      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Nicely timed SR, Good tempo and bagpipe nice although underblown on high A at times. The main things to work on here ar the d gracenotes in the strathspey which were very weak. The e doublings were missing in most places too and some crossing noises. This applies to the reel where there were a few misses. Good music but a need to focus on getting the technique accurate and clear, which would have made the performance very good. Good music.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Shelley Thorsteinson           Tunes: Susan MacLeod, Lachlan MacPhail      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Difficult tune and a pretty good job of Susan macLeod but it lacked strathspey rhythm and was a bit round. I think slow it down and allow yourself to work on the lift and bounce which wasn't there. Good reel. Drones need a little refinement .. good potential but remember that higher tempo in strathspey does not make lift, good phrasing does.
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Thomas Harkins           Tunes: Maggie Cameron Lexi McAskill      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: I like the way you have developed the execution and it is very clear and accurate. Great birl!The next thing is to work on on increasing the tempo a little in strathspey. I would rather slow and accurate. Reel was good tempo but perhaps not so accurate but very well done. Pipeswell set up.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Liam Horne      Place: 1      Tunes: Heights of Cassino      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nicely pointed from the beginning on a good instrument. Tempo maybe a fraction on the careful side. A couple of slight misses throughout but nothing major. Technique strong overall. Keep practicing your birl from LG. Overall a very good performance. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Paul Mackay      Place: 2      Tunes: Rab’s Wedding      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Well set chanter but drones not 100% from the beginning. Nice steady tempo throughout. Maybe a fraction on the careful side. Some nice pointing coming through. Good technique throughout and a very nice performance.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Emma McTaggart      Place: 3      Tunes: Ms Lily Christie      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Some nice musical aying coming through from the beginning. Drones a bit out of tune from the beginning but chanter well set. Strong technique coming through with nice doublings and throw on D's. Tempo remained steady throughout. Make sure not to rush in to your tuning phrases until the tune is 100% finished. A very nice performance. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Harley Jackson      Place: 4      Tunes: John D. Burgess      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Some nice pointing and musicality coming through from the beginning. Pipes good from the beginning. A few slightly light throw on D's to watch out for. Blowing was just slightly wavering throughout the performance but wasn't off putting. Overall a very nice performance. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Grace Kelman      Place: 5      Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice bright tempo from the start on a well tuned instrument. Maybe slightly flat on the top hand and a couple of minor chirps. Technique mostly nice and clean but tachums in third part were slightly laboured. Tempo had a tendancy to drop at the tricky bits. Overall a very good performance by a promising piper!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Brendan Nicholls      Place: 6      Tunes: Mrs Lily Chrisite      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice bright sounding pipes but drones not 100% in tune with LA. Some slight over-blowing on HA. Tempo slightly on the careful side but was consistent throughout. Good finger technique throughout with just a few slightly mistimed gracenotes. 3rd part started to sound a little on the straight side. Overall a good performance.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Adam Wilcox           Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice brisk tempo from the beginning. Tune coming across a wee bit straight. Some more pointing would help to bring out the music. Technique pretty good overall with a few minor slips. A couple of minor chirps and crossing noises coming through. Overall an enjoyable performance.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Christopher Zaleski           Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nicely set instrument. Slightly light with some of the grips and doublings throughout. Tempo slightly on the careful side. Missing out a couple of the short C's in the tune. A bit more pointing would help the musicality. Overall a very nice performance! There was a wee bit of distortion with the audio coming through which was a shame!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Don Mills           Tunes: McLeod of Mull      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Excellent drone sound on pipes. D gracenote up to C in first and 3rd part is coming across as just a plain D so watch out for this. C doublings a touch on the tight side. Watch out for occasional over-blowing on HA. Well controlled tempo and good musicality throughout.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Elaine Shoemakere           Tunes: Donald McLean of Lewis      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice bold sounding pipes. Good start to the tune but double check the gracenotes in 1st phrase. Slight choke in 2nd part. Nice pointing in 3rd part but a slight hesitation on E. Missed gracenote in 4th part. Drones held nicely until the end and technique was good overall. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Evan McConkey           Tunes: The Old Wife of The Mill Dust      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nicely tuned drones from the start. Watch out for false fingering when going from HA to HG in last phrase. Nice tempo but make sure time remains consistent throughout. Some musical playing coming through. Chanter a wee bit flat on the top hand. Overall a very nice performance . Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gabriel Holbrook           Tunes: Turriff and District Pipe Band      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Good tempo and pointing. A few crossing noises throughout and try to make sure taorluaths are clean. Pipes not 100% from the beginning and D a touch on the sharp side. Overall an enjoyable performance.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Guido Riedemann           Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Drones well tuned and good balance on chanter. Some nice pointing coming through but a couple of slightly untidy phrases to watch out for. Some slightly mistimed gracenotes and a couple of slightly light grips. Some nice playing coming through but try to tidy up some of the weaker parts. Overall an enjoyable performance.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Hamish Hare           Tunes: MacNeils of Ugadale      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nicely tuned pipes from the beginning. Solid tempo throughout. Be careful not to overblow the HA. Slight note error going in to second timeing of second part. Technique good overall. Keep working on blowing steady. A very nice performance. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Hayley Whitehill           Tunes: The Old Wife of the Milldust      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Some really nice solid technique coming through here. Good tempo from the beginning. A couple of minor slips but nothing serious. Watch out for E gracenotes in the 3rd part. Double check the music here. HA slightly on the thin side. Nicely tuned drones. A very nice performance. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Hilliard Drew Galloway           Tunes: Jean Mauchline      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice bold sounding pipes. Drones well tuned and chanter well set. Slight choke in second part. Taorluaths coming through a wee bit tight at times. A few small crossing noises and a wee bit messy in the last line of the tune. Overall the tune was very nicely played with lots of music coming through. Technique a wee bit tight overall. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Irene Kuehn           Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nicely set chanter but pipes not quite locked in from the start. Some slightly light technique coming through. A few doublings were a wee bit unclear. Some musical playing coming through. A slight tendancy to overblow on the top hand. A couple of small slips didn't detract from an enjoyable performance.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jack Martin           Tunes: Dovecote Park      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice pointing coming through from the beginning. Slightly sharp F and a little thin on the top hand but drones tuned well. A couple of slight chirps from the chanter. Some nice technique coming through. Overall a very nice performance. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jacob Boyer           Tunes: The Lothians March      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Good technique coming through here but don't sacrifice musicality. A bit more pointing would improve this performance. Watch out for note error in last phrase of the parts. Small note error in 3rd part and a few small chokes in 4th part. Pipes not 100% in tune from the start. Good fingers and lots of potential. Well done.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: James Gendron           Tunes: Farewell To The Creeks      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice brisk tempo from the beginning but be careful not to rush off phrase endings. Playing coming across a wee bit round at times. Pipes well set but weren't quite in tune with LA. Some good technique coming through but watch out for crossing noises. A few small chokes throughout. Overall an enjoyable performance.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Laura Stott           Tunes: Ellenor      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo from the beginning. Tune coming across a wee bit straight. Some more pointing would improve musicality. Technique coming across a wee bit on the light side. Nice drone sound. Be careful not to overblow on the top hand. Overall a very nice performance.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Michael Custodia           Tunes: Murdo MacKenzie of Torridon      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Well pointed tune with lots of musicality coming through. Pipes a little bit on the thin side especially on the top hand. A few small chokes on HA. Maybe time for a new reed! Drones not 100% locked in. Technique good overall but watch out for tachums. Overall a very nice musical performance.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Sid Baker           Tunes: Mrs. Melody Piper      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: Some nice musical playing coming through from the beginning on a well tuned instrument. Some slightly tight sounding Taorluaths and doublings at times. Be careful to keep the tempo steady throughout and try not to rush off phrase endings. Overall a very enjoyable performance.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Thomas Harkins           Tunes: Pipe Major Donald McLean of Lewis      Judge: Cameron MacDougall      Judge's Comments: A nice steady tempo from the beginning on a well tuned bagpipe. Tendancy to overblow the top hand at times, especially in the 2nd and 4th parts. Slightly heavy with some of the E strikes but technique good otherwise. The last phrase of the tune was a little bit straight at times in comparison to the other phrases. Enjoyable performance!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Vicki Kennerley      Place: 1      Tunes: Frank Thompson      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A very competent performance, Vicki - well played. You have very good technique and played with music, keeping the tune moving well. Bagpipe was very good overall, however the high A sounded slightly 'raspy' at times. As you progress to bigger tunes, it is important that this high level of technique is continued. Overall a first class performance - keep it up!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Dylan Forge      Place: 2      Tunes: Redford Cottage      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Very well played, Dylan - I really enjoyed this tune! You are very well turned out. Bagpipe is well tuned and march played very musically with strong technique. Overall I feel this tune could be lifted in tempo slightly - not to the detriment of technique, however. Be careful not to clip your B taps - the G gracenote before each tap in the last bar of each part needs to have more space to be heard. Excellent tune - keep it up!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada      Place: 3      Tunes: The Piobaireachd of Donald Dhu      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Very well played march - you kept the tune moving throughout. Your technique on the whole is very clear and accurate and you have a nicely set up bagpipe. Watch that you are consistently landing gracenotes directly on the note they are to be played on - sometimes you tend to play the gracenote before the melody note or vice versa. This creates the sound of a slight catching noise. Also, I felt you were beginning to speed up the tempo, especially in the 3rd part - make sure to wait for the beat and not to rush. Overall a very enjoyable performance - well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Emily Pentz      Place: 4      Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Excellent technique and well-controlled throughout. Blowing is steady and showing good control of the instrument. Drones not quite locked from the start and high A sometimes a bit 'raspy' - not distracting though. A few catching noises coming through between hands - watch out for this and really try to eliminate in future. Overall a very enjoyable tune - keep up the great work!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Sean Stewart      Place: 5      Tunes: Miss Ishabel T Macdonald      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Very musically played tune, Sean - well done! You kept the tune alive whilst displaying mostly very clean technique throughout. Make sure that your grips to C are opened out more - these tended to be quite mushed and the sound of the D gracenote was lost. Also, the high A grips in the last part tended to have slight catches - try not to lift the bottom hand pinky before the top hand in the movement. Overall this was a musical performance on a good bagpipe - keep up the good work!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Maxwell Evans      Place: 6      Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A well played march on a good bagpipe. You have very clean technique on the whole and a good handle of your instrument. This tune could do with a slight lift in tempo. Be careful not to have crossing noises between bottom and top hands - especially D to E/F. The practice chanter is an invaluable tool to master these bits of technique and should always be used to increase precision in technique. Overall this was a strong performance on a well tuned bagpipe - keep it up!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Albert Gnodde           Tunes: Mrs. Lilly Christy      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A well controlled tune on a good bagpipe showing overall strong technique. Low G was quite flat but rest of chanter otherwise tuned well. Some doublings and GDE's coming across very tight throughout - needs work on practice chanter. Watch when playing a half F doubling from High A that you play this very cleanly as sometimes this came across as a catching noise where the High G is sounded before the F (as opposed to going straight from High A to F). A strong performance - keep it up!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Allen Workman           Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A musical tune performed on a steady bagpipe. You played with confidence and definitely have a good feel for the music. In general, your grip movements need to have more low G so as to sound the correct movement. Watch that you are not slowing down in the 3rd and 4th parts - keep the tune moving right until the end. Overall this was a good march, keep the good work up!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Allison Hildebrand           Tunes: Pipe Major Donald Maclean of Lewis      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A good performance on a steady instrument - well played! I can see you have a good grasp of the phrasing for this tune, however as you progress you should begin to increase the energy/tempo of the tune whilst being careful to maintain technical precision. A couple of squeals going to low G - perhaps this reed is too easy? Wee slip going into 2nd time through 2nd part. Overall a strong performance - keep it up.
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Andreas Popp           Tunes: The Heights of Cassino      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Very good performance, Andreas. You have a solid handle of your instrument and a good understanding of the tune phrasing. The tune needs a slight lift in tempo overall - as you progress, try to add more energy into the music whilst maintaining technical precision. Your birl movement needs to be refined as it is particularly open in comparison with other movements - this comes with time and practice. Overall a strong tune - well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Anja Maroske-Jeck           Tunes: Miss Ishabel T. MacDonald      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Very well played march. You have a good handle of your instrument and maintained a steady sound throughout. Overall this tune needs a slight lift in tempo to further bring out the music. Bagpipe was steady although drones not quite locked from the start. Technique is generally good but needs to be refined as you progress requiring plenty practice chanter work. A solid performance - keep up the good work!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Bill Stuart           Tunes: 10th HLI Crossing the Rhine      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A steady performance on a good bagpipe, maintaining the tempo throughout. A few slips in the last part and catching noises starting to come through more often here. Really be careful to listen out for these and practice clean transitions between bottom and top hand notes - the practice chanter is invaluable in mastering this before learning tunes on the pipes. Overall a strong, steady performance - keep up the good work!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Carol Peabody           Tunes: Cock of the North      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A well phrased tune - good job, Carol! Turnout is top notch. Drones not quite in tune from the start - needing to be flattened off. Some work needed on technique throughout - movements coming across 'slack'. Overall your technique is there but needs to be refined so that each movement sounds well defined. Keep up the good work!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Charlie Maclennan           Tunes: The Atholl Highlanders      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Well done, Charlie - a strong performance! You have a sound understanding of the music here, displaying a definite sense of musicality. Bagpipe was steady throughout and well tuned. Technique is open and accurate - just watch that you always land gracenotes exactly on the melodic note to avoid a catchning noise coming through. Wee slip in the last part. Be careful not to add an extra beat after the first time through part 4. This was a very enjoyable tune - well played and keep it up!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Dave Reisdorf           Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Enjoyable and well controlled tune. Some work needed on technique throughout - the practice chanter is invaluable for enhancing technique when playing tunes on the pipes. The tune tempo was held steadily throughout. Try not to lift your bottom hand pinky when playing Cs and Ds as this creates a false note. A good performance, well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Emmett Collins           Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A strong performance on a well tuned instrument. You have a good grasp of how this march should be phrased and display generally good technique. I like that you are playing 'on the front of the beat' - a good way to bring out musical expression. This tune could do with a slight lift in tempo overall, not to the detriment of technique however - keep this standard up as you progress. Your grips to C and high A need to be more consistent, sometimes coming across mushed - watch out for lifting your fingers accurately within the movements as this can cause catching noises. Overall this was a good performance - keep it up!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Evan Duncan           Tunes: Pibroch of Donald Dubh      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: A steady tune on a good bagpipe - well played, Evan! Watch in the 3rd and 4th parts that you are not rushing to play the grips as this disrupts the musical flow. Overall your technique is good, however your E and F taps come across quite light throughout - the practice chanter is the best tool for mastering technique. Make sure you practice with very open and precise gracenotes so that these can be cleanly heard on the pipes. A strong tune overall - keep it up!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ian MacPhail           Tunes: Angus Mackinnion      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: NO VIDEO ATTACHED
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: James McIntosh           Tunes: All The Blue Bonnets Are Over The Border      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: An enjoyable tune, Jim - well done! You have a good understanding of the 6/8 march phrasing and played this tune with some music. The tune could do with a lift in tempo overall to further enhance the music. A couple of chokes - be sure to maintain pressure on the bag throughout each performance so these do not happen. Overall this was a good tune on a steady instrument - keep it up!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Kathleen Madden           Tunes: Dr Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Overall this was a steady tune and you held the phrasing well throughout. Drones not quite locked from the start, getting better as the tune progressed. Watch out for 'slack' finger technique in places - really try to refine your movements so that you gain more precision whilst keeping all technique well defined. Tending to slow towards the last two parts of the tune - a metronome can be a great way of training yourself to maintain a consistent tempo. A nicely played tune - well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Keith Alexandrovich           Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Well played, Keith! You have a good handle of your instrument, maintaining a steady sound throughout. On the whole your phrasing of the tune was good. Be careful when transitioning from high A to F as sometimes there is a slight catching noise - watch that you place both your top hand thumb and forefinger down at the same time. Overall this was a solid performance - keep it up!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Lars Bertels           Tunes: The Atholl Highlanders      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Well played tune, Lars. I particularly liked your video background! Be careful not to over-extend the beat at the end of each part as this disrupts the musical flow. Overall the tune could do with being slightly faster to enhance the music. Generally, your technique is good however it is needing to be refined as you progress to bigger tunes. Overall this was an enjoyable performance - keep up the good work!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Lillian Prince           Tunes: Bonawe Highlanders      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Good tune on a steady bagpipe - holding the tempo and phrasing through the tune. Some work needed on technique here, especially on the bottom hand. Be careful not to play the joining Cs (mostly in the first part) too clipped as these come across slightly mushed. The D gracenote needs more attention - try to keep this note precise and do not be tempted to jump over it too quickly. Overall an enjoyable performance - well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Shelley Thorsteinson           Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders      Judge: Sandy Cameron      Judge's Comments: Good tune, Shelley - well done! You have a good handle of your instrument and delivered a confident performance. Watch not to play too quickly - this tune should be slowed to focus more on the technical elements as some movements tended to come across mushy. Bagpipe was good on the whole however drones not quite locked from the start; high A slightly raspy but not distracting. Slight choke in 3rd part - be sure to maintain consistent pressure on the bag at all times. A solid performance overall - keep it up!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Charles Lewis      Place: 1      Tunes: MacDonald of Kinlochmoidart's Lament (No.1)      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: good pipe to start. d sharp. nice pace and flow in ground. nice high g. g gracenote not audible a 100% of the time in variation. good overall job.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Megan Amoss      Place: 2      Tunes: Duncan MacRae of Kintail's Lament      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: pipe nice at start. d sharp. dont rush phrase at end of lines 1 and 2. nice job in both ground and variation.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Hilliard Drew Galloway      Place: 3      Tunes: Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: nice pipe to start. nicely controlled ground and variation. keep your fingers closer to the chanter to avoid the sloppy sounds.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Keith Alexandrovich      Place: 4      Tunes: Glengarry's March      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: pipe nice at start. i would give the low notes more time and not hang on the themal e's so long. nice steady pipe throughout.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Heather Dunn      Place: 5      Tunes: The Old Woman's Lullaby      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: pipe okay at start. pace and feel were both good overall. last bar in line 2 has an extra g gracenote. pipe okay at end.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Andreas Popp      Place: 6      Tunes: The old Womans Lullaby      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: pipe nice at start. dont rush pace and feel in ground. create a relax feel for your audience rather then rushing. good job otherwise.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Bill Zadra           Tunes: Corrienessans Salute      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: pipe okay at start. mssing g gracenote at start of bar 2 line 1. pace and feel good overall in both variations other then chokes in line 2 variation 1.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Bobby Johnston           Tunes: The Desperate Battle      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: pipe okay at start. very slow ground.create a pulse to give the listener to grasp.variation should be in compound time rather then simple time.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Brooklynn Detheridge           Tunes: You're welcome Ewen Lochiel      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: very distorted audio. can not evaluate pipe . sounds way to hard for piob. chokes confirm. you want a pleasing sound here. variation a bit of a disaster. focus focus focus.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Charlie Maclennan           Tunes: Struan Robertson’s Salute      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: pipe okay at start. pace okay feel a little choppy. try and smooth this out. high a flat high g sharp. pity. pay attention to the little notes.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Colin K. Gavin           Tunes: Glengarry's Lament No. 2 Setting Piobaireachd Society Book #16      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: no video
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Craig Mitchell           Tunes: Lament for the Old Sword      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: drones not 100% at start. d sharp. line 2 notes missing at end of line. good overall idea of groung and variation.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Dylan Forge           Tunes: Clan Campbells Gathering      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: pipe good at start. nice overall presentation. both ground and variation could be smoother. pipe okay at end.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Garrett Bargabos           Tunes: Mackintosh's Lament      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: drones not 100% at start. d flatish.dont rush phrasing throughout. pace in variation could be a tad quicker. pace getting better lines 3 and 4. pipe not 100% at end.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Guido Riedemann           Tunes: Lament for Sir James MacDonald of the Isles      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: pipe nice at start. at the beginning of each b phrase you are playing a grip where an edre should be. pay attention to gracing in variation 1.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Hamish Hare           Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: pipe not 100% at start, f sharpish. watch catch notes. pace and feel of ground okay. variation 1 a tad slow for me. pipe out at end.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Joseph Gallagher           Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: Pipe out t start f sharp.Pipe looks way too hard for piob.playing.Pipe should be easy to play.keep steady pulse throughout ground and Var.Var 1 very choppy.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Laurel Leishman           Tunes: Struan Robertson's Salute      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: pipe was better before you tuned. dont rush the ealach at end of lines. watch ends of lines. pulse better in variation. put a pulse on the themal e at the end of line.feel in ground and variation squarish.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: McLin Choate III           Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: drones not 100% to chanter at start. f sharp.try and create a pulse with the song in the ground. pipe out at end.would you listen to a piano out of tune?
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Sandra Rief           Tunes: Lament for Mary MacLeod      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: pipe out at start. pipe looks to hard for playing piob. try and smooth out the ground. sounds too square. dont rush variation 1. smooth this also.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) A
Competitor: Tanya LaMoreaux           Tunes: Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonell of Glengarry      Judge: James W. Troy      Judge's Comments: at start pipe not 100%. try and create a pulse in line 1 and repeat throughout.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Liam Horne      Place: 1      Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones here are good with a nice chanter sound. Ground- very musically played here. Try and enter the second variation with a little more ease however. Var1- Be careful to get that G gracenote finger nice and high in order to get clean technique in this variation. Otherwise beautifully handled. Very well played, well done - a most enjoyable performance
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Bill Stuart      Place: 2      Tunes: Black Donald’s March      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones are good at the start here with a well ballanced chanter. The drones did however drift towards the end of the ground but came back in for the thumb. Ground- This was very musically played with some minor technicalities on the top hand Ground Thumb- " This was a most enjoyable performance - well done!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Glen Jorgensen      Place: 3      Tunes: Black Donald's March      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The instrument here is very good with a well ballanced chanter. Ground- Very well presented however the low Gs in the cadences are a little heavy for my liking. Similarly the note directly following the grip is slightly clipped too. Otherwise very musical Ground Thumb- '' the drones have drifted here slightly too. This is a very musical peformance with great technique, well done!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Melanie Brown      Place: 4      Tunes: The Glen is Mine      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones here are good with nice bright chanter, although the E is very sharp. Ground- fantastic technique here and very musical presentation. Ground Thumb- The high A can be a little shorter and the overall tempo could be slightly brighter. Brilliant musicality and technique throughout however the tuning of the chanter is slighter off putting. Non the less a very enjoyable performance.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Anja Maroske-Jeck      Place: 5      Tunes: Corrienessan´s Salute      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The whole bagpipe here is very nice. Ground- very nicely played here, just be careful with some top hand technique moving from F to C. First line is good second is good also good however the linking notes are a tad long. Same in the 3rd line, especially in the A phrase. Var1- Very brightly played and enjoyable. The few notes before each cadence are slightly overheld and disrupts the overall flow of the piece. On the whole a most enjoyable tune with great musicality, well done!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Grace Kelman      Place: 6      Tunes: MacFarlanes Gathering      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones here are good with a lovely bright chanter. Ground - Very musical and a bright tempo. Make sure the d gracenote in cadences are nice and cleanly played The first phrase in the 2nd and 3rd lines could be less square. On the whole a great job here, maybe hold the last note of a ground going into the next variation Ground Doubling- Very nicely played first line. The second and third lines are very good but slightly square in places. The drones drifted lightly and there was a slight choke towards the end. This was a most enjoyable performance, very musical and technically spot on with just a few very minor concerns. You have the potential to be a fantastic piobaireachd player, keep this up!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Charlie Nevegold           Tunes: Glengarry’s Lament      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The Drones at the start are quite nice but drifted slightly. Ground- Don't forget the introductory E at the very start of the tune. The phrases here are musically played and consistent. Watch out for making the short notes too short, try and get them to run a little smoother. Otherwise a strong ground. Var 1- Nicely controlled and phrased well. Pay a little more attention to the gracenotes, typically these variations use E gracenotes instead of D gracenotes. Otherwise I lovely first variation Var 2- This for me was a little too sqaure. Try to keep the second of the two notes shorter, like in the singling of this variation. Generally variation doublings should be more intense/dynamice, bringing up the tempo here would create this sense of intensity and would add to the overall musicality of the performance. E slightly sharp by the end. A solid performance, well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Dave Reisdorf           Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll's Salute      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones are well in tune and the chanter sounds nice. Ground- The first phrase is played relatively well however the second phrase is somewhat rushed. Var1- This again had moments of rushing. Both of these sections could do with a little more delicacy throughout. There are a few points of technique which could have some addressing. Make sure you lift the G gracenote finger nice and high so that we can hear it clearer, it was somewhat inaudible. Double echo and Hiharin movements could be slightly better played - I would practice breaking down these movements and making sure you get every aspect of the movement absolutely correct to ensure maximum melodic flow in the tune. Generally the movements were all slightly rushed and could benefit from closer attention in order to significantly improve your playing.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Emma McTaggart           Tunes: Queen Elizabeth the Seconds Salute      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here need a little more tuning before begining the piece. The chanter is nice a bright however. Ground- Nicely played with good musicality, expression and technique. Try not to overhold the low G in the D throw. Var1- Very good D taorluath movents. Again very well expressed, a wrong note E instead of D in the second line however. A very good tune, shame about the drones being not quite in. There is great potential here - keep it up.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Emmett Collins           Tunes: The Wee Spree      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The pipes here are pretty good, they could be slightly more in tune but the chanter is nice and bright. Ground- very nicely played however try and embed the movements slightly more into the theme notes, try and make the grips slightly quicker. There is also a slight crossing noise between low A and D. Also, to bring out a little more musicality try and hold the last note in the ends of the lines. Otherwise this has lovely flow to it. Ground doubling- very well played with good control however don't be shy in bringing up the tempo. This will give you increased dynamic and will enhance the overall musicality, This was a very solid performance, just a few crossing noises coming through however. Nevertheless good job!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Evan Jamieson           Tunes: The Field of Gold      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here are note quite locked in but not too distracting. Ground- Very nicely phrased with some excellent technique. Make sure the G gracenote is more audible before the E in cadences. The last note of the 2 bar phrase and ends of lines could also do with a small pause. Var1- A nice bold start. Try to enter this variation slightly more smoothly. On the whole this variation was very musical however again make sure last notes in the 2 bar phrase and ends of lines are held slightly longer for musical effect. A few technical blemishes were also evident. Pipes fading slightly and a few unsteady notes on the chanter as well as a few minor slips here and there. This was a very musical performance, well done. It is clear you have a passion for piping, keep this up!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Harley Jackson           Tunes: The Desperate Battle      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: Drones are ok buy could be slightly better. Chanter is good. Ground- Very good but maybe hold the first E at the starts of the phrases a little. Similarly the cut notes are maybe a tad too cut. The second line is very well played although the drones are drifting slightly. Try and draw the last phrase a little more before the next variation. Var1- This is slightly too fast for my liking as the variation that would follow this tends to be at that speed. It feels slightly imballanced. Try and keep the singling of that variation a little softer and more drawn out. Well played non the less.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Hayley Whitehill           Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: A good instrument at the start here. Ground- Very musical phrasing here. Sometimes you put emphasis on the 4th beat of the bar which is good however the third beat has a little too much weight to it, don't overhold this note and the musical flow will be increased significantly Var1- Moving along nicely, perhaps a slight slip? Beginning to square up towards the end. Pipes good by the end. This was a very enjoyable performance here, there is much potential - keep up the good work!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Ian MacPhail           Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggen      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here are slightly out but the chanter is nice and bright. The F is slightly sharp however. Ground- The first line is musically played however the first phrase could be a little less square. The second line is ok but lacks the expression that you gave in the first line. Third line '' Taorluath- This is well played however I feel you could make more use of the first note in the cadence(maybe just hold it a little longer for expression). In the third line you're tending to follow through after the taorluath movement a little too much. On the whole this was a fairly solid entry for this contest. A little more work is needed to create a slightly better musical dynamic throughout the piece. Technically very good as well - well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Jack Martin           Tunes: Too Long in This Condition      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here are notes quite in tune. Feel free to play for a minute or two to allow the pipes to settle before beginning a piobaireachd. The chanter had depth and is bright although the F is a little sharp. Ground- Very musicaly played with a good degree of technique. A slight mistake in the second line. Ground Doubling- Nice and brightly played although could come up in tempo a fraction more for a fuller dramatic effect. Pipes not worsening however could have been better from the start. This was a very musical and enjoyable performance backed up with a good degree of technique. Well done!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: James McIntosh           Tunes: MacIntosh's Lament      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here could do with a little more refinement. The chanter is nice and bright however. Ground- This is very well controlled here with nice musicality. A few technical blemishes are making their way through however. The high A in the second line is well expressed however it feels a little improportionate compared to the rest of the ground. Var 1- This seems a little square and a little slow. Feel free to lift the tempo a little more to give a little more musical flow it. Similarly the the short notes are a tad long, try and shorten these and you will bring the song out more in the melody. On the whole a good grounding has been established here, work at these small things and you'll have a good melodic piece there!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Laura Stott           Tunes: The Little Spree (ground, doubling)      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The instrument here could do with a little refinement. Ground- Good control in the ground. Try and embed the embelishments in the melody a little more, they're slightly too open for my liking. Its good that they're open, they could just do with being a little sharper Grund Doubling- again good control here but generally ground doublings in piobaireachd are better treated with a brighter tempo. This brings out a subtle contrast in musical expression and gives the piece a dynamic contrast. This may be something you can encorporate into the tune. This was an enjoyable peformance however.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Paul Mackay           Tunes: Sir James MacDonald of the Isles’ Lament      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here are good with a well ballanced chanter. The Low G and F are slightly sharp however. Ground- The first E could be held slightly longer. In the second line the cadences to the theme notes could be slightly softer. A few misses on the top hand as well. Var1- This is very musical however I maybe wouldn't hold the theme note as much, this disrupts the overall flow of the piece. The drones dritfed slightly towards the end. This was a very musical performance with some good technique. Well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Paul Napolitano           Tunes: The Little Spree      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here are very nice however the chanter could with having slightly more depth. Ground- Very nicely played. The A phrase followed nicely whilst the B phrase is slightly slower-try and keep this moving like the first phrase. There are a few crossing noises creeping in as well. Also make sure the gracenotes are all correct. Ground Doubling- Nicely controlled however a little on the slow side for me. Generally with doublings of grounds they should be played slightly brighter in order to achieve musical contrast. This will also bring some dynamic contrast into the piece. A few clipped notes and missed grips here and there too. On the whole this is a very good attempt with much potential here!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation) B
Competitor: Ray Morrison           Tunes: The Munros' Salute      Judge: John Dew      Judge's Comments: The drones here are ok but need a touch more tuning, the chanter has a decent amount of depth however. Ground- This was nicely expressed throughout and its a lovely choice tune, one that is not heard often which is so refreshing to hear. Musically sound however there are few technical things to listen for. A lot of the time the gracenotes are played slightly late which is causing a some crossing noises to appear throughout the performance. These could be tidier overall. Var1- This started well but began to become square. Try and stress the theme notes a little more by giving them length. This will bring the song out in the piobaireachd a little more and will become more musical. A very good performance nontheless- well done!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Paul Mackay      Place: 1      Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Mosspark      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Excellent tempo for this jig. Nice even playing overall throughout with a little pulsing to bring maturity to the performance. 1 missed gracenote towards the end but it didn't detract from your performance. Your bagpipe is extremely well set just slightly flat on high A for my taste. In my opinion your jig playing is above grade 4 level. Keep up the good work!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Leigh      Place: 2      Tunes: Glasgow City Police Pipers      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good uptake to this jig. Nice even playing here just 1 light strike on high A in part . I just felt that if you slowed the tune down a bit and introduced some subtle pulsing at the start of each phrase the performance would sound more mature. Drones are well set. Bright chanter sound but F slightly sharp and high A a little scratchy. In my opinion your jig playing is above grade 4 level.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gonzalo Quezada      Place: 3      Tunes: Cork Hill      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice even playing here overall. I felt the the tune was just a bit fast which was causing some of your doublings to be crushed. Slowing the tune down would allow you to get more music out of it as well. Lovely bagpipe which is well tuned. Your F is just slightly sharp. Enjoyable tune overall. Some work slowing your tune down slightly will ensure a higher prize next time.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Martin      Place: 4      Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: A nice lively jig here. I enjoyed hearing this tune in a different key to what most people play it in. Nice even playing with strong technique here. Good attempt at tuning your pipes. Your high G is slightly sharp and your low G is squealing in part 3 but this didn't detract from your playing too much. I enjoyed your tune. Keep up the good work.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Custodia      Place: 5      Tunes: John Patterson's Mare      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good uptake to this tune. Overall your playing is extremely tidy but just the odd group of three with a small crossing noise when changing hands. Some work on drone tuning would really enhance your performance and allow you to climb the prize list.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dylan Forge      Place: 6      Tunes: Cork Hill      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune with even playing overall. I feel you're pulsing the high As in part slightly too much causing the E to sound a little clipped. You have a small hint of a crossing noise from E to C - your bottom hand is lifting slightly early. Overall a nicely set bagpipe but your top hand sounds a bit sharper than the bottom hand. I enjoyed your tune overall all - well done!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Albert Gnodde           Tunes: Troy's Wedding      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice even playing overall here. The short Cs after D throws are slightly too short and make the tune feel slightly rushed. I think taking the tempo back slightly would help with this and give a more relaxed feel to it. Well tuned bagpipe but F and low G slightly sharp. A few chokes throughout the tune so maybe an easier reed would allow you to be more comfortable. This would probably help you to relax your playing as well. Good tune overall.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Angus Campbell           Tunes: Fittie Boatman      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice uptake to jig. Excellent tempo and nice even playing with clean doublings. One minor choke in the last part. Your isntrument has a nice sound to it but the drones aren't in tune. Working on this will allow your pipes to compliment your music and will secure you a better placing in future. Keep up the good work.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bill Stuart           Tunes: The Curlew      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice even playing overall here. A couple of D throws in part 1 are bigger than others which affects the flow of your music. They are spot on in the rest of the parts. You have the odd untidy group of notes but you rectify this the next time you play the same group so I suspect you just need a bit more practice to get them consistent every time. Your bagpipe is pleasant but some work on drone tuning would allow your instrument to compliment your playing more.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brett Montgomery           Tunes: Corkhill      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Overall you have nice round jig playing. Your playing is verging on the fast side which is causing you to lose some clarity in hand changes. If you slow it down slightly you will get more music and control from this tune. Not a bad effort tuning your pipes. A bit more work on this will allow your instrument to compliment your playing.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Maclennan           Tunes: Kenny Gilles of Portnalong, Skye      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice jig playing here. You are clearly being taught well and there isn't a lot to criticise in your playing. You just need to keep going and your playing will naturally mature. A nice full sounding bagpipe except the high A is slightly flat. Keep up the great work!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: DJ Vaughan           Tunes: McGuire's Jig      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Good tempo for this tune. Nice even playing overall but your Low G strike/hit movements are are too big and affecting the flow of your tune - try and get then a bit snappier. Be careful when changing from B to F in this tune - your bottom hand is closing before you lift the top one result in a noticible crossing noise which is spoiling your music. A nicely set bagpipe with drones tuned well.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Don Mills           Tunes: The Bride’s Jig      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice uptake to this jig. A sweet chanter sound with drones blending nicely. The GDE groups in part 1 2nd on low A are untidy but much better in 3rd part. Rest of GDE movements in the tune are excellent. A couple of minor crossing noises from D to F in 4th part but not too distracting.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gabriel Holbrook           Tunes: Pipe Major Joe Wilson      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune with even playing overall. This tune has a lot of D to top hand changes and you are closing your bottom hand before you lift the top one resulting in crossing noises. This is a shame as the tune is enjoyable otherwise. Your bagpipe is well set with drones complimenting the chanter nicely. Work on achieving clean hand changes and you won't be far away from a prize next time.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Grace Kelman           Tunes: Banjo Breakdown      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice uptake to this jig. Strong playing throughout and a nice pulse which makes your playing feel very mature. Your strikes/hits in the last part are slightly too heavy for the feel of this tune. Your pipes are well set overall. The drones are well locked together but slightly flatter than your chanter so some work on drone tuning would allow your pipes to fully compliment your playing. it's great to hear your improvement since the last online contest. Keep up the good work!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Guido Riedemann           Tunes: Corkhill      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice jig tempo here with clean fingerwork overall. Your technqiue is strong but your D throw needs more low G at the start of it. Watch for crossing noises in the last couple of parts - you are not closing your bottom hand going getween C and High A. Your bagpipe is nice overall but flat on C. Drones complimenting the chanter well.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hamish Hare           Tunes: Finlay Murchie's Birthday      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this jig. Good even jig playing here. You are being well taught and your fingers just need to naturally mature as you progress. Your bagpipe is nicely set up but spending some time with your drone tuning would allow your bagpipe to fully compliment your playing. Keep up the good work and I have no doubts you will be contending for a prize next time!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Harley Jackson           Tunes: The Old Wife of the Mill Dust      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Your tune feels a little fast. Slowing it down slightly would allow you to get more music out of it. Overall your technique is very good and you have nice even jig playing. Quite a good effort at tuning your pipes - keep up your development with this as this will allow your pipes to fully compliment your playing. Keep up the good work!
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Keith Alexandrovich           Tunes: Lord Dunmore's Jig or The Brides Jig      Judge: Calum Watson      Judge's Comments: Nice even playing here. Your technique is very strong and accurate - well done. You're clearly being taught well and your playing just needs to become more fluent which will naturally come with time. Your pipes are well tuned and compliment your musical performance well. I enjoyed your tune - keep up the good work.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gregor Grierson      Place: 1      Tunes: The Marchioness of Tullibardine, The Pipers Bonnet, The Grey Bob      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Lovely sounding bagpipe. Drones locked. March played with poise and style. Very good execution, apart from a couple fuzzy birls off low G. Well-judged transition to the strathspey and I like the way you built the tempo. Very classy, stylish playing here. A couple wee chirps from high A. (Get that thumb down quicker!) Slight rushing through the bottom hand work in the 4th part. Nice, relaxed reel. A very polished performance on a superlative instrument. Very impressive, Gregor! Thank you.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Reece Doherty      Place: 2      Tunes: Bonnie Anne, Caledonian Society of London, Brown Haired Maiden      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe. Drines well tuned. Just a little thin on high G. Great start to your march. I like how you gradually built up to your final tempo. Expressive playing with good control. A little early on the birls in some of the part endings. Clean doublings, but missing a few here and there. Very poised strathspey. Lovely touch on the groups of runs at the end of the 3rd and 4th part. Nice transition to your reel. Good pulse and drive here. A couple small blemishes, but very nice playing. A very well played and enjoyable set, Reece. Thank you!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Ewan Allen      Place: 3      Tunes: Abercairney Highlanders, Caledonian Society of London, Mrs Macpherson of Inveran      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Drones tuned well together. Top notes on chanter quite sharp. Well expressed march, with good clean exeecution. I would put a little more weight on the initial low Gs in the LG-LA-B-LG and LG-LA-B-D passaged. Not getting from D to up to F with both fingers simultanoeously (i.e. getting a small E on the way up). Controlled and well expressed strathspey. Losing the stress a bit in the 4th part. I loved your transition to the reel! Big tune for this grade, but you handled it very well. Lots of drive and well controlled. Very nice playing, Ewan. I enjoyed it! Thank you.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Colin Forrest      Place: 4      Tunes: The Conundrum, Bob of Fettercairn, Traditional      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Nice sounding pipe. Drones well tuned and steady. Quite a cautious march tempo, but well controlled. I think you're ready to play this a little faster. Well-pointed. Strong, clean technique. Slowing down in 4th part (over holding Fs in 4th). Good transition to the strathspey. Again, well controlled but quite slow. A couple wee misses but overall quite clean playing. Good reel. A little minor untidiness on the bottom hand work at the end of some lines. Good playing, Colin. I appreciate the attention you put into playing with control good clean, technique. Your bagpipe looks a little tough, which might be why you had some minor technical issues in the S&R. I think you can handle faster tempi in all three tunes and I'd encourage you to challenge yourself in that regard. Thank you.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Charles Lewis      Place: 5      Tunes: South Hall, Struan Robertson, The Grey Bob      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Good pipe. Drones not quite locked in tune but close. Well played march with good style and swing. Nicely phrased with some effective expressive touches. Just rushing through the 2nd bar of the 3rd part a bit; otherwise, quite polished playing. Smooth transition to the strathspey. Musical playing, but tending to play the C 1/16 notes a little big, resulting in some roundness. Wee hesitation going into 3rd part, and rushing through the hachums in bar 2. Nice playing in the reel. A couple spots of untidiness (thumb not always making full contact with the hole in HA-HG-HA passage at the ends of lines). Good, clean technique overall. A very musical performance on a good pipe. I really enjoyed your playing, Charles. Thank you.
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"Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Margaret Hill      Place: 6      Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel Ard Choille Lexy McAskill      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Nice, bright pipe. Drones well tuned and steady. B a bit flat. Very good playing in march. Nice and controlled, and also expressive. Clean fingerwork for the most part, but tachums lacking clarity (loose D grace note) and one or two fuzzy C tachums in the 4th part. Nice, lilting strathspey playing. Be careful not to rush onto the D strike at the ends of the parts (the D on beat 3 should also be stressed). Nice drive to reel. Crossing noise in 1st part, and not quite coming down cleanly to the low A doublings in the 2nd part. Well played. Very impressive playing, Margaret. Thank you!
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" Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil           Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay, Caledonian Society of London, Lexi MacAskill      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Nice sounding pipe. Drones well tuned and steady. High A quite scratchy. Good style in march. Doublings well articulated, apart from some tight Es and Fs. A couple crossing noises and missing quite a few G grace notes. Nice, controlled transition to the strathspey. Well pointed and expressed overall. Some crossing noises, especially coming dowm from E to C. Some rushing in the 4th part. Effective transition to reel. Good drive here. Rushing onto Es in 3rd part, bars 3 and 7. A musical and enjoyable set on a well blown pipe. I enjoyed your playing, Aidan. Thank you.
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"Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Andrew Dewar           Tunes: Mrs. H. L. MacDonald of Dunach Maggie Cameron Lumsden’s Grant      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Nice sounding bagpipe. Be sure to always blow out the D fully. Very well expressed march. Slightly overholding the E before the grip in the part endings. High quality execution. Some slighty untidiness in 4th part changing hands. Good transition to strathspey, and good grasp of the strathspey idiom. Slowing down slightly in the 3rd part. Watch your pinkie finger doesn't come up early on your C grips -- you want to get two full-sounding low G grace notes. Well played. Nice, laid-back reel tempo. Consistent, controlled playing. This was an impressive set, Andrew. I really enjoyed your playing! Thank you.
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" Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Bill Wei           Tunes: Hills of Kintail, MacBeth's Strathspey, Peter MacFarquhar      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Drones tuned well together, but quite sharp to the chanter and low A very flat. Chanter sounds inefficient and tough (thin high G and sems to be choking out easily). Well-pointed march played at a steady tempo. Very good control throughout, but if you could put a little more stress on the downbeat it would give it a better and more stylish march feel. I love your setting of MacBeth's Strathspey. Very impressive playing here. Wee slip in the 2nd part. Not quite fully sounding the low Gs before the daradoes (bubbly notes) in the endings of the last part. Strong start to reel. Sliding off the holes on a couple of the half E doublings. Labouring in 3rd part. Some chokes. Otherwise, well controlled, musical playing here. Strong, clean technique throughout, apart from a couple small misses. E doublings especially well articulated. Great job on those tricky D grace notes on C in the march. Impressive playing, Bill. I would make it your priority to get your pipe to be more efficient, so you can eliminate the chokes and relax your hands a bit more. Thank you.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Conall Gibson           Tunes: John MacColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage, Moneymusk, Lt. Col. D.J.S. Murray      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Drones a bit out of tune from the start and F quite flat. Upbeat march tempo. Could use a bit more emphasis on the downbeat to give it more of a "march feel". Very crisp E doublings. Some good moments in the strathspey, but in other places you tended to rush (especially onto C hachums, e.g. in bar 8 of each part and on the 2nd beat of the 3rd part). Execution a little inconsistent -- some very good, but quite a few sloppy bits as well. Strong start to reel, but some crossing noises and rushing in the 4th part. Some good playing here, Conall, but you need to work on improving your technical and musical consistency so everything is clean and controlled. Thank you.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Damian Bell           Tunes: Glenfinnan Highland Gathering, Dorator Bridge, Colonel MacLeod      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Wow, what a beautiful setting to play in, Damian -- both architecturally and acoustically! Drones well tuned. Chanter a bit fragile-sounding and some overblowing apparent on the top hand and also manifesting in some bottom hand gurgling. Good march tempo and well pointed. A lot of passages were quite rushed (e.g. C-E D-F B in bar 4), and quite early to birls at the ends of the parts. Nice, controlled transition ot the strathspey. Nice pointing here. Surging blowing forcing top notes sharp. Stumble at end of 2nd part. Tending to push onto B doublings quite far ahead of the beat. Interesting 4-pulse approach to the reel. I think it would come across a bit smoother if you expressed it with a more traditional, 2-pulse idiom. A lively and spirited set played in a spectacular venue. Thank you, Damian.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Dr. Dave Carlson           Tunes: The Siege of Delhi, Dornie Ferry, MacKay from Skye      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Well tuned pipe. Nice, relaxed march tempo. Well pointed and expressed, apart from the odd spot of roundness and/or rushing (e.g. you are tending to roll over the dotted Es on the off-beat in bar 4 of each part). Quite a lot of crossing noises on changed from C to E, and going to and from high A in the 4th part. Good job waiting for the birls at the end of each part. Well controlled strathspey, played with good pointing. Some missed grace notes and a few chokes. Good transition to reel. Timing a bit uneven in the 2nd part and some acceleration in the 3rd. Rallied in the 4th and ended well. Some good playing in this set, Dave. I would recommend putting some time into eliminating the crossing noises and also work on the consistency of your timing in the reel. Thank you.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gillian Brownlee           Tunes: The Rhodesian Regiment, Maggie Cameron, Jock Wilson's Ball      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Drones note quite in tune but close. (Sounds like a tenor is unsteady and maybe open too much?) Chanter well tuned, apart from a slightly flat D. Nice, laid-back march tempo. Controlled playing with good pointing. Good, clean execution. Nice strathpey, showing the idiom well. Good control here as well. Good transition to reel. Nice drive and good 2-pulse effect here. Some slight untidiness around the C tachums in the 3rd part, but otherwise pretty clean. Very enjoyable playing, Gillian. Thank you.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gillies Robertson           Tunes: Craig-n-darroch, Kirstie MacCallman’s favourite, Traditional      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Well balanced chanter. D a bit flat. Drones a little out of tune from the start. Nice, moderate tempo in the march; well maintained. Generally well pointed, but be careful not to roll off the long Es at the end of the first and third phrases in the 1st and 3rd part. You are also tending to play your tachums a little ahead of the downbeat/offbeat. A couple small blips starting the repeat of the 1st part and going into the 2nd part. Clean, well articulated doublings. Well controlled tempo in strathspey. Technique mostly clean and producing good rhythmic effect, but a few unclean spots of bottom hand work. This could have used a bit sharper pointing to generate more lift. Nice drive in your reel. Musically, this was your best tune of the three. I enjoyed your spirited playing. A few slips and crossing noises/catches, and a bit of a stumble in the last part. Some good playing in this set, Gillies. I would make it your focus to improve your timing in the march -- avoiding rushing the tachums, and being sure to complete the phrases by not coming off those big Es too early. Thank you. Thank you, Gillies.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gregory Wolfe           Tunes: Men of Argyll, Struan Robertson, Willie Cumming's Rant      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Good job tuning your drones. Expressive, relaxed march playing. Just rolling over the Fs a touch in general (e.g. bar 7). Some slight bottom hand untidiness in the 2nd part. F-E-F-HA not always played with clarity (e.g. repeat of the last part) -- make sure you fully sound the E. Wrong note starting the 2nd ending of the 4th part -- should be a C not a D. Well pointed strathspey but could use more emphasis on the strong beats to better capture the strathspey idiom. Some missing and wrong notes (e.g. there should be a C after the E doubling at the end of bar 2, prior to the B strike in bar 3; also substituting some Es for Fs in the 2nd part). Slip in 2nd part. G grace notes landing after you get to low A in bars 4&8. Nicer drive to reel, but feels slightly rushed. A touch more weight on the downbeat would help here. Some nice music here, Gregory. I would wokr hard on getting your finger work cleaner and more consistent so you can better showcase your musicality. Thank you.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Hannah Focken           Tunes: The Crags of Stirling, Fiddler's Joy, Duntroon      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Nicely set up and tuned bagpipe. D flat and underblown. Well controlled march tempo and nicely expressed. Some spots of bottom hand untidiness (e.g. 3rd part, bar 4, going down to the low G doubling). Missing a fair number of birls in the 4th part. Good transition to the strathspey. Playing with good style and lift. Well controlled, just some sloppy fingerwork at times. Laid-back, controlled playing in reel. Very musical, expressive playing, Hannah. The main issue was the inconsistency of your execution -- some of it was nice and clean, but there was a lot of sloppy/missed execution. Thank you.
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"Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Hunter Nichols           Tunes: March - Milbank Cottage Strath - The MacDonalds of Baleshore Reel - Traditional      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Nice sounding pipe, Hunter. Drones well tuned tuned to chanter. Drifted a bit in y the reel. Nice, moderate march tempo. Good tempo and well pointed. Could use a bit heavier emphasis on the downbeat, but very well controlled. Work on making the E grace notes a little smaller at the end of your taorluath movements so they come out a little more sharply defined. Also, make sure the first strike of your birl is on the downbeat and not ahead of it. Steady tempo in strathspey. Could use more pulse and more contrast between strong/medium and weak beats. Watch for false fingering on F-E-D runs. Nice doublings: open and clear. Relaxed tempo in the reel that was well maintained. Some difficulty articulating the B-birl combination cleanly. (Try practicing with the B to low A with just a G grace note a few times and then add in the birl.) A nice, controlled set on a good-sounding pipe, Hunter. Thank you.
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" Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: James Rodgers           Tunes: MacPhearson's Lament, Maggie Cameron, Colonel MacLeod      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Good idea to use the chalkboard! Drones tuned well together but set flat to chanter. Chanter a bit dull and low A quite sharp. Nice, laid-back march tempo. Playing very musically here. Just watch you're not ariving early on your E and F doublings and birls (G grace note should fall on the downbeat for each of these). Strathspey quite well controlled. Some surges of blowing on high A and G. Some unclean fingerwork here, but playing with lift and expression. Good transition to reel. Accelerating in last two bars of 2nd and 4th parts. Wee choke in the last bar. You are a very musical player, James. I really enjoyed your set. I would work on improving your bagpipe sound -- maybe trying a slightly firmer (but still efficient) reed that will be a bit brighter sounding and also more stable. Thank you.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Joseph Gallagher           Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban / Captain Colin Campbell / Sound of Sleat      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Nice sounding bagpipe, Joseph. Drones well tuned and steady. Low A sharp and high A a touch flat. Good, steady tempo and well controlled playing in 1st. Strong fingerwork. Just watch your D grace note doesn't get too big on your C tachums or they can sound a bit untidy. Sound roundness creeping in the 2nd part -- be sure to point the Fs on the off-beat at the end of bar 1 and in bar 2; same in bars 5 and 6. Well articulated E doublings. Some uneven timing in spots in the 3rd and 4th parts. Rushing in last line. Good start to strathspey. Starting to lose the idiom a bit in the 2nd part due to rushing through the Fs in bars 1, 3, 5 and 7. 3rd and 4th parts a bit more settled. A few crossing noises audible. Nice relaxed transition to reel. Forgot to repeat the 1st part -- oops! Good, moderate tempo in this tune. Strong grace noting. Timing a bit inconsistent in the 4th part. Good job, Joseph! You have very strong hands and I can hear that you've worked hard on your doublings. Keep working on eliminating crossing noises and try practicing with a metronome to help get your timing more consistent. Thank you.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Lauree Palmer           Tunes: Lady Lever Park, Caledonian Society of London, Duntroon      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Nice, steady drones set a bit flat to the chanter. Steady, relaxed march tempo. Well maintined to the end of the tune. Nice, open doublings, but a bit too large to fit in the context of the tune. Good strathspey tempo and well pointed for the most part, but you are having to play around the execution a bit. Slowing down on the triplets -- you might want to try nipping the first two notes a bit shorter, which will make it easier to maintain the tempo and also fit the idiom better. Well controlled reel with a good pulse. Some moments of untidiness in all three tunes, which was mostly due to large grace notes (this really shows up in tachums when the D gets too big, but can also cause problems when an over-large D grace note covers up a short C melody note, such as the one in bar 7 of each part of the march). Thank you, Lauree.
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"Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Liam Docherty           Tunes: John MacColl’s March to Kilbowie Cottage Maggie Cameron Alick C. MacGregor      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Nicely tuned bagpipe. Lovely high A. Cautious march tempo. Expressive playing. Sometimes overholding a bit (Fs in particular) and losing some momentum as a result. Clean execution, but some untidiness in the E-LA-B-C passages in bar 7. I'd love to hear you play this tune a couple beats per minute faster. Very expressive strathspey playing. Well played apart from the odd minor technical blemish. Good transition to the reel. Nice playing here. You play with a lot of expression and control, Liam. I would recommend challenging yourself to play at a faster tempo to get some more drive and excitement in your playing. You can definitely handle it! Thank you.
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" Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Michael Jones           Tunes: Pipe Major Wm Gray's Farewell, Caledonian Canal, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Drones well tuned. Chanter a little dull. Nice, relaxed march tempo. Good pulse on the downbeat, but frequent sports of rushing -- e.g. in the ending phrases rushing onto the C doublings and the birls. Good, strongly articulated C doublings and powerful birls. Tempo steadily maintained. Well controlled strathspey. 1st part a little round; better pointing and expression in 2nd. Strong bottom hand work in the 3rd part. Wrong notes in the 4th part -- should be E-F-E, not E-HG-E. Good transition to reel. Struggling a bit with the B-birl combination. To fix this, try practicing from B to low a with just a G grace note until it's prefectly controlled and clean, and then put the birl back in. Nice, musical playing, Michael. Just watch the rushing. Thank you.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Natasha Marshall           Tunes: The 1st Battalion Scots Guards Farewell to Southhampton, Dornie Ferry, The Smith of Chilliehassie      Judge: Alan Bevan      Judge's Comments: Well tuned drones. Some sharpness on top notes of the chanter (partly due to surging blowing). Slightly cautious, but well maintained tempo in the march. Well pointed and played with good control. Quite a few unclean hand changes and catches from E to high A in the 3rd part. Small gurgle on final low A. Steady tempo in strathspey, but playing quite round. Sharper pointing would provide more lift. Got a little lost in the 4th part. Good recovery. Good transition to reel. This is a challenging tune for this grade. Drones holding well. Good style overall. Labouring through the tachums in 3rd part. I enjoyed your playing, Natasha. Thank you.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Donald Morris      Place: 1      Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, The Shepherd's Crook, Teenie's Wedding      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: some very good playing. Watch part ends. You sometimes cut the C too much before low A and birl. Missed 2nd timing of 2nd part?? Try not to lose the pulse in part 3. Low A and Low G are very strong here. Please accent them a bit more. Good technique on show in strathspey. More pulse on B before tachum throughout tune (3rd beat in the bar) Some missed birls. slight catch 1st part reel. You are starting to tighten up here and technique is a bit snatchy. Try to keep the focus to the end.Blowing also takes a little wonder towards the end here too. Concentrate! However, A good performance with lots of potential. Well done Donald.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Liam Nicolson      Place: 2      Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque, Susan MacLeod, the Sheepwife      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A good attempt at this march. Perhaps a little cautious. B strike a little snatched. Not sure on the setting of part ends for me. Watch half doublings on B&C in part 4. A bit too clipped. Some good playing in Susan Macleod. Part ends are very erratic. You jump the beat to C almost every time. Dont bend the beat to suit! No uptake note into 2ND part please! Again a bit over cautious into the reel. Some good technique evident but I want to hear bottom hand doublings a little more open. This tune needs that to happen. I am perhaps being a little over critical but I feel you have lots of potential and once you correct these areas, you will have a more polished performane. Your chanter tuning needs a little more work as it is very sharp on D,F and low G Keep working hard Liam Well done.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Gregory Joseph      Place: 3      Tunes: David Ross of Rosehall, Ewe with the Crooked Horn, LCol D.J.S. Murray      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: Try not to tune quite as long!! good march tempo. Some tight bottom hand work which could be cleaner. Slight catches evident. Part 4 starting to round off a little be careful Technique a little tight in Strathspey. Dont jump off beat in part 3. A little more pulse and control required in the EWE. A bit forced into reel and some careless fingerwork. otherwise a good tune. You show some very good playing but a bit more attention to bigger and more open technique would benefit you. Also pay attention to playing to the beat and keep it consistant in the strathspey. Dont extend or reduce the beat in ares. Pipes well tuned good effort Gregory.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: George Panagiotou      Place: 4      Tunes: Glen Caladh Castle, Archie Duncan, Lieutenant Colonel D.J.S. Murray      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A very steady march played with good musical style. Good technique evident. The strathspey has good pulse coming through and again good technique showing here. The reel is well played. Perhaps it just lacks a little flow. The main area I would suggest in improvement is your bagpipe tone. This has and could further prevent you from higher placings. you show lots of potential and although some music was a little cautious, I enjoyed it. Well done George.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Edon Abbot      Place: 5      Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Maggie Cameron, Major Manson      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A good understanding of the march idiom with good pulse and phrasing. Be careful with D gracenote through C. Not always complete. A good attempt at Maggie Cameron. Some hesitaions on runs on top hand. Slight choke which is a pity. Again a good understanding of the strathspey idiom and pulse. Some nice work but keep striving to polish your technique. Dont rush into the reel. Take your time to settle into the tune. A slight slip in last part. Try to be a little more definite in the GDE work of the reel. Drones good. Chanter a little flat and you were struggling slightly towards the end. Find a reed perhaps a little more comfortable. Well done Edon
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Lee McLeod      Place: 6      Tunes: Colllin Thompson, Highland Harry, Sound of Sleat      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A little carefull in tempo but phrased well. Try not to crush your embelishments especially taorluath and GDE. Pulse starts to weaken in part 4. Keep it consistant. Good idiom of strathspey. part 3 rushed and slight slip. Runs start to get too crushed. Hold the note at the end of each run to prevent it gathering speed. Technique not as tidy here. start of reel is good.good tachum work. Dont dive into part 3. Reel well played otherwise. Try to to work on your tone to help overall performance. Well done Lee
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Chris Spreen           Tunes: Major David Manson at Clachantrushal, Captain Colin Campbell, Willie Cumming's Rant      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A safe march tempo but showing good, full technique. Some gracenotes a little slack. Dont jump off strong pulse as tune goes on. Strathspey pulse needs more definition as it is very round especially from part 3. Good GDE work in reel and flowing well Drones well tuned but not holding all the way. Chanter a little peaky as time goes on. overall a solid performance but pay attention to gracenote quality and strathspey idom Well done Chris
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Chris Tabram           Tunes: Tommy MacDonald of Barguillean, Rose Among the Heather & Captain Lachlan McPhail of Tiree      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A steady march tempo. Some missed technique and rushed movements resulting in incomplete taorlaths and tachums etc. Take your time when playing these more difficult movements. Again the same issues in the strathspey and reel. Take your time when playing these tunes. Get good recordings of them and study where to hold the pulsed notes. You seem to rush through the music so just cotrol that and it will be so much better. Work as hard as you can on doubling, Tachum and taorlath exercises. This will help you build up to better performances. Keep going! Well done Chris
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Danielle Warren           Tunes: Colin Thomson, Highland Harry, & Thomson’s Dirk      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: Your March playing is a little round. Try and emphasise the beat more. Be careful with some taorluath movements and tachums! Dont snatch the movement and take take your time. Again you tend to rush phrasing in the strathspey. Identify the pulse and stretch these more. Some really good technique evident so keep that up! Tachums in the reel were really tight and practice the D gracenote through C as it sometimes comes across as a note error. Overall I feel you need to bring the tempos back a little and control the music. This will also help your technique. Lots of very positive playind and keep working hard. Pipes were well set and held pretty well. Well done Danielle
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Eric Sparklin           Tunes: Captain Carswell, Maggie Cameron and Major Manson      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: Try not to crush bottom hand doublings. Take time to separate the gracenotes. Nice pulse and control in the march but some crossing noises spoiling. Strathspey not played consistantly on the beat and a bit eratic in areas. Try to identify the pulse and emphasise the correct beats. Some good technique evident. The reel could also be a little more structured around the beat as it is a little round. Treat it a bit more like your march as you have a solid understanding there. Try to open your tachum movement more. Drones were good at the start but drifted at the end. High G very sharp. Great effort Eric
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jacob Schrader           Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothsey / Caledonian Canal / Lexy McKaskill      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: a well phrased march but needs a bit more attention to the technique especially B taorluaths B doublings and tachums. All very rushed. Dont lose the pulse towards the end. Take your time into the Strathspey. Becoming careless due to speed. fingerwork very rushed in this tune Better in reel but again bottom hand work tends to get very tight. There are lots of good aspects of your pleaying but take your time and focus more open technique. Well done Jacob
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jan-Erik Steel           Tunes: Prince Charles' Welcome to Lochaber, Catlodge, Sound of Sleat      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A well controlled march. Throw on D not always full. Some catching noises evident. On;y 3 parts of your march played? A good understanding of of your strathspey idiom but an unfortunate mistake in part 4. Enjoyable reel playing but again an error at the end. CONCENTRATE! You have lots of good aspects of your playing. Keep working hard on your technique Good effort Jan-Erik
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jean Gould           Tunes: Captain JM Sym, Mrs Morag Banks, Bessie McIntyre      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A well tuned bagpipe. A very steady march. watch out for some crushed B doublings. Good understanding of the march idiom and phrased well. Again well delivered idiom. However, some rushed doublings not supporting the music. Good reel playing perhaps a bit safe. slight dip in tempo in last part. Overall a solid performance but a little more energy in the fingerwork would benefit. Well done Jean and nice background!
