Summer 2022 World Online Piping & Drumming Championships Official Results
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Complete List of All Events
The World Online Piping & Drumming Championships is the world's first and only piping and drumming competition in the world to publish a complete a record of the entire competition, including every performance, every result and every judge's comment. We hope that these excellent musical performances and detailed comments from our world-class judges will be a lasting and valuable resource for education and entertainment.
Includes competitor info, tunes played, placings, judge's comments, and video links. Click Watch Video to view the video on YouTube. Click Download Comments for the Official Judge's Comment Sheet PDF.
Events listed by event number.
Solo Piping Events: 1-50
Side Drumming Events: 101-212
Tenor Drumming Events: 201-213
Bass Drumming Events: 301-304
Band Events: 401-403
Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Joel Dorning 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Loch Rannoch Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Joel. Nicely played! Your execution is quite good. Good grips. Doublings need a bit more clarity. Make sure that each gracenote within the doubling movement is clear and distinct. At times, you tend to run the two gracenotes together. Very good sense of timing and expression. Tempo is appropriate for this tune and grade level. Well done!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Isla McLean Place: 1 Tunes: Farewell to Nigg Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A very good, clean rendition of a great piece of music. A great sense of rhythm and flow with lovely clear technique here. The next stage is to bring the tempo up just a little to enhance the musical quality presented.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Joel Dorning 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Blue Bells of Scotland Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Great rendition Joel. I felt it was a tad on the slow side at first but it settled in to a nice comfortable tempo after the first few bars. Great bottom hand technique, I feel the top hand technique could be a little more accurate, try and make it as good as your grips and birls. There is much potential here, keep up the good work.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Daem Fahimi 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Scotland the Brave Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A great rendition of a tough tune - very enjyable. Very musical with a great sense of rhythmic accuracy. Technically sound though there were a few wee inaccuracies coming across when using, or moving to, the bottom hand. Also remember that there is an E gracenote from the C doubling going down to low A. This may seem like a very detailed comment but that gracenote pattern appears time and time again in pipe music so it's important to solidify that going forward. There is a lot of potential here Daem, keep up the good work.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Salute to General Mark Clark Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A good rendition of a very nice piece of music. Generally this was well played though I felt the tempo varied throughout the performance, I felt there was just a little bit of rushing from time to time. Technically sound though be careful not to lift the B finger off the hole when playing the birl. There is much potential here, keep up the good work.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Balmoral Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A good attempt at a tough tune, well done. Rhythmically some of the crotchets could have been given their full length and so I felt I lost the 3/4 march rhythm a little. Good clean technique though the grips could have had a little more low G to them. On the whole an enjoyable performance with plenty of potential, keep it up!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Sophie Bird 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: HI Sophie - Thanks for this. A nice tune here. Good finger placement and nice foundation in your movements. Good grips in each ending phrase. Nice D throws throughout the tune, and nice tempo sustainment, even through P3. Ready for pipes. Thanks! Shaunna Hilder.
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Luke Caskey Place: 2 Tunes: The Conundrum Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Luke - thanks for this.. A slow tempo here, yet consistently maintained. Let's speed it up to obtain a march feel. Nice fingerwork. A nice clear sounding doubling on C, E, B, and Hi A. Aim for a rhythmic doubling sound... by having slightly less space between the gracenote inside the doubling itself. This will allow more time on the note itself, and will create more shape in the tune. Ready for pipes . Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Sweet Maid of Glendaruel Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Todd. Nice one thanks. Watch finger placement. Very much on the tips on the top hand. Aim to push those fingers out to a long and flat position for full effect. Some trouble closing to Low G on D throws. Aim to fully close to Low G there. A few catches. In Bar 1 you have grip B to C, and D Throw immediately following... work on this passage to close fully to low G on those movements. Nice tempo. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: High Road to Gairloch and Brown Haired Maiden Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Bryan. Thanks for this. A brisk set indeed. Very spirited and marchable... Some small connection notes are very small and nearly missed. Watch D throws from E. Aim to close all the way to Low g on each. Watch the fingering passage F D HiG in Brown Haired... Just catching on the D to F, D to HiG. That can be tricky... watch the bottom hand is opening and closing exactly in sync with top hand note changes. Aim to slow the tempo down just slightly for full musical effect. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Morag of Dunvegan Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Todd, and thank you for playing in this competition! First part is strong here, although I did feel that you started a little quick and settled down a bit. Second part is equally strong, if not just a tiny bit better, because it felt like you really locked into the tempo. A few technical notes: -For E strikes, most of these are coming across very clearly. There were a few where I could tell your bottom hand wasn't quite situated on the chanter perfectly -You had one F doubling slip, and some of the E doublings weren't quite as well articulated as the others. The key to both of these, and all doublings in general, is be sure to get a clear G gracenote to start them off. You also need to make sure that you can hear two gracenotes distinctly from one another. The trick is to articulate it clearly without letting the gracenotes spread too far apart from one another. E doublings and F doublings were something I struggled with for a long time (some days I still do!), but focusing on a clean and clear G gracenote does miracles! -Birls could have just a little more meat in the Low G strikes Overall, I enjoyed your perfomance here Todd! You have a strong grasp and image of the melody of this tune, and that comes through loud and clear. These technical notes will only add to what is already a good tune and a good performance. Well done!
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Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: 10th Highland Light Infantry Crossing the Rhine Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Bryan Thank you for competing in this event. This is a great tune, and one I don't get to hear as much as I would prefer. First part is spritely and energetic, which is great. There are some spots where I think you are sacrificing clarity in the cut/short notes to maintain the tempo, so you might consider slowing the tempo down just a little bit. Second part, in measure 2 and 6 (which should match each other in your music), you're losing some of the definition on beat 1 rythmically. A slower tempo would help that too. Nothing major, but 3-5 beats per minute can make all the difference in the world! Some technical notes: -Be careful and mindful of hand-to-hand crossing noises. This tune has ample opportunities for those to happen, so you'll want to be sure to open up your "destination" note before you close down your "starting" note. -Relax your g gracenote finger a tad, and you'll achieve some more life and lift in the gracenotes. I noticed your finger posture, and I would suggest working on flattening and relaxing your fingers (both for comfort and clarity). Bending your fingrer that way can eventually be hard on your joints. Overall, an enjoyable performance of an excellent tune. I commend you for your energy in the tune, which is something that's tough to achieve! The above technical details and a slightly slower tempo will help push this tune to the next level!
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Joel Dorning 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: The Glen is Mine Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Well done. You are showing a good understanding of the fundamentals of piobaireachd. Edres pretty strong, but I'd suggest you listen for the two low A sounds in it, so probably open the movement up a little. Good technique with just a bit of lack of clarity just at the end. I would also suggest moving through the middle of phrases a bit more, so it isn't presented as one bar phrases. So, Don't pause quite so long on the last note of odd numbered bars, so you get the opportunity to stretch at the end of even numbered bars and define the end of your two bar phrases. Nicely done!
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Well played. I like how you keep the tune moving along, with some subtleties in the short notes. I'd prefer a bit more definition at the end of two bar phrases, but that's really tough to do on practice chanter when you need to take breaths! Easier on pipes. Consistent timing to your cadences. A few small technical concerns, like one open C near the end and small crossing noises to E, but nothing major. Well done.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Danny Boy Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Charles! Thank you for entering and competing in this event. You're sounding well! I enjoyed your Danny Boy, and I want to especially highlight the musical maturity you displayed here. There is so much poise and patience for the melody, and that allows the whole tune to feel polished and settled. Very consistent tempo, and a very delicate treatment of the short notes. Musicality in spades! From a technical standpoint, I would suggest working on making sure your strikes to low G have just a little more low G weight to them. A few of them came across as soft and fuzzy, and a little more definition there would be good. You're blowing your pipes really well, and tonally they're great. I think the drone reeds might need a little adjustment to be sure they're as steady as possible (make sure the bridle is perfectly perpendicular to both the tongue and the body. The bridle should make an exact lower-case t shape with the tongue). I think it's mostly the bass, but the drones are moving just a bit. A very good performance here, Charles, and one you should be proud of. Congratulations!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Hector the Hero Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Brian! Thank you for entering this contest, and I enjoyed your tune. You've got a lot of great things going on here. -Good forward momentum! You kept things moving in this stirring air, without letting things tumble or rush at all. There were a few pick up notes at the the ends of lines that were a little snippier than I might suggest, but nothing detracting from the performance -Lots of patience on the long notes, and this tune's second part is full of them -Technique is overall very good. There were a few crossing noises that snuck in (from C to E), but those were minor. Something to work on, for sure, but nothing to worry about -Drones were spot on! Your F was sharp, and your high A could maybe be flattened off just a touch, but that was it in regards to your chanter. I would suggest that you maybe let some more beefy low G come through in your grips; some of them felt a bit too light for my taste. Overall, a very enjoyable performance here. Well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jan Roberts 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Morag Duncan Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Jan! Hope you are well, and thank you for entering this contest. I enjoyed your tune, and it's not one I've heard before (I may have to learn it myself!). You've got an unassailably-solid idea of the melody here, and I wanted to highlight that. Your melodic patience is excellent, and I particularly enjoyed your treatment of the short downbeat notes in the second part. Really excellent. There are a few technical things to mention- -It may be time for a slightly stiffer chanter reed, or you may need to work on being really precise with g gracenotes to Low G (being sure you're sealing all of the holes). I don't want you to start to press down or tighten up, but I didn't feel that all of the Low Gs were totally precise. -Low A to high A is a tough transition, since just about every finger possible is moving, but these transitions are what make slow airs deceptively difficult. There was 1 or 2 Low A to High A transitions that sounded a little imprecise I also wanted to mention that, based on the way your shoulders are moving and your posture, you may want to check your drone reeds' calibration and your bag for leaks. I think your instrument may be taking more effort than it needs to. All in all, a very nice slow air presentation here, Jan. Well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jonathan B Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Highland Cathedral Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Jonathan, looking sharp and playing well! The drones weren't locked in with each other from the start, but this was slight and stable throughout. Pipes sounding, otherwise, quite good. The drones seem to be tuned well to the Low A, just not locked in with each other. You've got a gread melodic sense here, and it shows with your very steady tempo. This tune has a very nice soaring quality to it, which you captured nicely. Technically, I would suggest working on the crossing noises that tended to pop up when going from either C or D to a top hand note. These are tricky, to be certain, but a little bit of work goes a long way. Most of your note transitions were very clean, which shows me that you definitely have the chops to improve the consistency on those select examples. A good performance of a good tune, and one that I enjoyed. Thank you!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Vicki Heller 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Shores of Loch Katrine Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Vicki! Thank you for entering this contest; I enjoyed your performance! The drones weren't quite in tune with each other, but your blowing and instrument control is great. The drone tuning just spoiled that slightly, but it wasn't distracting. A lot of really great musical maturity here, and the tempo was very steady. Technique was good, too, with a lot of clarity and control evident. I especially liked your doubling work. Your F was sharp, and I'm inclined to say that most of the drone tuning issue was your tenors not quite being locked in with one another. Drone tuning relative to low A was really quite close, so getting the three drones synced up to each other is the key for you. You're getting the drones in line with Low A well, but that last little twist or two to get the drones bang on with each other is the next frontier here. There isn't much to criticize in this performance. Musically, it's solid. Technically, it's solid. Some more polishing work on the instrument tuning, and you'll be in great shape! Thank you for an ejoyable tune!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Mingulay Boat Song Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Robert! Thank you for entering this contest, and thank you for an enjoyable listen. You're looking sharp, and your pipes sound great. The only criticisms I have for you are in regards to some technical issues I heard. Your pipes sound quite good, excellent bass presence, and the chanter sounds great. There were a few moments where I heard a little bit of underblowing (on E), but that didn't detract from the performance. In a technical sense, I would suggest making sure that there's a distinct low G sound that starts your throws. Most of them were fine, so I would consider this more of a consistency issue than a knowledge or skill issue, but it's still something to be aware of. At times, I also noticed some tightness in your G gracenotes, which came through mostly in doubling work. You want to be sure to hear two distinct gracenotes of equal weight in all of your doublings, and this is again more of a consistency issue than it is knowledge one. Musically, you've got a lot of great things going on here. There were a few passages where I felt some rushing, mostly in the the pickup notes, but these were in preparation for the D throws. I'm sure that once the D throws are cleaned up a little bit, this issue will work itself out to a large degree. Great pipes, and great music. There's just some technical stuff to work on here, but you've got all kinds of great foundations to build on here!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Bill Collins 🇺🇸 Tunes: MacNeill's Farewell to Barra Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Bill! Thank you for entering this contest, and I enjoyed your presentation here. Tremendous scenery pairs really well with strong melodies like this. Drones weren't 100% tuned to each other, but they were well-tuned to the low A. So, getting that last little bit of tuning in for the drones is what I would suggest to you. Chanter sounds good, too, though I think you might be due for a new reed. High G had a bias to move a little bit sharp, and the High A was a little thin. The only technical thing I see going on here that I would suggest giving some attention are making sure you transition out of your heavier embellishments precisely. In things like grips and taorluaths, it sounds like you've got a tendency to move off of the G rather quickly (in taorluaths this is making the E gracenote come late relative to the movement). Don't be afraid to let a little more weight of Low G come through, and you'll also find that helps you anchor in the melody just that tiny bit more. I really enjoyed the musical presentation with this tune. You've mastered the melody of the tune, and you carried that very clearly through the performance. The tempo was consistent, and so was your treatment of the phrases. I particularly enjoyed the question and answer coming through in your playing; the clear call and response of the tune showed through well. A great musical package here, Bill, and one you should continue to nurture. A little more refinement on the drones and a little more weight in your embellishments and you'll be in great shape!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz 🇺🇸 Tunes: Cap'n No More Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Imogen! Thank you for entering, and I enjoyed your tune! I do want to mention your bagpipes, because I get the sense the reed might be a little too hard for you right now. It might be new, and in that case unbroken-in reeds are a struggle unto themselves. You might consider going through the parts of your set-up to make sure everything is operating efficiently and is leak-free. The technique on display here is quite good. There were a few doublings that might benefit from a slightly-clearer G gracenote. Otherwise, I liked what you were doing there. Throws were very good, strikes were good, and your note transitions were very precise. There were a few rythmical issues that stood out to me, but I suspect those were coming from struggling a bit with your pipes. At times, you might rush off of the end of a phrase into the next one a bit early. This was minor, but it's something I would be sure to work on with a metronome. Part of the interesting and unique challenge of a slow air is the slowness itself; playing slowly is a tremendous test of control and poise. You've got a lot of that to speak of right now, but I think some extra time and attention would help grow that even more. Melodically, this was great. You have internalized the melody really well, and the only melodic suggestions I can make are the tempo things I wrote about above. I could very clearly hear the "tune" of this performance, which is a credit to you! Well played, and I look forward to hearing more from you!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Tunes: THE DAWNING OF THE DAY Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Sean! I do want to preface this with letting you know that, unfortunately, I had to consider this as you playing a march in the contest rather than a slow air. This meant that you weren't in contention for the prize list. Dawaning of the Day can be played as either a march or a slow air depending on a number of factors, but here I felt it fell more under the march side of things. With that said, I do want to give you some feedback on your playing. You're playing the tune very well, and from technical and musical standpoints, this is above grade level. The pipes sounded good, too, with sonorous drones and a bold and balanced chanter. I would say that your F tended pretty sharp relative to the rest of your scale. I feel that you could open up the gracenotes in your bottom-hand doublings and strikes (C doublings as an example). Just aiming to lift your gracenote fingers just that tiny bit farther off the chanter usually does the trick for me. Not so much of a slower gracenote, just ever so slightly more open. Musically, and this is very nitpicky, I'd like to encourage you to start thinking about stretching the long notes on left-foot beats just a tiny bit. It's important not to let this affect the downbeat length itself, but you have some room to play with how long the long notes are and how shor thte short notes are within the confines of a beat. This is a finesse thing, for sure, but I encourage you to play around with it and try it out. Just because the tune is a 4/4 march, for example, doesn't mean it deserves any less musical care and attention than any other tune. Like I said, you're playing and sounding very well. Just on the tune idiom alone, I had to leave this out of the list this time. However, please do continue to compete, and continue to compete in events like this one, because you're doing a lot of great things. Thank you for the good tune!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Muir of Ord Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe. Appropriate tempo, well managed. Birls a little ahead of the beat.... Clear, strong technique. Lovely flow to this tune! A few places where you're playing a G gracenote instead of an E gracenote, but not a really big deal. Minor overblowing near the end, but an extremely well played march for this grade!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start, with D and high G just slightly sharp. Steady and careful tempo to start. Low G a bit light on D throws from bottom hand notes, but most of your technique is clear and accurate. Minor fingering issue in part 2 but recovered quickly.. Well controlled all through. Well done!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Andrew mcilwaine Place: 3 Tunes: The Conundrum Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start, and fairly well blown/squeezed. Steady and cautious tempo. A few D gracenotes missing on some short Cs. You are consistent enough with your doublings that you may want to start to close them up - just a wee bit! Mostly bottom hand doublings. Slowing a bit in part three. Lots of composure in part 4. Minor technical catch at the very end, but a strong performance!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Vicki Heller 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Walter Douglas Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start. Be careful of a few surges in pressure. You're getting a tiny E sound on your way to the high G doublings near the start. Steady tempo, managed well. Technique mostly solid - a few crossing noises to address, and a few gracenotes not quite placed on the transition from note to note. Strong B doublings. E gracenotes often bigger than your other gracenotes, esp in the 4th bar. Overall, well controlled and well played.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: High Road to Gariloch and Corriechoille's 43rd Welcome to the Norther Meeting Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set. Steady tempo for the most part - occasionally a bit short on a dotted note (bar 7 low A for example one time, or E in second march bar two). Most technique clear, but some doublings a bit too tight. Lots of very good things happening here - seems to me that consistency is the main area for improvement, which is perfectly normal for the grade. Well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start. Some unevenness in pressure - you'll find it much easier to control the instrument if the bag is higher up under your arm. And, it'll put less pressure on your hands. You're showing a good foundation in technique, but it'll come out more consistently if you relax your hands a bit. Lively tempo, mostly well controlled, but occasionaly jumping toward some technique, like the high G in the ending phrase. Main thing is to get more control of the bag to reduce the amount of arm movement, and the number of chokes - and that starts by holding the bag higher under your armpit. Give it a try!! Well done.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: PM DONALD MACLEAN OF LEWIS Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - lovely tuned chanter, drones could have been a little better locked at the start but improved as the tune went on. Lovely bright tempo but try to ease into the tune at the start of the performance. Great technique coming through as well. Overall this was a solid performance, I felt there could be a little touch more expression, feel free to stretch out the dotted quavers just a little more. On the whole great job, keep up the good work.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Kate Gordon 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Leaving Rhu Vaternish Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - nice bright chanter though the drones could be a little more closely tuned. A musical uptake with great flow, I feel like the bottom hand technique could be a little more accurate. On the whole an enjoyable performance, well done.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - a decent sounding instrument though the drones could be a little closer to low A. A good musical rendition with good rhythmic 6/8 playing. For me the technique could be a little more accurate; in the final bar of each part, when playing the E-C-A with a D gracenote the D gracenote finger remains open and so the melody sounds like E-D-A rather than E-C-A. Similarly the grips could be a little more accurate as well. In terms of posture it seems good though you could try and push the bag a little further back for more comfort. On the whole there is much potential keep it up.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: 10th Highland Light Infantry Crossing the Rhine Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - the tenor drones could be a little closer together with tuning, nice bright chanter. A decent presentation of the 6/8 idiom though there were a lot of basic G gracenotes missing in the tune, don't forget that these are important in defining the phrasing of the melody. A wee slip in pt 3 as well. On the whole, a good attempt at a tough tune.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Amanda Fedewa 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Dovecote Park Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - The tenor drones could be a little closer together in terms of tuning, nice bright chanter sound. The tune itself was played at a good tempo though I feel the short notes are a little too clipped and I'm struggling to hear the full melodic line, try and make this a little more accurate overall. Similarly some of the technique is very good like the D throw however there are a number of other technical inaccuracies that if worked on could lead to a much improved performance. Much potential here, keep it up.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: atholl highlanders Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - nice chanter sound, drones good though could be a little closer. A nice tempo to the tune though I feel the 6/8 idiom could be demonstrated a little more accurately, it feels rather square and could have a little more compound time flow to it. A few wee mistakes here and there also. Tehcnically ok at times though when playing the E-C-A with a D gracenote the D gracenote finger remains open and so the melody sounds like E-D-A rather than E-C-A. There is much potential here.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz 🇺🇸 Tunes: Teribus Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - nice bright chnater and drones well tuned. This was a musical performance with some decent technique though Teribus is a 2/4 march, not a 6/8 march. Techniically this was sound though I feel like some of the technique could have been a little more accurate. There is much potential here, keep up the good work.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: PADDYS LEATHER BREECHES Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Agressive tempo but held on very nice from start to finish. Pipe pretty good with F being a tad sharp. Playing pretty solid from start to finish on a decent bagpipe you appear to have nice conrol of making this an enjoyable presentation. I know you only needed 2 parts but your abilities appear to be well within the capability of playing all four. Well done!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brendan Tighe 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Appropriate tempo and bagpipe appears to have good quality however the drones were not in tune with the chanter detracting from the overall sound quality. You have a nice sense of the music and really just slight inconsistencies with staying in consistent timing which can be caused from not being totally relaxed and in control with your instrument so keep practicing to gain further stamina. Playing pretty solid throughout however the G grace note to start the GDE combinations frequent throughtout the tune are not coming out at all either because you are not playing them or the mic is placed in a place that is not picking it up? Definitely on the right track in terms of your development just keep at it to improve your presentation. Well done!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: cork hill Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Good tempo and a nice instrument you appear to have had nice control over in the beginning. 1st part pretty good 2nd part losing a little bit of steam with some small chokes and inaccuracies that were not there in the first part. 3rd same here with the chokes. 4th again some chokes heree as well. Overall a nice performance that started off in complete control and gradually got a little inconsistent which could be attributed to stamina and playing in time. If pipe is too hard you will be gripping which will cause inaccurate technique and timing.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Company's Lament Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice start Robert. A nice musical understanding evident here. A nice soft touch with connection notes. Nicely weighted them all notes with consistent hi light. Very nice pipe. Well blown. Nice double E echos and double F echos throughout. Nice D throws. Ready for full tune. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Black Donald’s March Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice start Kane. Pipe is nice and smooth. E and F are quite sharp. Nice grips on C. Nice chedre movements. Generally a nice feel here... with good phrasing. Watch the edre movement for flow.... its just a bit stuck in comparison to the chedre which is flowing well. Good stuff! Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Bryan. Thanks for this. A nicely phrased ground with consistent musical delivery. Watch the grip from B to C (phrase 1) aim to fully close to Low G for each. Have a look at the G Gracenote "lift" - aim for a consistent presence with this important element. A strong clear gracenote will benefit all areas of your piping, including piobaireachd. Nice confidence. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Craig Sherman 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Mac Donald of Kinlochmoidart's Lament (No. 1) Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Craig. A nice temp for this Ground. Caidences are well placed. Double B echos are nice and consistent. Watch Hiharin - It's a "d" gracenote (rather than a B) for this. Watch Line 2 for speeding up.... really stretch those thermal notes for full effect. E's and HiG's, Then F's and HiA's. A nice musical presentation here. Pipe is ok here. Well blown. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Allan Dodd's Farewell to Scotland Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe, fairly well set (tenors not quite locked, but close). Excellent 2/4 march flow from the outset. Strong and clear technique. Good phrasing coming thorugh. Impressive technique in this tricky fourth part. Really well played, and a pleasure to listen to. Well above the grade 4 level...