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Judy Campbell           Tunes: The Men of Argyll, Highland Harry, Lexi McAskill      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: Good steady march tempo. Maybe a little cautious. Try to complete all taorluth movements fully. Some d gracenotes not always clean through C. Strathspey needs a little work. It is very round so look at the note values and get the dot cut coming through more. This will help you with the more difficult technique in the tune. Good music in the reel just some careless DGE work and an unfortunate error. Keep going Judy and thanks for your tunes.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Mary Crum Scholtens           Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering, The Marquis of Huntley, Lexy McAskill      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: You are playing well to a staedy tempo in the march. There are some doublings that could be pronounced better and more open. Be careful with D gracenote through C. This comes across as a note error. Try to emphasise beat note a little more. Again a bit more pulsr required in the Strathspey as it is very round in areas. Keep working on those doublings and open them up. Pay attention to runs as they are a little crushed. The reel tempo is good but we lose a little focus and the fingerwork becomes overlapped. Take your time! A good effort but a little more attention to detail will help greatly. Well done Mary
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Matthew Dickie           Tunes: Pipe Major James Troy, John Roy Stewart, Lexy McAskill      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A good attempt at this march and its technical content. I would like to hear you try and make your technique and litle less deliberate in araes.Good control. Strathspey idiom coming over well watch it doesnt round off as you go on. A well pulsed reel but be careful with GDE work. Some slight catching noises evident too. Try to work on the quality of your gracenotes which then form all of your movements. They need to be a little more slick and snappy. Well tuned bagpipe. well done Matthew
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Michael McNeil           Tunes: The Duke of Roxburghe’s Farewell to the Blackmount Forest, The Ewe with the Crooked Horn, Sandy Cameron      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: Be careful with your C doublings. Make more separation between the gracenotes E doublings are the same.Some catching noises. March is played pretty well on the beat and has some good phrasing. Quite a few areas of technique missed or squashed in the strathspey. Take care with delivery of your fingerwork. Again untidy passages in the reel. I feel that you would benefit from playing tunes a little easier to help you as some technical aspects are not coming across. Drones are well in tune but chanter reed squeeling at times. Concentrate on the bottom hand technique and the placement and timing of your gracenotes within movements. Well done Michael.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Noah Mittwer           Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel, Susan Macleod, Colonel Macleod      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A good uptake to the march and well phrased. Just be careful with catching noises from C to E. Try to open up Your doublinds. A shane about mistake!!!!! Some very good understanding of the strathspey idiom However only 3 parts played! Reel played with energy.Good GDE work. CONCENTRATE!!! You show some great playing. If only you had submitted a different performance! Keep going Noah
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Reilly Green           Tunes: The Conundrum, Highland Harry, Kalabaken      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: You play well on the beat but you need to try and phrase the march a bit more and get some strong pulse coming through. You show some very good technique but the march is too round. Again identify the strong pulse more in the Strathspey. Some careless fingerwork and errors Better musical delivery in the reel but spoiled by errors. You show some great potential but you need to focus and understand your note values more. Keep going Reilly
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"Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ron J. Graham           Tunes: March - Tommy MacDonald of Barguillean (Dr. Bruce E. Thomson) Strathspey - Dornie Ferry (Traditional) Reel - Broadford Bay (Willie Fraser)      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: Very steady march tempo backed up with solid technique. Maybe a little too deliberate which prevents musical flow. However, well played. Some technique not as accurate in the strathspey. Pay attention to the strong pulse in this tune and emphasise it. This will help. Musical delivery of the reel. However, some careless fingerwork and catching noises. Take care with this many aspects of what you produce is really good and accurate. Pipes well set. Big improvement from the last time I judged you! Well done Ron
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" Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Steve Coontz           Tunes: The Iron Division, Caledonian Canal, Scotsville      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A staedy march tempo. Some slack technique especially bottom hand doublings and tachums. Work on these to make them more defined. You need to look a bit closer at the strathspey idiom and understand which notes to accent and which to cut. Just now your tune is very round and in turn makes it difficult to support it with good technique. You started rush your reel try to identify the strong pulse and emphasise the beat note more to hold you back. These little things will make a marked improvement. Well done Steve
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Zoey Flansburg           Tunes: Tommy MacDonald of Barguillean, Spitfire, The Sound of Sleat      Judge: Matt Wilson      Judge's Comments: A staedy tempo in the march and you show some very strong fingerwork. You need to put a little more expression into your march to get more music from the tune. Same goes for the strathspey. More pulse needed. some chokes which is a shame. However, again good technique evident. The reel flows well but a couple of rushed tachums and open doubling work on bottom hand a bit tight. Try to work on the tuning of your pipes as the drones are nowhere near the low A throughout. Lots of potential here. Well done Zoey.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gregor Grierson      Place: 1      Tunes: Miss Ishabel T MacDonald      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Nice one Gregor. Pipe well set, bright and full harmonic evident. Tempo confident, consistent and spot on. Technically pleasing delivery with consistent weights up and down the scale to all movements. Full delivery of compound timing here. Well weighted themals and appropriate connections with just the right touch. Full package well done. Good luck! Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Matthew Dickie      Place: 2      Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Nice one Matthew. Thanks for this! Nice Pipe good blowing. Nice High A. Mic is slightly overwelmed** at moments. Work on your on camera set up and distance. Watch for D -High G catches. overthwise a strong technique presented. A stong 6/8 compound feel is evident. Consistent themal notes and connection lengths. P4 watch timing of E doublings... E -Edoubing in particular - wait and place for full effect. A good effort. Well Done. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Colin Forrest      Place: 3      Tunes: Cameron MacFayden      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Nice one Colin. PipeWell set. Tempo is slightly cautious and slows slighly at moments of challenging execution. Mic is overwelmed due to you positioning. Aim to get our device at table top height of higher, fix the angle to get it straigh on . Currently "under you chanter** Strong technical delivery with thoughful efforts in challenging spots. Aim to keep the flow going in the challenging areas despite the technique demanded - at established tempo. Dragging in a few spots. Good compound timing is evident. Well Done. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Bill Wei      Place: 4      Tunes: Bengullion      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks Bill. Nice one. Tempo is slightly slowish yet consistent. Nice pipe set up overall,drones are quiet / very refined, and well tuned. *High G a bit thin (perhaps a slightly dry pipe) A few minor dips on High G. Blow fully through High G for best tone. Strong compound timing evident here**. An enjoyable tune musically. Technique is strong and consistently presented. Nice one. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: George Panagiotou      Place: 5      Tunes: Tug Argan Gap      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks George. Mic is overwelmed at moments. Tempo is slighly laboured yet consisent. A good compound theme is evident. Well weighted themals and appropirate connection notes. A Wee Pause going into the repeat of P2. Keep it going in P3 -a shade of momentum loss here. Watch High G throws for clarity. Good efforts here. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Conall Gibson      Place: 6      Tunes: Miss Ishabel T. MacDonald      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Conall. Thanks for you video. PIpe is quite nice. Low A,E and F is flat. A good effort for 6/8 compound time. Just a few spots of 2/4 creeping in at times. Strong technique and nice grips and good efforts on all the c doublings. Keep the tempo and flow going for full effect. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Albert Gnodde           Tunes: Mrs. Lilly Christy      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks Albert. Pipe Ok, Low A is a touch flat. Watch blowing for consistency. A few minor dipes evident result a wee chokes. Tempo is good. Nice Low G triplets. Watch 1/2 F doublings throughout and D doublings P3 for clarity. Musically overall this tune has moments of 6/8 and 2/4 expression. The key ingredient in 6/8 is to have consistent compound timing, with no off beat evidence. Keep at it, you are about 75% there. Let the themal beat notes breathe a wee bit more and have full value - just lean in a shade more. A good effort overall. Good luck! Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Anthony Kelly           Tunes: Angus McKinnon      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks Anthony. Pipe is quite nice - well set and fully blowing. Tempo is a shade brisk.. slowed a shade in P3 to allow for bottom hand work. Fingers are limber. Good technique generally watch Hugh A - E taps for consistency. Generally a good compound 6/8 feel. Themals are just a shade under valued at times - due to brisk tempo. Just allow the tune to breathe just a wee shade more for fulleffect. A good effort. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Chris Spreen           Tunes: Tug Argan Gap      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Nice one Chris. Pipe pitch is up there... drones smooth and well dialed in. Mic is overwelmed at a few spots. Tempo is slighly cautious yet consistent through the tune. A very nice compound feel is evident here in your tune. Well weighted themals and appropriate connection notes. Articulation is consistent and fluid in placement. D throws not always same thickness. Nice tune, Good Luck! Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Eric Sparklin           Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks Eric for this. Pipe is nice pitch and set up. Drones are full and quite close to optimal. A few catches C-E. Going early to the short C notes - Wait and place directly on beat for full effect. Watch the "Low A -B grip to C" for clarity. Also work on getting this wee passage consistanet in its own grouping as it appears over and over. Be exact on Low A length, B shortness for improved musical presentation. The key ingredient in a 6/8 is to deliver a clear command of compound timing, with no off beat evidence. Be aware of early connecting notes and early anacrusis notes. Let the themal notes breathe and have full value consistently. You are about 60% there. Working hard on 6/8 march performance will help other tunes needing bold expression. Good Luck! Good effort overall. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gillies Robertson           Tunes: Macneils of ugadale      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks Gillies. PIpe is reasonalbly well set up. Watch blowing for consistency. Some minor fluctuations are evident here. AIm to blow through your pipe fully. Tempo is ok. A few catches C-E. Going early to the Short C notes - Wait and place directly on beat for full effect. G gracenotes not always spot on the note change. Be exact for improved clarity. The key ingredient in a 6/8 is to deliver a clear command of compound timing, with no off beat evidence. Be aware of early connecting notes and early anacrusis notes. Let the themal notes breathe and have full value constitently. You are about 60% there. Working hard on 6/8 march performance will help other tunes needing bold expression. Good Luck! A very good effort overall. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Grant Iaconis           Tunes: McNeill of Ugadale      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks Grant... Nice drones - well tuned. Chanter very pleasing with good intervals. Solid blowing. Tempo ok. Some catches C-E in P3. Nice D throws P4. There is a 2/4 AND 6/8 mix of expression here. The key ingredient in a 6/8 is to deliver a clear command of compound timing, with no off beat evidence. Be aware of early connecting notes and early anacrusis notes. Let the themal notes breathe and have full value constitently. You are about 70% there. Working hard on 6/8 march performance will help other tunes needing bold expression. Good Luck! A very good effort overall. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Gregory Joseph           Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Greg. Thanks For this. PIpe ok. Drones are Full, tuning is quite god. Chanter has nice intervals. Tempo is slightly brisk. Technique is coming along, just a shade crushed inspot. "Low A -B grip to C" watch those combinations as they appear over and over. Musically the themal notes are slightly undervalued - aim to let them breathe a bit more for full effect. Some earliness in P3 aim to finish those tachums and rest slightly on Low As. P4 grips are just hurried as well. Aim to rest on note prior full effect. Thanks SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: James Rodgers           Tunes: Pipe Major Sam Scott      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks James. Tempo lively... feels a touch hurried. Pipe is quite nice, D SHarp, drones ok Musically the compound timing is lessened than ideal due brisk tempo, but I can tell your understanding is good. Just a shade slower will allow for full length themals and a bit of breath in the tune, for full effect... Nice articulation, good effort on grips in P4 -just a shade early... Good Luck ! Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jean Gould           Tunes: Frank Thompson      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Nice background! COAST GUARD Pipe is well set and tuned. Very refined and narrow smooth sound. Tempo is slightly slowish yet consistent. Technique is delicate, yet consistent, Biggest issue is A-C catches throughout the tune. A good understanding of compound 6/8 timing overall Jean. Just narrowly out of the list. Keep the tempo going and fix those catches. Good efforts. Thanks SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Joseph Gallagher           Tunes: Angus MacKinnon      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: HI Joseph - thanks for your recording. Your pipe is not quite dialed in. I am noticing you are puffing in your blowing style, lots of short fast breaths, and not really using your arm to much. Aim for a strong full blow, and and a strong arm squeeze to allow for a comfortable breath. The rythm is needing attending. Your drones are falling away from your body, have a look at how your bass drone stock is tied in - you may want to re tie it with a gentle angle towards your body. This may help with your set up and make it fit you better. The 6/8 march needs a strong compound feel to be effective. The key ingredient is to deliver no off beat evidence. Be aware of early, overvalued connecting notes and early anacrusis notes. Let the themal notes breathe more and have full value constitently. You are about half way there. Good Luck. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Lee McLeod           Tunes: Donald McLean of Lewis      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Nice one Lee. A dark room. Nice Mary MacLeod warm up. Pipe ok and Tempo is ok. Technique is coming along - watch High G - E taps, and wee catched D - High G Expression is coming along.. The key ingredient in a 6/8 is to deliver a clear command of compound timing, with no off beat evidence. Be aware of early connecting notes and early anacrusis notes. Let the themal notes breathe more and have full value constitently. You are about 60% there. Working hard on 6/8 march performance will help other tunes needing bold expression. Good Luck! A very good effort overall. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Mary Crum Scholtens           Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hi Mary, thanks for this. Tempo ok. Pipes are not quite dialed in. Drones are flat to chanter pitch. A mix of 2/4 and 6/8 timing happening here. Aim for a consistent compound presentation. The themals need full value and length while connecting notes need consistent treatment. Not over valued. Your technique is strong in its thickness however the notes preceeding the movements are over valued in preparation for "delivering" a big movement. A good effort Mary. Good Luck. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Matthias Kuehn           Tunes: Miss Ishabel T. MacDonald      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks Matthias. Pipe is ok and Tempo is appropriate. Technique is not as clear as expected. Aim to place g Gracenotes right on top of the not changes themselves - just wee catches on most note changes, which is distracting. Watch Tachums. The notes prior to your movements are slightly over valued in preparation of "delivering" the movement itself. Musically, the key ingredient in a 6/8 is to deliver a clear command of compound timing, with no off beat evidence. Be aware of early connecting notes and early anacrusis notes. Let the themal notes breathe and have full value constitently. You are about 60% there. Working hard on 6/8 march performance will help other tunes needing bold expression. Good Luck! Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Michael St. James           Tunes: Kirkhill      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks Michael.. Good efforts tuning. Tempo is ok. Watch A-C-E lean to the Low A to develop the shape anywhere where this passage is occuring. Technical delivery is quite good, however at the expense of the musical delivery. A 2/4 feel is evident in your tune. The key ingredient in a 6/8 is to deliver a clear command of compound timing, with no off beat evidence. Be aware of early connecting notes and early anacrusis notes. Let the themal notes breathe more and have full value consistently. You are about 60% there. Working hard on 6/8 march performance will help other tunes needing bold expression. Good Luck! A very good effort overall. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Zoey Flansburg           Tunes: Bengullion      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks Zoey, Pipe not quite dialed in. Drones are very flat to chanter pitch. Tempo is fine. Technique is quite good. choke P3. The key ingredient in a 6/8 is to deliver a clear command of compound timing, with no off beat evidence. Be aware of early, over valued connecting notes and early anacrusis notes. Let the themal notes breathe a bit more and have full value constitently. You are about 60% there. Working hard on 6/8 march performance will help other tunes needing bold expression. Good Luck! A good effort overall. Thanks, SH
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Charles Lewis      Place: 1      Tunes: 72nd's Farewell to Edinburgh      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Charles, Well turned out and a nice first impression. Nice strike in to a pleasing, well set, tuned and blown pipe. Compound idiom evident here and your short notes are very good giving a musical delivery. Marching well to 6/8 idiom with strong execution. A well played tune. Thank you, David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Liam Nicolson      Place: 2      Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Liam, A very nice first impression with a great full kit, nice to see along with the feather in the glen. Idiom and phrasing is quite strong here and compound is evident. Strong hands delivering well along with good short notes. Pipe is well set and blown, however your D is quite sharp taking away from the performance. Work to improve your pipe sound every day ( 1% gains ) A nice overall tune, thank you. David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Danielle Warren      Place: 3      Tunes: The MacNeil’s of Ugadale      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Danielle, Thank you for your submission here. A nice first impression onto a well set, tuned, and blown harmonic pipe. A nice full drone sound here. Bottom hand work at times untidy, however there are some very strong moments in execution. Strive to eliminate those untidy moments. E gracenote could be more accurate. Tempo, pacing and a nice 6/8 compound idiom evident here. Nice tune, thank you. David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Donald Morris      Place: 4      Tunes: Donald MacLean of Lewis      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Donald, Thank you for this. A nicely played tune with compound idiom evident. A nice pipe, well set and tuned, watch that scratchy high A as it is a distraction. Strong hands delivering a musical idiom here. Watch not to rush in the third. Great to see you in your kilt ! Thank you, David
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ewan Allen      Place: 5      Tunes: John Mccolls Farewell to the Scottish Horse      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Ewan, Thank you for this. You are delivering a good 6/8 idiom here. There are some phrasing issues at times that come across rushed. Work with a metronome to clean this up. Open up some execution as some is coming through crushed, however strong hands evident. Watch birl at end is not early in your pacing of the end phrase. Thank you David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Gillian Brownlee      Place: 6      Tunes: Angus McKinnon      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Gillian, Thank you for this entry. Nice to see in your full kit with glen, thank you . An evident compound idiom here with a good tempo, watch not to slow in the 3rd. Bottom hand runs are coming across round/open here. Pipe well set and blown, Thank you David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Adrienne Quane           Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Adrienne, Thank you for your entry here today. Pacing quite well with good strong moments in your execution especially triplets standing out. Tempo ok and compound idiom evident. Is there an incorrect note here ? Check music to confirm. Bagpipe sound letting you down here a wee bit especially your high G/F blend. Work towards a better sound each day ( 1% gains ). Thank you, David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil           Tunes: Fairview Cottage      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: HI Aidan, Thank you for entering and wearing your kilt ! You are close to breaking the prize list here, however there was a wee slip in the last part. Work to eliminate those cross notes as they take away from the performance. Your bottom hand work is strong here and you are delivering on a nice sounding pipe. Watch blowing as there was a wee choke. 6/8 idiom is evident here and tune is musical. Thank you. David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Andrew Robertson           Tunes: Donald MacLean of Lewis      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Andrew, thank you for your submission. Great to see you wearing your kilt. You start out with a good tempo here. Watch that you are not too sloppy in your execution, I think you could benefit from some exercises to strengthen here. Bagpipe is letting you down as well with a very sharp low A and D evident. Work towards a pleasing comfortable sounding bagpipe. Thank you. David
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Bobby Johnston           Tunes: Cameron MacFadyen      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Bobby, Nice to see you in your kit and thank you for entering. Compound idiom is evident here and quite consistent. The tempo is a wee bit slow and held. Watch your crossing notes and work to eliminate those. Pacing is pretty good but could use some attention also. Pipes have a wee gurgle at times and the reed may need some tlc. Drones are ok however the high G is super high is it quite dry in your climate ? Could be the issue here. Thank you, David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Dr. Dave Carlson           Tunes: Major John MacLennan, Gordon Highlanders      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Dave, Thank you for your entry today. Pipe is ok and for the most part well set and tuned, overblowing high A at times is taking away from the overall sound. Not sure why however the recording device is overwhelmed at times. Work to strengthen your execution with exercises as these will truly help. Tempo is ok. Some cross notes evident here and also could be cleaned up with some exercises. Nice to see you in kilt along with glen and a nice bright red hackle ! Thank you David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Edon Abbot           Tunes: Duncan McGillivray, Chief Steward      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Edon, Thakn you for your submission. Keep working towards a consistent compound idiom here. Your tempo and pacing is on track and the compound idiom improved as the tune progressed. Work to get your sound closer each day ( 1% gains ) Low A and High G here are not quite right. Drones are quite good and pipe held up. Thank you, David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Hannah Focken           Tunes: The Piobaireachd of Donald Dhu      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Hannah, Thank you for taking the time today to enter. Pipe is ok to start, however D is set quite flat. It seems the reed is a wee bit hard causing the high A to be noisy and not true. Work towards a compound idiom to really pull out the music of this 6/8 time signature. Your hands are quite strong here. Tempo is good, however phrasing could be better here. Thank you, David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Jacob Schrader           Tunes: Lord MacPherson of Drumochter      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Jacob, Thank you for your submission. Work towards strengthening your hands to deliver a more consistent musical tune. Execution and pacing are things we can all improve on with exercises. Drones are OK and pipe seems well set for you. Delivering a musical compound idiom here. Thank you David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Lauree Palmer           Tunes: The Sweet Maid of Mull      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Lauree, Thank you for entering your tune here. Continue to strive towards cleaning up some execution here. It seems as if some holes are not always covered so work towards hand placement and improving this to deliver a more pleasing performance. 1% gains in the things we need to improve on is achievable. Always strive for a great sounding bagpipe to deliver the best you can. Thank you David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Michael Jones           Tunes: Cameron MacFadyen      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Michael, Thank you for this. Pipe is pretty good here, drones well tuned, however the top hand is a wee bit on the sharp side. Tempo a wee bit slow overall and compound idiom not always evident. You could work on short note consistency as this is causing some "bumps" in your phrasing taking away from the musical delivery. Thank you David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Murray Harper           Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig by PM W Ross      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Murray, Thank you for this entry. Continue towards improving your overall sound with the pipe to add to the pleasure of the listener as well as yourself. The execution, phrasing and music will come along with some repetition and a well set bagpipe. Thank you, David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Natasha Marshall           Tunes: Duncan McGillivray      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Natasha, Nice one wearing your kilt ! You execution here is coming through pretty well, however there are some misses to work on. Work to eliminate those crossing notes also. Short notes are quite good and compound idiom is evident here. Last line departed from the rest of the tunes idiom and is quite round. Work to get your sound a wee bit closer here especially your bass drone. Thank you, David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Rick Young           Tunes: John D. Burgess      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Rick, Thank you for your submission. You are very close to breaking into the list here with this entry. You could work to get a better sound with your bagpipe as this is holding you back. Execution is good, pacing, tempo good and idiom is evident. Drones and quite shrill top hand along with some blowing issues needs some attention. Keep working on your sound. Thank you, David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Ron J. Graham           Tunes: Lady Dorothea Stewart Murray (E. Rose)      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Ron, Thank you for your submission. Looking good in your kilt here and thank you for wearing. Tempo and idiom ok here. Watch that you are keeping good attention to your execution as at times it is a wee bit sloppy. Work towards cleaning that up with exercises. Also pacing can improve with some metronome work. You are very close to the prize list here on a well set, tuned and blown pipe. Just a few wee things to move up the list. Thank you David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Steve Coontz           Tunes: Pipe Sergeant John Barclay      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Steve, Thank you for your submission. Continue to strive for a better sounding bagpipe that is set up for your strength. There are several top hand chokes evident here. Nice to see you in a kilt. There are many crossing note exercises that can help improve this, 1% gains every day are achievable. Your low A doublings are a stand out as a strong movement. Thank you. David.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Ewan Allen      Place: 1      Tunes: Kenny Gillies of Portnalong Skye      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Ewan; Great playing! Very lively tempo, but you kept it under control for the most part. Maybe rushing just a bit in the 4th part. Execution is really clean and crisp. Really good hands! No real execution issues to mention. I really like your approach to this tune. Real energy and drive from start to finish! Drones were locked in throughout. Chanter sound not bad. A bit thin on top hand with some sharpness on F and high A. Overall, this was a top notch performance. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Liam Forrest      Place: 2      Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Mosspark      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Liam; Excellent playing! You’ve got great crispness in your fingering and you played the tune very cleanly. My only execution comment would be regarding your birl movement. At times your birls were not coming out clearly. I could not hear 2 distinct low G sounds; as if you were not hitting the low A hole twice. Your tempo was good and you kept it steady from start to finish. You’re playing the tune quite round which is fine, but you might consider injecting some slight dot/cut phrasing. I think it makes this tune way more interesting. Gordon Walker plays an amazing version which you can probably find online. Pipes were very well tuned. Really good chanter sound; very bright and well balanced. Drones were well tuned; although, on the recording it almost sounded like one of your tenors was coming in and out. Might just be something going on with the recording. Overall, this was a really well played jig. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Margaret Hill      Place: 3      Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breaches      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Margaret; A really well played jig! Your execution is crisp and generally clean. A little roughness in the 3rdpart with some missed GDEs, but otherwise clean. A good, lively tempo. You started to rush a bit in the 3rdpart. GDE’s became a bit crunched and you got a little unsettled in bars 5 and 6, but settled back down nicely after that. A few B taps weren’t 100% solid. Make sure to fully close the low A hole on your taps. I liked your expression overall (other than the rushing in part 3). Really nice pipe sound! Drones were well set and steady. Chanter was bright and balanced. Maybe very slightly flat on high A. Overall, this was a really strong performance. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Liam Docherty      Place: 4      Tunes: The Judge’s Dilemma      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Liam; Some very good jig playing! Your execution is very crisp and mostly accurate. A few missed GDE’s in 3rd and 4th parts. Careful not to crush your E doublings especially when coming from F. A few birls not coming out clearly also. Tempo was very controlled. A slightly quicker tempo could give the tune a bit more life. Could control of your phrasing, although my preference would be for a bit more pulsing on the first 1/8th notes of your triplets. There’s nothing wrong with phrasing it round; I just find some slight pulsing to be more musical. Great drones! Locked in from start to finish. Chanter was bright and balanced, but there was some chirpiness which could be a sign that the reed needs replacing. Overall, a very enjoyable performance. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Edon Abbot      Place: 5      Tunes: Troy's Wedding      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Edon; This was a very well executed tune! Most of your execution is clean and crisp. A couple missed taps and a small slip in 4th part, but otherwise very strong technique. Tempo is good for this grade. Eventually, you’ll want to inject a bit more tempo to make it a bit more lively, but only if you can do so while maintaining your clean execution. I felt your phrasing was somewhat erratic at times. Watch the spacing of your triplets. You start the tune with a round approach which is fine, but by the second part your drifting towards more dot/cut phrasing. Either approach is acceptable, but you want to try to maintain some consistency. Pipes were very well tuned. A big sound! The chanter maybe set a bit flat on top hand, but otherwise a very balanced scale with good projection. Overall, some really good playing. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Bobby Johnston      Place: 6      Tunes: Glasgow Police Piper's Jig      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Bobby; Nicely played tune! There was a bit of distortion and echo in the recording which made it difficult to hear. For future events you might consider playing in a space that has some sound dampening. Rooms with carpets are always helpful. From what I could hear, your pipes were well tuned. Drones were steady and chanter well-balanced. Some good playing. Execution was generally good. A small slip in 4th part. Biggest issue is with your treatment of the triplets. Be careful not play the GDE triplets too quickly; keep them more evenly spaced. It seemed you were trying for a round approach which is fine, but that means all the triplet movements should be evenly spaced. Yours are a bit crushed. Well done overall!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Adrienne Quane           Tunes: Old wife of the milldust      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Adrienne; Nicely done! Your execution is very accurate and crisp. Very cleanly played overall. You need a bit more expression to your playing. Mechanically, it’s very good, but just lacking a bit of life and energy. You’re playing the tune very much how most bands play jigs these days which is perfectly round. This makes it easier for unison playing in bands, but in a solo situation, it can make for a boring tune. Try for a very subtle pulsing on the first 1/8 note of all your triplets; not a heavy dot/cut, just a slight emphasis on the first note. This will make the tune much more musical (at least to my ear)! Your bagpipe was not quite in tune. Drones were out from the start. Other than a flat high G, your chanter was well balanced. It did seem a bit “chirpy” which could be a sign it needs replacing. You’ve got all the tools; just a bit more expression and sort out the tuning and you’ll have it nailed!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil           Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Mosspark      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Aidan; Nicely done! Your fingering technique is crisp which is great. Your main execution issue is crossing noises, especially between C and E. Unfortunately, this tune has a lot of C to E transitions! You’ll need to practice the tune slowly, ensuring that your C to E movements are clean. Once you can do that, slowly bring up the tempo. Also need to make sure you’re getting a solid low G sound with your B taps. You’re not completely closing the low G hole during this movement. Some of your phrasing is a bit pushed. By that I mean you’re arriving at phrases ahead of the downbeat. If you watch your foot during the recording, you’ll see/hear it pretty clearly. Your phrases are often ahead of your foot. Practicing with a metronome can help with this. Nice bagpipe sound. Drones very well tuned. Chanter is balanced. Maybe a bit thin on top hand, but well tuned. Some good stuff overall. Keep it up!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Anthony Kelly           Tunes: Troy's Wedding      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Anthony; Nicely played! I enjoyed your setting of Troy’s Wedding. Very lively tempo with good drive. Some phrasing issues with your triplets. At times, your rushing over the first two 1/8th notes. Keep them evenly spaced if you’re playing the jig round. Alternatively, you put a slight emphasis on the first 1/8 note for a more pointed feel. Either way, try to be consistent throughout the tune. Fairly good execution. A bit sloppy in the closing phrase, last bar. Make sure you can hear the low A, B, C clearly before the D throw. It sounds like you’re anticipating the D throw and jumping into it early. Very good bagpipe sound. Drones well set and steady. Well balanced chanter and nicely set to drones. Well done overall!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Grant Iaconis           Tunes: Kenny Gilles of Portnalong, Skye      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Grant; Nicely done! You have good crispness to your fingering; however, you need to really work on the accuracy of your note transitions. Focus on eliminating the crossing noises between top and bottom hand notes as well as the accuracy of your grace note placement. Both of these issues are the result of mistiming when in raising and/or lowering your fingers when moving from one note to another. Slowing down your tempo until you can play cleanly will really help sort this out. Timing-wise, you need to work on keeping your triplet movements more evenly spaced. Yours are crushed. If you’re playing the tune round, then each 1/8 note within the triplet should get the exact same amount of time. You’re playing the first two almost like 1/6th notes. Really good bagpipe sound! Drones were locked in and your chanter was bright and well balanced. Overall, just slow down and focus on note accuracy and you’ll be fine. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jacob Schrader           Tunes: The Glasgow City Police Pipers      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Jacob; Your pipes are sounding really nice! Drones are locked in and blending very well with chanter. Very bright chanter, well balanced, maybe borderline sharp. GDE’s lacking a bit of crispness. Make sure each individual grace note is crisp and distinct from the next. Also watch the timing of your triplets. If playing round, the 1/8th notes should be evenly spaced. At times you’re rushing the first 2; almost playing them as 1/16ths. Even these out and it will help the tune flow more. Nicely done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Jan-Erik Steel           Tunes: The Bride's Jig      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Jan-Erik; Nicely done! You’ve got good crispness to your fingering. Watch for the odd crossing noise when switching between top and bottom hand. A couple missed taps, but for the most part, played very cleanly. Tempo is slow and will need to come up as your playing progresses. It’s difficult to get much life in your jigs at this tempo. Try pushing the tempo a bit in your practice sessions. Obviously, for competition you want to play at a temp that allows you to play cleanly, but you need to push yourself during practice. Pipes were never quite in tune. Drones were out from the start. Chanter sharp on top hand. If your struggling with tuning your drones, try a tuning app. There are several good ones out there. Good luck!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Joseph Gallagher           Tunes: Corkhill      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Joseph; Very nicely played jig! You’ve got really strong hands with crisp and clean execution. Tempo is a bit slow. As long as you can maintain the clean execution, try to bring up the tempo a bit. This will give your tune a bit more life! Your timing is little inconsistent. Generally, your playing your triplet movements quite round; however, at times you drift to a more dot/cut approach. It’s really noticeable in the 3rd part. My preference is for a slightly dot/cut approach, but whichever way you prefer, you should keep it consistent through the whole tune. Drones were nicely tuned. I very big chanter sound. High A was quite flat. Your blow stick appears to be a bit too long which seems to be affecting your head positioning and also preventing your bass drone from sitting closer to your neck. You might consider getting a shorter blow stick and see if it feels more comfortable. Overall, some very good playing. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Laurel Leishman           Tunes: Banjo Breakdown      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Laurel; Nicely played tune! Good execution for the most part. Clear and distinct grace notes and doublings. A couple sloppy parts; watch the low A, C, E triplet sequences (e.g. pick up phrase of last part). The C with D grace note is not being heard clearly. Make sure all 3 notes are heard clearly. Your tempo is good for this grade. Phrasing is not quite consistent throughout tune. Your GDE triplets have slight dot/cut feel which is grade, but most your other triplet movements are round. Try to pick one or the other approach. Personally, I Iike a very slight dot/cut approach to this jig. Perfectly round is kind of boring. Drones were pretty well tuned, but were a little unsteady during your performance. It appeared as if you were struggling a bit with your pipes so maybe check that your pipes are efficient and set up properly. Overall, a good performance!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Matthew Dickie           Tunes: The Piper's Bonnet Jig (Arranged by Colin R. MacLellan)      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Matthew; Good job with a very challenging tune! Execution was quite good. Very strong birl technique which you need for this tune! Grace notes are lacking a bit of crispness, especially within your GDE triplets. Good, controlled tempo; however, your phrasing is a bit pushed at times. By this I mean you’re often beginning phrases ahead of the down beat. You can really hear/see it in the last 2 parts. Your foot is maintaining a steady beat but your beginning some phrases before your foot hits the ground. Practicing with a metronome can really help with this. Very good bagpipe sound! Drones were locked in, and chanter was well-balanced. Overall, a very nice performance!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Matthias Kuehn           Tunes: McGuire's Jig      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Matthias; Nice job! A bit of struggle towards the end of tune, but you made it through! Some execution needs to be cleaner. Focus on developing more crispness in your grace notes. This will improve all your embellishment movements. Also; work at eliminating crossing noises when changing from top to bottom hand notes or vice versa. There are lots of exercises that can help you with both of these issues. These should become an essential part of your practice sessions. Nice chanter sound; well balanced and good projection. Drones were drifting a bit as your tune progressed. This was likely due to some loss of focus as you struggled to stay on the tune. Some good stuff. Keep at it!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Michael Jones           Tunes: The Bride's Jig      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Michael; Nicely played! Your execution overall is very clean with crisp movements. A couple F doublings were a bit crushed, but otherwise very clean. Expression-wise, your tune is lacking a little life. Partly due to tempo, but mostly due to your phrasing. Round jigs are very common these days mainly because it makes it easier to play in unison in bands. Try putting a very slight emphasis on the first 1/8th note of your triplet movements. Not a full on dot/cut like you would do in a march, but just a subtle pulsing. I think you’ll find it makes the tune much more interesting and musical. Your bagpipe was steady, but not quite in tune. Drones were out from the beginning. Chanter was fairly well balanced other than a flat F. Try spending a bit more time getting the drones locked in. If you struggle with tuning there are a number of excellent tuning apps available these days. Nice job!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Michael McNeil           Tunes: The Curlew      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Michael; Great sounding bagpipe! Drones were locked in and a nice, bright, well-balanced chanter. Some execution issues you’ll need to work on. Grace notes need a bit more crispness, which will then improve all your other embellishments. Quite a few crossing noises throughout the tune also. Find some good exercises and drill on them over and over to clear these up. Tempo was steady, but phrasing of tune is a bit erratic. Focus on consistency within your triplet movements. For example; in a GDE triplet, each of the three 1/8thnotes should get the same amount of time if you’re playing the tune round. You’re often not giving the first two 1/8th notes enough time; almost making them 1/16ths. Exercises and a metronome are your best tools for working through these issues. Keep at it!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Michael St. James           Tunes: Rakes of Kildare      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Michael; Some very lively jig playing! Good drive and control in first two parts. Beginning to rush a bit in 3rdand 4th parts. Triplet phrasing is becoming more crunched by 3rd part which is causing a “pushed” feel to your phrasing. Try to stay relaxed and focused through to the end of tune. Execution is generally clean. I’ve always heard this tune played with a birl at the end. In some cases, altering the original music is perfectly acceptable; however, in this case playing the birl as originally written is probably preferable. Nice bagpipe sound. Drones well-set and steady. Chanter also well-set. Overall, a nicely played tune!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Natasha Marshall           Tunes: The Old Wife of the Mill Dust      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Natasha; Well done! Some good stuff, but you have a few execution and timing issues that you can work on. Be aware of crossing noises whenever transitioning between top and bottom hand (or vice versa). Fingers must leave and arrive the chanter in unison or you can end up with an extra sound between notes. You need to tidy up your high G doubling technique when coming from bottom hand notes. It appears (and sounds) like you’re beginning your high G doubling from low A with a G grace note on low A instead of F. For example; bar 4 of 2nd part. Your tempo is appropriate for this grade and you held it consistently throughout the tune. Some of your GDE triplets are rushed. Try to keep those consistent. Pipes were not in tune. Drones out from start and chanter not completely balanced. If you’re struggling with tuning, there are some really could tuning apps available that can help. As you move up the grades, tuning and tone of your instrument becomes much more important so it’s definitely worth spending time learning and practicing setting up your bagpipe. There’s a lot that goes into it!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) A
Competitor: Reilly Green           Tunes: Honey In The Bag      Judge: Keith Paton      Judge's Comments: Hi Reilly; Good playing! Your fingering technique is very crisp. A few missed taps here and there. This is not a terribly technically demanding tune, so to generate some drive and energy, you really need a bit more tempo. It has more of a march feel to it at the tempo you’re playing. Good drones! Well tuned and steady throughout; however, they’re not set to chanter. Changer pitch was sharp relative to drones. Some good stuff, but you just need to bring a bit more energy to this tune!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Gregor Grierson      Place: 1      Tunes: Donald MacLean      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe! Superb control right fromt the start, of a rather tricky tune... Bar two of part three almost pushing ahead but not quite - a wee bit more pulse on the first D before the awkward gracenoting on the two Cs should take care of that. Not even rushing, just not quite as perfectly locked in as the rest!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Donald Morris      Place: 2      Tunes: Donald Cameron's Powderhorn      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe, well blown. Lively tempo, almost verging on accelerating, but not quite! I suspect you'll be able to create a more relaxed feel all through if you softened the cuts of the tachums to be a bit more gentle. Not a great deal, just a bit more subtlety. Drones moved a tiny bit. Great hands, great pipe - this was impressive!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Reece Doherty      Place: 3      Tunes: Donella Beaton      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe. Well blown. Lots of control shown here. Minor acceleration in part three, but quite minor. Strong and clear technique. Drones everso slightly out at the end. Very solid - I enjoyed this!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Hannah Focken      Place: 4      Tunes: The Judges' Dilemma      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, well blown. Solid tempo, well maintained. Be careful not to put your final birls ahead of the beat. Hinted at rushing a bit in part three but you held it back! One minor miss in part four but nothing major. Very well played and lots of fun to listen to!!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Colin Forrest      Place: 5      Tunes: Old Wife of the Mill Dust      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe! Sophisticated pulsing to this jig - impressive! A couple of dropped gracenotes, but nothing serious. Relaxed tempo maintained well all through. I'm so impressed with the pusled feel. Wow - lots of maturity there. One doubling dropped and a GDE as well, but I sure enjoyed this!!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Gillian Brownlee      Place: 6      Tunes: Inspector Donald Campbell of Ness      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good chanter, well balanced. Drones close, but not quite locked. Great technique! Not an easy tune at all, but one of the best. Dares and edres well handled - be careful not to be slightly early to the dare in part four. Solid tempo. A bit of room to improve on even bag pressure - drones going up and down in pitch a little - makes me wonder if they are taking too much air and being a little unforgiving? Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Bill Wei           Tunes: Duncan the Gauger      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and blown (except for the odd little dip in pressure on long low As at the end of a part). Good tempo that held well, though there were isolated incidents of minor pushing in a triple here and there, but not really in a consistent spot. Some very tiny iunclear moments in hand to hand work in the first part and another in the final part, but not enough to make a big difference - still room to tidy those up though! This is very good - main area to improve this tune would be to make sure every beat right down to the triplet subdivision is comfortably locked in place with no isolated beats getting a bit antsy! Well done.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Chris Spreen           Tunes: Finlay Murchie's Birthday      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, well set. Solid tempo. A few GDEs getting a bit pushed, esp part three, but well controlled for the most part. Greacenote quality a bit on the chunky side, esp at the beginning. I thought your gracenote quality was better by the fouirth part. Keep the fingers snapping down (without squeezing too hard) to the chanter, not spending time in the air. You'll get better clarity. Birls a little early at the end of parts. Overall a good performance!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Chris Tabram           Tunes: Glasgow City Police      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe farily good, but sharp on the top hand - I'd suggest a wrap of hemp to lift the reed a bit and get better balance top to bottom. Lively tempo, well maintained, but just a few moments of pushing. These antsy beats started to be more frequent in parts three and four. Technically strong - control those good hands to articulate consistently timed triplets all through (ie no jumping into high A strikes or impatient GDEs) and this will be top notch!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Danielle Warren           Tunes: Old Wife At the Mill Dust      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe, well set and blown. Low A just slightly sharp by the final note. Comfortable tempo, lots of swing. Watch for minor open Cs on your BCD runs in part two - definitely some inconsistencies in this run. Technically very clear, though there were just a few tiny spots where you weren't crystal clear leaving low G - pinkie up everso slightly before the gracenote or following note. Minor, but worth taking care of. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Eric Sparklin           Tunes: The Curlew      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, well blown. Minor sharpness on top hand notes. Drones close. Good tempo and good swing to start. Look out for extra low As before D throws. Some little technical misses in part one. You're accelerating a bit in part three by not quite holding the dotted quarter note Ds long enough. Probably anticipating the tricky stuff following, which you're executing fairly well! Make the most out of long notes - lots of music lies in these big notes, and gives you time and space to prepare for intricate parts! Well done.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: George Panagiotou           Tunes: Patty O’Rafferty      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, well blown. Solid tempo, well maintained. Technically strong start. Watch clarity of birls in part two (that's me getting really picky!). Key is in the wee low A just ahead of the movement. Lots of control all the way through. I suspect you could let it go a little bit and get a bit more liveliness to it - have fun!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Gillies Robertson           Tunes: Skyeman's jig      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Chanter fairly well balanced (high A rather flat), but drones not quite locked in together. Good tempo, strong hands! I think the main area to improve here is in consistency in your triplet feel. At times you are gently pulsing the first eiigth note, at times, strongly pointing it (which means having to cut the middle one quite tightly), and at times the triple is quite even. I prefer the gently pulsing all through, but the main thing is a uniform approach to the triplet subdivision. You're getting an E in your high G doublings in the ending phrase - (bar 7 beat 2). Unless of course your setting has a cut E to high G on that beat! Final bar of each bar a bit pushed. Overall a fun tune to listen to and well executed!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Gregory Joseph           Tunes: The Barley Mow      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and well blown. Lively tempo, held in check well except for a few beats here and there. A little bit of pulse on the downbeats might help mitigate those moments of pushing ahead - esp on beats like ECA before the birl in the final bar of each part. Since grips take up so much time, I don't think you can give the C a full quarter note's worth of time, or you will have to cut the the F eighth note a little, which can also contribute to a bit of a hurried feel. A light pulse on the C and maybe think of the grip of taking almost the same amount of time as a middle eighth note of a triplet and you might get a more natural flow through that bar (bar 7). Well done.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Lauree Palmer           Tunes: PM Joe Wilson      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, though chanter a bit sharp, esp on top hand. A wrap of hemp to lift it a bit would balance the top to bottom hands a bit better. Drones close to each other but flat to chanter. Relaxed and consistent tempo. A few little technical "moments", but fairly solid. A few beats here and there don't quite have the same openness to the triplet - ie sometimes the middle note is hurried - resulting in a slight surge in tempo for a beat, or disruption to flow. It is minor, but that's probably the main area to inspect for inprovement!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Liam Nicolson           Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Mosspark      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Good pipe, though drones not quite locked. Maybe a bit sharp on top hand - could use a wrap of hemp perhaps to get better balance of top and bottom hand notes. Took you quite a while to get to full tempo, but it was very smoothly done! Technically strong all through. Take care on consistency of timing on final birl of each part. A comfortable and relaxed pulse through this with just the odd beat here and there compressing a bit causing a minor jump in tempo. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Mary Crum Scholtens           Tunes: Glasgow City Police      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Chanter well set, drones quite flat to chanter though. A bit quick, but good triplet rhythm to start. You're playing GDG gracenotes in place of GDE gracenotes which are standard for jig subdivision. Speeding up by part three, but holding on! Definitely quicker by part four as well. An exciting performance - I think the next step would be to pull back the tempo a little bit and see if you can keep your triplets all the same all through without any getting a bit compressed, resulting in acceleration. Well done.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Murray Harper           Tunes: The Pipers Bonnet by Colin MacLellan      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Chanter fairly well set, though high A sharpish (be careful not to give it extra pressure). Drones set flat to chanter. Consistent pointing to your subdivision. Make sure you have a small low A in front of your birls from upper hand notes to keep them consistent. Steady tempo all through. Well done.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts) B
Competitor: Steve Coontz           Tunes: The Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II      Judge: James MacHattie      Judge's Comments: Chanter balance fairly good, but a sharp F and a bit unstable on high G. Appropriate tempo, lots of control shown here - actully slowing down a bit in part four. D throws a bit inconsistent - be sure to touch low G before any other hand movement. Excellent choice of tunes! Well done.
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gregor Grierson      Place: 1      Tunes: Redondo Beach      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Gregor - very nice performance! And well turned out as well! Pipes - very well set. Drones and chanter both well tuned and balanced. Part 1 - Controlled tempo and clean, clear fingerwork. Part 2 - Very well played. Part 3 - A slight moment of underblowing from the ending phrase into the repeat of this part. Part 4 - Good control, with clean embellishments that add to the music. A very nice tune, Gregor. Not much to say here, very well controlled and played. Great job!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Liam Forrest      Place: 2      Tunes: Sandy's New Chanter      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Liam, great job! Pipes are well tuned and locked in well with the chanter. Part 1 - Nice flow and playing here. Good control while keeping the idiom. Be careful not to rush the G Gracenote Strike on D in Bar 8. That G gracenote needs to land exactly on beat 2, and you're just a hair before. Also be sure to blow through that last D, a tiny sag the first time through. Part 2 - One tiny catch the second time through on Bar 2's High G Doubling. Otherwise very nice. Part 3 - Again just some tiny catches/crossing noises. A slightly rushed strike in Bar 8 again, but just a hair. Part 4 - One sticky birl the second time through. Overall a very well polished performance, Liam. You're clearly working hard and being well taught. Keep doing what you're doing and have fun! I look forward to hearing you again!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Colin Forrest      Place: 3      Tunes: Rathven Market      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Colin, very nice playing! Pipes very solid with both drones and chanter well tuned. Part 1 - Good flow and tempo on this tune. Just a few instances of light or just not quite perfect technique; one missed/light C Strike and a sticky bubbly note the first time through. Second time was very well done. Part 2 - a tight B Doubling and one tight D strike. Much better job on the bubbly notes in this part, and nice flow and control. Part 3 - Well played. Only one slightly sticky grip. Part 4 - Be careful not to underblow that first long High A! Some light technique; a strike and g gracenote missed are all to mention here. Pipes very well tuned at the end as well A very polished performance, Colin! Work on getting all of the technique just right every time you play and that will help make this even better. Great job!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hannah Focken      Place: 4      Tunes: The Henningham Reunion      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Hannah, thanks for participating! Pipes are well set and have good projection. Part 1 - Very good sense of the hornpipe idiom with good flow. Part 2 - One tight shake (or pele, if you call it that) and some slight overblowing on High A Part 3 - A tad rushed into the pickup notes to this part. Don't be afraid to show the phrase/part ends of the 2nd part before coming to the third. Like in the 2nd part, some overblowing on top hand notes. Part 4 - A very cool part of this tune, just a 'danger zone' for slowing down ever so slightly. You kept the flow up well, but maybe lost one or two BPM here. As you came to the end of the tune you had another tight shake. A very well polished performance of a great tune, Hannah. Focus on maintaining a stable pressure inside the bag to avoid those instances of under or over powering the chanter. You're clearly well taught and working hard. Keep it up!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bill Wei      Place: 5      Tunes: The Ship in the Bottle      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Bill - thanks for submitting! Drones are well set together, but a bit flat to the chanter. Chanter has good projection and clarity, though the High G may be a bit sharp. High G is a note very suceptible to changes in blowing, and sometimes you gave it a little too much pressure, making it just that bit sharper. Good tempo and swing. Part 1 - Good start to the tune, though be sure not to have your 32nd notes disappear on the Dot/Cut from B to D in the first bar. The 32nd notes should be short, but make sure they're coming out every time. Part 2 - Slightly rushed into the pickup notes here. Showing your phrase/part ends a little more will help polish your entry to each part. Missed an E strike the second time through. Part 3 - The pickup notes to this part are particularly difficult (HA, F, E Doubling) and weren't as solid as other dot/cut ratios, so you took a beat to get back into the swing you had before. Try to work on the first three notes to get more comfortable. Also be sure to watch for overblowing - a few notes weren't spot on. Part 4 - Well played. Just a missed G gracenote the first time through on D (Bar 3). Some overblowing here which made the High G a bit sharper. Overall a strong performance! Try to work on maintaining the dot/cut ratio throughout all 4 parts to keep the idiom flowing. It's hard to soften some of those short notes, but just that little bit can really polish a performance. Nice job!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Margaret Hill      Place: 6      Tunes: The Pipers Controversy      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Margaret, thanks for entering! Pipes are well set with a ringing top hand. Good job! Part 1 - Good tempo choice and clear understanding of the strathspey idiom. Some bottom hand stickiness in the second phrase on Low G, just something to look out for. Part 2 - Very well played, just a little underblown on the high hand. Part 3 - You're a hair early on the first Low G of this part, rushing off of the end of the second. That first gracenote should fall exactly on the downbeat, and you're just a tiny bit ahead both times through this part. Part 4 - Justl ike in the 3rd part, you're just slightly ahead on the start of this part. Make sure that you're ending the part with a full quarter note before starting the next part (or repeat). Otherwise very nice! Overall a strong performance, Margaret. You're clearly working hard and you're playing very well. Just a few little things to work on to help you take this to the next level. Keep it up!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bobby Johnston           Tunes: Pumpkin's Fancy      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Bobby! Fun tune choice, and thanks for getting in uniform! Pipes sounded pretty solid throughout, though the Low A seemed flatter than the rest of the chanter, and flat to the drones. Part 1- Good tempo and swing. A few missed hornpipe shakes though Part 2 - Very nice High A! Great timbre and good blowing here. Like in the first part, you had a few missed shakes (usually the E Gracenote) so they were coming out like strikes. A little bit of unsteady blowing the second time through. Part 3 - Very nice birls here. A small crossing noise in Bar 4 the first time through from C to Low A. Part 4 - Like in the first two parts, some missed technique in the shakes. A very nice part otherwise! A nice job, Bobby. Work on getting all of the embellishments just right and you'll have a polished performance. Thanks for playing!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Camille Layt           Tunes: Crossing the Minch      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Camille, thanks for participating! Drones weren't quite in tune with themselves or the chanter. Don't worry about taking some time to really lock them in with the chanter. Your chanter was very well set, good job! Part 1 - A bit on the lower side of tempo, but good choice for a tune with so many shakes. You had a fair few missed shakes, so work on getting the G Gracenote, E Gracenote and Low G Strike all in there every single time. This tune is full of them, so getting them more consistent will really help. Part 2 - Some missed technique as above, but a very well played second phrase. It's a tricky one, but nice job on the D Doublings. Part 3 - As above, some missed technique and some mini crossing noises. Very good job keeping the flow going! Part 4 - Nice birls! That's the rhythm you should be aiming to achieve on your hornpipe shakes, it really adds to the tune. A wee stumble in this part, but overall a good finish. Thanks for playing this classic tune, Camille! Work on acheiving technical accuracy on all of those pesky hornpipe shakes, and take some time to really get those drones locked in with your chanter. Addressing these two items will really help you get to that next level. Good luck!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Spreen           Tunes: Tam Bain's Lum      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Chris, thanks for entering! Drones were well tuned at the start, and the chanter was pretty well balanced, though F was a tad sharp. Part 1 - Good tempo and expression of the hornpipe idiom. Some of your gracenotes tend to be a little large and lose their percussive aspects. Try to be sure that all of your gracenotes and embellishments are the same size to keep the articualtion going. Part 2 - Well played. Phrase 2 watch out for some overly large D Gracenotes to C, sometimes this can start to affect the melody. Part 3 - Nice technique overall, but a couple of tight and early shakes. Be sure to make every single shake start right on the beat (or upbeat) with proper G Gracenote placement. Part 4 - A near note mistake with the big G Gracenote on the first pickup notes marred the start, but very nice shake playing in this part. Be sure to maintain the dot/cut ratio through the last bar of the tune, you rounded out the last HA, HG, F, E and D throw. Overall a strong performance, Chris! Just a few things to work on to really polish this tune up. Good work!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Tabram           Tunes: Straloch Turkeys      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Chris - great tune choice! Striking in your pipes wasn't as polished as it could be. Try to take some time to get more air in the bag before striking in and you'll have the more solid strike in. Part 1 - Very good birls! You're playing this tune in both a dot/cut and a round style, depending on the bar. Choosing one style would help you more with this tune. Most people tend to play it dead even (round) like a lot of pipe band medleys. Part 2 - A couple missed notes and gracenotes in this section (look at the last beat of Bar 2 for that High G). Work on getting each and every note and gracenote to solidify the flow and rhythm of the tune. A fumble there at the last line Part 3 - This is a tricky section with the long tied notes, and you're tending to play them just a bit too long, a common hiccup. Again, very nice birls! A couple chokes and misses here. Part 4 - Good flow and rhythm here! Be sure to keep the gracenotes and notes accurate here. Overall a nice tune choice, Chris. Work on slowing down this tune to be sure you've got every single note and gracenote in the right order and you'll be flowing through in no time!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Conall Gibson           Tunes: Rathven Market      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Connall - thanks for entering! Pipes are close but not quite locked in tune, though the chanter is fairly well set. Part 1 - Good tempo choice and nice playing. Your grips are a highlight here, very well played! The Bubbly note at the end of the part isn't as comfortable or flowy as it could be . Part 2 - A bit of overblowing on the top hand notes, but very nice technique, particularly the strikes. Part 3 - One tight/messy C doubling, but otherwise well played! Part 4- Starting to lose some composure here with some technical misses and a bit of underblowing and a choke. Be sure to blow all the way through the end of the performance to give it that polish at the finish. Overall a nice performance, Connall! Just a few bits to work on to take this tune to the next level. You're definitely well taught and working hard, so keep it up!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Danielle Warren           Tunes: Duncan Johnstone      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Danielle! Thanks for playing. When you first got the pipes up I literally said "wow!" Very nice, powerful and locked in drones. Through the performance you had a few moments of underblowing, but the pipes sounded great. Part 1 - Good tempo. You tend to be a bit ahead and aggressive when you have Dot-Cut movements, like in the second phrase. Try to relax on those, and put the 32nd notes right now the down/up beats. Good technique! Part 2 - Very nice strikes, clear and concise. Rushed into the D Doublings into Phrase 2, aim to get the G Gracenote right on the downbeat of Bars 3 and 7. Keeping a good tempo! Part 3 - E doublings weren't a solid as the others in the first 2 parts. The second time through the gracenotes on Low G weren't clear as they could be, work on separating each of those to get clarity. Part 4 - Beautiful high A! Well played. Focus on keeping the tempo up on the High A strikes, you slowed down just a tad. Crossing noises in the last line. Thanks for submitting. You've got a great pipe and are controlling it well. Lots of positive points in your playing, just a few spots with overcutting the short notes and rushing into some doublings.Work on those pieces and you'll have an even more solid hornpipe!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Donald Morris           Tunes: Duncan Johnston      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Donald, thanks for your submission. Pipes are well set with a clear and bright chanter. Your pitch is a bit lower than the average, but is very pleasant. Part 1 - Good tempo and flow, with solid control and clean technique. Sped up on the repeat, try to keep the same tempo throughout. Part 2 - Well played, but sped up from the second part some. Part 3 - One missed E strike but better composure here. Good hands and music coming through. A bit more aggressive than the tempo of the first time through the first part. Part 4 - Speeding up on the High A strikes here in the first phrase, and the tune is starting to pick up some more speed. You certainly have the hands to play faster, but try to maintain that tempo from the first part. Overall some very nice playing, Donald. You're clearly well taught and a diligent student of the pipes, so keep it up! Just work on holding yourself back with those strong hands. Consistency is key, so stick with a comfortable tempo and you'll have an even better performance.
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Edon Abbot           Tunes: Crossing The Minch      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Edon, thanks for entering this contest! Right from the get go your drones seemed pretty well set. Chanter has some nice tone, though a few notes are coming off a bit flat (D, E, F, and High G) from momentary underblowing. Try to keep that pressure up when you have that beautiful, ringing, Roddy MacLeod High A! Good swing and tempo here! Part 1 - Great start, you clearly know how to play a solid hornpipe. A few of the hornpipe shakes were tighter than others. Try to keep them the same rhythm throughout. Part 2 - Be careful not to start rounding out the dotted notes here, most commonly the F's. A couple tight doublings and a near-fumble in the second phrase first time through, but maintaining the idiom well. Part 3 - Like in the second part, try to keep the dot/cut ratio you had in the first part. We're rounding out a little. Part 4 - Great birls!! These were a big highlight. I reallly liked the variation the second time through. Very exciting and interesting. You've got a lot of potential, Edon! Work on maintaining the swing and mood that you created in the first part all the way through the rest of the tune. That little bit, plus addressing a few moments of underblowing will have you moving right through the grades. Thanks for playing!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sparklin           Tunes: The Man From Skye      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Eric - thanks for entering! A strong sounding chanter with nice clarity. The High G was sharp and drones weren't quite locked in for this tune. Take some more time to lock them in just right and it'll help. Hard to do when we're doing these recordings, but it'll pay dividends! Part 1 - A crossing noise on the pickup notes (B-D), but otherwise nice start. Be careful not to rush the Tachum in Bar 6, hold on to that B just a little bit more. Part 2 - The High G here was pretty sharp, and you tended to blow a little harder on High A, making that sharp as well. Very nice phrasing in this part! Part 3 - Slowed down just a tad here, and a couple missed gracenotes and tight doublings. Work on maintaining the clarity you had in the first two parts on your technique. Part 4 - One missed B Strike but a well played part here. Overall a good performance, Eric. Work on locking those drones in, and don't be afraid to put some more tape on that High G. You have great control of your tempo and kept it at a comfortable pace. Keep it up!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ewan Allen           Tunes: The High Level      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Ewan, nice tune choice! Drones are close, but not quite locked in with each other, and a bit flat to the chanter. F, High G and High A are pretty sharp compared to the rest of the chanter as well. Part 1 - Good tempo choice. This is a complicated tune, with a lot of tranisitons that create vulnerablities for crossing noises. You've done a good job here, just a couple small catches. Part 2 - A tad rushy when we get to the tachum bits, particularly in the first phrase. Maintaining good control of the tempo, though. Part 3 - Good job with the strikes and birls here! Part 4 - Some catches, particularly from Low A to F (a small E catch). Good job maintaining the idiom all the way through a difficult tune! Overall you're playing well, Ewan. Just work on getting that top hand a bit more in tune, and the drones perfectly locked together and you'll be right up there! Good job!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: George Panagiotou           Tunes: Train Journey North      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi George - thanks for participating! Drones are well tuned with themselves and the chanter. Part 1 - Nice tempo selection and flow. Very good rhythmic playing of the hornpipe shake. Be careful in the second phrase to not let the D Gracenotes overtake the short C's, a common error and something you can certainly fix with a little bit of focus. Part 2 - A little overblown on top hand notes, but otherwise good job. Part 3 - Expertly played hornpipe shakes! These provide a great opportunity to make embellishments add to a piece of music. Be sure not to let the notes after the shakes last too long. The time you take playing the shake itself should come from the time spent on that note. Sometimes you would play a shake and sit on the D or C too long afterwards. Feel free to let it flow just that little bit more after the shake and it'll be rocking along. Part 4 - Again, great hornpipe shakes, with just a little bit too much on the note after them. Some overblowing on the top hand like in Part 2, but otherwise nice control and flow. In all a very nicely polished performance, George. Just work on those few things and this tune will be at the next level. Great job!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gillian Brownlee           Tunes: The High Level      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Gillian, thanks for your submission! Pipes were relatively close, but they didn't seem to fully settle until the repeat of the first part. Taking a few seconds to let the pipes settle before starting the tune will help you settle your mind as well as your instrument. Part 1 - Good tempo. This is a tough tune, with a lot of "reverse cuts" as I call them, when we play short notes on the beat followed by long notes. In these situations we see a lot of overcutting, and I think you could stand to soften these cuts just a bit. Part 2 - High G came off a bit flat here, but otherwise well played. A missed gracenote on the first C on the repeat. Part 3 - A couple of tight doublings, but good playing! Part 4 - Very nice birls. A handful of light strikes, but the birls were a highlight of the tune. Overall this is a difficult tune and you're handling it very well, Gillian. Work on settling the pipes down and locking them right in tune before playing and that'll take you to the next level. Great work!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Grant Iaconis           Tunes: Lucy Cassidy      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Grant, great tune choice! Pipes - drones are locked in tune very well with Low A. As you went through the tune the High A was sharp overall, with a few instances of overblowing top hand notes. Part 1 - Good tempo, a bit on the low side but very consistent and clearly playing the idiom well. You're playing a High G doubling in Bar 3 that isn't in the music from George McIntyre, the composer. I typically wouldn't comment on a setting, but this doubling makes it much harder to play the second phrase in the same style as the first. Just a thought! Other than that, the C Birl isn't quite spot on yet. Focus on getting a solid G gracenote to Low A and then do the birl. This is one of the toughest movements in piping for many people, so good on you for playing this tune! Part 2 - Very well played. Same notes as above with the second phrase not being as consistent as the rest of the tune. Part 3 - Nice job with the birls from Low A! Once you get your C Birls like that you'll be rocking this tune. Part 4 - A small slip in Bar 4 the first time through where you ended up extending the line by half a beat. Otherwise played well. A good tune, Grant! Shame about the extra half-beat in the 4th part, but keep it up! I'd recommend reviewing the setting, just that doubling in the second phrase where most people play a thumb gracenote. That and some work on the C Birl will help you launch this tune to new heights. Good job!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gregory Joseph           Tunes: John MacKenzie's Fancy      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Gregory, thanks for participating! Drones and chanter are well tuned, but High A is a bit sharp. Part 1 - A good tempo, maybe a bit aggressive but nice flow. The bubbly note isn't as clear as it could be, though not incorrect. Part 2 - Some overblowing making High A and High G a bit sharper than they should be. Great technical playing. Part 3 - Slowing down slightly here and losing the aggressive tempo from the first two parts. Settling into a more relaxed and polished tempo. Some underblowing in the second time through. Part 4 - The edre movement isn't perfect every time. Your first one is a bit crushed but the rest of them were much better. Same in the repeat. You've proven that you can do them well, so focus on achieving that perfection every time. Overall a good submission, Gregory. Try to maintain the same tempo all the way through the tune, I'd say at the more relaxed tempo from Parts 3 & 4 with a bit more flow to it. Great job!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Guido Riedemann           Tunes: Londonderry Hornpipe      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Guido - thanks for participating! Drones are well tuned with each other and with the Low A. Nicely done! Part 1 - Nice relaxed and controlled tempo. Be careful not to forget your little finger while playing C! This makes the note flatter and sound out of tune with the rest of your chanter. Part 2 - Good flow and control of the idiom. Some instances of overblowing here, particularly on High G. Otherwise well played. Part 3 - As above, the "Open C" is making the note come out flatter than it would be if you played with the little finger down. Watch out for false fingering! Some tight technique on the taorulath movements to Low A and Low G, so try to make them add to the tune rather than be hurdles to get over. Part 4 - Losing a little bit of energy in this part, but largely well played. Overall a nice tune, Guido! This is an enjoyable piece of music that you are doing a good job on. Watch out for that pesky open C and this tune will be great!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jan-Erik Steel           Tunes: Captain Celtic and the Teamsters      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Jan-Erik, thanks for entering! Pipes sounded pretty well tuned at the beginning, but sounded spot on at the end. Good job! Part 1 - A bit on the lower side of tempo for hornpipes, but well played and steady. It sounds like your chanter is a bit too easy for you, and you're getting some squeals and chirps. A stiffer reed will help you avoid those unwanted noises. Good rhythmic and technical playing. Part 2 - A few instances of crossing noises or technical misses, but again strong musical playing. Some overblowing the chanter Part 3 - A few suspect note transitions where you might not be hitting the holes on the chanter just spot on. Keeping the flow and idiom going through this. Part 4 - You're almost doing some "cut-ups" to High A in this part, almost losing the round idiom you were playing the rest of the tune in. A small crossing noise from F to High A, but otherwise well played. Overall a very nice tune. Your birls are particularly well played, and you did a great job of keeping the tune round and at a steady tempo. A slightly faster tempo would help you achieve better flow, but only do so when the technical side is there! Good job .