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Kantara to El Arish Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Terrific bagpipe! Steady tempo, lively pace, and excellent flow to start. Strong technique. Some F doubling consistency issues, but minor. Lots of control and maturity in your playing. Some birls at little early at the end of parts. A few minor doubling misses - take care not to be a little tight, and you'll miss fewer. A superb performance, above grade level, on a lovely bagpipe.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Watson 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Major Mansons Farewell to Clachantrushal Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe to start (high A a bit too rough for my taste though). Be careful not to overblow F in part two. Good tempo and lovely flow. Technique is strong. The odd little miss, but nothing major. Slightly inconsistent in ending phrase - sometimes just a little tight. A musical performance. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: John McColl’s March Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: What a terrific sounding pipe! Well controlled. Technique clear and open - perhaps time to tighten it a little bit! Birls starting early at the end of parts. Lovely 2/4 march flow. Excellent control. Perhaps in part three you could hold some of the downbeats a bit more - at times you are a tiny bitt short, which means you have to wait on the dotted note at the end of the beat - but that's me being extremely picky! Really enjoyed this!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Gregg 🇳🇿 Place: 5 Tunes: John mcColls march to kilbowie cottage Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Lovely bagpipe, tuned well and blown well at the start. Careful and appropriate tempo. Accurate and clear open technique. Little issue in ending phrase in part two. Be careful not to press into the chanter on birls - less chance of sticking. So much control shown in this tune! Very mature 2/4 march flow. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Callum Ross 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: Major David Manson at Clachantrushal Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe, well set. Lively tempo, mostly well maintained but at times a tiny bit hurried off eighth notes. Strong technique with just a few slightly indistinct bits. Pushing a bit in the third part, but the level of difficutly of this tune is quite high! Little choke part 4. This performance shows lots of potential - just make sure to make use of space (longer notes) when you have the space! Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Amanda Barrack 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Dundee Military Tattoo Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Chanter fairly well set, but drones not quite locked, and set a bit flat to your low A. Steady and well controlled tempo. Be careful not to put the birls ahead of the beat at the end of parts. Good flow - not overcutting the little notes. Oops - drone popped off... Clear technique for the most part. Tempo holding well all through. A steady performance. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bronwyn Heywood 🏴 Tunes: The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Chanter fairly well set, but drones could be tuned closer together. Lively tempo to start, with clear and accurate technique. Some very good phrase definition coming out in places, but a bit overdone sometimes (overholding, affecting tempo), and other times a bit underdone - I'd suggest keep it subtle, and aim for consistency. I'm happy to hear the phrasing, though! Take care not to overcut short notes, particularly when they land on a beat or offbeat. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Zaleski 🇺🇸 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and tuned at the start. Steady and appropriate tempo. Be careful not to jump into the High G pickup note into part two. C is quite flat... Strong technique. I am enjoying the relaxed flow in part three. Lots of control all through. Similar issue with pickup note into part four. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig Sherman 🇺🇸 Tunes: 79th Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe. Good tempo, lively but controlled to start. A few little crossing noises to address. In part two be careful not to overcut when you have two cuts in a row. Keep them even and smooth. Birls at the end of parts occasionally early. Fairly strong technique demonstrated. Tachums a bit severely cut in part 4. Well done - steady all through.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dave Fullam 🇺🇸 Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisolm Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Chanter close, but not quite in balance. Steady drones. Some technique a bit tight - open up the birl, and be sure not to press into the chanter with your pinkie - won't stick as much! Steady tempo. Excellent grips part 4. At times you're cutting connecting notes so much that they disappear... Keep it relaxed and flowing smoothly. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Elizabeth Wilson 🇺🇸 Tunes: CPT Norman Orr-Ewing Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones not quite together at the start, and flat to chanter. Good birls! Lively tempo, managed well. Be careful not to surge in pressure when you go for the upper notes in part two. Technique fairly good for th most part. Steady start to finish. Main thing is control of the instrument - some unsteadiness, and drones could be closer. Might have more control of the insttrument if the bag is up a little higher under your arm. That reduces the amount of arm movement. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erika Redford 🇺🇸 Tunes: Prince Charles's Welcome To Lochaber Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close - drones not quite locked, and I'm hearing some surges in pressure from time to time. Something odd with the video sound though... Good flow and tempo well maintained until part three when you're speeding through the eighthnotes. Good technique for the most part - bit tight in places - keep it loose and smooth. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gabriel Holbrook 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Pap of Glencoe Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Chanter balance not quite there, but not too far off. Some of your short connecting notes are not coming out, but then at other times they're too big (and the big notes too short) creating a rounding effect. Some E doublings played badkwards. The grip in the ending phrase seems to be giving you some difficutlies. This is a magnificient march, and one you should continue to play, but I wonder if you might think about one that isn't so hard to deliver technically for contests? I just feel that the level of difficulty didn't allow you to show what you are most likely capable of musically.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇧🇾 Tunes: Donald MacLean Farewell To Oban Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and blown from the start. Nice to hear attention to phrasing - well done. There are a few places in the middle of phrases where you are a bit short on a big note - as in before two cuts - but not a lot. Steady tempo. Technique coming out quite well. Lively presentation of the fourth part - lots of lift. Be careful not rush toward the D throw though. Well done!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jason Nering 🇺🇸 Tunes: Colonel MacLean of Ardgour Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones fairly well set to each other, a bit flat to the chanter. Steady tempo to start, controlled well. Good clarity to technique for the most part. Good attention to flow - not overcutting the little notes, which is crucial in this tune. A few crossing noises creeping in in part 4 and a micro choke. A steady performance all through. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joe Korber 🇺🇸 Tunes: Willie Gray's farewell to the Glasgow police Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set - low A a bit sharp. Steady tempo to start. A few crossing noises to attend to, but mostly clear technically. Take care not to overcut when you have two cuts in a row - keep it smooth. Jumping the offbeat quite a bit in part two, bar two, beat two - the cut is on the offbeat. Good flow part three. A number of omitted G gracenotes. A tricky tune, farily well played, but with some inconsistencies to address. Well done
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kaitlyn Covarrubias 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Burning of the Piper’s Hut Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, though drones not quite together. Careful but clear technique. Make sure to get a full low G on grip from C to E (sometimes a low A). Part three, be careful not to go to E before the G gracenote of a doubling from F. Minor hesitation. Good clarity on B in final two parts. Steady tempo throughout. A good performance.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Keith Richards 🇺🇸 Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farwell to Oban Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Well balanced chanter, but drones really quite far out, especially the bass... Too bad, because the chanter is well set! Lively tempo and a good demonstration of 2/4 march playing. Good technique, and clear. There is a typo in your music, part three, bar three - last note of the bar should be a C not a low A, which I've seen... No penalty for that because it isn't your mistake! Birls at the end of parts occasionallly early. Really good flow all through though. A real shame about the drones - musically and technically this was very good.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Maureen Moore 🇺🇸 Tunes: Major Norman Orr Ewing Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close, but tenors not locked in tune together. Steady tempo to start, at times a bit jumpy in the ending phrase. Most technique coming out fairly well, though some doublings are a little bit fluffy sounding because the G gracenote is bigger there than in other places. For example in the technique in bars 3 and 4 of part two. Steady pace all through. Drones drifted out a bit more. Good flow. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Storie 🇬🇧 Tunes: Duncan McInnes Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones not together to start, but chanter fairly well set. Quite quick for solos - maybe pull it back a little bit to show some phrasing? Very strong technique. Be careful not to start your bitls early at the end of parts. You've got loads of talent and great mitts - ease up a bit on tempo and focus on getting as much out of the music (especially the big notes) as you can, with 2 bar phrase definition. Good job.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nick Haynes 🇺🇸 Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close, but drones not quite in with chanter. Steady tempo to start. Be careful not to put the cut B in beat two ahead of the offbeat. Birls a bit ahead of the beat all through. Tempo maintained well. Clear technique. A steady perforance all through - well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Kantera to El Arish Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, but low A a tiny bit sharp. Mostly good flow to start, but at times you're making the cut note before some technique too bit - use the dotted note before the cut as your setup, and you'll maintain a more consistent flow all through. Maybe oversqueezing with your hands in part three? Steady tempo. Little note error in part four before the B strike at the end of first line (both times). Clarity of doublings will imporve it you keep your g gracenote reined in - a bit big at times, creating fluffiness sometimes. Well done, steaty tempo all through on a demanding tune.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Timothy Custodia 🇺🇸 Tunes: Pipe Major CM Usher Obe Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe farily close to start, but drones not quite together. Maybe start with your pinkie closer to the chanter for birls to get more consistent and to avoid the squeaks. Lively tempo. Be careful not to overcut short notes in places. Quite a few chokes... Try pushing your bag right up under your armpit - you'll need less arm movement and will have lots more control of he instrument. A musical performance!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Jack Watson 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Tulloch Castle, Major David Manson Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Jack! Great name :)! S: Part 1: -E very slightly sharp, playing very well Part 2: -Some of the half doublings on e not quite as crisp as others Part 3: -slowing down a tiny tiny bit on the long E starting bar 3 Part 4: -great! R: Part 1: -great navigation of the syncopation in line 2 Part 2: -end of line 1 a tiny bit clipped (GDE) Part 3: -slihgtly fluffy B to E in last bar of the part Part 4: -Great finish Overall: I felt that you could stretch some of the beat 1 Es in the strathspey a little more, but be mindful they don't turn into overlong downbeats. You're playing tunes very very well, and pipes sound excellent (video quality isn't the greatest, but what I can hear clearly sounds very good). Technique is good, epecially the darados. F tended to be sharp by the reel, so be careful to get everything tuned and stable before competing/recording. The only technical advice I'd give you is technique is meant to add to a melody, not impede its flow or progress. In part 3 of the reel, I felt some bogging down in the E doubling heavy passages. All minor things, but I know you'll be able to get these fixed in no time at all. Great job!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Maggie Cameron, The Brown Haired Maid Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Helllo Sam! S: Part 1: -Great pipes and start (F doubling a little soft at the end of line 1) Part 2: -Some slight dragging in part two, mostly coming from High As, but very slight Part 3: -Missed a C Doubling, otherwise great Part 4 -Excellent, missed g gracenote on C in bar 6 R: Part 1: -Some of the c doublings are coming across as bit tight Part 2: -great playing here Part 3: Same as 2 Part 4: -C doubling issues coming through Part 5: -F strikes weren't always the cleanest Part 6: -Recovered and finished really well Overall: Great playing here. You've got a good sound, and your strathspey was excellent. There were a few issues (noted above), but you should be very proud of this. The reel was still very strong, but not quite as rock solid as the strathspey. Work on polishing up your C Doublings (aiming for consistency), and this tune will quickly shine just as brightly as Maggie Cameron. Also, keep your fingers light and relaxed and your F strikes will improve with practice. Great show here Sam!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Charlie Gregg 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Mac n Irish and the Brown haired maide Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Charlie! S: Part 1: -Lovely pipes, though Low A very very slightly sharp (underblowing to bring it in tune). Excelllent 1st part! Part 2: -Chanter and technique clarity shining through fantastically Part 3: -Good show of patience while still letting phrase endings feel resolute Part 4: -Strong finish R: Part 1: -Some overblowing on High A, otherwise great Part 2: -Very very slight crossing noise from C to E in bar 3 Part 3: -You're not giving me much to write here, Charlie 🙂 Part 4: -Great part 4 Part 5: -slip bar 6, and C doublings coming off of Low A not always exactly bang on Part 6: -very clean navigation through this part! Overall: Very well done here, Charlie. You're doing a good job of making my job difficult. Strathspey was lovely to listen to, and I really appreciated how mature you were about staying on the beat and avoiding the temptation to rush. The reel was ever so slightly better, which is a credit to both tunes really, and aside from the slip in the 5th part, I don't have much to add. There were a few crossing noises that slipped in throughout (like 3 or 4), and some of the C doublings coming off of low A weren't as precise as you can definitely make them, but overall excellent work here. Thank you for sharing this!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: Maggie Cameron and The Brown Haired Maid Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hello Anthony! S: Part 1: -Pipes sounding good, steady and full. Similarly, you're playing with a lot of maturity and poise. Great show of patience! Be careful in the last phrase (bar 7 beat 3 and 4) that things don't get too square Part 2: -Slight slip in the ending triplet of the part Part 3: -Losing out a little on the downbeat quarter note Es, don't be afraid to hold those right up until the next beat Part 4: -the cut C grip E passages might need a little more breathing room on the Cs to let them come through clearly R: Part 1: -Slight slip and choke, recovered nicely Part 2: -V. good Part 3: -great playing here too! Part 4: -be careful that your G gracenotes are very precise, especially when they happen on a note transition (bar 4 and 8 Part 5: -Do your best to keep your melody nice and light and delicate, at times felt like the hands were just slihglty behind the beat Part 6: -Work some on the cut notes of bar 2 and 6, at times the short notes just preceding a strike weren't as clear as the rest of the technical work of the tune Overall: Great playing here Anthony. You had a bold choice in reel with the 6-parted Brown Haired maid, but I would say your pick paid off. Pipes were lovely, and the playing overall was good, controlled, lively, and measured. There were a few spots I noted above where some of that control waned slightly, but again, overall, a great set. I feel you could maybe bring the tempo up just a little bit, but that will come naturally over time. Right now, keep doing what your doing, work on the stuff I noted above, and I look forward to hearing more from you in the future!
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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: Callum Ross 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: Caledonian Society of London, Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Callum! S: Part 1 -Interesting setting re the second phrase (I play an E instead of the B on the last note of bar 3) Part 2: -rushing in the last phrase of the part Part 3: -Triplets mostly controlled very well, the D E F triplet lacking some patience in comparison to the others Part 4: - good R: Part 1 -Opening up the GDE gracenotes a touch might help some here Part 2: -same as part 1 Part 3: -This part stood out, because it felt to me that you settled into the tune a little bit, and the music shone through more Part 4: -Be careful not let the F doublings push you to slow down thte tempo Overall, Callum, I really enjoyed this set. The strathspey had a good tempo to it, and a lot of good lift and pulsing here. Some of the cut notes up to High A were softer than others, and I would aim to try and make those more consistent. The last phrase of the second part also stood out a bit because of some rushing. Similarly, the reel had a great confident tempo, though I felt like you weren't always locked in with the timing of the GDEs in the beats. Some of them felt uncertain. A good performance on a solid bagpipe (drones very nearly bang on in tune, and the chanter was very good). A few crossing noise blips came through, but they were minor. Great job!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 6 Tunes: The Piper's Bonnet/John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Zyggy! Big tunes! S: Part 1: -Be careful not to let the scale triplets get too snippy, they're not there here, but they aren't far off either Part 2: -Scale triplets getting too snippy for me here, throws a little slow relative to the tune, otherwise great Part 3: -good! Part 4: -choke, triplets getting much too cut (especially the arpeggio C E HA) R: Part 1: -I would encourage you to check the setting you've got, because you're trading out doublings for birls Part 2: -Some of the cut notes are too cut, resulting in rushing Part 3: -Same as pt 2 Part 4: -Slight choke Part 5: -Great technique in the E doubling gauntlet, but you can't let it slow your tempo Part 6: -Be sure to finish the tune before slowing down into your wind down phrases and stuff. Overall: You've got really good hands, which is a double-edged sword. Because you can play some of this technique so quickly, the key for you will be to remain sure and in control of that. I felt that your D throws pulled the melody tempo down a bit too much, but the cut notes of the strathspey triplets and in the reel tended to be a bit to cut for me. Pipes are very good, aside from the few chokes I noted above, and hands are great. Musicality is right there, so the next step from here is to work on refining those things into the great performance I can tell you're capable of. Very enjoyable tunes here, Zyggy!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇧🇾 Tunes: Highland Harry & Kalabakan Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Ivan! S; Part 1: -good, be careful about crossing noises from bar 1 to bar 2 (B to High G) Part 2: -try to make your grips just a tiny bit cuter and smaller, and you'll have better luck extending the high As Part 3: -be careful with the scale triplets that you don't start them early and don't rush through them, and be sure to have patience on the high G at the end of bar 1 Part 4: -Same here with the scale triplets as part 3 R: Part 1: -be careful not to rush out of line 1 into 2 Part 2: -at times, you are cutting the High A at the end of bar 1 too short, rushing into the birl Part 3: -Good! Part 4: -Also v. good Overall: I really enjoyed this performance, Ivan, and it's always great ot hear classic tunes played well. I think the majority of the issues I heard are control issues, because you've got good hands that are more than capable of doing the technique involved with these two tunes. In the strathspey, the key to remember is patience on the long notes. Strathspeys are at their best when there is a lot of lift and a lot of space, so being sure to be patient on the long notes is a great start toward that end. Your reel was the stronger of the two tunes, but I did detect a lot of the same control things. Both tunes had minor issues, and the nice thing about something like this is once you work on and master the patience part, you'll experience a huge step forward in all of your tunes. Good playing, drones not quite locked but not distracting, and I enjoyed this set. Thank you!
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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: Jason Nering 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lady MacKenzie of Gareloch/ Roderick MacDonald Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Jason! S: Part 1: -Pipes not perfect, but very close! Nice controlled tempo, and techinque is very clear. Some inconsistencies in B doublings Part 2: -Be careful to make all of your scale triplets equally as snippy as each other. Some were coming through overly-clipped Part 3: -Technique good here, though the D throw cut down to B could be a little more precise Part 4: -Same thoughts as part 2, which makes sense. Strong finish R: Part 1: -Good Part 2: -Don't let your blowing lax on High G (that's annoyingly the most sensitive note 🙂 ) Part 3: -Good Part 4: -Slips, but good recoveries! Overall: Good tunes here Jason! The slips toward the end were unfortunate, but you recovered well. Recovering is just as useful of skill as anything else (moreso for live competitions admittedly). This strathspey was the first one I learned when I was working my way into competitive piping, and you're doing a very good job with it. Some things I would definitely focus on are the scale triplets (part 2 beat 2 as an example). While any one of these on its own is fine, this tune demands a level of consistency on the different scale triplets throughout. Most of yours were fine, but there were a couple of standout ones that I would try to iron out. The reel was very good, just as strong as your strathspey. Be careful not to underblow High G. It's the most sensitive note on the chanter, so because that you accomplish tuning using tape rather than blowing. You didn't have a choke here, but using blowing to achieve in-tune chanter notes is a dangerous road to go down. You're a very musical player, and your pipes are good. Once you've got the above things smoothed out, you'll be in excellent shape!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Joe Korber 🇺🇸 Tunes: Caledonian Canal/ Pigeon on The gate Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Joe! S: Part 1: -Losing some clarity in the short notes at times Part 2: -Smoother here, and the short notes are clearer Part 3: -C to High A crossing noises Part 4: -crossing noises in transitions from C R: Part 1: -playing much better here, slight flub at end of part with D throw Part 2: Good Part 1 and 2b: Similar to before, although the D Throws at times felt a little lighter than I would prefer. Since they are some of the only heavier embellishments, they stick out to the ear. Get those bang on and you'll hear a huge difference. Overall: Thank you for an enjoyable performance Joe! I quite enjoyed your reel, because you've got a great grasp of the idiom and the feel. Reels have a lovely chugging quality to them, and you captured that well. There are some technical things going on in your strathspey, mostly crossing noises from C to top hand notes, but I want to mention also that you've got some expression things going on that are holding you back a bit. I would suggest bringing the tempo down just a tad, but also try to focus on hitting every downbeat steadily and consistently. Strathspey expression deals more with how you budget the time within the beats, but the difficulty comes because you still need to hit each beat evenly and steadily. Well done, and the pipes sound great. Especially good high A!
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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 Richards 🇺🇸 Tunes: Scat Polly, Neil Angus Macdonald Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Keith! S: Part 1: -good start, although a little jarring to start right on the pickup note. Don't be afraid to let yourself settle in a bit before starting Part 2: -Some slight crossing noises coming through, very slight. Slip first time through the part (bar 3) Part 3: -V. Good! Part 4: -Also good, although some of the G gracenotes weren't quite as precise as other ones in the part R: Part 1: -Good Part 2: -Slip bar 4, otherwise solid Part 3: -Good Part 4: -Missed out on some of the g gracenote work Overall: Pipes good at start, though the blowing or the drones shifted some over the course of the set. Chanter good, but I do think you are underblowing the High A and High G a little bit (maybe to keep them in tune?). The big thing for me with this set was the memory/concentration slips. You've got very good technique (some crossing noises coming through, but otherwise genuinely very good), and you've got a good grasp of the control and musical expression needed for these tunes. The slips, however, detracted from this. Don't worry, every piper in the world has gone off the tune, but those concentration skills are just as much part of piping as any other technique or set up skill. Enjoyed the tunes here, and lots of great stuff to build on!
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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: Michael Storie 🇬🇧 Tunes: Mac an Irish, Lexy Mcaskill Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Michael! S: Part 1: -A little square, but you've started out with a good tempo for the tune Part 2: -Don't be afraid to stretch the High A in beat 2 bar 1 and 5 a little more Part 3: Good! Part 4: -You could use a stronger High A on beat 1s. That high A will feel like it's centuries long if you hold it long enough, but that little touch makes a world of difference! R: Part 1: -be careful that strikes on B show a clear a Low G tone Part 2: -slight slip from line 1 to line 2 Part 3: -slighlty fluffy e strike at the end of line 1 Part 4: -Strong finish, though there were a few almost-fluffed strikes Good show here, Michael, and you should be proud. Pipes are sounding good, but I do want to mention that the chanter was sharp relative to the drones. I noticed that most when you finished, because you relaxed into the drone pitch. Chanter sounds good on its own, drones too on their own, just not quite together. Playing is good here; you've got a good grasp of what your vision is with these tunes. Mac an Irish is a deceptively tough tune (with the shakes, strikes, etc). I think the next step with this tune is to push the strathspey expression part of things forward and out; you've got a lot more room in the beat than you are taking advantage of right now. And, I know you've got the hands to do it! The reel wasn't quite as strong as the strathspey, but that was more because of some techincal stuff. A lot of your E strikes are great, nice and poppy, but (with this tune especially) you need to aim to get all of them as strong as the best ones. Otherwise, you've got a great set here. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future!
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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: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Ewe wit the crooked horn/ Kalabakan Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Scott! S: Part 1: -Pipes great (though the mic is muting things somewhat). Bar 4, be careful not to rush to the C after the Low A Taorluath Part 2: -Very good, the second D throw in bar 7 not as solid as the one before it Part 3: -Starting to get a little square Part 4: -The trick in these parts where you have the same rythm over and over is to really lean into the expression component R: Part 1: -Good! Some Low A to D crossing noises coming through (watch the pinky!) Part 2: -Good, but the High A to Low A imprecisions detracted a bit Part 3: -Good Part 4: -Things started to round off here Overall: Good playing here, and you've got control in spades. I'd like to see you bring a little more of the strathspey expression out in part 4, especially because you have 13 beats in a row of hold cut rythms. The big thing for me in the reel is making sure you're getting to the low A before birls cleanly and confidently. You've got a great foundation here, and a great sound, and I really enjoyed this performance. A little bit of polishing, and you'll be in excellent shape!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Watson 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Dr ross's 50th farewell to the argyllshire gathering Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Jack. Excellent playing! In fact, you should really be in a higher grade level. Execution is very clean and crisp. Good tempo; maybe slightly dragging in 3rd part. Good 6/8 expression with a good use of dot/cut phrasing. Very steady bagpipe. Drones well set. Chanter balanced, but high A very scratchy. Excellent performance!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Angus MacKinnon Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Ziggy. Really good playing! Nice use of dot/cut phrasing to produce a nice “swingy” 6/8. Fingering is very crisp and mostly clean. Make sure to fully close the bottom two holes on your B taps. Some B taorluaths not clean. Good tempo. Dragging a bit in 3rd part. Very good bagpipes. Well tuned and steady throughout (other than small choke in 4th part). This was an excellent G4 performance. Nice job!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Keith Richards 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Fairview Cottage Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: HI Keith. Very good 6/8 march! You have really nice control of your phrasing with a good dot/cut approach. This is critical for good 6/8 playing. Execution was crisp and mostly clean. Slight crossing noises in your low A/C/E and low A/D/E sequences. A few missed F doublings and taps. Good bagpipe sound. Blowing is steady and drones well tuned. Chanter a bit flat on high A and F, but otherwise good. A really good G4 performance. Nicely done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: Miss Lily Christie Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Sam. Really good 6/8 playing! You’re expressing the tune very nicely with good use of dot/cut phrasing. Tempo was appropriate for the grade level and steady throughout. Your execution is very crisp, but not always consistent. Some missed birls, and taps in spots. A more open and relaxed approach to your technique might help with consistency. Very nice bagpipe sound. Drones were solid. Chanter very bright and balanced other than a slightly sharp high G. This was a very good performance. Nice job!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bronwyn Heywood 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: Diu Regnare Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Bronwyn. Nice tune! Your execution is very crisp, but a bit too tight at times. Some cut notes are too cut. Some D throws not coming out cleanly. Make sure there’s a distinct low G sound at the start of your throw movement. Overall, a looser approach to your execution would provide a bit more consistency. Very good dot/cut feel to your tune. Occasionally, you’re rushing into your phrases. You can check this with a metronome. Pipes were steady, but not quite in tune. Chanter set a bit sharp to drones. Overall, some really strong playing. Just a slightly more relaxed approach needed. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: PM DONALD MACLEAN OF LEWIS Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Sean. Good playing! Your execution is mostly clean and very crisp. Nice, lively tempo. Timing and phrasing need work. You have a good dot/cut feel to the idiom, but you’re often rushing your phrases. I think if you tried playing with your metronome you would hear and feel where your jumping into phrases early. Be patient and wait for the downbeats. Pipes were very good. Nicely tuned drones and chanter. Get your phrasing under control, and you’ll be solid! Good luck!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Tunes: Dr Ross's 50th welcome to the argyllshire gathering Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Anthony. Great job with your 6/8! Your execution is clean and crisp. Good, controlled tempo from start to finish. Timing is a bit round. You’ll need to develop a bit more dot/cut approach to your phrasing to get more of a 6/8 feel. Having said that, at this stage in your development, execution is always first, so only increase the dot/cut phrases to the point that allows you to still play cleanly. Excellent instrument! Pipes were well tuned and steady. This was a very good G4 performance. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Zaleski 🇺🇸 Tunes: Angus MacKinnon Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Chris. Really good bagpipe! Blowing is steady, drones well tuned, and a balanced and bright chanter. Execution is quite good. Gracenotes could be a bit crisper. Make sure the placement of your gracenote is directly on the note. Gracenotes that are within a doubling need to be clear and distinct from one another. Good tempo; maybe dragging a bit in the 3rd part. Timing and phrasing is very erratic. You’re really jumping into the pickup notes way too early. Practicing with a metronome will help you to hear and feel this. Overall, you just need to smooth out the phrasing. This will greatly improve the musicality of this tune. Good luck!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erika Redford 🇺🇸 Tunes: John D. Burgess Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Erika. Thanks for your submission. Generally speaking, your execution is just too tight. Most movements are crushed and the individual gracenotes within your embellishments are not coming through. Try to relax and open up all your movements. I’d suggest going back to some basic embellishment exercises, playing through them slowly and striving for 100% accuracy. You also need to open up your phrasing. Cut notes are way too cut. Your tempos were fine, but you may need to slow down a bit until you can consistently execute your movements and phrasing. Good luck!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gabriel Holbrook 🇺🇸 Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Gabriel. Nicely done! You have some good dot/cut phrasing which is so important for proper 6/8 phrasing. Your biggest issue is with your execution. You have a lot of crossing noises throughout the tune. You also need to work on your doubling technique. The gracenote placement within your doublings is not accurate or consistent. There are many good exercises that can really help you to focus and improve both of these execution issues. Check with your instructor for some examples. Good bagpipe sound; however, drones were not quite in tune. Keep working!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇧🇾 Tunes: P.M. Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Ivan. Nice playing. Really good bagpipe! Well tuned and steady throughout your tune. Careful not to overblow on the top hand. High G and A can be especially sensitive to even slight pressure changes. Execution is mostly clean and crisp. Some sloppy spots in 4th part, but overall very clean. Good dot/cut approach which is critical to proper 6/8 timing. You have a tendency to jump into some phrases early at times. Try practicing with a metronome and you should be able to feel where you’re jumping early. Overall, some really good playing!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jason Nering 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lord MacPherson of Drumochter Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Jason. You have nice snap to your fingers; however, there are some execution issues to address. B taorluaths are not coming out cleanly. Make sure there are 2 distinct low G sounds within your taorluaths. Tacums are a bit sloppy. Need to develop a bit more snap with the D gracenote. Taps inconsistent. Tempo was appropriate for the grade and was steady throughout. You have a nice dot/cut approach to your phrasing, but at times, you’re beginning phrases ahead of the downbeat which is interfering with your timing. Nice chanter sound; although it was set a bit sharp to drones. Drones not quite locked. Overall, a pretty good performance. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joby Winans 🇺🇸 Tunes: Cock of the North Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Joby. Thanks for your submission! You have a nice “swingy” approach to your 6/8 idiom which is great. Your biggest focus will need to be on improving your execution. Crossing noises are prevalent throughout your tune. Embellishments are not coming out crisply or consistently. There are many good exercises that can help with these issues. Talk to your instructor and they may be able to suggest some good ones. You seemed to be struggling a bit with your pipes as your blowing was unsteady especially later in the tune. Again, an instructor can help you make sure your pipes are set up correctly and show you how to better tune your drones and chanter. Best of luck!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joe Korber 🇺🇸 Tunes: 10th Battalion HLI crossing the Rhine Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Joe. Nicely played tune. You have some good 6/8 phrasing which gives a nice swing to your tune. Be careful to finish your phrases. At times, you're rushing into your phrases giving a pushed feel to the tune. Embellishments are generally clean and crisp. Biggest execution issue is crossing noises, particularly in the low A/C/E sequence. Nice bagpipes! Drones well tuned and steady. Chanter bright and balanced. Overall, a very nice performance!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kaitlyn Covarrubias 🇺🇸 Tunes: Bengullion Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kaitlyn. Good playing! Your execution is generally quite good. Some things that need work are your E doublings (especially coming from F) and your D throws. The gracenotes within your E doubling need to be clear and distinct from each other. Don’t run them together. Make sure D throws always begin with a clear low G sound. Also; watch the B to E crossing noises. Your tempo was appropriate for the grade level. Phrasing is a bit too round, but I wouldn’t worry too much about that until you can fix your execution issues. I like your bagpipe sound. Good drones and a balanced and bold chanter sound. Maybe slightly underblown at times. Great potential. Stick with it!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Maureen Moore 🇺🇸 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Maureen. Your execution with this tune is basically correct and mostly clean. Tempo is appropriate for the grade and you kept it steady throughout. Timing is your biggest issue. You are not playing your dot/cut phrases correctly which is not allowing you to express the tune in its proper 6/8 idiom. The opening 3 phrase is a good example. The first 3 notes of this phrase includes a dotted ⅛ note, followed by a 1/16th note, and then an ⅛ note. This is a very common sequence in 6/8’s and is seen throughout the tune. You are not holding the dotted ⅛ note long enough and you’re not cutting the 1/16 note enough. You’re playing the 3 notes as if they are all 1/8th notes (round). If you can extend these dotted 1/8ths and shorten the 1/16th notes, your timing and expression will improve immensely. Good luck!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nick Haynes 🇺🇸 Tunes: John D Burgess Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi NIck. Your execution is generally quite clean. Biggest issue to address is crossing noises, particularly in the low A/C/E and low A/D/F sequences. Tempo is appropriate for grade level and remained steady throughout. Timing is good, but expression is too round. A more dot/cut approach would produce more of the expected 6/8 swing. Pipes steady, except for some slight overblowing in 4th part. Drones tuned to each other but not to chanter. NIcely done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Scott. Very nicely played tune! Execution is generally clean. Careful with the E doublings from F. It’s important to place the initial G gracenote directly on the E, and then make sure to fully complete the G gracenote before beginning the F gracenote. Each gracenote should be crisp and separate from the other. Yours are a bit “mushy” at times. C tacums also not always clean. The key to a good tacum is a crisp D gracenote on the low A. If it’s late or too big, the tacum will not be clean. Good, steady tempo throughout the tune. Make sure not to jump into phrases. Wait for the down beat! Great chanter sound! Very bright and well balanced. Drones not quite locked in. Overall, this was a very strong performance. Well done!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Glengarries Lament Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Sam, great bagpipe sound at strike up. Clean technique coming through well and nice muscial phrasing. Var 1, good consistency here, again gracenotes coming through well. Thoroughly enjoyable performance well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: The Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry (Alasdair Dearg) Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Zyggy, lovely pipe from the strike in. Nice phrasing and impressive technique. Good muscial flow to the ground. Dithis a little on the clipped side but this a minor criticism - a very strong tune well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Chris Zaleski 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Chris thanks for entering. Well tuned pipe, Bold start to this Gathering tune. Clean technique. Good ground. Into Var 1 - careful not to snatch at the wee linking B in first phrase. Otherwise a clean, bold tune , enjoyed it, thanks.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Callum Ross 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Struan Robertson's Salute Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Callum thanks for entering . Pipe well tuned from outset, Nice clean technique, A muscial flowing ground . T singling - slightly tight T movement , not always consistent. Underblowing on D at times. Nice tempo lift to doubling. T movement not always clear here, otherwise good flow to variation, wee choke at the very end. Enjoyable performance well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Maureen Moore 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: MacGregor's Salute Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Maureen, thanks for the entry. Pipe quite nice, clean start. Make sure you complete each 2 bar phrase. Piob high G a little sharp at times. Mostly musical interpretation of this tune , with pretty good technique, well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Jason Nering 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: MacKinnon's Lament Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Jason, thanks for your entry. Strong chanter sound, D a touch sharp. Hiharin movement - D gracenote is quite open which unbalances the movement. Good run downs. Ground flows well. ok to Tuarluath, the occasional tight GDE distracts, wee choke late in the performance - otherwise a pretty good run thanks for the listen.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Cabar Feidh Gu Brath Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Brian, thanks for the entry. Pipe quite nice from outset. I wonder if your grip movement could have a shade more low G in it? Muscially try to get away from playing beat to beat, rather aim for that 2 bar phrase. That should help the melody flow more. Pleasnat ground nonetheless. Var 1 - Tuarluath movement not consistent, again I fell that you're holding each beat of each bar, rather than moving through the phrase, wee fumble last line otherwise well handled, thanks.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Elizabeth Wilson 🇺🇸 Tunes: Munro’s Salute Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Elizabeth, enjoyed your cheerful introduction. Drones not quite in at start, clean fingering, wee chokes distract however. F a touch sharp. Very good phrasing and muscial flow throughout ground, nice. Var 1 - careful not to snatch the wee cut notes. Othwerwise well phrased, thanks for the listen, a muscial tune well done. (ps it was piob society setting )
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Erika Redford 🇺🇸 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Erika, thanks for your entry. Amazing background there! Acoustics must be fantastic. Nice pipe, drones not 100% locked. Confident start to tune, nice clean hands. 2 bar phrasing coming through well. Hi A a little distracting , just need more air at times. Wee crossing noises coming in now. Ground went a bit better than first variation but welll done a strong effort nonetheless.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇧🇾 Tunes: Prince's Salute Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Ivan, good of you to enter. Big tune for this grade. Pipe ok at start, some variations in blowing evident throughout ground. Muscially a little stilted, I wonder if you focussed on the 2 bar phrasing (push through the phrase a little) it would flow better. Technically clean. Var 1 ok, again just not quite flowing through the phrase. Clean hands, D a touch sharp. Well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Keith Richards 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lament for pipe major Robert Reid Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Keith - thanks for entering. Shame you didnt get the drones in for this. Good strong hands , nice flow to the ground too. SLightly distracting when you're using hand movements to conduct the tune. Good tempo lift to var1. Throughout you demonstrate a strong grasp of the tune and your technique is clean for the most part, well done , for me the drones just weren't in tune and this a significant distraction for me from the music. You have plenty of potential - keep up the good work. (Tune is by William Barrie)
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Michael Storie 🇬🇧 Tunes: Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Michael, thanks for entering , drones not quite in. Open technique (which is fine at this level - will stand you in good stead later in your career). Mostly well phrased ground, Nice to Dithis, wee error last line. Good tune , keep working hard, well done. ps this is piobaireachd society's setting)
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Nick Haynes 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lament for the Old Sword Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Nick thanks for entering. Robust pipe, not 100% locked ( but close). Mostly accurate technique, throw on D slightly intrusive , otherwise good phrasing. Var 1 - I wonder if you could just liven this up with shaving a little off those linking low A's. Variable blowing on Hi G at times. Nonetheless an enjoyable performance thanks.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Donella Beaton Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice first impression with your bagpipe - very well setup and played. Great musical presentation here as well. Nice phrasing and execution. Great short notes ! Nice tune, thank you. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Good impression with bagpipe strike in and start. Good tempo with good clear execution. Phrasing is nice and musical here. Pacing is excellent. Thank you for this. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Keith Richards 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Curlew Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A good strong first impression with both musical and execution. Pipe is well set and blown. Watch third part and work towards making this as strong as the other three. Just a wee bit less strong presentation in third. Nice overall delivery. Thank you. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Callum Ross 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Kenny Gilles of Portnalong Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Good first impression with sound and expression here. Good tempo. Execution strong with good dot cut idiom. A few wee misses with E taps. A good consistant tune. Thank you. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Watson 🇦🇺 Place: 5 Tunes: The Skylarks Ascension Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A good first impression with your pipe. Tempo is nice and musical. High A is a little distracting otherwise a nice pipe. Phrasing well here with a musical delivery. Execution is strong as well. thank you. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Maureen Moore 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Donald MacLennan's Tuning Phrase Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Nice execution to start here with a good tempo. Watch for early G gracenote placement. Chanter well set up , hard to hear the drones with such echo. Very cool setting to play. Again, the noticeable thing is the G gracenote to start the triplet being just a wee bit ahead of your foot. Thank you so much. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇧🇾 Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Good tempo to start. A wee bit ahead of your foot/tempo with G gracenote placement. Watch for this and work towards working with a metronome. Good tempo and a good musical feel at times, however the forward beat placement takes away from the musical delivery. Thank you David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jason Nering 🇺🇸 Tunes: Paddy Be Easy Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Tempo is good to start. Pipe is well blown, not sure about this setting of this tune. Check for the original setting as I believe this has been arranged leaving out most of the execution. Quite musical throughout, however watch to place your G gracenote on the beat to keep the musical delivery evident. Thank you. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Lark in the morning Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A good tempo to Start. Overall the plating is ahead of your foot and beat causing the phrasing to lose musicality. Work towards working with a metronome to execute those G gracenotes ON the beat to start each bar. Thank you again, David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Mrs John MacColl, Maggie Cameron, Kalabakan Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A good strong strike in with a nice bagpipe. Good tempo and idiom here ! Nice contrast and short notes that really reflect the music of a 2/4. Good into spey with good dance idiom and contrast. Watch for some unclean fingering. A nice musical reall with just the correct amount of cut. A nice MSR. A nice harmonic bagpipe. Thank you David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Rothie Murchus, Monymusk, The Sheepwife Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice first impression with your instrument and tempo. Good 2/4 idiom here. A nice march. Good to spey, watch that you are cutting all short notes the same Value. Hands going well. Tempo good here, however idiom not solidified into spey feel all the way. Good to reel, a good lively tempo here giving way to a nice reel pulse and feel. Wee slip. Hands going well here in a difficult tune for any level. Keep that reel pulse feel going ! A well presented MSR thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Philip Duthie 🏴 Place: 3 Tunes: Donald Macleans farewell to Oban, Susan Macleod, sound of Sleat Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Good tempo to start here, 2/4 idiom evident. Drones out from start, however chanter quite well set. Keep that idiom going all the way through. Work towards all short notes having the same length, some are longer than others here taking away from the musical presentation. 4th better. Spey entry ok. Tempo ok, however could use a wee bit more contrast in the phrases. 3rd nice and strong birls. Good to reel, good tempo and pulse. Nice use of off beats here. Musical overall feel here. Nice MSR, thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nicholas Barber 🇦🇺 Place: 4 Tunes: Inveran, Maggie Cameron, Colonel McLeod Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. What a lovely venue to play ! A good strong start. Work towards getting even more contrast in your 2/4 idiom, all in the correct direction, just needs a wee bit more pulse. Good to spey. Some short notes are just a wee bit bigger than the shortest correct ones causing some confusion in idiom at times. Overall nice. Reel is well presented with good tempo and idiom. Execution quite strong. Thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lee McLeod 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Colin Thompson, Highland Harry, Sound of Sleat Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Nice first impression with pipes. Good idiom out of the gate. Tempo is a wee bit on the slow side, however the contrast is evident and consistent. Again, good idiom and phrasing with a slower tempo. Watch for cross notes. A nice entry to Reel with good tempo and idiom pushing the music feel out. Thank you David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Arniston Castle, Thompson’s Dirk Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Good tempo to start, with a 2/4 march pulse. Pipe going ok. Nice short notes. A good pulse continuing here in pt 3. Good pulse to spey with a good dance tempo. Watch birl accuracy. Nice break to reel with a good pulse.Musical reel here. Thank you for a good MSR. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Camille Layt 🇦🇺 Tunes: David Ross, Susan Macleod, The Grey Bob Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice pipe to start. Tempo is nice here. Work towards clean crossing notes with some extra exercises. A nice musical march. A nice spey feel here with evident grasp of idiom. A wee bit slow, it is hard to really present a good contrast at this tempo. However in the correct direction here. Reel has a nice feel with good off beat use. Small slip, keep at it ! Thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Iron Division, The Lad that Wears the Plaid, The Blackberry Bush. Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. What a great back drop ! Tempo is ok. 2/4 idiom is coming through here. Drones well out to start. Keep that 2/4 drive going to support the music. Marching could help to keep the pulse flowing. Good tempo in spey, really pull out the contrast to push the dance idiom feel. Wee slip. Reel, fingering strength is evident here. Work towards getting the execution stronger to present the tune a little easier musically. Work on those exercises and keep up the good work. Thanks, David. -
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Glenfinnan Highland Gathering, Captain Colin Campbell, Kalabachan Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Tempo to start is a wee bit on the slow side, settled after the first line into a decent tempo. 2/4 idiom is evident here, however work towards ensuring it is presenting all the way through. Spey tempo is significantly slow here. It is very difficult to present a spey idiom at this tempo. Reel tempo here is better, reel in an MSR setting should be presented in a dot cut format, this is quite a round setting. thank you again, David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sparklin 🇺🇸 Tunes: Cpt Carswell, Highland Harry, and Willie Cummins Rant Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice tempo to start. Some cross notes evident, work towards a clean tune with some exercises. Idiom is nice and musical here. Good tempo to spey. Good grasp of spey idiom with good contrast coming through. Nice musical reel with good contrast here. Thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hart Greenwood 🇺🇸 Tunes: 93Rd Sutherland Highlanders Farewell to Edinburgh, Jennifer Finlayson, Captain Lachlan Macphail Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice porch to play on ! Bagpipe first impression is nice. Tempo is nice to start. Some unclean passages, work towards cleaning those up with exercises. Overall a nice 2/4 idiom. Nice spey tempo and feel here. Again just work towards clean execution. Thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Tunes: Kelly McColl, Struan Robertson, Dolina Mackay Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice first impression of your bagpipe. Tempo is nice here. Phrasing is evident with just the odd blip in the idiom here and there. Work towards a smooth musical presentation. Spey temp ok. Again overall a decent idiom with just a few moments of wavering off the pulse. Good to reel tempo. Work towards clean finger work here. An overall nice MSR. thank you David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: Bank's View, Inveraray Castle, Willie Cumming's Rant Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice first impression with your instrument. Tempo and 2/4 idiom feel is presented nicely here. Watch to keep some rushing from coming through. A nice harmonic bagpipe. Nice to spey with a good sense of the dance idiom. A wee bit on the slow side, however good contrast. Again, watch for some rushing coming through. Some lovely short notes evident. Nice to reel with nice musical feel, again just some rushing coming through. Thanks David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rian Warnock Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel, The Marquis of Huntly's Highland Fling and Lexi McAskill Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. 2/4 idiom is evident here, however tempo is on the slow side. Bring the tempo up for a more musical presentation and ease of phrasing. A good entry to spey with a nice dance feel and contrast. High A is quite flat and is evident here as the rest of the chanter is well set. Good to Lexi with nice reel pulse. Good use of off beat here to present the music. Thank you, David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi, The Lad that Wears the Plaid, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree. Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Nice tempo to start, watch that the phrasing is pulsed well to start to really capture the musical presentation. Again, tempo ok, watch for execution that can be cleaned up with exercises. Work towards a clean set. Moments of nice phrasing here ! Reel tempo good, keep working on your fingering and the phrasing will fall into place. Thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Silke Reimann 🇩🇪 Tunes: Donald MacLeans Farewell to Oban, Captain Collin Campbell, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Good tempo to start. Some technical fingering issues, keep working on those excercises and you will overcome them :-). Quite a quick entry to spey, take a wee moment to let the break breath here. Tempo ok, again work towards clean playing with the exercises. Reel is the most musical of the three, nice overall reel feel here. Thank you. David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: John MacColl's Farewell to the Scottish Horse Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kathryn. I really enjoyed this tune! Execution is good; crisp fingering and mostly clean technique. Very good dot/cut feel to your expression resulting in a really “swingy” approach. Good tempo; some slight rushing in 3rd part. Timing needs a bit of work. You’re often ending/beginning phrases early. Try to sit back and wait for your downbeats. Practicing with a metronome is a good way to hear and feel when you’re early. Very nice bagpipe sound. A warm and rich drone sound, with a bright and balanced chanter. Chanter set slightly sharp to drones. This was a solid performance. With a more controlled approach to your phrasing, it will be even better. Nice job!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nicholas Barber 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Nicholas. A really strong performance! Your execution is very crisp and clean. Tempo was steady from start to finish. Expression a bit on the round side. For a more pointed approach, try to hold the dotted 1/8th notes that begin many of the phrases. Then cut the following 1/16th note. This more dot/cut approach will give your 6/8 a much “swingier” feel. Very steady pipes, but drones were set a bit flat to chanter. Nice, bright chanter sound. Slightly sharp on high G. Overall, a very well played tune!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: All the Blue Bonnets are Over the Border Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Glen-mary. Very good playing! Your execution is very crisp and mostly clean. A few missed embellishments here and there, but overall very strong. Opening up some of your movements would improve your overall consistency. Tempo was very lively. You were actually playing faster than you were marching which gives the impression that you’re rushing the tune. Timing is also rushed, in that you are not giving enough time to the dotted ⅛ notes at the beginnings of phrases. This results in a “rounded” approach to your expression. I’d suggest a slight slower tempo, focusing on pointing (holding) the dotted ⅛ notes at the start of each triplet sequence, and then cutting the second note (1/16th note) a bit more. This will give you a much “swingier” approach to expression which is critical to good 6/8 playing. Overall though, a very good performance!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Place: 4 Tunes: Donald Maclean of Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kevin. Very good tune! Your execution is crisp and mostly clean. A few missed taps and birls in places. Wrong note in the second to last bar. Tempo was steady throughout tune. You need a little more control of your phrasing. You’re often leaving/arriving to phrases early giving a very “pushed” effect to your timing. Try practicing with a metronome and I’m sure you’ll hear/feel where you’re early. If not, then mark the downbeats on the music, then play through the tune with a metronome and see if you’re actually starting/ending notes on the marked notes. Your bagpipes were good. Well tuned and steady throughout. Overall, you just need to fix your timing issue and you’ll have a really good handle on this tune. Good luck!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Marius Treutwein 🇩🇪 Place: 5 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Marius. Really good playing! Execution is crisp and clear. A few minor crossing noises from to D to E. A few birls not 100% clean. Sounds like your B finger may be moving slightly off the hole during birl movement. Tempo was steady from start to finish. Timing and expression need a bit of work. You’re rushing your triplet phrases. This causes your timing to be rushed and round. 6/8’s are generally built around triplets beginning with a dotted ⅛ note, then a 1/16 note, and finally another 1/8th note. For example; bar one of Donald MacLean begins with a low A (dotted ⅛), B (1/16th) and low A (⅛). You are rushing past the low A too quickly. Additionally, this causes you to be way too early to the last low A (¼ note) in bar one. You pretty much repeat this pattern through the whole tune which causes your timing to be very rushed and ahead of the downbeats. Practicing with a metronome can help you to hear and feel when you’re leaving or arriving at notes too early. Very nice bagpipes! Pipes are steady and well tuned. Overall, a very nice performance!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Martin. Good playing overall! Your execution is generally quite good. Nice snap to your movements. At times, your gracenote placement is not 100% accurate. For example; E doubling coming from F. Or C tacums. The gracenote in these movements must be crisp and happen exactly on the main note. Good tempo; steady from start to finish. Biggest area of improvement would be with timing. You’re consistently playing ahead of the beat. Phrases and sub-phrases should always begin on the beat. Record yourself playing to a metronome and I’m sure you’ll hear where you’re beginning your phrases early. Nice bagpipe sound! Drones maybe not perfectly locked in, but very close. Nice, bright chanter. Slightly sharp on high G. Nice performance!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Carsten. Nicely played tune! You have good snap to your fingers, but some movements are a bit too tight which is contributing to some sloppy execution. Watch the crossing noise in the closing phrase (bar 7, B to high G). Several missed taps. Birls at end of part are early; make sure to place them right on the final downbeat. Jumping into your D throws too early. These early birls and D throws are affecting your timing. If you can fix those, your timing and expression would be quite good. Drones well tuned to each other, but set a bit flat to the chanter. Pipes steady throughout tune. Most of these issues are an easy fix. Once fixed, you’ll have a really nice tune! Good luck!