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Gallagher           Tunes: The Ladies' Hornpipe      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Joseph, thanks for entering! Pipes weren't set 100% with the chanter, but your chanter is well set. Part 1 - Very nice birls! Some rhythmic questions in the second phrase - this tune has a some slightly different settings (one is called the Ladies' Hornpipe and the other is called Joe McGann's Fiddle), but it sounds like you're adding a half a beat to the second phrase. Part 2 - Check the music here as well for the right notes and gracenotes, a bit of a wander off the tune. Part 3 - Some stumbles and fumbles in this part with a few missing bars and note errors. Part 4 - Like above, take some time with the sheet music to ensure you've got the tune 100% down. You've got loads of potential Joseph! Clearly you're well taught, so work with your teacher to be sure you've got the right rhythms and notes in this tune. Your birls were a highlight, and very, very well played. Keep it up!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lauree Palmer           Tunes: Tam Bain’s Lum      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Lauree, thanks for entering! Pipes - drones are well set with each other, but are flat to the chanter. Chanter is close, but the top hand is sharp to the Low A. Part 1 - A good tempo selection for this tune. You're missing the short 32nd notes before the hornpipe shakes begin (LA, D, Shake, D) and instead playing (LA, Shake, D), so be sure to get that little not in there. Good flow through the first part, just some technical misses. Part 2 - Like in the first part, just some technique concerns. Be sure to get all of the notes and gracenotes in, and if you can't yet, there's no harm in slowing the tune down during your practice sessions. Part 3 - Bar 3 there is a D Gracenote from Low A to C, often we hear D gracenotes in those situations get to be larger than the C, and that's happening here. Try to focus on hearing that C before moving on to the next note. Part 4- A few crossing noises here and there, but great job keeping the same tempo throughout this tune. The music was flowing, Lauree. Just work on taming the high hand of the chanter, and getting all of those little notes before the shakes an and you'll be well on your way. Keep it up!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Liam Nicolson           Tunes: John MacKenzies Fancy      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Liam, thanks for playing, and nice tune choice! Drones were well tuned with each other, but came off just a bit flat to the chanter. Chanter was well tuned and set up. Very nice top hand! Part 1 - A bit slow and perhaps a bit too dotted for a flowy hornpipe, but great control and technique. Part 2 - A small crossing noise from E to High G and the shakes were a bit tight. Great job maintaining the tempo and idiom you started in the first part. A slight rush into the ending phrase the first time, but better the second time around. Part 3 - Be careful not to rush to the D Doubling in Bar 3 here, a common pitfall with a difficult bit of technique. Rushed both times, but otherwise well played. Part 4 - great technique! Watch out to not rush the tachum in Bar 3, but other than that a nice job. Overall a well played tune. I would tend to open it up a bit more in terms of the dot/cut ratio as this is very aggressively cut. You kept the idiom going and were very consistent with this. Pipes were well tuned, although drones set a bit flat to the chanter. Keep it up and you'll be moving through the grades in no time!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mary Crum Scholtens           Tunes: Crossing the Minch      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Mary, thanks for entering! Pipes - Drones are close with each other, but a bit flat to the chanter. Chanter is clear, with the top hand tending to be sharper than the bottom. Part 1 - Good tempo and showing of the hornpipe idiom. A nice balance of dot to cut, and good rhythmic embellishments. Your birls are a tad open for this tempo, but I appreciate the rhythmic playing! Part 2 - Lots of High G's in this part, which is pretty sharp for where we'd want it to be. Good job maintaining the balance and tempo that you established. Part 3 - Slowing down just a bit here as we're transitioning from bottom hand to top hand. The High G is still a bit distracting, but again, good musical playing Part 4 - Be careful not to rush off of the first F to the Low A before the birl. Starting to lose a bit of the idiomatic style of hornpipe playing. Good technique! Overall a nicely played tune, Mary. Work to get the pipes more locked in, and take some time to listen to your top hand. A little bit of tape on that High G will go a long way to pushing this tune to the next level.
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Dickie           Tunes: Raigmore      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Matthew, thanks for entering! Pipes well set. Some under and over blowing through the tune on High A, but not every time. Part 1 - Good tempo and flow from the start. Nice job with the technique, particularly the birls in the first and third phrases. Your birl in the ending phrase isn't as clear as the others, and that continues through the rest of the tune. Working on the ending phrase will help you wiht 25% of the tune, so focus on getting that final birl just right. Part 2 - Some suspect blowing on High A, but good job keeping tuhe tune driving. Part 3 - Slighly rushed into the pickup notes from Part 2. Don't be afraid to show the phrase end. One sticky birl, and a small loss of flow in the second phrase. Otherwise a very well played part. Part 4 - Slowing down just slightly on the High A strikes, and a stumble in Bar 4, followed by a choke. Good recovery and solid finish. A good tune, Matthew. Nice pipes and good control of the technique and idiom. Just work on getting the ending phrase to match the rhythmical expertise the rest of the tune has and you'll be well on your way!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthias Kuehn           Tunes: The Jolly Beggarman      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Matthias, thank you for entering! Pipes - Chanter is well set although not as stable as it could be. It tended to have move around with some suspect blowing more than a typical reed. Drones were set fairly well together, but flat overall to the chanter. Part 1 - Good tempo choice and flow. Some of your gracenotes are a bit larger than others, and the articulation is suffering from that. Try to make clear, concise gracenoting and that will help you maintain flow. Part 2 - Good blowing at the start here with some lovely extended High G's, usually not the most pleastant note. Good job! As you went along there were a few instances of overblowing. Part 3 - A few blowing concerns that led to a small choke in this part. Good job with keeping the tune going right along. Part 4 - Like above, some misplaced or not quite clear gracenoting is hurting the clarity of your playing, but good job making it all the way to the end! Overall you've shown a strong understanding of hornpipe playing, Matthias! Focus on making every gracenote that you play clear and concise. Pipers have to rely on these gracenotes for articulation, and the stronger your fingers are, the stronger your playing will be. Some work on that, plus focusing on keeping a steady pressure in the bag throughout the tune will certainly help you take your playing to the next level. Good job!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael St. James           Tunes: Angus MacKenzie of Dumbarton      Judge: Andrew Donlon      Judge's Comments: Hi Michael, thanks for playing! Drones seemed to be well set, though I'd recommend striking in the pipes so the listener can get the "full effect" of your pipes coming in. The High G on your chanter was pretty sharp, but otherwise was well set. Part 1 - Good tempo. Your D gracenotes are a bit larger than your E and G gracenotes, so bringing them down a bit would help clearly set the rhythm of this tune. A bit rushed into the repeat, give a little more time on the final Low A. Part 2 - The High G was a bit distracting here, but good job keeping the same tempo. Bar 2 with the High G, F, High G movement wasn't as rhythmically clear as it could have been been. Try to control that section a bit more. Part 3 - Like in the first part, just a tad rushed off of the final Low A in Part 2. Otherwise well played! Part 4 - A few missed High A and E strikes took away from the "rolling hornpipe" nature of this tune, but good job keeping drive through the end, particularly when it's difficult to do that when we have so many High A's in a row. Overall a musical performance, Michael. Take a little time to bring those gracenote sizes down as they'll help with rhythmic clarity, and keep up the good work!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Gregor Grierson      Place: 1      Tunes: Too Long in this Condition      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Excellent flow and feeling in the Ground. You are getting a great contrast between the aggressively cut bottom hand sections and the softer, more fluid top hand sections. Subtle build in tempo for the Ground Doubling; just right. Spot on dot-cut feel in the Siubhal variations, not overly cut. Smooth treatment to approaching cadences in the Siubhal. When transitioning from the Siubhal Doubling to the Crunluath Singling, I would try to ritard on your last two theme notes and keep the final connecting note quite short. Nice flow to your Crunluath variations. Great finish. Instrument: Phenomenal instrument. Perfectly tuned. Lovely High A. Stable and full. Slight instability at times, on F# in particular. Chanter drifted fractionally by the end. Technique: Great! Rhythmic and clear, not overly clipped. One missed taorluath in the Ground Doubling. Excellent technique in the Crunluath variation except for one important thing. You are playing E doublings instead of dares on F! In the Ground variations when you play the dare from High A, it is perfect. In the Crunluath, you have mixed up the gracenotes, playing a G gracenote before an F gracenote (E doubling) as opposed to an F gracenote followed by the G gracenote (dare). This shouldn't be a hard fix for you, but it's definitely something you want to sort before your next event. Summary: You're an excellent player, Gregor. You are displaying musical maturity and poise on an excellent bagpipe. This seems a very appropriate tune for these days of lockdown! Only minor points mentioned above, with the only serious concern to address is playing proper dares in your Crunluath variations, as opposed to E doublings up to F. Aside from that issue, this performance would be a prize winner in Grade 2 and could even be competitive in Grade 1. Keep it going!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Kim Greeley      Place: 2      Tunes: Too Long In This Condition      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Musical and consistent timing in the Ground. Abrupt entry to the Ground Doubling and a little inconsistent just in that first phrase. Consider picking up the pace on the second pulse, keeping the first pulse long. Your dog is enjoying the Ground Doubling as much as I am! I would try to cut up from the taorluaths more quickly, particularly when going to the bottom hand notes, B and C. This gives a nice contrast to the more relaxed rhythms in the top hand sections. Beautifully laid out siubhal variations, with smooth approaches to your cadences. The connecting note before the edre in your crunluath fosgailte is a bit large, particularly the very first one. Instrument: Well-tuned drones, locked in with the Low A. Flat top hand. The pressure is dipping slightly when you take a breath. The odd chirp when playing G gracenotes to C. Technique: Strong, crisp and rhythmic. One out-of-sync gracenote in line 2 of the Siubhal Doubling. Good crunluath variation technique. Only a couple missed edres. You should tighten up the connecting note before edres in places for consistency. Summary: This was a great overall performance, Kim. Only minor points mentioned above. Well done. (Btw, some practice location you've got there!!)
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Colin Forrest      Place: 3      Tunes: Fair Honey      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Excellent ground. Your treatment of Var 1 is lovely, with a subtle ritard into the phrase endings. However, there isn't much tempo contrast with the ground, so you might slow the Ground slightly while speeding up Var 1 slightly as well. Var 1 Doubling could increase in pace just a bit, otherwise excellent. Classy transition to the slower Taorluath Singling. Another mature musical treatment on display in the Taorluath Singling, with crisp snappy Low A connecting notes and smooth ritards into the cadences. Taorluath Doubling is good. You can think about moving through the 2nd and 3rd pulse in each 4 pulse phrase to help the phrasing and let the variation go just a bit more. Nice crunluath singling and a great lift of tempo and feeling of release into the doubling. However, it is a bit too fast as you are missing crunluaths and had to slow down for the Crunluath A Mach. You don't need to speed up the A Mach from the Doubling pace, but you don't want to slow down. Instrument: Great bagpipe that held the course throughout the tune! Well-tuned and stable. High A quite flat would be my only criticism. (A slightly flat high A is very nice, though.) Technique: Really strong technique! Great taorluaths, just work on D taorluath consistency. Keep them open. A few small misses in the Taorluath Doubling. Your crunluath technique is also strong. If you slow them down / open them up slightly it will make them more consistent. Sometimes there's a wee pause on the first Low G and you are missing the odd movement (D gracenote not lifting most often). Solid A-Mach movements! They are very clean overall. You are a little inconsistent with the timing of them if I'm to be picky. Sometimes you are pausing longer in the middle of the movement after the grip and other times are more even and fluid (which I preferred). Also, work to be consistent with the connecting E after the Low A crunluaths, sometimes it's quite long and other times shorter (my preference). Summary: Colin, this was a really excellent tune. Your bagpipe was first class. Technique would be the area where you could make the largest improvements. It is good, but by opening it up a bit you should get a lot more consistency and fewer sticky and missed embellishents. Focus on an even rhythm and total clarity of your D, E, F gracenotes in your taorluaths and crunluaths. You are putting so many nice musical touches into this tune. I love the way you are approaching and treating your cadences. Transitions between variations are generally very good. You could work to have more of a tempo build from the Ground through to Var 1 Doubling and you want to make sure that you don't slow down the A Mach variation. Mature playing throughout.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Danielle Warren      Place: 4      Tunes: Mackintosh’s Lament      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Musical and consistent portrayal of the ground at a lovely, relaxed pace. Sometimes you are jumping off the end of a measure sooner than others in places, such as the F in the line 2 & 4 only phrase. Beautiful Variation 1 with nuanced use of connecting notes. Effective ritard at line endings. Nice aggressive short notes in the Var. 1 Doubling/Dithis. Speeding up the theme notes a bit as you go. Phrasing by pausing subtly on the fourth pulse of each phrase is not only musical but pragmatic, keeping your tempo from speeding up with a wee check every phrase. You have the right idea, slowing down from the Dithis to the Taorluath Singling. However, I would slow down on the last couple of theme notes, keeping the connecting Low As short, as opposed to pausing for a long time on the final Low A connecting note. Good pace to the Taorluath singling, though you might consider easing up slightly on the third pulse before coming to a halt on the fourth pulse in each phrase, creating a subtle ritard. Swell the theme note, keeping the connecting Low A short. Effective tempo lift in the doubling but consider speeding up on the second pulse of the variation for a less abrupt transition, keeping the first pulse long. In the Taorluath Doubling, I would aim for a bit more phrasing, just the tiniest musical "breath" on the fourth theme note in each two-bar phrase and a touch more on the Low A theme note at the line endings. Nice, steady pace throughout. Same comment as above about slowing on the theme Low A rather than the connecting Low A when transitioning to the Crunluath Singling. Taorluath variation comments apply to the Crunluath variations as well. Good pace and rhythm overall until the last couple of lines where you started to speed up. Keep the poise right until the finish. Instrument: Excellent bagpipe to start, tuning of drones and chanter spot on. Very stable tone overall but some slight instability on D. Chanter sharpened as you went, with the high A particularly sharp, F# as well. Technique: Great technique overall. Strong, rhythmic dares in the Ground. Slight Low A crossing after your grip to E from lifting little finger before your E finger. Good taorluath technique, just don't let them tighten up. Consistent and rhythmic taorluaths from D, even if the B gracenote fingering on that chanter/reed combo is particularly sharp. A few tiny crossing noises from Low A to D in the Taorluath doubling because of closing the little finger too early. Great crunluath technique once you settled into the variation. Crunluaths getting a bit sloppy in the final two lines as you sped up the tempo a bit. Summary: Phenomenal pipe to start, but you may want to warm up longer before just so it's fully stabilized. Good musical understanding of this tune. I would recommend working on transitions and phrasing in the doublings, helping to make the second half of the tune as musical as the first half. Strong technique throughout that just faltered slightly at the very end. An excellent tune.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Ewan Allen      Place: 5      Tunes: Too Long in This Condition      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Good musical development of the Ground and Ground Doubling. You could try to cut the note after the taorluaths just a bit more, particularly up to B and C (and especially the final one in the doubling). I like that you are slowing down for your cadences in the Siubhal Singling. However, you don't want to draw out the approach too much, slowing down too much, too early. I like the pace of your Siubhal Doubling, just be careful not to overcut the short top hand notes. When transitioning to the Crunluath singling, you want to slow down, which you are. But, focus the ritard on the long notes and keep the connecting notes shorter. Otherwise, it sounds like it just rounds out. Sometimes you are rounding out the cadential approaches in the Crunluath Singling. Keep the 6/8 swing consistent, holding out the C in the ending phrase, even though you want to slow a bit before the cadences. Great timing of the cadences themselves, not rushing the E. Instrument: Drones locked in with your Low A to start. Very sharp F#, High A and B also sharp. Some pressure fluctuations throughout. I'd recommend longer exhales into the bag, with shorter inhales, minimizing both the time and frequency of when you are squeezing. Chanter sharpened up by the end of the ground, so you just need a bit more warm-up time before starting to ensure that your bagpipe has stabilized. Tuning is especially difficult without any in-person help for months due to lockdown - keep working at it! Technique: Clear and rhythmic technique. You can speed up your dares (and edres) a bit, so long as they remain clean and even. Excellent technique in the crunluath variations. Summary: You're a very good player, Ewan. Cracking technique throughout, excellent. That was the highlight for me. Refining your tuning and steadiness will be the primary area to focus on. If your bagpipe sounds good, Piobaireachd is much more enjoyable both to play and to listen to. A few musical points above, such as transitions and approaching cadences, but overall a musical tune with good pace and contrast between variations. Well done!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Gregory Wolfe      Place: 6      Tunes: The Earl of Seaforth's Salute      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Steady approach here in the Ground, but your B/ending phrase flows more than your A/opening phrase. Consider moving off the F's sooner in the second pulse of the A phrase. Var. 1 quite slow. Pick it up from the ground. Better in line 2. Slight rushing through the middle phrase in line 2. You could move Var. 2 along a bit more by pausing at the beginning and end of the phrase but moving through it a bit more. You are moving off the beginning (Low A) of the B phrase quite quickly. Nice transition to the Taorluath Singling. Good, smooth transitions to your cadences. You're getting a little uneven in the final phrase of the singling. Good transition to the Taorluath doubling, holding out the first pulse. Make sure you don't jump off the held Low A after all the taorluaths. Slow down on the last couple long pulses of the Taorluath Doubling to prepare for the slower Crunluath Singling. That way you don't have to slam on the brakes suddenly on the first note of the C.S. Excellent, smooth ritards into your cadences in the Crunluath Singling. Instrument: Great bagpipe with a resonant top hand. Drones locked. Excellent high A and High G. Super stable. Technique: Try to tighten up the first B of your "odro" or B-grip embellishments, making it the same size as the Low G's of the grip, not larger. Grip to B from Low A has a slight Low A crossing after. Very nice rodin at the ends of the line in the Ground. A couple of small crossings in Variation 1. Great taorluaths in the singling but a missed grip and some crossing noises. Work on opening up D taorluaths as you are losing consistency in the doubling. Solid crunluaths as well, but D crunluaths are tight with the B gracenote. Quite a few loose or missed crunluaths creeping in. Summary: Booming pipe start to finish, a real pleasure to listen to. Technique is the area where you could have the greatest improvement, working on grips, D taorluaths and crunluaths. Musically, it was a strong tune, the second half of the tune in particular, with excellent cadential ritards. Have a look at the transition between T.D an C.S. and consider trying to get a little more forward motion in the ground and first variation, with consistency of phrasing between the two phrases. A strong performance of a very difficult tune for this grade.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil           Tunes: A Flame of Wrath for Patrick      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Good pace to the Ground, very musical. One small comment: you are holding the E's of your B double echoes too long, creating six long pulses in that phrase/measure, rather than four long pulses like in every other phrase. Treat those E's as connecting/eighth notes rather than theme/quarter notes. Same in the variations. Smooth yet aggressive portrayal of Variation 1. You might consider not slowing down quite so much on the first hiharin E with the full slow down happening on the second hiharin E. I like your timing in Var. 1 Doubling, though you might shave a bit more time from your theme notes for a faster pace. One little memory slip at the start of the 3rd phrase in line 1, playing a B instead of an E. Classy ritard into the Crunluath Singling. Good timing throughout crunluath variations. Instrument: Great bagpipe with drones just spot on. Very stable. E is slightly sharp. Piobaireachd is so much more enjoyable to listen to (and to play) when the bagpipe is good. Thank you! Technique: Watch hiharins that your B finger doesn't slip. A couple crossings when playing the E-D-B-A motif. Sticky B gracenote grip in line 3 of the Ground. Crunluaths are tight and not coming through consistently. I can tell you have quick fingers and you are able to play some good crunluaths, but you want to slow the crunluath down to get control and consistency. You are missing about as many as you are making at this speed. Focus on getting clarity of your D (or B), E and F gracenotes and that the two Low Gs and two Low As are evenly paced, with no rhythmic pauses within the crunluath. Summary: Rock steady bagpipe from beginning to end. So nice to listen to. Improving your technique should be your primary focus in this tune. Work on hiharins, keeping your B finger from sliding about and opening up all of your crunluaths for consistent, steady, clear embellishments. Musically, this tune is really good, with effective energy and aggression that is controlled and never spastic. Watch the timing of those B double echoes. Great stuff.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Brett Montgomery           Tunes: The Little Spree      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Nice, musical flow to the Ground with elongated phrase endings. Nice lift for the Ground Doubling. Smooth transition to the Siubhal. Siubhal is a bit too fast and cut. Aim for a bit of phrasing in your Siubhal, Tripling, and Crunluath, by holding out the 4th pulse of every 4 pulse phrase throughout. Otherwise, nice and steady. Instrument: Drones set flat to chanter. You are backing off the pressure on long notes, probably to help bring them into tune with the drones. Just tune the drones down a bit sharper and lean into the chanter reed for more pitch/pressure stability. Tiny choke into the Ground Doubling. Some chirps on G gracenotes in the Siubhal. You can also steady your pressure by focusing on blowing longer and taking less frequent inhales, rather than short and shallow breaths and exhales ('huffing and puffing'). In the crunluath, you are spiking the pressure with your arm every time you play a crunluath. Technique: Your edres are really good. Try to make your "odro" or note-grip embellishments sound the same by opening up the Low G's in the grip to match the speed of the B or C prior. Good GDE technique. Crunluaths/edres are solid, just keep them open. Summary: Good technique throughout this tune, Brett. Pressure stability and tuning will be the most important things to improve. Musically a good tune overall, particularly in the first half. A bit more phrasing will help inject music in the second half and keep it from being a technical exercise. Solid effort.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Chris Tabram           Tunes: Too Long in this Condition      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Solid timing but a bit fast in the Ground. Leave yourself some room to bump up the tempo for the Ground Doubling. Hold out the end of every phrase. Sometimes you are running off the Low A after the C cadences in the Ground and in the Siuhal and Crunluath Singling as well. Instrument: Drones in tune with Low A to start, but chanter sharpening as you go. C# quite sharp. F#, High A also sharp. Chokes peppered throughout. Technique: I would try to speed up the E of the edre in the final phrase of each line in the Ground and Ground Doubling. Strong technique overall. Watch Low A to C crossing noises caused by closing your little finger too soon. Keep technique open in Crunluath variations. Fumbled dare in line 1 of the Crunluath Singling. Getting some gracenotes mixed up in the Crunluath Doubling, a shame. Summary: Good drone tuning, Chris. There are multiple good bagpipe tuner apps that you can get which would help dial in the chanter intonation. Chanter reed may be a bit hard or not free enough as you are getting a handful of chokes. Musically, you've got the right idea, but I would slow down and really hold out the phrase endings in the Ground, and Siubhal and Crunluath Singlings. Phrase endings in the Doublings are more subtle. There are a lot of recordings of this great tune, so I think checking in frequently with a recording will help make clear some of the musical nuances that aren't obvious from the sheet music. You've got strong hands, so just keep your technique open for consistency in the Crunluath Doubling in particular. Good effort.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Dr. Dave Carlson           Tunes: Corrienessan's Salute      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Nice delivery of the Ground. Some of your short notes are a bit clipped/over-cut. Just soften them a wee bit. Cut rhythmically, not surgically! Good general approach to Variation 1, though I would move through the phrases a bit faster and then ritard through the phrase endings (cadences, double echoes). Nice lift of tempo into Var 1 Doubling. Excellent variation and a good transition to the Taorluath Singling. In the Taorluath Singling, you are a little uneven, holding the note before the taorluath extra long in places. When the rhythm reverses before a cadence, really cut that Low A after the taorluath up to the next note (E or C). As mentioned above, singling variations are not typically a static tempo. We have a faster groove that ritards into the phrase ending (cadence, echo beat, etc.) Speed up the first part of the phrase a bit and then you can slow down your cadences as well. In the Doubling, we will have a steady groove throughout. Stumbled through the first phrase of line 3 in the Taorluath Singling. The Taorluath Doubling sped up too much, keep the contrast more subtle. When slowing down at the end, you only need to ritard the last couple long notes, not the entire final phrase. Try to keep the E after the Crunluath, the following Low A or G, and the next connecting note totally even, creating a 6/8 rhythm. The only exception to this is the grouping right before a cadence, where it slows down and pauses for a while on the connecting note before the cadence. Sometimes the E is clipped and the Low A is too long. It was better in the doubling, but still present in places. Instrument: Pipe in tune from the beginning, despite clipping microphone level. Nice chanter intonation Very stable pressure throughout. Technique: Good technique in the Ground, with rhythmic grips and rodins. When playing your rodins, make sure that the C finger doesn't lift, only the B finger. Watch crossing noises, such as C to F and within your B cadence in the last line of the Ground. Strong taorluaths in the titular variation, though watch they don't loosen up in the Doubling. Keep the emphasis on two rhythmic Low Gs seperated by very quick D and E gracenotes. Same concept with your Crunluaths. They are clean, but not as clear and rhythmic as they could be. Pull out the Low Gs and Low As and keep your D, E, and F gracenotes very quick. Summary: Great bagpipe from beginning to end. If you can't lower your microphone input level, just try to physically dampen or block it up a bit as it sounded overdriven throughout. Musically, work to even your timing out in the beginning of the singling variation phrases and then ritard into the cadence pauses. Perhaps singlings could be a bit faster and doublings a bit slower for a more subtle tempo contrast between the two. Good music overall. Your technique is very clean on the whole, but focusing on the points mentioned will make your technique more rhythmically precise and consistent. Nice playing!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Edon Abbot           Tunes: Lament for Mary MacLeod      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: I really enjoyed your pace and treatment of the Ground. My only comment would be that I think you could speed up the "odin" movement (the short C to Low A in lines 2 and 3), making the C a bit shorter. Good pace in Var 1 as well, but don't overcut the short notes. Cut but not "clipped". Rushed the ending of phrase/measure 3 in line 2. Otherwise, very musical phrasing, holding out the phrase/measure endings. You played a different note into the final cadence of Var. 1 from the setting you supplied (a B for a Low A). There is an alternate setting with a B there (though there are also typically other changes made if going that route, such as the omission of the cadence at the end of Line 2...) Regardless, just make the change in the music you supply for next time if it was intentional. Again, good pace throughout Var 1 Doubling. You are doing a good job of replicating the sheet music, however, in addition to score study, you should listen to a recording. You will be able to pick up nuances that are very difficult to show in the written music. Check back to a recording frequently as well. The main way to help smooth this variation out and let it flow more will be to "soften" or lengthen your shortest notes a bit. Watch that you don't put the thumb gracenote on the High G in line 3; the thumb gracenote should go on the F following the High G. Lovely transition to the Taorluath Singling. Excellent short Low As following your taorluaths. Taorluath Doubling tempo could increase slightly. Added a G gracenote on the last C of line 1 and left out the C theme note in measure 2 of line 2, a shame. You're playing a different setting at the end of line 2 in the Taorluath and Crunluath Doublings. Make sure to check the music you supply and send in the setting of it you intend to play. Wrong note in the final measure of the Crunluath Singling (played an E instead of the C). Good flow overall that could be smoothed by not clipping the short notes too much. Instrument: A good, rich sound but not locked in tune from the beginning. F# needs some tape to flatten it a bit. Steady pressure overall, but watch that you don't let it sag on Low A. Wee chokes in Taorluath Doubling, Crunluath Singling & Doubling. Technique: Strong technique overall. Very good edres. Some of your technique is a bit too quick/tight and you are losing the rhythm that you can get from these embellishments. When playing dares, make sure to get an E before the G gracenote within the movement as this isn't coming through consistently. In the final two-bar phrase of the Ground, be sure to play G gracenotes on the C and B theme notes. Clean and rhythmic taorluaths overall, just keep them open as you had the odd tight movement. Watch out for a sneaky crossing from Low A to C, caused by closing your little finger before you open your C finger. Crunluaths also strong overall but sometimes tight. Summary: An impressive performance of a long and difficult tune, Edon. Musically, you have a great understanding of the pace and flow through this tune but throughout I would try to relax the cut notes just a bit for a smoother presentation. Make sure to sort out the misplaced gracenotes and wrong notes as something like that is a simple fix but can hurt you in a contest. Good bagpipe overall and solid endurance in this long tune. Tuning is particularly difficult without in-person help during this time of distancing. Keep working to dial it in. Super strong technique. With fast fingers like yours, you want to focus on keeping all your technique open and not too quick. Great effort and I look forward to hearing you at some point in the future.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Hunter Nichols           Tunes: Macintosh’s Banner      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Musical treatment of the Ground, if a bit slow. Good, snappy connecting notes in Var. 1 with a smooth ritard at the line endings. Consistent delivery of Var 1 Doubling with a nice uptick of forward motion. Solid transition to Taorluath Singling as well but could slow down a bit more at the end of the Var 1 Doubling. More excellent phrasing, transitions, and crisp connecting notes in the Taorluath Variations. I would try to slow down on the last two theme notes (not connecting notes) of the Taorluath Doubling to prepare for the slower Crunluath singling. This will keep that transition from sounding abrupt. You don't want to cut the E after the crunluaths as much as the Low A after taorluaths. It is a lazier 6/8 swing feel rather than the dot-cut feel in a taorluath variation. The embellishment is larger, so is the adjoining connecting note. Great finish to this tune. Instrument: Bagpipe not locked in from the beginning. F# is quite sharp. Stable pressure control. Technique: Nice crisp grips from short B's in the Ground. Strong technique overall in the Taorluath variations. You are getting a handful of misses here and there. Consider trying to eliminate the superfluous right/bottom wrist twitching on every taorluath. I think it may be causing issues and will be likely to be a problem down the road. Aim to play only from your fingers, not your wrists or arms. I think this will make you're already strong technique even more consistent. Rhythmic and clear crunluaths. Excellent overall with just a couple of misses. Summary: This was a great tune and definitely of a good Grade 3 standard, Hunter. You have improved a ton from last time heard you. Keep it going! You've got a good stable pressure throughout, so just work to dial in the tuning. Once you get your drones locked, you can always use a bagpipe tuner app to help you get the chanter intonation closer (mainly just your F# in this case). Metronomes and tuners are some of the best training devices. You have strong, clear technique. I wonder if playing in front of a mirror may help you get rid of some needless wrist movement that may be affecting consistency. This was a musical tune with good tempo control throughout. You could work to smooth the transitions from V1D to TS and from TD to CS. You're probably ready to start working on a more difficult tune at this point. Well done.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Jean Gould           Tunes: Marquis of Argyll Salute      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Lovely flow throughout the Ground and Variation 1 Singling & Doubling. Musically, I'm really enjoying this tune, full of smooth tempo changes, flowing cadences, and forward motion throughout. Continuing the great music through the Taorluath and Crunluath variations. Instrument: Excellent bagpipe, well-set and steady. Technique: A couple flubbed hiharins in the Ground, otherwise a great start. In Variation 1 and onward, watch out for Low A to C crossings caused by closing the little finger too early. Hiharins better here. Rhythmic and consisntent taorluaths. The crunluaths are clean, but the Low A's aren't coming through like your Low G's. Work to speed up your E and F gracenotes to help bring out the Low A's more. This will give your crunluaths more rhythmic clarity. One flubbed crunluath in the final line. Summary: A very musical tune on a great pipe, Jean. Watch the technical concerns mentioned, in particular, the Low A to C transitions as almost every one had a Low G crossing. Crunluaths are clean but are a bit "top-heavy" and losing their rippling rhythm. Very well played!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Kathleen Madden           Tunes: McGregor's Salute      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Great pace and flow to start. You are breaking up the flow of the Low A spread "birls" by pausing on the Low A after the G gracenote instead of keeping those two Low As even. Nice tempo increase over the Ground and first three variations. I would slow down more for the Dithis/Var. 4 so you can build it up again when you get to the Dithis Doubling. When transitioning to the Taorluath Singling from the Dithis Doubling, slow down on the last couple theme/long notes rather than slowing down on the final note which is a short connecting note. Keep the tempo relaxed in the Taorluath and Crunluath. You can do this by trying to hold out the theme notes more. You can keep the energy level by shortening the length of the connecting notes, particularly the Low As after the taorluaths which were quite long. The melody notes which precede the embellishments get obscured if the repeated connecting note starts to dominate. Instrument: Drones good until Var. 1 when they started to drift (overblowing). Sharp top hand. Judging by your incredibly picturesque practice location (jealous!), it looks like you may be high altitude which can cause that sharp top hand. Technique: Watch crossing noises bottom to top hand in the Ground. Good embaris and edres in Var 1. When playing your chedari embellishment, be careful not to skip the E after the initial F of the movement. Sometimes you played a G gracenote from F to E, instead of F to E and then the G gracenote. Crossing noises creeping into Var. 3. Wee stumble in the Dithis Singling. Good taorluaths, just be sure to keep both Low G's even. Strong crunluaths, however, you are holding the E after them too long in relation to your theme notes. Summary: Good tune overall, Kathleen. Watch your timing of the birls in the Ground and Var. 1 & 2. Good tempo increase in the first half of the tune. Relax in the latter half by swelling theme notes and keeping connecting notes properly short. Solid pipe, just use a bagpipe tuner app to help dial in the chanter intonation. You've got really solid crunluaths! Work to eliminate crossings throughout the tune. Well done.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Lauree Palmer           Tunes: Field of Gold      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Nice timing in the Ground. However, I'd hold out the F longer at the line endings, treating the final E as a short connecting note. Good dot-cutting in Var 1. In the Taorluath variation, you are holding the note after the G gracenote longer than the note after the D gracenote, creating a swing rhythm instead of the rippling, even rhythm you want. Sit a bit longer on the theme notes. Since the GDEs are a bit large, you want to lengthen the theme notes as well. Instrument: Drones in tune with Low A. Sharp chanter intervals, such D and F#. Technique: Nice cadences and edres in the Ground. Wee GDE stumble in the Taorluath Variation. You are getting clean edres and crunluaths but the rhythm isn't coming through always as they are "top-heavy". In your crunluaths, try to bring out the Low Gs and Low As with short D, E and F gracenotes acting as seperating gracenotes for the Low Gs and Low As. Summary: Nice tune overall, Lauree. Musically, you know what you want to do here. Once you've tuned your drones by ear, a bagpipe tuner app can certainly help dial in the chanter intonation. Watch the timing of the GDEs and crunluaths, making sure you are getting the right rhythms from the respective movements as mentioned about. Solid effort!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Matthew Dickie           Tunes: Cabar Feidh Gu Brath      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Good musical start to the Ground. You are rushing the E cadence to C that starts the second phrase. Your cadences to Low A and to B are longer. Lean into the first and fourth long note in every phrase/measure and keep it moving through the second pulse. Otherwise, we get a 2/4 rather than 4/4 phrasing. You are sometimes pushing through the first pulse and pausing on the second, particularly in lines 2 & 3, running through the F a bit up to High A. Just a minor point that will help your phrasing. Smooth musical delivery of Variation 1 and Taorluath Singling. Good transition to Taorluath Doubling. One wee hesitation in the 1st line and a couple in line 3. Nice slower tempo for the Crunluath Singling. Good lift in the Crunluath Doubling. A wee memory slip in line 1. Instrument: Very nice pipe, drones locked. F# and B are a bit sharp. Very stable! A few chokes in the Taorluath Singling and Doubling, Crunluath Singling and Doubling. Technique: Solid grips and edres in the Ground. Taorluaths pretty good in Variation 1, just be careful not to enlarge the first of the two Low Gs as they should be even. Strong taorluaths in the Taorluath variations, just one miss in the singling and one in the doubling. Watch crossings going from Low A to C, caused by closing your little finger too early. Your crunluaths are very clean. You can improve the rhythmic clarity and steadiness by drawing out the Low As just as much as your Low Gs and trying to speed up the E and F gracenotes. Summary: Excellent drone sound, in particular, Matthew. Your pipe stayed in tune for the duration. You want to lean into the reed a bit more so that if you happen to back off the pressure at all the reed doesn't just choke out right away. Your technique is strong overall, but you could get more rhythm from your crunluaths by drawing out the lowest notes (G, G, A, A) a bit more and keeping the upper gracenotes (D, E, F) shorter. This was a musical tune throughout with good contrast between singlings and doublings. Keep it going!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Ron J. Graham           Tunes: Glengarry's Lament      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Musical and consistent Ground. I would try to cut the short Low A's more in the Dithis, provided it remains as technically clean as it currently is. You may want to slow it down a hair as well, which will make more contrast between theme and connecting note as well as more contrast with the Dithis Doubling, which should increase in pace. When transitioning to the slower Taorluath Singling, try to slow down on the last couple theme notes, keeping the connecting notes snappy. You mainly slowed on the last connecting note, making it almost theme note size. Nice music in the Taorluath Singling. As you approach the cadences, primarily ritard on the theme note prior, keeping the connecting Low A snappy. Excellent Doubling variation. Same comment as above: when transitioning to the Crunluath Singling, slow down on the theme note before, keeping the Low A connecting note short. Instrument: Excellent pipe. Stable, well-tuned, resonant. Very enjoyable to listen to. A small choke in the crunluath singling and doubling. Chanter sharpened a tiny bit by the end. Technique: Strong technique overall. Watch that you don't get a little crossing before the D gracenote of your B cadences at the line endings of the Ground. Crossings on cadences in Taorluath and Crunluath singlings as well. Very good taorluath technique. One wee slip in the Doubling. Crisp, rippling crunluaths. Some loose and tight crunluaths just near the end. Summary: Great playing, Ron. Musical playing throughout. I would work to smooth out your transitions from Doublings to Singlings as noted. Beautiful bagpipe overall, shame about the couple chokes. Really crisp technique as well. Work to clean up your cadences. Well done.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Steve Coontz           Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan      Judge: Nick Hudson      Judge's Comments: Music: Good general pace to the Ground but you are holding some connecting notes as long or longer than theme notes, such as the B at the end of the first line of the Ground. Other B's as well. Listening to a recording will help to elucidate the timing more so than just reading the written score. Nice timing in the Taorluath Singling, just don't overcut/clip short notes into or exiting the cadence points at the end of each phrase. Wee memory slip in line 2 of the crunluath singling, too bad. I would slow down the group of three even notes that follows each crunluath, creating a steadier 6/8 pulse throughout. Instrument: Solid drone tuning but slightly flat to Low A. F# sharp. Stable pressure control. Slight chokes in the Taorluath and Crunluath Doublings. Technique: Shorten the initial B of the B grip or 'odro' movement in line 3 of the Ground. Solid taorluaths to start but some misses in the doubling variation. Good crunluaths for the most part. Summary: Nice stable bagpipe. Work on the timing in the Ground in particular as noted. I thought the timing in your variations was much improved from the Ground. Solid technique, just keep it open to avoid missed embellishments here and there. Well done.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Chris Spreen      Place: 1      Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll's Salute      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Ground played very well. Strong fingers evident. Bagpipe good. Cadences to C and B a little rushed, could give a bit more to the E. Var 1 very good, just same comments re cadences as above. Good transition to doubling. Taorluath well played – one very distorted C (audio/mic artifact perhaps). Doubling pretty good, could just flow a bit more. Crunluath Singling well played. Doubling good but C issue again. You are playing incorrect gracenote on second Low A theme note in bar 3 line 1, bar 3 line 3, and bar 3 line 4. It Should be a HG not an E. Overall a very strong tune played on a good bagpipe albeit a couple stray C’s.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Jan-Erik Steel      Place: 2      Tunes: Corrienessan's Salute      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Well-tuned bagpipe. Ground played well. Some cadence C’s cut short. Watch crossing noise to F. Could get a bit more music out of last phrase, line 3. Var 1 pretty good, just some minor flow interruptions pre cadences. Nice transition into doubling. Catches to F still there. Taorluath Singling good. Very good transition to doubling. Nice control in CS, big catch to C in cadence line 2. Some minor inconsistency in timing of breabach movement. CD could also flow better, timing not quite right. Overall an enjoyable tune played on a good bagpipe. Well done.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Liam Nicolson      Place: 3      Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Ground played quite well & you have a good understanding of the tune. D throw too heavy bar 4, need to play lighter version in piob. Intonation on F & D bit sharp, drones not 100% locked. Taorluath variation good but just a couple crushed – B to Low G, and F in particular could fatten out. Nice transition to doubling. Crunluaths very tight, need to open out movement. Bit quick off some of the ánd’ notes, bit softer here you will get better effect. Good uplift into doubling. Pulsing in breabach movement a touch square, bit more SMMS per phrase. Watch size of your D throws in ground, too heavy. Overall a pretty good effort, well done.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: George Panagiotou      Place: 4      Tunes: The Field of Gold      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Ground played very well, good understanding of the tune. Pipes not quite locked in and a bit of intonation on F – a bit flat. Var 1, strong fingering, however pulsing is just a bit square. Would like to hear more expression here. Taorluath var much the same. Slight mistiming D gracenote to B bar 1, line 2. Slight mistime gracing Crunluath bar 2. Fosgailte ok but a bit slow overall. Overall pretty good job, just lacking some expression and variation In your pulsing.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Gillian Brownlee      Place: 5      Tunes: The Company's Lament      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Pipes not quite locked from start. Ground played very well. Bar 1, Line 3 sounded like you played an F doubling? Var 1 good, consistent. Var 1 Doub a touch choppy. Pulsing a bit square here, could take some weight off the 2nd and 3rd pulses to give you better expression and flow. Var2 well played, good fingering. Taorluath played well however just a little thick on the LowA following the embellishment. Crunluaths good, all coming out albeit a bit tight. Could fatten this out a bit. A really enjoyable tune, thanks for the listen.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Anthony Kelly      Place: 6      Tunes: The MacFarlanes Gathering      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Lovely bagpipe. Ground beautifully played. Some minor bottom hand technical imperfections. Cadence to B cut a touch short end of each line. Cadences to C also bit short. Doubling of ground HG gracenote mis on LA line1. Line 2 Taorluath bit crushed bar 1. Nice gentle transition into Taorluath variation. Some little catches end of line 1. Doubling could come up a tad. Watch catch Taorluath LA to F. Crunluath Breabach timing spot on. Crunluath movement itself could just fatten out the bottom hand (need to hear second LG gracenote). Nice transition to doubling. Small error end of line 1. Went off in repeat of line 1. last phrase. What a real shame. Recovered. Loads of potential here. I really enjoyed your tune.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Adrienne Quane           Tunes: MacFarlane's Gathering      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Drones not quite locked in from start. Ground played nicely, just a catch LA to C. Choke line 1. Technical imperfections on Vedree and Edree last phrase line 3. Doubling good, again just catches LA to C. TS good. Line 2 just a bit quick off cadences, give the E more time. Not too much transition into doubling, should peg this up a touch. Wee choke start of Crunluath. Doubling good, could perhaps move on a bit. Good breabach rhythm. Good tune overall. Try to eliminate those bottom hand catches and you will be on to a winner. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Bill Wei           Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Bit quick off third pulse (Low A) – Both bar 1 and 3. Could be a bit more even in last bar, smooth out. Otherwise pretty good ground overall. Small catch up to HiA in Thumb Var. Catch to B cadence end of Line 2. As above in bar 1 I feel you are far too quick off the third pulse ending on the last way too early. The rest was good. Taorluath Singling very good, just watch those small catches on B cadence. Excellent transition into the doubling. Strong pulse end of line (B) maybe a bit overdone. Good you are recognising it, just don’t put the hand break on. Crunluath ok, pinky coming up a bit quick, difficult to hear the second LG gracenote in movement. Doubling nice and steady. Good effort in CAM well done. As a side note, just take a breath at the end of tune before diving back into ground. A really solid tune Bill on a good bagpipe. Well done
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Damian Bell           Tunes: The Munro's Salute      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: What a lovely venue to play in 😊 Enjoyed the positive start, if anything a bit quick. Watch accuracy in C cadence – not quite landing the D gracenote on the C. Crossing noises line 2. Just jumping off some vital theme notes in line 3, missing a bit of expression. Var 1. Error second note group. Bit too clipped, some bottom hand catches to C & D. Timing a bit off here. Errors last line. Var 2. Also, straight through and missing expression, Low G overblowing. Errors throughout Fosgialt variation.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Eric Sparklin           Tunes: To Long In This Condition      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: A bit hung up on first C mid bar. Some inconsistent timing in cadences, especially to C – too clipped. Some minor technical imperfections Taorluaths, Vedree and Edree movements could all be better executed. Doubling of ground nicely played however could move this on a touch. Var 1, good timing into cadence, maybe just get off the B earlier. Cadence to C again too short. Var 1 doubling needs to move along more, also pulsing is a bit square (all the same length). Untidy start into Crunluath Singling, also bit slow. Doubling played at same speed, needs to increase on CS and move along. Enjoyed the tune Eric, keep up the technique practice and work on your transitions between singling and doublings
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Gillies Robertson           Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Pipes not quite in from beginning unfortunately. Watch crossing noise in the hiharin movement. A little abrupt in third note group, bar 1, could soften to create better feel. Better second phrase. No HiA doubling bar 4. Perhaps could give B ‘’and note’ a bit more weight. End of line. Line 2, small catch to F. Missing low A gracenote in echo. Line 3 good.'S line 1 very good, just over did the E in last note group. Some imperfections with Taorluath movement line 2 repeat. Error last note line 3, went to E instead of F. Start of TD good. Not sure where the remainder of recording is?
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Jacob Schrader           Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll’s Salute      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Ground played very well. Intonation on E & F a bit sharp. Crossing noise C to F line 4, bar 1. Some small catches on bottom hand Var 1. Nice transition to doubling, again just some catches on the bottom hand. Take care with your B Taorluath to LG, need to fatten this out. Crunluath movement very tight, could open this out also. After B echo, getting a catch LG up to B. Crunluath doubling good just marred by bottom hand catches. A really enjoyable tune Jacob, just need to tidy up the technique.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Keith Alexandrovich           Tunes: Glengarry's March      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Drones very well-tuned. Intonation on D a bit sharp. Ground played well, just some inconsistencies with timing of cadences, and low A & B grips not all tidy. Few catches to B. Piob HG very nice. Thumb var good, again some bottom hand imperfections. Var 3 played well. I noticed a few Low A grips you appeared to play like a birl, or similar, maybe just mis finger in the last bar. I was intrigued so checked the Binneas book to be sure. Definitely written as grips. Taorluath variation well played, need to be accurate with D gracenote to B. Doubling watch catches to D. Crunluath Fosgiallte just need to shorten the middle note of the triplet. Overall, you made a pretty good job of this tune. Its not easy. Definitely one of the best sets of drones in the event 😊 Keep up the good work.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Matthew Nielsen           Tunes: The Little Spree      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Drones well-tuned, Intonation on E Sharp, F flat. Watch catch LA to D. Line 2, phrase 3, missed HG gracenote on E. Line 3 unfortunately you went into doubling bar 2. Doubling of ground ok but getting a little bogged down mid bar, need to move through the phrases rather than playing independent note groups. Watch timing of C grips – at times this is coming out as two separate movements rather than the one. Line 2 big catch C to E phrase 2. Var 1 some bottom hand catches. Error line 2, phrase 2. Taorluath var catches LA to D, and LA to C. Over blowing towards end of variation. Crunluath Fosgailte played a bit jerky. Try anchoring the first note of each triplet, cut the second semi quaver. Overall, not a bad performance, just some technical imperfections throughout. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Michael Jones           Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll's Salute      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Confident start into tune. Played well. Intonation on F – bit sharp. Some inconsistency with the timing of cadences to C. Line 2 was too clipped. Small catch to C line 3, and catch to C from cadence line 4. Var 1. Timing of cadences all too short, need more weight on the E. Var 1D good. Nice Taorluaths. Doubling could come up a tad. Need to mark end of variation. Shame about choke in Crunluath singling. Breabach timing not all consistent and loosing rhythm. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Noah Mittwer           Tunes: Catherine's Lament      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: A touch quick here Noah. Your putting in an extra HG gracenote on second D in bar 4 (first time) Watch catches D to E. Overall ground played well, just a bit quick. Var 1 nice pulsing here. Good transition into doubling, shame about the chokes. First Taorluath jumped off. Should be holding first and fourth as your strong pulses. Nice cadences. Some small catches to D. I suspect you are not playing all correct grace notes on theme notes – some coming out as a D gracenote in TD. CS good. CD shame about chokes. CAM needs better execution, few errors, tight fingers.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Reilly Green           Tunes: The Munro's Salute      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Pipes not locked in at start. Intonation issues on D & F in particular – quite sharp. Ground played quite positive and musical, just the cadences to C too short, need more on the E. Last phrase a bit too rushed. Var 1, small error repeat of phrase 1. Some pretty good playing in Var 2 just need to be consistent. Crunluath Fosgialte variation quite slow. Keep working hard to master the bagpipe tuning. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Rick Young           Tunes: The Lament for Mary MacLeod      Judge: Stuart Easton      Judge's Comments: Good start to tune musically. Some obvious chanter intonation issues. A bit inaccurate. Reed seems quite distorted especially on E and C. Drones not quite on Low A. Cadences to C & B need to be neater, some elongated D grace notes appearing. Var1 good swelling here. Last phrase each line a little thick on C. Var1 Doubling, I can’t say I’ve heard it played like this before. A little too cut on the quavers, loosing the nice swelling you did in singling. The two quavers in between the theme notes should be treated relatively equal with slightly more weight given to the quaver with the HG gracenote. Taorluath Singling well played. Doubling good, nice transition. Crunluath good apart from last cadence timing. CD some timing issues in breabach. A really nice tune overall Rick. Pipes not quite there from beginning.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hugo Mackay      Place: 1      Tunes: Morag Ramsay, Shepherd's Crook, Dr MacPhail's Reel      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones not 100%, chanter projecting well. Low G a bit flat. Good lift in march //Strath - nice into this. Technique a bit tight, good tempo and pulsing. //Reel - nicely into this. Good tempo and lift. Well done. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Stulpner      Place: 2      Tunes: Craig'N'Darroch, Maggie Cameron, The Little Cascade      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - nice into this. Resonant pipe. Chanter well balanced - drones could be a bit tighter. Good technique, and timing in here. //Strath - Nice into this. Good pusling, and tempo. Careful not to jump to the last beat in the bars too quickly. //Reel - into this nicely. Some parts of this are right on, in some other places you're over accenting/extending, and falling out of rythym/tempo. Good job of this. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Votta      Place: 3      Tunes: Kantara to El Arish, Blair Drummond, Alick C. MacGregor      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - very resonant pipe. Drones not 100%, chanter ok. Good pace, lift and swing to this march.// Strath - nicely into this. Good lift and pulsing. Good technique.// Reel - quick into reel, good swing. Otherwise overall very good. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Owen Sulistio      Place: 4      Tunes: Duncan MacColl, Cabar Feidh, The Sound of Sleat      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - nice pipe to start. F a bit bright. steady. Good technique. Careful not to jump off some notes too early, putting you slightly ahead of the beat. //Starth - nice start and tempo. Could use a bit more SWMW pulsing.//Reel: Good drive and lift to this. Good job. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron Bonar      Place: 5      Tunes: Miss Elspeth Campbell, Dora MacLeod and The Grey Bob      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones not quite 100% with chanter. Warm pipe sound. Good start to this march. Good pulse, swing, and strong technique. Dropping tempo slightly in 4th. F sharp, high G a bit flat. Good march. // Strath - nice into this. Good pace, lift, and technique. //Reel - nice into this. Good flow, pace and lift. Pipes slightly unsteady. Good job on this. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert      Place: 6      Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Susan McLeod, Sandy Cameron      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - nice pipe to start. Good tempo, technique and lift into this. High G and D slightly flat. Missed gracenote pt 3. Slight choke pt 4. Good march. //Starth - nicely into this. Good pace and lift. //Reel - nicely into this. Good pace, pulsing and lift. Well done, just some small concerns in the march, otherwise very well done. THanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Scott           Tunes: The Knightswood Ceilidh, Shepards Crook, Sheepwife      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones not settled together fully and sharp to the chanter. Good tempo, lift and technique here. SLight choke pt 4. //Strath: Good tempo into this, could use some more SWMW pulsing. Drones drifting last part. //Reel: Be careful not to jump the back beats to keep this bouncing along. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexandra Miller           Tunes: The 74th Farewell to Edinburgh, Kirstie MacCallman's Favorite, Fiona MacLeod      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - pipe good. f a touch flat. Tempo could come up a bit, strong pulsing, taking away form the flow at times. // Strath - nice into this. Nice pulsing, again careful not to overdo it, and keep it moving a bit more. // Reel - nice into this. Nice lift to reel.Nicely played. Thanks.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Zingg           Tunes: Hugh Alexander Low of Tiree, Arniston Castle, Dr. MacPhail's Reel      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - good start. Decent pipe, chanter not fully balanced. Good tempo and lift. //Strath - Nice into this. Good lift. Some tight technique, and falling out of tempo here and there. // Reel - nice into this, with good lift. Slight choke. Careful not to jump notes too quickly in spots. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brennan Foley           Tunes: Highland Wedding, Susan McLeod, Sound of Sleet      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - pipe bright, drones not quite 100%, F a bit sharp. Good pace and lift to march, with good technique. This could come down in tempo a touch to give it a bit more swing. Wrong note in 5th pt.//Strath - good pace and lift//Reel - good pace and lift. THanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Dunbar           Tunes: Kentara to El Arish , The Ewe with Crooked Horn, Willie Cummins Rant      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - decent pipe, f a bit sharp. Got into a good swing in the 2nd part. Good pace. Could use some stronger pulsing. // Strath - good lift, could use more SWMW pulsing. // Reel - good reel. Nice fingering. Thanks
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"Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Maclean           Tunes: Brigadier General Cheape of Tiroran, Tulloch Castle, Thompson's Dirk      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones nice. Chanter not 100% - high A sharp. some light technique. Steady tempo. // Strath - bottom hand technique coming across nicely. Reel // good lift. Thanks
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" "Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron Stewart           Tunes: John MacDonald Of Glencoe Stac Polly Roderick MacDonald      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - Nice drones. F-a touch sharp. Good pace and flow to march - tempo could come up a bit. Slight choke 3rd pt repeat.//Strath - Nice lift. Chanter coming up in pitch a bit more. Slight choke 3rd pt. //Reel - a bit unsteady on long D into reel. Reel - good pulsing - could use a bit more tempo. Thanks.
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" Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charles Elliott           Tunes: PM Willie Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones not quite together or locked with chanter. Chanter not balanced. Good pace and lift to march. Some light technique. //Starth - good lift and tempo here.//Reel - nicely into reel. Again, good tempo and lift. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Boyles           Tunes: Angus Campbell Farewell to Stirling, Dornie Ferry, MacKay from Skye      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones flat to chanter. Chanter sounds balanced, and projecting. Good tempo, could use some stronger pulsing. //Strath - nice into this, good tempo, watch B to low G tachums at part ends - jumping slightly at times. //Reel - could use a bit stronger pulsing. Good pace and fingering. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Johnson           Tunes: The Conundrum, Lady Campbell Of Longsdale, Lieutenant Colonel D.J.S. Murray      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones not together to start, chanter not balanced. Steady march.//Strath - good lift, steady. //Reel - steady with nice lift. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clara Aellen           Tunes: John MacColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage, Fiddler's Joy, Kalabakan      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones could be closer with chanter, F and high G sharp. Some light technique. Steady tempo.//Strath -nice lift, falling out of the tempo grid here and there. //Reel - technique a bit tight, but good lift here. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta           Tunes: Lady Lever Park / Maggie Cameron / The Sound of Sleat      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones very nice. Nice lift, some light technique coming across. Good pace.// Strath - could use some more SWMW pulsing.//Reel - Good tempo for reel. Careful not to jump the back beats - slight stumble. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Doug Hamilton (Douglas Knox)           Tunes: The Australian Ladies, Olivia's Fancy, Lord MacDonald      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - very nice drones. A bit sharp to chanter, chanter not balanced. March could come up a bit in tempo. Technique light in spots.// Strath - nice lift to strath. Could use some stronger pulsing. Reel - good tempo, some light technique. choke and a squeak. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dugald MacKechnie           Tunes: Jimmy Young, The Islay Ball, Thomson's Dirk      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones not on with chanter. Good technique. Tempo could come up a bit. //Strath - nice into this, nice playing. Tempo could come up a bit. Good technique in here. //Reel - into this nicely, good pulsing, and technique, could use a bit more tempo. Well done. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eala Niamh McElhinney           Tunes: Bonnie Anne, Highland Harry, Colonel MacLeod      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - big resonant pipe, not quite 100%. nice pace. Watch jumping ahead at run-downs. Could use a bit stronger pulsing.// Strath - good lift to strath. // Reel - nice lift to reel. Good technique. F sharp, high G flat. Well done. Thanks.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eddie Boland           Tunes: Mrs John MacColl, Arniston Castle, Alick Cameron Champion Piper.      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - good pipe, chanter prominent. Drones not quite 100%. Good pace and technique. Could use a bit more pulsing. //Strath - good tempo, could use more pulsing - SWMW. // Reel - nice swing in this. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James Rodgers           Tunes: MacPhearson's Lament, Maggie Cameron, Colonel MacLeod      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones flat to chanter, otherwise they sound together and warm. Some light technique, steady tempo. //Strath - steady, but down in tempo.//Reel - nice lift, some light technique. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John D Mitchell           Tunes: The Marchioness of Tullibardine, The Shepherd's Crook, Alick C. MacGregor      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones nice, chanter not quite 100%. Good lift and pace to march. //Strath - nicely into this, good lift. Some light technique. / Reel - nice into this. some light technique, but good lift. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Katherine Miller           Tunes: David Ross, The Bob of Fettercairn, The Smith of Chilliehassie      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - pipe good. f a touch flat. nice swing, strong pulsing. Good fingering, careful not to jump off D to E too quickly in ending phrases.// Strath - Overpulsing to start this, let it flow a bit more. Good finger work.// Reel - nice into this. good tempo, and lift. Good back beat playing. Thanks
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"Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kevin Berry           Tunes: Father John MacMillan of Barra Lady MacKenzie of Gareloc Major Manson      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - nice resonant pipe, drones very good. Good start to this. Good pulsing, could use a slight bump in tempo.// Strath - good lift, careful not to jump off the first beat of each phrase - SWMW pulsing.//Reel - nice into the reel. Good pace, be careful not to jump the back beat too early to give this some more swing. nice performance. Thanks
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" Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Marc Warnock           Tunes: The Conundrum, Maggie Cameron, The Sound of Sleat      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones not quite locked to start, F and high A a touch flat to start. Good 2/4 rythym to start. Falling out of the tempo grid a bit in the 4th part. //Strath - Nice strath playing. Nice reel as well. Good technique - nice harmonics to pipe, could be refined a bit more. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane           Tunes: 2/4 March-The Conundrum, Strathsbey-Monymusk, Reel-The Man From Glengarry      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones not quite with chanter. Good pulsing, tempo a bit down. choke. Steady tempo. // Strath - good tempo, some light technique, choke. //Reel - reel coulse use more tempo and lift. Thanks.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rory Bain           Tunes: Major David Manson at Clachantrushal, Susan Macleod, The Rejected Suitor      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - warm drone sound. could be a bit tighter. Nice chanter sound. Good tempo, some light technique and cross-overs. Careful not to jump ahead, esp the E and C to low A in last bar. //Strath: Same in here, be careful not to jump the beat. Could use more SWMW pulsing. Nice brils pt 3. //Reel - good tempo, and lift. Good work keeping weight off that foot! Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ted Hales           Tunes: Donald MacLeans Farewell to Oban, Mac An Irish, Sound of Sleat      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - warm drone sound, could be tuned a bit tighter. D slightly flat. Slightly down in tempo, and some light technique coming across. Strath - falling out of the rythym throughout/ insonsistent tempo, lost drone. Reel - into this ok. Down in tempo a bit. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Travis Combs           Tunes: The Balkan Hills, Maggie Cameron, Bessie MacIntyre.      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones not with chanter. pipe slightly unsteady. steady tempo. technique could be tighter. // strath - try giving this a bit more SWMW pulsing.//Reel - technique could be a bit tighter to give this a better flow. Thanks
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Trevor DeMass           Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay, Dora MacLeod, Alick Cameron, Champion Piper      Judge: Sean McKeown      Judge's Comments: March - drones not 100%, chanter projecting well. Could use a bit more tempo, technique good. //Strath - nice into this. Good pulsing. Some light technique in spots. //Reel - good swing to reel, could use a bit more tempo. Thanks.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert      Place: 1      Tunes: Jig of Slurs, Rory McLeod      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes beautifully set with a lovely sweet sounding chanter which was very well pitched. Both tunes played at a great lively driving tempo. Excellent phrasing throughout both tunes with good solid rhythmical technique which allowed you to produce a very musical presentation of the tunes. E strikes in 2nd jig on occasion were lighter than others. Be aware if this and make sure you play them all the same. A first class and very enjoyable performance on a beautifully set pipe.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Votta      Place: 2      Tunes: Turf Lodge, The Shaggy Grey Buck      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes very well set with a lovely balance drones to chanter. Lovely projection from the chanter which is well set and pitched well. Good lively tempo for both tunes. In the second jig when closing the chanter top to bottom hand there is slight chirps coming from the chanter. This happened on a number occasions. Excellent technique with strong clean crisp accurate fingering which allowed you to deliver the tunes in a dynamic fashion. Tunes very well phrased. Overall an excellent performance on a good pipe. Very enjoyable listen.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron Bonar      Place: 3      Tunes: St. Ninian's Parish Centre Ceilidh and Old Wife at the Mill Dust      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: A lovely well set pipe with great balance drones to chanter. Chanter sweetly set at a lovely pitch. Tunes played at a good lively tempo with great musical phrasing coming through in both tunes. Technique is excellent with lovely crisp solid accurate fingering which allows you to play the tunes with a rhythmical delivery. Overall an excellent musical performance and interpretation of the tunes. Playing well ahead of your tender years. An overall excellent performance on a Beautifully set pipe. Extremely enjoyable to listen too.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Stulpner      Place: 4      Tunes: Alan Macpherson of Mosspark, The Curlew      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Lovely sweet pipe with good balance drones to chanter. Chanter well pitched and sweet sounding. Both tunes played at a good lively tempo. Both tunes particularly well phrased with great lift. Technique excellent throughout with beautiful accurate crisp fingering. Overall an excellent performance on a lovely pipe. Very enjoyable to listen to.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hugo Mackay      Place: 5      Tunes: Lieutenant McGuire's Jig, Alan MacPherson of Mosspark      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes very well set with a good balance drones to chanter. Chanter nicely pitched. Tunes played at a good lively tempo. Tunes very well phrased with a lovely rhythmical musical presentation. In the 1st jig the B strikes could be slightly heavier, similar to the way you played your D strikes latter in the tune. 2nd tune well played also. Overall an excellent performance on a good pipe. Very enjoyable listening.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Trevor DeMass      Place: 6      Tunes: Old Wife at the Mill Dust, Kenny Gilles of Portnalong, Skye      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes very well set. Good clarity from your chanter. Good balance drones to chanter. Chanter pitched well. Tunes played at a good steady tempo. Possibility on the careful side fir my taste however both tunes presented with lovely musical expression and phrasing. Technique very good overall with strong accurate fingering throughout the performance. A very enjoyable performance and listen.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Scott           Tunes: Brae Riach, Glasgow City Police Pipers      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set. Drones slightly out at start however came in during the performance. Both tunes played at a steady tempo. The 1st jig was slightly round in presentation, it could be pointed slightly more with more weight on the first accent to give you the lift required making your presentation more musical. Tempo maintained throughout both jigs. Nice setting of Glasgow city Police pipers. Technique solid with good accurate crisp fingering. An enjoyable listen.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexandra Miller           Tunes: Alan MacPherson of Mosspark, Barbara's Jig      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes very well set with a lovely sweet sounding chanter. Pipes well pitched and drones held throughout the performance. Tunes played at a good lively tempo and well executed. Technique solid overall with good strong accurate fingering throughout the performance. High becoming slightly flat in second jig. Slight tempo drop in second part however came away again in 3rd. Overall a good performance overall with good musicality coining through. An enjoyable listen.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Zingg           Tunes: Troy's Wedding, The Old Wife of the Milldust      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite set. Drones to chanter is balanced. High slightly on the flat side. Tunes played at a steady tempo of a little on the safe side for my taste. Both tunes well phrased and played with solid accurate technique. Last part of 1st jig you may need to check your setting as this is not the normal setting however it did not detract musically from the performance. Both tunes overall we here well played and phrased. An enjoyable performance
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Hill           Tunes: Old Wife of the Mill Dust, Dr. Flora MacAuley of Carradale      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes reasonable well set. Drones out at start of performance. Good balance drones to chanter. High G and high A slightly sharp. Tunes overall played at a good tempo. Start of 1st jig was on the cautious side. It took the whole of the first part for you to settle down into the tempo. F becoming sharp in 2nd part. Maybe check your music in 2nd part as it is usually played with an F doubling not an F then a G grace note. However it did not detract the musicality of your performance. Overall both tunes played well with overall solid technique. Enjoyable performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brennan Foley           Tunes: Dunrovin Farm and 2020      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes very well set. Drones to chanter was well balanced. F slightly sharp on the chanter. Both tunes played at a good lively tempo which was sustained throughout the performance. Both tunes very well phrased especially the 2nd jig. Technique overall was very good with good solid accurate fingering. 2nd jig third part bottom hand passages at the start of each part were slightly untidy in places. Overall a very musical presentation and performance on a good pipe. Very enjoyable listening.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Caleb Bremner           Tunes: Mary Hornes Jig, The Gypsys Dance      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set. Good balance drones to chanter. Drones drifted slightly during performance. Tunes played at a good tempo. Overall technique was good with solid clean accurate fingering. Tunes very well phrased with a good musical presentation of both pieces. In the second tune watch blissing the chanter from top hand as in occasion it wasn't closed properly causing the chanter to chirp. Overall a well presented performance with good musicality An enjoyable listen.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Dunbar           Tunes: The Irish Washer women , Donald McKillop      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes very well set. Drones out slightly at start of the performance however cane in. Chanter nicely pitched and clear. Tunes played at a good steady tempo. Overall technique in Both tunes was solid with good clean accurate fingering. Second jig slowing very slightly in 3rd part then came away again in the last part. Tunes well phrased and expressed throughout the performance. Overall two well played tunes on a nice pipe. An enjoyable listen.