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Damian. Your execution is generally quite good. Your biggest issue is with timing and expression. 6/8’s are generally built around triplets beginning with a dotted ⅛ note, then a 1/16 note, and finally another 1/8th note. For example; bar one of Donald MacLean begins with a low A (dotted ⅛), B (1/16th) and low A (⅛). You are rushing past the low A much too quickly. Additionally, this causes you to be way too early to the last low A (¼ note) in bar one. You pretty much repeat this pattern through the whole tune which causes your timing to be very rushed and ahead of the downbeats. Practicing with a metronome can help you to hear and feel when you’re leaving or arriving at notes too early. Good bagpipe sound. Drones note completely locked in, but quite good. Fix your timing issues and this would be a very strong performance!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sparklin 🇺🇸 Tunes: Mrs Donald McLean of Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Eric. Nicely done! Your execution is quite good. Crisp fingering, but a few moments of sloppiness here and there. GDE movement in 3rd bar of 3rd part is rough. Some minor crossing noises. Tempo is good. Timing needs some work. You’re often rushing the triplet movements which causes you to be early to the next phrase. 6/8’s are generally built around triplets beginning with a dotted ⅛ note, then a 1/16 note, and finally another 1/8th note. For example; bar one of Donald MacLean begins with a low A (dotted ⅛), B (1/16th) and low A (⅛). Try holding the first low A more. Additionally, don’t be early to the last low A (¼ note) in bar one. Practicing with a metronome can help you to hear and feel when you’re leaving or arriving at notes too early. Drones were well tuned to each other, but not quite locked into chanter. Pipes were steady, other than slight choke in 3rd part. Overall, a well played tune. Just a little more polish needed with the timing. Good luck!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: PM Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Laura. Your execution is quite good overall. Good snap to fingers and most movements are clean. A few missed taps here and there. Biggest issue is your phrasing and timing. 6/8’s are generally built around triplets beginning with a dotted ⅛ note, then a 1/16 note, and finally another 1/8th note. For example; bar one of Donald MacLean begins with a low A (dotted ⅛), B (1/16th) and low A (⅛). You are rushing past the low A much too quickly. Additionally, this causes you to be way too early to the last low A (¼ note) in bar one. You pretty much repeat this pattern through the whole tune which causes your timing to be very rushed and ahead of the downbeats. Practicing with a metronome can help you to hear and feel when you’re leaving or arriving at notes too early. Tempo is good. Good bagpipe sound. Fix the timing issues and you’ll have a really strong performance. Good luck!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Dovecote Park. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Richard. Thanks for sharing your tune! There are several areas of your execution that will need some work. Taorluaths, grips, and D throws should always include two distinct low G sounds within the movement. Yours are lacking this. I’d suggest some embellishment exercises repeated multiple times very slowly until you can consistently develop these clear low G sounds. Your tempo was steady throughout the tune; however, your timing is much too round. The key to good 6/8 march expression is to hold the dotted 1/8th notes and cut the following 1/16th notes. This produces the distinctive “swing” heard in good 6/8 playing. It’s also important not to begin phrases or notes ahead of the downbeat. Practicing with a metronome can really help with this. Spend some time focusing on these issues, and you’re playing will be much improved. Good luck!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nicholas Barber 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: John Patterson's Mare Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo selected and bagpipe well tuned and controlled throughout performance 1. Good 2. Good 3. okay 4. Good 5. okay 6. okay Overall a very nice performance played with confidence and control throughout. Could use a little bit more separation of beat notes to keep you right locked-in (ie. Part 3 C to Low A GDE combinations into the GDE on Low A following) as there were times where the technique was close to being laboured or going from one to the other creating a pushed feel. Well done otherwise!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Mrs. Sharon Duthart Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and a nice instrument you have nice control over that was in tune from start to finish. 1st: good 2nd: good 3rd: good 4th: missed GDE on C first time through Overall I felt that the tempo was proper however there were some passages (ie. being early to the short B strike that came across as pushed (ahead of the beat) in each part which detracts from the overall presentation and limits the necessary time required to play the technique accurately both technically and rhythmically. You have great hands so just relax a bit and wait for the beat to fall and let it happen. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: PM Jimmy McGregor Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice controlled tempo maintained from start to finish on a decent bagpipe that held. D was a tad sharp. 1. A little dirty going back into the repeat. 2. Good 3. Light birl to start part; jumped off the B to the Birl early. 4. Great. Overall a very nice performance on a decent bagpipe. Some comments above pertaining to pushing the beat a tad which in turn can create tension and inaccuracies so relax and just stay on the beat. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Rakes of Kildare Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo on a nice bagpipe with drones pretty close but not quite locked together detracting from overall sound. 1. Good 2. Setting here in the 2nd part different than what I have heard? You were consistent but just have a look at your music again to be sure. 3. Nice 4. Good - Don't rush the High A grip as you have the time to play the grip then wait before the first High A strike folloiwng as you are coming across a bit pushed here and you do need all the time available to play the technique. Very enjoyable performance played with a nice feel on a nice bagpipe you appear to have nice control over. Try to be a little more consistent with the timing to provide you the time required to put everything in place technically and rhythmically. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: The Curlew Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo that was played consistently from start to finish on a bagpipe that was okay however drones not quite locked together and on with Low A detracting from the overall sound quality. 1. Nice 2. light F doublings first time through 3. Slight choke 4. Good; slight choke and slight chirp on Low G 2nd time through. Overall a nice performance played with confidence and control on a decent instrument not quite in tune. Some light technique occurring at times that can be caused from tension (pipe too hard or hands too tight on chanter) which in turn creates a pushed feel preventing you to have the necessary time to stay relaxed and accurate. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Cutting Bracken. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Appropriate tempo and pipe okay with drones not quite locked together. 1. Light E strike near start 2. Not articluating the GDE from Low G to Low A correctly here. 3. Pretty good here 4. Again a little inaccurate on the same Low G to Low A GDE combination. Overall a nicely presented jig played with lots of confidence. Watch you don't jump off the B too early onto to the E strikes in the part endings throughout the tune. Nice feel for the music just need to loosen up hands a bit more and be more accurate with technique and timing to bring this performance up to another level. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Turf Lodge Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo on an instrument that seems good however the drones are not in tune together or in with the Low A detracting from overall sound quality. 1. watch the ending as you are not completing the grip from D to Low A before starting the birl causing a pushed feel 2. pushed 3. mistake on the repeat of the part and again slgihtly pushed. 4. pushed in the starting phrase here again. Overally well played and you have a nice sense of the music but just a little inconsistent with the timing creating technical concerns (ie. ending of the parts as mentioned in part 1. Keep it in time and this alone will provide you the required time you need to play the technique accurately. The metronome will help in this regard and once you have it this will improve your overally performance. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sparklin 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Curlew Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo from start to finish and bagpipe okay however the recording with the mic position is creating a "tinny" chanter sound during this performance. 1. Watch the B to Low A GDE as not clean first time through but got better. 2. Slight crossing noise up to F at end of first time through. 3. Losing a little control with tempo and slight choke at end of part. 4. Nice Overall very well played on a decent bagpipe. Some little inaccuracies caused from pushing the beat a slight bit and is easily fixed by keeping your hands relaxed more and by staying in time which will allow you the time needed to be accurate. Good hands so just relax more and work on staying in time to improve your performance.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: Donella Beaton Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice, controlled tempo that got a little faster by end of the first part. Pipes pretty good with drones not quite locked together detracting from the overally sound quality. 1. Nice start but tempo increased by end of the part. 2. Losing control 3. Again tempo getting faster here. 4. Losing control here especially near the part endings where you could use the time to accurately play the technique which is coming across pushed for this performance. Overall you have nice hands and a pretty good command of your instrument. You could befefit greatly by establishing a nice, consistent tempo (rhythm) which will provide you all the necessary time to play the technique accurately as when you were in time, there were very few misses. Pushing can be the result of playing ahead of the beat due to nerves or bagpipe being a tad hard. Very enjoyable nonetheless!!!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Cork Hill. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: NIce tempo on a nice pipe with drones not quite locked in. 1. okay but grace notes are really big causing them to be on top of one another at times. 2. some slight crossing noises going up in bar 1 and laboured ending 2nd time through (Grace note sizes can contribute to this). 3. E to C strikes some slight crossing noises. 4. A little off toward the part endings as if losing control and slight loss of tune in 4th. Overall you have a nice feel for the music but some little crossing noises and pushed passages pulling you out of rhythm detracts from your performance. Work on your timing which will provide you more time to play without crossing noises and inaccurate technique (a result of big grace notes possibly?) . You have the hands and musicality. Well Done!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Lucy Cassidy Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice pipe. A nice dot cut pace and feel for Lucy Cassidy. Tempo is a shade slow - yet consistent. Embellishments are coming through quite nicely. A very thoughtful performance Ken. Good fingerwork and clean note changes. Thanks SHaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig McKenzie 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Joe McGann’s Fiddle Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: A nice effort here Craig for HP. A pleasing HP feel and pace with dot cut evident. A few small finger catches but overall very nice. Pipe is a bit dry sounding, but generally well set with pleasing intervals. Thanks! Shaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: The City of Regina Pipe Band (Robert MacNeil) Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks for this. A spirited HP here Glen Mary. A nice tempo, sustained throughout. Round presentation. Clear articulation and finger work. Arriving to your doublings just a wee shade early through out the tune. Aim to wait a shade longer before the G gracenote and place it directly on the exact contact point of the toe tap.. for full musical effect. Thanks SHaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nicholas Barber 🇦🇺 Place: 4 Tunes: Duncan Johnstone Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Nicholas. Thanks for this. A nice effort on your HP. Fingerwork is clear and consistent. A round presentation. Tempo is well suited allowing for good embellishment presence and musical delivery. Pipe well set and blown. Thanks SHaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sparklin 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Man From Skye Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice effort here Eric for your HP. A nice tempo and dot cut feel. Watch P3 - just rounding out here - pull those thermal notes a bit more for full effect. B of the tachum take the toe tap... just a shade early on those. Enjoyed this. Small choke. Thanks SHaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Sandy‘s New Chanter. Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Carsten. A nice effort here on your HP. Tempo is a shade slowish. Wee bobble in P3. Good recovery. Fingerwork is quite clean, and coming though consistently here. Aim to "let it go" a wee bit more for full musical effect... its just a bit mechanical at the moment... I see that your awareness of the off beat.. which is good... but time to move beyond that and let it go a bit... Nice pipe and blowing. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Duncan Johnstone Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Damien, THanks for this. Love the Scottish flags!! A round presentation. A nice effort here. A HP can be challenging esp a tune like this. Keep working at it. Zero in on the ending phrase to create the solid framework. A few wrong notes .... Tempo is a wee bit slower than ideal.... aim for a walkable pace.. mid 70's. Keep at it. Nice pipe. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: Rathven Market Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Laura... A good effort on your HP here. A nice dot and cut presentation. A nice pipe and well blown. Good fingers, dar idols, and taps coming through well. Pacing is a small concern as you are featuring all these nice movement just a shade ahead of where they are meant to be. Wait a slight bit longer and place the Daridos, taps, birls etc... on the beat iteself, or on the off beat itself... Start with the ending phrase and find the "on beat" embellishments, and the "off beat" embellishments. SO much potential in your playing. Thanks SHaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Tunes: The King of Cardenden Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Martin. A spirited musical HP. Nice tempo well sustained. Back Hits are frequent here, and are quite consistent. Pipe is well set and blown. Keep working on your birls for clarity. Nice handling of the syncopation in P3. Enjoyed this. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Sandy‘s New Chanter. Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: A nice effort here Richard. A nice pipe. Minor drone wavering. A HP can be challenging esp a tune like this one. You have the right idea musically. Tempo is consistent. Keep working on your fingerwork.. Aim to close up your B when on the top hand notes.. A few catches / bumps D to F. You are on the right track. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Old Men of the Shells (Setting no 1) Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. Ground moving along well. Excellent phrase definition (though a bit short off the end of line 2). Thumb var very good. Good entry to following var. Extra pulse added before the B double echoes... Well presented. Good entry into doubling. Losing a bit of time overholding a little in the middle of phrases. Good pace to taor sg. Some little technical inconsistencies here but mostly well delivered. Good pace to doubling. D and E gracenotes often a bit too close together. Good entry to crun sg. Pipe holding well. A little hurried when you get three fosgailtes in a row. Better control in doubling - controlled drive! Almost too abrupt off the Es as you progressed - you can relax a tiny bit on these. Slight acceleration near the end. Well done!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Lament for Mary McLeod Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start, but C is a little sharp. Good pace to the ground, with strong phrasing. Low A sharp to drones fairly early on, maybe causing you to adjust pressure a little to try to get it right? Good flow to var 1. The right mix of stretching when you need to, and pushing forward when it is called for. Following variation well played with effective ebb and flow of tempo. Taor singling moving well, and good transition to doubling. Very musical doubling var! Excellent transition into crun singling, and good pace here. Good into doubling. Oh no! Tiny change-of-mind. Not a huge deal. Drones not far off but not quite as tight as earlier. An extremely musical performance with many subtleties and proper pacing.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Lee McLeod 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Lament for Mary McLeod Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close to start, but drones sharper than low A at the beginning. A little cautious in the ground. You're getting a tiny low A before the E gracenote of your edres - be sure to play that gracenote down to low A and listen for two low As in your edres. Drones moving a little bit if you change your pressure even a little bit - maybe one needs a bridle adjustment? Much better pace in var 1. Well played. Following variation could use some ebb and flow of tempo (move through the middle of phrases and hold back at the start and end), and some light variation to the short notes. Keeping the taor sg moving along well. Good movements. Jumped into the final phrase. Good doubling, but could use a little phrasing. Crun singling moving well. Good movements for the most part. Good flow to doubling. Well played overall - just a few things noted!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Philip Duthie 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Sir James Macdonald of the isles lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones fairly well set together, but do seem to drift from each other a bit if your pressure changes even a tiny bit. Maybe one needs a bridle adjusted? Low A a bit flatter than drones, C sharp. Good flow to the ground, and good phrasing. Slightly hurried entry into the variation but settled down well. Good flow for the most part - just a few tiny inconsistencies. Could perhaps pull out the end of phrases a wee bit more. Phrasing coming out well in taorluath. Good rhythm to your movements. A bit hurried (for my taste) on the E and two connecting notes through the crunluath variation. A solid tune on a pipe that's close, but needs some little adjustments for better stability.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Desperate Battle Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. Good momentum to start, but I'd suggest giving a tiny bit more time to the initial Es of phrases and taking a little away from the following F - you won't sacrifice tempo, but will get lots of music out of the big notes. Well played ground. Moving well in first var (on the upper end of tempo), and good contrast into doubling - smoothly done. Excellent second var. A couple of tiny tiny crossing noises. A little jumpy just before entering the doubling. Good doubling - I like it to be aggressive like this. Dithis ok, but here's where you get a chance to demonstrate the SMMS phrasing, which I can't hear coming through. Not much tempo contrast into dithis doubling. Executed well - again, missing the phrase definition... Pipe holding well. Quite aggressive into the taor, but played well. A mach fairly good but be careful not to jump to the regular E taorluaths. Crun going well. Same comment in the a mach about jumping into the regular E movements. A bold tune on a very good pipe - I liked a lot about this presentation, but I think there's some room to let it breathe in spots and get in some phrasing rather than all drive.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones close to start, but not quite locked, and a tad sharp to low A. F is flat. A cautious approach to this ground. I'd prefer to hear you move a little quicker through the middle of bars to create differentiation between the long notes, and allow you to clearly define the end of phrases. The tricky end to line one was handled very smoothly. The following variation is much more along the lines of what I'd like to hear! Lots of contrast and musical ebb and flow - well done. Excellent transition to siubhal. Good flow, but could use a bit more SMMS phrasing - just subtle of course. Good pace. Taor going well - little choke - but good control and momentum. Most GDEs coming out well. Good transition into crun. Rhythmically strong. A few misses but technique pretty good. Good control. A well played tune. Pipe could use some refinement, and a few things noted, but a strong tune.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Amanda Barrack 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lament for Alastair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close to start, but drones not quite locked together. A bit on the slow side to start - yes, it is a lament, but the melody asks you to move through bars a little quicker in line one. I really enjoyed the flow of the second and third lines, though! Little lost in line three but not way off. Dithis slow as well. You're cutting the low As nicely, but the melody is a bit lost at the start due to overholding. Got better as you went on. Little chokes. Good contrast in tempo to doubling, but still slow. Easier to define your phrases with a bit more flow forward. Taor also quite slow. You are getting a good rhythm to your taor movement, but the low A following shouldn't be in time with it. It does need to be very short, but not the same size as the low Gs - that takes away from the triplet rhythm of the taor, and gives it a rhythm of four. Good control of the crunluath movement, and here you're not making the final E connecting note part of the movement. All in all, let the melody come out by letting the tune flow more freely!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Chris Zaleski 🇺🇸 Tunes: Glengarry's Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. A bit cautious going into the grip to C. Good pace and good phrasing to the ground. Some G gracenotes too big, which is more evident in the following variation - some slightly squeaky approaches to C. Well played, and good tempo contrast into doubling. Be careful not to let this get a bit round. Slightly rushed at the end, anticipating the taor variations. Slightly inconsistent on entries to cadences, but usuallly just right. Could push the doubling a bit more from the start - picked up pace well as you progressed. Crun starting well. A wobbly F. Similar cautious start to the doubling as in taor, but picked up well. Good idea to hold the first note, but don't get bogged down mid phrase? Well done.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: The Munro’s Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones set well together, but flat to your chanter. I like how you are not dragging the tune, but I think there are opportunities to let some of the bigger notes sing a bit more, and go for a bit more smoothness with some of the shorter notes - a bit choppy at times. Your attention to phrasing is good, though. In var 1, I think you're overdoing the phrase definition by almost coming to a halt - keep the flow going. Same in the taorluath and crunluath - keep the rhythm moving forward, and keep the phrasing subtle. A number of technical misses - perhaps hands getting a bit tight. A good tune, but the main thing for me is disrupting your flow by overdoing the phrase endings - keep it subtle.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Eric Sparklin 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Massacre of Glencoe Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe farily well set to start but not quite locked. Good pace to ground, but the phrasing might come out better if you move through bars/phrases with a bit more momentum. Gracenote error in bar 2 (and again in thumb) and little memory issue at the end, but a good ground. Momentum and flow is far better in the thumb variation! This allows the phrasing to come out without stopping the flow. Good pace to taor singling. A bit inconsistent in timing of the cadences. For the B cadences, you can just lift your D finger on the way down - tidier! Good into doubling. A few chokes creeping in. Most movements coming out well. Good entry to crun sg. Getting a little bogged down rhythmically on the end of the movements. Good contrast into doubling. Phrasing coming out well here. I'm wondering if the reed is new? Bit inefficient? A bit uneven in timing of pulses in a mach. Jumping off the end of some of the a mach movements. Well done.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Julian Payne 🇵🇭 Tunes: Struan Robertdon's Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start. Quite a bit of sudden arm movements causing wobbles in both chanter and drones. Maybe blow a little longer, and let the arm move firmly but smoothly with the bag. High A quite sharp when introduced in line two. A musically played ground. Good start to taor singling with mostly good movements. I'd prefer a little more of a pause to end the first phrase of each line - each pulse is pretty much the same length until you get to the hiharins, which are very nicely treated. Good contrast into the doubling. Drones moving out of tune. I have a suspicion that one or more may be taking too much air? Leading to the instability, and to the big arm movements. Most crunluaths excellent. Same comment about phrase endings as in taorluath singling. incorrect connecting note in first line of doubling (but you know that!). Slowing a little in line two. Little issues in the final line... You're doing a lot of very musical things with this tune - main thing is to get that instrument more efficient, and pay attention to your blow/squeeze techniqe for stability.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start - D slightly sharp. Good flow and phrasing. Some early little issues with double echoes, but settled down in repeat of line one. Losing a bit of momentum in bar two of line two - keep moving through the bar. Little difficulties with double echoes again. Some little tonal wobbles. Overall a good ground. In the taor sg, I'd suggest moving a little more swiftly to the third note of the four-note cadence endings. Wee choke line two, and a missed cadence ending. Good transition to doubling. Good pace to doubling. Most movements coming out with good rhythm. Good entry to crun sg. A little inconsistent in time of the four-note cadence endings. Little chokes... Most movements coming out well. Good pace to doubling, but I wouldn't go any quicker. Well done.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Marius Treutwein 🇩🇪 Tunes: Sir James MacDonald of the Isles' Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. A bit cautious going into the grip to C - the B could be much shorter for better flow, but apart from that and a couple of small technical things, a well presented ground. Var 1 well played, with a consistent flow, but could use a bit more phrase definition. D gracenote is early in your regular taorluath movement, taking away from the triple rhythm - your B gracenote in D taorluaths is a bit later, giving those movements a much better rhythm. Sounds like your D finger goes automatically (a bit early) in taorluaths and crunluaths - delay a tiny bit and I think you'll have better quality in both movements. Good pace and flow to both these rhythmic variations. Pipe held well.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Nicholas Barber 🇦🇺 Tunes: Lament for Mary Macleod Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. Ground is quite slow... I'd prefer it to move through phrases a bit quicker, which makes it easier to define the end of phrases and keep the musical flow moving forward. Better in var 1, though still slow, and could use more phrase definition. Doubling also slow, particularly mid phrase. Good technique in taor singling. Same comments as above - the general flow is fine, but needs the ebb and flow of phrase definition without losing too much momentum mid phrase. So so much better in taor doubling! Momentum and phrasing paired nicely here! Very good transition into crun singling. Good overall pace to this. Maybe could smooth out the E and two connecting notes after movements - pretty abrupt off the E. Little wobble starting line two. Good contrast into doubling. Pipe moving a little bit, but not a real distraction. A tune that improved a great deal as it went on. Just make sure you have the right balance of musical motion and phrasing earlier on.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Field of Gold. Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones not quite settled at the start. Chanter close, but F is flat. Keep working on consistency of technique - some very clear, esp some edres. Don't increase pressure as you go to high A. Good flow to the ground, but could use a bit more definition of two bar phrases, especially in the middle of lines. Good pace to variation. Good rhythm to the taor. Rhythm in crun - pause more to start each pulse but be careful not to dwell on the final E too long. A few note errors in this tune, and a number of gracenoting errors - some omissions, and in the taor you're often playing GDG instead of GDE. On the right track - keep working on the technique for consistency.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Macintosh's Banner Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Sounds like the pipe is well set, but overloading your microphone a bit, and corrupting the sound at the start. I get moments of better clarity as you move - pipe is in fact well set! If you can turn down your gain, you'll capture the quality of your sound better. Well presented ground. Var 1 well played - a bit slow, but good phrasing. One squeaky moment. Following variation a bit round in places, and could use some more phrase definition. Another squeaky moment - when you come from high A to low A, be careful that your thumb isn't a tiny bit late coming down. Low rising a bit in pitch. Good flow to taorluath singling, and well presented. Squeak... Excellent entry into doubling and good pace. Well played crun singling. Most movements coming out well. Good entry into doubling. A few more squeaks (watch that thumb!). Well played. Be careful not to increase pressure in the later stages of the tune - when you relaxed a bit going back into the ground, your low A was much closer to your drones there, but much higher in the taor and crun variations.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Supples 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Brigadier General Ronald Cheape of Tiroran, The Islay Ball, and The Sheepwife Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Michael. Very nice set! Strong execution with crisp fingering and mostly clean. The odd missed doubling here and there in march. Some very subtle crossing noises (3rd part). Lively march tempo. Some slightly rushed phrasing in 2nd part of march. Overall, a well expressed march! Watch the hacums in the last bar of strathspey. You’re jumping into the second hacum from B too quickly. Some missed doublings in 3rd part, but overall execution is good. Very good lift in strathspey. Nicely expressed! Rushing a bit in 4th part. Very good break to reel. Some tacums in reel not clean. I felt the timing in your reel was a bit erratic. Make sure you’re landing the start of phrases and subphrases on the beat. Rushing in 4th and 6th parts. Bagpipes were excellent! Drones were locked in from start to finish. I really liked your chanter sound. Bright and balanced with a nice ring on the high A. Maybe some very slight flatness on high G at times. Overall, this was an excellent performance on an excellent bagpipe. Well done!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Leaving Glenurquhart, Maggie Cameron, Alick C MacGregor Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Joseph. Some really good playing! Execution in your march was excellent. Very clean and crisp technique. Nicely expressed with a good dot/cut feel. Some slight jumping into phrases at times. For example, C doubling in ending phrase. Tempo a bit too slow. Very good execution in strathspey. Very cleanly played. Needs a bit more tempo. Strathspey is a dance tune and needs to be a bit more lively. Execution in reel also very good. Again, a bit more tempo would be nice, but I thought you had really good control of your phrasing which kept the tune interesting and musical. Drones were well tuned. I enjoyed hearing an “old school” chanter with the characteristic lower pitch. However, some notes not quite balanced (sharp F, flat B) and it was not quite locked into your drones. Overall, this was a really strong performance. Your technique is excellent. I think a bit more tempo would be beneficial and inject a bit more music into your tunes. Well done!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Leland Reid 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Major Manson’s farewell to clachantrushal, The Pipers Bonnet, Dr. MacPhail's Reel Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Leland. Very good playing! Execution in march was clean. Small crossing noise in 1st part. Tempo was good, but dragged in 3rd part. Phrasing a bit round; although, much better in the 4th where you began to inject a bit more pointing. Strathspey well executed. Some runs a bit too abrupt. A bit more variety in your pulsing is needed. More emphasis on the 1st and 3rd beats would make the tune a bit more interesting. Tempo slowing in 4th part. You held the low A’s before the taorluaths nicely, but you have to keep the tempo going after held notes; you can’t slow down the over all tempo of the tune. Very lively reel. Again, well executed. Chanter was well set; however, your drones were not in tune from the start. They began to drift further out of tune as you progressed through the reel. Perhaps a moisture issue? Overall, this was a very good performance. Well done!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raúl Peinado 🇪🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Donald Maclellan of Rothesay/The Caledonian Canal/ Sexy MacAskill Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Raul. Good set! Execution in march is clean and crisp. Birls in 3rd part not 100% clean, but otherwise good. Good tempo, but expression is way too round. A more dot/cut approach, with extra emphasis on the strong pulses will make this a much more musical tune. Very round in strathspey also. More pointing needed to generate the lift that is characteristic of strathspeys. Execution in strathspey is good. Good tempo in reel, but phrasing is rushed. You’re consistently playing ahead of the beat. Jumping into E taps in 4th part. Excellent drones! Well set and steady. Chanter sharp on top hand. Overall, strongly executed tunes. A more pointed approach to march and strathspey and waiting for your phrases in the reel would really improve your overall performance. Good luck!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 5 Tunes: Jeannie Carruthers, The Piper's Bonnet, Duntroon Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Phil. Nice performance! Execution in march is quite good. A few birls not coming through cleanly, but otherwise good. Some birls at end of part a bit early. Make sure to place them right on the final beat. Good tempo. Generally, you have a nice dot/cut feel in your march, but there were a few moments of roundness here and there. Really nice break into strathspey. Good lift. Got a little round in the 3rd part, but overall, nicely expressed. A couple sloppy moments in the 1st and 4th parts. Slight choke. Strong execution in reel. Very clean. Good tempo. Some phrase a bit too deliberate (e.g. closing phrase). Very nice bagpipes. Drones really locked in. Chanter bright and balanced. Overall, some good playing.