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"Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Maclean           Tunes: Judge's Dilemma , Cork Hill      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes very well set. Good balance drones to chanter. Chanter slightly sharp on high A. Tunes played at a good steady tempo. Overall technique is good with strong fingering throughout. Some slight crossing noises in first jig in the 3rd part watch this. Tunes overall were very phrased. 2 nd check in the 2nd part you are over pointing the guest note in the second part which is making the tune sound stilted. It comes away well in the third part. Overall a good performance on a well set sounding pipe. An enjoyable performance.
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" Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron Stewart           Tunes: John Paterson’s Mare , Alex MacDonald      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite well set. Drones slightly out at the start of the performance. Both jigs played at a good lively tempo. Good technique throughout. Good accurate crisp fingering. Some GDE movements in first jig slightly crushed. Make sure we hear all the grace notes in the movement. 2 nd jig slowing in tempo slightly 2 nd to 3rd part. Both jigs played musically with lovely phrasing. Overall a good enjoyable performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Boyles           Tunes: The Curlew, Rory MacLeod      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite well set overall. Chanter sounds on the strong side and may benefit from easing down the Reed which will give you more comfort and assist your playing. Both tunes played at a good steady tempo and phrased well showing good musicality. Technique was solid with good strong accurate fingering. Some strikes in second jig were slightly lighter than others. Make a conscious effort to play them all the same weight which will help with the performance. Overall well played. An enjoyable performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Johnson           Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches, Curlew      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite well set. Balance drones to chanter is ok. Chanter slightly high in pitch for my taste, especially on top hand. Tunes played at a good tempo with accurate solid technique. Some grip movements in 2nd jig were in distinct. We need to hear both grace notes together to hear the full movement coming through. Tunes phrased well over all and played quite well over all. An enjoyable performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clara Aellen           Tunes: Paddy O'Rafferty & The Rakes of Kildare      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes reasonable well set. Drones slightly out at start of tunes. High G on chanter slightly. Tunes played at a steady tempo. Maybe on the safe side tempo wise however the tempo was steady throughout both tunes. Overall technique was good with solid fingering. Tunes well phrased and played musically. Last part of 2nd jig slowing in tempo slightly, watch this this. Overall tunes well played. An enjoyable performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Doug Hamilton (Douglas Knox)           Tunes: Pipe Major Joe Wilson & Corkhill      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set. Drones in at start of performance however seemed to drift slightly. Tunes played at a good steady tempo. Technically solid overall with clean accurate fingering. Tunes quite well phrased throughout the performance. High G and F belong slightly sharp on the chanter. Slight drop in tempo going into second jig and then settled down into the original tempo set in the first jig. Slight choke first part of second jig. Overall well played tunes an enjoyable performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ewan Jones           Tunes: The Braes of Mellinish, The Seagull      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set with a sweet sounding chanter. Drones in at start and balance between drones and chanter is good. Tempo of both tunes was steady and remained consistent throughout the tunes. First part of 1st jig watch the GDE movement each grace note in turn must be heard. Also be aware that there was a slight chirp when closing the chanter top to bottom hand. Overall a very solid technique displayed throughout. Tunes well phrased and expressed. Good music in both tunes. Watch grips sometimes the full movement is not being heard. Slight increase in tempo in 2nd jig. Overall a musical performance and an enjoyable listen.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John D Mitchell           Tunes: The Curlew, Michael MacDonald's Jig      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes very well set with a lovely balance drones to chanter. Chanter very well set and pitched well. Tunes played at a good tempo 1st jig 3rd and 4th parts watch the D throw movement in needs to be consistent throughout the tune some were lighter than others. Overall technique was good with solid accurate fingering. Tunes well phrased in particular the 2nd jig. Overall a well phrased musical performance. Slight slip last part 2nd jig. An enjoyable listen.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Katherine Miller           Tunes: Dunrovin Farm, The Skye Rovers      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes very well set and pitched well which held throughout the tunes. Great lively tempo throughout both tunes. Technique very good overall with solid crisp fingering throughout the performance. Slight chirp when closing chanter top to bottom hand in first part of the 1st jig. Both tunes very well phrased and expressed showing good musicality throughout the performance. Overall two very well played tunes. An enjoyable performance and a good listen
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"Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kevin Berry           Tunes: Dougie MacGregor Center's Bonnet      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set with a good balance drones to chanter. Chanter well pitched and musical sounding. Tunes played at a good steady tempo. 3rd part of 1st jig slightly rushed at start of part. Tunes well phrased and played technique is solid overall with good strong accurate fingering coming through in your playing. Overall a good steady performance which was enjoyable to listen to.
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" Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden           Tunes: Rory MacLeod & The Goatherd and the Shepherd.      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes well set. Drones slightly out at start of performance but came in. Tunes played at a steady tempo. Technique solid overall with good accurate fingering. Some birls in 1st jig were inconsistent. Try to make each one the same length and duration at the end of the parts thus will help with the musical presentation of the tunes. Tempo in 2nd jig dropped very slightly. Tunes well phrased overall. An enjoyable performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Miranda Germann           Tunes: The Snuff Wife, Kenny would dance with the maid      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes very well set with good balance drones to chanter. Chanter well pitched. Tunes played at a steady tempo if a little on the safe side for my taste. 1st jig the D down to the Low G group of notes needs to be cut more to give you the lift and expression in the tune. Technique overall was solid and apart from as stated above the tunes were quite well phrased. In second jig first part watch the c to e phrase on occasion there was a slight crossing noise coming through. Overall tunes quite well played.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Owen Sulistio           Tunes: McGuire's Jig, The Curlew      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipe well set. Good balance drones to chanter. Tunes played at a steady tempo overall. 1st jig started on the cautious side tempo wise then came away well and settled into a good tempo. Good transition from 1st to2nd jig. Tunes phrased well overall. Watch 3rd part in 2nd jig. On occasion there was a tendency to rush passages in bars 3 and 4 which effected your phrasing. Overall both tunes phrased well with solid technique throughout. Enjoyable performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane           Tunes: Paddys Leather Breeches, The Glasgow City Police Pipers      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes set ok. Drones out slightly at start of the performance. Chanter possibly on the high pitched side especially on the top hand. Tunes played at a steady tempo. 1st jig slowing down slightly in the 3rd part. Overall tunes played well with accurate clean fingering technique. High A on chanter become quite sharp during the second jig. Overall a quite nice performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rory Bain           Tunes: The Bride's Jig, St. Ninian's Parish Centre Ceilidh      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes quite well set. Drones slightly out at start. Both jigs played at a good tempo. Slight choke 1st part of 1st jig. Both tunes well phrased and played with good solid technique. In the 2nd jig. The movement on F has to be played in time with the tune. On occasion it was not in time which effected the presentation and phrasing. Overall both tunes well played on a good pipe. An enjoyable performance.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Travis Combs           Tunes: Cork Hill, The Banjo Breakdown.      Judge: Gordon McCready      Judge's Comments: Pipes ok. Chanter sounds a touch on the brash side. Maybe the room that you are playing in makes it sound quite loud. Drones out slightly at start of the performance. Tunes played at a steady tempo. Sound technique with strong fingering. Tunes quite well phrased and expressed thought it the performance. Overall tunes quite well played showing a good level of performance.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Stulpner      Place: 1      Tunes: Dovecote Park      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Lovely pipe and excellent tempo to start with a nice relaxed 6/8 swing! -I think you have a natural feel for this music and your technique is of a high level for the grade! -Very enjoyable performance David!!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert      Place: 2      Tunes: Dr Ross's 50th Welcome to Argyllshire      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice Pipe and solid tempo -You have nice feel for the 6/8 rhythm and you have lots of poise making this flow very nicely both from a musical and technical aspect in your performance. Nicely done very enjoyable!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron Bonar      Place: 3      Tunes: Murdo MacKenzie of Torridon      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: Pipe okay but drones not quite locked together and slightly out from Low A and High G slightly flat. Excellent Tempo with this challenging piece. -Technically I thought you played this tune very well with great attention to accuracy with one light High G doubling in the last part before the 2nd time ending. I would like to see you loosen up your hands a bit and not worry about pushing them so far away to allow you a little more freedom to move about the chanter. This will be easier on your hands and allow your short notes to “pop” a bit more to make them more audible which in turn will smooth out the tune and allow you to wait longer on notes to bring you up to another level. Lovely Birls in 3rd part BTW! You have lots of talent and show excellent promise keep working hard…but with less tension!!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Votta      Place: 4      Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: Lovely Pipe – Nice chanter projection and drones well-tuned! Nice Tempo -Overall the tune was played with lots of confidence and poise ensuring the 6/8 rhythm is maintained throughout and your technique is solid. I thought there may have been a slightly light High A grip in the 3rd part first time through technically but otherwise solid. Well played and very enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rory Bain      Place: 5      Tunes: Big Don Macdonald      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Good bagpipe and drones pretty close but not quite locked together and on with Low A which slightly deters from overall tonal quality of the entire instrument as individually I can tell that the chanter and drone sound are fine…the beauty is when everything is on!!!! -I think the tempo is fine to start and I can hear some nice expression on certain notes but overall there is a slight pushed feel at times in the first couple of parts which pulls you out of the nice 6/8 swing and causes slight misses as some of the F doublings were not articulating clearly at all times. You have the hands to settle it back and in parts three and four I could hear you relaxing more and settling everything down. Nice performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ewan Jones      Place: 6      Tunes: The Trees of North Uist      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice Pipe and well blown from start to finish. Solid Tempo -rushing a tad at the start of the tune coming off the Low G a little early and then getting to the B doubling early even though I can tell by your body language you want to hold it. Overall you have excellent hands however you are gripping the chanter too much which is preventing you from moving about the chanter freely. Loosen up and just put everything right on the beat to start which will provide you with all the time you need to put all the technique right on the beat and allow your short notes to breathe. There was a pushed feeling in your presentation which I believe can be easily fixed by you just relaxing a tad and stay in the 6/8 swing rhythm. You have excellent potential and a very enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Scott           Tunes: Bruce Gandy's Farewell to the Iron Horse      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice tempo on a nice, full pipe with great harmonics. -A little more on the Low A right at the start in the first part and repeat throughout; same with the Low G in the third part starting the 3rd bar. Overall a tad pushed in places but you are on the right track and you have the technique to do what I recommend above. Just lay back a bit and let the 6/8 swing take you as there is no rushing a 6/8 march! Have excellent potential!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexandra Miller           Tunes: Miss Ishabel T. Macdonald      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Light birl in the first part ending and some pushed phrasing to start the second part with the High A, High G, F doubling jumping off the first High A early and I am not certain whether you are playing an E doubling at the end of the 4th bara throughout the tune?; Again a little pushed after the High A grip in the 4th part. Overall a nicely played 6/8 with a tad pushed feel detracting from the 6/8 rhythm. Keep your hands loose to allow for easier mobility about the chanter which again will also allow you more control to avoid jumping at technique and coming out of rhythm. Enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Zingg           Tunes: Tug Argan Gap      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice pipe and nice tempo -Some slight pushing the beat in the 2nd part on the half doublings on F from High A and again the same thing happening in the 4th part on the E doublings. Need to just sit everything back a bit and keep the poise to really bring out the natural “swing” in the 6/8 rhythm which you are getting for the majority of your performance. Well done and enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Hill           Tunes: Fairview Cottage      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe okay but drones are not locked onto the Low A detracting from the overall tonal quality. Nice tempo -third part some slight crossing noises (ie D grace note on the short C to E in the third bar); You have a nice feel for the 6/8 rhythm and the slight crossing noises could be the result of gripping the chanter slight inhibiting the free movement of your hands but definitely have a look here and break it down to fix. Very enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brennan Foley           Tunes: Jean Mauchline      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -slight crossing noise in first part in the E doubling to short D up to F and light birl at end of first line first time through. Light B taorluath in the third part. Overall I found the performance to be a little pushed which pulls you out of the rhythm and prevents the necessary time needed to play the technique. The slight crossing noises could be caused from a little “gripping”on the chanter preventing the free movement of your fingers about the chanter. You have excellent potential and the hands to really clean the above-mentioned aspects of your performance. Keep working hard but don’t grip!!!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Dunbar           Tunes: The Heights of Casino      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice Pipe and well blown from start to finish. Solid Tempo -rushing a tad at the start of the tune coming off the Low G a little early and then getting to the B doubling early even though I can tell by your body language you want to hold it. Overall you have excellent hands however you are gripping the chanter too much which is preventing you from moving about the chanter freely. Loosen up and just put everything right on the beat to start which will provide you with all the time you need to put all the technique right on the beat and allow your short notes to breathe. There was a pushed feeling in your presentation which I believe can be easily fixed by you just relaxing a tad and stay in the 6/8 swing rhythm. You have excellent potential and a very enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Maclean           Tunes: Farewell To The Creeks      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice pipe with drones close to being locked. Solid Tempo -a little early off the C before the grip to the E first time through the first part at the ending and this continued slightly throughout the tune. Overall you played very well and I felt that you could sit back a bit more to really keep you locked into the 6/8 rhythm. There were some times it felt as if you were just slightly ahead landing on B doubling or to the F in the 4th part in beat 2 of bar 1 where you could just sit it back and land right on the beat. Enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron Stewart           Tunes: Pipe Sergeant John Barclay      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Good Tempo to start and bagpipe nicely tuned however the F was a shade bright to start and then settled down as you went. -I like the way you are using the expression here for the 6/8 rhythm and would like to see you relax a bit more with your marching so that it too encompasses the nice “swing” that is in your playing. Just remember to walk and allow the natural cadence in your walk be the metronome and then just stay in the groove instead of driving your feet into the ground as this will come out in your playing. -You have excellent potential so keep it up enjoyable presentation.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charles Elliott           Tunes: Angus MacKinnon      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: Pipe okay but drones not locked onto Low A of chanter and the high A presents as sharp sounding which could be attributed to the drones not being on with Low A? -Watch B Taorluath – Let the E grace note bring you up from Low G as you are slightly early coming up now; some little crossing noises appearing throughout performance which could be the result of slightly “gripping” the chanter preventing your free mobility about the chanter. You have a nice feel for the 6/8 rhythm but there is a tendency to jump a little early at times which pulls you out of the nice 6/8 “swing”. Enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Boyles           Tunes: Frank Thompson      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice Pipe -A little inconsistent with the timing of the rhythm producing a pushed feel in the first and second parts. Some little crossing noise with the D grace note on short C to E in the first part. A little short with the High A before the High A strikes in the 2nd part. Rushed to the B doubling in the 4th part each time at the end of the lines. I really liked the rhythm and flow in your 3rd part as everything was in place in terms of timing and accuracy in your technique. Enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Johnson           Tunes: Glendaurel Highlanders      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice Pipe and solid tempo -Some slight rushing to E doublings throughout coming from F caused from what I believe is a G grace note (to start the E doubling) that is too big and not articulating correctly. Need to work this out as you are playing with a nice feel for the 6/8 rhythm and this E doubling occurs often in the tune. Remember to keep your hands nice and loose to allow for the free movement about the chanter so when you are working on the E doubling (start by keeping hands relaxed, playing a very small High G grace note utilizing High A, F to E in the fourth bar of the first part as an exercise. Make sure you don’t jump to the E from the F as there is lots of time here. Once you have this mastered (perfect 10 x) then add the other grace note (F) to complete the doubling but ensure that initial G grace note is small and right on the beat. Enjoyable performance.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clara Aellen           Tunes: The 10th Battalion H.L.I. Crossing the Rhine      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe okay in terms of drone tuning but the D and High G are sharp on chanter tone. Nice tempo! -You have a pretty good feel for the 6/8 rhythm but some short notes are a little too short and some pushed beats which creates a staccato feel instead of a “lilt”or “swing” in your performance. I would suggest a little less grip (this will actually prevent “cutting” short notes too much) on the chanter and just wait a bit more before moving to the next beat. Very enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Francis           Tunes: Major John MacLennan      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe okay but drones not locked in with Low A. Nice tempo -Musically this was well presented throughout with nice poise and attention to the lilt in the 6/8 march. Technically quite strong as well and the only thing to work on here is the blowing consistency and overall tonal quality presented in your performance which would definitely improve by locking the drones into the Low A to start. Very nice performance.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta           Tunes: Rab's Wedding      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice pipe and tempo well set! -The short C with the D grace note going from Low A up to E in the first part sounds very small (maybe not even moving it) and not clearly articulating but if you have been working on make this grace note smaller in this grouping good for you!; At the end of the fourth bar in the 2nd part the E to short F and back to an E doubling you are playing a big G grace note to start the E doubling OR G grace note to E in your music however you did not finish the short F before it (on top of one another). Overall you are doing pretty good but there is a pushiness in your rhythm which does not allow you the necessary time to play the notes accurately and in time. Very enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Doug Hamilton (Douglas Knox)           Tunes: Invergordon      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Lovely Pipe with nice clear chanter projection and drones well-tuned! -Overall well played but there are some passages where you are jumping to early which pulls you out of the 6/8 rhythm which is possibly caused from tension in your hands so loosen up and break the parts down to ensure accuracy. Specifically, you were early to the G grace note on the 2nd F in parts 1 and 3 (in the 2nd bar of first part I believe); rushed the C doubling in the 2nd part first time through but was better on the repeat. Ensuring you have complete control over technique and playing on the beat by relaxing your hands will improve your performance and will be easier on your hands to allow more freedom of motion about the chanter. Enjoyable performance.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hugo Mackay           Tunes: MacLeod of Mull      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice instrument and a nice tempo to start with lots of 6/8 swing! -Excellent performance with solid technique and the only advice to offer you at this stage is to watch you don’t shorten your short notes too much ( High A following the F and before the High A strikes is very small at the part endings) and take your time moving forward after turning around in your marching which will only increase your poise and performance showmanship! -Keep it going you have lots of potential!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James Rodgers           Tunes: Pipe Major Sam Scott      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: Nice Pipe but drones not quite locked together. -A little quick off the High G to the half doubling on F in 2nd bar of first part. Keep the beat steady and use the time you have as you are pushing the beat at times and if you have a feeling of tightness or continue missing technique break it down and keep your hands relaxed. -Watch the endings with the D grace note on the short C to the E you need to relax here and make the D grace note smaller as it is coming across as a D right now and you are rushing off the Low A not allowing you time to relax (I would suggest just breaking down the bar playing a longer low A, small D grace note to C and finish up to E – have a listen and first try to hear what I heard and then work the exercise). Overall you have a nice feel for the music and good command of the instrument. Keep working at it as this was an enjoyable performance.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John D Mitchell           Tunes: Murdo Mackenzie of Torridon      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: Lovely Pipe but D a tad sharp. Nice Tempo -Nicely played tune with a bit of roundness that is caused from tension in the hands and pushing the beat. Your tempo is aggressive so maybe take it back a bit just to give you that time to play in the 6/8 rhythm as you have nice hands. Technically some little issues: Slight chirp going into the 2nd part; Light birl from Low G in the 3rd part; Slight chirps coming from High A to Low A in the 4th part. You have good command of the instrument and drones well tuned so just sit things back a bit, relax and let your hands move about the chanter more efficiently. Enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kevin Berry           Tunes: MacLeod of Mull      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Lovely pipe but F a tad sharp. Nice tempo -Light F strike in the 2nd part at end of first time through. Overall you are very close to playing with total confidence and control but there are times where you push the beat disturbing the 6/8 rhythm where you could afford to sit it back and just keep waiting (ie. The F strikes in 2nd part – no need to rush and most likely what caused the light one in the 2nd part). Well played performance keep up the good work!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden           Tunes: John D. Burgess.      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipes sound good but didn’t quite lock the drones together but close to the Low A. Nice chanter sound and solid Tempo (Good job tuning pipe but always go to High A when you are tuning as this requires more pressure which will be similar to what you are playing when playing the tune with all three drones and therefore more accurate). -Very nicely played tune with no concerns technically or musically so keep working on your tuning to really showcase your talent. Very Enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Miranda Germann           Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe well tuned but not quite on with Low A and chanter pretty nice in terms of tonal quality. Nice tempo. -In the first part there are some pushed notes pulling you out of the 6/8 rhythm (ie. E doubling from F) where you could take more time and really accent the beat (G grace note of the E doubling) by waiting which will keep you in time and be more accurate which will improve your overall performance. Some little crossing noises on the hand-to-hand exchanges (C to E). This could be from gripping the chanter preventing your free movement of fingers about the chanter. Again overall a nicely presented march with a hint of pushiness and tightness but lots of confidence!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Owen Sulistio           Tunes: Doctor Ross’ 50th Welcome To The Argyllshire Gathering      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice Pipe and tempo is solid -I think some of your grace notes are a little too big causing some articulation issues in the form of slight crossing noises (ie. Low A, need smaller D grace note to long C at the end of the first bar heading up to the E in the second bar of the first part); Some pushed grips from High A to Low A in the second part pulling you out of rhythm slightly and causing some dirty articulation of the grip itself. I would like to see you loosen your grip a bit more and allow the grace notes and embellishments to flow with less effort and more accuracy like your High A Taorluaths do in the last part of the tune…excellent here and you have the hands to do everything I have mentioned above…show excellent promise and enjoyable performance.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane           Tunes: Leaving Port Ascaig      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: Pipe okay – drones seem close to being in tune together and with low A but light to hear from recording – Nice tempo! -Overall you have a nice feel for the 6/8 rhythm here and technically well played. There are some little passages where I found you slightly ahead of the beat (ie. Coming off the Low A’s into the short B to C grip in the 2nd part you are losing the poise slightly here and the reason is mostly due to the grace note sizes and tension in your hands. Try relaxing your grip of the chanter and keep your hands a little closer to provide you with more time and easier movement about the chanter. Have excellent potential and very enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ted Hales           Tunes: Maj John MacLennan, Gordon Highlanders      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe and well blown throughout! -Nice tempo and the 6/8 rhythm is coming along but there are some spots that you are slightly rushing ahead (ie. The D throw at the ends of the parts as mentioned below) which pulls you out of the nice, relaxed swing that makes 6/8’s a beautiful thing. -High G, F to E with a big G gracenote in the 3rd bar of the first part; rushing to the D throw at the end of the parts and occasionally some crossing noises coming from the short C with a D grace note to the E before the D throw. Keep the grace note size down to ensure proper articulation which will assist in preventing the little crossing noises. Very enjoyable performance.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Travis Combs           Tunes: The Atholl Highlanders.      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe okay but chanter has a “tinny” sound to it maybe just from the location of the recording device? Drones sound pretty good together but not on with Low A which could cause tonal deficiencies as well with the overall balance. Nice Tempo -Overall a nicely played 6/8 with a pretty good feel for the rhythm. I would like to see you work on making your grace note size a little smaller to allow for proper articulation of doublings and tacchums as you can hear that you are timing everything pretty good but the big grace notes make the tacchums in the 4th part sound a little “ropy” and the E Doublings in the 1st part on top of one another. Keep your hands loose and work on the smaller grace notes via exercises or breaking down passages in the tune. Enjoyable performance!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Trevor DeMass           Tunes: Trees of North Uist      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Lovely Pipe- Lots of chanter projection. Nice Tempo -a little early to the B doublings in the 2nd part; Again early to the E doubling in the 3rd part and missed the Back grace note to the B to start the 3rd part. Overall you are doing very well here but some jumping ahead causing some disruption of the 6/8 rhythm. Sit back and wait for the beat to come and you should never fell rushed here. Keep up the good work and very enjoyable performance.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Marc Warnock      Place: 1      Tunes: Pipe Major Calum Campbell’s Caprice      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: I really enjoyed this tune, Marc! It's one of my favourites, and it's not played all that often. You did a great job of all the execution in this tune, and kept your tempo steady throughout, although it may have been just a touch on the cautious side. The only suggestion I have, and it's very minor, is to be a little more careful with the high G and High A at the end of the 1st grouping in Bars 2 and 6 of Parts 1 and 2 - immediately preceding the half double E - you're rushing off the High A a bit each time, getting to the half double E a little early. Definitely not anything that made the timing/tempo erratic at all, just a little issue that you might want to open up a bit. Great playing - thank you!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Stulpner      Place: 2      Tunes: Jim Tweedie's Sea Legs      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: I really enjoyed this performance, David. The tempo was controlled, yet you maintained all of the swing and musicality that this piece should have. Fabulous execution throughout - great birls especially! Now and again some of your triplet movements were just a little on the crushed side and could have been opened up just a touch, but that didn't take away from your playing - it was a very minor detail. Enjoyable, musical playing on a lovely sounding bagpipe. Thanks!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brennan Foley      Place: 3      Tunes: Abbotsinch to Aldergrove      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: I really enjoyed this tune, Brennan! I've never heard it before. Your playing is exceptionally musical - a difficult thing to describe, but it seemed you chose a tempo that was absolutely spot on, and kept the tune there throughout, and played with control and consistency yet with swing, all at the same time. In terms of execution and technique, my only concern was that there seemed to be quite a few strikes that didn't quite hit the holes, most notably the B strikes. Often your two fingers didn't hit all the way down to the low G, and only the low A sound came out. Be careful of this - a B strike must go all the way down to low G. Regardless, this was a great performance. Thank you!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Dunbar      Place: 4      Tunes: Ina MacKenzie      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Lovely tempo for this tune - great swing and lift! Phrasing-wise, every now and then you rush off a long note at the end of a bar - specifically (for example) Bars 3 and 7, there’s a long note at the end of each of these bars, and you’re rushing off it, getting to the long low A (bar 4) and the long D (bar 8) each time. Be careful of this in general - keep the phrasing under control by giving the long notes their full length. Otherwise, a really nice performance - excellent execution, nice open tachums, on a nice sounding bagpipe. Thank you!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron Bonar      Place: 5      Tunes: Crossing the Minch      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice swingy tempo, Cameron! You have timed your birls so that they match the triplets on B rhythmically - good work - although at times the birls almost seem to take up too much space. Still, you were very consistent with them. Your execution is wonderfully strong throughout. The only minor concern is just a few missed gracenotes - nothing to cause any distraction though. Be careful to hit the low G on your B strikes every time - now and again your baby finger didn’t get all the way down, and the strike only went to low A. Most of them were fine however. Good job - thanks!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Katherine Miller      Place: 6      Tunes: Tam Bain's Lum      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice lively tempo for this tune! Almost on the verge of being too fast but you’ve managed to keep it on the right side of the edge. Watch the dot/cut in Bar 2 of part 3 - it’s a little overdone a few times. Great work on the triplet strike movements throughout - and there are many! Just a few technical misses - otherwise, a very enjoyable tune. Thanks!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Scott           Tunes: Tain Bain's Lum      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Great playing, Aidan! You have fabulous execution and technique. There were only a few small misses - some strikes that didn't quite make it all the way down, and a few D gracenotes on the short Bs and Cs that didn't quite get heard, but overall a very impressive performance, especially from a technical standpoint. Your tempo was consistent, which is good, but I did find it to be just a tiny bit laboured. I think it could have been a matter of over-holding some of the long notes. In this tune, it's a very fine line between pulling out those long notes and slowing the tune a little, and you seemed to slow the tune just a bit. Regardless, a very enjoyable performance. Thank you!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexandra Miller           Tunes: Gordon MacRae's Favourite      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Great swing & lift to this hornpipe! A few missed strikes in part 2 - the light ones being a bit too light. Be careful of the short F at the end of Bar 1 & 2 each line of part 3 - it’s almost getting lost in the shuffle. While your dot/cut work is good for the most part, sometimes the cut notes are just a little too short - especially (again) at bar ends, and usually an F. Also in part 3, there’s too much low A before you put in the gracenote birl and the rhythm is getting a little muddy. Great musicality throughout, just a few technical / timing issues creeping in. Very enjoyable performance - thanks!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Zingg           Tunes: Colin MacKay      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Very nice rendition of a lovely tune. Tempo was very steady throughout, although I found it to be just a touch on the slow, perhaps over-controlled side. Great execution for the most part - the only thing I noticed was that your B strikes consistently didn't quite make it down to low G. Make sure both fingers hit all the way down at the same time. Otherwise, all of your fingerwork was very strong . The runs in part two were particularly well executed and timed. A very enjoyable performance overall - thank you!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Avery White           Tunes: The Train Journey North      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Somewhat slow tempo for this tune - it loses its musicality a little when it’s played slowly. Execution-wise your playing is very strong. However, watch those triplet/strike movements, of which there are many in this tune! You’re tending to crush the G and E gracenotes before the strike. Open up those two gracenotes so that they, together with the strike, have a definitive triplet sound. An enjoyable performance overall. Thank you!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Maclean           Tunes: The Man From Skye      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for this tune, although at times a little erratic because of some phrasing issues. Specifically, as an example, the doubling on D in bar 7 of every part was rushed. Be careful to pay attention to the long notes that fall on off-beats, not just the ones that are on the down beats. Also watch for this same type of thing in bar 4 - keep the dot/cut consistent. Execution very strong and accurate throughout. Good job of a tricky tune - thanks!
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"Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cameron Stewart           Tunes: Joe McGann’s Fiddle      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice to year you play, Cameron! You did a good job of this tune particularlly from a technical standpoint, and your tempo was good and steady throughout; having said that, I found it just a touch on the draggy side. Your hands could definitely handle a quicker tempo for this tune. Not by a lot, but certainly it could have been up there a bit more. The runs in the 4th part were rushed a tiny bit, and I think that they would be easier to control at a slightly higher tempo. Still, it was good steady musical playing, and your pipes sounded lovely. Thanks!
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" Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Boyles           Tunes: Ina MacKenzie      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: You have chosen a nice tempo for this tune, and it remained steady throughout. The scratchy high A is just a little distracting - be sure to blow that out. Tachums are nice and open and very consistent. The third part seemed every so slightly laboured - the open tachums almost too open. Overall a really nice, enjoyable performance - good music throughout. Thank you
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Johnson           Tunes: Collin MacKay      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: This is a really nice tune, Christopher, but I found your rendition of it just a bit on the slow side. You kept the tempo steady throughout, which is good, but it lost some of its musicality because it was rather draggy. Very nice strong execution throughout - my only concern is that not all of your B strikes hit both holes on the chanter to get that strong low G sound. Still, lovely technique in general. Your blowing was just a little unsteady, showing itself in the wavering of some notes. An enjoyable performance overall - thank you!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Clara Aellen           Tunes: The Man From Skye      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Great execution throughout this rather challenging tune - very clean fingerwork and technique. I did find it quite draggy though. You have the hands to manage a less controlled tempo. I think part of the issue was beating your foot to the subdivided rhythm - 4 beats per bar rather than 2. While this is a great tool when learning a tune, in this case it seemed to hold you back somewhat. And probably that was the intent, but it did take away some of the musicality of the piece. Still, it was steady throughout, so that's a good thing! The one little erratic bit was in the 3rd part, from the end of bar to through to the beginning of bar 3 - make sure you hold the last B of bar two before hitting the cut D at the beginning of Bar 3. The two notes were both very short, resulting in slightly erratic rushing in that one little spot. You have great technique, Clara - keep up the great work! Thanks
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert           Tunes: College of Piping at Summerside PEI      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice job of a great tune, Connor! Musically, I found it took just a bit too long for you to get up to tempo - it didn't really smooth out until the repeat of part 1, and even then it continued to rise a little, with the 4th part being considerably quicker than the other three. Still, I enjoyed your playing. Great hands, great execution - just a couple missed E strikes, of which there are many in this tune! Lovely playing overall - just pay a little more attention to getting to your tempo earlier on, and then staying there throughout. Thanks!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Doug Hamilton (Douglas Knox)           Tunes: Jimmy Blue      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: It seemed to take you a while to settle into the tempo of this tune - and while it’s always better to start a little slow as opposed to a little fast, the settling-in time was a bit distracting. Nice birls throughout - very well timed! A few crossing noises crept into the third part going from D to top-hand notes - make sure you don’t put the bottom hand fingers down before lifting the top hand fingers. Overall an enjoyable performance - thank you.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eala Niamh McElhinney           Tunes: The Train Journey North      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Good job of this tune, if a touch on the slow side, but you kept the tempo steady and consistent throughout. Some of your triplet movements are a little crushed - They could be more open. Just a few technical misses here and there, otherwise well done from an execution standpoint. Enjoyable performance regardless - thank you!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Edon Abbot           Tunes: Crossing The Minch      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice playing, Edon. Well chosen tempo and you kept it steady throughout, with only a little bit of slowing in the third part. Great birls! Sometimes the top hand work was a little imprecise - some gracenotes falling just slightly after the note rather than before, and a few little technical misses here and there but otherwise a strong performance technically. I did feel that you jumped off the Low A after the birl a bit quick most times, and the same thing for the B after the triplet movement and this made the timing a bit erratic in places - having said that, it didn't affect the steady tempo at all other than a little bit in the third part, as mentioned. I really liked the variation in the repeat of part 4! Nice musical performance - thank you!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ewan Jones           Tunes: Pipe Major George Allen      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Very controlled tempo & nicely maintained. There seem to be a lot of gracenotes missing - it might be a thought to check the music to see whether you’re playing everything that’s written. Example is bar 4 of part 4, there should be thumb gracenotes on the Bs that fall after High G. Your E doublings could be just a bit more open. Otherwise, the music in this piece was really well brought out - an enjoyable performance. Thanks!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hugo Mackay           Tunes: John MacKenzie's Fancy      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: You did a great job of this very challenging tune, Hugo! Lovely tempo - controlled and still with lots of swing. The third part seemed to pick up a little tempo-wise, but not enough to make anything seem erratic, and then the 4th part was back to being controlled again. You handled all of the difficult execution admirably! There were a few missed single gradenotes, but you managed all of the tough stuff just fine. Very enjoyable performance, technically and musically. Thank you!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Ballard           Tunes: Good Drying      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: You chose a very entertaining tune! I remember the first time I heard it - what a great piece of music. You played it quite cautiously tempo-wise, which took away a bit of the musicality, but certainly at this slower tempo you were able to fit in most of the execution. Some of the strikes from C down to low G didn't quite get that low G sound, most noticeably in part 3 - make sure the fingers all hit the holes every time. It's certainly a challenging piece for a grade 2 level competition, but you made a good effort of it! In future, though, you might want to consider something that's just a little less challenging from a technical standpoint, because even if you get all of the execution in, slowing a hornpipe does tend to make it just a little less musical. A great tune though, and obviously you enjoy playing it. Thanks!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Votta           Tunes: Lucy Cassidy      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Excellent playing in terms of execution - fabulous birls, and lovely distinct doublings throughout with only a few minor misses here and there. I did find your tempo a little slow though - it seemed to take away some of the musicality of this piece, despite the fact that the tempo and phrasing were very consistent . You did a great job of this tune, on a lovely sounding bagpipe, but I would have enjoyed it more at a higher tempo. Thanks!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden           Tunes: Donald MacLeod      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: I found your tempo just a little on the slow side, although it was steady throughout. Good strong execution! Sometimes your short B leading to the long D, which is the pickup grouping every line, was cut just a little too short, so that the B wasn’t really heard, or else it came in just a little untidy. Nice swing despite the slow-ish tempo! Just a few gracenote and strike misses - otherwise enjoyable. Thanks!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Owen Sulistio           Tunes: Chasing Shadows      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: A nice performance, but just a little on the rushed side. You kept the tempo steady throughout, which was great, but in general I found it too pushed. Execution great for the most part, lovely birls, with only one or two that didn't quite make it over the hole twice. A few times your high A wasn't blown quite enough to remove the scratchy "crow" - be careful to blow this out. You did a great job of playing this tune, and I did really enjoy it, but the tempo took away some of the musicality for me. Still, very strong playing! Thank you.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane           Tunes: Tam Bain's Lum      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Your tempo for this tune is a bit on the slow side, which seemed to take away some of the music. There’s a lot of execution to fit in, but I’m sure you could fit all of the triplets in just fine at a slightly higher tempo. There’s an unfortunately squeak on your low A every time you hit it with a G gracenote. A few little gracenote and strike misses - otherwise, a good job of a tricky tune - just pick up the tempo a little. Thanks!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rory Bain           Tunes: Eric Stein      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Very nice playing, Rory. This is a lovely tune! The third part was especially strong, in terms of execution. Tempo-wise, I found it just a touch erratic - it seemed that you controlled the phrases with the 1/8th notes really nicely, but as soon as the phrases with groupings of 1/16th notes came around, they were rushed quite a bit, giving the music a slight unsteady feel. The tachum at the end of Bar 7 wasn't always 100% clean - be careful not to be late with the D gracenote on the low G. Execution really strong otherwise - great birls throughout! Very enjoyable performance, just a little bit erratic in terms of timing. Thanks!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ted Hales           Tunes: Sandy's New Chanter      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: Nice music, Ted! I really like this tune. You were just a little cautious with it - tempo could have been up a little - but you kept it steady throughout. There were a few technical issues, perhaps most notably your B strikes didn't always get all the way down to Low G, and there were frequent (but small!) crossing noises going from D to top hand notes. Be very careful to make sure your bottom hand fingers don't go down from D before your top hand fingers go up. Good strong F doublings, and nice birls! Finally, make sure in the 4th part when going from the B to the high G that you put your B finger back down - there was just a bit of very subtle false fingering going on. Still, an enjoyable musical performance - thank you!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Travis Combs           Tunes: Itchy Fingers, (four part version from Scots Guards)      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: This tune seems to be just a bit too fast. The phrasing lacks definition - just a bit rambly - and I think this could be minimized at a very slightly slower tempo. Watch the high A to half double E which happens frequently. Make sure you land a solid E and then put in the second half of the doubling, which of course is the F gracenote. It’s just a bit mushy sometimes. Good work on the clean double C and birl ending every time. A good performance - just slow it down a little. Thanks!
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Trevor DeMass           Tunes: Piper’s Controversy      Judge: Ann Gray      Judge's Comments: I found your tempo on the slow side, taking away some musicality from this tune. You obviously have the hands to manage at a quicker pace - it would put back much more life into the tune, and may even make it easier to control. Having said that, you did a great job of controlling those long notes at the end of every line - particularly the low G at the end of the first line in each part. Excellent execution throughout. An enjoyable performance - just bring it up a bit tempo-wise. Thanks!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Joseph Votta      Place: 1      Tunes: Too long in this condition      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Nicely stated in line 1. C to C Taurluath a tad tight, open up the movement for better musical flow. Doubling: Nicely played, better controlled of the taurluath's in this section. Theme notes expressed well. Var 1: Nicely played in here. Doubling: nice pulse in line 1, cadences holding well. Crunluath: Nice bridge to this chapter. Could give "Taste" to C to (Edre), personal thought, line 1 bar 6.Doubling: Slight weak (Edre) in line 1, though played nicely throughout! Pipes Good! Chanter Good! Work on the area above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Cameron Bonar      Place: 2      Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Nice start to line 1!Nice movements in here, subtle and controlled!! Thumb var:Nicely presented. Anchor the E adence to the d gracing on B just a tad. Var2: Nicely played. Taurluath: Nice bridge into this chapter. movements nicely played. B to E grips, slightly pushed,control this.Doubling: Nicely played in here.Crunluath: Good controll in this arae.Nicely expressed them notes. Doubling: ever so slightly weak movement in line 2, though handeld well. Pipes good! Chanter good! Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Calum Dunbar      Place: 3      Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Nice start to line 1. Nicely flowing in line's 2 & 3. Thumb Var: moving nicely,cadences/pulse well stated. Though, could expressed the High A's just a tad. Personal thought! Taurluath: Nice bridge to this chapter. The movement tight @ times.Slightly unsteady blowing on Low A in last bar line 3. Doubling: Nice cadences /pulse here,a tad tight on the movement. Open up the movement for a better musical fllow. Crunluath: Nice bridge into ths chapter as well.The movements alittle tight. Again, open up for a better musical flow.Line 3, some weak Crunluaths. Doubling: Nice drive here, some tight movements, though managing well. The "A Mach": Could open up the movement a bit. slight push off the "E" to the next theme notes.control this. Pipes: Good! Chanter: Good! Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: David Stulpner      Place: 4      Tunes: Corrienessan's Salute      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Nice Ground, nice control in line 1.A bit drawn out on the B's to C grips-just a tad.Taste here.Var 1:Nicely played, again, a tad careful on the cadences here, could push a bit.Doubling: Good here,line 1-3 Nicely stated.Taurluath:Nice intro in here,Line 2 Nicely played.......effective.Doubling: movement a tad tight at times,open up the movements for musical flow.Crunluath:Nice control of the cadences in here.Line 1 & 2 good!Line 3 nicely stated, though a tad tight in the movement on E in line 3.Doubling: Some tight movements at times, anchor the "B' in last bar line 3. Pushing off a atd. Pipes Good!!!! chanter Good!!!! Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Trevor DeMass      Place: 5      Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground:very nice intro to line 1. E cadence to the burl movement, needs a little help. Misplacing the D gracenote to the burl motion. Hanging onto the "B" @ ending a tad too long. Otherwise nice! Thumb Var: E cadence to the burl movement better in here. needs consistency. Again, hanging onto the "B" last bar longer than necessary. Nicely played, my personal thought! Taurluath: Nice bridge to this chapter-though way too drawn out, must move the cadences a bit more.Played nicely, Ceadences/tempo must move!! Doubling:Now, this is moving nicely. Pulse is good here. Don't change this, just the singling portion needs to move a tad. Crunluath: Some hesitation in the movement. Try to time the interval with gracing on the movement. played nicely. Doubling: Nice pulse/cadences in here.The interval's placed better on the movement in here. The "A Mach": Nice transition here, Pushing off he "E" after the movement to the next theme note. Becareful here. Pipes Good! Chanter: Good! Drones started to drift towards the end. Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Alexandra Miller      Place: 6      Tunes: Lament for Mary MacLeod      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Work on the E cadence to the burl movement, D gracing misplaced to the burl motion. better in line 2, though @ times weak into line 3. Var 1: Nice bridge into this chapter. Good flow on cadences/pulse. Could hold the "B" last bar in line 1 just a tad. Personal thought! Doubling: Would not cut too much on the "An" notes between the "E's" Roll nicely to the "E". My thoughts. Piob HG (flat). Brighten up this note! Tarluath: Nice intro into this chapter of line 1. Some movements tight @ times in line 1. Give a little "taste" to the C to Low A- cut a bit in here. Doubling: Nice flow in here on the movements. Nicely played. Piob HG (flat). Crunluath: Nice bridge to this chapter. Work on the intervals of the gracing of the crunluath. A slight hesitation @ times on the movement. C crunluath weak on the repeat of line 1. Doubling: Clipping the "An" note C a bit to the E. Give "taste" to the note for a better musical flow. Pipes: Good! Chanter: good, Piob HG (flat), brighten up a bit. Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Andrew Hill           Tunes: Tulloch Ard      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Nice start to line 1.C to C grip, too abrupt...........must have sublte motion. this is the key! C to the (Edre) slight catch.Careful!! All in all, nicely played.C to (Edre) needs work.Thumb Var:God start in here,again, Cto C grips too abrupt, subtle motion!!!! F (Varedae) movement missed, careful here!!Var 2: Nice flow into line 1. Holding B to c grip, too much, move off a tad.Doubling: E gracing on E from E weak, hardly herad. Work on this. Better in Line 3. Taurluath: Good inrto, this chapter. Though the movements a tad tight. Open up for a better musical flow. Doubling: open up the movement, too tight!!! Slight choke in line 2 tail end to line 3. Crunluath: Again, open up the movement, too tight-for better musical notation. E crunluath, weak at times. Careful here! Doubling: Rushing the cadences in here. tight movements again, open up. Loosing the musical effect!! Must control the movements for musical "taste". Pipies good! Could be tighter in tuning to chanter, especailly low A. Chanter good! Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Brandon Cheong           Tunes: Struan Robertson's Salute      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground:Nice intro in line 1. A bit deliberate on the D throw, move off with grace! Too long on the low G, expressed, but try not to sit on the low G. With subtle "Taste".Taurluath: Nice bridge into this chapter. Good pulse/cadences flowing well. Open up the movement, for a better musical flow. Doubling: Nice cadences/pulse in here,Watch the B to low G, & the E to low G, with taurluath tight motion. Open up! The E taurluath weak in line 3. Nice Piob "HG"!!!! Crunluath:Nice bridge into this area.Some weak movements in Line 1, and on the repeat.Looking for consistency.Although nice movement @ times, just need to open up for a better musical flow. E cadence to the burl, was weak. Doubling: Some weak crunluaths in here. With the movement in line 2 misplacing the intervals of the gracing on the movement. Careful of the placement of gracenotes, not to be misplaced. Just need refinement. Pipes: Good! Chanter: good! Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Cameron Stewart           Tunes: MacCrimmon’s Sweetheart      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ular: moving along nicely in pulse. Movements played with control,try not to hold the the low A too long in line 2 last bar same on the repeat for line 3.Thumb var:Nicley played, cadences moving along nicely.Try not to anchor low A too much in bar 6th. for "taste". Var2: nicely played, subtle intro into Var.2.Over expressing B to low A too much-careful here.same in line 2, and 3.Slight clipping on E's in line 2, B grip weak in line 3. Doubling: Unsteady blowing at times.blowing not as seady in line 2. pulse nicely done in line 3-must do this in line 1 and 2.Taurluath:some gde's weak at times, must be consistant.Doubling:Nice here, good line 1.Slight pushing in tempo in line 3 to Crunluath. Crunluath: Slight pushing off the E's, after movement.Rushing the idiom off the E's, try to control this. Doubling:some weak edre's on the movement.Rushing tempos/cadences in line 3 too much. Bagpipe nice, drones need tighter tuning. Chanter: F slightly sharp, flatten a tad. Go over the araes above mentioned. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Christopher Johnson           Tunes: The Glen Is Mine      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: A tad pushed off the low A to the Edre). Expressed the low A to present the introduction. Nice line 1, onced relax. Line 2 much better as well as line 3. Var 1:Nice intor into here.Nicely expressed High A's. Var 2: Good in here,expressed well on the theme notes.Var 3: Good pulse on the theme notes. Leamluath: movement a tad tight, open up! Blowing unsteady on Low A at times.Doubling:Again, the movement is tight. Open up the movement for better musical flow. Taurluath:Good intro into this chapter. B taurluath weak. Doubling: Movement better here,slight choke in line 2. Missed G gracing on C in line 3. Crunluath: Movement open up, tight as well. Doubling: in here movement, too tight, open up Not consistant, need to work on this. "A Mach": movement too tight, loosing the "Flavour" in this area. Pipes nice, though the Bass is not tuned to start, wavering abit by the taurluath area. Chanter: Good! Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Dave Campbell           Tunes: Nameless (Hiharin dro o dro)      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Work on the E Cadence to the burl motion. D gracing misplaced on the burl. work on this. Expressed the E cadence to D to D strike, pushing off the "E". Unsteady blowing onthe D! Var 1; Again, E cadence to the burl needs work. Misplaced D gracing on the burl motion. Slight choke entering the Taurluath section. Taurluath: Could open up the movement,tight @ times. Slight choke leading into line 2. Need to work on the D taurluath on the low G,weak control in this particular area. Doubling: Same in here, D movement on the Low G, not always coming through. Crunluath: bar 1, anchor the low A to D gracing to the 2nd Low A. Too pushed. Slight choke on the repeat of line 1. unsteady blowing on "D". Doubling: Slight pause in the last bar on the repeat of line 1," memory laspe"! Choke in line 2. Some tight movements @ times. Pipes: Good. Chanter: D (flat) could brighten up this note. Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Doug Hamilton (Douglas Knox)           Tunes: Ceol Na Mara (Music of the Sea)      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Urlar:Nicely played intro. Some theme notes were expressed differently than I have played." Taste"and interpretation.Slight clipping-E to low A to E to D careful in here.Subtle is the key! Watch the blowing on D's. Unsteady at times. Var 1: good bridge to this area. Again, would expressed the "An" notes in this case differently. D-unsteady blowing.Doubling: nicely played pulse in line 1. Try not to push off in line 1,bar 4in the "B" & "D" Slight slip in line 3. Taurluath: subtle on the GDE pattern on B's. Too tight! Slight choke on the repeat of line 1.Would play this section slightly differently, though handled well.Doubling: D taurluath's weak, need t work on this movement. Movements tight throughout the doubling. Crunluath: expressed the G gracingon E to D just a tad more. Pushing off. Hee-ba-ba movement needs attention. Weak on the motion.Doubling: Blowing unsteady on D at times. Slip to Low G to Low A, "memory laspe" in line 2 to line 3. Pipes: Good! Chanter: Good! Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Hugo Mackay           Tunes: Beloved Scotland      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: nicely played introduction.Slightly blowing unsteady on D's at times.,nicely played line 2.Piob "HG" flat, need to brighten the note.Movements nicely stated.Taurluath (Sing): GDE's on low G tight, open up for musical taste.Watch D taurluath on low G. Weak at times.Better control in line 2. E Taurluaths-weak in line 2 bar 5. Bar 7, E taurluath a atd tight. Crunluath: D gracing on C to E a slight slip in bar 2 line 1.Movements tight-open up for musical flow.Pushing off E (singling) area,line 3 bar 4.Doubling:E crunluath-line 2, try not to rush off to the last C to go back into the ground. Tooo pushed. Careful here. Pipes Good. Chanter: good, though Piob HG needs to be brighter. work on the araes above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: John Ballard           Tunes: The Red Speckled Bull      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ular moving nicely in line 1.Moving nicely into line 2.Thumb var:nice flow in line 1 and 2.After c grip, just a tad of expression on C to move onto next note.Var2:slight choke in line 1.Careful here.slightly pushing in cadences in line 2.Roling into line 3 a tad pushed,choke in line 3.Var 3: nice intro into here.Doubling: good in line 1, moving nicely.Var 4: slight push on cadences in line 3.Careful.Doubling:nice, though pushing a bit on the cadence in line1-3.Taste neededon thesenotes, just a tad.Taurluath:some gde's weak at times, not as consistant.Doubling: better here,w atch GDE's in general.Crunluath: Slight chokes,eliminate this for better musical flow. Anchor E cadence a tad before b to low strike.Pushing off the E a bit.Doubling:Slight chokes, in line 2, movements becoming weaker, loosing value. Maintain stability in here. Pipes nice, tighter tuning on tenores. Chanter: good! Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Sid Baker           Tunes: The Lament for mary Macleod      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Nice start to line 1.Moving the cadences/tempo nicely in here.Though expressed the "E" cadence to the burl a tad longer. My personal thought! Var 1:Nice pulse in line 1. Line 2, watch the blowing on the "F" note-faultered ever so slightly. Better in Line 3. Doubling: A bit pushed on the cadences/pulse bring down a tad. Slight rushing in bar 5 & 6 towards the closing. Careful here. Taurluath: Could open up the movement ever so slightly for a better musical flow. Some weak movementsin line 1 on the repeat. Better control in line's 2 & 3. Doubling: Taurluath weak in bar 1. Again,a bit pushed in the doubling.Careful! Movements becoming tight. Crunluath: Movement a tad tight @ times. Open up ever so slightly here as well. Doubling: Moving the cadences/pulse a bit too much in here. Movement becoming tight, loosing it's "Flair" . Too pushed!! Pipes: Good! Chanter: Good! Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd A
Competitor: Travis Combs           Tunes: Lament for the Old Sword      Judge: Seamus Coyne      Judge's Comments: Ground: Nice start to line 1. Blowing on the Piob "HG" unsteady, work on this area. Var 1: Nice bridge to this chapter. Slight pushed in last bar 4, a tad off the cadences. Better on the repeat. Doubling: Could move the pulse/cadences in this arae. Slight choke on the repeat of line 1. No contrast between the (singling) to (doubling). Taurluath: Bidge to this chapter was nicely played. A tad "deliberate" on the movements @ times in line 1. Better in line2. Crunluath: Nice bridge to this chapter. slight "Deliberate" motion on the crunluath at times in line 1. The key is the intervals between the gracing of the movement. The "A Mach": Good transition into this area. Watch the blowing on the "HG" unsteady. A bit cautious on the pulse of the movement, could move a bit more.Pipes: Nice. The drones drifting slightly towards the end. Chanter: good. Piob "HG" blowing unsteady, (flat) C, and D (flat) a tad. Work on the areas above. Thank you!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Dugald MacKechnie      Place: 1      Tunes: Too Long in this Condition      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes- Excellent Drones. C a little sharp. Ground- Very musical with strong technique. Doubling- A little slow here. Can afford to push this on more. Var 1-Good. Overly aggressive with some of the top hand work. Try to maintain a soft approach, especially in the singling. Doubling- Far better. Crunluath- VG. Try and play to the cadences a little more but you are still consistant. A very nice tune. Well played.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Calum Maclean      Place: 2      Tunes: Lament for Alan, My Son      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes- Drones Excellent. Chanter a little thin. A very musical performance. Doublings a little brisk throughout but still maintaining good control of the theme notes. Crunluath moevments lacking smoothness. Very musical tune. Drones drifting a little at the end.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Ted Hales      Place: 3      Tunes: Struan Robertsons Salute      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes nicely set. Ground nicely set out with nice phrasing. Taorluath- Good use of theme notes throughout, maybe over extending the note after each taorluath a bit too much but minor detail.Some embellishments not always clear and precise. Good contrast into doubling. Crunluath- Excellent control here. A little straight into the cadences for my liking. Try to have a little more feel to your playing. A very strong performace.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Marc Warnock      Place: 4      Tunes: Glengarry’s Lament      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes fairly well tuned at start. F flat. Ground- well phrased with good flow. Over holding C's in cadences a little too much for my liking, however you are consisiant. Var 1- singling very nicely timed. Doubling- lacking contrast from singling. a slight note hesitation/mistake. Taorlauth-Excellent technique.Nice use of theme notes. Doubling- Excellent contrast from singling here. Crunluath-Over extending theme notes here-losing flow. Technique excellent for the most part. Very good contrast to doubling. A very well presented tune with a very good handle of the basics. Well done.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Eala Niamh McElhinney      Place: 5      Tunes: Struan Robertsons Salute      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Drones nice at start. Chanter a little too sharp and not enough fullness from the top hand. Ground- nicely presented. Taorlauth- Good phrasing. Doubling too slow. More contrast required from the singling. Crunluath- Strong playing. This is a good performance, i would suggest trying to play this tune at a slightly quicker tempo. Huge potential.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Katherine Miller      Place: 6      Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes fairly well set at start. Ground a little square throughout. Var 1- G gracenotes not always clear. Very good timing and control. Crunluath- Movements very tight here, more clarity needed. Cadences sometimes square. Lots of potential here.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Andrea Zingg           Tunes: Lament for the Iolaire      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes nicely set. Ground- Phrasing square in places.Tempo fairly brisk for this tune. Var 1- Lcaking control with the theme notes. A more subtle approach would enable the music to flow more freely. Taorlauth- Embellishments strong. Doubling- Good contrast. Excellent use of theme notes here. Crunluath- Drones drifting here. Fairly good tune however lacking composure through the early variations. T and C variations on the whole very good. Drones out at end.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Christopher Boyles           Tunes: Hector MacLean's Warning      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Drones not quite settled at start. Ground- Strong technique. Fairly well played. Var 1- A little straight here. More expression required to stop this variation sounding like an exercise. Doubling- Varying tempo here. Taorluath- Square with the phrasing here. Holding the theme notes may help give you a more fluent approach. Doubling- Lacking control. Crunluath- Embellishments failry good. Same comments as Taorluath. Drones distracting throughout performance.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Clara Aellen           Tunes: Lament For Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes not quite settled at start. Ground- Confident playing however maybe a little too much as you tend to rush over the delicate notes in the phrase. Embellishments a little too clipped. Var 1- Great use of the theme notes. Doubling- You can allow this to move on more. Far better in 2nd line. Toarluath- Movements not always full and precise. Good use of theme notes. Crunluath- Same comments as taorluath. This variation can be brought up in pace slightly too. This will imporve the tune for the listener. Good tune. Well done.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Dagmar Pesta           Tunes: Sir James MacDonald of the Isle's Lament      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Nice setup instrument. Ground- Good, however not all cadences are consistant. Var 1- Nicely controlled with excellent control of the theme notes. Beginning to rush L2 and L3. Taorlauth- Good. D taorluaths untidy. Crunluath- Same comments as Taorluath.Small choke. Lots of good stuff. D movements on Taorlauth and Crunluath require practice. Pipes nice throughout.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Eric M Stein           Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll's Salute      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Excellent drones. F flat. Ground- Very musical. Rushing E's in cadences throughout. Var 1- Fairly straight here. Try to extend theme notes at all times. This will help give the tune more character. Rushing Low A before Taoraluth movements. Taorlauth Var- Good pace. Extend theme notes. Crunluath- Slow down and allow movements to ripple more. Nice performace. Lots of nice touches. little more control would help to bring out the music more.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Ewan Jones           Tunes: The Desperate Battle      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes nice. F sharp. Ground nice. Well played through the varations with nice contrast throughout. Choke! Always remind yourself to keep composure on the theme notes, don't allow them to get away from you. Taorlauth- Rushing here. Technique good but lacking consistancy throughout.Crunluath- same comments as Taorluath. Good tune.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden           Tunes: The Monro's Salute      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes not quite settled. Ground- Fairly good presentation. Cadence movements lacking a clear D gracenote. Var 1- Rushing phrasing here. Maintain composure by extending the theme notes. Tripling- Lacking real clarity in this variation. Inconsistent with theme notes. Crunluath- Fairly good. Quite a nice tune, just lacking a little control and precision with the technique. Bagpipe not settled throughout.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane           Tunes: The Lament for The Viscount Of Dundee      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes- not quite settled at start. Ground fairly well played with nice musical touches. VAR 1- nice. Doubling- Very quick here. More control of the theme notes would help smooth out the musical presentation. Tripling- Good control of embellishments here. Small stumble and choke. Crunluath- Movements a little sticky here. Try to ensure that the timing of the embellishments fits the speed of the tune. Lots of positives in this tune. This is a difficult tune to play. Well done.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd B
Competitor: Tim Hutchinson           Tunes: A Flame of Wrath for Patrick Caogach      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes- nicely set. Ground- fairly well played. I think you can allow this to be played a little brisker. Double echo and cadence movements lacking precision. Var 1- Good aggresion here. Crunlauth- Rushing theme notes. More control with theme notes required. Drones drifting. Doubling- Small slips. Nice tune. More accuracy and polish required with the basic Piobaireachd movements.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bede Patterson      Place: 1      Tunes: Pipe Major William MacLean, Lady Louden, Sandy Cameron      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Good tempo and expression here. Some technical misses; doublings throughout - tightness on G gracenotes on places here. Strathspey - Good tempo and great lift here. An enjoyable strathspey! Reel - Great flow and tempo here. A well played reel. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones. I did feel your top hand was a shade on the thin side though.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tyler Destremps      Place: 2      Tunes: Jeannie Carruthers, Loch Loskin, Cecily Ross      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Good tempo and expression here. Some tight D doublings evident here. Otherwise a enjoyable march. Strathspey - Great lift and expression here. A well played strathspey. Reel - Nice tempo and flow in the reel here. Well played. Well balanced pipes, chanter to drones and holding well.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert      Place: 3      Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Susan McLeod, Sandy Cameron      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - A nicely expressed march here with good tempo. Technique solid throughout. Pity about the slight choke in the fourth part. Strathspey - Good lift and expression here. I felt the tempo was slightly on the cautious side though. Strong technique. Reel - Good tempo and flow here in the reel. A couple of minor technical misses throughout. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones and held well. Pity about the choke.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi      Place: 4      Tunes: Duke of Roxburgh's Farewell to the Blackmount Forest, Caledonian Society of London, Loch Carron      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - A nicely expressed march here with good tempo. Technique solid throughout. Strathspey - Good lift, tempo and expression here. A couple of minor technical misses here; tight doublings. Reel - Good tempo and flow here in the reel. A slight finger slip in the first part. some mistimed gracenotes; gracenote coming in after the change of note. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones and held well.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Votta      Place: 5      Tunes: Kantara to El Arish, Blair Drummond, Alick C MacGregor      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - A nicely expressed march here, I did feel the tempo was slightly cautious though. Technique solid throughout. Strathspey - Good lift and expression here. I felt the tempo here was also slightly on the cautious side though. Strong technique. Reel - Good tempo and flow here in the reel. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones and held well. High A slightly scatchy a times.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ross Davison      Place: 6      Tunes: John MacDonald's Welcome to South Uist      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Good expression here however, I felt the tempo was slightly on the cautious side. Good strong technique throughout. Strathspey - Again good expression and lift. The tempo here was more appropriate. Well played with strong technique. Reel - Good tempo and flow here. I felt you pushed the third part very slightly but otherwise well played. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones. Drone drifting slightly from midway through the Strathspey.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aaron Malcomb           Tunes: Mrs John Macoll, The Cameronian Rant, Charlie's Welcome      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Nice expression here. I did feel the tempo was on the slow side though. Some untidy bottom hand work coming across; mistimed gracenotes coming in after the change of note. Note error in the second ending of the last part. Strathspey - I felt this quite laboured throughout. This tune needs more drive to improve on the lift and expression. Technique was quite solid throughout though. Reel - Again, I felt the tempo needed to pushed up a bit here too. Solid throughout but just on the slow side. Some untidy bottom hand work evident; mistimed gracenotes coming in after the change of note. I felt your drones were slightly quiet to your chanter here. Well tuned and holding well throughout.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Avery White           Tunes: The Royal Scottish Pipers Society, Shepherd’s Crook, Thompson’s Dirk      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Good tempo here. I felt the expression could use some work. You are jumping off some of the phrasing endings and down beats throughout, which is causing the tune to feel rushed and slightly imbalanced in places. Technique is generally good here, just some inconsistences in some movements apparent. Strathspey - Again a good tempo here. I felt the lift was suffering slightly from the technique. The technique was strong and clean but getting in the road of the short notes in places which effected the lift. Reel - Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones. You need to have a look at your blowing. For the most part it is steady enough but there are places where you are overblowing on the top hand particularly.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin           Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay, Archie Duncan, Traditional      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Nice expression here. I did feel the tempo was on the cautious side though. Strong technique thoughtout Strathspey - Nice tempo and expression here. The tempo here was also on the cautious side. The G gracenote grips in the third part were lacking slightly in depth. Reel - Nice flow here but I did feel the tempo was slightly cautious. Some untidy bottom hand work; mistimed gracenotre coming in after the change of note. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones and held well.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dane Grant           Tunes: Clan McColl, Arniston Castle, The Grey Bob      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Good tempo and expression here. Slightly untidy going through the short C up to the throw on D, consistently throughout the tune. Strathspey - Good lift and expression here. The tempo was a shade on the slow side but steady throughout. Strong technique. Reel - Good tempo and expression here. An enjoyable reel. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones. I felt your D and High G were sharp.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Albert           Tunes: Major Manson’s Farewell to Clachantrushal, Lady MacKenzie of Gairloch, Bessie McIntyre      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Good tempo here. I felt the expression and phrasing was inconsistent though. You are tending to jump off some of the phrase endings/up beats making the presentation feel rushed in places. Some technical inaccuracies in the bottom hand work, mistimed gracenotes coming in after the change of note. Strathspey - Good tempo here however, I felt the lift could have been improved through better use of the short notes. Point the dotted ones more which will in turn force the shorter notes to be more clipped. Some technical misses on doublings and bottom hand work, throughout. Reel - Good tempo in the reel here and the flow was good for the most part. Some slightly hesistations coming across as you went through though. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones. Drones not quite in tune from the start though. F flat overall.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jennifer De Barr           Tunes: Pipe Major John Stewart, The Ewe wi the Crooked Horn, Bessie McIntrye      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - I felt the tempo here was on the cautious side hoever, nice expression throughout. Some untidy bottom hand work evident; mistimed gracenotes coming in after the change of note. Strathspey - Good tempo and expression here. Slight slip towards the end of the first part. Again some technical issues; mistimed gracenotes. Reel - Good tempo and flow here. I enjoyed the reel. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones. Drones not fully in tune from the start though.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Ballard           Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque/Mrs. Moraq Banks/Bessie MacIntyre      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - I felt the temo here was quite slow. Your expression is good overall but laboured due to the tempo. A few small chokes throughout. Technique is generally strong here however, there were some incosistences in the bottom hand work; mistimed gracenotes coming in after the change of note. Strathspey - A better tempo here but still slightly on the slow side. I enjoyed the expression and lift here. Again some slightly technical inconsistences though, mistimed gracenotes. Reel - The tempo here was good. Presentation was untidy though, mistimed gracenotes and some crossing noises throughout. A couple of small chokes here too. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones. Drones not quite holding to the end though.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Karen MacLean           Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rathsay/ Firth of Lorne/Sandy Cameron      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Good expression here however, I felt the tempo was slightly on the cautious side. The pointing/expression in the third part relaxed slightly and didn't have the same poise as the previoous two parts. A few small technical misses through, single gracenotes. Strathspey - I felt the expression here could have been improved through better use of the short notes to aid with the lift. Some technical inconsistences in the bottom hand work, gracenotes coming in slightly after the change of note. Reel - Good tempo here. I felt the flow was slightly interrupted in places by hesistation. Technique here strong. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones. Drones not quite in tune from the start though.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kyle Banta           Tunes: Taking of Beaumont Hamel, Caledonian Society, Johnnie Macdonalds Reel      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Quite a laboured introduction here. The expression was good but overall the tempo was quite slow for the march. C doublings quite tight throughout. Try to open these up a bit. Strathspey - Again the tempo was quite slow and careful. The lift is suffering as a result of the tempo. Some untidy technique evident; mistimed gracenotes coming in after the change of note. Reel - Tempo here is better but still quite cautious. Slowing down slightly in the third to fourth parts. Technique here is fairly solid. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones and held well.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martha Hall           Tunes: Pipe Major William Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police, Dornie Ferry, Mackay from Skye      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Good tempo and expression here. An enjoyable march. Strathspey - I felt the tempo here was slightly on the cautious side. Some technical issues; mistimed gracenotes coming in after the change of note. Reel - Good flow here but again I felt the tempo was cautious. Again some mistimed gracenotes coming in after the change of note. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones. Your High A is very scratchy and slightly distracting to listen to though.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Melissa Bautz           Tunes: Major Manson's Farewell to Clachantrushal/Ullapool to Stornoway/Drum Major John Seton      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Good tempo and expression here. I felt the third part took a slight dip though and could have used more pointing on the down beat to keep it in check with the restof the tune. Technique strong throughout. Strathspey - I felt the strathspey started out well expression and lift wise. You started to lose some of the poise as you went on though and the lift suffered slightly. Again your technique was solid here Reel - Good tempo and flow here in the reel. I Pipes well balalnced, chanter to drones. High G and D very sharp.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Robert Wilson           Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Caber Feidh, Major Manson      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Nice expression here. I did feel the tempo was on the cautious side though. A few technical misses throughout, grips and doublings. Strathspey - Nice tempo and expression here. I did feel it started to labour slightly towards the third and fourth parts. where the bottom hand work is more dominant Technique generally strong here. Reel - Nice flow here but I did feel the tempo was slightly cautious. Some untidy bottom hand work; mistimed gracenotrs coming in after the change of note. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones and held well.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rory Bain           Tunes: Major David Manson at Clachantrushal, Susan Macleod, The Rejected Suitor      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Good tempo here. I felt the expression and phrasing was inconsistent though. You are tending to jump off some of the phrase endings/up beats making the presentation feel rushed in places. Some technical inaccuracies in the bottom hand work, mistimed gracenotes coming in after the change of note. Strathspey - Good tempo and lift here. Some techincal faults in the third part; G gracenote grips on B and darodos not fully closed to Low G. Reel - Good tempo in the reel here and the flow was good for the most part. Some slightly hesistations coming across as you went through though. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones. Drones not quite in tune from the start though. F quite sharp.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Roy Huang           Tunes: The Duke of Roxburgh's Farewell to the Blackmount Forest, Inveraray Castle, Johnnie MacDonald’s Reel      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Good tempo here. I felt the expression was inconsistent though. You tend to over-point some of the down beats causing some phrases to appear rushed and others to be laboured. Technique on the whole is strong however, some misses with doublings coming across. Strathspey - Slip in the first part, second line. Tempo here is good however, the expression could be improved through better use of the dotted notes which will force you to cut the short notes more and aid with lift. Setting issue, in the first bar of the second line, second part. Some technical issues evident here too, C to E grips not clear. Reel - Tempo here was a shadeon the quick side and the tune felt felt rushed and edgy. Take the tempo back slightly and retain better control. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones. Drones not fully in tune from the start though.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sandy Adams           Tunes: Centenary Jewel, John Roy Stewart, Ca' the Ewes      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Good tempo and expression here. F to E doubling slightly untidy; mistimed G gracenote coming down from the F to E causing the untidiness. Strathspey - Good lift and tempo here. I felt the Low G in your throw on D was quite light in places here, More depth required in this movement. Reel - I felt the tempo and flow here started well but it sped up and started to feel like a race to the finish. Keep the control and poise throughout. Pipes well balalnced, chanter to drones. Held well.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sass Bergen           Tunes: John Morrison MacDonald, Susan MacLeod, Sandy Cameron      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - Nice tempo here. The expression was good for the most part however, I felt you were jumping off some the phrase endings and up beats in places, casuing it to feel rushed in places. Strong technique throughout. Strathspey - Again a good tempo here. I felt you slowed down sklightly in the fourth part though. Expression/lift was good but slightly hesistant in places causing slightly erractic passages. Reel - Nice flow here however, I did feel the tempo was slightly on the slow side. Technique strong. Slip in the fourth part towards the end. Pipes well balanced and held well.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tam McGirr           Tunes: Inveran. The Shepherds Crook. Sandy Cameron.      Judge: Chris Armstrong      Judge's Comments: March - A nicely expressed march here. I did feel the tempo was slightly on the slow side though. Thumb slightly missed the High A hole in the seconding ending of the fourth part. Technique strong throughout. Strathspey - Nice tempo herein the strathspey. I did feel the lift could have been better though. There is a lot of bottom hand work in this tune and it felt a bit bogged down by it in places. Reel - Good tempo and flow in the reel. I enjoyed the playing here. Pipes well balanced, chanter to drones. I felt the High G was sharp.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bede Patterson      Place: 1      Tunes: Duncan MacKillop, The Judges Dilemma      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Thanks Bede. Nice drones. Accoustice of that band room are really interesting. Pipe booming nicely there. A steady tempo and musical delivery early. Gracenoting very clear. Watch bottom hand fingers are closing aggressively so they do not appear late or uneven (fast hands). Also triplets a bit inconsistent. For me, they could be clearer in delivery (a bit muffled/tight). Open fingers on g/notes and go for it! Small catches on hand changes at times. A really good player and performance. Just need a little polish. Thanks.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert      Place: 2      Tunes: Jig of Slurs, Rory McLeod      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Thanks Connor for participating today. Great tune choices. A very good pipe is evident. Excellent tempo to start. Clear hand technique as well. A touch "square" musically but good. Strikes very good. Speeding in 4th. Don't rush to RM. Could pulse first bar beats a hair here for me. Your blowing/sound is very steady - nice. So I created tha flick (variation) in part 3 where it goes down in bar 4 versus up to E. Just saying...it is cool...gotta say but not as per the real score. Just be aware..but thanks. A real nice job overall. Just breathe with the music a bit - be more stylish - and it will be very impressive...man. Thanks
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bill Woods      Place: 3      Tunes: Colin Sutherland, Jim Bell's Fiasco      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Well done Billy for participating in this event. A bold and attractive soundig pipe Good crack off those drones.. Excellent tempo start. A nice tune and good hands evident. Watfh C-B-C note changes. A good musical flow to your playing. Good fundamentals are clear. Again watch bottom hand clarity. HA a bit high by end. Rushing a bit by 3rd part of Fiasco. Recovered by end. A very good performance. Nice. Thanks.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tyler Destremps      Place: 4      Tunes: Alan MacPherson Moss Park, The Seagull      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: A nice refined sound. Good sorting of your solo sound. Very fast at start. Should relax with tempo in my view. Hands are pretty good. Good clarity. Bottom hand gracenoting a little loose. HA a tiny bit flat. Could pulse a hair in Seagull. Musical but quite straight. Very steady sound/blowing - well done. Holding nicely to end. Wish it were more controlled from the start but overall pretty good stuff and lots of potential here. Thank you.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sass Bergen      Place: 5      Tunes: Topper, The Goatherd      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Hi Sass. A good sounding instrument you have with nice bass (and nice cover..). Full drones. Steady start - quite deliberate/controlled\ and yet musical. Watch gracenote clarity at times. Overall very good and natural hands are evident Musically very good. There are times where I think you may not be holding together but you do. You have a musical meter that is very pleasant. Pulsing the music seems to come natural to you. In the end, a very pleasing jig performance - full of music - and on a nice instrumenrt. Thank you.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Melissa Bautz      Place: 6      Tunes: Turf Lodge/Echoes of Oban      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Hi Melissa. Thanks for doing this. Looking very well put together today - well done! Good social distancing with the two chairs at least 12 feet apart (or 6' from you..). Chanter sound is a bit overloaded (it seems) into the mic you are using. Maybe experiment another time as clarty is being sacrificed here A good overall sound. Chanter at sweet pitch. Good tempo at start. Top hand is little high but in control. Hands are pretty strong and clear (as mic will allow). Steady musical playing. I like your pulsing on first bar beats. Creating a musical style. Watch clarity on top hand strikes. A really good performance overall. I like it. Thanks.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aaron Malcomb           Tunes: Paddy O'Rafferty, Dr Iain MacAonghais      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Thanks Aaron for taking part here. A nice 2nd take. Okay so pipes are nice and sweet. Technique a bit loose and indistinct - esp. on botto hand. Try to tighten this up Chanter top hand a hair thin. Second tune a little jerky in feel. Not pulling off the tied-notes as perhaps you might? A musical run overall however and you just need to settle these tunes down technically to really pull them off. Thanks.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brennan Foley           Tunes: Dunrovin Farm and 2020      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Hey Brennan. Looking good young fella. A good tuning effort. Starting really well. Ex, tempo. Hands are looking good at this point. Feeling a surge in tempo but you pull it back in 2nd. Better in 3rd. Wath to get strikes in. Nicely into 2020. A nice tune. Hands are good here. Small bobbles in 3rd. Need to tighten gracenoting in here. Better in 4th. I like the pipes and pipe sound a lot. Music is coming on nicely. Strive for clarity in gracenoting oerall. A nice job, thanks.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin           Tunes: Over to Uist, The Curlew      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Thanks Charlie for takig part here. Nice tunes. A very good pipe is evident. Excellent tempo to start. Very steady delivery. Clear hand technique as well. Try to open LA triplets that little bit. This will help with small movements in tempo variation. Well finished. Starting the Curlew very well. Tiny bobble in 1st. Accoustics in your room are very good. Blowing/sound is very steady - nice. Gracenoting in parts 3/4 a little on the "loose" side. Try for clarity. Small moments of rushing in last part but minor. Well completed and well performed througout on a very good instrument. Well done thanks.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jennifer De Barr           Tunes: The Ten Penny Bit, The Curlew      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Hi Jen and good to have you here today. Nice backyard? Chanter at good pitch. Watch that the drones could definitely be "closer" at the start (and pulled down i believer). A little labored in delivery and down-tempo for this tune. A very demanding tune the TPB is...need to have the confidence to "let it go" somewhat. A little square in feel as well. Your style suits The Curlew better in my view. Good top hand work in evidence here. Nice D throws. Gracenoting overall a little "loose" (tighten a hair). A really good effort and thanks again.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi           Tunes: Donald Mackillop, Rory MacLeod      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Good to see you Kevin. A good pipe sound. Well started. Small hesitation in repeat of 1st. Temp is very good. Hands are quite good but watch clarity on bottom execution including gracenoting. Youg G gracenote in particular could be stronger. Strikes overall are fine. Small bobble in 2nd of Rory Bottom hand slipping (?) at times ...small but watch. Top hand strikes could be cleaner in 4th part Moments of hesitation harmed an otherwise pretty good run. Musical playing - keep it up! Thanks.