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band, Arniston Castle, The Angler Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kurtis. Nicely done! Execution in march is pretty good. Some gracenotes are not timed properly causing some sloppiness in some doublings and bottom hand movements. Could use a bit more tempo in march. Phrasing is very round. A more dot/cut approach is needed to produce a more musical tune. Agains, some sloppy bottom hand work in strathspey. It seems to be an issue with your D gracenotes on cut notes. For example; at the end of the first bar there is a C 1/16 note with a D gracenote. It sounds like you’re playing a D there because you're not completing the D gracenote before moving on to the E. Therefore, it sounds like you’re playing a low A/D/E instead of low A/C/E. Off the tune slightly in 4th part. Expression again is a bit too round. Playing a bit better in the reel; although, a bit more tempo would be nice. Similar issues with the bottom hand work in the reel. Well-balanced chanter. Drones not in tune. Overall, some good playing. Just a bit more pointing and bottom hand work needed to take it to the next level.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm, Susan MacLeod, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Jurgen. Thanks for your submission. Execution in your march was quite good. A few E doublings not coming out cleanly, but otherwise good. Tempo a bit slow. Timing really needs some work. You have a tendency to jump into phrase early giving your timing a very erratic feel. Playing with a metronome will help you identify where this is happening. Good tempo in strathspey. Your expression is a bit too round. Need more dot/cut in your phrasing to generate more lift. Some sloppiness in 4th part. Much too abrupt into your reel. Try to ease into it more. Overall tempo in reel is too fast. Really rushing the GDE triplets in the 3rd part. Missed high A taps in 4th part. Reel just too frantic. Stay relaxed. Overall, your execution is pretty good. Some work is needed on expression and tempo control. Good luck!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Tunes: Duke of Roxburgh's Farewell to Blackmount Forest, Struan Robertson, Dolina Mackay Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Ken. Execution in march is quite good. E doublings from F could use a bit more clarity. Careful not to overcut the C’s in the 4th part. Some birls not 100% clean. Could use a bit more tempo. Strathspey also a bit on the slow side. Some execution coming out a bit labored. Some sloppy moments in 4th part. Good use of dot/cut phrasing, but try to vary your pulsing a bit with more emphasis on the 1st and 3rd beats. Nice, controlled reel. Slightly more tempo needed. Execution a bit too tight in reel. Stay relaxed. Missed the short B before birl, 4th bar. Nice chanter and drone sound; however, drones were set too flat to chanter. Overall, I think a bit more tempo and openness in your execution would really help your playing. Thanks for submitting your tunes!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Leland Reid 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Paddy’s leather britches, Donald McKillop Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Leland , thanks for entering. Nice mellow pipe from start, bright tempo , missed repeat of 2nd part of Paddy. Clean hands, very pleasant. Great grips in 4th. Donald McKillop impressive stuff, again strong technique showing through. Very confident muscial performance with a great technical foundation, really enjoyed this.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Rory MacLeod and Corkhill Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Kurtis , some classic jigs there. pipes quite nice. good tempo and rhythm from ouset, wee missed strike 2nd part. nice setting 3rd. smooth to Cork Hill. Clean fingering throughout and muscial pulsing consistent - pipe held too, well done.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: The Seagull, The Coldar Sniob and The Dubh Ramh Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Phil, interesting jig selection. Nice pipes, brisk tempo, well handled , occasional hint of a bottom hand catch otherwise good stuff, smooth to 2nd jig, ? breaking time 2nd part (birl?), complex 3rd part well played. great finish well done ,smooth jig playing , a few small tecnhical catches distracted at times.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig McKenzie 🇦🇺 Place: 4 Tunes: Paddy’s Leather Breeches, Donald MacLennan’s Tuning Phrase Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Craig thanks for taking the time to enter. Pleasant pipe on strike up. Muscial jig interpretation with Paddy. Careful not to rush those GDE's in 3rd part. Nice 4th. Smooth into the tuning phrase, careful not to surge tempo wise inthe actual tuning phrase in the melody. Enjoyable set of tunes, thanks.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raúl Peinado 🇪🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Alex Macdonald/Paddy's leather breeches Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Raul, quite an abrupt entry to your jigs, nice pipes. Brisk tempo, if anything a slightly rushed feel to the music. Clean hands though (wee fumble 3rd part) . Wee chip 4th and again. Top hand quite shrill into Paddy. Again pushing the tempo a little too much for me. A confident performance, you could possibly pull a little more music out of these classic jigs with a slight tempo reduction and a little pulsing on the first quaver of each grouping. Well done.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: The Jig of Slurs, The Curlew. Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Jurgen, great acoustics in there I bet! Pipe a not accurately tuned from outset, another bright set of tunes. A feature of the Jig of Slurs is the combination of strikes throughout - not sure yours were always clean, certainly something to strive for. Ok to Curlew. A hint of rushing now and the odd catch and chirp distract. I wonder if you aimed for a slightly more relaxed muscial flow to this tune it would come across a little more settled. Well done, thanks for the entry.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig McKenzie 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Nice playing Craig. HG a little sharp. Drones not 100% locked together when playing, but good at start and finish!. C-E catch 3rd part. Enjoyable tune, technically well handled.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Miss Ishabel T MacDonald Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Some gracenote inaccuracies. Good tempo and 6/8 swing. Top hand technique a little tight. Wee glitch 4th part. Drones ok together but not quite with LA. Enjoyable tune!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Pipe Major Frank MacKinnon Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Good 6/8. Thr on D sometimes needs more LG. Some technique inaccuracies. HG a little sharp. Drones need to be set better together. Enjoyable tune.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Trees of North Uist. Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Drones need to be set better together. Slight anticipating of beat end of parts. Technique misses and inacuracies detracting. Keep working on techniques to get it secure and focus on getting a better sound overall. Good potential.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Hiccup Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Phil, sweet pipe , good rolicking hornpipe rhythm from outset. Strong hands , nice clean fingering whole tune. A muscially mature perfromance, clean and well controlled , great stuff.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Lucy Cassidy Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Ken, thanks for the entry. Well tuned pipe, one of my favourite hornpipes. Conservative tempo but good 2 bar phrasing. Birls not always consistent . A strong tune , well handled, enjoyed it thanks.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raúl Peinado 🇪🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The piper's controversy Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Raul, good to hear you today. Well tuned instrument, solid tempo. Good hands from outset, a slight fumble into third part. Strong 4th part - well done, thanks for the listen.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Donald MacLeod Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Kurtis , thanks for entering summer 2022 online! Nice pipe at outset. A wee catches in those tacchums. Rolling rhythm , wee fumble third part (and error). Pleasant tune , certainly got the hornpipe feel, at times just rushing your technique, make sure the timing of the g gracenote is spot on with the wee cut notes. Good stuff thanks.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Crossing the Minch. Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Jurgen, thanks for entering the world online solos. Pipes not quite locked at the beginning of the performance , bright tempo. Hands not clean at times. Wee skirls last part. Muscially not always consistent, with some bars rounder than others. The secret to cleaning up this tune is to ensure that the cut note before the shakes and the birls is good and solid, which then sets you up to the nail the technique. THanks again for the listen.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Joseph Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Lament for Sir James MacDonald of the Isles Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Great pipe to start with, started drifting in the toarluath variation. Great technique throughout. Feel free to raise the pitch of the pipe as well. Ground - musically phrased, well done. Variation 1 - Try to ease into this just a little more but otherwise good. Taorluath - Good, try to conclude just a little more Cruanluath - good, feel free to let this go however. On the whole this was a most enjoyable performance. I feel you could conclude each variation just a little more subtly to bring this tune to the next level. Great job, well done.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Lament For Alan My Son Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - Drones could be a little closer, chanter is nice and bright however the piob G comes in and out of tune. Ground- Good perhaps a little safe, a few 2-bar-phrases are well defined and some are less well-defined. Good conclusion. Var 1S- Nice music here, try to define the 2-bar-phrase a little more. Very well concluded Var 1D - Could contrast the singling a little more to create a little more drama Toarluath S - Good entry, a few wee sticky movements here and there with a wee slip. Pace increasing, try to keep this a little more composed to add to the dramatic effect of the doubling tempo increase. D - Good, try to lean on the last theme note in the 2-bar-phrase to define it a little better. Try to conclude this a little more subtly. Cruanluath S - A tad on the fast side, entry could have been a little smoother as well. Try to be a little smoother going up to the E before the birl. D and A-Mach - Very good, try to point the last theme note in the 2-bar-phrase On the whole this was a very enjoyable performance of a tough tune. A few wee subtleties to add and this will be a very fine piece, keep up the good work!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Craig McKenzie 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Lament for the Castle of Dunyveg Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - drones could be a little more locked. Nice bright chanter, piob G could be a little sweeter. Ground - Well expressed, line 2 could have been concluded a little better. Good use of 2-bar-phrases Var1 S - This was well expressed with good demonstration of 2-bar-phrases though it was a little sfae, it could have been brighter Var1 D - Good contrast though again this could be a little brighter, it's a little safe, F is beginning to wobble a tad. Taorluath S - Technically sound, good music here, very well delivered Taorluath D - Good contrast in tempo though you could let it go a little more here. 1 wee miss and a wee slip Cruanluath S - I felt you could have eased into this a little more, decent music here at times but could flow just that little bit more. A wee slip again. Cruanluath D - Better flow here but could be a tad brighter. A-Mach - good Overall a good performance with some lovely subtleties in the tune. Feel free to brighten the tempi up a little to enhance the musical delivery and excitement of the piece. Keep up the good work.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Raúl Peinado 🇪🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Clan Campbell's gathering Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - Started ok and got slightly better as the performance went on. E is very sharp though. Ground- Well-presented though try and be a little softer with the first bar Good 2-bar phrasing at times and ground was well-concluded Thumb- Good light and shade though try not to be too aggressive with the short notes Var1 Good but you could have eased into it a little more and I'd have liked to have heard the 2-bar-phrasing to be more defined. T S+D Well played but technically this could have been a little more accurate, try and define the difference between a taorluath movement and a grip a little more. Nice contrasting tempo C S+D Very good. See notes on toarluath variation. Also, a little more low G in the cruanluath movements would enhance these variations. Overall an enjoyable performance with nice subtleties, well done. I feel the instrument and the technical embelishments is where to turn your attention to next.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 5 Tunes: The Battle of Strome Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be a little better set at the start but got better as the tune went on, good chnater sound. Take your time before starting the tune, ease into it a little more Ground - You have the right idea with presentation here however the 4 beat pulses seem to vary quite a lot between each bar, try and make this more consistent. The 3rd line was more like it Var1 S- Well presented, try keep your composure on the last 2 bars D- Well played but a few wrong notes here and there Sometimes I felt the 4th pulse of the 2-bar phrase was overheld T S- Good, same as Var1S D- Good, don't overhold the 4th pulse however C S- Cadences were a little inconsistent D- Try to ease into it, very nice flow however. A few wrong notes again. On the whole a good shot at what can be a hard tune to enjoy, plenty of life here which is great. Technically sound though there were a number of crossing noises evident. Great job, keep up the good work.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Cabar Feidh, John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Connor, great to hear you again. Booming pipe from the outset, impressive. March - conservative tempo but nice attention to the upbeat and 2 bar phrasing. Clean hands, crisp technique. JUst the occasional dropped doubling. Super stuff. Controlled break to strathspey, excellent lift and expression here, strong hands. Ok break to reel, quite a pointed interpretation here but consistent. Missed strike last part. This was an impressive set - strong muscial identity throughout, strong bottom hand technique, a few lapses with top hand (G gracenote, doublings on E and D and E strikes) which you could strengthen up for better impact. Thoroughly enoyed the tunes, pipe was excellent.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ray Flanagan 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal, Islay Ball, Mrs. MacPherson of Inveran Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Ray, thanks for taking the time to compete in the World online solos. Well tuned instrument from outset. Bold start to this classic tune. Breaking time part ending birls at times but nice 2/4 lift. Wee crossing noises third part. Tempo slows 4th part. Nice tuarluaths. Smooth to strathspey, tight hands at times ,third part, again overall good sthrathspey lift and expression. Interesting break to reel, some great playing here ?error 5th part? (or setting?) loads of good things about your playing , heaps of music, occasionally 'over-expressed' at the expense of tempo, some minor technical misses but a strong set of tunes , enjoyed it thanks.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Stirlingshire Militia, The Doune of Invernochty, Lt. Col. D.J.S. Murray Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Charlie, thanks for the online entry. Nice pipes from outset. Bright tempo and good 2/4 expression. Just rounding out a little at times, with the odd small catch. C to E movement last part march not always cleanly fingered. Good break to strath and again nice strathspey lift. Still those wee catches distract. Losing lift a little last part. Reel - ok break. Occasionally breaking flow especially cut F to E movement, possibly a little rushed 3rd and 4th parts but a very solid MSR nonetheless - well done.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Friedrich Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Highland Wedding, Maggie Cameron, Willie Cumming‘s Rant. Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Friedrich, thanks for the entry. Pipes not quite in from outset. Highland wedding solid start, slighlty cautious tempo, good 2 bar phrasing evident. Note quite blowing out your top hand 4th part. Crossing noises 5th and 6th. ok to strathspey , slightly round interpretation and tight hands now. (3rd part). lost composure last time. ok to reel, confident tempo and expression, strong finish. Well done, a tough set of tunes - definitely want to spend some time setting up the bagpipe and getting more accurate with your tuning which would really enhance your performances. Strong musical understanding.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Brennan's Broken Chanter, Patrick's Revelations Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A good pipe and first impression here. A nice tempo with good phrasing to start. Musical feel overall. Just have a look at your phrase endings at end of parts and ensure they are all FULL value and the same. You want to put a "period" at the end of your sentences. Overall very strong just some subtle things at phrase endings to take it to the next level. thank you David.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Alex MacDonald, The Piper's Bonnet Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice pleasing pipe at start. Nice musical mature playing. Good use of short notes and phrasing evident here. Execution is well defined here as well. A few small issues, however a very lovely presentation of jigs played musically on a pleasing pipe. Thank you. David.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Dr. Ross Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Connor... A nice tempo with plenty of swing and style... Fingerwork has a nice rhythmic quality with clean and consistent delivery. Watch E Taps for consistent thickness in ending phrases. Lovely musical shape Connor. Pipe is well set, perhaps a shade flat on HiA. Thanks, Shaunna HIlder
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Iain Campbell of Oban Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi there Charlie. A nice tune here with plenty of dot cut and swing. A nicely sustained tempo. Pipe is well set and full drone sound. Finger work is thick with a nice rhythmic quality. Nice 6/8 feel. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ray Flanagan 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Ballochyle Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Ray. Thanks for this. Nice tempo evident. F is a shade unstable. Musically pleasing tune with nice dot and cut feel. Nice fingerwork throughout. Watch half F doubling from HiA, aim for a thicker prominent movement here. P3 well sustained. Watch E taps P4 for thickness. Enjoyed that. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Aberdeen Romeo, Stumbling Through the Grey Area Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - Good drones and nice chanter sound, well ballanced. HP1 - Try to ease into the tune a little more. The tempo you set was good but I felt it would be better if you gradually got to that tempo over 2 bars to enhance the musicality. Otherwise very well played. HP 2 - Good entry, great tune though I feel the 4th part was a little anti-climactic for a set of 2 tunes. A wee strike missed but again great playing. Overall playing here is fantastic with great technique on a good instrument. I do feel however that the overall presentation was a little straight and more suited to a pipe band presentation rather than a solo contest. Feel free to bring the tempo down just a few clicks and use musical subtleties to express the melody lines and syncopations just a little more as there i smore to be gained from them. They're great tunes that could use a softer touch.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Donald MacLeod, Hamilton's Nut Sack Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - Lovely drone sound, chanter is good though the top hand is a tad sharp. HP1 - Try to ease into the tune here, gradually build the tempo up over the first 2 bars. Otherwise very nicely played with poise and controll. A wee slip in pt 3. HP2 - A tad slippy going into this tune. This tune was good though I felt that sometimes you played the rhythms rounded and sometimes played them dot and cut. Try to keep this consistent. At the ends of parts you can give the crotchets their full length to allow for a clearly defined end of part. A few wee misses on the top hand strikes. Overall a very enjoyable performance, very well done.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ray Flanagan 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe set well to start. Good pace to the ground. Well defined phrases. Could think about moving through the final bars of lines one and two a little more swiftly. Good contrast in tempo into the thumb var. Well played variation. Can't quite tell if your drones are out a tiny bit, or if it's from the speed you're moving - if you physically slow down, you'll get even more clarity in how the sound leaves the drones. Taor - watch consistency in the l ength of the connecting low A after movements - often just right (short) but at other times definitely too long. Much better in the doubling. Good contrast in tempo. It's partiicularly the middle phrase of line two to be careful on the low A connectors. Good entry to crun sg. Similar comment about length of connecting Es in middle of line two. The odd E almost too small - like to the C in the final bar - work on consistency. A bit hurried in the doubling. Then your tempo dropped a bit in the a mach before settling. A few squeaky B movements. Overall a well played tune.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: MacLeod's Controversy Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe to start. A bit on the slow side, but only a little. Good phrase definition. High G double echoes not quite as smooth as the E ones. Slightly unclear embari. Apart from the comment on pace, a well presented ground. Good pace to taor singling, but some low As after movements a tiny bit big - better as the var went on. Good transition and pace to doubling. A few movenents not crystal clear but otherwise well played. Good transition into curn sg. Pipe holding well. Some movements slightly uneven, but most good. Little choke in the doubling. As in the taors, be careful not to lift your pinkie before the E greacenotes. Good pace to doubling. A well played tune on a good pipe. Just a few slightly untidy movements, and the ground could come up a nottch.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Laura Mullin 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: The King's Taxes Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe to start. Good pace, and good phrasing to the ground. Not always perfectly accurate on the short Bs from low G. Rushed off the end of the first phrase line 3 - let the high G sing! Var 1 needs more breathing room at the end of phrases. Maybe try softening the low As before grips to B? A bit severe in treatment of some of the short notes - could be smoother. Same in the doubling - needs an ebb and flow of tempo around phrase endings too. A bit waltzy! Strong entry to the taor sg. I like your approach to the cadences. Oops, wee choke. Technically very strong. Not much tempo contrast from sg to db - maybe pull the sg back a little. It got a bit hurried by the end. Pipe holding well. Cadences in the crun sg a bit pushed - all your pulses are pretty much the same length, but the cadence endings need to breathe a bit more. Similar thought about pace in the doubling here as in taor. Middle notes of fosgailte a bit big. Overall well played - I'd just like to hear most of it a little less severe and choppy - needs smoothness, and a bit more care with defining your phrases.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Sid Baker 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Nameless hi harin dro o dro Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. The odd little surge when you blow. Extra gracenote bar two line three, and a wee choke, but a well played ground. Could pick up the pace a little bit in the var, particularly mid phrase, which would make defining the end of phrases easier. Line three flowing well though. Good movements to start taor. Litlle untidy transition after one in line one though. Some wobbles in bag pressure. Good pace and good balance. A bit cautious to start the doubling but picked up well. A few slightly indisticnt movements, but mostly solid. Good entry to crun sg. Drones holding well. Oh no! Missed a pulse at the end of the third line... Good start to doubling. Incorrect connecting note first time around going into bar 4. Good flow. Off again... Little choke... A very good presentation of a tricky but beautiful tune, but fell off a bit in the later stages.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Leland Reid 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Bob cooper of Winnipeg (m) Donald McKillip (j) Would the minister not dance (j) The water is wide (s/a) Donald Rudah (s) Miss Montgomery (s) Farewell to Erin (r) The crooked bridge (r) Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start to medley with an upbeat march - Drones are not quite locked together or with Low A on your chanter detracting from the overall sound quality. Nice playing Effective bridge to the jig - Nice aggressive tempo but still in control. -Some little crossing noises on the bottom hand involving D grace notes. Good into the 2nd jig - again some slight crossing noises on the bottom hand technique. Nice into the slow A little out of rhythm on the repeat of the slow I thought. Good into the Strathspey Again a little crossing noise in the 2nd Strathspey Lovely into the Reel playing with lots of confidence and drive. Nice waltz at the end. Overall a very enjoyable medley played with lots of drive and confidence throughout. Just loosen up your hands a bit more and keep those D grace notes small and in time to alleviate the slight crossing noises popping up. Lots of talent well done!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: The Stone Frigate, Walking The Floor, Paddy O'Rafferty, Mist Cover Mountains, PM Sandy Gordon, Stumpie, High Road To Linton. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Lively start and nice pipe with playing precise in the hornpipe. A little pushed into the Jig and the GDE's slightly pushed creating even more of a pushed feel but settled in nicely following. Good into 2nd Jig. Nice into the Slow Nice into the Strathspey - watch you are not early to the final C doubling run-down in the part endings. Nice into Stumpie -again watch the C doubling run-downs - wait and play a nice loose, open doubling. Good into the Reel Highway to Linton - nicely played. Overall a very nice medley played with confidence on a nice instrument. Just watch you continue to make strides in blowing consistently so there is no variation in chanter tonal quality as there is some frequent wavering. Well done!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Dream Valley of Glendaruel, Lisnagun, Langavat, Hector the Hero, Smelling Fresh, The Hard Drive Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start to medley with the march and pipes nicely tuned. Effective bridge to the JIg -a little loss of control here at times. Nice into the Slow Good into the Reel - Just a little off toward the ending prior to going into the Hard Drive. Good into the Hard Drive - some light E strikes in first part. Settled in nicely and well played from there on. Solid slide into the ending!!! Overall a nice arrangement of tunes played with confidence. I could tell you were enjoying playing these tunes! Well done!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Craig McKenzie 🇦🇺 Place: 4 Tunes: Working Man (Rita MacNeil), Farewell to Nigg (Duncan Johnstone), J and B (Craig McKenzie), Donald MacLennan’s Tuning Waltz (apologies to Donald MacLeod), Donald MacLennan’s Tuning Phrase (Donald MacLeod), Row Me Home to Islay (E. McNally) Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start to the medley with a nicely played Slow Air. Good into the march - Pipe well tuned and chanter has lots of projection. Good into the 2nd march - nice playing here. Good into the waltz Good into the Jig - Just a tad ahead of the beat at times but generally well controlled and still exciting. Nice into the final slow. Overall a very enjoyable set ot tunes played with confidence and precision on a nice instrument. Just a little pushed in the Jig at times was really the only thing to work on. Well done!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: The guild of the 19 Lubricators (Hornpipe), The Botanist (Jig), The Abbotsford Jig (Jig), The King's Taxes (Slow Air), Jessie Pinner (Strathspey), Old Wife of the Mill Dust ('Reelpipe') Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start to the hornpipe but losing a bit of control as you progressed speeding up a bit. Nice into the Jigs and started with lots of drive and control but again just a little pushed causing you to come out of rhythm and lose control a tad. Nice Slow/Piobaireachd Good into the Strathspey - Need a little more consistency here with the timing to really put this right where it needs to be as you were pushing. Good into the Reel - Driving here and maybe just a little too much gas. You have the musicality for sure and just need to get a little more control to really bring your performance up to another level. Pipe very good. Well done!
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: John McColl’s March Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Good correct playing on a well set up instrument Anthony. A wee LA - C catch 1st part. G strike from B mid way through each part - make sure you sound the B a bit more before putting the strike in. Really good playing otherwise!
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Charlie Gregg 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: John mcColls march to kilbowie cottage Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Nice pipe and good correct playing. 2nd part - swapped some gracenotes around! F dbl could be a bit clearer. HG doubl not clear 2nd part. Some minor blowing inconsistencies. Really good playing!
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Liam Chan 🇭🇰 Place: 3 Tunes: John MacDonald's Welcome to South Uist Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Nice sounding pipe. A difficult tune for this level! Generally good technique - just need to make sure it is correctly executed all the time. A few wee chokes. Plenty of potential here - focus on good correct technique, and you really need to be playing a tune of lesser difficulty at this level.. Enjoyable stuff!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Kantara to El Arish Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Sam, and thank you for competing in this event! You're pipes sound really nice, smooth and sonorous. Technically, there isn't much for me to pick on. There were a few doublings that felt a bit fuzzy (lacking in definition), and some of your G gracenotes in the third part could be a little more open and have a little more life in them. There was one grip that was softer/fuzzier than the rest; not quite a slip, but something to mention and work on. Musically, I really enjoyed this performance. You've got a great feel for the upbeat, and you've obviously got the hands to wait for downbeats to come to you. You've got a good idea about the musical impact of the tune, and there were some spots where I felt you could let yourself do a bit more. I thought you were holding back a little bit with holding the long high A in the first phrase of the 2nd part, for example. Another example- the low A pick up note in bar 1 of the first part (the one that leads into bar 2), I think you could hold that a bit more for just that extra little bit of oomph. You've got great hands, a good bagpipe, good technique, and a good idea of the music you're playing. All of these made for an enjoyable performance, and I look forward to seeing what you can do when you let things loose just that tiny bit!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Allan Dodd's Farewell to Scotland Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Zyggy! Thank you for competing in this event, and a great tune choice for it. I will say that the video is quite dark, so my feedback is based solely on what I can hear, rather than see. My main points with this performance are rythmical- it felt to me like you were trying to hold back on the tempo. The main portion of each part where I felt that is you tended to significatily slow down in the second phrases of each part (starting right on the D throw). Bar 4 was just a tiny bit slower still, and then you would start back into the original tempo. You want to be careful to not let holding a note turn into dragging the tempo on that note. You've definitely got the hands to move through this tune more consistently, and that's the only suggestion I would make to push this performance to the next tier. Technically, there's just about nothing I would say. Some of the D throws were a bit slow, but I feel that falls more in to the above tempo issue than anything else. The bagpipe was very good, with an excellent chanter balance. I'm not sure what pipes you're playing, but I would certainly hold on to them! The tempo issue was the primary thing I would note, so that's where I would focus your efforts. You're not far away, and this is that last little touch that turns a good tune into a tremendous one! I look forward to hearing more from you in the future!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Muir of Ord Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Kane, and thank you for competing in this event. Alasdair Gillies was a bit of a hero of mine, and performances like this are a great tribute to his memory. 1st part: You had a few chokes slip in, where you weren't blowing right on top of the reed. Don't hold back on the blowing (even if it means playing a sharp High A). You could probably flatten the high A a tiny tin y bit with tape, and that would free you up to blow a tiny bit harder. Be mindful also that you aren't trading G gracenotes for the E gracenotes that are written. 2nd part: Playing well here! 3rd part: Very good 4rd part: I feel you could be a little lighter and zippier with the 3rd bar beat 2 work (D E D B); you have to be sure to be on time for the next left foot downbeat. It wasn't so much so that things dragged, but I did notice some heaviness to this little passage in the tune. Overall, Kane, I enjoyed this performance quite a bit. You've got a good setting of this tune, and you're playing it well. There are a few things that I noted above that will help polish it that last little bit, but you definitely have the musical mindset and hands to go far. A little bit more refinement on blowing and a few wee touches here and there with the music, and you're right in with this tune!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Connor. This was a really well played 2/4 march! Execution was very strong with clean and crisp technique. A few missed gracenotes here and there, but otherwise very clean. Tempo was steady, but perhaps dragging just a bit. Good, musical expression. Some slightly rushed phrases in 3rd and 4th bars of 3rd part. Really good bagpipe sound. Solid drones. Resonant and well balanced chanter. Overall, this was an excellent 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: Leland Reid 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Major Manson’s farewell to clachantrushal Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Leland. Very nice playing! Your execution is excellent. Very clean and crisp technique. I thought the tempo was just a bit slow. Really starting to drag in 3rd part. Careful not to jump into the cut C at the start of the 4th bar. I think a bit more on the strong pulses would make the tune more musical. You’re just a shade on the round side with your expression. Bass drone was not in tune from the start. Chanter a bit dull, but well tuned other than a flat F. Some really good playing overall. Nice job!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Jack Watson 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Jack. Good playing! Some really strong execution overall. Technique is generally clean and crisp. Some B tacums not always clean. Tempo a bit inconsistent. Rushing a bit in bar 2 of second part. Some ending phrases slowing. Overall, could use a bit more tempo with this tune. Nicely expressed with could dot/cut phrasing. Drones well tuned. Chanter balanced, but a very scratchy high A which distracts from the performance. Overall, some really good playing. Well done!
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Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Friedrich Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi. Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice tempo to start. Drones not in tune with the chanter causing a wee bit of distraction. Chanter seems well set and blown. Overall a good 2/4 idiom with phrasing evident. 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: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Glen Mary... THanks for this. Nice tempo evident. Pipe set quite well. A good 2/4 march feel here, with a nice off beat punching through. Watch birls for arrival in ending phrases. Some are a shade early. Aim to land your G gracenote of your doublings squarely on the toe tap itself. Some are a shade early.... A nice confident tune here. Thanks. Shaunna HIlder
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Brian. Thanks for this . Pipe is set ok. The F and HiG are a shade sharp. Drones quite nice. The tune has a nice 2/4 feel with swing and style. Tempo is slightly slow yet consistent and maintained. Watch the ending phrase for full length on E for full musical effect. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Nicholas Barber 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Inveran Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: hi there Nicholas. Thanks for this. Pipe is well set... D Sharp. Watch this tune for pacing.. in P3 C - C E is rushed. Watch birls for earliness. Tempo well sustained itself... just watch your arrival of your movements as some are just a shade early, affecting the musical delivery. *Wait and Place* those movements.. A great tune choice for this event. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Alasdair Gillies Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Kurtis for this. A very fitting tune for event. Tempo well sustained. DOubligs and embellishments are coming through clearly. This tune needs more contrast between dot and cut notes. This is particularity evident in P3 and P4. The 1/8 notes need full value before the tachums. This combination repeats over and over and improve this will elevate the tune. Cut the tachum harder for full effect. Stretch ... and cut.... A lovely composition. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Robert Real 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: High Road to Gariloch and Corriechoille's 43rd Welcome to the Northern Meeting Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Robert. Thanks for this. A nice collection of tunes here. Nice tartan wallpaper !! Tempo is sustained... although a slight bit slow.. A nice musical feel. Pipes are set ok. The embellishments are coming through ok. Watch your c doubling and aim for a more rhythmic feel, as they are slightly too open. Have a look at your top hand finger placement.and aim to push your Hi G finger to lengthen and thus get away from the finger tips. Nice confidence. Thanks SHaunna Hilder
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Dew 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Compliments to the Teaching of Willie McCallum, Lady Louden, Dr. MacPhail's Reel Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice entry to March with nice lift and bagpipe well tuned. March: 1. Good 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Good into the Strathspey - nice 2. Good 3. A little pushed to the C doublings I thought 4. Nice Reel: 1. Nice into the Reel and nice pace 2. Nice 3. Nice 4. Nice - Lovely Overall a very enjoyable MSR played with drive and poise throughout (minus 3rd part Strathspey) on a nice instrument in tune from start to finish. Well Done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dr Brendon Eade 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Knightswood Ceilidh, Monymusk, Sheepwife Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice to start March - brisk and pipe excellent! March: 1. A little clipped on Low G doubling at line ending. 2. Good - same with Low G doublings at line ending being a slgiht bit tight! 3. Good 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Nice into Strathspey and tempo well established. 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good Reel: 1. Good break to the Reel 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good 5. a little pushed to the D throw slightly 6. Good Overall a very nice MSR presented on a solid instrument that held from start to finish (High A coming across a little sharp in Strathspey at time). Well done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James MacHattie 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Margaret Ann MacLeod, The Bob of Fettercairn, The Little Cascade Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice into March and lovely pipe! March: 1. Nice 2. Good - a little early off the B doulbing at part ending before tacchum to Low G 3. Good - a little longer on the C before the Grip throughout part as coming across a little flat. 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Nice into Strathspey 2. Slgihtly pushed in delivery 3. Good 4. Excellent - more poise here Reel: 1. Good into the Reel - a little quick to first F doubling from High G 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good - a little early to ending F doubling 5. a little early to the ending F doubling 6. Good Overall a nicely played MSR that was a little square throughout some passages hi-lighted above and could use a little more poise as there is plenty of drive which is excellent! Well done!.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Dick 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Duke of Roxburgh’s Farewell to the Blackmount Forrest, Inveraray Castle, The Grey Bob Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: NIce tempo to start and bagpipe is good however there is some little recording distortion from mic placement. March: 1. Nice drive 2. Good 3. Good - a little early to last birl at ending of part. 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Nice into the Strathspey - Maybe a tad cautious in terms of tempo but Good otherwise 2. Good 3. Good - coming off the High A to the short High G to half Doubling on F at part ending - a little longer here will put you into better timing and provide space. 4. Good - same as above otherwise - nicely played Reel: 1. Good into the Reel 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good - lots of poise throughout the Reel - Nice Overall a solid MSR played on a good bagpipe that held from start to finish - watch mic placement as slight distortion detracting from overall sound quality in performance. Some slight pushed passages and would like to see a little more drive in Strathspey. Well done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Bowen 🇨🇦 Place: 5 Tunes: Doctor Allan MacDonald, Islay Ball, Cockerel in the Creel Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe and nice entry into the March March: 1. Good - slightly pushed onto Low A's in Bar 2 and Low G doubling in following bars. 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good Strathspey: 1. F a little bright here and some tight doublings on B 2. Slightly pushing the B doublings 3. Slghtly pushed 4. nice Reel: 1. Nice into the Reel - a ittle dirty at end of part 2. Good watch tacchums at part ending and a slightly different setting? 3. Nice 4. Good Overall a very nice MSR presented on a resonant bagpipe that was controlled from start to finish and only slightly sharp on F in SR. March was a little pushed in part one and just need to settle it to really lock-in as you got better as you went along. Strathspey was much the same where I felt it took you a couple of parts to settle and Reel wsa pretty solid from start to finish. Well done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Williamson 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel; PM Hector MacLean; Stornoway Castle Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: NIce start to March and nice pipe! March: 1. Good 2. Good - B Taorluath at end of line not clean second time through 3. Good 4. A little loss of drive here but playing well. Strathspey: 1. Good into Strathspey - nice tempo 2. Good 3. Good 4. Thick High A doubling otherwise lovely Strathspey Reel: 1. Good into Reel 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good Overall a nicely presented MSR played on a nice instrument that was not quite locked from star to finish. Lots of poise displayed here. Well done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graeme Glass 🇳🇿 Tunes: The Glenfinnan Highland Gathering, Catlodge, The Grey Bob Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: A little careful to start March but gradually got there. Pipe Okay but not quite locked solid. March: 1. Good - pushing the offbeat entering Bar 7. 2. Good 3. Good - nice touch here with phrasing. 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Good 2. Good 3. Good 4. A little laboured into bar 4 Reel: 1. A little pushed entering Reel and a little laboured at start but settled 2. A little pushed at ending 3. Good 4. Good but again a little pushed into the birl at the part ending following the short B Overall an enjoyable MSR played on a decent bagpipe that was not quite locked from start to finish. Well done
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Partanen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lady Elsbeth Campbell, Donnie Ferry, Duncan Lamont. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start to March - Lots of drive and pipe okay! March: 1. A little crossing noise in part 2. A little early off the ending Taorluath on Low A into the Birl - you have more time in between. 3. Good - same ending mentioned above 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Good - A little square but as you went I got used to it 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good Reel: 1. Good into the Reel 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good Overall a very enjoyable MSR played with precision and although slightly pushed at times you are very consistent and confident in your delivery. Well done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Justin Howland 🇺🇸 Tunes: Mrs. Duncan MacFadyen, Bob of Fettercairn, Cecily Ross Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start to the March - Pipe okay but some distortion due to Mic placement detracting from overall sound quality March: 1. Good 2. Good - watch E doublings as some light ones here. 3. A little laboured High A, short F to E doubling - don't be early and trust it. 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Good into Strathspey - nice 2. Good 3. Good 4. C run down a little dirty to Low A Reel: 1. Good into the Reel 2. A little pushed to the birl - wait after the GDE and keep B short 3. Good 4. Good a slight catch at end Overall an enjoyalbe MSR played on a good bagpipe that was not articulating optimally due to mic placeemnt I believe. Well done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Armstrong 🇳🇿 Tunes: Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band, Tulloch Gorm & Lt Col DJS Murray Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice into the March and bagpipe okay wirh lots of projection and resonance. March: 1. Good 2. Good 3. A little pushed in Bar 3 4. Good St rathspey: 1. Good into Strathspey - Nice 2. A little pushed going to the birl from C - wati longer and you will always make the birl! 3. Good 4. Good Reel: 1. A little abrupt into the Reel but nice tempo 2. Good 3. A little pushed here 4. Good Overall a nice MSR played on a resonant pipe that held from start to finish. Just some minor timing issues where you push the beat slightly pulling you out of rhythm. Stay relaxed and lock-in to maintain poise from start to finish. Well done!
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Dew 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Dora Watt, Alasdair F. Henderson Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Lovely. J. Well played - unusual. Pipe well set, sounding great. Really enjoyable playing John.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Williamson 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Dr. McInnes’ Fancy; Donald MacLennan’s Tuning Phrase Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Nice playing, strong tune. J. 3rd pt - HG gracenote on E first them then correct after that! Very good set Jack, appropriate tempos, and nice pipe.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James MacHattie 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Wee Alec - Fort William and The Gold Ring Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Could get more music out of the tune at a slightly slower tempo! J. Tempo again up there! Well handled, especially at that tempo! Pipe well set.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura Mullin 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Forham's Dawn - by Josh McFarlane, Humours of Ballyloughlin - arrangement by Mark Saul Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Nice musical playing, good impression. J. Again, very nice musical playing. Minor technical blemish last part. Good pipe and very nice set Laura, enjoyed this.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Dick 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: PM George Allan, The Bride’s Jig Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Competently played. J. Nice tune, good playing here. Drones well set Lachie. Thinnish top hand on chanter. HG a little sharp. Pitch up there? An enjoyable listen.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dr Brendon Eade 🇳🇿 Place: 6 Tunes: Jimmy Blue, Annie's New Heart Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Rushing off the end of parts. Wee catch 4th part. Very nice otherwise. J. Good playing. Nice set Brendon.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Bowen 🇨🇦 Tunes: Jack Adrift, Donnie MacGregor Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Nice tempo. F a little sharp, but drones well set. Some rushing ahead of beat in 2nd part. Could do with more on the 1st beat each 2 bar phrase to help achieve a more rollicking hornpipe rhythm. J. Well played. Slightly ahead of the beat at times in the 1st part. Nice set overall Aidan.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Partanen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Maxwell's Bonnet, Angus Macpherson Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Nice hornpipe rhythm, just lost it a little in the 4th part. J. Good transition to Jig. Lively tempo! Well handled. Good stuff John!
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Justin Howland 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Henningham Reunion, St. Ninians Parish Centre Ceilidh Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Wee miss 2nd part, and 3rd part. Nice playing at a good tempo. Some minor technical blemishes. J. Good playing here - attractive tune Sound quality of recording lacking Justin - for this sort of thing, it neds to be better. Otherwise, an enjoyable set.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Armstrong 🇳🇿 Tunes: Man from Skye and Tommy Burke Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Slight rushing ahead of beat throughout tune. Otherwise competently handled. J. Nice playing. Pipe well set Scott - an enjoyable set.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Dr Brendon Eade 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: The Old Men of the Shells (Number 1) Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Pipe well set. Nice playing in Ground. I felt the hiharin was a little tight throughout - could fatten it a bit. Var 1. Nice. HA no sharper! Dbl. Good. Var 2 and Dbl. Good. TS and Dbl. Good. CS and CD. Good - although I did think the CD was going to take off up bit - ended up ok. As an observation, some doublings of variations could take a bit of tempo off, but what you did was balanced. Pipe nice. An enjoyable listen overall.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: James MacHattie 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: The Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. A slightly abrupt entry to the tune, transitioning from tuning. E in hiharin could be a little fuller. Otherwise nice ground. Var 1. E in hiharin again. Nice otherwise. TS. Perhaps a little quick overall for me - could set it out a bit and give yourself more room to move in the doubling. TD. Missed HG gracenote bar 6 line 1. A little on the quick side for me. CS. E after Crun movement just a shade fat, otherwise nice. CD. Ok. Overall, a nice tune James. Pipe well set and held. Just felt that you pushed the tune along a little bit much, particularly in the T and C variations.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Scott Armstrong 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: The Big Spree Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Pipe well set. Very nice treatment of ground. Var 1. Nice variation. Dbl. Good tempo uplift. Siubhal. Sightly laboured getting onto the singling cadence for me - but very consistent. Dbl. The odd catch going from LA to F. T. OK. GDE no tighter than that. C. Good fosgailte movement. Standard crun movement not always consistent. Overall, very nice tune Scott on a well presented bagpipe that held well.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: John Dew 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: The Battle of Strome Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Pipe well set. Nice ground. Perhaps need a shade more weight 1st pulse each phrase. Var 1. Nice. Dbl. Nice. Sometimes 1st pulse weighting a fraction light. TS and TD. Nice playing. CS. I felt the middle note of the fosgailte movement was intruding a bit - broke the flow. CD. Middle note of fosgailte again a bit prominent - broke the flow. Overall, nice tune, easy listenting!
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Lachie Dick 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: The Rout of Glenfruin Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Pipe well set. Nice ground. Var 1 and Dbl. Good, short E's just a wee bit clipped for me. Darado not always clear. LS - CD - good playing - some good expression evident. In the T and C, be careful not to fatten the LA after the tar movement and the E after the Crun movement after playing the last theme note before a singling cadence. (Hope that is clear!). Top hand part of crun movement a little crushed at times. CAM. Ok. A very nice tune overall Lachie, and on a good pipe.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Alastair Murray Place: 6 Tunes: the big Spree Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Pipe nicely set. Darado not always clear - need more LG. Otherwise nice. Var 1. Nice. Perhaps E in cadences could be a fraction fatter. Dbl. Could kick this on a wee bit more. A little bit too similar in tempo to the singling. Otherwise fine. Siubhal. Nice. E in cadnecs again - a little more weight on them would help finish the phrase off. Dbl. A little straight for me. T. OK. A bit more weight on 1st pulse /bar need. An abrupt transition to Crun var. C. Slightly fat on E after Crun movements. Standard crun movements not always consistent. Overall, a very enjoyable tune Alastair. Nice pipe. Would be good form to play all of the first line to finish the tune and not miss a chunk out!
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Aidan Bowen 🇨🇦 Tunes: Lament for Donald Dughal MacKay Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. End of 2-bar phrases could be marked a fraction more. Generally good treatment throughout ground, but marred by a sharp F. Drones well set. Var 1. A little straight overall. Need more light / shade in pulsing. TS. Too straight for me - each pulse was getting the same treatment - no light and shade. TD. As for TS. Technically very good. CS. Perhaps a little quick. Too straight again. Technically very competent. CD. Straight. Overall. A very good listen Aidan. Drones not locked together 100% for the duration. F quite sharp which detracted from the performance. Need to breathe more music into the tune with pulsing in each 2-bar phrase.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Graeme Glass 🇳🇿 Tunes: Lament for Donald Duaghal Makay Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Drones well set to start. F quite flat. Tending to overdo 1st pulses each phrase. Otherwise nice treatment. Var 1. Perhaps a little sedate overall. Some 4th pulses a bit fat for me. Wee hiharin slip repeat line 1. Some E's in cadences a little abrupt. TS. Tending to be a bit straight up until the last theme note before the cadence. Tar movement a bit crushed at times. TD. A little stratight for me - need more light and shade. CS. A little straight again (less last theme note before cadence). Crun movement crushed. CD. Straight again overall, but nice weighting of HA theme notes. Overall, nice tune Graeme. I'm looking for more pulsing/expression in the T and C variations. Drones held well - need to sharpen the F slightly. Just open up the Tar and crun technique a bit - would improve the clarity.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Jack Williamson 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Massacre of Glencoe Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Drones well set to start. C flat. F in last bar each line sometimes a little over held. Hiharin a executed a ittle too fast. Nice otherwise. Thumb. Cutting C - LA bar 1 and E - C bar 5 a bit too much for me. Perhaps a little brisk overall. TS and TD - tar movement not always consistent (a little tight). D gracenote in cadence to B hard to hear (but I am sure it was there!). CS and CD. E after crun movement a little fat for me - need to get off it sooner. Overall, this variation a little too straight and lacking in expression. CAM - Ok. Enjoyable tune Jack. Chanter intonation not 100%, especially C.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: John Partanen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Glengarry's Lament Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. 2nd pulse each bar needs a little more weight. Need to play more in 2 bar musical phrases - odd numbered bars, the last pulse just a bit too heavy. Var 1. Ok. Dbl. Could kick the tempo on a little more, otherwise ok. TS and TD. LA after tar movement tending to be a little fat - need to come off it sooner. E in cadences in the TS could be fatter. Otherwise ok. CS. E in cadences could be a little fatter. Good crun movement. CD. Tempo needs to be a little quicker than the singling. Overall, an enjoyable listen John. Drones not 100% but chanter well set up.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Justin Howland 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Big Spree Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Nice treatment. Darado a litle crushed. Recording made it difficult to hear the quality of your pipe clearly. Var 1. Need to come off the first note of the duplet and ut the weight onto the second note. This made the variation drag a bit for me. Dbl. As for singling. Need to kick the tempo on a bit relative to the singling. Suibhal. Nice onto singling cadences. The odd catch LA - C. Dbl. Need to move the tempo up relative to the singling. 4th pulse in a bar somtimes a little too much. Line 2 - error end of the line - additional bar or so addedd!! T. Last bar each line you are playing an E - should be F. Same with Bar 3 line 2. C. Fosgailte movement not consistent. Missed bar 3 line 3 out!. Overall, a good listen Justin. Need to get rid of the notational errors! Crun technique needs to develop a bit, and (for the future) the quality of the recording needs to be better.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Arthur Bignold Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Solid intro into the tune, but slowing down through the first 4 bars leaving you slightly behind the piper. I's say its almmost a touch over-controlled. Better through the second part, you're more on top of the beat here and playing more musically. I really like that you're ensuring you try and extend your dynamic range! Few wee technical issues towards the end that I would focus on! I'd say that last part you play is a bit too technical for my liking. Great job overall, you're a very musical player. Just continue to work on your rudimanets and phrasing and i'm sure you'll see a huge difference.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: The Children Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Intro rolls were good. Tempo slowed down as soon as the pipes came in. I know this can be one of the issues with not having a piper present playing with you. Excellent use of dynamics throughout the whole tune. There were a couple spots where you disconnected with the pipes but were very quick to get back on it and give a good permformance. One technique thing to think about that might help is to keep your hands and sticks low to gain optimal control and only bring your sticks up when you need to (accents, flams, loud dynamics) Thank you!
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chantaille Buczynski 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Mass Band 4/4 (I signed up for grade 4, but I could only find a grade 5 4/4 competition. Sorry if it’s in the wrong place & hopefully this will be okay). Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: I like the tempo choice here. Very lively and brisk. Watch when you play the ends of your rolls and rolls combinations and make sure to articulate the taps in between the buzzes. Something that helps with rolls and roll combos is to keep your sticks lower to gain better control of of when you do play the taps that are in between and around the buzzes. I would really love to hear you play with a piper as you maintained a very steady rhthym and pulse throughout the performance. One thing I would consider is to add some varying volumes and dynamics to really enhance the presentation. Thank you!
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Good introduction rolls. First bar of tune a bit rushed compared to tempo set in rolls. Really good 6/8 March phrasing coming through with nice dynamics. First 2 parts of the march are well controlled. Losing a bit of control in the phrasing in the 3rd part. Watch that you aren't forcing the rudiments in bars 5 & 6. Overall a nicely presented performance with good understanding of how a 6/8 march should be phrased. Keep up the good work Michael.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Kirkwall Bay, Dornoch Highland Gathering Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Good introduction rolls with great buzz quailty coming through. Good 6/8 march phrasing through out. You have a tendancy to speed up towards the end of single stroke runs. Try and control those more especially when coming out of a roll movement. Good dynamics throughout and well maintain tempo. Overall a nicely presented performance. Fantastic work Daniel. Well done.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sennett 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Good introductory rolls Slight tempo drop going into tune. Good control, dynamics and phrasing in first 2 parts. Speeding up and slightly ahead of piping in piano of 3rd part. Good roll quality throughout with good use of dynamics range. You can see that you have a good understanding of 6/8 march phrasing. A well presented performance. Thanks Eric. Keep it up.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Good introduction rolls. First bar of tune a bit rushed compared to tempo set in rolls. Really good 6/8 March phrasing coming through with nice dynamics. First 2 parts of the march are well controlled. Losing a bit of control in the phrasing in the 3rd part. Watch that you aren't forcing the rudiments in bars 5 & 6. Overall a nicely presented performance with good understanding of how a 6/8 march should be phrased. Keep up the good work Michael.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Welch 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Duncan McGillivray Chief Steward Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Watch the endings of your introduction rolls. Aim for a definitive tap. While the drum score matches the rhythm of the piping tune it comes across a bit staccato with no flow. Look at creating more flow in your playing. Definite 6/8 march swing coming through. Good buzz quality in your rolls throughout. Try and match the stick heights in the left hand flams to those of your right hand flams. There is a tendancy to not lift the primary stroke in your left hand flam high enough which is closing the sound of the flam. Overall, a good presentation. Keep up the good work Christopher.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chantaille Buczynski 🇨🇦 Place: 5 Tunes: Mass Band 6/8 March Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: First buzz or pulse of your rolls is a bit crushed. Aim for a nice even buzz sound. Watch the height of the gracenotes of your flams as they are coming down from the same height as the primary stroke. This is affecting the sound of your flams - the sound you need to aim for is all in the name "faLAM". Keep the gracenote of the flam close to the practice pad or drumhead. Good 6/8 march phrasing coming through. Tempo well maintained throughout. Good work Chantaille. Keep it up and thank you for entering.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Dr Ross‘ 50th Welcome Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: While your drum score matches the rhythm of the piping tune, and you followed and controlled that rhythm really well, it comes across a bit staccato with no clear definition between rudiments within the score. Work on defining the rudiments you are playing i.e. rolls, tap, flams, drags etc. Better definition coming through in 3rd part. For long rolls, like the ones you play for the introductory rolls and in the 3rd part, practice getting a nice even sustained buzz sound from start to finish. Keep up the good work Christine. Looking forward to seeing you compete again in the World Online Piping & Drumming Championship. Love the color matching of your tie and sticks.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: John Macdonald of Glencoe Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Great intro and confident uptake to start. The tempo started to slow down in the second part. I feel like it got a little too comfortable. This might be betterr if you had melodic support. Nice clean detail in playing in the second part. Same here in third. I feel like you are trying to play dynamics here but the effect is not coming across fully. Fourth part excellent steady rythym and and tempos since the tempos settled in the second part. Great confident finish. Well done. Thank you!
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Welch 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: King George V Army Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Great uptake at the start. Tempo is very comfortable and easy to enjoy. Playing well with pipes throughout the performance Very dialed in. Playing is overall pretty clean. I feel your rolls are a bit forced sounding. Try relaxing the buzz a little bit more and making it a bit fuller sounding. I can see and feel that you are playing some dynamics throughout but I feel like this could stand out more if you commit to the dynamics. Great confidence and playing throughout. Good run. Thank you!
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Arthur Bignold Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Good intro. Don't be so harsh on the first buzz in the rolls. Slight disconnect with pipes in first part. Good to get back on it. I really like the dynamics in the third part. Excellent range but watch that you dont fall behind with the pipes. It's great to have some dynamics throughout but I would bever sacrifice it for ensemble with the pipes. Getting ahead of pipes in fourth part at the beginning both times through but again quick to get right back on it and finish strong. Thank you!
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi. Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Great start to tune. Very nice steady tempo and feel with pipes. I feel like your buzzes are too harsh. Try relaxing your the buzz and letting it fill out more. Roll phrases and roll combos sound a little unclear of what notes are taps and what notes are buzzes. You have the rhythm and feel down just lacking some clarity and detail on these. Playing well with pipes and really dialed in on the ensemble. I really wish I could hear some more dynamics. This would really enhance the solid cohesion you have going with the melody. There is some separation with pipes in the last part towards then end. Never lose focus and track even at the end of your performance. Good run. Thank you!