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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: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Thanks Kyle for doing this. A big, bold sound in that room - nice. A careful tempo at start. Hands are good. Chanter a little flat overall. Style is very even - could use small pulsing. Watch to not slow in 4th. Good clear gracenoting in 1st part of MM. Again very delierate/square in style. This is okay but lacks musical pulse..ie. tapping of feet. A good job overall Kyle well done. Thanks.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martha Hall           Tunes: The Curlew, Rory MacLeod      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Hi Martha. Looking very presentable today! A good overall sound. Nice tempo selected. Chanter a little coarse/unbalanced. Top hand is high. Hands are pretty good with gracenoting somewhat "loose" (big). This is creating a bit of sloppiness. Try to keep style of both tunes the same (holding more in 2nd). Rushing birls at part endings. Watch ending phrases for clarity (super important). A good performance overall. Work on style/flow of tunes and general technique. Thank you.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ross Davison           Tunes: Donella Beaton and Donald Cameron's Powder Horn      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Thanks Ross for doing this and looking sharp! A lovely pipe sound evident. Drones are very good. A touch flat by end but still together. Tempo chosen is excellent. Hands pretty good overall. A "loose" with gracenoting. Watch to not have them too high. Continue to work on birls. HA a little on the sharp side. Your musical flow is quite nice. A bit round in ending phrase of DC. Could cut short notes a wee bit more. A fine effort overall thanks.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Roy Huang           Tunes: Jig of Slurs, Clean Sweeping      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Thanks for participating Roy. Interesting setting you are inm - well done. Well started. Quite down-tempo. Strikes pretty good. Speeding up in 2nd part. Hands pretty good overall. A nice steady feel to your playing. "F" a bit on sharp side. Nice pele in 2nd tune. It seems to be me your squeezing could be firmer and that the bag could be further under your arm (hard with this vantage point). Could be the blowstick is that little bit long as well. Anyway, musically pretty good overall. Watch steadines of tempo. Thank you.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sandy Adams           Tunes: The Snuff Wife, Skye      Judge: Terry Lee      Judge's Comments: Hi Sandy. Drones nailed in very nicely. Not necessarily to have such a tempo build at start. Ends up too fast for me. Watch gracenote clarity to top hand notes. Skye again on the fast side. Such a great tune and it needs to breathe. Hands pretty good overall - esp. HA strikes and such. A lower tempo would allow you to pulse the tunes more musically. Take a look at this . Well done overall thanks.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ross Davison      Place: 1      Tunes: PM Sam Scott      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Ross , nice bagpipe, good tempo and expression from outset. occasionally early to D strike part endings Tiny catch in the occasional grip last part. very strong performance thanks for the listen.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert      Place: 2      Tunes: Dr Ross's 50th Welcome to Argyllshire      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Connor, thanks for the entry, sweet bagpipe, well tuned and well balanced. Nice easy 6/8 rhythm (wind noise distracts) good swing, ever so slightly cautious tempo. Strong hands, clean technique. Enjoyed this thanks.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bill Woods      Place: 3      Tunes: Rab's Wedding      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Bill thanks for entering. Robust pipe. Relaxed tempo, easy 6/8 swing. Strong hands. Wee grip miss last part otherwise very good playing.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tyler Destremps      Place: 4      Tunes: Cameron MacFadyen      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Tyler, thanks for the tune. Pipe well tuned and well balanced from outset. Clean hands , nice 6/8 swing. A touch conservative tempo wise, enjoyed the performance. Cheers for the listen.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Robert Wilson      Place: 5      Tunes: Miss Ishabel T MacDonald      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Thanks for entering Robert, one of my all time favourite 6/8 marches. Bold sounding instrument, not 100% locked in at start but improved as you went on. Clean technique from outset. Down in tempo, which affected the lift /musciality of the performance. Strong showing nonetheless, well done.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Katherine Miller      Place: 6      Tunes: Fairview Cottage      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Katherine, nice tune. Pipe sounds good, well tuned, ringing hi A. Strong bottom hand technique. Occasional missed strike, otherwise a good strong tune, tempo conservative but consistent throughout with musical playing. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aaron Malcomb           Tunes: The MacNeils of Ugadale, Jean Mauchline      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Aaron, thanks for entering. Great tune selection . Bagpipe well balanced and tuned from outset. Conservative tempo. A few wee crossing noises partds 1 and 2, slowing down 3rd part, and again wee catches distract. 2nd tune not formally judged.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brennan Foley           Tunes: Jean Mauchline      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Brennan, thanks for the tune. pipes quite nice at start, not 100% locked in, taurluaths not always clean in first ( and susequent ) parts, occasional dropped gracenotes too. Nice rhythm and good 6/8 swing. Work on tidyingup those taurluaths to improve this performance.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin           Tunes: Dunvegan's Return      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Thanks for the tune Charlie. Strong pipe, nice tempo and swing to your 6/8. A few wee crosses in first 2 parts (E to Hi A) and again in 3rd. Grips in 4th part not 100%, and a couple of crosses again. Overall a pleasant tune just a few technical blemishes which distract slightly. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jennifer De Barr           Tunes: Cameron MacFadyen      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Jennifer, thanks for the tune. Drones not locked in from outset. Nice tune choice, wind noise affects sound quality. Crosses/catches first part, relaxed tempo, nice 6/8 swing, again catches last part, musically I enjoyed this, sound of pipe and technical blemishes did detract a little though. Thanks again
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Karen MacLean           Tunes: JIm Hall      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Karen, thanks for the tune. Drones tuned sharp to chanter, Nice tempo and lift to this tune, wee miss end of part 2 Grips not always clear. This was a solid performance well done.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi           Tunes: Kenneth J MacCleod      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: HI Kevin, thanks for entering the 6/8 contest. IMpressive strike in, Steady tempo, pretty good 6/8 rhythm from outset. Not always clean to F in the first part. Hands improved as you progressed. For me the first part wasn't clean and your start into the tune a little unsettled, this detracted from your overall performance. Pipe was good and music was good, keep up the good work.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kyle Banta           Tunes: Jean Mauchline      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Kyle, thanks for entering the 6/8 event. Robust sounding pipe, huge mounts...Robertson's? Well tuned instrument, conservative tempo initially. Hands pretty strong. Muscially the tune would flow a little better with a slight lift intempo, otherwise good listening, thanks.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martha Hall           Tunes: Mrs. Lily Christie      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Martha, thanks for entering event 28 . One of my favourite 6/8s! Drones well tuned, flattish high G, ? underblown tophand. Impressive birl. Tempo a bit on conservative side for me, wee bit careful in places. Last part , again slightly underblown top hand, however a strong performance nonetheless. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Melissa Bautz           Tunes: Angus MacKinnon      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Melissa, thanks for the 6/8. Nice tempo, relaxed playing with good 6/8 swing, technically strong too. UNfortunately there was a lot of distortion on the recording which affected the overall sound of the instrument , and this counted against you in this event. Thanks again for the listen.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rory Bain           Tunes: Big Don Macdonald      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Rory, nice vegetable garden. Bagpipe not in tune from outset. Strong hands, sometimes overdoing the pulsing to my ear, leading to a slightly stilted interpretation. Thanks for the listen.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Roy Huang           Tunes: Angus MacKinnon      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Roy, a classic 6/8 for your tune. Drones well tunes, some chanter intonation issues though (F and B) nice rhythm and lift, slowing down a little 3rd part. Nice technique, well done.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sass Bergen           Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig      Judge: Brendon Eade      Judge's Comments: Hi Sass, another classic 6/8 here, thanks. Pipe pretty soild from outset. F a touch flat. At times losing that 6/8 swing, especially third part, the odd wee technical miss ( crossing noises repeat 2nd part) Still an enjoyable tune to listen to, well done.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bill Woods      Place: 1      Tunes: Londonberry Hornpipe, Tam Bains Lum      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Very nicely played. Good tempo, musicality and drive. Clear fingering. Couple of tiny finger things in 2nd tune. Good pipe.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dane Grant      Place: 2      Tunes: Lucy Cassidy, The Man from Skye      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Nice bright tempo and steady playing throughout. Bagpipe steady too. I felt the birls in Lucy Cassidy a bit too spread out and affect the rhythm in that bar. In general the fingering could be slightly more clear at times.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tyler Destremps      Place: 3      Tunes: Lucy Cassidy, Jim Tweedie’s Sea Legs      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: A bit of a nervy start and in first tune at times over holding the beat notes which just interrupted flow a little. Good execution. Pipe was very good, but of an awkward break. Jimmy Tweedie very well played with only a couple of little catches in last part. Well played.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sass Bergen      Place: 4      Tunes: Angus John’s Fancy, The Train Journey North      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: A very composed first tune with lots of good music and steadiness in the playing and pipe. A couple of little catches on bottom hand. In 2nd tune the hornpipe shakes a little inconsistent and very open in 3rd part. Again a couple of untidy bits.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sandy Adams      Place: 5      Tunes: Marion's Hornpipe, Ina MacKenzie      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: First tune very musical on a good bagpipe, couple of little misses, half doubs on F and B strike. 2nd tune clipping F before the E doublings. Overall musical just a coupe of technical things.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Roy Huang      Place: 6      Tunes: Josh Chandler, Danny the Fridge Magnet      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Interesting and enjoyable tunes. Pipe sounded good but at times the sound of bottom hand not aided by the recording. I felt that at times the fingering kind of got in the way of flow of and drive and these bits then sounded unsure and imprecise. In 2nd tune a little unsteady in places...
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aaron Malcomb           Tunes: Duncan Johnstone, Donald MacLeod      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Started off with excellent tempo and bagpipe, I liked the flow of the tunes and musicality. Untidy fingering on top hand , with the f finger a bit lazy in places.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin           Tunes: Donald MacLeod, Ben C. Niven      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Steady as a rock tempo. Pipe good but the drones could be slightly better tuned. Good music. In both tunes a few crossing noises and a couple of chokes along the way which kind of cost you a higher standing.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert           Tunes: P/M Colin Armstrong, College of Piping at Summerside PEI      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: First impressions were very good execution on a very good pipe but the first hornpipe way too slow. This further highlighted when you broke into 2nd tune. Couple of little finger things in 2nd tune.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi           Tunes: Donald MacLeod, Ceilidh Lines      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: A very good instrument. Opening passages were a little untidy and mechanical/laboured. By the 4th part it was flowing better. Watch for catches on bottom hand. "nd hornpipe very well played.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Melissa Bautz           Tunes: Pipe Major George Allan/Donald MacLeod      Judge: William McCallum      Judge's Comments: Very steady playing for first 3 parts but 4th part was a bit disjointed with error 1st through. Nice playing to begin Donald MacLeod. Chanter tuning is important to highlight the nice playing, drones a little out in 2nd tune.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Joseph Votta      Place: 1      Tunes: Too long in this condition      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Pipe well set. Nice ground, well expressed and delivered. Doubling. Could kick on a bit tempo-wise. Otherwise well played. Var 1. Watch that the cadence is not disconnected from the 2 bar phrase - you're pausing a fraction too long. Doubling. Nice tempo increase. Crun. wee miss second line. Some more clarity required for top hand technique - don't let it get too small. Doubling. Miss again end of line 1. Well expressed. Overall, a very enjoyable tune. Pipe well set and held well.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Tyler Destremps      Place: 2      Tunes: Lament for Captain MacDougall      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Pipe well set. E in 3-note cadences to B a little skinny. Careful you don't get held up mid-phrase. Nice music overall. Var1. Could come off semi-quavers a bit sooner - they are tending fat. Nice otherwise. Doubling. Good tempo increase. Need to mark end of 2-bar phrase more. B grips not always solid. TS. Tar movement not always 100% accurate. TD. Tar movement again. Expression a little jerky. HG gracenote miss line 2. CS. OK. CD. A straight expression-wise. Could do with more on each theme note and make both breabach notes a little skinnier (but still keep them even). Pipe held well. Good tune Tyler.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Tam McGirr      Place: 3      Tunes: The Battle of Auldearn      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Drones well set. Perhaps a little sharp relative to chanter. Piob HG lovely. Well played ground. Doubling. Nice uplift in brightness. Well played. Var1. No quicker. Doub. Ok - watch blowing on D occasionly. Var2. Good. Var3. Good. TS. D gracenote on C theme bar 1. TD. Could kick on a little bit - LA after tar movement a little fat. CS. E after crun movement a shade fat. Otherwise good. CD. Could kick on a bit. E after crun movement again. A little straight. A Mach. wee miss. Pipe held well. Nice tune Tam.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Dane Grant      Place: 4      Tunes: Battle of Auldearn No. 1      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Pipe well set. Bar 3 line 1 (and Bar 1 line 3) Low A afrer cadence a little short before going up to F. Try to pull out the E before the harin a little more in bar 1 and wherever else it occurs. End of 2 bar phrase not always marked. Otherwise, nice interpretation. Thumb. HA before cadence pulled out a shade too much. Otherwise nice. Doubling. Good tempo increase. A little straight for me. Try to get more from the first and last pulses in each 2-bar phrase. Dithis. Low A before cadence too fat. Otherwise nice. Doubling. Good tempo increase. Again, a little straight for me. TS. Watch Low A after tar movement - don't make it any fatter. First few tar movements not 100% clear. Need to mark end of each phrase a little more. TD. Tar movement a little tight and not always 100% clear. A little lacking in pulsing (straight). CS. Need to go straight on to cadence after the last crunluath movement prior (i.e. make the cadence part of the 2-bar phrase. CD. Nice. A mach. Make sure you get a bit more Low G in the grip part of the movement. Overall, a nice tune Dane. Pipe held well. Watch that tar and crun movements don't get too tight - need clarity.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Sass Bergen      Place: 5      Tunes: The Lament for the Only Son      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Drones well set. Nice ground. Thumb. Could fatten HA's a little. LA after cadence (bar 1 etc) a little nipped. Thumb Doub. OK. HA's line 1 and 1st phrases of lines 2 and 3 could be fattened a little. Dithis. and Doub. Good. TS. Tar movement not always 100% accurate. TD. Accuracy of tar movement again - need to get it consistely accurate. Otherwise good. CS. Crun movement a little sticky at times, but variation otherwise well played. CD. as for CS. A Mach. OK, a mach movement lacking a bit of fluency. Pipe held well. Very nice tune overall Sass.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ross Davison      Place: 6      Tunes: Beloved Scotland      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Nice. Bar 4 line 1 - quaver connecting note a little laboured. Same with bars 2 and 4, line 2 and bars 5 and 6 line 3. Watch that movements on F and HG line 3 are cleanly executed. TS. Could get more on each theme note, especially 1st and 4th pulses. Line 3 better. TD. A couple of tar misses. A little bit straight for me - need something on the 1st and 4th pulses, and mark end of 2-bar phrases. CS. Wee miss line 1. Line 3 dg gracenote bar 1 on C connecting note in cadence. CD. Could do with more on each theme note. Misses line 2 and 3. Too straight for me. Crun movement - top hand not always cleanly executed, and tending to come in too close to the bottom hand part of the movement. Overall, an enjoyable listen. Pipe held well. Well done playing in the rain for the second half of the tune!
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Aaron Malcomb           Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll's Salute      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Nice ground. Could do with more E in hiharins. Drones well set ogether but not quite with LA. Var1. A little bit too cut for me - need to be a bit smoother. A few crossing noises creeping in LA-C. Var1 Doub. Still a bit too cut. Otherwise ok. TS. Watch accuracy of tar movement - E gracenote not always coming in accurately. TD. Nice music. Tar movement again - sometimes it is great - need to get it consistent. CS. LA-C crossing noises again. Could do with more E in the hiharin movement. CD. Crun not always coming out cleanly and clearly - top hand part of the movement coming in over the top of the bottom hand part of the movement. Pleasant listening otherwise.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Charlie Martin           Tunes: MacFarlane's Gathering      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Pipe well set. Watch execution of Tar movement. LA - C not always clean. Nice interpretation. Var1. Need to open tar movement up a little to make it clearer and cleaner. TS. try to get singling part connected to the 2-bar phrase i.e. don't pause quite so much after the last theme note before the singling. Tar movement lacking consistency. Otherwise nice. TD. Watch crossing noises to C from LA and B. CS. Need to ensure cadence is joined to the 2-bar phrase. Crun movement a little sticky. Otherwise fine. CD. OK. Crun movement again. Pipe held well. Some blowing inconsistency. Overall an enjoyable tune Charlie.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Doug Miles           Tunes: Lament for Mary MacLeod      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Pipe well set to start. Need to play through to the end of the 2-bar phrase - you are tending to get stuck before the end of the pharse which has the effect of breaking the flow of the music. Otherwise, nice. Var 1. OK. Could be a bit more posistive with the semi quavers (less the last bar each line). Doubling. Overall too round for me. Need to swell up from the first note, second note is the main theme, then use the third note as a link to the next note group/pulse. Setting 3rd line (apart from HA) was a mix of Kilberry and John MacDonald. Need to be consistent and play one setting only! TS. Need to mark end of each 2-bar phrase more. Otherwise, quite nice. TD. Good. CS. End of 2-bar phrases again. Otherwise quite nice. CD. Nice. Drones not lasting the distance. Overall, a nice listen Doug.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Eric Albert           Tunes: Lachlan MacNeil Campbell of Kintarbert’s Fancy      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Pipe well set. Missed bar 3 line 2! Nice music otherwise. Watch finger placement end of variation! Var1. Nice. At times, I felt that the 1st note of the duplet was a fraction skinny. 3rd line nice. Var2. Too long on Low A after hiharins - broke the flow of the music. Doubling. Nice overall. Linking notes sometimes a bit abrupt. Watch execution of tar movement - not always 100% accurate. TS. Accuracy of tar movement again. Low A's after hiharins again - especially the first one. Otherwise nice. TD. Linking notes tending to be a bit skinny. Accuracy of tar movement again. Mistake end of line 3. CS. Need to fatten the 2 breabach notes a little before the cadence/hiharins. Crun movement not always 100% secure. CD. Wee choke 3rd line. Keep developing the crun movement (for accuracy and consistency - some come out very well). CD otherwise nice, although breabach connecting notes not always nice and even. Overall, a nice listen Eric.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Eric M Stein           Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll's Salute      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Drones well set. Dbl echo on B - ensure you close to LG. Hiharins - fatten out a bit. Var1. LA-C crossing noises. Hiharins need to sound LA after D gracenote. Dbl echo on B again. Watch you mark end of each line. Cadence E line 4 quite clipped. Hiharins - execution. Doub. LA-C crossing noises again. Otherwise nice. TS. a bit brisk. End of line marking again. Some unclear fingering line 4. TD. Crossing noises again. Otherwise competently played. CS. Need to play breabach notes evenly. Dbl echo on B again. Brisk overall. Need to set this out better. CD. Breabach notes again. Crun move not coming out cleanly and clearly. Plenty of potential Eric. Next development step is to gain more fluenecy (and correctness) in all embellishments. Enjoyable tune to lsten to.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Jesse Callender           Tunes: Lament for the Viscount of Dundee      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Drones well set together - a little flat relative to Low A. LG a little sharp. Throw on D - more Low G required in this movement. Throws to HG developing. Nice musical expression. Var1. A little cut for me - linking note needs to be 'lazier'. Otherwise fine. Doubling. Wee slip line 1. Could kick the tempo on a bit. A few crossing noises coming in. Var2. OK. LA - C crossing noises. Doubling. Nice tempo increase. Nice. TS. Wee slip end line 2. Some technique (gracenote) inaccuracy. A little straight. TD. Too straight for me. CS. Fosgailte movement developing. Too straight - need more pulsing at the start of the crun movement. CD. Too straight again. Keeping working on the fosgailte movement to get it coiming out more fluently. Drones not 100% at the end. Overall, a good impression. Keep developing the technique.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Jim Roberts           Tunes: "Salute to Pipe Major Alasdair Gillies"      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Drones not set 100% together. Ground nicely expressed. Var1. Be careful not to overdo the 4th pulse - it is having a tendency to break the flow of the music. Could do with a little bit more on the first pulse each bar, especially the start of each 2 bar phrase. Line 2 bar 1 and 3, Line 3 bar 3 - missing a HG gracenote on LA semi-quaver, 3rd pulse. Doubling. OK. 4th pulse a bit much again - need a bit less on this, and put something on the first pulse to achieve some balance. Drones not lasting. TS. Too straight and quick for me - it is a lament! Tar movement tight, and the LA after the movement is too fat - unbalances the music. 4th pulse intruding again. TD. Wee miss line 1. Too quick. CS. Crun movement tight - a few missed movements. Straight and quick. E after Crun movement tending to be a bit fat. Need to come off it sooner and on to the next theme note. CD. Missed line 2 and 3. Straight and quick. Tranisition to amach variation - paused too long. AMach. You are omitting the HG gracenote at the start of the amach movement on B and C. Tight movements. Pipe not lasting the distance. This is a lovely tune that I think you can get much more music out of.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Karen MacLean           Tunes: Battle of Strome      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Need more Low G in your Throw on D and open the movement out. What you are playing is good for light music, but not for piobaireachd. 3 note cadences - need a bit more on the E. Var1. Mistake line 2. Nice otherwise. Doub. A little straight. Try to get more on the 1st and 4th pulses. You are getting a few crossing noises LA to C and LA to D. TS. Wee slip line 2. Watch you have enough weight (but don't make it too much!) on the last them note each bar and use the following quaver as a linking note to the next bar/phrase. TD. Well paced. Quite a few crossing noises coming in LA to C and D. A little sraight overall. CS. Don't dwell on E following Crun movement - go on to the cadence. Mistakes line 2. CD. Middle note of crun movementment not always clear, especially C. A little straight and lacking in expression. Overall, a good listen Karen.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi           Tunes: The MacDougall's Gathering      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Drones well set. A little slow. Wee slip end line 1. Nice piob HG. Overall, just too slow for me in the ground - it is a Gathering tune! TS. Wee miss line 2. Note before grips a little clipped. Again a little too slow for me. LA after tar movement tending to be a little fat. TD. pausing on LA after tar movement before not before grip - need to go straight on. Wee grip and tar miss. CS. Good crun movement. Missed movement from D line 1. Note before grips a little cut again. CD. OK. E after crun movement a little fat. Watch finger placement. Overall, just too slow for me, which misses the musical 'gathering' picture I am looking for. Pipe held well - plenty of potential here - keep it up!
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Melissa Bautz           Tunes: The Lament for the Viscount of Dundee      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Could have more LG in your throw on D. Throws to HG line not 100%. Overall, ground well played. Var1. A little too cut for me - make the connecting note a little 'lazier'. Doubling. OK. Drones not lasting. Var2. Treatment of second note in singling movement inconsistent. Mistake line 3 bar 3. Doubling. Repeat line 1, last note played C instead of D, then many note errors after that. Musical style fine. TS. Perhaps onto singling part of the phrase a fraction early. Otherwise fine. TD. Fine. Perhaps a little bit more pulsing 1st and 4th pulses each phrase. CD. Dwelling on E after crun movement before cadence - go straight on. Second note in cadence used as a linking note - this is fine (and is how I would have it) - however it is inconsistent with your treatment of the cadences in singlings of variation 1 and TS. CD. Middle note of fosgailte movement a little protruding. Need to get some pulsing on the 1st and 4th pulses in the 2-bar phrase. Overall a pleasant listen Melissa. Pipe not lasting the distance.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Robert Wilson           Tunes: The Massacre of Glencoe      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Pipe well set. E and HA tending a little sharp to my ear. Hiharin a little light. Otherwise nice. Thumb. end of 2nd line - large crossing noise to HA. Otherwise nice. TS. wee tar miss line 1. LA after tar movement tending to be a bit fat. TD. LA after Tar movement again. Too straight for me. Need pulsing on 1st and 4th pulses. CS. Crun movement not coming out clearly - hint of an additional gracenote. OK otherwise. CD. E after crun movement too fat. Stratight interpretation. A Mach. Good a mach movement. Standard crunluath movement not coming out cleanly. Couple of misses. Drones held well. Enjoyable tune.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Roy Huang           Tunes: Glengarry's March      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. A little too quick for me - set it out a bit more. Marking end of variation too much. Thumb. Marking end of 2 bar phrases too much- has the effect of breaking the flow of the music. Mark the end of each phrase, but not so much. Watch execution of embari movement. HG note wherever it occurs - you are a little abrupt with it, fatten it out slightly. Var2. Need to pull out last theme note before the cadence/singling. Otheriwse ok. Doubling. Linking notes a little fat which had the effect of rounding the variation out a bit much. TS. wee grip miss line 1. Need to soften on to the cadence (fatten last theme note before). Tempo getting away a bit line 2. TD. A little bit straight - a fraction more needed on 1st and 4th pulses. CS. Middle note of fosgailte movement a bit fat. Last movement before cadence - need to fatten the LG note. CD. Mistake line 3. Again, a little straight. Overall, a good listen Roy. Need to set the tune out better - it sounded a little frantic.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Sandy Adams           Tunes: Too Long in this Condition      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Note after Tar movement sometimes a little fat. Watch that the end of the 2-bar phrase is marked - you tend to play straight through. F tending a little sharp. Overall, ground very competently played. Doubling. Good tempo increase. Wee edre miss. Treatment of note after tar movement inconsistent as for ground. Var1. Connecting note a little laboured. Make sure the cadences are joined to the phrase. Watch second note of the cadence - could mark it more. Var 1 Doub. Laboured connecting note. Some crossing noises creeping in in Var1 and doubling. Crun. Getting on to the edre part of fosgailte movement not always clean. Crun Doub. Good tempo increase - no faster! Top hand technique not always clean. A little straight for me. A mach. Not normally played in a fosgailte tune. Competently handled. Drones lasting well. Overall, an enjoyable tune.
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"Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Stephen Ross           Tunes: 4. Too Long in this Condition source Donald MacDonald’s Collection Piob. Vol 1      Judge: Greg Wilson      Judge's Comments: U. Drones not locked together. Nice setting. Watch execution of tar movement, especuially accuracy of the E gracenote. A slightly more open tar movement would help. Otherwise, nice. Doub. Played an E gracenote 2nd note goup bar 3 line 2 (should be HG gracenote). Accurace of tar movement again. Var 1. Some crossing noises creeping in. LG gracenote not always solidly executed. Nice otherwise. Ground. wee edre miss. Var 2. Good. Doubling Good. Ground again - good. Crun. Nice. Doubling. Good. Watch that technique on the top hand doesn't get too small - it is not always 100% clear. Ground to finish, wee miss. Overall, and nice setting of this tune. Watch technique throughout, but especially accuracy of tar movement. - a few chips on C with a HG gracenote and one on B as well. Make sure of finger placement throughout, but especially in Var 1. Overall an enjoyable listen.
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" Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Sean McKeown      Place: 1      Tunes: Medley      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Excellent!!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Ian K. MacDonald      Place: 2      Tunes: Starts with Miss Brenda Valentine      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Very good throughtout!
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"Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: John Dew      Place: 3      Tunes: June Warren Piob Cionnich Alasdair F. Henderson The Rothiemurchus Rant The Back of the Change House John McKenzie Eastwood Cottage Tapawingo      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes excellent. F sharp. Nice set.Becoming frantic in last set of tunes. Beginning to lose the musicality of the performace. Well played.
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" Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Callum Wynd      Place: 4      Tunes: The Gardens of Skye, Thunderhead, Ronald MacKenzie of Milton and Mabou, The Waters of Kylesku, Blackley of Hillsdale, Hecla, Richard Dwyer's Reel and John Keith Lang      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Musical set. Great playing throughout. Pipes well set and balanced. I feel you can be a little more relaxed throughout. It feels a little pushed in places however this is a minor point.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Calum Watson      Place: 5      Tunes: Eileen Mary Connely, The Memorial Bells of Inveraray, Calum Campbell of Benbecula, Greyfriars Julie, The Eavesdropper, Troy's Wedding, The Brolum & The Hawk      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes nice. March a little too straight-lacking expression. S/pey- excellent. Jigs and reels- Straight playing,a strong band style coming through. Nice finish.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Tyler Destremps      Place: 6      Tunes: Cutting Bracken (March, Waulking Song, Jig), Kiss of the King’s Hand (Slow Air), Kesh Jig (Waltz), The Hard Drive      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Great set. Full of good music. Chanter not fully balanced but not too distracting. Well played!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Aidan Scott           Tunes: Wee Michael's March, Aspen Bank, The B-52, The Clumsy Lover      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Drones not tuned fully at start. Very clean playing with some good musical touches. A very well constructed medley. It is very important that you are able to tune your own drones now though. This will help get you into the prize list and above.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Blaise Theriault           Tunes: 6/8 March: The Next Wedding I go to Will be my Own Jig 1: The Lady in the Bottle Jig 2: The Curlew Air: Hurlock's Air Strathspey 1: Hey Johnnie Strathspey 2: The Kaimes Lasses Reel 1: If Charlie Comes Reel 2: Rip to Calico      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Nice pipes- chanter a little dull. Good set. Some technique tight, especially top hand doublings. Well played.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Calum Dunbar           Tunes: Heights of Casino, Raigmore, The Irish Washerwoman, Achmore Lodge, Lady MacKenzie of Gairloch, In and out the Harbour      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Nice set. Pipes nicely set. Steady playing throughout. Doublings in strathspey very tight.Nice reel to finish,
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"Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Cameron Stewart           Tunes: Perception New Year In Noosa The Auld Fiddler The Rowan Tree Molly Connell The Plagiarist Tail Toddle      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Nice drones. Top hand of chanter flat. Steady playing throughout.Jigs flowing well, some bottom hand work a little untidy. Great air. steady strathpsey playing. More lift required. Good drive to reel. Nice medley. well done
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" Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Charlie Martin           Tunes: The One On the Left, Mac' an Irish, Over the Bows to Ballindalloch, Jock Wilson's Ball, Molly on the Shore, Heather Island, Sandy's Run, The Piping Widow      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Nice medley. Strong technique minus the occasional weak D throw- remember to play the first Low G. Some inconsistant blowing on High G. Hornpipe and Jig to finish were a little straight. More style needed here.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Clara Aellen           Tunes: Rakes of Kildare, Song for the Small Pipe, The Man From Skye      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes not quite settled at start. Jig playing nice. Try to relax the fingers a little and this will come through in the performance. Great slow air, very musical. Steady playing in the hornpipe.Huge potential here. Work on trying to refine the tuning would be the next stage i suggest.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Dan Pisowloski           Tunes: Salute the Brotherhood/Waldo Kahler/Ms. Perfect/The Fiasco/No Worries/Duncan McAskill's Famous Grouse/George Rutherford/TM Murphy's Social Club      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Drones nice. Chanter very high in pitch. Strong technique throughout. Well done on composing all the tunes yourself!Loud foot tapping distracting.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Daniel Lidgren           Tunes: Joshua and Adam McLees, Bride's Jig, Ghillie Ghan’s Isle, Kames Lassies, Sarah Lawrie, Lord McConnell of Lough Erne and Lochend      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Nice set. Playing a little eratic throughout. More control needed. Pipes pretty good. Chanter sound a little harsh.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: David McNally           Tunes: PM Ian Swinton, Braes of Marr, Keel Row (arr D McNally), Keel Row Reel (arr D McNally) Davey Adamson, Shaggy Grey Buck (arr T. Wilson), Braes of Melanish      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Drones not quite settled at start. Nice march to start. Strathspey showing good lift with strong technique. Nice break to reel. little untidy playing here. Slightly out of control for you i feel. S/air- musical.Top hand of chanter sharp. Nice jig playing. Drones beginning to distract performance. Nice set!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Eala Niamh McElhinney           Tunes: The Sleeping Tune/As Good as it Gets/The Pitlochry High school Centenary/Gravel Walks/The High Drive      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Good playing and control throughout. Chanter a little dull. Lots of potential here. Great set!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Erik Leiken           Tunes: Smiler, Donald MacLennan's Tuning Phrase, The Haunting, The Pigeon on the Gate, Angus Stuart      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Lively set. Drones great, chanter a little thin. Losing pulsing in 3rd part of jig. Strathspeys and reels nicely played. Some really nice playing throughout. I would suggest trying to get a fuller chanter sound that will help enhance this performance further.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Ewan Allen           Tunes: Hector the Hero, The Heights of Dargai, Kenny Gillie of Portnalong Skye, The High Level      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes not fully settled at start. Top hand very sharp. Good playing throughout. This performance requires just a little more composure. Unsteady blowing distracting performance.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: George Panagiotou           Tunes: Cha Till MacCruimen (4/4 March), Aspen Bank, Fiona McLeod, Kalabaken, Cha Till MacCruimen (Slow air) Atholl Highlanders (Jig)      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Good steady with lots of good music being played.Underblowing through the slow air. Strong technique.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi           Tunes: Lord Lovat's Lament, Cabar Feidh, Cabar Feidh (jig), Jimmy Ward's Jig, Hard Times Come Again No More, Little Cascade      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Nice set. Some untidy playing in jigs. These jigs can also flow a little more. Little Cascade very good.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden           Tunes: The Stone Friget, Walking The Floor, Paddy O'Rafferty, The Mist Covered Mountains, P. M. Sandy Gordon, Stumpie, High Road To Linton.      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes not quite settled at start. Good opening tune but false fingering at end of each part. Jig- Good drive in first tune but slowing down in 2nd jig. Slow Air- very good. Strathspey- lacking expression here. Nice reels to finish. Nice set.
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"Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Margaret Hill           Tunes: Felicitie Stewart - MacFarquhar Petters Hi Boy Air for Alan Campbelltown Kiltie Ball The Sliver Spear      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Very nice set. Very steady throughout. Pipes nicely set and well blown.
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" Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Mary Wallace           Tunes: Paardeburg, Flee the Glen, The Panda, Marion Livingston, A.A. Cameron, Maids of the Black Glen, Patti, The Stone Frigate      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Lively set. Feels like it is verging on being a little out of control with the jigs. More control needed. Drones drifting throughout.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Paul Mackay           Tunes: The Battle of Waterloo, McGuire’s Jig, The Gold Ring, Mist Covered Mountains, Cutting Bracken/The Weary Maid, Jack Daniel’s Reel, MacArthur Road      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Pipes very nice. March a little too round, try to pull out the dotted/beat notes. Jig- GDE's not always clear otherwise nice playing. S/air- nice playing. Good pressure on the bag with your arm also. Missed technique.Strathspey very steady. Tachum movements untidy. Round reels- very good. Good performance.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Ross Davison           Tunes: Lisnagun Jig, Lark in the Morning, Sealink to Ireland, Donald Ruadh, Ruidhle Mo Nighean Donn, Willie Bucah MacLeod of Stornaway, Scotch Mary, Jenny Dang the Weaver      Judge: Callum Beaumont      Judge's Comments: Great drones. Chanter sounding a little thin. Great drive to the jigs. Nice S/AIR. Strathspey- not fully on the beat throughout. Reel-Relax hands when playing round tunes. Coming across a little heavy handed. Great set. Well played.
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Cameron Bonar      Place: 1      Tunes: Miss Elspeth Campbell      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Terrific 2/4 Feel Cameron. Tempo perfect and well sustained. A very inspiring musical perfomance overall. Technique is crisp and appropriately placed. Well weighted themal beat notes with good off beat accuracy. Pipes are well set with strong blowing. Only minor drone wavering. Chanter has nice intervals. Nice phrase finishing esp at line ends. Well weighted B doub lengths before tachums (B*-LA-LG) Nice one! Congratulations! Enjoyed this. Thanks, SH
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Euan McCartan      Place: 2      Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Terrific 2/4 Feel Euan. Tempo spot on and well sustained. Consistent technical delivery throughout the tune, Nice D throws and half F doublings. Themal beats notes are full value with well placed connection notes. Nice bottom hand doublings in P3. Musically pleasing throughout, with good off beat accuracy. Chanter intervals are well set. D slightly Sharp. Some drone wavering evident, but it didn't falter your playing. Well done. Thanks. SH
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Charlie Mack      Place: 3      Tunes: Captain Norman Orr-Ewing      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Nice 2/4 Feel Charlie. Consistent tempo throughout. Some minor misses in your technique. Aim for 2 seperate clear gracenotes in each doubling for full effect. Generally a nice muisical perfomance with well weighted themals and off beat accuracy. Pipe is set up quite well with nice intervals on the chanter, except F is flat. Only minor wavering in the drones. Good Blowing. Thanks, SH
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Paul Mackay      Place: 4      Tunes: Men of Argyll      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Quite a nice 2/4 feel Paul. Tempo slightly cautious yet sustained. Technique is quite good. B Taurlouths good efforts here. P3 watch tachums for full value on the LowAs . Watch half C doubings for clarity at the endings. There are several F-E-C combinations in the tune. For timing, aim to give F full value, allowing the E to fall squarely on the off beat. Its a shade early each time. Overall have a look at playing directly on your step (your foot) for full effect. Just a shade off at times. Pipe nicely set. Enjoyable tune. Thanks, SH
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Craig Mitchell      Place: 5      Tunes: Mrs MacDonald of Dunach      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Nice 2/4 feel Craig. Tempo was nicely sustained. Chanter is a touch squeeky at moments at beginning. Watch D throws for full closure to Low G, E Grips in ending phrases for clarity of fingerwork. A wee bobble in P3, well recovered. In P4 watch D-LowA, for clarity. Pipe well set chanter has good intervals with only minor drone wavering. Lovely posture. Be sure to give themal beat notes full value, for full musical effect. Thanks, SH
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Josh Bruce      Place: 6      Tunes: Donald MacLean`s Farewell to Oban      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Quite nice 2/4 feel Josh. Tempo a bit speedy, yet consitent. Settled slighly by part 2. There is terrific potential here Josh. The tune needs to breathe a bit... and feel less hurried. Let the themal notes shine a bit longer, as each one is important. Every birl is just a shade early. Just wait and place them carefully to conclude each part. Technique is generally good - always be sure to allow 2 seperate gracenotes to shine through in each doubling. Work on finishing your phrases for full effect. Pipe is ok chanter has good intervals, drones quite well tuned, with minor wavering. Thanks, SH
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Callum Ross           Tunes: Mrs MacDonald of Dunach      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Nice efforts Callum, Good background and outdoor setting, lovely river. Tempo is ok and sustained quite well through the tune. Blowing has some areas with dips, and a couple chokes. Aim to fully blow through you pipe. A few catches D-F, in P3 C-E, Watch ending phrase E -EGrip D throws - D Strike, aim for a consistent technical delivery here. Esp D throws full close to LowG, and same method in each. Some are heavier, some are lighter. Keep working on your tuning during these challenging times. Lots of potential! Thanks, SH
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Charlie Maclennan           Tunes: The Braes of Brecklet      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks Charles for this. Tempo is quite steady here. Good effort on your technique. Most movements are clear and correct. Musically the tune is need a wee bit more structure. Try and double tap your foot while practicing to identify the mid way point between the beats - (the off beat) There is a significant embellishment or gracnote on each off beat. Currently the off beat notes are early. AIm to lean on the themal beat notes just a shade to give full value and place the off beat notes accurately for full musical effect. There are several F-E-Ctachum combinations: Aim to hold the F and place C of Tachum squarely on the off beat. Chanter is ok - Drones not quite flat. Lots of potential! Thanks, SH
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Grace Kelman           Tunes: P/M Willie Grays Farewell to the Glasgow police      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thanks Grace. A good effort. THe tempo is quite slow here. Watch the technical delivery. At the difficult passages aim to keep the tune moving along at the established tempo. Check in with a metrinome to identify areas that take a dip in momentum. Some earliness C-E. G Gracenote is not always spot on the beat - aim for accuracy for full effect. Pipes are quite well set. Chanter intervals are generally ok. Continue to work at blowing through your pipe. Lots of potential! Thanks, SH
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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: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: THank Gus. A good effort and tempo is slighly brisk.. The temal beat notes need a wee bit more value, as the tunes overall feels a bit hurried. Just lean into each beat just a shade more for full eft. Watch Birls for claity and placement, D throws aim to fully close to LowG as well. Chanter is set up ok, aim to lock drones to low A to achieve the full harmonic. Thanks, SH
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Lewis Stewart           Tunes: Highland Wedding      Judge: Shaunna Hilder      Judge's Comments: Thank for this Lewis. Tempo is consistent throughout. Overall the themal beat notes need to receive full value. The tune just feels hurried along. There are High A strikes arrived ahead of your toe tap, P2 E - E doub, F - Fdoub, aim to place those doirectly when the foot is touching the ground. Wait and place. P5 E taps are coming ahead of the beat. This is a big tune with big expectations. Musically challenging and technically challenging. You could consider a lighter solo style tune. Pipe is well set - aim to blow through your pipe fully to avoid any dips in the tone. Thanks, SH
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Connor Eckert      Place: 1      Tunes: John McDonald of Glencoe      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Connor, this was a really excellent performance and it is hard to believe you are less than 15 years old - you have a very bright future ahead of you. I remember hearing this tune played by you in Spring 2020 and have the same comment - don't let the technuqie get too "tight" - the birls are really short and so are some of the doublings. Maybe relax a bit and lift the fingers a little higher when you're practising? ... but overall I thought your playing was outstanding, worthy of a professional prize at the Games.
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Liam Nicolson      Place: 2      Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Liam, This was a super performance of this tune, really lively. I had not the settling before, which has the throw on D as the last note in the 7th bar of each part. You are obviously a piper of experience and confidence, with very good dress and deportment. Watch out for the 4th part - there are some short ntoes there (the short C in the 1st bar and the short B in the 3rd bar) which you are cutting too severely, and over time this could become a problem for you as the doubling movement will be indistinct. You missed one taorluath in the 4th part - but overall this was really good playing.
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Gregor Grierson      Place: 3      Tunes: The Marchioness of Tullibardine      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Gregor, what a lovely bagpipe sound - impressive from the word go. Great technique in this challenging tune - really good, just wee fluff on a birl in the 3rd part. Some of the semiquavers at the beginning of the 4th part were a wee bit too short - be careful if you have really good fingers (like you) that the short notes do not become so short that they disappear altogether - just relax a bit here. Lovely lift and feel for the tune - you have obviously been really well tutored and have a very bright future. I think if you had the room to march about, it would have helped the overall performance (but many people don't thave that luxury, depending where you live). Overall a cracking performance, well done.
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Reece Doherty      Place: 4      Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Reece, this is one of the best tunes in the repertoire, and you made a first-class job of it on a great bagpipe. Technique was really good - just a couple of wee slips in the last part which you'll know about already as you will listened back to the tune. The "swing" in the first 3 parts was really great, and you just lost it a little in the 4th part - the key is to try and hold the notes before the grips, more than the length that appears on the music - that will transform that part. I thought the F in the last bar of every part could also have been given a wee stress, just to add more musicality. But overall this was very enjoyable to listen to, well done.
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Ewan Allen      Place: 5      Tunes: The Abercairney Highlanders      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Well, Ewan, it was a pleasure to see you tackling one of the most difficult marches in the repertoire - and pulling it off. Well done. The late Joe Wilson who taught at the College of Piping in Glasgow used to say that every piper shoud play this tune, just to say they have done it! I thought your expression in the 1st two parts was really good. You then altered your approach for the 3rd and 4th parts, which was a pity. In these parts, I thought that a wee bit of stress on the 1st note of each beat would have helped give the tune more "swing"- but it's difficult in this tune as there is so much technique to fit in. In every part, the last 2 bars were nearly perfect - you are holding the last C, nicely, but don't forget to hold the low G in the penultimate bar too. The drones were slightly out at the start which was a pity - take time over that bit of your performance - gettng the bag under the arm etrc, and I would suggest you use high A as your note to hold, when settling the bag (not D - that sounds a bit odd). Hope this helps.
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Sam Purvis      Place: 6      Tunes: The Glenfinnan Highland Gathering      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Sam, this was a very confident performance on a nice bagpipe. Your technique is good - very good. I particularly liked the E doubling, which was played perfectly even when preceded by short F - that is a sequence that many pipers struggle with. The wee tuning phrase at the beginining and end of your playing was actually enjoyable to listen to - again, many pipers fiddle with the fingers at that moment and can ruin a performance. In fact it was hard to find any critcism of your playing at all, apart perhaps from the birl which sounded a bit "fuzzy" at times - also, you will over time need to speed up the march ... but with such a good grouding in the basics, that will be easy for you. Well done
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Aidan Fulmore           Tunes: Jeannie Carruthers      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Aidan, I love this classic John MacColl tune ... which starts so simply and then becomes more and more complex. In the 1st and 2nd parts I thought you could have held the long notes more (e.g. the first E in bar 1 and the D in bar 2) then cutting the note afterwards - that would give the tune more "lift". You are tending to come off these important notes rather soon - especially in the 2nd part - listen back and you will see what I mean. In the 3rd part the most important thing to do is hold the A before the taorluath movement.- you are definitely coming onto the taorluath too soon, but aprt from that I liked the the way you played this part. And then the difficult last part simple needs a bit more pointing (i.e. holding dotting notes and cutting the semi-quavers) ... my impression is that if you keep practising this tune it will become easier for you. Good job.
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Clara Aellen           Tunes: Donald MacLean's Farewell To Oban      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Clara, What a beautiful setting for the video! Anyway I enjoyed this march, which you played at a nice slow speed - and nice clear movements. The bagpipe was a bit out of tune which was slightly distracting - the chanter was a bit sharp at the outset, so spend plenty of time trying to nail the drones in tune, before making a recording. The only movement that might need bit of practice is the birl - if you listen back, you'll hear that - some are good, so you know you can do it! Over time, you will gradually speed up the whole thing, but wait a bit until you are completely confident with everything (for example, confident with the birls) and that will come as no problem to you, I think. Well done.
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: George Panagiotou           Tunes: Glen Caladh Castle      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello George, you don't hear this lovely tune enough, thanks for putting it in. You played at a nice steady pace, and good technique - the birls following a short B were particularly good. The only thing that stood out as needing some work on the practice chanter are the grips in the 3rd/4th parts - you probably know that already. In the last part, there is something you can do to make the music even better, which is to hold the first note of each beat - thus the two semiquavers that follow are a bit later than written on the page, but the effect can be really nice. Your drones were slightly out at the start which was distracting a little - make sure you get them really locked in when making a recording - you are allowed to tune them in front of the camera. Well done
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Harley Jackson           Tunes: Father John McMillan of Barra      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Harley, this was a march played at nice steady speed, with technique which was good in the main. You'll know that you missed a couple of grips and hits - but you know that can get them right if you practice, as most of them were fine. The chanter wasn't quite in tune on the top hand - high A was sharp for example, which would be easily sorted. Your drones drifted a bit - was that moisture or heat? - hard to know as you're in Australia! My main advice to you would be to hold the first note of each beat of every bar - so that the tune has more swing. For example in the first bar, a wee stress on the first C, and then on the low A after the taorluath, would help. This advice is most important in the second bar - which remains the same throughout the whole tune. In that bar, holding the first F is essential, and then cutting the short note E after it. Hope this helps
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Maddy Palmer           Tunes: Captain Norman Orr-Ewing      Judge: Peter McCalister      Judge's Comments: Hello Maddy, this was a nice slow march tempo, very correct movements, especially the diffciult hadin which is played from D to low A - I think only one of them was partially missed. The bagpipe was a bit sharp on the note D, which was pity in this tune! The only movements whcih are perhaps slower than the others are the E doubling (2nd part), and the D hit - thus they stood out a bit. But I would rather see you get the movements right, (as you are doing) and then speed them up as you become more confident. Good playing.
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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: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Phrasing slightly uneven in places, rushing to low A and F (rushing off the low G) at times. Also tachums rushed slightly in places. Excellent bagpipes and very enjoyable performance! Well done!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Hugo Mackay      Place: 2      Tunes: Morag Ramsay      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo. B barely audible before the throw D in the first and also the low A in the run towards the end of parts and so you are ahead of the beat on the B. Lovely pipes and great ability on display, well done.
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Calum Dunbar      Place: 3      Tunes: Kentara to El Arish      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo. Don't forget to march! Rushing off the E in the 4th bar to the tachums. Rushing phrases in the 3rd part and be careful not to play the birls ahead of the beat at the end of the parts. Drones unsteady. Chanter well pitched, F a little peaky/sharp. Enjoyable performance, well done!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Aidan Scott      Place: 4      Tunes: the knightswood ceilidh      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Don't forget to march! Playing the throw D slightly ahead of the beat at times. Well phrased and nice playing. Drones a little unsteady and tuned flatter than the chanter making it sound sharp.
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Dylan Forge      Place: 5      Tunes: Donald McLeans Farewell to Oban      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Cautious tempo. Rushing to some notes ahead of the beat, in particular the C at the end of the parts. Rushing in places in the 3rd part. Untidy fingerwork in the 3rd part. Catches in the last part. Solid drone sound however they were tuned sharper than the chanter making it sound flat. Great potential, keep up the good work!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Cameron Stewart      Place: 6      Tunes: John MacDonald Of Glencoe      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Rushed first bar. Start the march on the left foot rather than marking time beforehand. Cautious tempo. Some untidy technique and rushing tachums in the 3rd part. Phrasing the tune well in general. Lovely drones and good chanter sound, F a little peaky. Great potential, keep up the good work!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Aidan MacNeil           Tunes: Miss Elspeth CampBell      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Cautious tempo. Technique not always coming through clearly. Rushing to the hi G in the 2nd part. Playing ahead of the beat in places in the 3rd part. Lovely drone sound. Chanter slightly high in pitch as well as few sharp notes. Thank you!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Avery White           Tunes: Pipe Major Willie Gray’s Farewell To The Glasgow Police      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Rushing to some notes ahead of the beat, particular the birls. Technique could be a little stronger, the birl is not always clearly defined. Drones unsteady and not in tune with the pitch of the chanter. Great effort, thank you!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Eala Niamh McElhinney           Tunes: Bonnie Anne      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: start the tune on the left foot rather than marking time beforehand. Good tempo. Untidy fingerwork in places and rushing some phrases. Tachums not cleary defined. Strong accents could be held more at times. Light top fingerwork in the 3rd third. Drones steady however not tuned to the same pitch as the chanter. F peaky. Great potential and I would advise you to work on the definition of your technique. Thank you!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Hamish Hare           Tunes: Australian Ladies      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Cautious tempo. Generally well phrased. Untidy fingerwork in places. Drones unsteady and chanter sounds flat. Enjoyable performance, thank you!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Hayley Whitehill           Tunes: Mrs H.L. MacDonald of Dunnach      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Cautious tempo. Taorluath not clearly defined and D gracenote in the grips not always audible. A few catches moving from the bottom to the top hand notes. Phrasing well whihc will improve as the tempo increases. Lovely pipes. Thank you and well done!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Roy Huang           Tunes: The Lochaber Gathering      Judge: Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Good tempo. Some erratic phrasing in the 2nd part - over pointing the hi A's. Rushing to the birl ahead of the beat at the end of the parts. Untidy taorluath movements in the 3rd part. Rushing slightly in phrases in the last part. Nice drones. Chanter well pitched however the F was sharp. Enjoyable performance, thank you!
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Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Bede Patterson      Place: 1      Tunes: Pipe Major William MacLean      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Bede, thank you so much for your submission. The room seems a pleasure to play in, it sure has a nice sound on the recording. Lovely pipe, well set and tuned with a good command of the instrument. Phrasing is very musical and enjoyable to listen to. Your use of short notes is superb. Strong execution evident here. The tune was a pleasure to listen to, thank you for the opportunity. David.
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Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Kevin Darmadi      Place: 2      Tunes: Duke of Roxburgh's Farewell to the Blackmount Forest      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Kevin, Thank you for your submission. I appreciate the well spoken introduction. A very nice strike in and first impression - well done. Tempo is nice as is your pacing. Idiom is musical and well thought out. Hands are strong however a few small misses evident. A nice pipe and tune, thank you. David
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Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Marc Warnock      Place: 3      Tunes: The Conundrum      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Marc, Thank you for your submission. Watch that your bag strike is clean and gives a good first impression. Nice low A and High for me as stand outs. Overall pipe is well set and blown. Tempo and idiom are both ok here. Pacing is ok however there is some jumping evident in the 3rd. Work to strengthen your D doubling overall. Thank you.
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Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Edon Abbot      Place: 4      Tunes: Hugh Kennedy      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Edon,thank you for this. Nice to see you in your kilt. Watch your bag strike for first impression as you want a good solid sound. Overall low A and High G coming through quite flat, drones ok. Tempo is consistent however on the slow side. Work to make your short notes all the same start to finish, 3rd especially coming across round. 2/4 march idiom evident. Thank you.
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Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Margaret Hill      Place: 5      Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel      Judge: David Hilder      Judge's Comments: Hello Margaret, thank you for your submission. Drone is not cooperating at strike in. Tempo is ok here, however your use of short notes is not consistent causing some phrasing inaccuracy. Bottom hand not always strong through tune. Small wee choke towards end. Work on cleaning up some x notes as well. Overall good work, needing some polish. Thank you again. David.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Tyler Destremps      Place: 1      Tunes: 74th Farewell to Edinburgh      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Lovely sounding instrument and maintained throughout the tune! -B taorluath a little dirty at the end of the line on the repeat of part 1; missed E doubling 3rd part bar 2 and the last part I felt you were a little tight on your grip which translates to short, "chippy" short notes. Loosen up and just stay in the pocket throughout the march. Nice performance!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Sass Bergen      Place: 2      Tunes: John Morrison MacDonald      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice instrument! -Overall there are some pushed rhythms at the end of the 4th bar where you are pushing the short C to E prior to the B strikes but other than that, nice drive and nice articulation of technique! Well done!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Bill Woods      Place: 3      Tunes: David Ross      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Lovely pipe and nicely tuned with lots of chanter projection. -Short notes a little tight in first part but clean; F doubling in 2nd part first time not clean and wrong note in the repeat of the part?; Again some short notes in the 4th part a little tight. Overall nice drive in the march and technique okay but if you loosen up your hands a bit and relax I think your short notes will become more audible and your hands will be more accurate and efficient. Nice performance!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Gord Wallace      Place: 4      Tunes: Dr E G Mckinnon      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -NIce pipe! -Overall you are playing nicely with the music. The bubbly notes at the ends of the parts were a little "sticky" but consistently played throughout march. Keep your hands loose and work on making this and other embellishments a little "slicker" to really bring your level up (Need the loose hands to do it so get the metronome out and work ending phrase!!). Enjoyable performance and I know Alasdair would have liked your selection!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Trevor DeMass      Place: 5      Tunes: Donald MacLellan of Rothesay      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -NIce Pipe and well-tuned! -Steady tempo but maybe a tad slow waiting a bit too long on the up beats in High A grips for example. Hands sound a little heavy as well so loosen up a bit and let them move. Consistent control throughout march and technically pretty solid. Nice job!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Raquel MacFarlane      Place: 6      Tunes: The Taking Of Beaumont Hamel      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe sounds okay but the recording does not do it any justice unfortunately as it sounds like it is inside a tin can. -Overall a very nicely presented march with lots of drive a confidence. Some big grace notes in your tacchums making them sound a little laboured and in the 4th part 2nd ending I know this tune to go up to an F instead of the E strike you played? Very nice performance regardless.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Andrew Hill           Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice Pipe but drones not quite locked to Low A. -Light C doubling in the first part; Watch blowing as there is some "dip" in tone at the ends of the parts; Some slight crossing noises in the 3rd part at the end of the fourth bar short C to E exchange; Overall nicely done and I believe a little lighter grip of the chanter will assist you in eliminating the crossing noises and will also make your short notes more audible allowing your hands more mobility about the chanter. This willl smooth things out and it is much easier on the hands. Good job!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Charlie Martin           Tunes: Hills of Perth      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe was pretty good and drones in tune with the chanter. -Overall you are playing the music nicely here and there is just a bit of a loss of poise in your upbeats creating some pushed passages (ie. 2nd part bar 4 rushing to the tacchum off the B doubling and rushing off the High A strike in the 2nd part as well). Keep your hands loose and just keep waiting for the beats to happen as the down beats are pretty good throughout. Good Stuff!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Christopher Johnson           Tunes: Miss Elspeth Campbell      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe okay but drones not quite locked onto the Low A. -Overall okay with the tune but short notes are a little tight and there is a loss of clairity in terms of playing on the beat utilizing both down beat and the up beat to ensure the flow of the march is established and maintained throughout the tune. This can be accomplished with a metronome and playing with a losse grip to allow your hands more mobility as you do have a nice feel for the music and your technique is pretty good. Good stuff!
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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: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe pretty nice sounding and steady throughout performance. -Some big grace notes and tight hands are inhibiting the aritculation of some embellishment and short notes (ie. The 2nd part there is a short D from C that goes back to short C and up to E in the first bar...The D is almost "ghosted"). Loosen your grip and just stay poised and on the beat as the "tightness" alone can make you get to beat notes too early which detracts from the overall flow of the tune. Again evident with tacchums in the 3rd part that your hands are tight and grace notes a little big inhibiting the articulation. Your hands are plenty fast enough and this was an enjoyable performance! Well done.
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Gillies Robertson           Tunes: Sir Timothy D'arte macintosh of Clachanfugle      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe not in tune which detracts form the overall tone of the instrument. -A little dirty going to the Low G with the A tacchum down in the first part but better on the repeat as if you were settling in. -Although I am not certain you require four parts of a march for this contest just in case you did not mean to, you only played two full parts of the march and then once over the third part. I liked the march but it is a challenging piece which you battled with. Keep the down and up beats consistent to help give yourself the necessary time to play everything. Good stuff!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: James Rodgers           Tunes: MacPhearson's Lament      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -NIce pipe and drones nicely tuned together but slightly out from Low A which detracts from overall sound of the chanter. -Overall a nice flow throughout the march and just some laboured grips and taorluaths in the third part and rushing to the F doubling in the 4th part. Just sit back and wait for the beat to happen as you do in the rest of the tune. Try to loosen your hands a bit which will allow you more mobility with your fingers which will improve grips and taorluaths. Good stuff!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Jan-Erik Steel           Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe okay but drones not quite locked together with the Low A which is causing some tonal issues on the top hand of the chanter. -Some little misses and laboured passage at the end of the 2nd part; Some slight crossing noises going from F to High A in the 3rd part; Again some misses in the 4th part on C and E doublings. Overall a pretty good effort with some little inconsistencies with technique and rhythm creating some loss of rhythm. Nice job!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: John D Mitchell           Tunes: The Marchioness of Tullibardine      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe okay with lots of chanter projection and drones well-tuned but D blown slightly sharp at times. -Overall you are playing this march pretty well and I would like you to work on playing with smaller grace notes to really articulate the accent of tacchums and doublings as they are a bit big presently which is not allowing you to really pulse the down and up beats throughout the march. Being able to do this you will discover more time and space which will allow the march to flow a bit better. Good stuff!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden           Tunes: Alasdair Gillies      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe okay but drones not together a not quite locked onto the Low A which detracts from the overall sound of the chanter. -Overall a nice march with nice consistent tempo throughout. I would like to see you loosen up your hands a bit to allow for more mobility about the chanter which will articulate your short notes more to smooth out the tune a tad which will be easier on your hands. Work on getting the instrument in tune a little closer to improve the performance as you do have a nice feel for the music and your technique is pretty good. Good stuff!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Robert Wilson           Tunes: Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice sounding instrument. -Light birl at the end of the 1st part first time through; Need to be a little more accurate with the placement of down and up beats to maintain the consistency in the march as there are some square passages where you push the beat a touch. Overall you have a nice feel for the march and this was an enjoyable performance!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Ross Davison           Tunes: John MacDonald's Welcome to South Uist      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Nice Pipe but F at times comes across as a tad sharp. -Overall well played march with some pushed endings jumping to the C doubling which was not always clear. Also watch the B strikes at the end of bar 4 throughout as they are not always played the same and some came across slightly laboured. I like your drive and would like to see you loosen up a bit to allow more mobility about the chanter so that short notes become more audible and doublings and strikes are more effortless. Enjoyalbe performance!
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Steve Coontz           Tunes: The 8th Argylls      Judge: Ian K. MacDonald      Judge's Comments: -Pipe pretty good but top hand a tad sharp and drones not quite locked together with Low A detracting from overall sound quality. -The grips and D throws are not sounding enough Low G before and after the D grace note in each of the embellishments. In 3rd part a bit pushed on delivery where you could use the time to play the grace notes right on the beat to maintain control of the pace and rhythm. Same in the 4th part where you are pushing ahead in what I deem to be the trickiest parts where you could just sit it back a bit and wait for the beat and place your hands accurately. A metronome and a loose grip on the chanter will most likely improve this aspect of your performance. Well done and very enjoyable!
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"Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Dew      Place: 1      Tunes: The Duke of Roxburgh's Farewell to Blackmount Forrest Lady Louden Mrs MacPherson of Inveran      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A lovely pipe and superb technique in all three tunes.  A very well expressed march, with good lift and good phrase definition.  Felt you could come up a couple of beats per minutes.  Simply a taste thing, I suppose.  Superb tempo and pulse treatment throughout the strathspey.  A well presented reel.  I did feel that you could inject a little more subtle accenting/poise into the second part.  Otherwise, another excellent tune.  A highly refined, musical performance with polished technique and an excellent pipe.  First rate from start to finish, John!
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" Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James MacHattie      Place: 2      Tunes: Jimmy Young, The Bob of Fettercairn, The Angler      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A very well balanced pipe.  An excellent tempo for this march.  A very well expressed tune.  Just the slight tendency for birls at the end of parts to be fractionally behind the beat.  Excellent tempo and pulse treatment throughout the strathspey.  And, a very musically delivered reel.  A thoroughly enjoyable overall performance, James.  First rate playing!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Fraser Allison      Place: 3      Tunes: Angus McPherson of Inveran, Tulloch Gorm, The Rejected Suitor      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: Despite a slightly flat high 'a', a lovely overall pipe.  An excellent march tempo.  Watch the consistency of 'b' taorluaths in bar 4.  A very musically presented march!  Tempo and pulse treatment in the strathspey were very good.  At times, 'c' grips to 'e' were a little light.  A very musical reel.  Subtle accenting evident throughout the tune.  Lost a little poise near the end of the fourth part...rushed into bar 8....'b' to double low 'g'.  Only a couple of minor technical suggestions.  Overall, a first rate performance, Fraser.  Very enjoyable.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Brown      Place: 4      Tunes: Inveran, The Shepherd's Crook, Stornaway Castle      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A lovely lyrical delivery of the march.  Effective 2 bar phrasing with subtle question/answer contrast. A first rate pipe.  Excellent drones throughout.  Excellent tempo and pulse treatment in the strathspey.  In the fourth part, you tended to lose a little pulse extension in bars 4 and 8.  Lovely intro the the reel.  Tended to speed up a touch in the second part.  In the third part, a little quick proceeding to your offbeat accents.  The fourth part lost a little poise in delivery.  Despite a few 'control' concerns in the reel, a very strong overall performance, Calum.  Very enjoyable.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian K. MacDonald      Place: 5      Tunes: Inveran/John Roy Stewart/John Mackechnies Big Reel      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: An excellent pipe.  At times, I felt the high 'g' and high 'a' were blown fractionally flat.  A minor concern.  In the first part of the march, the second accent accent in bars 1 and 5 could be extended a touch more.  Once past the first part, a superb march.  Good overall expression and subtle question/answer contrast in the last three parts.  Excellent tempo in the strathspey.  Very good overall pulse treatment.  At times, third pulses were a touch underextended...e.g., third part....bars 2 and 6.  In John MacKechnie, phrase endings could have a little more accenting in the first and second parts.  Just a little poise issue in these two parts.  The final four parts were really well presented.  A strong overall performance, Ian.  Just a couple of little suggestions.  Very enjoyable!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Watson      Place: 6      Tunes: The Knightswood Ceilidh, John MacDougall Gillies & Drumlithie      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A superb pipe from start to finish.  A few slight issues to work on in the march.  I felt you could get a little more out of the offbeat accents in this subtle tune.  The tempo was very good.  You were much more musically settled in the third part.  Just the tendency to come off your offbeat accents a little early, losing a little lift and hitting onbeat accents a little too abruptly.  Very easy to sort out.  A superb strathspey.  For me, this was the highlight of your overall performance.  The reel was well presented, just pushed a touch.  Could inject a little more subtle poise into the presentation of the tune.  Still, a very enjoyable and refined overall performance.
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"Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alastair Murray           Tunes: John Macdonald of Glencoe Cabar Feidh Bessie Macintyre      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: Just a little careful in the timing of the tune.  I suspect you were hovering close to 60 bpm.  Technically, a very strong march. I felt you could flow through the 2 bar phrases a little more.  Bars 5 and 6 in the repeat of the fourth part were a touch deliberate in treatment of the rhythms in that two bar phrases.  First and thrid parts of the strathspey were well presented.  A slight loss of pulsing/control in bars 2 and 6 in the second parts.  A similar concern in the fourth part.  In the reel, a slight tendency to rush a touch off accents in bars 2 and 6 in the second part.  Otherwise, a very well presented reel.  Pipe was quite good.  Just a tendency to blow the high 'g' slightly flat on a few occasions.
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" Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Donlon           Tunes: Duchess of Edinburgh, Piper's Bonnet, Donald MacLean      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: Just a touch careful in the pacing of the march.  Nvertheless, well phrased.  A tendency to depart the low 'g' on the offbeat at the end of bar 7 a touch early.  At times you managed to do this quite nicely.  So, just a matter of consistency to get the desired lift entering bar 8.  A strong first part in the strathspey.  Lost a little forward motion through phraes in the second, third, and fourth parts.  For me, your reel was the highlight of this performance.  Excellent tempo and superb musical playing.  An excellent pipe throughout the performance.  An MSR that was VERY close to the final prize list.  Very enjoyable, Andrew.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Austin Diepenhorst           Tunes: The Argyllshire Gathering, Cabar Feigh, The Rejected Suitor      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: Just a touch tight in treatment of some short notes in the march.  For example, bar 3 of the first part.  A little ahead of the beat going from bar 7 to 8.  Off the melody line in the repeat of the second part.  Excellent tempo and pulse treatment in the strathspey.  You pushed the delivery of the reel just a touch.  This was evident in your approach to phrase endings.  Your drones were excellent.  I did feel the pitch of the chanter was just a little too high.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Blaise Theriault           Tunes: Hugh Alexander Low of Tiree, Captain Colin Campbell, Kalabakan      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A touch careful in the timing of the march.  A tendency to round out the treatment of some of the rhythmic passages in the first part.  Birls were a little light/inconsistent in the march.  I felt the timing of the strathspey was a little cautious.  This seemed to impact the desired forward motion through the two bar phrases in the tune.  At times just a little too careful/open in the delivery of three note runs ( f e c).  Excellent tempo to the reel.  This was your strongest tune!  Good overall musical delivery of the tune.  f to e strikes a little inconsistent.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brad Davidson           Tunes: Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band (setting from John Wilson's Collection of Highland Bagpipe Music, Book 1) , Dornie Ferry, Traditional      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A good pipe throughout the performance.  An excellent tempo for this march.  Intro phrases in the first part a touch on the square side (treatment of low 'a' into taorluath and birl).  In bar 7 of each part quite tight in 'e' 'f' 'e' doubling sequences.  Otherwise, very well expressed and phrased.  Some inconsistent birls, with one slight squeak on the birl in repeat of the third part.  Pulsing and tempo in the strathspey were very good.  The 'f' to 'e' doubling is posing a slight technical concern to be addressed.  Also, a few bottom hand technical clarity concerns were evident....e.g., 'e' to birl.  Could get a touch more low 'a' definition as you enter the birl.  The reel was quite round in interpretation.  Felt you could inject a little subtle accenting into the tune without compromising the overall fluent style of this tune. At present, it's just lacking a little in the subtle phrasing and shape in the tune.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brendon Eade           Tunes: Braes of Brecklett, Mrs Donald Macpherson, Willie Murray's Reel      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: An excellent tempo for this march.  A confident overall delivery of the tune.  Watch the tendency to depart the low 'a' in tachums a little early in the first part.  Otherwise, a superbly delivered march. An excellent overall pipe.  Lovely drones!  A tendency in bars 4 and 8 in the strathspey to lose pulse extension on thrid pulses in these bars.  Otherwise, well presented.  A highly musical reel.  Lost a little bit of poise in the delivery of the fourth part.  Still, a very polished overall performance, Brendon.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Callum Wynd           Tunes: Kantara to El Arish, Dora Macleod and Lochiel's Away to France      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A very good pipe throughout the performance.  A good march tempo.  A very musically presented march.  I felt you got a little draggy at the start of the repeat of the fourth part.  At times in the strathspey the third pulses were a little underextended.  This was more evident in the first and fourth parts.  The second part was much more settled in terms of pulsing treatment.  The first part of the reel came across as a little careful, then seemed to pick up and gain much more musical freedom in the second part.  Much better flow through the two bar phrases in the third part.  Lost a little accenting poise in the fourth part.  Just a few slight suggestions, Callum.  A performance which was VERY close to the prize list.  Overall, very enjoyable.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Kellett           Tunes: Angus MacKinnon of Eigg, Pope Major Hector MacLean, Kildonan      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A good tempo for this lovely march.  I felt the interpretation was a little too straight line and that you need to inject a little more expression into the tune.  More lift on the offbeat accents and subtle definition to phrase endings will help.  A very good pipe throughout.  Strong technique in all three tunes.  Effective pulse treatment in the strathspey.  Just a touch careful in the timing of the tune.  I felt you could accent phrase endings a little more in the reel.....i.e., the second onbeat accent in bars 2, 4, 6, and 8.  This was quite evident in the first two parts.  However, the third and fourth parts were much better in their presentation.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dan Pisowloski           Tunes: Pipe Major E.D. Neigh/Inveraray Castle/The Little Cascade      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A very well expressed march.  Felt it could come up a couple of beats per minute.  A little deliberate in the treatment of rhythms in the repeat of the fourth part.  Otherwise, very well presented.  In the first and third parts of the strathspey you could extend pulsing a little further.  Much better treatment of the idiom in the second and fourth parts.  Your 'd', 'f', and high 'g' were come across as a little sharp.  Good tempo in the reel.  A very well presented overall tune.  The 5th and 6th parts were a little tight in the treatment of short notes.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Lidgren           Tunes: The Knightswood Ceilidh, Shepherd’s Crook, Dolina MacKay      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: I felt your pipe was a little on the sharp side....top hand notes, especially.  In the march, losing a little subtlety in the accenting of the tune.  Could achieve a little more lift with offbeat accents.  A few technical concerns in bar 7 of each part.  Also, a tendency to be a little ahead of the beat in bar 4 of each part.  A very good strathspey tempo, with good pulse treatment throughout the tune.  A few bottom hand technical clarity concerns were evident.  At times, in bar 8, you lost a little pulse extension.  Could inject a little more subtle accenting and phrase definition into the reel.  You're tending to rush ahead in the phrases and lose a little poise in the overall musical delivery of this tune.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Darrell Calvillo           Tunes: Hugh Kennedy/Celtic Society (from Donald MacLeod Book 2)/The Sheepwife      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: Some technical inaccuracies going to high 'g' in your march.  A good tempo for this march.  High 'g' was a little sharp.  Some gracing alterations detected in bar 7.  I felt you could inject a little more accenting into phrase endings in the march.  Doublings were a little inconsistent.  Tempo in the strathspey was a little carefull.  However, good overall pulse treatment throughout the tune.  The tempo was a little inconsistent in the reel.  A few accuracy concerns were evident in the third part.  Watch the tendency for doublings to be a little tight. Also a little ahead of the second beat in some key phrase endings.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David McNally           Tunes: Maclean of Pennycross, Kirstie McCallman's Favorite, Duncan Lamont      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A little deliberate in the treatment of bars 3 and 4 in the march.  I felt the technique could be a little more crisp in the second part.  Some stiff embellishments (e.g. 'e' half doublings) in the fourth part.  The chanter was a little unbalanced (e.g., slightly sharp 'f').  You could afford to play through the two bar phrases a little more in the strathspey.  Technique coming across a little stiff.  This impacted the desired strathspey 'snap' a little.  In the reel, a little behind the beat going to 'e' doublings.  Work at controlling rhythm and subtle accenting in the reel.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erik Leiken           Tunes: Millbank Cottage, The Shepherd's Crook, Broadford Bay      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: The march tempo was very good.  A tendency to underaccent in the march and lose some of the offbeat lift and phrase defintion (i.e., accents at the ends of phrases.  The overall impact resulted in a march that was just a little too round in delivery.  In the strathspey I felt you could extend pulsing a little further.  You lost a little of the strathspey idiom here.  A slight slip in the second part.  Drones were a little unsettled by the end of the performance and the 'f' was a little inaccurate.  You could afford to relax the delivery of the reel a little and inject a little more subtle accenting into the tune.  In particular, offbeat accents need a little more attention in this great reel.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gwenael Dage           Tunes: Invergordon's Welcome to HM Queen Elizabeth II, Lady Loudon, Miss Proud      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: Tempo a little careful in the march.  However, despite the tempo. a very well expressed march.  Strong overall technique.  Some gracing/embellishment alterations made to the fourth part.  I felt the high 'a' was a little harsh/unrefined and the 'd' came across as slightly sharp.  The strathspey tempo was a little careful.  I also felt you could inject a little more pulsing contrast within the phrases.  Technique was very impressive.  Very musical in the reel...especially, the first three parts.  Lost a little poise in the fourth part, coming off accents a touch early.  Some note changes detected in the first part.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Williamson           Tunes: David Ross of Rosehall, MacBeth's Strathspey, Stornoway Castle      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: An excellent pipe throughout the performance.  A very well expressed march.  Excellent technique in the march. Just detected one slightly light grip in the fourth part.  I felt you could get a little more musical impact out of the tune if the tempo came up just a touch.  First two parts of the strathspey were excellent.  Lost a little poise in the last four bars of the third part.  The same happened at the end of the fourth part.  In the reel, just a little tight with the treatment of short notes.  Tended to rush phrase endings just a little.  Otherwise, a well presented tune.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James Feeney           Tunes: Glengarry Gathering Anniston Castle Rejected Suitor      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: Overall, a good pipe.  High 'g' a touch flat.  I felt the march, while well expressed, was just a touch careful in tempo.  Nevertheless, good question/answer impact to its delivery.  At times a little underbown on the top hand.  Strathspey tempo and pulse treatment were very good.  However, in the last four bars of the second part, you lost the pulse extension just a little.  I really enjoyed the delivery of the reel.  Good tempo and good treatment of short notes.  Subtle phrase definition evident throughout the reel.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Eric Partanen           Tunes: The Braes of Badenoch, The Ewe With the Crooked Horn, Locharron.      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: I felt your drones were not quite with the chanter pitch in this performance.  The march tempo was a little careful  Also, there was the tendency to round off some key rhythms and lose a little of the music in this great march.  Bottom hand technique is coming across a little laboured.  The girgling low 'g' tells me that the reed is past its 'best before' date.  The high 'g' was coming across as quite flat.  In the strathspey, the struggle with the technique is impacting the strathspey pulsing fairly significantly.  A good tempo in the reel.  The third part posed some significant technical and rhythmic concerns.  At times, you're tending to round out some sequences/passages in the reel. 
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Josh Chandler           Tunes: John Maccoll’s March to Kilbowie Cottage, Highland Harry, Willie Murray’s Reel      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A very good pipe throughout the performance.  In the march, I felt you were just a touch careful moving through the phrases in the first and second parts.  Very good overall musical delivery in the third and fourth parts.  A tendency to lose a little forward motion through phrases in the strathspey....e.g., bars 2, 4, 6, and 8.  An excellent tempo for your reel.  A very lyrical delivery of the tune.  Subtle accenting evident in the first three parts.  In the fourth part, you got a gouch bogged down in terms of moving through the two bar phrases...a minor concern.  Just a couple of minor suggestions/concerns.  Overall, a very enjoyable performance, Josh.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Karen McCrindle Warren           Tunes: Mrs MacDonald of Dunach, Lady Loudoun, Fiona MacLeod      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: An excellent pipe from start to finish.  Strong technique in all three tunes.  The first part of the march started a bit fast.  I suspect it's a result of coming off the offbeat low 'a's' a bit too quickly.  The second part was much more settled musically.  Watch the tendency to come off offbeat low 'a's' a little early in the third.  The same could apply to the fourth part, with the 'd' throws coming in a bit early because of the need for more lift on the low 'a's' which set up the entry to the 'd' throws.  Excellent tempo and pulse treatment throughout the strathspey.  This was your best tune!!!  Subtle question/answer contrast evident throughout the tune.  I felt the reel was pushed just a touch.  Just a little ahead of the beat entering bar 8 of each part.  Otherwise, a strong concluding tune.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Dick           Tunes: The Duchess of Edinburgh, Susan MacLeod, Bessie McIntyre      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: Your pipe was very good throughout the performance.  I felt your march tempo fluctuated a little.  The second part was a little overexpressed, resulting in a slight drop in tempo and a loss of flow through phrases.  Also, a little tendency to rush from low 'g' at the end of bar '7' into bar '8'.  Excellent tempo and pulse threatment in the strathspey.  Tempo of the reel was excellent.  A very musically presented reel.  Third part lost a little continuity in terms of moving 'through' the two bar phrases. 
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: maeghan bielski           Tunes: Leaving Glenurquhart, Glentruim, Alick C MacGregor      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: The pipe was very nicely balanced.  Some minor intonation issues detected...blowing/pressure consistency?  In the march, I felt the tempo was just a touch on the slow side.  In the first and third parts you could give more emphasis to the strong pulse 'c's' in the question bars.  The four note sequences, as a result, are coming across just a little on the round side.  In the strathspey, the pulse treatment was just a little inconsistent.  A few technical accuracy issues to work on (bar 1 of the first part, and a few passages in the third part).  Excellent tempo in your reel.  Tending to rush some of the rhythms...e.g., bars 2 and 6 in the third part.  Otherwise, well presented.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mark Elliott           Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, The Ewe With The Crooked Horn, Castlebay      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: The march tempo was a little on the careful side.  This resulted in a slight loss of the desired question/answer effect.  Technique was a little deliberate at times.  Bars 7 and 8 came across as slightly square in delivery.  Overall, a good pipe.  however the 'f' was a little sharp.  Very careful in the presentation of the strathspey.  Lost pulse extension at times, resulting in a slightly squaring off of the phrases.  A very good tempo in the reel.  Fingers, however, were struggling a little with the rhythmic passages within the tune.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mary Wallace           Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Caledonian Society of London, Bessie MacIntyre      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: Chanter top hand notes were a little sharp.  Drones were very good.  A touch round in the treatment of rhythms in the first part.  Much better expression in the remaining three parts.  Tempo seemed to drop just a touch in the second part of the march.  A few bottom hand technical concerns were evident in the march.  Some good pulse treatment in the strathspey.  But, at times, losing the desired strathspey 'snap'.  Some articulation clarity concerns emerged in the first part.  I like a slightly protracted intro from a strathspey into a reel; however, I felt in this case it was just overextended a little.  Check your setting to the tune.  You made a fairly significant change from the standard setting in the second part.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Garden           Tunes: Angus Campbell’s Farewell to Stirling caber Feidh Stornaway Castle      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A lovely overall pipe from start to finish.  In the march, I felt you were coming off offbeat accents a bit quickly, resulting in a slight tightness in delivery and a little loss in lift.  One weak birl detected at the end of the first time through the fourth part.  An excellent tempo for the strathspey.  Overall, very good pulse treatment throughout the tune.  A bit of tight 'g d e' treatment detected in the fourth part.  I felt the reel could have a little more attention to short notes.  It came across a bit on the tight side and could also have had a little more subtle offbeat accenting.  Just a few minor little suggestions.  Overall, a very enjoyable MSR, Scott.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sean McKeown           Tunes: Abercairney Highlanders/The Islay Ball/The Little Cascade      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: A strong introduction in the first part of the march.  Excellent tempo a the start of the performance..  Last beat in bars 4 and 8, at times, a touch delayed and behind the beat.  In fact, I felt the overall tempo in the march was a little inconsistent. For example, just a bit overextended in the accenting of high 'a's' in the fourth part.  Overall pulse treatment in the strathspey was very good once you were past the first part.  In the first part a little carefull in delivery of bars 4 and 8.  I really enjoyed your Little Cascade.  The only suggestion/concern would be that you tended to lose a little of the subtle accenting in the third part.  Pipe was first rate throughout the performance.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tony Adkins           Tunes: Mrs. John MacColl/Catlodge/John Morrison of Assynt House      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: I felt that your drones were a little unsettled.  Top hand blowing concerns impacted top hand intonation in the reel.  March tempo was very good.  Some bottom hand work was a little inconsistent/untidy.  Good overall expression in the march.  A tendency to round out part endings in the strathspey.  Once again, some bottom hand articulation posed a bit of a problem.  Good tempo in the reel.  Some laboured birls and laboured rhythms had some impact in the overall delivery of the reel.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Trevor Kellock           Tunes: Jimmy Young, Fiona MacDonald, Ca' the Ewes      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: An excellent tempo for this march.  A lovely introduction at the start of the tune.  I felt that you tended to dragged out the delivery of some phrases in the second, third, and fourth parts.  This was evident in bars 3 and 4 where you tended to be just a touch behind the beat.  In the strathspey, you lost a little flow through the 2 bar phrases.  I suspect this was a tempo issue.  The tempo seemed to drop a touch after the first part.  Otherwise, a well presented strathspey.  The tempo seemed to increase a little in the second part of the reel.  This also happened again in the fourth part.  Otherwise, a very musically delivered reel.  A very enjoyable setting to the tune.  Just a matter of tempo consistency.  Pipe was excellent throughout the performance.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zephan Knichel           Tunes: Morag Ramsay, Pipe Major Hector MacLean, Drum Major John Seton      Judge: Bob Worrall      Judge's Comments: An excellent pipe.  At times a touch careful in the delivery of the march.  Overall, well expressed, just a little careful in moving through some two bar phrases.  For example, going from bars 7 to 8.  Good overall treatment of the strathspey.  Once again, just a little careful moving through two bar phrases.  I felt you could 'link' the phrases togheter a little more.  Still, well presented.  Strong overall technique.  Just one slightly light grip detected in the third part of Hector MacLean.  Loved the delivery of the reel.  An excellent tempo and a lovely fluent musical delivery.  A performance that was VERY close to the final prize list.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian K. MacDonald      Place: 1      Tunes: Beverly’s Choice/Alex MacDonald      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Excellent musical, exciting playing on a great bagpipe.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Brendon Eade      Place: 2      Tunes: John Mackenzie's Fancy, The Black Sticks of the Devil      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: I felt your high G was slightly sharp. Other than that an excellent musical performance. Last part of jig maybe slightly untidy but being hypercritical. Excellent overall.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Brown      Place: 3      Tunes: Lucy Cassidy, Donella Beaton      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Excellent performance overall. I just felt that the last C to birl in the 3rd part was slightly untidy.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Calum Watson      Place: 4      Tunes: Wee Stuart MacIntyre & The Hen's March      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nicely presented hornpipe and jig. Hard to find any fault, just lacked a bit of excitement in the Hornpipe for this high level competition. Jig very good. Maybe if you increased the tempo of the Hornpipe slightly and kept the same expression it might be more musical. Very good performance.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Austin Diepenhorst      Place: 5      Tunes: Busy Buddy and Chloe's Passion      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Excellent performance. Very musical playing with excellent technique. Some slight untidiness coming off B in small passages. Nice pipes.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zephan Knichel      Place: 6      Tunes: Andrew and Colin Lee, Flora MacIsaac      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Excellent overall. Very good technically but a slight crossing noise in the 2nd part of jig. Nice pipes but slightly shrill high A.
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"Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alastair Murray           Tunes: Tam bains lum Old wife at the milldust      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe going well but you could push the tempo a little for better musicallity.Nice jig rhythm but you tend to loose the flow in passages. Good overall. Pipes nice.
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" Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew Donlon           Tunes: Hazel Thompson, Braes of Mellinish      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice musical playing in hornpipe. Pipes nicely in tune but a shade thin on top hand. Also musical jig playing. The top hand of your chanter didn't show off the last part of the Hornpipe and jig to best effect. Good execution and technique. There were a couple of birls in the 3rd/4th part of the jig which weren't as clean as the rest. A very good performance.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Blaise Theriault           Tunes: Dr. MacInnes’s Fancy, Alan MacPherson of Mosspark      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Overall a good performance. Good and accurate technique and execution generally but a shade untidy in some small passages. Tempos good but tunes could have more musical flow. Nice pipes.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Callum Wynd           Tunes: lucy Cassidy and Kenny Gillies of Portnalong, Skye      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe tempo could be pushed on a little for better musical expression. Some C to birls not as clean as they could be. Otherwise very good Hornpipe. Good jig rhythm and nice playing here. A better sound quality recording would improve you overall presentation in this high level competition. Very good performance.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Kellett           Tunes: Tam Bain’s Lum, Islay’s Charms      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Good playing in both tunes. Could drive on a little for improved musical expression. Good execution and technique. Pipes sound good but a better quality recording would improve your presentation in this high quality competition.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell           Tunes: Sandy's New Chanter, Jig of Slurs      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Tempo a little on the relaxed side for both tunes. Lacking in musical flow and quite a few execution and technique issues. A few movements missed. You are tending to overblow on the top hand causing tonal problems.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dan Pisowloski           Tunes: Duncan Johnstone/John Patterson's Mare      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: A good performance on nice pipes. I just felt you lost rhythm slightly in last part of the hornpipe in the high A strikes. The jig could have a little more musical flow.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Lidgren           Tunes: Pipe Major George Allan, Kenny Gilles of Portnalong, Skye      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe going well but it lacks a little in musical flow. Nice technique here. Jig rhythm good but tending to loose rhythm in some passages. Pipes good. Overall good.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Darrell Calvillo           Tunes: Duncan Johnstone/Donald MacLennan's Tuning Phrase      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Tempo for hornpipe a shade relaxed for best musicallity. Some areas of untidy execution i.e. not all birls solid and some high A strikes missed. Jig also a little relaxed but musical. High G sharp, Good overall.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erik Leiken           Tunes: Lois' Hornpipe, The Curlew      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Musical tempo and expression in both tunes. Some slight technique untidiness in places. Good overall performance.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Fraser Allison           Tunes: Lucy Cassidy & The Loch Ness Monster      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe going well, good C to birls throughout. I feel you could raise the tempo a little for better musical expression. Jig lacks a little in musical expression, could flow better. Good technique throughout and a nice pipe. Very good overall.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gwenael Dage           Tunes: The Gladiator, The 9/8 Jig      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice hornpipe with good execution and musical expression. Tending to rush some phrases in jig especially 3rd part. Good pipes though low G a shade sharp. Very good overall.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Williamson           Tunes: Mary Anne of Garradh-na-Mona, The Curlew      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Very good performance overall. Lost rhythm very slightly in the last part of jig, but only slight. First F doubling 2nd part of jig not quite solid. Nice pipes.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James Feeney           Tunes: Bee Street Fiddlers, Annette’s Chatter      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Hornpipe lacking a little in musical flow. Fingering very correct but a shade untidy in passages.Good overall jig rhythm and flow. Chanter going slightly sharp on high G towards the end of performance. A good overall performance
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James MacHattie           Tunes: Rennix’s Hornpipe, The Gold Ring      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice overall rhythm in both tunes. I felt you just lost the flow in a couple of areas. Recording quality not doing your pipe sound justice. Good overall.
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"Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Dew           Tunes: Duncan Johnston The Follow-On      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice hornpipe rhythm although I felt you lost rhythm slightly in the 4th part, also an inconsistent high A in the 4th part. Jig good. Very good overall performance with excellent technique and a good pipe.
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" Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Eric Partanen           Tunes: Itchy Fingers, Banjo Breakdown      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice tempo for hornpipe. Technique a little untidy in places. Jig going well just loosing the rhythm in places. Drones not quite in full tune with low A throughout. Well done.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Josh Chandler           Tunes: Train Journey North, Paddy Leathers Breeches      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Overall good. I felt you sometimes rushed onto the beat in the hornpipe, most noticable in the 2nd part high G to E. Otherwise good. In the jig you lacked a little in musical flow. Good technique and execution. Good performance.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Karen McCrindle Warren           Tunes: P/M Calum Campbell's Caprice, Hector's Jig      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice pipe to start. Good rhythm in hornpipe but I felt that you started to rush phrases in the 3rd and 4th parts. Otherwise good. Jig tempo slightly rushed spoiling musical flow. Good technique and execution. Good performance overall.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Dick           Tunes: The Pipers Controversy, The Skylarks Ascension      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Musical playing in both tunes. One C strike in the last part of the jig missed, a pity in this high level of competition. Nice pipes.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mary Wallace           Tunes: Tam Bain's Lum, The Braes of Melinish      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Drones not quite in full tune with low A at the begining. Tunes have nice tempo but expression could be more musical. Some execution not solid i.e. grips not all accurate and some inconsistencies in D throw. Overall a nice performance.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Garden           Tunes: Mary Anne of garradh na mona & Angus Sutherland      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice rhythm for hornpipe and jig. Just some small areas of untidy execution in both tunes. Your pipes were good but the high A was slightly rough in places, not always consistent. Very good overall.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sean McKeown           Tunes: Moving Cloud/The Millstead      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Very musical playing in both tunes. Technique excellent. Pipes nice. One high G strike missed in 4th part of jig otherwise excellent. A pity.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tony Adkins           Tunes: Duncan Johnston/Hen's March      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Good hornpipe rhythm but tempo a shade relaxed. E strike not solid 2nd part and G gracenote missed 3rd part. Again good jig rhythm but lacking a little in musical flow. Chanter a shade thin and sharp on top hand. Nice performance.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Trevor Kellock           Tunes: Lynn Sutherland, Alan MacPherson of Mosspark      Judge: Richard Parkes      Judge's Comments: Nice hornpipe rhythm, though a slight loss of rhythm in phrases. Nicely expressed jig. Execution and technique generally good but slighly untidy in places. Better sound recording quality would improve your presentation in this high level competition. Good performance overall.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Brendon Eade      Place: 1      Tunes: The Unjust Incarceration      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Sweet sounding pipe. Drones steady at the start, but a E a touch sharp. Nicely played Ground. Poised and confident sounding, with a strong three-pulse rhythm apparent throughout. Expressive Dithis, with phrase and line endings strongly punctuated. Good tempo change into Doubling. A couple slightly sharp low Gs peeking through at times. Good Taorluath variation, with full and idiomatic taorluath movements. Slight jumpiness to Crunluath variation because you are being quite aggressive on the shortness of the Es at the end of each crunluath. Excellent A Mach, although if I were to split hairs your movements were getting a little light in lines 2 and 3. Drones held. Very nice playing, Brendon. I really enjoyed your tune. Thank you. -Alan Bevan A well presented challenging tune on an excellent bagpipe. Excellent chanter sound, particularly like the low G. I thoroughly enjoyed this! -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Calum Brown      Place: 2      Tunes: The Phantom Piper of Corrieyairack      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Solid pipe at the start, with a sweet chanter and lovely bass presence. Smooth and nuanced presentation of the Ground. Lovely playing in Variation I, with lots of little touches. Omitted a high A doubling in line 3 of the Ground, which is not a huge deal, but you also missed the B before the cadence in the first bar of Variation 1 Singling, which is is a bigger issue. (I checked all 3 settings I'm aware of for this tune just in case you submitted something other than the setting you actually learned this tune from, but they're all identical in each of these bars.) Smooth transtition to the Variation I Doubling, and a perfectly judged tempo change. Subtle and effective phrasing here, showing lots of maturity and good taste. Very impressive stuff. I really enjoyed your Taorluath Singling, especially how you are treating the last phrase of each line. Excellent Doubling. It's great to hear someone being so expressive in a Taorluath Variation, rather than playing it flat. Very deft playing in the Crunluath Singling. Again, very musical and interesting to hear. Excellent transition to Doubling. A very mature and well-thought-out interpretation of this challenging tune, Calum. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Well done. A pity about the wee slip. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Sean McKeown      Place: 3      Tunes: Lord Lovat’s Lament      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe. Drones rock-solid at the start. Classy and expressive Ground. Very smooth playing. Nice subtle change in tempo for the Doubling. I'm not sure if putting the weight on the otros and odros rather than on the themal notes is the best option, but but it was still musical and I liked it. Very assertive playing of Variation I, with lovely touches at the ends of the phrases. Fluid, relaxed playing in Taorluath variations with just the right amount phrasing to give it some colour but also keep it moving. Nice transition to the Crunluath Singling. Crunluath movements sound effortless. A very polished and subtley expressed performance, Sean. I really enjoyed it! Thank you. -Alan Bevan Ground - nicely presented. Perhaps a little laboured in the last bar of line one and a touch inconsistent with the link notes between bars, for example the C at the end of bar one. G(D) - very good V(1) - I prefer more subtle phrasing with the quavers, particularly the F at the end of bar 1 and where this appears in the variation. Some notes clipped a touch too much for my taste. T (S) - very good T (D) - very good, nice subtle phrasing coming through. C (S) & (D) - excellent Terricfic pipes and a very enjoyable performance. -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: James MacHattie      Place: 4      Tunes: Lament for Colin Roy MacKenzie      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Pipe sounds steady and well tuned, but the recording quality isn't doing it justice. Well played Ground. Very smooth, with a strong three-pulse rhythm. I liked your take on the 2nd last phrase in line 3. Nice drive in your Dithis Singling; tempo and expression well balanced. Nice tempo shift into your Doubling. Losing the three-pulse feel a bit here, however. Good transition to the Taorluath Singling. Be careful not to linger too long on the first pulse in each bar. Strong and idiomatic taorluaths. Just the odd slightly chirpy one off a high A -- happened once again in the Crunluath. Good Crunluath variations. Excellent command of the compound rhythm here. Nice, full-throated a mach movements. A very nice performance, James. Well done. -Alan Bevan Ground - nicely presented. Minor point is I thought you clipped the low A in bar 5, line 2 and the E at the end of bar 5, line 3 too much. V(1S&D) - both variations well presented, Perhaps could be a touch more contrast between them. T(S) - generally good but slightly laboured in places. T(D) - could be pushed on a bit more otherwise good. C(S&D) - great playing here, excellent technique. C A Mach - very good, perhaps the first part of the A mach is slightly rushed and not always clear. Pipes sound rock solid, might be the quality of the recording but the high A sounds a little thin. Very enjoyable performance, thank you! -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: John Dew      Place: 5      Tunes: Rory McLoude's Lament      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Rich-sounding and resonant pipe. Drones locked at start. A very expressive and well thought-out Ground. I especially liked your treatment of the various short notes in each phrase, and how you varied them tastefully to add colour and interest. Very stately playing in Variation I. Perhaps a touch on the slow side, but it made for an effective contrast with your more driving, rhythmic interpretation of Variation II. Nice Taorluath variations with good tempo contrast into the Doubling and back to the Crunluath Singling. A few light crunluath movements. Drones held well. I really enjoyed this, John, and I especially liked your very musical and subtle interpretation of the Ground. Nicely done. Thank you. -Alan Bevan Ground - well presented. V(1) - well played although slightly cautious. V(2) - good T(S) - Taorluaths slightly clipped and line endings over emphasised, I would prefer if the phrasing here was more subtle. T(D) - good although taorluaths not always defined as the movement is quite tight. C(S) - similar to the T(S). I think more low G in the crunluath movement would help. C(D) - good contrast to the singling Great pipes, lovely harmonics. -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ian K. MacDonald      Place: 6      Tunes: Lament for the Laird of Anapool      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Nice sounding bagpipe, Ian, but the drones not perfectly steady from the start. Lovely presentation of this beautiful Ground. Unhurried, expressive interpretation of Variation I. Variation II was well played with a lot of sensitivity, but I felt like you needed to push it along just a touch more. Good Taorluath and Doubling, with strong, rhythmic taorluath movements. A couple slightly squeaky movements off high A. Noticeable drone wander by the Crunluath Singling. Great playing here and in the Doubling. Ian, I enjoyed your performance of this very demanding and taxing tune. A pity the drones didn't quite stay the course. Thank you. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Alastair Murray           Tunes: The big Spree      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Ground - nicely played although some areas where the phrasing wasn't consistent. Slightly over empahising some notes and rushing off theme notes. Minor points but I felt it affected the flow here. V(1) - good, some slight over pointing. V(1D) - good here however I feel the grip is laboured at times and sounds heavy. Siubhal - very good. Doubling - good contrast to the singling. Some subtle phrasing at the end of lines 1 and 2 would bring out the music more. A little rushed in the middle of line 2. Watch your gracenotes aren't too open. T - good pace although I would like a touch more emphasis on the theme notes and the GDE's clipped more. C - technique and definition of the fosgailte movement could be improved here. Lovely pipes and a very enjoyable performance, thanks. -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Andrew Donlon           Tunes: Rory MacLoude's Lament      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Lovely sounding bagpipe. Ground well played. Nicely phrased and smoothly played. Perhaps a bit square in your treatment of the short notes in bar 3 of line 1/bar 2 of line 2. Fluid playing of Variation I, with nice subtle touches of emphasis. Same in Variation II. Good Taorluath variations. D movements a little tight (B grace note sometimes barely audible), and a couple missed. I feel like you could/should have made slightly more of the tempo contrast between the Singling and Doubling in this tune -- it's a tricky one to make interesting because there is only the one cadence at the end of each line so a slightly more dramatic tempo change than usual is worth considering. Nice Crunluath variation. Again, some lighter movements/partial misses. I thought your tempo change between Singling and Doubling was more effective here than in the Taorluath. Drones held well. A very nicely played tune on a good bagpipe. I really enjoyed it, Andrew. Thank you. -Alan Bevan Ground - well presented, perhaps rushed off the low G in bar 2 of the 3rd line. V1&2 - well played, variation 2 could be pushed on a touch for more contrast, very minor though. T(S) - missed D taorluaths, otherwise great playing. T(D) - good contrast to the singling and well played. C(S) - D crunluaths quite tight and could be more defined. Careful you don't over emphasise line endings. C(D) - well played. Terrific pipes and a very enjoyable performance. -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Austin Diepenhorst           Tunes: The Bicker      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Ground - nicely played, perhaps rushed the first bar of line 2 a touch but very minor. V(1) - very good T(S) - very good, minor catch in line 2 on the top hand T(D) - good contrast with the singling however some subtle phrasing would make it less straight. Slightly edgy going ino the crunluath. C(S) & (D) - very good. Crunluath movement slightly tight. The doubling could be a little more composed and more attention paid to the theme notes. Excellent pipes. F a little peaky but doesn't feature much in the tune so it wasn't a distraction. Very enjoyable performance Austin -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Blaise Theriault           Tunes: Lament for the Iolaire      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Nice to see you playing in Open, Blaise! (Setting not provided, but presumably from Donald MacLeod's Piob book) NIce, bright-sounding pipe. Drones didn't quite sound locked at the start. Ground played with expression and sensitivity. Well phrased. A touch aggressive on the Fs following the high As. Nice transition to Variation I. Showing phrase endings very clearly -- perhaps at the cost of losing some momentum at times (e.g. the very first phrase in line 1). It's a tough balancing act, and overall I really liked your playing in this variation. Drones wandering slightly by Taorluath. Well played Taorluath Singling, with strong, idiomatic taorluaths. Crunluath movements a little weak at times (not always articulating the low A grace note clearly due to a loose E grace note). Small bobble in line 1 of the Singling, and some misses/untidiness in line 3. One stylistic observation that occurred to me is that you are taking quite a long time to get to the cadences by swelling the themal note AND final E of the preceding crunluath -- consider doing one or the other (or neither, and let the cadence be the shock-absorber) and see if it helps your Singling flow better. Some inconsistent crunluaths and missed/jammed ones in the Doubling. Good tempo contrast between Crunluath Singling and Doubling. Drones slightly out by end of the tune. Ovrerall, an impressive and musically pleasing rendition of this tune, Blaise. I enjoyed it! Keep up the good work. I would make ironing out those crunluaths a priority, and work them until they are as consistent and effortless-sounding as your taorluaths are. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Brad Davidson           Tunes: The Daughter's Lament      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Pipe nice at the start. High G a little on the thin side, but stable and well tuned. Very poised and well phrased rendition of the Ground. Some shifty blowing on D was a slight distraction, but lovely control of all the high Gs. A couple imperfect dres and throws to high G. Lots of lovely touches in both the Ground and Variation I. Nice Taorluath Singling, with full-sounding taorluaths. Great transition to the Doubling. Subtle phrasing is there but not intrusive and doesn't impede the momentum. I liked your dramatic ritardando at the end of the Doubling. Good Crunluath Doubling. One slightly chirpy movement on high A. Masterful control of the rhythms in your Doubling. The occasional crunluath movement is coming out a bit soft. Pipe held beautifully. A very polished and nuanced performance of this demanding piece, Brad. It's obvious that you've made a careful study of this tune and I really enjoyed your playing. Thank you. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Callum Wynd           Tunes: The Old Men of the Shells      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Ground - well played. C clipped in middle of line 2 and phrasing a little uneven in line 3. V(1) - a touch laboured in places. Cut C too much in the middle and end of line 2. You could be more positive with this variation to contrast the ground, especially in line 3. V(2S) - again a little laboured in places. V(2D) - well played T(S) - uneven phrasing with the sets of 3 GDE's, the third one shouldn't be this laboured. T(D) - nicely played, watch you don't rush the taorluath movement after the G gracenote, a little more space will help with the definition of this bar. C(S) - holding the low A after the hiharin too long at times, emphasise the second one slightly more than the first. C(D) - edre movement not always cleary defined, otherwise well played. Lovely pipes, great harmonics. I enjoyed this performance. -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Calum Watson           Tunes: A Flame of Wrath for Patrick Caogach      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Lovely sounding bagpipe, Calum. Bold, assertive playing in the Ground. Variation I and Crunluath variations were presented in a suitably fiery manner (pun half-intended). Well articulated crunluath movements. Good relative tempi in the Singlings and Doublings. Drones held well to the end. I really don't have a lot to say: An exciting and dynamic rendition of this tune. I really enjoyed your playing, Calum. Thank you. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Connor Kellett           Tunes: Too long in this condition      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Nice pipe at the start. C a touch flat. Ground well phrased with some effective and subtle touches in the top hand passages. Good tempo increase in the Doubling. Nice transition to Variation I. Doubling was expressive but just a touch on the slow side (over phrasing slightly). Good Crunluath Singling. A couple small misses in line 2. The Doubling was a touch slow; just lingering a bit too long on the first note of each fosgailte movement. Slight drone movement by the end. Overall, a very nice tune played on a good pipe, Connor. Well done. Thank you. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Dan Pisowloski           Tunes: The Old Men of the Shells No. 1      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Nice, bright-sounding pipe. Chanter could perhaps be a little more refined. E was sharp when you weren't backing off on your blowing. Drones a sounded a bit unstable and did not stay locked, but this was also due to some surging in your blowing. A consistent, but slightly halting presentation of the Ground. Try to push through to the end of the phrases more to keep it flowing. Slightly square in your treatment of the short Cs preceding the C grips. Variation I was well played, and flowed along better than the Ground. Good, slight tempo increase relative to the Ground. Showing your phrases nicely in Variation II Singling. Good tempo and nice, rhythmic playing in Doubling. Drones noticeably out of tune and surging with variances in blowing. Effective tempo drop into the Taorluath Singling. Strong, clean execution. Doubling good, although you tended to linger a bit too long at the ends of some phrases and at line endings, causing you to lose momentum. Good, solid edres in your crunluath fosgailte movements, but you're playing the middle note quite large which is distorting the rhythm slightly. The Doubling came across a bit careful-sounding as a result. Some nice playing here, Dan. You have very strong hands and good technique. I would focus on producing a more stable sound -- this is partly a factor of how you set up your instrument but this is also very dependent on blowing (specifically, not overblowing/surging). I enjoyed yout tune. Thank you! -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Daniel Lidgren           Tunes: The MacFarlanes' Gathering      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Nice sounding bagpipe, Dan. Sweet chanter and drones were locked at the start. This is not the most melodic of grounds, but you made an excellent job of it, playing it expressively and with tasteful phrasing. Nice rocking interpretation of Variation 1, with good phrasing. The Taorluath Singling was well played, but you accelerated a bit in line 2 by rolling off the high As. (You didn't do this in line 3.) Nice tempo change into the Doubling. Again, pushing ahead a bit in line 2. Strong, clear taorluath movements. Slightly unsettled feel to Crunluath Singling and Doubling -- a touch short on the connecting notes in each breabach beat. Crunluath movements were getting a little tight by the Doubling. Drones rock-solid to the end. Impressive playing on a lovely bagpipe, Dan. I would just see if you can smooth out the Crunluath variations by making the connecting notes (beats 5&6 or 4&5, depending on your approach) a touch larger. Thank you. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Darrell Calvillo           Tunes: Salute to Donald      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Nice, sweet-sounding pipe and a lovely high A. Drones rock-solid at the start. Thoughtfully presented and consistently played Ground. Just a touch square on the F-E-D passages. (Try falling through the E a little quicker and see if that feels more fluid and idiomatic.) Your Taorluath Singling felt a little bumpy due to a lack of weight on the themal notes. This was better in the Doubling, but there was still the odd ripple when you shifted the weight to the note after the taorluath. Very strong technique, with just one light D movement. Slightly awkward transition from Taorluath Doubling into Crunluath Singling. Nice Crunluath Singling, but a fair number of inconsistent/missed crunluaths and the odd wee bit of untidiness. F-E-D passage quite square here. Good transition to the Doubling. Good pace and timing. Hands sounding tired in the Doubling -- not getting both fingers up cleanly to Fs and there was a noticeable lack of clarity and consistency in your crunluaths. Odd finish -- maybe reconsider snapping in that penultimate low A at the end of the Crunluath Doubling and play it more evenly? Drones drifted slightly by the end. Nice playing overall, Darrell. Lovely pipe and I enjoyed your playing. Thank you. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: David McNally           Tunes: MacDougall's Gathering      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Ground - generally well phrased, however some inconsistencies with cadences and the echo in the double echo clipped slightly. T(S) - a touch rushed at the start of line 3 and a little laboured in places. T(D) - started off well but slowed as this variation progressed. C(S) - crunluath movement not always clear and untidy from Low G. Laboured in line 3. C(D) - wobbly moment in line 3. Started off well but slowed as it progressed. Pipes not settled from the start and a sharp F and Hi G were distracting. -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Erik Leiken           Tunes: Lament for Mary MacLeod      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Drones set well to low A at start; however, chanter intonation not quite right on some key notes, which is critically important for this tune -- particularly the flat C and sharp E, but also the sharp F and very sharp B. High G is nice though! Stately playing in the Ground, but a little too slow and lacking momentum. It sounds like you're getting too hung up on the notes in the middle of each phrase. Very strong, clean technique. Carefully presented Variation I Singling, but you tended to linger in the middle of phrases rather than pushing through to the end to create a sense of forward motion. Doubling very consistent. This is a very challenging variation to play well. I felt you could have managed a bit smoother effect by treating the short notes with more subtlety (i.e. making it sound less "pointed"). Well played Taorluath Singling, but honestly it's really hard to get past all the out of tune notes on your chanter. Good Doubling, with nice touches at the ends of lines. Losing some steam in line 3. Wow, you have an excellent crunluath movement, Erik! Drones drifting pretty noticeably by Crunluath Singling. Well timed Singling and Doubling. Nice tune, Erik. It's a shame your bagpipe wasn't quite up to the task. Your technique is really good, and you know how to play this tune, but I think you need to look at the big picture more and focus on the overall pace as well as your smoothness and phrasing. Thank you. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Fraser Allison           Tunes: Rory McLoude's Lament      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe. Drones well tuned but not quite rock-solid. F peaking a bit by the Taorluath. Well played Ground, with some nice subtle touches. Phrases could perhaps be a bit more defined. Smoothly played Variation I, with a good amount of momentum. Good transition to Variation II. Consistently played in an effectively rhythmic fashion; however, this variation can come across as a bit repetitive if you don't punctuate the phrase and line endings enough. Good Taorluath and Crunluath variations, with well-judged tempo changes. Some crunluaths coming out a bit inconsistently in the Doubling. Drones held quite well. An enjoyable and musical tune played on a good pipe. I enjoyed it! Thank you, Fraser. -Alan Bevan Ground - well played. E and echo in the double echo clipped slightly in the last bar. V(1) - well played V(2) - very good T(S) - slightly pushed and end of lines over emphasised T(D) - well played but didn't contrast the singling enough as it was pushed. C(S&D) - similar to the Taorluath variations. Lovely harmonics and chanter well set. The drones are slightly overpowering however this could be the room or the recording. Enjoyable performance. -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Gordon Barclay           Tunes: Isabel MacKay      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Ground - slightly laboured in places and rushing the echo in the double echo at times. TV - you could push this on slightly to contrast the ground. V(2) - again you could be more positive with this variation. Over emphasising the line endings. Nicely played in line 3. T(S) - same here with some of the double echoes and line endings. T(D) - well played C(S) - slightly cutting the short notes too much at the end of bars. C(D) - link phrases slightly laboured which detracts from the theme notes, and rushed low A at the end of line 3. Lovely pipes throughout. Hi A slightly thin in thumb variation. -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Gwenael Dage           Tunes: The Earl of Ross's March      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Good pipe at the start. F a touch sharp. I enjoyed your bold approach to this tune,Gwenael. Nice playing in the Ground. Well paced and phrased. Assertive, rhythmic playing in Variation I. Again, well expressed and phrased. Be careful not to crush the initial low As in your hiharin movements. Well judged tempi in Variation II and its Doubling. You showed less contrast between the Singling and Doubling in Variation III, and I would have liked to have heard the Singling just slightly slower. In the Doubling I thought you pushed off the final low A in the second phrase of each line a bit too aggressively. Again, a good transition to the Crunluath Singling. Fosgailte movements not always perfect (low As could be articulated more clearly), and the middle note getting elongated by the Doubling which distorted the rhythm somewhat. You also tended to undervalue the weight on the low A themal notes in bar 3 & 4 of each line of the Doubling. Pipe held well to the end of the tune. An exciting and dynamic interpretation of this tune, played very well on a good bagpipe. I really enjoyed your playing, Gwenael. Thank you. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Jack Williamson           Tunes: The Men Went to Drink      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe, Jack. D just a tickle flat (and a little unstable -- sounds like you just need to lean on it slightly more and it would be alright). Nice, musical presentation of the Ground and Variation 1. Well judged transition to Variation II. Good momentum in Var. II with nice phrasing. Effective tempo increase to the Doubling. Smooth and effective transition into the Taorluath Singling. Perhaps just overreaching a touch on the sustained Es and Fs in this variation. Good Doubling, although the unsteady Ds are slightly distracting. Very good, idiomatic taorluaths and crunluaths -- they sound effortless, (as they should!) This is a challenging tune to make a good job of, and you played it with a lot of expressive touches and an excellent use of the tempo variations between the variations. Very impressive playing on a lovely bagpipe, Jack. Thank you. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: James Feeney           Tunes: Lady Margaret MacDonald’s Salute MacGregor MacArthur setting      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Very nice sounding bagpipe, James. Low G a little flat, however, which is a bit of a distraction in this tune. Well interpreted Ground, played consistently. I find it a little on the slow side, and I think you could avoid monotony and give it some more colour by showing your phrases more (especially phrase and line endings). Variation I and Doubling both on the slow side, but well played. I would love to hear you play these variations a bit more assertively. Some squareness in your treatment of the notes before cadences -- you could perhaps be a little more subtle/smooth here. Drones holding well. Small chirp in line 2 of Var I Doubling, followed by some soft blowing on the bottom hand. Sagging blowing on the bottom hand was quite apparent in the Crunluath variation -- particularly on C and D. It's anyone's guess how to interpret these very unique crunluath fosgailte movements in the MacArthur-MacGregor setting, and I thought your take on them was plausible and musical. Well executed as well. Overall, a thoughtfully presented interpretation of this lovely setting of Lady Margaret, played on a nice pipe. Just be sure to fully power your chanter all the way. I would consider lifitng the tempo of the entire tune and trying to be a little more demonstrative in your phrasing in the Ground and Variation I Singling. Well done. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: John Eric Partanen           Tunes: The Piper's Warning to His Master      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Drones steady and well tuned at the start. B and F sharp and low G very sharp. Solid high G. An engaging, rhythmic interpretation of the Ground. A touch on the slow side. I was puzzled by your substitution of B for low A in the first bar of lines 2 and 3. Since you didn't provide an alternative setting for this, I can only assume it was an error. (The PS, Kilberry, Binneas, Angus MacKay, Donald McDonald, etc. all have low A). Variation I Singling was steady and consistent. Good tempo contrast into the Doubling. Good relative tempi in the Taorluath Singling and Doubling. Full-sounding, idiomatic taorluath movements. Just a few missed ones. The sharp low G is quite a distraction here. Drones drifting. Strongly executed Crunluath variations, apart from a few wee blemishes. An entertaining performance as always, John. A shame about the intonation problems. Thank you! -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Karen McCrindle Warren           Tunes: Glengarry's March      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Very sweet and bright-sounding pipe. E and low G a bit sharp. A few wee G grace note chirps. Bold, rhythmic treatment of the Ground, with clearly defined phrases. Very musical playing here, with lots of fire. Very nice Thumb Variation. Just a touch deliberate on the throws to high G. Excellent phrasing in Variation 2. Drones started to move in the Singling, but improved in Doubling (overblowing?) Very good tempo contrasts from Var. 2 Singling to the Doubling and into Taorluath Singling. Taorluath Doubling a touch slow relative to its Singling. Strong, clear fosgailte crunluaths, but making the middle note quite large at times (generally when it's a B), which distorts the rhythm a bit. Better and more fluid in the Doubling. A very enjoyable and dynamic performance of this tune, Karen, with excellent phrasing and technique. Very well done! Thank you. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Lachie Dick           Tunes: Lament for Mary MacLeod      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Ground - Nicely played. Dre to F laboured at times and hiharin not always clear. C before grip in last bar too deliberate. V(1) - Could focus more on the theme notes in this variation as it sounds quite even. You could hold the low A before the cadence at the end of line 3 a touch more to finish this variation off. V(1D) - Again a little even. You could push it on more and focus on the E's and F's. T(S) - missed taorluaths otherwise well played. T(D) - missed taorluath. You could push out the notes before the taorluaths a touch more. C(S) - good C(D) - some missed crunluaths otherwise good. Lovely sounding pipes, F a little peaky. Enjoyable performance. -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: maeghan bielski           Tunes: MacKay’s Banner      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Nice sounding bagpipe, Maeghan. Full and bright. Drones well tuned and solid, but slight surging audible (blowing). Well played Ground at a good pace. Slightly square treatment of the Bs in bar 1 of each A Phrase. Also a bit abrupt in your treatment of the low A connecting notes that precede the E double echoes. Good tempo change in the Thumb Variation. Tending to roll off your phrase endings both here and in the Ground. Quite a dramatic increase in tempo for the Thumb Doubling, but still effective. Solid execeution and good timing in the Taorluath Singling. Tempo increases handled well in the Doubling and Trebling. Well executed crunluaths, but a bit abrupt on the final Es, leading to a bit of a lurching effect. A few crushed/missed movements. Again, relative tempi were well managed through the Trebling, but you dropped down a bit for the A Mach variation. A Mach movements lack clarity -- open them up a bit. Nice playing on a lovely bagpipe, Maeghan. You have good technique and I know you will resolve the technical issues that cropped up near the end of the tune. I would recommend that you focus on improving the expression and phrasing in the first half of your tune to take your playing to the next level. Thank you. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Mark Elliott           Tunes: The MacKays’ Banner      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Nice sounding pipe. Drones well tuned but not quite locked at the start. F slightly sharp. Quite a slow pace to the Ground. Well played but coming across a bit bookish. I think if you pushed through to the end of each phrase a bit more assertively you'd produce a smoother, more idiomatic effect. Cadences on your B double echoes are a little inconsistent -- sometimes the D is nearly inaudible; other times it's a bit on the long side. Variation I was, again, rather slow. I like how you're pushing up to the high As here -- nice touch. Doubling very slow, even relative to the Singling, which resulted in squareness at the ends of the lines when you were swelling the Bs. Taurluath movements are a bit on the soft side -- could use more low G. Nice contrast in tempo from Singling to Doubling. Some sagging on low As and Es. Drones drifting by the Crunluath Singling. Crunluath movements in general are strongler and better articulated than your taorluaths, although some inconsistency crept in in your Doubling and Trebling. Good relative tempi here, although tending to gloss over the themal notes on some of the regular crunluaths in your A Mach, and also to accelerate through the a machs when there were several in a row. Drones well out by the end of the tune. Some really good playing here, Mark, but don't be afraid to push things along. I think your drones moved because the chanter reed was slightly too beefy and you couldn't quite power it fully to the end of the tune -- perhaps a wee shave to make your pipe more air efficient would make everything a bit more stable. Thank you. -Alan Bevan
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Mary Wallace           Tunes: The Marquis of Argyll's Salute      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Ground - clipping the C grip to F. Over pointing low A's and end of lines spoiling the flow. V(1) - same as the ground with the low A's and end of lines. V(1D) - good although slightly cautious. T(S) - same here as V(1) T(D) - a wee wobbly moment here as well as a chirp. Slightly cautious and last bar is a bit round, try to play the D gracenote almost as part of the taorluath movement. C(S) - good although labouring the low A's and end of lines too much. C(D) - playing a bit square. Slight choke. Good drone sound, some sharp notes on the chanter, particularly the F which was distracting. -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Tony Adkins           Tunes: MacCrimmon's Sweetheart.      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Ground - good pace although notes laboured at the end of two bar phrases and end of lines, spoiling the flow. Cutting the low A at the end of the line too much, needs to be softer. V(1) - same as ground here. Good contrast in pace to the ground. V(2) - slightly cautious, could be moved on more to contrast the previous variations. V(3) - erratic phrasing with low A's cut too much and cadences too open. Lacking musical flow. V(3D) - slightly static here and could be pushed on to flow more. Rushed into next variation. T(S) - nice playing here although cadence too open. T(D) - good playing here and nice subtle phrasing at the end of the variation. C(S) - rushing to the G gracenote in the cadence and the cadence is open as in previous variations. Some subtle phrasing around the cadence would help the music. C(D) - a little laboured however good definition in the fosgailte movements. Nice pipes with good quality chanter sound. Drones separated from the chanter as the tune progressed. -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Trevor Kellock           Tunes: Lament for Hugh      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Ground - well presented, one double echo was slightly laboured - minor point. Thumb - I feel the Hi A's are quite clipped and could be softened with some subtle phrasing to accent the end phrases. Doubling - slightly rushed and hi A's clipped and slightly robotic with the strike. Dithis - rushed and the short notes could be softened to allow it to flow better Doubling - nice playing although pushed a touch. If the dithis was more composed you could do the same here. T(S) - you are holding the note after the taorluath, this should be cut to the next note. T(D) - same here, the emphasis should be more on the note before the taorluath not the one after. C(S) - inconsistent with the crunluath movement technique. I think you played the B movement staying on the low G in the repeat of line 1. Similar to the Taorluath don't dwell on the note after the movement. C(D) - I'm not convinced you are staying on low G in the D crunluath movements here. C A Mach - Again I feel the technique needs improved here. The pipes sound rock solid, I'm not sure the quality of the recording is doing the pipes justice though. A technically challenging tune that was enjoyable to listen to, thank you! -Alastair Dunn
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Zephan Knichel           Tunes: The Lament for the Viscount of Dundee      Judge: Alan Bevan & Alastair Dunn      Judge's Comments: Ground - Generally good although laboured in places. V(1) - good, end of line phrasing too deliberate and spoling the flow of the tune. V(1D) - could let this flow more, V(2) - too slow V(2D) - nicely played T(S) - rushed into this variation. Too slow. T(D) - good contrast to the singling however it could flow better. C(S) - too deliberate C(D) - nicely played Good solid pipes, lovely low G. A slight waver with the drones towards the end but not distracting. -Alastair Dunn
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Event 101. Beginner Drum Pad 3/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Adam Millar      Place: 1      Tunes: 3/4 March      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Intro rolls just a little right hand heavy. Good steady tempo throughout.Nice steady playing to the beat.Try not to rush movements in places but generally very good.