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Linda Kraft 🇨🇦 Place: 5 Tunes: Teribus and Sweet Maid of Glendaruel Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Rolls are excellent. Very smooth sounding. Great start to tune. Slightly disconnected with pipes in first part. Again here in second. There is a lot of tug of war going on with the pipes. I know this can be challenging when playing with a recording as it's hard to lock in musically. Roll quality throughout is very nice. I would really like to see more dynamics and varying weights throughout. This would really enhance the presentation or the tune. The biggest issue is the back and forth with the pipes. The best way to get better at this is to practice with a metrnome to gain a really solid feel for the phrasing. Thank you!
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Great entry into the tune! watch through the first part not to losr control on some of your open work, but as you go through the tune it gets better. Some lovely execution coming through with swiss ruffwork and windmills. I'd focus on your roll texture ensure your right and left buzz sound the same and your single accuracy. Losing some control in the long roll phrases and singles in the last part. Overall a very musical performance (you did well with no piper!) some awesome confident playing coming across. Great job, Daniel!
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Alan McPherson of Mosspark Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Bit of a shaky intro but getting better through the double forte of the first part. The roll in the ending phrases is finishing a touch after the piper. I would personally shorten it to a 9 stroke roll. Nice controlled tempo coming through, great music and expression, especially through your double work. Lovely single work through the last part, but separation coming through from the 4th bar leading into the 5th. Great effort, Michael! I would look at some of the scoring through here and how you're executing the rolls in relation to the beat (i.e. a 9 stroke roll is beat to beat in a 6/8 jig).
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: John Macoll's March to Kilbowie Cottage, Maggie Cameron, Brown Haired Maid Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Good intro rolls but clipping the down beat and jumping to it too quick. Settled back in quickly and seem to be locked in now. I am not convinced on your dynamics. I feel like your really trying to get some variance in volume but its not coming across as well. Playing nice and steady in Maggie. Overall a bit flat needs more dynamics. Good to reel. Very controlled here and moving along nicely. Playing is clean and there is some good phrasing here. Again not enough dynamcs. Good performance oveall but you are lacking a more enhanced presentation by playing more monotone throughout. I know playing with a piper can really enhance this affect too. Thank you!
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Timothy Sellars 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Musical entry into the tune, some lovely playing coming through the first part here. Just watch that you dont rush off some of your flam work, keeping them open and nicely controlled. Would also like to hear some more dynamics coming through! Much better through the second part though! Slightly clipping that ending phrase in the 8th bar, it's that cut-dot flam tap being rushed which means you start the roll too early. Its not all the time but something to keep an ear out for. Loved the third and fourth part, super musical and great to listen to. Really nice controlled playing to finish. Great job mate.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Kirkwall Bay, Dornoch Highland Gathering Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Good intro into the tune, watch you're not rushing through the dot-cut triplets. Make sure you really extend them out to capture that entire 6/8 feel. Execution wise it's great, just some open work rushed. More musical second part here, can feel more expression coming through. Just coming off the long roll and through the 3rd and 4th bar make sure to control your singles. Similar through to the end of the tune, just some rushed singles and phrasing. Enjoyed it overall though, you're a great player!
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ron Flanagan 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Good entry and a musical start to the tune. The 6/8 swing is coming through nicely with some great light/shade. Just try to work on executing your flams ensuing they're not dead, as well as accuracy when you're playing small (such as 5 stroke rolls). Much better execution through the second part here, again great dynamic range coming through! Loving the 13 stroke roll dynamics. Losing some control through open work through parts 3. Better through to the end of the tune from here. Really controlled and musical performance overall. Big thing to focus on is some of. your rudimentary and execution to ensure 100% clarity.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: It's extremely important in jig playing to keep a nice even and consistent triplet feel. Focus on getting your single work nice and even without speeding up. Great flam technique throughout. Watch that you aren't just throwing paradiddle movements down. Control each note within the paradiddle. A very mature performance. Keep it up Daniel.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sennett 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Dr. Flora MacAulay of Carradale, Am Breamatain Tobhain Dubh Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Single stroke movements are coming across as forced. You need to work on using your fingers more to gain better control and consistency with these rudiments. Good rolls throughout Good triplet jig feel coming across. Well done Eric. Keep on improving and I hope to see you competing in these online solos again.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Giorgia Di Girolamo 🇮🇹 Place: 1 Tunes: Donald Cameron, Maggie Cameron, The Brown Haired Maid Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Nicely controlled intro, some nice musical playing coming through just a bit of control and execution is letting you down with some of the phrasing being rushed. The drag-drag-5 singles in the ending phrase is slowing down a bit. Better into the second part but losing some clarity on the single work. Similar in the third and fourth parts, then losing a bit of "swing" in the 5th. Nice 6th part, some great swing here thorugh the roll work, just a bit inaccurate getting into the part. Great intro into the strath! Nice Strong-weak-mediuum-weak feel coming through here. Losing some control and therefore rushing through the third part and into the fourth. Better through to the end of the strathspey. I'd say overal with your strathspey pllaying, really try work on extending your dynamic range, plenty of opportunity to get down on triplets and drags also crescendo your rolls! Accurate break into the reel, but slightly rushed first bar. Just extend the duration between those first couple flams a touch. But its gets much better after bar 1. Your best playing here now through the 2nd, 3rd and 4th parts!! Great music and some technical playing well executed. Losing some control through the 5th and especially the sixth. Overall you're a very musical player which will bode well for you! Just need to fine tune your control and execution. You may already be aware, but i'd look at the height of your top snare as it's not coming through the top head 🙂
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hollie Chalmers 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Links of Forth, Bohan Lochan, John MacKegnie Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Great intro rolls! Very smooth. Very confident uptake to tune. Playing very nicely with pipes. Excellent dynamics throughout march. Very locked in here. Good to straths. Locked in here again with pipes. Slight disconnect in second and again in fifth. Good to reel. Excellent control of a really technically demanding score. Excellent feel for the dynamics and flow. Sounds very nice. This was a great run. One thing I noticed that was a little distracting was you moved a lot throughout the performance. It's almost as if you were never comfortable with where you were standing but you were very much in control of what you were playing. It makes it a little bit more difficult to enage the listener. Very nice playing though. Thank you!
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gary Wray Place: 2 Tunes: Balmoral highlanders, Susan McLeod, John Morrison Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Start seems a bit cautious to me. Excellent control and dynamics in third. Slight disconnect in fourth with pipes. Lovely touch on the drum and not over working. Being very effiicient allows you to play that complex and intricate score. You handle it very well. Great finish in march. Good to straths. Slight disconnect in first. Again here in third. Not enough dynamics on starths. Could definitely use some more to really enahnce the overall effect. The scores is technically demanding so varying that technicality with some more effects is always nice and really engages the listener. Break to reel not together. I know this is always difficult when you are playing with a recording. I feel like this would not be an issue if you had a piper live with you. Reel going nicely. Some cool bits in the score. Looks really fun to play. Disconnect with pipes in fifth part. Good to ending. Some really technically demanding scores executed quite cleanly. Very nice. Thank you!
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Hogan 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: The highland wedding, Maggie Cameron, John Morrison of Assyant house Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: second part playing untidy in first two bars. Excellent dynamics in third. Slight disconnect at start of fourth.Good to straths. Slight tug of war in spots here with pipes. Seems a bit uncontrolled not settling more than settled. Good use of dynamics here but some of the playing is getting untidy. I would never sacrifice the clarity and execution for dynamics. Good to reel. Tempo seems a bit fast. This is a tough score to handle on its own nevermind playing too fast. I like that you are going for the dynamics a lot. You are missing some more punchy bits though. It's almost like you are holding back and not just letting it go. I think this is the tempo causing this. Overall nice run. One thing I noticed is you move your right side very well and fluid but your left is not as smooth and could use a little more movement from the elbow. More flow in the movement means more flow in the playing. Thank you!
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hollie Chalmers 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: 6/8 March Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Great roll quality throughout. Good 6/8 march phrasing. Closing of the left hand flam coming through in 3rd part. Good use of dynamics. A good performance with good scoring to compliment the tune.
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Hogan 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Tugargan Gap Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: A very controlled performance. Good use of dynamics throughout. Your playing became more mechanical as you went on. Make sure you are bringing out the musicicality of the score without becoming robotic in your playing. Overall an enjoyable performace.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hollie Chalmers 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Rhonda Blair, The Old Wife of the Milldust Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Nice confident rolls! Love the lively tempo into the hornpipe. Hornpipe flowing great overall, some really accurate and musical playing. Dynamics coming through nicely too, but you could extend them a wee bit more i think! Lacking a bit of clarity through some of the open work and then losing a bit of control the first time through the 4th part, but great to finish. A confident entry into the jig, but a bit rushed through the first couple parts. It settles by the 3rd. Lacking abit of open work clarity but some really enjoyable playing overall through to the finish.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Hogan 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Rhonda Blair, Old Wife of the Mill Dust Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Controlled intro into the hornpipe, but slightly uneven rolls. Very musical into the first part with some great playing and dynamics coming across! Watch out for a slight lack of control in those smaller open phrases. Some really great playing through the rest of the tune with great dynamic range. Losing a bit of control through the third part as you're falling behind the piper a bit. You could also afford to open up your ratamacues a wee bit to to really enhance things in that third part. Great through to the end of the hornpipe, again just some open work lacking execution but really enjoyed it overall! Controlled entry into the jig, great execution here but just rushing some two bar phrases. Great 2nd and 3rd parts loving the dynamic range! Losing a bit of control again through some open work in the 4th and 5th and then an awesome 6th part ot finish. Love your jig playing overall! Great job, Aidan.
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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: Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban, Arniston Castle, Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Great positive drumming Good phrasing throughout march with excellent use of dynamics Good break in strathspey Strathspey phrasing coming through really well with points of arrival evident. Great clarity of rudimentation coming through An excellent, well presented and controlled performance. Thank you. That's a fair bit of cash invested in your backdrop $$$
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Harvey Dawson 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Sinclair Scott /. The Ewe wi’ the crooked Horn /. John Morrison of Asante House Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: A very entertaining MSR with a good balance of power and finesse, Good drive and phrasing coming through in march although playing was slightly round in repeat of first part of march. Creative use of rudimentation throughout march with great use of dead strokes. Good break into the strathspey. Great feel and phrasing throughout strathspey. Tempo running away a bit in John Morrison. Not able to quite get the same controlled phrasing in the reel. Your playing is extremely entertaining and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you.
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alex Kuldell 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Kilbowie Cottage, Duncan Lamont, Mrs MacPherson Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Tempo increased slightly after introductory rolls but settled in repeat of first part. Quality of drags inconsistent throughout march Interesting scoring in 3rd part. Very creative. Good use of dynamics in strathspey with good phrasing coming through. Tempo a bit quick going into reel resulting in phrasing coming across a bit rushed. Overall a good positive performance. Thank you.
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hollie Chalmers 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Links of Forth, Bogan Lochan, John MacKegnie Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Slight tempo increase after opening rolls. Tempo a bit quick throughout march resulting in phrasing being rushed Good break into strathspey Great lift and phrasing coming through here. Slight slip in 4th part of strathspey Tempo a bit quick in reel. Slow things down a bit to help with control and phrasing within the tunes. Good roll quality throughout. Great use of dynamics. Well done.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Grant Maxwell 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Mason’s Apron, Archie Beag Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Lively intro, loving all the intricate flam work through the first part. A few flams coming across as a bit dead, but this is only minimal. Love the first couple of parts simplicity but it is really effective dynamically! Just those 5's in the second are lacking control a bit. 3rd and 4th are awesome, really enjoying it through here. Great dynamic range, control and musicality. Great jig overall, just a few things not super clear down the lower end of your dynamics. Potentially going almost too small so losing a bit of clarity here? Better to finish! Loved it overall mate!
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alex Kuldell 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Tam Bains Lum, Donella Beaton Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Slightly uneven rolls but apart from that a great entry into the hornpipe. Some lovely playing and your flam and open work especially is really great. Losing a bit of control and clarity in the third part and also in that single run in bar 8 of the ending phrases. I'd open up your left hand a bit! Lovely dynamic range through the fourth and great to finish. Great control into the jig, just unfortunately losing some clarity in some. of your open work through the first part. From the 2nd onwards its great though, some great dynamics and playing coming through. A bit rushed to finish! Nice one, Alex!
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Harvey Dawson 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Helen of Dunoon /. The Fiddler’s Rally Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Great tempo into the hornpipe, really musical playing coming through! Lacking a bit of clarity in some of your flam/open work. Much better into the rest of the tune, absolutely love all the deadsticking work. Cool stuff! Musical hornpipe overall and generally very accurate, i'de just like it a bit cleaner through some of the open work. Similar in the jig here, loving the music overall. It definitely gets better in terms of the clarity in your playing past the first couple parts. Again, loving the technicality in your single/deadstroke phrases, love that you're having fun with it. Would like to see a bit more dynamic range too through the jig. Loved it, Harvey!
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hollie Chalmers 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Rhonda Blair, The Old Wife of the Milldust Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: *Same recording & comments as Grade 1 HP&J* Nice confident rolls! Love the lively tempo into the hornpipe. Hornpipe flowing great overall, some really accurate and musical playing. Dynamics coming through nicely too, but you could extend them a wee bit more i think! Lacking a bit of clarity through some of the open work and then losing a bit of control the first time through the 4th part, but great to finish. A confident entry into the jig, but a bit rushed through the first couple parts. It settles by the 3rd. Lacking abit of open work clarity but some really enjoyable playing overall through to the finish.
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rowan Shaw 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Balmoral Highlanders Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Solid, confident, and poised introduction. Lovely sounding drum. Nicely tuned with just the right amount of sustain. Very wide range and good fluidity of motion. Slightly off the tune in 5th measure/part 1. Timing issues throughout, but very focused and poised. Nicely penned score for Highland Wedding. Very impressive at this level! Make sure to keep your dot/cut and triplet phrases o p e n. In doing so you will make your playing swing. You are pushing the phrase in places causing you to rush and go off of the tune at times. Lots of variety in your visual adaptation/scoring! Again, very impressive! Overall The primary focus of every competition is always on the drumming. Practice your complex phrases with a metronome. Get comfortable with the score before you begin adding your flourishes. Although very important; visuals are secondary - the icing on the cake, if you will. Consider examining and experimenting with different grips. I notice that you are using your wrists to execute your strokes. Use the natural rebound of the drum and mallet to your advantage. It will allow you to play off of the drum as opposed to playing in to the drum. One of the biggest challenges in tenor drumming is making the transition from flourishing to the drum. This is where stick control and confidence in the score come together. You are on the right path. A very impressive run!
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Event 205. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rowan Shaw 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Heights of Cassino Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Introductory strokes a bit uneven. Very nice swing feel into the tune. Some of your catches were a bit off. Very nice range of motion that adds good visual effect to the swing feel of the march. Lots of variety in your flourishes. Very nice! Ending phrases are ‘squared’ (2/4 ish) and losing the 6/8 feel. Pushing your phrasing in places and ending ahead. Ending a bit early. Excellent poise and impressive run for this level! Please refer to the overall comments in your 2/4 march. Well done!
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Event 207. Grade 3 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lexie Shaw 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, Susan McLeod and Charlie's Welcome Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Very solid introduction - Smooth and steady. Lovely sounding drum. Professional presentation! Tempo well maintained through the first part. Excellent symmetrical & fluid flourishing! Great control! Wide range of motion and good variety of moves. Ending phrase on ff a bit off of the tune. You’re pushing you dot/cut phrasing in places. Open them up. Be sure to give the dotted note their full value in order to maintain the ‘swing’ feel. Listen closely to the melodic phasing and the notes that come just before the downbeats for the proper beat placement. Mallet slip in 6th part. Excellent recovery and poise! Good break to strathspey. Impressive visual adaptation. Some issues with your triplets…inconsistent and not always ending with the tune. Nice cut/dot work. Spot on. Late break to reel Locked in to tune after start Very fluid motion with a wide range of motion and good variety Some of the same issues with pushing/rushing phrases Overall Very enjoyable performance! Consider taking a good look at how you execute your strokes on the drum. I notice that your playing is very ‘wrist dominant’. Noticing that your grip is a bit ‘wrist dominant’. Use the natural rebound of the drum and mallet to your advantage. It will allow you to play off of the drum as opposed to playing in to the drum. Well done!
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Event 208. Grade 3 Tenor Drumming - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lexie Shaw 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Ishabel T. MacDonald Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Very good introduction Somewhat up-tempo 6/8. First part lacking swing…a 2/4 ‘ish’, as opposed to 6/8 feel. On track in ff. Watch your ending phrases…keep them open. Swinging visuals well adapted to the march! Overall Consider choosing a more relaxed tempo for your 6/8. In many places this felt very rushed creating inconsistencies in the idiomatic phrasing.
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🇬🇧 Place: 1 Tunes: Allan Dodds Farewell to Scotland, Atholl Cummers, Mrs MacPherson on Inveran Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Excellent introduction Lovely tone/sustain/and pitch Very smooth playing into the march. Symmetrical and poised visuals Very controlled playing! Maintaining tempo and the swing feel of the march. Lots of variety in your flourishing! Superb transitions to the drum! Well controlled, steady, dynamic, and musical. Impressive! Very open and controlled open work. Solid break to strathspey Nice dance feel and great supporting visual work A few minor timing/feel issues in a couple of places Nice cut/dot & cut/dot playing. Smooth & dynamic triplet phrasing A bit early into the last part Good break ‘Reel feel” solid into the 1st part of the tune Excellent work, all around here! Enjoying this very much! Slight slip in 4th…superb poise! Great ending! Overall a very enjoyable performance! Excellent work!
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Jimmy Young, ewe with the crooked horn, John Morrison of Assyn house Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Smooth and steady intro. Drum well tuned. Some overtoning and a bit of an extended sustain Excellent symmetry and mallet speed. Score well set to the tune Could use more variety in your flourishes Pushing your phrasing a bit into the 1st part. Your dot/cut phrasing could be more open. Would like to hear more dynamics in your phrasing Watch your triplets..pushing a bit in places Good break Very nice strathspey feel. Smooth and steady. Solid and smooth visual work Excellent work here. Very relaxed and true to the idiom. Some very nice dynamic phrasing! Break spot on Nice tempo slide/glide into 1st part. Ending phrase a bit off here. Impressive visual work. Great range. Some great playing here. Just a tad rushed in areas, but true to the tune throughout. Well done!
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Event 210. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Duncan Johnstone, Donella Beaton Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Introduction - impressed that you were able to come in, on time, at the intro. Accompaniment initial tempo was off. Very well tuned drum. Crisp and clear tone. Nice sustain. Excellent symmetry & mallet speed! Great visual adaptation. Very well played & complimentary score Rocking this tune! Solid & smooth break to jig Good feel and solid command of tempo Well supported visuals Could use a bit more range in your dynamics. Overall Very well played! A solid musical performance!
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Event 210. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🇬🇧 Place: 2 Tunes: Flying Scotsman, Battle of Waterloo, The Panda Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Introduction-very good Smooth and steady into the tune. Excellent open work. Could use a touch more dynamic range in your phrasing Impressive array of flourishes, well executed & symmetrical Overall very clean and steady work. Just a touch flat in terms of your dynamics.
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Pipe Major Jim McWilliams, Bob of Fettercairn, John MacKechnie Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Good introduction Very steady into march Smooth visuals. Excellent speed & motion on X/Y axis Slightly ahead at times Pushing your triplet phrases in spots Need to open up some of your singles Nice triplet runs - last part Good break Excellent strathspey feel! Supportive flourishing-very clean Great open work…very complimentary to the tune. Solid break to reel Very nice introduction through 4th part. Impressive visual work. Great range of motion well matched to the tune. Watch your triplet & dot cut phrasing. Pushing… Overall A good run with a few phrasing issues throughout. Watch your transitions to the drum..might assist in you phrasing. Well done!
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🇬🇧 Place: 2 Tunes: Allan Dodds Farewell to Scotland, Atholl Cummers, Mrs MacPherson of Inveran Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Excellent introduction Lovely tone/sustain/and pitch Very smooth playing into the march. Symmetrical and poised visuals Very controlled playing! Maintaining tempo and the swing feel of the march. Lots of variety in your flourishing! Superb transitions to the drum! Well controlled, steady, dynamic, and musical. Impressive! Very open and controlled open work. Solid break to strathspey Nice dance feel and great supporting visual work A few minor timing/feel issues in a couple of places Nice cut/dot & cut/dot playing. Smooth & dynamic triplet phrasing A bit early into the last part Good break ‘Reel feel” solid into the 1st part of the tune Excellent work, all around here! Enjoying this very much! Slight slip in 4th…superb poise! Great ending! Overall a very enjoyable performance! Excellent work!
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Susan MacLeod, Mrs. MacPherson of Inverran. Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Visuals not quite on the mark on intro. Very good poise. Nice tempo and well held in first part. Score lacking the variety and complexity of syncopated phasing needed for this grade level. Dot and cut phrasing in 2nd part need to be opened up. Dotted notes need to be played to their full value to avoid ending phrases early Keep to the center of the drum in order for a more consistent sound Nice cut/dot work in 3rd part. Off the tune a bit in the ff Break to strathspey not in time. Dragging Nice cross-over flourishing Triplets not in time Does not have the heavy-weak-medium-weak strathspey feel Missed break to reel Not in sync with the piper Speeding up…. Feeling very rushed and lacking musicality. Overall A noble attempt The Grade 1 level requires a great deal of diversity in scoring/composition. Don’t be discouraged. I feel that you have the ability and enthusiasm in order to move forward with your musicality. Consider competing in march contests to start. Work on your drumming scores before you begin adding flourishes. Make audio recordings of yourself and be your own best critic. By all means, keep at it!
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🇬🇧 Place: 1 Tunes: Flying Scotsman, Battle of Waterloo, The Panda Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Introduction-very good Smooth and steady into the tune. Excellent open work. Lacking dynamics/groove Good break to jig Steady tempo Could use a touch more dynamic range in your phrasing Impressive array of flourishes, well executed & symmetrical Overall very clean and steady work. Just a touch flat in terms of your dynamics.
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Sandy‘s New Chanter, The Jig of Slurs. Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Intro unsteady Unevenness in some of your strokes, especially on ending phrases. Good variety of flourishes. Some issues with your symmetry Watch your transitions from visuals to the drum. Timing issues here. A bit off the tune . Break a bit ‘squiffy’ Some good playing in spots Off the tune in 3rd part Triplets off in last part
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Event 301. Novice Bass Drumming (Grade 4 & 5) - Any March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Mary Thrasher 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Stirlingshire Militia Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Lovely, mellow sound bass! Solid and confident introduction Very steady tempo into the march Dot cut phrasing just a wee bit unsteady in spots…pushing in a few places Very supportive and musical score! Smooth and steady playing, overall. Very nice, indeed!
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Event 302. Intermediate Bass Drumming (Grade 3 & 2) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: William Gunn 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: The Iron Division, Dornie Ferry, and Lexy MacAskill Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Great sounding drum! Mellow, resonant, and the perfect match to the accompaniment. Very steady tempo into the march. Excellent dynamic control on your intro. Very musical and complimentary score. Really like your treatment of the long snare rolls. Well matched and supportive. Solid and clean triplets! Great syncopated phrasing! Rock solid break Good work in establishing the strathspey idiom in 1st part measures 1 - 4 Subtle and effective syncopation 5 - 8. Nice touch! Very good visual meter supporting the dance feel. Appreciate your usage of ‘open' spaces in this tune Excellent work! Good dead stick..not overly crushed. Good break Rocking this reel. Great attention to beat placement and dynamic emphasis where it counts. Excellent phrasing and subtle touches throughout . A VERY enjoyable performance. Grade 2 level stuff! Well done!
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Stephen Holter and Sam Holter 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Gilbert Lightfoot Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: David Hilder (Piping) — Place: 1 — Hello and thank you for your submission. A very pleasing and musical performance. Really well integrated together piping with some tasteful harmonies. A nice overall performance to be proud of. Thank you, David. Judge: Grant Maxwell (Side) — Place: 1 — Very neat performance. The music definitely enhanced the mood of the video. You could really feel like you were a part of the story you were playing. I did not want it to end. Good show! Judge: Ian K. MacDonald (Piping) — Place: 4 — Nice start to the performance. Drones okay and the chanters seem like they are pretty good although they are not quite tuned together detracting from the overall sound quality. When chanters are not quite set together the harmony will not come across as effectively however they were appropriate and placed properly. I liked the video and the tune itself was quite musical so well done to you all ! Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 1 — Lovely drones! Chanters well set. Excellent clarity and great harmonies Outstanding presentation! Very nice cinematography! Really enjoyed this! Well done!
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Kern County pipe band 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Thomas Sanders, The Company's Lament (ground only) Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: David Hilder (Piping) — Place: 2 — Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice start with all instruments. Good tempo with very nice support from drums. Pipes quite good together with idiom Present. Nice use of harmonies in Companies Lament, pretty. Nice transition back to full band to end. Thank you, David. Judge: Grant Maxwell (Side) — Place: 2 — Excellent start and uptake. Nice and lively. All sections are locked in here and playing well together. First tune excellent! Second tune has a nice affect and feel here. This is a nice piece. Drummers and pipers not completely locked in for transition to third tune. It settles nicely in end of first. Playing very nicely and confidently to the end. This was a nice performance. Thank you! Judge: Ian K. MacDonald (Piping) — Place: 2 — 3Nice start to medley. Pipes sound pretty well set and a nice steady tempo. Drum playing well with pipes and Bass and Tenor section providing nice accompaiament. Nice into the Piobaireachd - effective use of harmony - Drones wavering a tad here. Good into the 6/8 - Drum score not quite locked here at times but pipes moving along nicely. Overall a very musick performance played with lots of precision and effective use of harmony and rhythm section. Well done! Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 2 — Good introduction Very complimentary drum score. Side drum a tad flat, very good snare response Bass well set to the pipes Tenor pitched nicely Spirited tempo..well held through the tune. Lovely air! Transition into the march not quite together as a unit. Very nice ‘slide” into the 6/8 march…effective! Well done!