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Event 101. Beginner Drum Pad 3/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: John Allan Wallis      Place: 2      Tunes: 3/4 March      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Intro good. Be careful as flams coming through the start of your roll movements. Rolls should be starting with buzz on right the right hand. A little heavy throughout,try and bring your volume down. Strong playing and overall good.
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Event 101. Beginner Drum Pad 3/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Vanessa Atwood      Place: 3      Tunes: Green Hills of Tyrol      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Rolls a little pulsated.Try not to lose consistency in your singlework in places.Lift tempo slightly to get a nicer flow in your phrasing and general playing.
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Rollo Nickols      Place: 1      Tunes: Far Over the Sea      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Confident start. A bright tempo for this level falling behind the beat slightly at times, but overall well played, Your standard of material is very good for the grade and you presented it well - Good show !
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Adam Millar      Place: 2      Tunes: 4/4 March      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Watch the uptake after your introduction rolls. Great confident playing once you get going and definitely a bit of technique there. I think you enjoyed that 🙂 A small tip - maybe a set of lighter sticks may help you as you're progressing. Well done - definitely a bit of talent on show here !
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: KariAnne Johnson      Place: 3      Tunes: Murdo's Wedding      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Solid introduction, tempo is steady and you are keeping well with the time the whole way through. Try to smooth out your rolls a little and this will enhance your performance but your timing and control was spot on. Well done
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Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Coleen Power      Place: 4      Tunes: Chief Jennifer Evans      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Roll pulses are a little too open. If you could work on trying to close your rolls a little more I think it would help your general playing, not only your introduction. Good Effort
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Luke gibson      Place: 1      Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls need to be more solid and not crescendo over the three beats. Good uptake into a nice march tempo and held throughout. Execution of rudiments generally tidy. Watch clipped flams. Nice use if dynamics evident adding to the musical presentation. Rhythm and expression good throughout performance.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lawrence Fung      Place: 2      Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls even and of good length, just lacking a little smoothness. Nice uptake into good march tempo and held throughout. Good use of dynamics evident for this grade. Most rudiments well executed, however some clarity issues and clipped flams spoilt the musucal flow. Well scored to melody with only minor technical errors for future development.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dean wallis      Place: 3      Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Entry rolls smooth and precise and of good length. Lively uptake into good march tempo and held throughout. Good clarity with nice musical presentation. Need to develop execution of accented rolls and flams to improve musical flow. Overall nice performance with some minor areas for future development.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: John Allan Wallis      Place: 4      Tunes: Teribus      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls solid and well executed. Tempo drop on entry (piper error) then settled and steady throughout. Rudiments generally well executed. Some hesitations spoiling rhythm and expression at times. Clarity quite good however dynamics could be improved and more variety in scoring to add to the musical presentation. Confidence and potential evident for future development.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Rollo Nickols      Place: 5      Tunes: Sweet maid of Glendaruel      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls were of good length and smooth. Uptake and entry to the march spoilt by drop in tempo (piper error), then settled before becoming erratic to the end. Rhythm and expression tidy through performance. Execution of rudiments generally good but musical flow spoilt by some mis-timing and hesitation. Potential to improve is evident and achievable with your development.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: KariAnne Johnson      Place: 6      Tunes: 42nd Highlanders      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Entry rolls of good length, just a little bit buzzy with slurs not connected smoothly. Tempo was slightly slow to provide drive and excitement. Some execution errors evident with flams clipped short and quaver rolls not precise. Good rhythm and expression demonstrated for this grade and drum score suited to the melody. Mostly minor technical problems easily corrected with development.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ellie Ramsay           Tunes: Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls overlength and lacking terminal stroke. Uptake to a good tempo however playing behind the beat. Lacking rhythm and expression for this idiom. Work on execution of rudiments to gain overall improvement with your technique.
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Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Melissa Bautz           Tunes: Barren Rocks of Aden      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls too tight, slurs need to be smooth and connected. Uptake tempo slow for this idiom not allowing for true marching feel. Some good scoring to the melody however the expression lacked musicality. execution of triplets and flams good but roll work requires improvement. Steady overall but with rudimental errors that will improve with development.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ewan Allen      Place: 1      Tunes: Greenwoodside, Pipers Cave      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Ewan, this was a confident solo presentation, you set a lively tempo for yourself, you had a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls, the first two parts were solid but lacked any real use of dynamics, you need to focus on the lower end of your range, this will add interest to your playing and for those listening to your performance. The second tune had several places where you lost control of your rudiments and the tempo speed up causing you to lose accuracy in your playing. You are a solid player that seems to plays with passion, continued work on basic rudiment control, something that should never stop on your drumming journey, will continue to add the control required to lift you to the next level, this will also assist with improving your dynamic range through the control you develop.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cole Wilkinson      Place: 2      Tunes: Campbell's Farewell to Redcastle, Pipe Major Willie Ross      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Cole, this was a very confident presentation for this grade. You started with and held a well set tempo, playing a well-constructed drum score. Your introduction rolls were full and accurate to tempo. You have a tendency to rush your single work, I would like to see you take the weight out of your triplet work, this will show control in your playing and assist with the presentation of the score. I would also like to see you continue working on your basic rudiments, this will help develop your musical flow when playing and assist in providing you with a greater use of dynamics, this can only enhance your presentation and assist in moving you forward with your drumming.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Thoreyn Jorgensen      Place: 3      Tunes: Mairi's Wedding and The Barren Rocks of Aden      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Thank you Thoreyn for your solo performance today, You started with a well set tempo however you had a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls, the tempo increased once you started the tune. I believe if you had been able to keep the tempo slower this would have assisted you in the presentation. In the first tune you have a tendency to rush bars 3 & 4 in both parts The second tune picked up in tempo and at times I felt you had difficulty holding onto it. I would like to see you continue practicing your basic rudiments, this will increase your ability to control the tempo of your rudiments and improve the musical flow of the drum score. Overall you show you have a good understanding of your drumming for this level of competition and I can see you moving forward with continued practice. Great job and thanks again.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Henry Bautz      Place: 4      Tunes: 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Henry this was a very confident presentation, you set a well-controlled tempo for your experience level. This gave you the best opportunity to present your drumming skills. Your introduction was steady and accurate to the tempo set and you held it into the first part. You do need to work on your dynamic range, everything was solid and loud, if you were to focus on the lower end of your dynamic range this would help add another level of enjoyment to your playing. I would like to see you focus on your roll work, it has a slight pulsating sound throughout all your rolls, this is due to different pressure on each stick, a slight correction to your grip will bring your rolls to the level of your single work. I would also like to see you continue to focus on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help lift your drumming to the next level, this is definitely something that needs to be maintained throughout your drumming career. Great job Henry with your solo performance today.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Conor Blacklock      Place: 5      Tunes: Highroad to Gairloch      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Conor this was a very confidence presentation, you show good technique for your age. I would like to see you continue focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help you transition from one rudiment to another smoothly enhancing the musical presentation of your performance. This was an excellent level of drum score for you, the biggest issue you had was the single work in the part endings, your sticks were up high and the rudiments lacked the control required to be able to play them in time with the melody. With your short roll work don’t crush the first buzz, this will help smooth your rolls and make them sound smooth and full for the full note value written. Congratulations on your solo performance today.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Catherine Johnson      Place: 6      Tunes: Carradale Bay      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Thank you Catherine for your solo performance today, you show a good understanding of your rudiments for this level of competition. Your introduction rolls are slightly pulsating, causing a slight uneven sound throughout both rolls. The tempo of the rolls and the recording were not the same, this caused you to separate and be unsettled throughout the first 4 bars, you managed to hold it together for the remainder of the 1st part, well done. At times your drag work in the second part caused you to lose your musical flow and separate to the melody, try a little less pressure on the grip of the dead stick and a lighter weight as the dead stick is striking the drum, this will help you control the rudiment, the weight can come from the high hand to give the power you seem to be looking for. The 3rd part of the tune has a lot in it, and at times you managed this very well. Your 4th part flam work was nice and open the transition from that to your doubles and singles was a little rushed. Take your time, listen to the melody, you have good quality scores that seem to fit the tune well. Overall this was an excellent presentation for this level of competition, I would like to see you continue to work on your basic rudiments to develop the control required to move you to the next level.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexander Middlemis           Tunes: Pipe Major Willie Ross, Siege of Delhi      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Thank you Alexander for your solo presentation today, You had a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls, I believe this was due to a slightly tighter grip on the right stick, you had difficult settling into the tempo for the first four bars of the drum score, once into the second line the first part settled. The second part became a little rushed on the repeat and you drifted ahead of the piper who was providing a steady tempo. Your flams lacked consistency at times it sounded like two sticks hitting at the same time. I would like to see you focus on the height of each stick during the rudiment. One stick high, 30cm and the low stick 7cm, this height difference will consistently give you a nice “plup” sound enhancing the embellishment added to the note. Please keep focusing on the basic rudiments when practicing, this can only assist in enhancing your musical flow and skill level, helping lift you to the next level. Congratulations on your performance today
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Annemarie Larocque           Tunes: Jenny's Bowbee      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Thank you Annemarie for your solo presentation today, You had a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls and the first roll was short, I believe this was due to a slightly tighter grip on the right stick. You had a well set tempo and seemed to hold that into the first part, at times when the rudiment got difficult you slowed down to get the rudiment played on the drum. I would like to see a great use of dynamics, this was at times a flat performance. The drum score had a good variety of rudiments, a greater use of dynamics would only enhance the presentation. I would like to see you focus on taking the weight out of your triplet rudiment, this would show control and assist in adding more dynamics within the score. Please continue to focus on your basic rudiments, this will assist in improving your skill level and move you forward with your drumming. Great job and thank you for you solo performance
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Callum Mitchell           Tunes: Capt Norman Orr Ewing, Father John MacMillan of Barra      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Thank you Callum for your solo presentation today, You had a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls, I believe this was due to a slightly tighter grip on the right stick and not allowing it to buzz smoothly. This tight right hand was obvious throughout all your roll rudiments. Your left hand stays constantly in the centre of the drum when you play, however your right stick plays forward and just off the snare, this does make it difficult to get the same sound from each stick. Your single work is well controlled and very impressive, you are a solid player that seems to play with passion, continued work on the basic rudiment control, something that should never stop on your
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Brewer           Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Thank you Christine for your solo presentation today, You had a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction roll, this was due to a very open left hand buzz. Once into the tune the first 7 stoke roll in bar 1 was unfinished, missing the terminal tap, this was much better on the repeat part. Your transition to the second part lost musical flow and separated from the piper. The 3rd part accent roll rudiments lacked a nice clean tap on each accent, it came through as a loud buzz and again causing some timing issues as you progressed through these rudiments. The single work into part 4 separated from the beat and lacked clarity, I think you tried to play them to loud and you lost control. Your drum score was well constructed providing a variety of rudiments and enjoyable to hear. I would like to see you continue focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing. This will help you transition from one rudiment to another smoothly. Therefore enhancing the musical presentation of your playing.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Welch           Tunes: King George V Army      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Christopher, you started with a well set tempo, you have a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls due to an uneven weight of pulses from each stick. The flam work in the first and third parts took you off the beat separating you from the melody. I also felt your accent roll work was very open and lacking drive. I would like to see you continue to focus on your basic rudiments this will assist in control, improve your range of dynamics and the musical flow from rudiment to rudiment w
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Fabian Renz           Tunes: The Siege of Delhi      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Thank you Fabian for your solo presentation today, You had a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls, tempo held well into the first part. Your double work in the opening bar lacked clarity, this was also the case through the repeat part. Your flam and drag work is very clean and consistent throughout. 3rd and 4th part slowed when you came across your difficult rudiments. Part endings lacked clarity around any and all doubles, another area to focus on is the use of dynamics, you are a solid player, this presentation lacked any low end dynamics in the performance, working on this will add more enjoyment for you as a player and also the people listening. I would like to see you continue to work on your basic rudiments to develop the control required to move you to the next level.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lew McLennan           Tunes: King George V’s Army      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Thank you Lew for your solo presentation today, You had a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls, I believe this was due to a slightly tighter grip on the left stick, the second roll was shorter in length and the tempo slowed as you entered the tune. Once into the tune your tempo settled and held. There was a loss of clarity in bar 2 of the 1st part, this was the same for the repeat. As you enter your roll work, the first buzz seems very open, this does affect the quality of the rudiment, and at times it sounds more like a double than a buzz. You tend to rush your single runs starting on a left-hand accent and finishing on your right thus finishing the rudiment early almost every time, this does affect the musical flow of the written score. I would like to see a greater use of your dynamic range, you have a good score with a variety of rudiments, improving the use of the lower range would only enhance the presentation. Keep focusing on your basic rudiments this will only help you lift to the next level of your drumming.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Liam Leasure           Tunes: Brown Haired Maiden      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Thank you Liam for your solo presentation today, You had a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls, your tempo was well set and maintained throughout the first part. I would like to see you focus on your triplet work, it is very open and your sticks are too high. I would like to see you play you triplet work with more control by taking the weight out of the rudiment, this will also help your dynamic range and timing of the rudiment. Your short roll work was inconsistent at times it was accurate and clean, then you would come from a difficult rudiment and fall behind with the roll work. I would also like to see you continue to focus on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help lift you to the next level of your drumming and it is defiantly something that needs to be maintained throughout your drumming career. Over all this was a steady performance with some good use of dynamics that added to the presentation. Congratulations Liam on your performance today.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Magdalena Pacheco           Tunes: The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Magdalena, this was a very confident presentation. You started with and held a well set tempo, playing a well-constructed drum score. Your introduction rolls were full and accurate to tempo. You have a tendency to rush your single work, I would like to see you take the weight out of your triplet work, this will show control in your playing and assist with the presentation of the score. The tempo picked up in the 2nd part this continued to rise throughout the remainder of the tune. Some timing issues in bars 3 and 4 of the 3rdpart, again I think you trying to hard to push the rudiment out, you might be better taking the weight out of the rudiment and just let it flow. The same goes for the 4th part bars 5 and 6 also suffered from the same. I would like to see you continue working on your basic rudiments, this will help develop your musical flow when playing and assist in providing you with a greater use of dynamics, this can only enhance your presentation and assist in moving you forward with your drumming.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Molly Turley           Tunes: Brown Haired Maiden      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Thank you Molly for your solo presentation today, you had a well set tempo, your introduction rolls were pulsating throughout causing an uneven sound, however they were of good length and accurate to the tempo set, you held that tempo into the first part of the tune, very impressive. You had some timing issues with your single work throughout the performance, especially when it ran into an accent roll rudiment. Your short roll work was consistent throughout, this is where many struggle, so well done for that. I would like to see you continue working on your basic rudiments, this will help develop your musical flow when playing and assist in providing you with a greater use of dynamics, this can only enhance your presentation and assist in moving you forward with your drumming.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Pam Brownlee           Tunes: King George V Army      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Thank you Pam for your solo presentation today, You had a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls, you also finished both rolls with the left stick (last buzz) resting on the drum while you played the terminal tap of the roll, this does have an effect to the sound coming off the drum. The tempo slowed once you got into the tune, I would like to see you work on the accuracy of playing in-between each beat, what I mean by that is the control of each tap within the rudiment. You start and stop on the beat note , it’s just the note between that requires a little more accuracy. Your flam work is very clean and clear throughout the performance. I would like you to continue focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help lift you to the next level of your drumming and it is defiantly something that needs to be maintained throughout your drumming career. Your
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Yerik Ye           Tunes: PM Willie Ross, Siege of Delhi      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Thank you Yerik for your solo presentation, you had a well set tempo, your introduction rolls were pulsating throughout causing an uneven sound, however they were of good length and accurate to the tempo set, you held that tempo into the first part of the tune, very impressive. The clean tap at the start of your left hand accent roll work throughout is missing, it is coming through as a loud buzz, this becomes noticeable due to your right hand accent roll is very good. Bar 4 to 5 in the 2nd part coming from the long roll into the next bar caused issues both times, this caused you to lose your musical flow and separating away from the melody and then chasing the beat to come back to the playing accurately with the piper. The triplet work in the Siege of Delhi is requiring a little more control, try taking the weight out of the rudiment, this may help with the transition into the next rudiment. There was a loss of musical flow and accuracy in the last part of the performance. You play with confidence, your drum scores are of an excellent standard, providing variety and interest throughout the presentation. I would like to see you continue to work on your basic rudiments to improve control and accuracy, this will also help lift you to the next level of performance, keep up the great work.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Catherine Johnson      Place: 1      Tunes: At Long Last, Dawning of The Day      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained Intro. March:- Nice tempo and controlled throughout. Try for more expression in the score to aid a more natural rhythmical flow.Flam tap movement in 1st/2nd parts need opened up. They sound clipped and losing definition and clarity. The singles off the accented roll sound rushed and need executed with more poise and clarity. Parts 3/4 well played and executed to the melody. Good overall ability and relaxed playing.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cole Wilkinson      Place: 2      Tunes: Bonnie Galloway, Rowan Tree      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained intro. You have a nice relaxed style. Singles in opening bar 1st part uneven in texture. They settled after this.Playing throughout is relaxed, well phrased and giving effective rhythmical presentation to the melodies. Don`t come off the to snare to execute your accented crescendo roll movement, in last part, it gives a diffent tonal texture.play on the snare and use your wrist power to delivery the crescendo effect. Try for a more varied variety of rudiments into the score. They sound a little repetitive. It`s within you capability to raise your standard. Very good ability and style.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Paul Earley      Place: 3      Tunes: Accordion Man, Jimmy Findlater, Thomas Sanders and Pay the Piper.      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Intro duration good but roll texture could be smoother. March:- seemed to go into the first score early and caused a unsettled effect. Flam work in all scores need to be executed cleaner and more prtecise. Some short single phrases lack definition and clarity. Try for a smoother effect from these movements. 5th/6th parts seemed stilted in rhythmical presentation so try to attain a smoother flow to your scores here. Open single movement in final measure requires more definition to the accent. Drum sounded to have an afftertone off the top head. this may have sounded different if you had faced the camera. Finally, I felt that you were playing within your ability so try playing with more commitment and confidence.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Fabian Renz      Place: 4      Tunes: The Rose of Allendale + Murdo‘s Wedding      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Intro duration good but need to get more of a buzz from your pulsations to create a smoother textured roll.Controlled and steady tempo throughout. Playing was basically clean and precise but quite mono tonal and needed more expression, dynamics and commitment to create the musical presentation you desire.Work at your technique for score presentation as you have very good overall potential to raise your capability standard to the next level.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rollo Nickols      Place: 5      Tunes: Far Over the Sea, Meeting of the Waters      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Good intro duration. Roll texture could be smoother.. Nice relaxed style and basically playing is clean and precise, however, not all flams are cleanly executed also the triplet movement in endings are laboured at times. Try to get more expression to the score execution. Tempo held steady throughout. Try to play with a more confident persona as you have the potential to give more commitment and excitement to these scores.. Downside:- there is a slight echo from your recording area and affecting some clarity. Take your location into consideration for future recordings
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Henry Bautz      Place: 6      Tunes: City of Hastings Highland Pipe Band      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained Intro:- Tempo was cautious throughout which affected your rhythmical presentation of the score.Playing was clean and precise with some nice phrasing until the last part where you had some difficulty in delivering rhe open flam phrase which caused slight integration problems. Raise the tempo and try to get more exression into these scores to interpret the melody presented better. You have the potential and ability to play score with a greater variety of rudiments and to raise your overall playing standard.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alexander Middlemis           Tunes: Bonnie Galloway, Rowan Tree      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Intro duration good but roll pulsations need to be smoother. Tempo held steady until last part. Good uptake to opening measure. All flam work, troughout need to be opened up as they sound like accents. Hesitant entry to some parts ( maybe because you are sight reading) causing loss of integration with melodic structure. Not a confident last part and again creating integration problems. Apart from your flam work you are clean player with a very good potential to move to a higher standard.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Callum Mitchell           Tunes: Wings, Flett from Flotta      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Intro duration good. Roll pulsation need to be smoother. Confident playing from the off.Flam movements on both hands need opened up. sound like accents.When executing all roll movements your left stick is only playing a beat and not buzzing the drum. Work at improving all rolling and flam rudiments.Make sure both your sticks are playing on the snares, your right stick is off and forward of the snare and creating a flat sound. You controlled the tempo well throughout. You have great potential just practice at ensuring all your basic and fundimental rudiments are executed correctly.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Hawley           Tunes: Scotland the Brave      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Good duration of Intro roll, however, the pulsations sounded forced and texture could have been smoother.Playing at a high tempo throughout and this affected your rhythmical flow, phrasing and expression of the scores making them sound lifeless and mono tonal.Try for a more relaxed tempo to allow scores to be more expressive and integrate and flow with greater ease to the melody presented. Hesitant uptake to 3rd part causing integration problems with melody. Clean playing throughoutand and a more relaxed tempo will deliver a style that will bring out your true potential.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Thoreyn Jorgensen           Tunes: Scotland the Brave and Wings      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Intro duration consistant but roll texture could be smoother. Plat=yinf throughout is at a high tempo and you are losing the phrasing and expression of these scores. Try for a more relaxed tempo to allow you to work the melody structure presented.Short five single phrase in 2nd part not evenly delivered or executed. All ending rolls need to be smoother on texture..You have a very good ability and commitment, however, for solos try for more rudiment variation in your scores. They sound a little repetitive. Finally a tip for solos, face the adjudicator and display the drum top head..
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Yerik Ye           Tunes: Bonnie Galloway, Roman Tree      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Intro duration good but roll pulsations need to be smoother,and also rolls cut short before before accent ending.Tempo unsteady throughout, try for more consistancy here. Flams and singles in open bars need better stick control to deliver with clarity and accuracy.2nd bar in all parts require for movements to flow smoother and attain clarity.( seven roll not always played in full. Tempo issues in 3rd/4th parts causing integration issues with the melody. Try to keep the tempo consistant throughout. You have good potential, just ensure your basic rudiments are played correctly and confidently.
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Magdalena Pacheco      Place: 1      Tunes: Angus MacKinnon      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls were well sustained. Uptake was confident and a good tempo for a marching tune. Execution of rudiments generally good and under control. A lack of dynamics detracted from the musicality and some timing issues effected rhythm and expression. Well scored to the melody. Instrument low pitched and lacked crisp snare response.
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Henry Bautz      Place: 2      Tunes: Angus MacKinnon      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Both opening rolls well played, however there was a hesitation between each roll. Tempo on uptake was a little slow for a marching tune. Execution of rudiments quite good. Rhythm and expression also good for this grade. Lack of dynamics and tempo effected the musical flow. Instrument pitched low but with good snare action.
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Catherine Johnson      Place: 3      Tunes: All The Blue Bonnets Are Over The Border      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Very good smooth introduction rolls. Uptake tempo a little slow for this marching tune. Execution of rudiments generally good but some hesitations causing you to fall behind the beat. More dynamics required to add to the musicality. Most imbellishments well executed however with the high standard of the score you are not always in control. Not fully projecting true rhythm partly due to tempo. Nice crisp snare action on a well pitched instrument.
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Hawley      Place: 4      Tunes: Bonnie Dundee/ 100 Pipers      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls lacked smoothness but were a good even length. Entry at nice march tempo, however becoming erratic as you progressed. Execution of rudiments and good clarity evident through performance. Lacking in dynamics and not phrased well in relation to this idiom, detracted from the musical flow. Instrument pitched slightly low but a good snare response.
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Fabian Renz      Place: 5      Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Opening rolls were of good length but a little buzzy and lacked smoothness. Good uptake to nice marching tempo, however a little erratic at times. Execution not consistent with roll work and open work requiring attention. Clarity was good. Some rushing in phrases and lack of dynamics detracted from the musical flow. Instrument a little on the dull side, but a good snare action.
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Thoreyn Jorgensen      Place: 6      Tunes: Bonnie Dundee and A Hundred Pipers      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls solid and of good length. Uptake to a good tempo but erratic at times. Lack of dynamics and not projecting true rhythm detracts from musicality. Execution varied spoilt by over-rolling, clipped flams and falling behind the beat. Scoring well suited to melody and instrument nice tuned.
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Callum Mitchell           Tunes: Cock of the North      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls need to be smoother and not pulsing. Confident uptake to a brisk tempo. Need to work on execution of rolls in particular your left hand. Lack of dynamics and true rhythm spoilt the musicality. Overall clarity was good and a nice clear sound projected from your instrument. Good effort, potential to improve is evident and achievable with your development.
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Yerik Ye           Tunes: Miss Lily Christie      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls not smooth as slurrs not connected. Uptake and tempo too slow for a marching tune. Hesitations evident in execution of rudiments. Clarity mostly good throughout performance. Lacking some rhythm and expression for a more musical presentation. Instrument had a slightly choked snare action.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Megan Millar      Place: 1      Tunes: All the Blue Bonnets O'er the Border      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Good introduction rolls and uptake to March, nice tempo and held steady throughout your performance. Great job with the 6/8 phrasing, holding the strong beats well and spot on with the pipe tune. A little more dynamics would help enhance the musical presentation, but really enjoyable performance. Great control and feel for such a young drummer, great potential. Keep practicing your rudiments to improve your overall playing, well done
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aiden Nicolson      Place: 2      Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Good introduction rolls and uptake to March, nice tempo and held steady throughout your performance. Playing well with the pipe tune and getting good 6/8 phrasing thoughout. A little more emphasis on dynamics will enhance your musical presentation. Be careful of flam bounce movement in 3rd part, and again in repeat of 4th part, losing the piper slightly here. Overall very enjoyable performance, keep practicing your rudiments to improve your overall playing
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ashley Forbes      Place: 3      Tunes: 6/8 March      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Good introduction rolls and uptake to March, nice tempo and held steady throughout. Good 6/8 phrasing being achieved, try to incorporate more dynamics into your playing to enhance the musical presentation. Execution is good and movements coming through clearly, overall an enjoyable performance, well done.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ethan Higgs      Place: 4      Tunes: Kirkwall Bay, Dornoch Higland Gathering      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Nice introduction to tune, good tempo held steady throughout your performance. Some nice material and good dynamics, especially in last part. Your 6/8 phrasing is generally good, holding the strong beats well, but be careful of your middle bar in the second tune, losing the dot and cut feel slightly here. Playing is good, lots of potential here. Keep practicing your rudiments to improve your overall playing, well done
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Henry Bautz      Place: 5      Tunes: Angus MacKinnon      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls a little pulsated but of good duration. Nice uptake to March, relaxed tempo but held steady throughout. Playing very well to piper and phrasing the 6/8 very well. Try to incorporate some more dynamics into your playing to enhance the musical presentation. Good playing throughout, you have great potential. Continue to practice your rudiments to improve your overall playing. Very enjoyable, well done
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Murray      Place: 6      Tunes: Atholl Highlanders, Bonnie Dundee      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Opening rolls a little pulsated but of good duration. Nice uptake to tune, tempo relaxed but held steady throughout your performance. Playing well to the piper, good 6/8 phrasing and nice hold on strong beats. Be careful of your flam technique in last part, some dead flams coming through - make sure you get a good high and low hand to produce a clean crisp flam. Very enjoyable and musical performance, well done
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daron Peters           Tunes: John D Burgess      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Good opening rolls and nice uptake to tune, tempo nice and held steady throughout. Losing the 6/8 phrasing a little in 3rd part, need to continue to hold strong beats here despite playing the material. Be careful of your flam technique in places, try to get a good high and low hand to produce a clean crisp flam. Also try to incorporate more dynamics into your playing to enhance the musical presentation. Overall well played
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Greg Hudson           Tunes: The Braemar Gathering      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Opening rolls pulsated but good duration. Nice uptake to March, tempo held steady throughout your performance. Your 6/8 phrasing is generally good but be careful in 3rd part, losing the dot and cut feel slightly with rest in the score. Try to incorporate more dynamics into your playing which will add to the musicality of the tune. Well played
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jacob (Jake) Markus           Tunes: Muckin' a Geordie's Byer, Bonnie Dundee      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Nice introduction rolls and good uptake to tune, tempo relaxed but steady throughout. Playing the rudiments very well, your phrasing is a little too dot and cut at times. Although the 6/8 is a dot and cut tune you are losing the piper slightly at times as you are holding too long. If you let the score flow a little more whilst still having the dot and cut phrasing it will help the musical presentation. Some good playing however and good attempt at dynamics, lots of potential here.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James Byrnes           Tunes: Lily Christine      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Opening rolls are quite pulsated, but good duration. Good uptake to March, nice tempo and steady throughout your performance. Good 6/8 phrasing, nice hold on strong beats and good dynamics on long roll at the start of the 4th part. Try to keep your sticks at the same height so that all your movements are open and even, and work on the technique of your flams - get a good high and low hand to produce a clean crisp flam. Keep practicing your rudiments to improve your overall playing, well done.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James Houston           Tunes: 6/8      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Nice introduction to 6/8, good tempo held steady throughout your performance. Nice 6/8 phrasing, holding well on strong beats. Try to incorporate some dynamics into your playing which will enhance your musical presentation. Be careful of your flam technique especially on your right hand, flams sound dead at times, try to get a good high and low hand to produce a clean crisp flam. Well played
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kirsty Turnbull           Tunes: The Braemar Gathering      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Opening rolls of good duration but slightly pulsated, drum sounds very hard so a little more snare might help smooth out rolls. Nice uptake to tune, lively tempo but well maintained throughout. Some difficult material played well, be careful in the paradiddle movement at the start of the 3rd part, muffled sound and did not come through clearly. Well played last part. Try to incorporate some more dynamics into your performance to enhance the musical presentation. Well done
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Smith           Tunes: Chief Stewart Duncan McGillveray      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Opening rolls a little pulsated but of good duration. Nice uptake to 6/8, lively tempo but held steady throughout your performance. Generally good 6/8 phrasing but be careful of your tie beats between rolls and flams, you need to match the piper, dot and cut them appropriately. Sometimes your tie beats are ahead which is spoiling the rhythm of the tune. Flams good but be careful, sometimes you are getting a dead sound, focus on getting your technique right to produce a clean crisp flam. Some nice dynamics in last part with your rolls. Overall a good performance, well done
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Milton Mann           Tunes: MacNeils of Ugadale and Miss Ishabel T McDonald      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls a little pulsated but of good duration. Nice uptake to March, good tempo and held steady throughout. Drum quite flat which is a little off-putting, but good hold on strong beats and you are getting good 6/8 phrasing. Try to incorporate more dynamics into your playing to enhance the musical presentation. Overall well played, kept with the pipe tune very well.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Patrick Bingham           Tunes: Crossing the Rhine      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls a little pulsated but of good duration. Nice uptake to 6/8, good tempo and held steady throughout. Some very interesting and innovative material which I like, but you lose the 6/8 phrasing in places, especially in the 2nd part. Playing is good and you have some nice dynamics coming through, but dot and cut phrasing is being lost at times during the tune. I liked the ending bar in the 3rd and 4th parts, but some of the material didn't match the piping in 2nd and 3rd part which is slightly off-putting. I respect how you tried to be creative and do something different, and you should continue to do this. You have great potential and I enjoyed the performance
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Carter Green      Place: 1      Tunes: Young MacGregor, The Red Coat, Willie Murray's Reel      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: solid rolls Intro: nice uptake to march; March: 2nd touch laboured to ending; mic clipping throughout; nice n steady; 4th nice roll accents; some laboured singles again; Strath: solid break; some s/s pulse wandering; keep beat 1 forward; Reel: roll break ok; nice 4 stroke roll in 1st; nice doubles in 3rd; nice ending; Overall: Well done. Musicality was excellent; a few wee execution bits as above; work on achieving more dynamics, expecially in your S/S where your pulse weakens; and youre ready for gr3;
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Aiden Nicolson      Place: 2      Tunes: 79s Farewell to Gibraltar, Campbells farewell to Redcastle, Captain Horne, Sleepy Maggie      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: 2nd roll a touch long; Intro: good uptake to march; March: good swing and dynamics; nice n steady; mic clipping throuought; 4th labouring a bit; Strath: good break; good s/s pulse; good dynamics; ; Reel: cautious break; more relaxed play here; better dynamics; Overall: Well done; Strong musicality and solid playing; You are almost ready for gr3;
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Milton Mann      Place: 3      Tunes: Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering, Captain Colin Campbell and High Road to Linton      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: 1st roll a touch long; Intro: v nice uptake to march; March: solid start; relaxed; 2nd singles laboured; 3rd singles again; solid ending; 4th better here; nice dynamics; Strath: good break; good pulse; solid drag 5s in the endings; good tempo lively; some flams tight; especially before singles; nice var; Reel: very cautious break! try to keep them similar; nice swing in reel; 2nd some dyn coming through here; solid finish; Overall: Well done. good use of rudiments, and musicality (swing in the march/reel and Pulse in the strath) now, just cleam up all the wee bits mentioned above and youre ready for gr3.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ethan Higgs      Place: 4      Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisolm, Mac 'n' Irish, Becky Ewan      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: 2nd roll shorter than 1st; Intro: nice uptake to march; relaxed and confident; March: mic clipping; nice flow; speeding up in 3rd; good flam work; Strath: nice break; good strathspey feel!! solid singles; good drag in 4th; Reel: solid break; relaxing tempo; loosing swing in 2nd; better in 3rd; Overall: Solid performance, with controla and swing in march and reel; nice s/s pulse also; weird stop at end of reel;
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jeremy Downs      Place: 5      Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale, Captain Colin Campbell, Lexie McCaskill      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: solid rolls; nicely in time; slightly pulsy and right hand dominant; Intro: good uptake to march, spot on in time; relaxed start; March: good lift to march; some complex rudiments above this grade; good variety 4th part; a bit monotone, needing dynamics; Strath: good break; slowing down in repeat of 1st pt; losing strathspey pulse; lacking SWMW; needing more light n shade; 4th part especially; Reel: overly quick break to reel; not as smooth as with s/s; more confident playing here; also showing sume dynamics; some timing issues end of 2nd part; Overall: Well done; good command of basic rudiments and even some Gr3 rudiments (like 4 stroke roll), however - you Musicality is suffering. Try to get more dynmics and swing in your march and reel, and much more lift and pulse in the strathspey, and youre all set!
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Ceana Fleury      Place: 6      Tunes: The Young MacGregor / The Red Coat / Willie Murray's Reel      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: 1st roll a touch long; 2nd perfect; Intro: nice uptake to march; relaxed and confident; March: 2nd singles a touch labored; 3rd drag 5 a touch laboured; good swing and balance; good dyn in 3rd; variation a bit laboured; Strath: solid break; 2nd some laboured playing hurting pulse; Reel: roll break ok; more laboured playing; swing lacking; solid ending Overall: Well Done - some strong playing and good use of paradiddles, drag 5's. Some laboured playing with caused you to lose the swing or s/s Pulse hurting musicality; Clean up the wee bits mentioned above so that your dynamics and musicality can shine;
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Bottazzi           Tunes: The Brown Haired Maiden, Maggie Cameron, Piper of Drummond      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: solid rolls; Intro: good uptake to march; relaxed; March: 2nd singles a touch laboured; geting ahead of piper end of 2nd; Strath: ok break; getting behind piper; losing Strathspey pulse and lilt; 3rd late also; losing SWmW pulse; ahead at end; Reel: break solid; more confident and relaxed here; Overall: Well done, but needs more Musicality - swing in the march/ reel; and SWmW pulse in the STrathspey; Clean up the liitel bits mentioned above and yourre all set;
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Murray           Tunes: Pipe Major Willie Grey's Farewell to the Glasgow Police, Mac an Irish, The Ale Is Dear      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: Slightly pulsy rolls, right hand dominant and louder than left; Intro: nice uptake to march; smooth intro; March: some drag5's suspect; sitting on drag too long, making singles late; Tiplets a touch laboured; Watch endings in ff, some labouted playing slightly slow/ Strath: solid break; solid start, but Strathspey pulse lacking; more SWMW and lift needed; some bars slowing down; sounding 4/4 rather than strath; Reel: slip into reel not definite; also, Reel lacking swing of duple meter; playing more confident here, but more dynamics and swing needed; Overall: Well done; You have the basics mastered well, now begin to focus on the musicality of your play; steady swing in march and reel, and lilt in the strath;
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Daron Peters           Tunes: Dundee Military Tattoo, Capt Colin Campbell, Capt Lochlan McPhail of Tiree      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: 2nd roll short; Intro: good uptake to march; some singles a touch slow; March: good cadence and steady tempo; some flams tight; watch drags in 3rd with triplets - touch laboured; a bit monotone - go for more dynamics; Strath: good. break; ending laboured, hurting s/s pulse; drag singles in 2nd laboured; 3rd - strathspey pulse from 1st part is gone; flams againg in 4th; Reel: innovative roll break to reel - well done; more confident playing here, but Reel swing dwindling; some flams tight; solid finish; Overall: Well done on nicely tuned drum; little bits of execution lacking such as flams, some drag 5's and triplets laboured. fix this little items and capitalize on your Musicality (swing march and reel; and Pulse in Strath;) and youre set to win;
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Erin Allenby-Smith           Tunes: The Atholl & Breadalbane Gathering, Captain Colin Campbell, The High Road to Linton      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: 1st roll short; 2nd also just a touch; Intro: drum ringing (top snare not high enough to head); good uptake to march; March: some flams tight; nice swing; some dynamics coming through; more tight flams in 3rd; same in 4th; Strath: nice commanding break; Strathspey pulse coming through in 1st nice; watch flams in 2nd; 3rd rolls a touch pulsy ; Reel: solid break; nice swing at start; 2nd flams again; Solid finish; Overall: Well done and with some musicality throughout. However - some sloppy playing creeping in on Flams, some triplets and singles; Clean these little items up, maintain your dynamics and swing and youre all set!
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Henry Bautz           Tunes: 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar/Dornie Ferry/Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: good rolls ; just a touch pulsy on right hand; Intro: nice start to march; full sound; March: some singles a touch laboured; solid endings w singles; 2nd part flams tight; 3rd singles; 4th little rolls solid; Strath: good break; 1st ending late; 2nd same; some drag 5's a bit laboured; Strathspey pulse lacking ; Reel: nice break here; nice light sound with swing! more confident sounding too; strong finish; Overall: Well done!! a strong perfomrnace but needs a lighter quicker touch to stay in time with your piper, aand maintain swing in the march and SWmW pulee in the Strath;
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jacob (Jake) Markus           Tunes: The Conundrum, The Marquis of Huntly's Highland Fling, Kalabakan (Borneo)      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: A touch pulsy, right hand dominant. Intro: Nice uptake to march; nice swing to start March; modified Duthart classic; flam triplet in 3rd a touch off; ff a touch ahead of piper; Nice 4th open work; Strath: Needs a bit more strath pulse to start; try to announce the tune; 2nd part causious; 3rd part - plulse lagging agian; 4th - geting laboured and behind pipes; Reel: Nice beak; Flam tight; 2nd part lagging behind piper a touch; 3rd part laboured a touch as well; losing swing; 4th - swing coming back, nice solid finish; Overall: A solid, Relaxed performance, but needing more swing in the march, SWMW Pulse in the Strath, and some phrasing issues in the Reel - fix these few items and your're all Set! Well Done!
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Megan Millar           Tunes: 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar, Caledonian Canal, MacKay from Skye      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: solid rolls; 2nd was a touch long; Intro: nice uptake to march; solid relaxing wiht rest; March: solid 1st; solid drag 5s in 2nd; some flams in 3rd a touch too open; good singles ; Strath: solid break; some s/s pulse lost on a very beat-centric play; need more emphasis on beat 1, and more SwmW pulse; 3rd getting better here; endings a bit laboured; Reel: solid break; some swing coming through; would like more; more confident here; nice singles to drag 5 ending; Overall: well done! some good use of rudiments, only a few spots of sloppy play; You can now start to focus on Musicality and especially Dynamics; Many of your single runs where all the same volume, making it hard to hear the accents you were trying to use to create syncopation and swing; Get more dynamica in your play and youll be all set for gr3;
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Michael Smith           Tunes: Duncan McInnes, Captain Colin Campbell, Mackay from Skye      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: Rolls a bit pulsy and right hand driven; Intro: nice start and uptake to March. March: Good tempo and steady start; some flams tight; 3rd drags a touch sloppy; 4th - singles tight; Strath: Good break; Lacking in Strathspey pulse and beat placement; Playing a bit too 4/4 regular; 3rd - timing off a touch to piper; Reel: Good break; better flams here; playing more relaxed; 3rd - flams tight; Solid finish; Overall: A relatively relaxed performance marred by a few simple isues: 1) Get your rolls smother; 2) More dynamics in march; 3) Bigone - The Strathspey needs to sound MORE strathspey-ish; More light n shade, more SWMW pulse; Otherwise very musical , well done!
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Patrick Bingham           Tunes: The Liberton Pipe Band, Braes of Mar, The Brown Haired Maiden      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: 2nd roll shorter than 1st; Intro: good uptake to march; confident sound; March: 1st ending a touch laboured; some singles a touch behind piper; 3rd part interesting tap; 4th eith note lams were a touch quick; final ending was best; Strath: good break; clean rudiments, but lacking in strathspey pulse; some bits in 2nd part slow; Reel: good break; relaxed start; more confident here; nice finish; Overall: Well done. interesting tick in 3rd part of march; You have the rudiments fairly well, now focus on your musicality; get more swing in your march and reel, and strathspey pulse in the s/s;
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Vaughn Diakow           Tunes: Carradale Bay, Lady MacKenzie of Gairloch, The Ale is Dear      Judge: Harvey Dawson      Judge's Comments: Rolls: Both rolls too oppen and coarse. Try to close your rolls for a smoother sound; Intro: Solid start, in time; a bit bashy to start March: Some issues with singles, drags and especially drag+5 single movements; Sitting on the draf too long causing the singles to finish late; Strath: Break a bit quick, but steady; Lacking in Strathspey Pulse - SWMW and light n shade; Reel: Break here also quick; Reel lacking swing and some rudiments get over played and delayed. Overall: A solid run, but you need to 1) work on your rolls as all of them are too open and not smooth sounding; 2) Try to develop a more relaxed pace /swing in the march and reel; and, 3) Most importantly - work on the Strathspey pulse and lilt in the strath. Go for light and airy with a dominant first beat with a SWMW pulse throughout. Well done, nice n steady!
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Megan Millar      Place: 1      Tunes: Donald, Willie, and his Dog      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Good start to Jig, nice tempo set and held steady throughout your performance. Material very good and set well to pipe tune. Good control and nice attempt at dynamics, especially at the start of the 2nd part. Well played last part, single run well executed. Very musical performance, played really well to the piper and good execution. Bags of potential here, keep practicing your rudiments and your playing will continue to improve. Great show, well done
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Murray      Place: 2      Tunes: Brest St Marc, Kesh Jig      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Nice introduction to Jig, tempo a little too relaxed but well maintained throughout the performance. Material set very well to tunes and nicely played. Be careful of the stroke roll movement in the last part, losing the piper a little here. Nice musical performance, a little more use of dynamics would improve the tune but well played.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carter Green      Place: 3      Tunes: Minnie Hynd, The Whistling Postman      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Confident start to first Jig, nice tempo set and held steady throughout the performance. Careful of your flams in first phrase of first part, not coming though clear. Focus on your technique and try to get a good high and low hand to produce a clean crisp flam. Played well to piper througout the tune and you handled some difficult material very well. Good dynamics coming through, especially 2nd and 4th part. Be careful again of flam movements in the last part, especially on the left hand. Again focus on your technique here. Overall good performance, keep practicing your rudiments to improve your overall playing. Well done
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ceana Fleury      Place: 4      Tunes: Hammer on the Anvil / Tripping Up the Stairs      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Good start to first Jig, tempo a little too relaxed but well maintained throughout the performance. Material is good and goes well with the pipe tune. Good attempt at dynamics but a little more light and shade would enhance the overall performance. Be careful of your sticking in the last part, the 3 flams are not coming out clear and your are losing the piper here. Nice musical performance, keep practicing your rudiments and your playing will continue to improve. Well done
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ethan Higgs      Place: 5      Tunes: The Booner Jig, Jim Wards Jig      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Confident start to first jig, playing well with good dynamics. Careful of your flams on the left hand in your second part, focus on your technique and try to get a good high and low hand to play a clean and crisp flam. Good lively tempo held throughout with some nice material and good dynamics. Handled the single runs in the last part well and nice dynamics here too. Lots of potential here, keep working on your technique and practice your rudiments so your overall playing continues to improve. Very enjoyable, well done.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ashley Forbes      Place: 6      Tunes: Glasgow city police pipers      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Good start to Jig, nice tempo set and kept steady throughout. General playing good, nice clean flams and good execution in single work. Try to incorporate more dynamics into your playing to enhance your musical presentation. Be careful of your flams in the last part, might be easier to switch to a left hand flam rather than playing them all on the right hand, will allow you to get a cleaner crisper flam. Good performance, well done
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ash van Wering           Tunes: Corkhill      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Confident start to tune, tempo relaxed and held steady throughout your performance. Keep working on your drags-try to deaden the buzz so the drag sounds better. Your single runs in third and fourth parts not clear either, focus on getting both sticks the same height to make them more even. You played some difficult material and handled it well, try to incorporate some dynamics into your performance also. Lots of potential here, you have good hands so keep practicing your rudiments to improve your overall playing. Well done
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Greg Hudson           Tunes: The Fittie Boatman      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Good start to Jig, nice tempo held throughout. Be careful of your technique in your flams, try to get a good high and low hand to produce a clean crisp flam. Flams not always coming across clear. Also try to incorporate some dynamics into your playing to enhance the musical presentation. Drum well set and material played well. Keep practicing your rudiments and work on your technique to enhance your overall performance.
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James Byrnes           Tunes: The Curlew      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Good start to tune, playing at a nice tempo and very confident. Some of your playing not coming through clear and precise at times, focus on trying to keep all your rudiments open and even, and make sure your stick heights are the same in both hands. You kept the tempo steady throughout and gave a good performance. Lots of potential here, keep working on your technique and practice your rudiments to improve your overall playing. Well done
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Milton Mann           Tunes: Iain F Mc Laren      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Confident start to Jig, nice tempo and playing well to pipes. Some of your flams not coming through precise and clear, try to focus on your technique and get a good high and low hand to help make a clean crisp flam. Try to incorporate some dynamics into your playing also which will help the musical presentation. Tempo held steady throughout and well played to pipes. Good show
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lachlan Coe      Place: 1      Tunes: Balmoral Highlanders, Ewe with the Crooked Horn, The Brown Haired Maid      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Good intro. Very confident entry at a bright tempo. Good quality material. Keepiing with melody line. S/S. Slight loss of integration in 1st part. Not as exact as march. Overrunning roll ends in 3rd part. Reel. Nice tempo. Nice flow here and again good material. Just a bit crammed in places. Overall very confident and musical.. Small faults, easily coorrected.
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Damon Wright      Place: 2      Tunes: The Knightswood Ceilidh, Dora MacLeod, Mrs MacPherson of Inveran      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Good intro. Relaxed tempo. Losing integration with melody slightly in 3rd part. Glossing over some open runs and losing definition. S/S. Again a relaxed tempo. Losing integration with melody in 2nd and 3rd part.. More concentration needed to finish cadences with piper. Reel. Good flow and better attention to detail and integration with melody. Confident player playing good material throughout..
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Chris Pierce      Place: 3      Tunes: Drunken Piper, Ewe with the Crooked Horn, Bessie MacIntyre      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Nice intro. A bit mechanical and jerky. Losing integration with melody line in places. You need to work on expression and flow. S/S. Very laboured here. Very staccato and overrunning phrase endings. Again you need to work on flow and not play so rigidly. Reel. Again lacking flow and playing in stops and starts rather than letthe tunes flow. Some nice execution and the material is good for this grade. You just need to work on musicality.
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Nathan Vander Leest      Place: 4      Tunes: Willie Gray's Farewell, Caledonian Canal, and Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Rolling a bit thin in intro rolls. Nice drum sound. Losing integration with melody line and not finishing phrases with piper. Stumbling over open work in last part. S/S. Again rolling thin here and not finishing with piper on cadences. Stumbling in last part. Very staccato overall. Reel. Faltering over open work and very jerky overall. I thiink nervers has taken over here, try to relax and enjoy what you are doing. Great video background. "Keep at it"
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Tim Vermillion      Place: 5      Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale, Captain Colin Campbell, Lexy McAskill      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Good Intro. Steady uptake to march, some stilted drags, nice naterial. Slip in execution piano of 4th part. Good break. S/S. Very laboured tempo here, it is hard to get any lift at this tempo, very staccato at times. Reel, Better flow here at a more suitable tempo. Material good throughout, wandering in S/S because of tempo.
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sam Linsley      Place: 6      Tunes: Dugald MacColl's Farewell to France, Dornie Ferry, Alick C. MacGregor      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Good intro. Slipping over some execution. Flams too closed. Not on top of beat notes or melody line at times. Rushinh over a lot of open work. S/S, Again not integrating with melody line or finishing phrase ends with piper, Reel. Losing melody line completely in opening bars. Glossing over execution of open work and finishing tune before piper. You need to pay more attention to execution of rudiments and listen more closely to melody line.
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Blacklock           Tunes: Conundrum, Dornnie Ferry, Lexy McCaskill      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Good intro. Not with piper on phrase endings. Rolling "hanging" in places. Dynamics very "one line", you need to vary light and shade. S/S. Again some rolling left "hanging", watch roll values. Very staccato, no flow and not on top of melody line. Tempo laboured here. Reel. Better flow here at a more suitable tempo. Glossing over execution of open work throughout. More attention to rudimental detail and integration with melody needed.
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Callum Bunston           Tunes: Carradale Bay, Maggie Cameron, Lachlan McPhail      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Good intro. Relaxed tempo. A lot of closed flams. Glossing over execution of open work. Material not complex but well set to melody line. S/S. Very laboured tempo here, losing integration with melody line and not with melody at ends of phrases. Reel. Again a bit laboured. Overrunning open runs past beat notes and loss of integration with piper all through. The material in tyhe S/S and reel seems a bit difficult for you to handle at the moment..Maybe try simplifying it a little.
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Clint Kraft           Tunes: The Conundrum, Maggie Cameron and DJS Murray.      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Pad, Nice intro. Nice tempo and playing with lift and attention to beat notes and melody line. Faltering a little in 4th part. S/S. Not with melody line, wandering in places and not finishing cadences with melody. Faltering and staccato. Reel. Flow better here but still some loss of integration at times. Overall a comfident performance in march and reel, S/S needs the same dlligence. Why play on a pad and exclude youself from the prize list?
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jeff Farrell           Tunes: Dugald MacColl's Farewell to France, The Bob of Fettercairn, John MacKecnie      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Drum Pad. Open pulses in intro rolls. Steady and relaxed tempo. March, some closed flams and open pulse rolling in places. S/S, losing integration with melody and not on top of beat notes. Reel, again not quite on top of beat notes and melody line in places. Good quality material throughout. Some loss of execution on embellishments and rolling. It is difficult to play to a recording, I think you would benefit from playing to a piper live. Why play on a pad and exclude yourself from the prize list?
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Perry           Tunes: P/M Willie Grey's Farewell to Glasgow Police, Maggie Cameron, Alick MacGregor      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Nice intro. Nice tempo. Losing integration with melody line and phrase endings. Control of open work needs a lot of attention. Lack of dynamics. S/S. Again loss of integration and very staccato all through. No flow or lift here. Good break. Very wooden and not on top of melody line or beat notes. Staggering and faltering all thtough, You need to listen and play to the melody line.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damon Wright      Place: 1      Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Damon, this was a well-set tempo, however it did drop slightly as you entered the tune. You started with two well sustained introduction rolls, displaying confidence for the remainder of the performance. You were straight in with a well phrased 6/8 March. You have a slight tendency to sit on the back of the beat note and follow the melody, this created a lack of drive required for this tune. Your dynamic range is very good, I would like to see a little more work on the lower end, thus expanding the range for this solo presentation. Please keep focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will bring confidence when it comes to moving through your rudiments and allowing the drive to come more naturally to your tunes. Damon this was a very enjoyable performance. Congratulation!
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachlan Coe      Place: 2      Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Lachlan this was a very confident presentation, you display good technique. I would like to see you continue focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help you transition from one rudiment to another smoothly and with drive enhancing the musical presentation of your performance. You started with a well set tempo and two solid introduction rolls and you were straight into the correct rhythmic definition of a 6/8 March. You tend to sit back and follow the melody, at times you slowdown to get the rudiment out clean. I would like to see you drive the performance and get on the front of the beat note for this type of tune and take control. The other are to focus on is the use of dynamics, you have a tendency to over strike the drum to extend the top end of your range rather than try and enhance the lower end and adjust the score accordingly. Lachlan, this was an enjoyable performance, well done!
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cole McLeod      Place: 3      Tunes: Mrs. Lily Chrsitie      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Cole, you had a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls, you also finished these rolls with your left hand still resting on the drum head when the right terminal tap was being played, this does change the sound coming off the drum. A well set tempo and you were straight into the correct rhythmic definition of a 6/8 march. I would like to see a greater use of your dynamic range, at times it came across as a little flat, more work required on the lower end of your range will assist you in your solo presentation. You played with drive and controlled the performance. Please continue focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help you transition from one rudiment to another smoothly, thus enhancing the musical presentation of your performance. Cole this was an enjoyable presentation today.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Robert Perry      Place: 4      Tunes: Jean Maucline      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Robert, you had a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls, you also finished these rolls with your left hand still resting on the drum head when the right terminal tap was being played, this does change the sound coming off the drum. A well set tempo and you were straight into the correct rhythmic definition of a 6/8 march. The triplet run with the flams in the first part slowed in tempo for you to play clean, this did have an effect on the musical flow of the score. Bar 8 in the part endings requires you to hold the dotted note slightly longer as the way you are playing this rudiment sounds more for the 2/4 idiom. The single run in the 4th part had timing issues taking you away from the metrical accent. I would like to see you focus on your basic rudiment stick control when practicing, this will help you transition from one rudiment to another smoothly enhancing your musical presentation. Overall an enjoyable performance. Thank you Robert.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Linsley      Place: 5      Tunes: Dundee City Police Pipe Band      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Sam, you had a well set temp and two clean introduction rolls, the tempo changed as you entered the tune, don’t rush the anacruses this unsettled the start of the tune for you. You had several timing issues throughout your performance, as some rudiments proved difficult you tend to slow down to try and get them out cleanly. A greater use of dynamics would also assist, the top end of your range is very good, the focus needs to be on the lower end, this was hardly used within this presentation. I would like to see you continue focusing on your basic rudiment control when practicing, this will help you transition from one rudiment to another smoothly thus enhancing the musical presentation of your performance. Overall this was an enjoyable performance with a well-constructed drum score, congratulation on your performance today Sam.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Pierce      Place: 6      Tunes: Angus MacKinnon      Judge: Andrew Womersley      Judge's Comments: Chris, you started with a well set tempo, you have a slight pulsating sound coming through your introduction rolls due to an uneven weight of pulses from each stick. You started with excellent phrasing for the first couple of bars then when you hit the accent roll rudiments you tended to fall behind in the melody, this was a consistent issue throughout the first 3 parts. It was not necessarily the roll that caused the issue, sometimes it was coming out of the roll into a run of notes. The 4th part was well controlled and had a good metrical accent coming through. At times I felt the drum score was more the issue than the playing, it lacked the structure to give you the correct feel for this tune. I would like to see you continue working on your basic rudiments, this will help develop your musical flow when playing and assist in providing you with a greater use of dynamics, this can only enhance your presentation and assist in moving you forward with your drumming. Congratulations Chris on your performance today.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damon Wright      Place: 1      Tunes: The Glasgow Police Pipers      Judge: Andre Tessier      Judge's Comments: Hi Damon.Thanks for submitting your performance. Nice uptake into 1st part. Nice choice of tempo, if a bit aggressive for this grade. 2nd part, bars 1 and 2 were slightly untidy (same on repeat). Parts 3 and 4 executed cleanly. Confident ending. Setting complements the tune nicely while providing a good variety of technical elements. Drum is well tuned. Choice of venue makes it very difficult to make out the subtleties of the performance, particularly background stroke clarity and dynamics. It would have been nice to hear this performance played outside, or in a room with better acoustics.Still, this was a solid performance. Well done!
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachlan Coe      Place: 2      Tunes: Glasgow Police Pipers      Judge: Andre Tessier      Judge's Comments: Hi Lachie. Thanks for submitting this performance. First off, this was an extremely aggressive tempo for Grade 3. With that said, you stayed on it and drove the tune from start to finish. A more relaxed tempo would help you better emphasize dynamics and musical feel. You did a very good job of executing landmark accents which allowed the score to enhance the melody line of the tune. I was particularly impressed with the extended run in the 4th part. It is difficult to judge the clarity of the execution in this performance, as the recording was done in a very 'live' venue. In future, I would suggest you pick a room with some accoustic baffling so that the judge gets the benefit of hearing the subtleties of your performance with better clarity. You have a very good set of hands, and have demonstrated strong technical ability. Well done!
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Murray      Place: 3      Tunes: Brest St Marc, Kesh Jig      Judge: Andre Tessier      Judge's Comments: Brest St. Marc: Part 1: Very good meter and drive. Drag-5 in bar 4 a bit untidy. Part 2: Playing well with piper. Landmark roll in bar 2, beat 2 executed with authority first time through, but a bit tentative 2nd time. This part could benefit from some additional dynamics. E.g. Bar 5 tap-5 stroke rolls could be quieter. Kesh Jig:Part 1: Opening bar timed well, could be more authoratative. Flams just a bit loose here. Losing some integration with piper toward end of part. Part 2: Some more integration issues here. Untidy execution of roll movement in first phrase. Strong finish. Overall: A good performance, Christopher. Very strong first jig. 2nd jig was not as clean and crisp, owing to a couple of integration and execution issues. Settings complemented pipe tune nicely. Drum was a bit flat and lacking in snare response (although recording may not do justice to actual tone). This performance proves that you are capable of very clean execution and playing with strong musical feel and drive. Just need to iron out the (minor) execution issues and increase your dynamic range to get this to the next level. Love your choice of location (Peggy's Cove?), and really enjoyed listening to you play. Well done!
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Pierce      Place: 4      Tunes: The Honey is Money      Judge: Andre Tessier      Judge's Comments: Hi Chris. Thanks for submitting your performance. Nice uptake into first part. Good first impression. Started to push your tempo a bit in the repeat, but settled down in the final phrase. This push-pull effect occurred in every part, with the third part being the most glaring. Despite this, your execution, with a couple of minor exceptions, was very clean. Dynamics were sparse, and I feel you are capable of improving your range in this area. The setting matched the melody well and had a good variety of technical elements. Drum tone was a bit flat. My sense is that you have the chops to put on an excellent performance. Your first priority needs to be locking in your tempo with the piper or recording. Once that is done, you will deliver a much more fluid performance, which will allow you to better express yourself musically.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Robert Perry      Place: 5      Tunes: Inspector Donald Campbell      Judge: Andre Tessier      Judge's Comments: Hi Robert. Thanks for submitting your performance. 1st part: Nice uptake into tune. Pushing a bit too much in bars, 5 and 6, but you caught yourself and got back on track quickly. 2nd part: Bar 1, open movement a bit untidy (same on repeat). 3rd part: Struggling with roll run in 2nd phrase (open to close transition in bar 4). 4th part: A bit untidy in bar 1 of repeat. Overall: This was a good performance on a nicely tuned instrument, playing a musical setting with plenty of challenging technical elements. Execution is mostly clean with the previously mentioned exceptions. While the execution is strong, there is a bit of a rigid feel coming through. I would encourage you to allow gravity to do more of the work, allowing your hands to focus on controlling the bounce and force of the stick. This will improve tone, clarity, dynamics and execution. Feel free to reach out to me if you would like to discuss further. PS: Love your drum room!
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lily Fraser      Place: 1      Tunes: The Conundrum, Islay Ball, Major David Manson      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Lovely intro. March flowing perfectly and playing here is very nice.Strathspey break bang on. Just watch you do not fall behind the beat in places in s/pey. Reel solid just be careful not to get complacent. Overall nice performance.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Spotswood      Place: 2      Tunes: Edinburgh Police Pipe Band, Maggie Cameron and Lexy McAskill      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Good intro. Solid tempo and playing in march. Watch you don't rush it in places in strathspey. Good swing to reel. Good playing throughout just be careful of phrasing and interpretation of your general playing.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Higgs      Place: 3      Tunes: Argyllshire Gathering, Blair Drummond, Brown Haired Maid      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Rolls pulsated slightly. rushed playing start of march spoiling run of movements from the left hand. Be assertive with the more technical movements and they will come through more clear and precise without hesitation.Tempo of strathspey up and down slightly. Make sure to keep a steady flow.Nice entry to reel.Much morer relaxed and settled. Overall good.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alec Flansburg      Place: 4      Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Cabar Feidh, Major David Manson      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Nice intro. Solid entry to march. Rolls just a little tight and pulsated. Strathspey entry grand.Slight mistake early on. Don't rush the music.. take your time and anticipate the beat.Overall enjoyable performance.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew McNamara      Place: 5      Tunes: P/M Tom McAllister, Bogan Lochan, McAllister's Dirk      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Intro ok. Solid start to march. Be careful not to labour your phrasing in places then losing your flow. Movements needing a little more attention as the execution is being lost in places. Strathspey good but again some movements and phrasing just spoiling some of the general flow of your playing. Tempos good throughout.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hugh MacCallum      Place: 6      Tunes: P/M Jim Christie Of Wick, Caberfeidh, Alick C. MacGregor      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Shaky start. Fighting with the melodic line slightly. Let the music breathe. Strathspey also coming through staggered.. more flow in your interpretation needed. Reel tempo good. Tempos throughout spot on but keep to the melodic line more.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: William Gibson           Tunes: Balmoral Highlanders, Bogan Lochan & Alick C. MacGregor      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Intro could be smoother. Nice start to march. Tempos good. Be careful your single runs do not become muffled.. keep your playing assertive. Careful of rim shots in places. Some unsteady playing throughout just be careful of integration. Keep up your rudimental playing.
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lily Fraser      Place: 1      Tunes: Monte Catarelto      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Nice introduction rolls, good uptake to March. Some nice material, playing very well to the piper and nicely phrased. Be careful of roll movement at start of 2nd part, losing the piper slightly. Nice tempo and good use of dynamics, enjoyable performance.
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: William Gibson      Place: 2      Tunes: Lily Christie      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls of good duration but a little pulsated. Nice uptake to March, playing well to the piper and some good phrasing. Be careful of you swiss roughs, not sounding clean and crisp as they should be - try to open up the first 3 beats of the rough slightly more to produce a more even and clear rudiment. Some nice dynamics coming through, good show.
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Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Higgs      Place: 3      Tunes: Kirkwall Bay, Dornoch Highland Gathering, Duncan McGillivray, Chief Steward      Judge: Gavin Noade      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls slightly pulsated but of good duration. Nice uptake to March, nice relaxed tempo and some nice phrasing. Be careful of your technique in your flam work, make sure you get a good high and low hand to get a clean and crisp sounding flam, some of your flams are 'dead' as both sticks striking the drum at the same time. Some nice dynamics coming through and good attempt at the phrasing. Also, work on raising the height of your left hand as your stick is slightly lower than the right giving an uneven sound at times. Good potential here, keep practicing your rudiments and your playing will improve.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: David Spotswood      Place: 1      Tunes: Uphold the Right and The Curlew      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Good Intro H/P:- Played with feeling and effective use of expression and dynamics. Good technical score and technique.Tempo increase in 3rd part giving slight rushed effect and lost the natural flow, slightly Jig:- !st two part sound round and expressionless and didn`t create the rhythmical detail of the jig. Settle, thereafter, and played with effective expression and dynamics to integrate well to melodic structure. Well constructed technical score
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: William Gibson      Place: 2      Tunes: Tam Bain's Lum & The Curlew      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Intro roll texture could be smoother. H/P:- Good tempo for this idiomand playing with nice rhythmical expression and phrasing Slight integration issue with rolling movement in early bars of 2nd part. Nic e relaxed style and presentation. Jig:- Flowing well to this jig rhythm with again a relaxed style creating good expression, phrasing and dynamics to interpret the melodic structure presented. Good technical content to this score.. Slight integration problem in last created by piper. Very compitent player with good technique
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lily Fraser      Place: 3      Tunes: Andrew and Colin Lee, Troy's Wedding      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Good Intro H/P:- Nice swing to this idiom and playing with effective expression, phrasing and dynamics to this techincal structured score. Feel a little more commitment to the depth if your execution woud enhance your integration to the melodic structure. Jig:- Well structure techical and rhythmical score well presnted and complementing this melody. Again I feel it needs more depth to your execution and dynamics but overall I enjoyed this subtle musical presentation. Nice relaxed musical style.
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Higgs      Place: 4      Tunes: Coppermill, The Booner Jig, Jim Wards Jig      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well Sustained Intro:- H/P:- Nice rhythmical swing to this idiom and playing with effective expression and dynamics. More definition required to the accents on the left handed accented single movement. Also Swiss Army Triplet movement needs better control and clarity. ( sounded rushed) Jig:- Jig Rhythm evident, however I feel you are forcing your expression and dynamics of the score. Also phrasing is not always making the score flow with ease. You have a good technique and more relaxed approach would have created a more natural musical interpretation
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hugh MacCallum      Place: 5      Tunes: Sandy's New Chanter, The Thief Of Lochaber      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Good Intro H/P:- Nice drive to this idiom. Using some effective execution and dynamics but feel there is a need for more phrasing to create the natural rhythm required. Score sound a little repetitive rudiment wise. Jig:- tempo sounds a little laboured and could be driven more to add lift to your score execution. Single movement coming off the roll, in 2nd/4th parts were forced and lacked composure. Also flam paradiddles in same parts require definition, control and clarity. Playing throughout sounded round and needed more rhythmical input. This is a score that could be honed to sound creative
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alec Flansburg      Place: 6      Tunes: Chasing Shadows, Kitchen Maid      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Good Intro H/P:- Lively tempo. Clean presentaion but Rhytmically it sounded round and needed more definition to phrasing, expression and dynamic to make the score interpret the melodic structure presented. Jig:- Positive tempo here and working at creating expression and dynamics to integrate with the melody. Howeverl I feel that more commitment is required to drive this rhythm. Too laid back. You have a nice style and technical ability and i felt you were playing within your capabilities. Be more accertive and commited to creating good musical appreciation
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Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrew McNamara           Tunes: Touching Cloth, Troy's Wedding      Judge: Gordon Craig      Judge's Comments: Well sustained intro. H/p:- Lively tempo. Feel you are rushing this score and losing the poise. phrasing and expression to create the desired rhythmical effect. Sounds mono tonal and rudimentary repetitve. Playing was too laid back and could be more commited. Jig:- Driving Jig tempo. Open work not always coming over clean and precise. Flam paradiddles, in 2nd part< needs more accentuation to the flam also Swiss Ruffs not controlled or cleanly executed. drag singles in 3rd part are broken up and need flow withease and expression. This jig give plenty of scope for phrasing and dynamical lift so work at creating this effect.. You have a good technical ability but your style is giving a vacuous effect to these scores.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian Bielski      Place: 1      Tunes: PM Thomas Mac Alistair, The Canadian Society of London, Mac Alistair's Dirk      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Intro rolls not perfect. First roll poorly finished. A steady march but sluggish, lacking drive. Strathspey was rushed over some phrases, spoiling rhythm. Reel with nice flow however lacking some dynamics and excitement. Clarity varied and dynamics not always effective. Execution generally good with some hesitation lifting from low volume work. Rhythm and expression not fully developed to add musicality to performance. Scores well set to melodies and transitions good. Instrument lacking crisp snare response.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cole Chisholm      Place: 2      Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Ewe With The Crooked Horn, Loch Carron      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls a little forced, not smooth and flowing. Good entry to march at nice tempo. Musical flow a little stilted Strathspey tempo down which affects the characteristics of this idiom. Reel had a nice tempo but was slighlty disjointed. Execution varied with some rushing in phrases spoiling musical flow. In general clarity and embellishments well projected. Dynamics were inconsistent across the three tunes. Good transitions between tunes. Snare choked on instrument (possible video quality error).
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Darmadi      Place: 3      Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, The Bob of Fettercairn, The Brown Haired Maid      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Introduction rolls smooth and consistent. Nice uptake to march, however tempo slightly slow. Rushing in phrases spoiling the flow. Strathspey well controlled. Reel flowed nicely but lacked some drive and excitement. Execution generally good however loss of control and rushing in later parts of the march was detrimental to the performance. Dymanics and clarity generally good. Rhythm and expression well implemented in relation to the melodies. Good transitions throughout the performance. Instrument well set.
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lily Fraser      Place: 4      Tunes: The Conundrum, Islay Ball, Major David Manson      Judge: Harold Gillespie      Judge's Comments: Opening rolls short of full length. Drop in entry tempo then steadied but slightly slow. March was tidy and controlled, spoilt by some mistiming. Strathspey slow and lacking drive. Reel also dragging and lacking clarity. Embellishments were good. Overall rhythm and expression was well executed to the melodies. Technical aspect and dynamics could be developed to aid musicality for this grade. All transitions were clean between each melodic line. Instument had good snare projection.
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cole Chisholm      Place: 1      Tunes: Jean Mauchline      Judge: Andre Tessier      Judge's Comments: Hi Cole. Very good performance! Intro rolls a bit uneven. Heard a distinct pulse to mark beat 2 in the first roll. Nice uptake into first part on a lively tempo. Playing with good feel for 6/8 idiom. Score complements tune nicely and has a wide range of technical elements. Drum is crisp and bright. Execution is very clean throughout. The only thing lacking in this performance is dynamics, which are almost completely absent. This is an important element of solo competition and you need to give this some attention for future performances. I believe you have the talent to increase your dynamic range, and this will round out your drumming skill set. Thanks for submitting this performance, Cole. I really enjoyed it!
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Darmadi      Place: 2      Tunes: Muckin' a Geordie's Byer, Bonnie Dundee      Judge: Andre Tessier      Judge's Comments: Hi Matthew. Nice performance! Intro rolls a bit pulsy. Snares set nicely, but tone coming through a bit flat. Nice uptake into first part with a lively tempo maintained throughout. Playing with strong 6/8 pulse. Drum scores complement pipe tunes nicely. Would like to hear a greater variety of technical elements. 2nd part of Bonnie Dundee has a cool open run that starts at the end of bar 4 and continues through bar 5. First time through, execution was a bit uneven; better on repeat. Dynamic expression is subtle throughout. Doing a good job of keeping background strokes quiet while maintaining clean execution and rhythmic precision. No big dynamic 'moments' until 4th part of performance. I like the big lead-in roll, followed by a quiet first phrase with a big crescendo into bar 3. This shows that you have strong dynamic range, which you saved for the end. This was very effective. Overall, this was a very clean, musical and enjoyable performance. The only knock being that the scores were a bit too simple for this grade. Thanks for submitting your performance Matthew. I really enjoyed listening to you play!
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian Bielski      Place: 3      Tunes: Elinor      Judge: Andre Tessier      Judge's Comments: Hi Ian. Thanks for submitting your performance. Good intro rolls. Uptake into 1st part just a bit tentative. Drum tone flat. Roll quality is very good throughout. Open work clean. Watch flam-taps and flam-tap-rolls, as flam is typically losing clarity within these movements. Drum setting complements melody line; could use a greater variety of technical elements. Would like to hear more dynamic interpretation and range. Playing with good feel for 6/8 pulse. Overall, a pretty clean performance which would benefit from a slight boost in tempo and greater dynamic expression.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ian Bielski      Place: 1      Tunes: Rhonda Blair, Donald Cameron's Powder Horn      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Solid start with a lovely tune selection. Nice flow here in HP with good execution and phrasing. Good break to jig. Tempo as it should be.More dynamics needed in places throughout but generally very good performance.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lily Fraser      Place: 2      Tunes: Andrew and Colin Lee, Troy's Wedding      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Nice intro. Good start to HP. Just nipping infront of the beat in places..don't let your double movements run off on you,keep contro they're shooting ahead of the melody slightly. Nice break to jig. Tempo nice. Open your swiss ruffs.. they are coming through ever so muffled. Be assertive but subtle with them and open them. Nice performance.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Matthew Darmadi      Place: 3      Tunes: Lucy Cassidy, Troy's Wedding      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Intro fine. Good start to HP. Slightly heavy.. a little more dynamic range needed here. Jig break good. watch you dont overplay the more intricate phrases. tempo nice and good overall.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Cole Chisholm      Place: 4      Tunes: John MacKenzie's Fancy, John Patterson's Mare      Judge: Gareth McLees      Judge's Comments: Slightly fast start. Too much playing in places and over cramming the score which is spoiling the musicality and making it harder to find flow to the piping melody. Jig the same here.. too much in places. You are having to fight with the music. Let the music breathe.
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Grant Maxwell      Place: 1      Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, Blair Drummond, John Morrison      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Intro rolls sound a little forced. Drum sounds choked on the top snare ( but this may be the acoustics) . Bright tempo and playing with confidence, nice use of light and shade in the last 2 parts especially. S/S Slight hint of rushing 1st bar of Blair Drummond. Again using dynamics well to highlight the crucial phrases. 5th part a bit staccato for me. REEL Confident change to reel. Musical arrangement here staying close to the melody here all through. A very musical and enjoyable performance.
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Blair Brown      Place: 2      Tunes: The Conundrum, Cameronian Rant, Pretty Marion      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Intro - rolls could be smoother in texture but duration good. Good uptake to march and playing well to medley. Some phrases are quite simplistic and almost take away from the overall impact. S/S Straight down to business - better musical feel here and displaying great ss rhythm combined with effective light and shade. Some distortion in the heavier parts but this appears to be the acoustics. REEL Good change showing a steady tempo from the start and precise execution phrasing well with the melody creating a musical and well presented reel. Possibly some more light and shade would help in the last part for a more dynamic conclusion. Well played and well presented overall
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Harvey Dawson      Place: 3      Tunes: Sinclair Scott, The Ewe wi' the Crook'd Horn, John Morrison      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Intro rolls sound a but on the aggressive side. Decent uptake to march though - nice swing to this tune. 3rd Part losing integration with the piper, better in the 4th part. S/S Solid change to S/S . Nice expression here and sounding comfortable with the melody. The last part is over expressed in my opinion and sounds slightly unnatural which is a pity as the rest was really good. REEL Positive tempo change to reel, phrasing really nicely to this tune all through and sounding very musical overall. OVERALL A few minor errors but generally musical and well presented.
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mark Leishman      Place: 4      Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, Maggie Cameron, Smith of Chillichassie      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Solid intro. Good bright tempo from the off. Showing good phrasing to the march and displaying light and shade which fits well with the melody. S/S Smooth change to S/S keeping tight to the melody and generally showing a good S/S idiom. Possibly some more score variation would help in the latter parts nut again, good use of light and shade. REEL Positive entry to reel. generally well played with the melody all through, however the scoring needs more variety for me to enhance the overall effect - Good Show !
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alex Kuldell      Place: 5      Tunes: Donald Cameron, Cameronian Rant, Pretty Marion      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Rolls quite open and pulsey. Playing clearly enough early stages, but could do with a bit more dynamic at times. Latter parts again well enough played - just a little bit 'flat'.STRATHSPEY .Good change to S/S. Something similar here - execution is good enough, just needs to be delivered in a more musical way/ lift the melody. Last couple of parts sounding quite deliberate and mechanical, also single run at end needs more weight variation. REEL - A brighter tempo here compared to the s/s which is helping the overall feeling. This is your best tune of the three as you seem to let go and enjoy more. OVERALL A lot of tidy execution, but you need to work on how you deliver the performance so it can sound more musical and less methodical
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Gardner      Place: 6      Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, Bogan Lochan, The Brown Haired Maiden      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Decent entry to march, playing well enough overall but over using the flam triplet movement - needs more variety. Last part drifting quite far from the melody. S/S Pretty slow tempo here and sounds a little over controlled. Reel - Again a very slow and deliberate entry to the reel, getting noticeably faster as this progresses and sounding erratic. I think that the tempo of the last 2 tunes made it hard for you to show your best performance. I found the background noise distracting as it was blocking out the chanter sound.
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alec Robertson           Tunes: The Young MacGregor, Maggie Cameron, John Morrison of Assynt House      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Good introduction. Drum sounds soft and is over toning on roll movements especially. Generally playing well enough but some more expression would help overall especially the ending bar of the march. S/S Break to S/S was fine but you need to dwell longer on the beat note. If you combine this along with more defined accentation it should help to create more of a S/S feeling. REEL There is more of a musical feeling in the reel and you are relating more to the tune itself here.
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Robbie Graham           Tunes: PM Tom MacAllister, Susan Macleod, Pretty Marion      Judge: Keith Orr      Judge's Comments: Intro as it should be - good technique in early parts and showing positive use of light and shade. March well handled through to the end. S/S smooth change to Susan McLeod. Playing is clear in execution, but a bit straight at times (1st 2 parts). Latter parts better in this respect. REEL Again showing plenty of solid execution and playing well with the melody. Just a pity that you hadn't played on a side drum for the competitors as there are always small things that are not clearly distinguishable on a pad . Decent performance though.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Grant Maxwell      Place: 1      Tunes: Dr. McInnes’s Fancy, Old Wife of the Mill Dust      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Intro, second roll ending a bit suspect, maybe accoustics. Some lovely material. Nice use of light and shade. Very well integrated. Nice use of rest in last part. Diminuendo roll very effective. Jig. Again very well integrated and musical. Some very nice open work. All material well set to melodies throughout. Overall well written, well played and exciting.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Blair Brown      Place: 2      Tunes: College of Piping "Summerside" PEI, Michael MacDonald's Jig      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Good Intro. Very steady, nice use of rests and syncopation. Very solid with melody line. Jig. Again steady and attention to detail. Overall musical with attention to expression and execution. drum sound is hazy with a bit of echo, maybe the recording. It's not doing justice to your playing.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Harvey Dawson      Place: 3      Tunes: John MacKenzie's Fancy, John Patterson's Mare      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Open pulses in intro rolling. Nice drum sound. Lively tempo. Some lovely material, well set to melody line. Very musical. Jig. Again high quality material. Keeping well with melody line' lovely open work in 3rd part. Just tending to cram a little, too much between the bar lines and taking a chance but well handled for the most part.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alex Kuldell      Place: 4      Tunes: Kelly Watts, John Patterson’s Mare      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Good intro. A little loss of definition in the execution of open work. Dynamics could be improved. Playing well to melody. Jig. again very solid to melody line. Very steady but a lack of "whack"at the top of the dynamic range. Nice open run in last part. good material, well set to melodies. very steady, just lacking a bit of excitement.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Gardner      Place: 5      Tunes: The Moving Cloud, Michael McDonald’s Jig      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Good intro, Relaxed tempo. Not quite on top of beat notes and rushing ahead of melody line. Jig. Again ahead of melody. and pushing tempo all through. Very capable player using good materialbut not integrating well with melody. You need to listen more carefully and blend with piper.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mark Leishman      Place: 6      Tunes: Lucy Cassidy, Troy’s Wedding      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Nice intro. Not quite on top of melody line, pushing ahead of cadences. Some nice material, watch bottom range of dynamics. Jig. Some of the open work is very unclear, maybe accoustics of venue. Better integrated with melody in jig. Watch dynamics, material must be audible even at the bottom range of dynamics.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alec Robertson           Tunes: Duncan Johnstone,Troy's Wedding      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Good intro. Drum could be sharper. H/P. Lack of definition in execution of open work. Lacking dynamics. Jig. Again one line dynamics here and loss of definition in rudimental execution. Accoustics of venue not helping. a lot of echo here.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Robbie Graham           Tunes: Cameron Mcfayden Alex Macdonald      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Good intro. Drum very flat and an echo sound, maybe accoustics of venue. H/P. Some very nice material, well set to melody. Break very confusing. Jig. Parts not well defined. Non stop. no breathing space between phrases. Continuous playing not defining cadences and parts, You have to define the structure and rhythm pattern of the tune. solid and capable player but leaving the listener wondering where you are in jig time.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: William laird           Tunes: Lucy Cassidy & Bronni's Blue Brozzi      Judge: Ciaran Mordaunt      Judge's Comments: Good intro. Drum could be a lot brighter for solo work. lack of definition in execution, drum not helping here. Small loss of integration in places. Jig. Again clarity of open work needs attention. Losing integration with melody line particularly in last part. Nice material, well set to melodies but integration could be improved.
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Event 201. Beginner Tenor Drumming (Tabletop/Practice Mallets) - 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jonathon Cotter      Place: 1      Tunes: Far Over the Sea      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall, very solid performance. You were confident when playing, so well done. With your opening rolls just watch that you are not rushing into them too much. Ensure you are right on the beat. Also, just watch you are hitting right in the middle of the drum. So, when you come down from a flourish make sure you have full control before hitting the drum. With your flourishing, overall was very good. But just watch some consistency with the height and angle of your sticks. Make sure both hands are the same. This can be fixed by playing in front of a mirror. You could also explore a wider variety of flourishes - there are some instructional videos on Youtube that teach you how to do some different flourishing. I enjoyed watching your performance though and see what you will do in the pipe band world in the future.
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Event 202. Beginner Tenor Drumming (TableTop/Practice Mallets) - 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jonathon Cotter      Place: 1      Tunes: The Sweet Maid of Glendural      Judge: Mike Cole      Judge's Comments: Enthusiastic visual interpretations & presentation with a broad range of motion and variety Lively tempo & solid visual meter. Excellent poise. Very sharp! Watch your tempo. Consider practicing at slower tempos with a metronome. You were ahead of the accompanyment in a number of places. Be careful when you transition from flourishing to the drum as your dynamics are somewhat inconsistent and your timing, in relation to syncopated phrasing, wasn’t spot-on in places. Your basic stoke & timing seem to be coming from your wrist. Finger control is essential to good time, control & dynamics. Major muscle groups from the shoulder down create visual meter, finger control is how to achieve precision timing and dynamics. Very enjoyable!
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Emma Delbridge      Place: 1      Tunes: Sweet Maid of Glendaruel, Barren Rocks of Aden      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Solid and confidant opening. Playing extremely well with piper and drummer going into the tune. Excellent extension and a great variety of flourishing.Try and work on your catching/control of flourishing transitioning from flourishing to playing: because of this and combined with the extinsion of your movements, you are coming down and are late on some beats and playing groupings at times. Good touch on the drum when playing, playing well with snare throughout. Fast rotational flourishing, just work on catches in forward momuntum moves like the cartwheel etc. Overall, a very solid performance!
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Doyle Kim      Place: 2      Tunes: Siege of Delhi, Greenwoodside      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Solid opening rolls. 1st down beat a bit off and heavy coming down from the roll flourish. Playing well with ensemble through 1st tune. steady and solid flourishing. Roll in greenwoodside a bit pulsy, try and relax a little: it was a bit stiff but but started and ended well. Overall, very good! Try and work on your catching and flourish control, especially of of forward momentum moves like cartwheels that transition into playing : you are tending to let that catch of a move like that lead into more of a thud sound when playing after. Try to now work on some more volume dynamics in things like your piano time movements. Again, overrall well done!
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dowhan Kim      Place: 3      Tunes: Father John MacMillan of Barra      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Second set of beats in the rolls sped up and not timed correctly for the first downbeat of the tune. This could be due to the call off on the recording not being called out in time with the respective pace of the actual playing once it started. Good extension and flow of arm movement through performance. Very quick and precise movements on flourishing, just be mindful of what/where your left hand/arm is doing: at times it is lagging compared to the right or not in line creating visual inconsistancy. try and open up playing ending phrases, they are a little stiff at times and coming off crushed/rushed: first movement in the 4th part especially. Great variety in flourishing. Well centered cartwheels and good crossovers. Overall very good, flourishing is quite good overall, just need to work on some plating/timing issues.
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kyrianna Jorgensen      Place: 4      Tunes: A Man's A Man For A' That      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Solid opening rolls, a bit of a disconnect between you and piper for the first few bars (i suspect the piper speeding up). Nice touch on the drum, would like to hear a bit more volume dynamic coming through in the piano time, but overall good touch. Your drum seems to be a bit high on your torso which might help with angle of playing and transitioning from playing to flourishing. Very nice reverse windmill and open palm carwheel, very flowing and even, very advanced moves! Ending phrases at times: a bit too long off the drum. Overall very steady once into the set, well done!
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Felicia Lelli      Place: 5      Tunes: The Siege of Delhi      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Solid opening, very confidant. Great extension, just be mindful to not extend too much to where you are late transitioning to playing. Great variety of flourishing. Try and work on your catching/control of flourishing transitioning from flourishing to playing: because of this and combined with the extinsion of your movements, you are coming down and are late on many beats and playing groupings. try and loosen up a bit on these playing phrases, you are a bit stiff at times. Overall very steady and solid. Try and get more of a middle level of volum dynamics worked in, you had a soft and a loud, but not mush of an inbetween. Well done!
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Char Yettaw      Place: 6      Tunes: Siege of Delhi      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Good intro. Nice touch on the drum, syncopation in playing phrases not always spot on, a bit stilted and late at times : ending phrase of 3rd. Nice movement on cartwheel, be mindful of controlling the catch and transition from the flourish to playing. Steady singles and good extension. At times it looked/sounded like you were playing to the inner left side of the drum head, be mindful of this. Overall very good!
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Allison Hildebrand           Tunes: Siege of Delhi      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Intro a bit shakey, 1st down beat of tune missing, try not to let things fluster you: especially at the start of the set. For piano time in bands it is ok to ghost the movement because you have a bass and other tenors etc. : in solos you should try and play them because it makes an awkward voind in sound. good variety of flourishes: try and work on the control of them a bit more. You have good rotational speed but the ability to catch/stop your stick can use some improvement, this will help wiith transitions from flourishing to playing and flourishing combos. Control, and not speed of flourishing, is what you should concentrate on. Overall, steady once into the tune, good touch on the drum when playing, work on fundamental flourishing control a bit. Well done!
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Kaufmann           Tunes: Siege of Delhi, Capt. Norman Orr Ewing      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Slight double strike and tone on last beat of second roll, slighlty off on the first down beat in 1st bar of tune.Excellent extension of flourishes and movement through performance. Try and work on your catching/control of flourishing transitioning from flourishing to playing: because of this and combined with the extinsion of your movements, you are coming down and are late on many beats and playing groupings: this is also leading to double strikes on the drum (both hands hitting at the same time causing overtone). Overall, very good, again good movement and a nice touch on the drum, just try and work on catch control and not having doublestrikes.
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michaley Krizman           Tunes: Pipe-Major William Grey's Farewell      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Last beat of first roll a bit hesitant, some continuity disconnect hang time from last roll to first bar down beat. Good extension on flourishing, left hand on movements a bit timid. Slightly late with playing coming off flourishing in the second part. Playing phrase in first tine through the third part muddled. Overall, nice touch on the drum! Try to work more on the fundamentals of catching for control when transitioning from flourishing to playing. try and open up your playing movements a bit as well, you are a bit stiff at times and are clipping movements and double bouncing your sticks at the same time when playing. Well done!
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Event 204. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Kaufmann      Place: 1      Tunes: Caber feidh      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Good Intro. Strong uptake to 1st Part, March ryhthm firmly established. 2nd Part well constructed and executed. Just be careful not to rush movements. 3rd Part. Again, a nice score here and a good range of complementary flourishs. Last Part. A strong finish. Nice instrument, nicely played. A very enjoyable performance. Well done.
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Event 204. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Emma Delbridge      Place: 2      Tunes: Far Over the Sea, Meeting of the Waters      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Having set a solid tempo and a strong foundation with solid introduction, take carer not to then rush into the tune. Settled nicely by the second part giving good accompaniment to the pipe tune and snare score. Recovered well from a clash of sticks in the 3rd part. Didn't let it negatively impact the beating score which is the right thing to do! Take care to make sure that movements, such as in the 1st and 4th part are clear and not crushed in or ahead of the beat. Good flourish height and speed! All in all, a very solid and enjoyable performance on a nicely tuned instrument. You could definitely consider adding additional beatings to this to build a great performance but as it is you have a very solid foundation in place. Well done. Well done.
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Event 204. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Char Yettaw      Place: 3      Tunes: Meeting of the waters, March of the Champions      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Intro. Not to tempo set. A decent uptake to Meeting Of The Waters, though take care to be precise with timing of beats. Score is well put togehter and supported by a nicely constructed mix of flourishes. Similarly, a good score for March Of The Champions and tidy flourishing. A decent effort. Overall performace can be taken to the next level by encorporating a greater dynamic range and subtlety throughout. Taking more care with instrument set up would also be of great benefit. A more responsive, less choked, drum would be easier played on and allow for the encorporation of more dynamics as previously mentioned. Impressive array of sticks in the background!
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Event 204. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kyrianna Jorgensen      Place: 4      Tunes: Cabar Feidh      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Good intro. Rushing slightly into first part but settled the part progressed. Overall your timing is good though there is a tendancy to rush slightly and watch the execution of last phrase of each part , which could be more precise. Perhaps you could benefit by making the phrase less complicated in future? A good variety of flourishes throughout the paerformance. Though, take care with your flourshes to be aware of where they are supposed to be in relation to your centre line. Don't have flourishes drifting out which should remain in the centre for example. Perhaps you could give consideration to altering your drum position to create more of an angle. This will make for a more natural strike and flow of your arms, allowing you to play more from the shoulders and elbows, not just the wirsts. You clearly had fun playing this performance which is what it is all about. I enjoyed watching it. Well done.
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Event 204. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Felicia Lelli      Place: 5      Tunes: Scotland The Brave & Wings      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Intro not at tempo set though you setttled well into the first part. Having done so, take care that the score in the repeat of the 1st part doesn't disrupt the flow of tune. 2nd part. Nice score here, though again, take care with the precision of the beats. Steady through the third and fourth Parts. All flourishes complement the beats which is a major part of ehat they are meant to do. Also, good encoporation of flourishes beyond the basic flourish. Overall, a good effort. General performance could easily be lifted to the next level by encorporating a greater variety of dynamics.
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Event 204. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anita Morrison      Place: 6      Tunes: Lord Lovat's Lament      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Solid intro, though the tempo is slightly too relaxed! A good score and a steady performace from start to finish which would have been helped by a more spirited tempo. Take care to complete each individual flourish and not cut them slightly early. It's a pity you only played two parts. For next time think about repeating the tune or perhaps adding a second March to give you a thrid and fourth part! Good effort though.
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Event 205. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tegan Forge      Place: 1      Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall, very good performance and visually was awesome to watch. Your flourishing was very confident but just watch that you are consistent with the height of your flourishes. For example your roses/split the feather, could be slightly higher. Also, just watch that your stalls are straight. These two can be fixed up by practicing in front of the mirror. With your beating, most was done really well, but in some areas, I think you can be slightly louder when playing. This way you are bringing in some more dynamics. Also, just watch you are hitting in the middle of the drum But you should be very happy with that perfomance so well done.
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Event 205. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lily Turner      Place: 2      Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall, a very good performance so well done. With your beating just make sure you always have a tight grip on your sticks so you do not loose control of them. This will also help when in comes to hitting the drum and coming off the drum rather than into it. You could also be louder in some areas. Your flourishing was done relatively well just make sure your stalls are straight and vertical. These can be fixed by practicing in front of a mirror. Also, just watch some of the timing of the flourishing, so make sure you are not rushing too much. Lastly, with your playing you could incorporate some more dynamics, where you play quieter in some areas, but louder in others. But overall, I enjoyed watching your performance so well done.
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Event 205. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anna Bain      Place: 3      Tunes: Big Don Macdonald      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall, very good performance and enjoyable to watch. With your posture, just make sure you are looking up and confident through the whole thing - rather than looking down. With your flourishing, most were done very well, but I think your arms could go even higher. Try practicing in the mirror to make sure you are at the same height too. With your beating, most was very confident, but I think you could go louder in some areas. Also, just watch you are hitting in the middle of your drum. Lastly, just watch that your beats are on the foot beat and not slightly before. This was only on occasion, so very easy to fix up. Great job and loved watching you play.
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Event 205. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carlie Scott-Hunter      Place: 4      Tunes: Donald MacLean of Lewis      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall, a good performance so well done. You were very confident when hitting the drum which was awesome to see. Just with your posture, just watch you are not looking up when flurishing too much, and the same when you are hitting the drum. So try to look straight forward, as this will make you look even more confident. When hitting, beats were done very well, just make sure you have a tight grip on your sticks and you are hitting in the middle of your drum. With your beats, you could look at adding some more dynamics to the music, so this would mean hitting slightly smaller in some areas, and keeping on hitting loud in others. Your flourishing was done well, and your arm circles were nice and wide, but you could go wider and higher with your duple time. Great work though and very enjoyable to watch.
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Event 206. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lily Turner      Place: 1      Tunes: Muir of Ord/The Drunken Piper/Captain Horne/Sleepy Maggie      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Great intro and playing with piper and snare! Excellent extension and precision on combination flourish into 2nd march. Great break to strath, very good extension and feel. solid break to reel. Overall excellent technique in flourishing and spot on playing with snare. excellent extension and feel through entire performance! Small things here and there but nothing major. Try and make sure your left and right sides are even when doing visuals, just nitpicking. Well Done!
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Event 206. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Tegan Forge      Place: 2      Tunes: Sweet Maid of Glendaruel, barren Rocks of Aden, Captain Horne, Sleepy Maggie      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Solid intro, playing well with piper aand drummer. You are using a brush out type technique when playing, be mindful of your left hand because it is hitting close to the left side rim at times. Solid break to spey. great extension and feel. Again, confidant break to reel. Overall, excellent technique on flourishing. A few slips here and there but no biggie. try and make any stalls above your head a bit less floppy and give them more definitive bounce/stops. Playing volume dynamic excellent with snare. Great job!
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Event 206. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Dowhan Kim      Place: 3      Tunes: John MacMillan of Barra, Maggie Cameron, Alick C McGregor      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: First down beat not with recording. You show good left and right side independence with your flourishing but try and be mindfull of what the opposite hand of your dominant one is doing.5's for the ending phrases a bit crushed in march. Good break to strath. Good volume dynamics in the 2nd part. Good recovery in 4th part piano leading into forte playing with the stick underhand! Break to reel not very solid coming off the roll. Overall, very good extension and flourishing. Alot of timing issues with playing, try and work on your transitions from flourishing to playing to help with this. control is everything.
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Event 206. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Carlie Scott-Hunter      Place: 4      Tunes: Pipe Major Willie Greys Farewell to Glasgow Police, Cabar Faith, Kalabakan      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Solid opening, steady and well played. Synchopation of playing in forte of 3rd part marcha tad off. Good break but a bit unsettled moving into the strath. A little more consistancy is needed on SWMW idion, sometimes coming through really great, and sometimes lacking. Break to reel a bit abrupt, reel seems a bit unsettled. Overall, a nice touch on the drum and great extension in movements. Try and work on your catching/control of flourishing transitioning from flourishing to playing: because of this and combined with the extinsion of your movements, you are coming down and are late on some beats and playing groupings
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Event 206. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Martina Murphy      Place: 5      Tunes: Duncan McInnes, Dorrator Bridge, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Steady intro leading into 1st part. A few timing issues on playing here and there. Try and work on your volume dynamic for piano time movements for more audible variation. Excellent timing and execution of the combo in the 3rd! Slightly abrupt break to spey. Disconnect through entire strathspey unfortunatly, the feel of it never really settled. Good break to reel. playing steady but toward the end began to trail aay from piper. Overall, very good effort! It seems like you can tell when you a off the beat but are struggling to find your way back when it happens, try to work on finding your way back. doing this will help settle the overall performance. Good control on stalls and singles: especially when combined with movement!
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Event 207. Grade 3 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lindsay MacGregor      Place: 1      Tunes: The Young MacGregor, Susan MacLeod, John Morrison of Assynt House      Judge: Mike Cole      Judge's Comments: Solid introduction. Brisk tempo-well controlled. Good transition from flourishing to the drum for the most part. A few timing issues. Good control...a couple of uneven single runs. Lots of variation on your visuals with very good symmetry & flow overall. Watch your expression & volume balance of strokes. Using finger control & drum rebound will help here. Uneven intro to strathspey. Focus on H-w-M-w groove when you are playing straight time. Phrasing issues in 2nd part. Nice work in the 3rd & 4th parts! Good variety. Break to reel was late. Solid reel feel, nice & smooth. Scores very complimentary to the tunes. Very enjoyable!
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Event 207. Grade 3 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Carolin Stonier      Place: 2      Tunes: Highland Wedding, Susan McLeod, John Morrison of Assynt House      Judge: Mike Cole      Judge's Comments: Nice visual intro. Uneven triplet ending phrase throughout march . Good break to strathspey...lacking H-w-M-w dance feel. Ending phrase not consistently in the pocket...score lacking content. No clear break to reel. Not much musical content in John Morrison. Very good visual meter. Overall you have a good variety of flourishing moves, however, you need to put more focus on creating/obtaining scores for your solo submission. Consider a set using 4-parted tunes and at a tempo that is more suited to this level as well as developing a 'library' of rhythmic phrases. You have excellent poise and moves!
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Event 207. Grade 3 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Martina Murphy      Place: 3      Tunes: Duncan McInnes, Dorrator Bridge, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of The      Judge: Mike Cole      Judge's Comments: Introduction...2nd 3-pace dropped in tempo. Rushing into measure 4...open up 16th note into downbeats. Good variety and visual interpretation of march. Watch your tempos. Inconsistencies throughout. Visual meter is good...consider using a metronome to practice your drumming & phrasing. Good break to strathspey. Phrasing not in time...note errors throughout. Good break to reel. Music lacking flow & dynamics with the tune. Note errors. Consider working with syncopated phrasing exercises and a metronome to help with your timing.
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Event 208. Grade 3 Tenor Drumming - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lindsay MacGregor      Place: 1      Tunes: MacNeills of Ugadale      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall very good and enjoyable performance. Your posture was very good and you looked very confident which was awesome to see. With your playing just watch that you are hitting in the middle of the drum, as this can affect the tone of your drum when playing. Also, just watch that you are coming off the drum when hitting rather than into it - this way you will get a nice ring off the bottom of it rather than it sounding blunt and sharp. With your beating, it was all on the beat so well done. But you are currently playing at one tone. Try hitting quieter in some areas, and louder in others. This will help with your dynamic range. Lastly, you flourishing was very good and there was a nice variety of flourishes that you did. Just watch when you play flats that they are flat. So try pracitcing in front of a mirror. I liked watching your preformance so well done.
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Event 208. Grade 3 Tenor Drumming - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carolin Stonier      Place: 2      Tunes: Dr.Ross’s 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall I enjoyed watching your performance. There were some areas where you showed a wide variety of flourishes. Firstly, just watch you have a tight grip on your sticks when you are hitting the drum. This will ensure you always have control when hitting the drum. Also, try hitting off the drum rather than into it. This way we avoid hearing the blunt sound off the bottom and hear a nice ring instead. With your posture make sure your back is straight and you look a bit more confident. So try looking up rather than slightly down. With your flourishing, most was relatively good, just make sure you are getting the timing of some of them. So stalling on the beat etc. Just make sure those stalls are straight too and not bending backwards. Lastly, try hitting louder or quieter in some areas, to bring in some more dynamics. But you should be very proud of this performance so well done.
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Indyana Bridgman      Place: 1      Tunes: Willie Gray, Maggie Cameron, Alick C MacGregor      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Intro. As it should be! Nice uptake to a very well written and played march. Execution of flourishes serves to enhance the dynamics. Good job! Good break into strathspey. Beatings and flourishes combine very well to promote the dance feel throughout and show a good undertanding of the idiom Solid break into the reel. Again, a nicely played tune and a suitably strong finish to a very well played perofrmance. Well done!
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jacqueline Terence      Place: 2      Tunes: Balmoral Highlanders, Bogan Lochan, John Morrison of Assynt House      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Good intro. Nice uptake to the march. Excellent score with good dynamics. Just watch you don't rush the end phrase as it can cause problems through to the repeat of the part or the beginning of the next part as happened on a couple of occassions. Good break into the strathspey, just watch you don't come off flourishes heavy at times. Another good score, though there were a couple of rushed movements and a couple of late beats. Take care to be precise throughout, especially starting and ending movements. Good break and uptake to the reel. 3 out of 3 for good scores! Take care to play on the B of the beat not the T! Tending to be a little 'sticky' at times here. You dropped of a few flourshes and occassionally the complexity of the flourish left you struggling to get the beat on the end of the flourish in time. Both of these issues you'll have no problem ironing out in time I have no doubt. Well done for tackling such a big set and going for it so full on. Well done!
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tanya Cawthorn      Place: 3      Tunes: Balmoral Highlanders, Tulloch Castle, Major David Manson      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Good into and a steady March, though watch you dont drift off the beat at times. Good range of well executed flourishes and a good appreciation of the imporance of dynamics is evident. Strathspey nicely established though again keep on top of the beat and try to maintain the 2 bar phrasing of the idiom. It felt like you were searchng a little for the reel break which is not a surprise when playing to a recording! Generally a good real though precision does wander either side of the beat at times. Good effort. Cool drum!
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lindsay MacGregor      Place: 4      Tunes: The Young MacGregor, Susan MacLeod, John Morrison of Assynt House      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Good intro, Take care with the timing of the beats in the repeat of the first part of the March. Single 5 in the second part, not 'bang on'. Better in the repeat of the part though. Good use of dynamics in the 3rd part if a little timid first time through. Overall a well constructed March. Break into S/pey not 'locked in.' Think 'Dance' aim for more definative S/pey phrasing of Strong, Weak, Mefium, Weak - 2 bar phrasing) Try to construct a score that is empathetic to the snare score. Reel break not 100% with pipes/side drum and timing issues evident through the reel - take care to be as precise as possible. Aim for adding more dynamic range, awareness of the phrasing of each idiom and constructing score to complement the tune and the drum score. Good flourishing. Excellent tune selections. One of my favourite Marches in particular.
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Event 210. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Indyana Bridgman      Place: 1      Tunes: Sandy's New Chanter, Glasgow Police Pipers      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall, very solid performance so well done. With your posture, just make sure you are looking up to ensure you look confident to those watching. So avoid looking down when beating. With your playing try playing off the drum rather than into it. This way we hear a ring off the drum rather than it sounding blunt. Also, you could play louder in some areas to use more of that dynamic range. With your flourishing, most was done really well, but just make sure your stalls are consistently straight. Try practicing them in front of a mirror to help you. However, you had a very confident ending so well done. Very enjoyable to watch.
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Event 210. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Tanya Cawthorn      Place: 2      Tunes: Rathven Market, Old Wife at the Mill Dust      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall, very good performance. You were using a variety of flourishing which was awesome to see. Just with your flourishing though, some of yoru flourishing (especially in the first part of the hornpipe) could be done slightly higher. Also just make sure your stalls are vertically straight. Try practicing these in front of a mirror. With your beating, you could play louder and quieter in some areas to get more of that dynamic range. And just make sure you are hitting on the beat, especially when flourishing at the same time. But other than that your beating was very good. Lastly, just with your posture, make sure you are looking up slightly more and have your back straight, just so to the viewer, you are looking confident. But I did enjoy watching your performance so well done.
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Jackson      Place: 1      Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Shepherd's Crook, MacAlister's Dirk      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Second roll beating a tad off, strong intro though, very confidant. Very good extension and flow into combo in 2nd part, playing well. Some ending phrases a tad muddled, nothing too bad. very impressive cross body combos. Good break to strath. SWMW idion and feel being lost at times. Seems like the beat is being searched for at times, but nothing too major. Good break to reel, goo tempo established. Rough in 5th a tad muddy, ill chock it up to the recording. slight flourishing slip in last but good recovery. Overall, very impressive! Would like a bit more dynamic range in volume, became very monotone at times, but again, it could be the recording. Very great command of your sticks in flourishing, a few slips here and there but overall great control. Well done!
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Indyana Bridgman      Place: 2      Tunes: Willie Gray, Maggie Cameron, Alick C MacGregor      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Solid intro, a bit timid volume wise in the playing but im going to blame the room and angle of recording. good dynamic playing, fits snare very well. Great use of reverse open palm cartwheel, very advanced and great control. Strong confidant break to strath. Playing well and matching piper and snare, but would have liked a bit more tempo bpm wise and a bit more lift, dragging a bit. Solid break to reel, good tempo pickup here. Last beat of spey a bit late. Strong finnish. Overall very impressive. Great use of variety and tasteful use of flourishing highlighting the visual dynamics of the set. great extension and control of flourishing through entire set. Would like to see some of the stalls and over the head work a bit more controlled and a little less "floppy", more defined starts and stops. Well done!
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Isaac Mulder      Place: 3      Tunes: Royal Scottish Pipers Society, The Ewe with the Crooked Horn, Thompson's Dirk      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Solid intro and steady playing into march. A bit brisk for this tune for my liking but playing very well with an exciting tempo. 7 movement in piano of 4th a bit stilted and crushed, try and open it up a bit, flourishing combo in forte well executed. Solid break to strath. Good feel and great extension of movement. Great choice of visuals they highlight the visual dynamic of the tune. Great use of left and right side independence in reel. Slightly unsettled feeling in parts with transitions from flourishing to playing. Overall, very good volume dynamic, especially in strath, in playing. Great variety and placement of visuals: executed very well!
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Smith      Place: 4      Tunes: Highland Wedding, Cameronian Rant, The Smith of Chilliechassie      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Confidant and solid intro. Good playing dynamic and well timed visuals, very precise and great control. Good use and example of opposite rotational flourishing. Ending phrases a bit muddled at times, try and open them up a bit. Slightly behind on break to strath. Good feel and dynamic playing. Again some movements in playing a bit crushed. good use of multi directional butterfly to represent the tune.Good break to reel, playing well: but second line 1st part a bit behind. Overall, great combos and precise execution of flourishing through entire set. Some playing a bit behind on down beats transitioning from flourishing. Lacked a bit of spark/energy at times and felt a little too safe. Dont be afraid to push soe of your flourishing, the control and precision is there.
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mitchell Olding      Place: 5      Tunes: P/M Thomas MacAllister, Blair Drummond, John Morrison of Assynt House      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Slightly early on the first beat of rolls. playing well in 1st. very well excuted playing dynamic in 2nd piano. A bit frantic feeling at times, but still very good. Break to strath a bit off. Excellent execution of playing in 5th part. Good break to reel. playing well with score. Overall: slight slips here and there , nothing too major. Playing: very good playng with score and good dynaic volume range. Flourishing, try and work more on control, especially in forward momentum movements like the carwheel, in catching and awareness of what the left and right side are doing in conjunction with each other. All the skills are there, just try and work on tidying them up a bit more. Great job!
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laury-Anne Boschman      Place: 6      Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, The Islay Ball, Mrs MacPherson of Inveran      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Solid intro, very good tempo. Great quick and precise flourishing and movements. Some playing of movements (especially in ending phrases) slightly stilted and stiff, coming off very thuddy. Double strike in 4th part causing overtone. Good extension in movements, but sometimes coming down for downbeat a tad late. Break to strath a bit unsettled, unfortunatly this carried through entire tune. SWMW idiom not coming through. Break to reel not spot on. Again, this seemed to make the whole tune unsettled, very apparent in the 4th part. Many down beats and playing seemed off and at random almost. Overall, great extension and speed, but at the expense of control and precision in playing. try and work on transitions from playing to flourishing and vice versa.
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Andrea Jackson      Place: 1      Tunes: Nova Scotia Nightcrawler, The Gold Ring      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall, this was a very solid performance so good job. You looked very confident when playing which was awesome to see. When hitting the drum just make sure you are hitting in the middle of the drum consistently - this was mainly around when you were flourishing at the same time. You could also try hitting off the drum rather than into it. This way we can hear the ring off the bottom of the drum rather than it sounding quite blunt and sharp. Also, just watch that some of your runs in the jig are ending on the beat, so were either slightly behind and rushing or just after. When flourishing, most was executed really well. Just watch that your flats are flat and your wheels could come together slightly, just to make it one wheel rather than two. Try practicing both of these in front of a mirror as this might help. There were some dynamics coming through, but I think you could have played more. So, try being quieter in some areas, especially if it is the start of a triplet or a longer run. Very good performance and thoroughly enjoyed watching.
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Indyana Bridgman      Place: 2      Tunes: Sandy's New Chanter, Glasgow Police Pipers      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall, I really enjoyed watching your performance. Your flourishing was executed very well, so good job. When hitting the drum, just make sure you always have a tight grip on your sticks as this will help you hit off the drum rather than into it. You also could hit a lot louder on that drum. This will make you sound and feel a whole lot more confident. Also, try looking up when playing as this will build your confidence further. Lastly, make sure you always have control of your flourishing in the air. A couple of times I think you lost control of your sticks, so slow some flourishing down if needed, or try a different flourish that might better suit that bar. But you had a very confident ending so well done.
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Mitchell Olding      Place: 3      Tunes: Journey to Tatooine, Skylark's Ascension      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: This was a very solid performance so well done. I really enjoyed some of your beating and phrasing throughout. Just with your flourishing, make sure it is not too rushed but also watch that your flats are at the same height. Try practicing these in front of a mirror. Also, just make sure your arms are coming up off the drum rather than to the side or front, this was you will look and feel a lot more confident with your playing. In the hornpipe, just watch the ending bar phrase is not too rushed. It was clear most of the time, but just make sure this is consistent. Also, just watch some of the triplet runs in the jig are on the beat. Lastly, with your dynamics you could be quieter and build up more in some areas. And just make sure you have a tight grip to your sticks at all times so you can hit more of these dynamics too. Very impressed though, so good job.
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Isaac Mulder      Place: 4      Tunes: Ducking and Diving, Michael McDonald's Jig      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall, I really enjoyed watching your performance. You had a wide variety of flourishing and was also quite technical so well done. When hitting the drum just make sure you are consistently hitting in the middle of the drum - this was mainly when you were about to go up for a flourish. Also, just make sure you have a tight grip on those sticks which will help when hitting off the drum rather than into it at times. With your stalls, just make sure they are consistently at the same height. This can be fixed by practicing in front of a mirror. There were some really good dynamics coming through - but I think you could have had even more especially in the last bar of the jig - you could have played those beats even louder. Lastly, your head was up which was good to see, but what would have made you even more confident, would have been looking straight ahead rather than looking around. You should be proud of that performance nonetheless, so well done.
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Smith      Place: 5      Tunes: The Elementary Bride, Old Wife in the Milldust      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall, a very enjoyable performance so well done. Just with your flourishing, make sure your stalls are consistently straight. So pracitce these in front of the mirror to get even better at them. It also would have been nicer to see a wider variety of flourishing in the tunes. But most of your flourishing was executed really well. When hitting the drum, make sure you are hitting in the middle of the drum, but also play off the drum rather than into it. This is to make sure we hear a ring out of the bottom of the drum rather than a blunt sound. Also, just watch that some playing is on the beat (or wherever in the beat it needs to be). There were some runs in the hornpipe which sounded slightly behind the beat, but also when you are flourishing at the same time, some beats were slightly rushed. I could hear some dynamics coming through but even more would have lifted your performance even further. Especially the roll at the end of the jig, this could have started quiet and built right up. Also, just make sure the roll is nice and clear too. I liked watching your performance so good job.
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laury-Anne Boschman      Place: 6      Tunes: Moving Cloud, Jig of Slurs      Judge: Alex Wilson      Judge's Comments: Overall, a good performances, there is just a few adjustments to make your performance even better. Firstly, with your posture, make sure you are looking up rather than down. This will make you look and feel more confident. When hitting the drum make sure you have a tight grip on your sticks so you can control them a lot more. Also, this will help when hitting off the drum rather than into it, so we hear the ring of the drum rather than a blunt sound. The next step for when you hit the drum is to add some dynamics in some areas. So play louder and make more emphasis in some areas, but play quieter in others. When flourishing just watch that your flats are at the same height. It might help to practice these in front of a mirror. Also, try to slow your flourishing down slightly so you don't feel too rushed. Lastly, when beating, make sure your runs are nice and clear, and not too rushed. Also, make sure those rolls are nice and clear in the jig. It was an enjoyable performance to watch, so well done.
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Event 301. Novice Bass Drumming (Grade 4 & 5) - Any March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox      Place: 1      Tunes: George V's Army      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Good tempo established and maintained through entire set. Overall, not much to say, spot on beats. Very Good flow and feel, excellent change up and syncopation going well with the tune in 3rd and 4th part. You have a very nice touch on the drum, very good dynamic range. Well played!
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Event 301. Novice Bass Drumming (Grade 4 & 5) - Any March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Pam Brownlee      Place: 2      Tunes: Jim Thompson of Flagstaff      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Solid intro and good tempo established. good intro syncopation beats driving the tune. Be mindful of your left hand, on occasion thery are slightly behind on the offbeats after the main down beat on the right. a bit of disconnect with the piper in the last part piano going into the 2nd line but nothing major. Be mindful of you right hand, it sometimes drifts inward and hits more toward the inner rim. Overall, very steady, you have a very nice touch on the drum.
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Event 301. Novice Bass Drumming (Grade 4 & 5) - Any March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Maxwell Thompson      Place: 3      Tunes: The Dawning of the Day      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Good intro and tempo well maintained through set. Would like to hear a bit more variance in volume to and play a bit more to what the snare is playing to maximize effect. Be mindful of your left hand, at times it is slightly behind the beat. You are coming off a bit mechanical and stiff at times: you have good timing so dont be afraid to loosen up a bit and relax. Doing this will help to develop your own style and will help with any minor thing like the left hand that i mentioned before. Overall well done, good set!
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Event 301. Novice Bass Drumming (Grade 4 & 5) - Any March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Harrison cotton      Place: 4      Tunes: Duncan McInnes      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Good tempo established and into 1st part. Transition into ending phrases of first part piano and repeat a bit muddled sounding and not coming through quite right. Effective use of drum stop in 2nd part. Overall, very good, a few beats slightly ahead and slightly late here and there, but nothing you did not recover from and jump back on the beat to. Good touch for the most part: every now and then you come a little too much from the side creating a more attack/thuddy effect. Overall very good, keep at it!
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Event 301. Novice Bass Drumming (Grade 4 & 5) - Any March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Paul van Wering      Place: 5      Tunes: Scotland the Brave      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: A slight disconnect in the intro to the rolls/music, but once in the tune it all came together. Good syncopation and playing, tempo well maintained through the entire performance. A little busy a times with the syncopation, but still well done. Try and vary your playing weight a bit more to get maximum impact to the listener, coming off a bit monotone and thuddy at times. Overall very good!
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Event 301. Novice Bass Drumming (Grade 4 & 5) - Any March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: John Bell      Place: 6      Tunes: Terribus, (Traditional) & Jenny's Bawbee (Traditional)      Judge: Michael O'Neil      Judge's Comments: Good steady tempo established and maintained through entire performance. Might be the recording, but a bit more dynamic range in playing volume would help bring your bass game up a bit. Beatings were pretty spot on for the most part but sound wise became a bit monotone. Don't be afraid to make the softer notes a bit softer. A bit of disconnect ensemble wise in the last line of the last part. Overall very good!
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Event 302. Intermediate Bass Drumming (Grade 3 & 2) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gale Walker      Place: 1      Tunes: John MacDonald of Gelencoe, Ewe With the Crooked Horn, Major Manson      Judge: Mike Cole      Judge's Comments: Excellent intro into the march. Solid & effective dynamics. Phrasing very well with the pad & chanter. Some crackin’ stuff in the 3rd part. Nice subtle use of left hand dead stick. Solid break to strathspey. Slip in second part. Nice work in 1st line of 3rd..some untidiness in 2nd line. Good break to reel. Some lovely phrasing throughout the reel! Great dynamics & control. Pushing a bit in 3rd part. Overall a very solid performance. You have an excellent range of motion with great visual meter.
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Event 302. Intermediate Bass Drumming (Grade 3 & 2) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carlie Scott-Hunter      Place: 2      Tunes: Pipe Major Willie Greys Farewell to Glasgow Police, Cabar Faith, Kalabakan      Judge: Mike Cole      Judge's Comments: Very smooth and controlled introduction. Excellent visual meter! Nice feel in the march. Could use a ‘bit’ more range in your level of dynamics. Effective and complimentary syncopated phrasing. Recording hard to hear. Cracking break to the strathspey! Solid H-w-M-w phrasing. Score could use a tad more variety..still, very supportive. 4th part dragging a little. Solid break to reel. VERY nice playing here! Smooth and steady. Overall a very enjoyable performance!
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Event 302. Intermediate Bass Drumming (Grade 3 & 2) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Doug Thorsteinson      Place: 3      Tunes: Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban, Susan MacLeod, Lachlan MacPhail      Judge: Mike Cole      Judge's Comments: Smooth intro. Nice motion & meter control. Flowing nicely with the accompaniment. Confident playing. Score could use more variety in terms of syncopated phrasing. Solid break to strathspey. Good H-w-M-w feel. Score lacking variety for this grade. Solid break to reel. Very smooth playing. Some nice phrasing here. Excellent visual meter. You have a very good sense of time and a confident approach. Work on developing your scores to phrase more with the pipes and side drum scores. Well done!
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Event 302. Intermediate Bass Drumming (Grade 3 & 2) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Quentin Lovatt      Place: 4      Tunes: John McColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage,Maggie Cameron, Brown Haired Maiden      Judge: Mike Cole      Judge's Comments: Solid into. Hard to hear the recording of the accompaniment. Losing the meter in the march in places Some nice phrasing. Very smooth motion. Pushing a bit in your endings. Drum seems a tad flat and is over-toning. Effective use of open space in the strathspey. Good dance feel. Good break to reel. Very nice syncopated phrasing here. Confident playing…again, very hard to hear the recording. Overall some very effective playing and excellent visual meter. It’s never easy playing to a recording! Well done!
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Event 302. Intermediate Bass Drumming (Grade 3 & 2) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Bell      Place: 5      Tunes: Terribus, Jenny's Bawbee, Orange & Blue, MollyConnell, Sound of Sleet, The Piper of Drummond.      Judge: Mike Cole      Judge's Comments: Confident intro. Tempo…brisk. Consider dialing it back to about 80bpm for more of a relaxed march feel. Some nice syncopated phrasing. Pushing the tempo in places. A bit off the tune in 3rd part. Slip in 4th part. Missed the break to the strathspey. Lacking proper feel for the idiom. Heavy-weak-medium-weak. Off the tune in the 2nd part of 2nd tune. Good break to reel. Dragging a bit. Not phrasing well with the pipes. Overall. - again, ease up on your march tempo for a more relaxed feel. Study strathspey phrasing. Notice how pipers hold their notes. In some areas you were playing upbeats which don’t really fit in this idiom. It seemed like you were improvising as-you-went a bit in the reel, as a result it wasn’t flowing with the tune. All that being said, you have a very confident approach to the instrument. With a bit of work you will progress!
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Event 303. Advanced Bass Drumming (Grade 1) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Allison North      Place: 1      Tunes: The Young MacGregor, Susan MacLeod, John Morrison of Assynt House      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Watch you don't rush into the 2nd roll. March nicely established. A very well written score. I particularly like the 3rd part. Good use of dynamics Again the 3rd part was a highlight. Also niice use of dead sticking in the 2nd part. Solid break into strathspey. Timing generally spot on though a little wobble in the last part. Perhaps you could seek to more firmly establish a Straspey rhythm - take care that weak beats aren't overplayed. Though, the score fits with the snare score well and I can see this working well in a full band setting. NIce break and uptake to reel. Some excellent playing here. Good technique and confidence in evidence throughout. A throughly enjoyable performance. Very well done.
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Event 303. Advanced Bass Drumming (Grade 1) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alex Kuldell      Place: 2      Tunes: John MaColl’s March to Kilbowie Cottage, Shepherds Crook, Mrs MacPherson of Inveran      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Intro not fully locked in but nicely into March. Score is well though out and complements the pipes and snare very well. Great use of dynamics, dead sticking and buzzes! Nicely into the Strathspey. Some interesting use of movements throughout. Score again complementing the snare score well, if a little jiggy! Maybe consider establishing more of a traditional strathspey feel though the first part before encorporating intricate movements? Good break into a nicely interpreted and well played reel. Good effort.
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Event 303. Advanced Bass Drumming (Grade 1) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Isaac Mulder      Place: 3      Tunes: Donald Cameron, Cameronian Rant, Mrs. MacPherson of Inveran      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Good intro. March well established through the first part though tending to lack a little in precision from the second part on. Try to anticipate the beat rather than react to it! Good use of dead stick in the third part. Good awareness of dynamics shown. BIG Strathspey! Well done for taking it on. Good break. Tending to play a 1,3,4,1 rhythm rather than establishing a traditional Strathspey rhythm of 2 bar Strong, Weak, Medium, Weak. Try to establish the idiom before seeking to enhance it. As with the March, the Strathspey has some good use of dynamics in evidence. Reel break good though you could have committed more to establishing the reel pulse at the start of the first part. Good use of space. Nicely scored and well played. Overall, you have a tendancy to lose precision after more complex or intiricate movements. Keep your focus and don't slacken off once you've nailed the hard bit! All in all, a great effort and an enjoyable performance. Well done.
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Event 303. Advanced Bass Drumming (Grade 1) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Smith      Place: 4      Tunes: Highland Wedding, Cameronian Rant, The Smith of Chilliechassie      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: First roll was spot on. Second beat of second rolll wasn't even. Ncely into the March, through the first part though score of second part loses March rhythm. Take care with the timing of the run in the third part, particularly in the repeat. Last two parts of the tune were your best two parts for me! Strathspey break, good. 3rd part nicely played with good dynamics though overall you could aim for a bit more of a strathspey feel. 2 bar phrasing of the strong weak medium weak stress is key. Pay particular attention to not over playing weak beats. Leave them out if needs be! Well done for tackling such a big tune! The reel break didn't work! Bu t real was well established in the first part. Reel needs to be more precise throughout. Rushing in some places and lagging in others. Good effort though.
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Event 303. Advanced Bass Drumming (Grade 1) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gale Walker      Place: 5      Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Ewe with the Crooked Horn , Major Manson      Judge: Chris Pollock      Judge's Comments: Intro good but March was lacking in precision in places. Perhaps you could consider seeking to establish the March rhythm through the first part rather than jumping straight into the off beat phrases? Good break into the Strathspey but there was no discernable Strathspey rhythm established at the beginning or in evidence throughout the tune! Remember 2 bar phrasing of Strong, Weak, Medium, weak! Good reel break and a good uptake to the first part though timing was lacking in precision toward the end of the repeat of the part. Sometimes less is more, perhaps you overdid the off beats throughout? Your overall performance would have beneftitted with more of a thread of the three idioms being established throughoiut each. Also, pay keen attention to your overall volume and dynamic variety. Good effort.
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