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi, Struan Robertson, Alick C. MacGregor. Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: David Hilder (Piping) — Place: 3 — Hello and thank you for your submission. Great backdrop with the Pipe Organ. Good introduction and tempo into the march with good idiom. Watch that you continue the 2/4 march pulse throughout to really Present the musical delivery of the March. Break to spey not 100%, tempo could be brought up a wee bit, this is after all a dance tune so "go for it" a wee bit 🙂 A bit better entry to Reel, work towards clean breaks and good strong musical presentations. Thank you, David. Judge: Grant Maxwell (Side) — Place: 3 — Nice confident start. The whole drum section is playing well together. March very nice all sections locked in and playing well together. Break to straths there was disconnect between pipes and drums. First part seems unsettled for all sections but comes back nicely in second. I would really like to hear some more varying volumes from the snare and midsection. Playing nicely with the tune but more dynamics would really enhance the playing here. Break to reel not locked in all sections. Again here settled nicely back in towards the end of first. Both drums sections working well together in reel. Again more dynamics would really enhance this tune. All sections play well together for most of the performance except the breaks. This would be a great focus point to get the breaks as confident as a majority of it is. Great run. Thank you! Judge: Ian K. MacDonald (Piping) — Place: 1 — Well away - First rolls not quite in time and together but better on the 2nd. Nice uptake to the march and both corps playing well together. Bass tuned nicely but coming across a little dull (hitting a little too hard not allowing the drum to sing). Snares well set and playing well with the pipes. Pipes well set and chanter and drone quality pretty good. Not 100% solid into the Strathspey - someone was a little ahead and some mistakes on B strikes in first and second parts. A couple of piper's pushing the beat a bit creating a round feel in the Strathspey pulse. Again not 100% together going into the Reel but appropriate tempo and majroity playing well together. Some wrong notes in the 3rd part by pipe corps. Overall a pretty good MSR that demonstrated pretty good ensemble for each corps together as a band. Some pushed playing a mistakes in pipe corps detracting from the overall quality of unision and musicality (pulse in Strathspey). Lots of potential here and a good pipe band! Well done! Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 3 — Very impressive looking band. Great backdrop! Introduction not together. Bass late on three paced rolls…drop in tempo Snares off on 2nd roll ending. Band settling in nicely after the intro. Very complimentary scores for the tune Great snare response. Drums well pitched Consider functional tuning of bass. Tenors not always coming through on the recording. Bass tone would be more pronounced if the drum were played closer to the center Break to strathspey not together Tempo dragging significantly Would like to hear the heavy/weak/medium/weak pulsing from the drum corp. Bass can add a lot here. Break to reel not together Good forward motion after the first part. Both corps not quite in sync. Tempo fluctuations Overall. Excellent presentation and a nice selection of tunes for your MSR. Consider utilizing a metronome when the band practices as a unit…especially for introductions. You might have the band march in place as the pipe major hums the intro to the tune. That helps everyone ‘lock in’ the tempo. All the best!
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Pipes & Drums Of The Boys' Brigade, 60th Singapore Company (Raffles Institution) 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: The Drunken Piper/Greenwood Side Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: David Hilder (Piping) — Place: 4 — Hello and thank you for your submission. Nice use of all the instruments. Pipers well together with some intonation issues. Bass drum is a little off tonally causing some ensemble issues at times. Snares adding some nice texture. Tempo OK. Looks like a nice setting to play in ! Thank you. David. Judge: Grant Maxwell (Side) — Place: 4 — First part not all quite locked in. There is some disconnect going on between the snares and the bass. Snares playing well together throughout first tune and playing confidently. Once the second tune started the drummer speeding up. Make sure to be really focused and together when transitioning between tunes. Pipers are holding down the performance well. Snares and bass disconnected throughout the last part. I think the nerves are kicking in here. Pipers very confident all the way through to the end. One thiing that really stood out to me is how steady the pipers were from start to finish. They really helped to keep to the flow going. Thank you! Judge: Ian K. MacDonald (Piping) — Place: 3 — Pretty good start but rolls not quite in time creating a little bit of an inaccurate start to the march. Work on a nice consistent bass drum rhythm and rolls in time to ensure a nice clean start. Pipes set pretty good and playing okay from start to finish. Overall a nice performance. Keep working on timeing and improving the unison from each corps to continue to develop your ensemble. Well done! Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 4 — Introduction not together between pipes and drums. What may help here is having the PM hum the introduction of tune as everyone marches in place. This is an effective means to assist getting everyone settled in and together as a unit. Also consider having everyone march through the first part of the tune. This will help in getting everyone locked in to the tempo. Appropriate level scores for these tunes. Issues with execution (drums) but the intent and drive is there. Lots of potential for growth here! It is very encouraging to see how seriously you lads are taking this! Keep at it, and all the best!
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Stephen Holter and Sam Holter 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Wayfaring Stranger Judge: Panel B Judge's Comments: Judge: Gary Potter (Side) — Place: 1 — A well produced video with very high production value. Good arrangement and use of other instruments to compliment the bagpipes. Bagpipe tuning could have been more accurate to the string instruments to really enhance the piece of music, especially on D, F, High G and High A. Thank you for entering this piece into the contest. Judge: John Dew (Piping) — Place: 1 — Nice arrangement and video, well produced. Pipes high G note blending as well as the rest of the chanter. This was a great music video however it felt a little too short, could it have lead into a second tune or perhaps something that developed on from the slow air? There is room for exploration. Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 1 — A lovely rendition of this classic folk song. The plaintive fiddle intro, the distressed setting, and the bagpipe, paint a black and white picture of hardship, endurance, suffering…and also a glimmer of hope. Nothing more that I can add other than…VERY well done! Judge: Shaunna Hilder (Piping) — Place: 1 — Wow this is incredible;.. Such a strong emotive presentation... love the black and white video, the blending of the fiddle and pipes, pitch is perfect with professional production quality. The emotion in the music is evident, so much sorrow and sadness, complimenting the images and shadows of a location that has suffered loss. Beautiful tone and and balance and pitch. Incredible! Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Killicrankie, The Panda, Paddy Carey, She Moved through the Fair, The Fiddler‘s Joy, The Famous Ballymote, Kalabakan (Borneo). Judge: Panel B Judge's Comments: Judge: Gary Potter (Side) — Place: 2 — Some great tunes in this selection. Bass drummer needs to play more in the centre of the drum to give more depth to the sound. Introduction rolls not 100% together between snares and bass. Drum corps providing good rhythmic accompaniment for the pipers. Break into slow air a bit hesitant Roll quality from snare drummers in slow air could be better. Snatching triplet runs in strathspey. Keep up the good work. Well done Judge: John Dew (Piping) — Place: 3 — Drums not fully together on intro, intro E could be a little better. #1 - Well played however I'm not sure the harmonies fit correctly, there should be an F on D in the final bar of a D major tune. #2 - A tad safe for me, drum score seems a little too simple at this level. #3 - " #4 - Air executed well for the most part with good harmonies #5 - Not the smoothest entry to this tune but was well played #6 - Well played but a few too many slips disrupting flow #7 - great ending to the medley with a very nice cut off, well done! Overall this was a little safe in tempo but a huge improvement from when I've previously listened! Keep up the good work its getting better each time. Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 3 — Excellent selection of tunes. Lovely setting and a very professional looking group. Introduction not together. Three paced rolls off the beat. Drop in tempo Bass would produce a mellower tone if played more toward the center of the drum. Consider functional tuning the bass to compliment the ‘A’ of the drones Tenors adding nicely to the ensemble Great snare response. Drums well pitched and very crisp Break to jigs not clearly defined Tempo variations producing a labored effect throughout Very pretty slow aire. Rolls somewhat choppy. Very good break to strathspey Tempo not allowing for a solid HwMw pulse. Good break to reel Tempo steady. Nice work here! Overall. Very well constructed and musical medley. Judge: Shaunna Hilder (Piping) — Place: 3 — A nice Killicrankie to start this selection. Nice efforts on your harmonies... Tempo and musical delivery is nice. Good efforts by the band here. Nice arrangements of your tunes... Sow Air well suited with nice harmonies here. Strathspey is well done - watch the clarity of the runs in P2. Strong ending tune. Drumming overall is quite literal in the composition of the scores.. work on adding non literal phrases over time. A nice band ! Thank you. Shaunna Hilder
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Kern County pipe band 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Bumpy Old Road, Oft In the Stilly Night, (slow air and jig), The One Legged Deck Hand. Judge: Panel B Judge's Comments: Judge: Gary Potter (Side) — Place: 3 — A nice selection of tunes. Triplet feel for the jig could have been better. A few errors but overall an entertaining set. Well done. Judge: John Dew (Piping) — Place: 2 — Pipes - drones not bad, could be a little closer. Top hand on chanters were a little sharp. Playing well together for the most part, some clear fingerwork coming in with some good intergration however there were a few wee slips here and there. Overall I think this was well played however I wonder if the tunes were placed in the most musical order, it felt slightly tangent at times and perhaps putting them in a slightly different order would produce a nicer flowing medley. Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 2 — Very well constructed & musical medley! Solid drones and well matched chanter sound. Great into and transition to slow aire. Haunting tune. Start of jig not quite together as a unit. Builds quite nicely to finish. Well done! Judge: Shaunna Hilder (Piping) — Place: 2 — Nice trio !!! A very thoughtful piping presentation here. Unison and attention to detail was evident through out. Good timing and feel with the Slow air and Jig version of Oft in the silly night. Generally a nice job of handling the La-C-E combos in the final tune. Some harmonies would be a welcome addition to this performance. Nicely tuned pipes and chanter set up well. Good one !! THanks SHaunna Hilder.
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Competitor: Joel Dorning 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Loch Rannoch Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Joel. Nicely played! Your execution is quite good. Good grips. Doublings need a bit more clarity. Make sure that each gracenote within the doubling movement is clear and distinct. At times, you tend to run the two gracenotes together. Very good sense of timing and expression. Tempo is appropriate for this tune and grade level. Well done!
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Isla McLean Place: 1 Tunes: Farewell to Nigg Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A very good, clean rendition of a great piece of music. A great sense of rhythm and flow with lovely clear technique here. The next stage is to bring the tempo up just a little to enhance the musical quality presented.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Joel Dorning 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Blue Bells of Scotland Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Great rendition Joel. I felt it was a tad on the slow side at first but it settled in to a nice comfortable tempo after the first few bars. Great bottom hand technique, I feel the top hand technique could be a little more accurate, try and make it as good as your grips and birls. There is much potential here, keep up the good work.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Daem Fahimi 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Scotland the Brave Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A great rendition of a tough tune - very enjyable. Very musical with a great sense of rhythmic accuracy. Technically sound though there were a few wee inaccuracies coming across when using, or moving to, the bottom hand. Also remember that there is an E gracenote from the C doubling going down to low A. This may seem like a very detailed comment but that gracenote pattern appears time and time again in pipe music so it's important to solidify that going forward. There is a lot of potential here Daem, keep up the good work.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Salute to General Mark Clark Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A good rendition of a very nice piece of music. Generally this was well played though I felt the tempo varied throughout the performance, I felt there was just a little bit of rushing from time to time. Technically sound though be careful not to lift the B finger off the hole when playing the birl. There is much potential here, keep up the good work.
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Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Balmoral Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: A good attempt at a tough tune, well done. Rhythmically some of the crotchets could have been given their full length and so I felt I lost the 3/4 march rhythm a little. Good clean technique though the grips could have had a little more low G to them. On the whole an enjoyable performance with plenty of potential, keep it up!
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Sophie Bird 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: HI Sophie - Thanks for this. A nice tune here. Good finger placement and nice foundation in your movements. Good grips in each ending phrase. Nice D throws throughout the tune, and nice tempo sustainment, even through P3. Ready for pipes. Thanks! Shaunna Hilder.
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Luke Caskey Place: 2 Tunes: The Conundrum Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Luke - thanks for this.. A slow tempo here, yet consistently maintained. Let's speed it up to obtain a march feel. Nice fingerwork. A nice clear sounding doubling on C, E, B, and Hi A. Aim for a rhythmic doubling sound... by having slightly less space between the gracenote inside the doubling itself. This will allow more time on the note itself, and will create more shape in the tune. Ready for pipes . Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Sweet Maid of Glendaruel Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Todd. Nice one thanks. Watch finger placement. Very much on the tips on the top hand. Aim to push those fingers out to a long and flat position for full effect. Some trouble closing to Low G on D throws. Aim to fully close to Low G there. A few catches. In Bar 1 you have grip B to C, and D Throw immediately following... work on this passage to close fully to low G on those movements. Nice tempo. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 03. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: High Road to Gairloch and Brown Haired Maiden Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Bryan. Thanks for this. A brisk set indeed. Very spirited and marchable... Some small connection notes are very small and nearly missed. Watch D throws from E. Aim to close all the way to Low g on each. Watch the fingering passage F D HiG in Brown Haired... Just catching on the D to F, D to HiG. That can be tricky... watch the bottom hand is opening and closing exactly in sync with top hand note changes. Aim to slow the tempo down just slightly for full musical effect. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Todd Schroeder 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Morag of Dunvegan Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Todd, and thank you for playing in this competition! First part is strong here, although I did feel that you started a little quick and settled down a bit. Second part is equally strong, if not just a tiny bit better, because it felt like you really locked into the tempo. A few technical notes: -For E strikes, most of these are coming across very clearly. There were a few where I could tell your bottom hand wasn't quite situated on the chanter perfectly -You had one F doubling slip, and some of the E doublings weren't quite as well articulated as the others. The key to both of these, and all doublings in general, is be sure to get a clear G gracenote to start them off. You also need to make sure that you can hear two gracenotes distinctly from one another. The trick is to articulate it clearly without letting the gracenotes spread too far apart from one another. E doublings and F doublings were something I struggled with for a long time (some days I still do!), but focusing on a clean and clear G gracenote does miracles! -Birls could have just a little more meat in the Low G strikes Overall, I enjoyed your perfomance here Todd! You have a strong grasp and image of the melody of this tune, and that comes through loud and clear. These technical notes will only add to what is already a good tune and a good performance. Well done!
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Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: 10th Highland Light Infantry Crossing the Rhine Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Bryan Thank you for competing in this event. This is a great tune, and one I don't get to hear as much as I would prefer. First part is spritely and energetic, which is great. There are some spots where I think you are sacrificing clarity in the cut/short notes to maintain the tempo, so you might consider slowing the tempo down just a little bit. Second part, in measure 2 and 6 (which should match each other in your music), you're losing some of the definition on beat 1 rythmically. A slower tempo would help that too. Nothing major, but 3-5 beats per minute can make all the difference in the world! Some technical notes: -Be careful and mindful of hand-to-hand crossing noises. This tune has ample opportunities for those to happen, so you'll want to be sure to open up your "destination" note before you close down your "starting" note. -Relax your g gracenote finger a tad, and you'll achieve some more life and lift in the gracenotes. I noticed your finger posture, and I would suggest working on flattening and relaxing your fingers (both for comfort and clarity). Bending your fingrer that way can eventually be hard on your joints. Overall, an enjoyable performance of an excellent tune. I commend you for your energy in the tune, which is something that's tough to achieve! The above technical details and a slightly slower tempo will help push this tune to the next level!
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Joel Dorning 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: The Glen is Mine Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Well done. You are showing a good understanding of the fundamentals of piobaireachd. Edres pretty strong, but I'd suggest you listen for the two low A sounds in it, so probably open the movement up a little. Good technique with just a bit of lack of clarity just at the end. I would also suggest moving through the middle of phrases a bit more, so it isn't presented as one bar phrases. So, Don't pause quite so long on the last note of odd numbered bars, so you get the opportunity to stretch at the end of even numbered bars and define the end of your two bar phrases. Nicely done!
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Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Well played. I like how you keep the tune moving along, with some subtleties in the short notes. I'd prefer a bit more definition at the end of two bar phrases, but that's really tough to do on practice chanter when you need to take breaths! Easier on pipes. Consistent timing to your cadences. A few small technical concerns, like one open C near the end and small crossing noises to E, but nothing major. Well done.
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Danny Boy Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Charles! Thank you for entering and competing in this event. You're sounding well! I enjoyed your Danny Boy, and I want to especially highlight the musical maturity you displayed here. There is so much poise and patience for the melody, and that allows the whole tune to feel polished and settled. Very consistent tempo, and a very delicate treatment of the short notes. Musicality in spades! From a technical standpoint, I would suggest working on making sure your strikes to low G have just a little more low G weight to them. A few of them came across as soft and fuzzy, and a little more definition there would be good. You're blowing your pipes really well, and tonally they're great. I think the drone reeds might need a little adjustment to be sure they're as steady as possible (make sure the bridle is perfectly perpendicular to both the tongue and the body. The bridle should make an exact lower-case t shape with the tongue). I think it's mostly the bass, but the drones are moving just a bit. A very good performance here, Charles, and one you should be proud of. Congratulations!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Hector the Hero Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Brian! Thank you for entering this contest, and I enjoyed your tune. You've got a lot of great things going on here. -Good forward momentum! You kept things moving in this stirring air, without letting things tumble or rush at all. There were a few pick up notes at the the ends of lines that were a little snippier than I might suggest, but nothing detracting from the performance -Lots of patience on the long notes, and this tune's second part is full of them -Technique is overall very good. There were a few crossing noises that snuck in (from C to E), but those were minor. Something to work on, for sure, but nothing to worry about -Drones were spot on! Your F was sharp, and your high A could maybe be flattened off just a touch, but that was it in regards to your chanter. I would suggest that you maybe let some more beefy low G come through in your grips; some of them felt a bit too light for my taste. Overall, a very enjoyable performance here. Well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jan Roberts 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Morag Duncan Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Jan! Hope you are well, and thank you for entering this contest. I enjoyed your tune, and it's not one I've heard before (I may have to learn it myself!). You've got an unassailably-solid idea of the melody here, and I wanted to highlight that. Your melodic patience is excellent, and I particularly enjoyed your treatment of the short downbeat notes in the second part. Really excellent. There are a few technical things to mention- -It may be time for a slightly stiffer chanter reed, or you may need to work on being really precise with g gracenotes to Low G (being sure you're sealing all of the holes). I don't want you to start to press down or tighten up, but I didn't feel that all of the Low Gs were totally precise. -Low A to high A is a tough transition, since just about every finger possible is moving, but these transitions are what make slow airs deceptively difficult. There was 1 or 2 Low A to High A transitions that sounded a little imprecise I also wanted to mention that, based on the way your shoulders are moving and your posture, you may want to check your drone reeds' calibration and your bag for leaks. I think your instrument may be taking more effort than it needs to. All in all, a very nice slow air presentation here, Jan. Well done!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Jonathan B Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Highland Cathedral Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Jonathan, looking sharp and playing well! The drones weren't locked in with each other from the start, but this was slight and stable throughout. Pipes sounding, otherwise, quite good. The drones seem to be tuned well to the Low A, just not locked in with each other. You've got a gread melodic sense here, and it shows with your very steady tempo. This tune has a very nice soaring quality to it, which you captured nicely. Technically, I would suggest working on the crossing noises that tended to pop up when going from either C or D to a top hand note. These are tricky, to be certain, but a little bit of work goes a long way. Most of your note transitions were very clean, which shows me that you definitely have the chops to improve the consistency on those select examples. A good performance of a good tune, and one that I enjoyed. Thank you!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Vicki Heller 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Shores of Loch Katrine Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Vicki! Thank you for entering this contest; I enjoyed your performance! The drones weren't quite in tune with each other, but your blowing and instrument control is great. The drone tuning just spoiled that slightly, but it wasn't distracting. A lot of really great musical maturity here, and the tempo was very steady. Technique was good, too, with a lot of clarity and control evident. I especially liked your doubling work. Your F was sharp, and I'm inclined to say that most of the drone tuning issue was your tenors not quite being locked in with one another. Drone tuning relative to low A was really quite close, so getting the three drones synced up to each other is the key for you. You're getting the drones in line with Low A well, but that last little twist or two to get the drones bang on with each other is the next frontier here. There isn't much to criticize in this performance. Musically, it's solid. Technically, it's solid. Some more polishing work on the instrument tuning, and you'll be in great shape! Thank you for an ejoyable tune!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Mingulay Boat Song Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Robert! Thank you for entering this contest, and thank you for an enjoyable listen. You're looking sharp, and your pipes sound great. The only criticisms I have for you are in regards to some technical issues I heard. Your pipes sound quite good, excellent bass presence, and the chanter sounds great. There were a few moments where I heard a little bit of underblowing (on E), but that didn't detract from the performance. In a technical sense, I would suggest making sure that there's a distinct low G sound that starts your throws. Most of them were fine, so I would consider this more of a consistency issue than a knowledge or skill issue, but it's still something to be aware of. At times, I also noticed some tightness in your G gracenotes, which came through mostly in doubling work. You want to be sure to hear two distinct gracenotes of equal weight in all of your doublings, and this is again more of a consistency issue than it is knowledge one. Musically, you've got a lot of great things going on here. There were a few passages where I felt some rushing, mostly in the the pickup notes, but these were in preparation for the D throws. I'm sure that once the D throws are cleaned up a little bit, this issue will work itself out to a large degree. Great pipes, and great music. There's just some technical stuff to work on here, but you've got all kinds of great foundations to build on here!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Bill Collins 🇺🇸 Tunes: MacNeill's Farewell to Barra Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Bill! Thank you for entering this contest, and I enjoyed your presentation here. Tremendous scenery pairs really well with strong melodies like this. Drones weren't 100% tuned to each other, but they were well-tuned to the low A. So, getting that last little bit of tuning in for the drones is what I would suggest to you. Chanter sounds good, too, though I think you might be due for a new reed. High G had a bias to move a little bit sharp, and the High A was a little thin. The only technical thing I see going on here that I would suggest giving some attention are making sure you transition out of your heavier embellishments precisely. In things like grips and taorluaths, it sounds like you've got a tendency to move off of the G rather quickly (in taorluaths this is making the E gracenote come late relative to the movement). Don't be afraid to let a little more weight of Low G come through, and you'll also find that helps you anchor in the melody just that tiny bit more. I really enjoyed the musical presentation with this tune. You've mastered the melody of the tune, and you carried that very clearly through the performance. The tempo was consistent, and so was your treatment of the phrases. I particularly enjoyed the question and answer coming through in your playing; the clear call and response of the tune showed through well. A great musical package here, Bill, and one you should continue to nurture. A little more refinement on the drones and a little more weight in your embellishments and you'll be in great shape!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz 🇺🇸 Tunes: Cap'n No More Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Imogen! Thank you for entering, and I enjoyed your tune! I do want to mention your bagpipes, because I get the sense the reed might be a little too hard for you right now. It might be new, and in that case unbroken-in reeds are a struggle unto themselves. You might consider going through the parts of your set-up to make sure everything is operating efficiently and is leak-free. The technique on display here is quite good. There were a few doublings that might benefit from a slightly-clearer G gracenote. Otherwise, I liked what you were doing there. Throws were very good, strikes were good, and your note transitions were very precise. There were a few rythmical issues that stood out to me, but I suspect those were coming from struggling a bit with your pipes. At times, you might rush off of the end of a phrase into the next one a bit early. This was minor, but it's something I would be sure to work on with a metronome. Part of the interesting and unique challenge of a slow air is the slowness itself; playing slowly is a tremendous test of control and poise. You've got a lot of that to speak of right now, but I think some extra time and attention would help grow that even more. Melodically, this was great. You have internalized the melody really well, and the only melodic suggestions I can make are the tempo things I wrote about above. I could very clearly hear the "tune" of this performance, which is a credit to you! Well played, and I look forward to hearing more from you!
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Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Tunes: THE DAWNING OF THE DAY Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Sean! I do want to preface this with letting you know that, unfortunately, I had to consider this as you playing a march in the contest rather than a slow air. This meant that you weren't in contention for the prize list. Dawaning of the Day can be played as either a march or a slow air depending on a number of factors, but here I felt it fell more under the march side of things. With that said, I do want to give you some feedback on your playing. You're playing the tune very well, and from technical and musical standpoints, this is above grade level. The pipes sounded good, too, with sonorous drones and a bold and balanced chanter. I would say that your F tended pretty sharp relative to the rest of your scale. I feel that you could open up the gracenotes in your bottom-hand doublings and strikes (C doublings as an example). Just aiming to lift your gracenote fingers just that tiny bit farther off the chanter usually does the trick for me. Not so much of a slower gracenote, just ever so slightly more open. Musically, and this is very nitpicky, I'd like to encourage you to start thinking about stretching the long notes on left-foot beats just a tiny bit. It's important not to let this affect the downbeat length itself, but you have some room to play with how long the long notes are and how shor thte short notes are within the confines of a beat. This is a finesse thing, for sure, but I encourage you to play around with it and try it out. Just because the tune is a 4/4 march, for example, doesn't mean it deserves any less musical care and attention than any other tune. Like I said, you're playing and sounding very well. Just on the tune idiom alone, I had to leave this out of the list this time. However, please do continue to compete, and continue to compete in events like this one, because you're doing a lot of great things. Thank you for the good tune!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Muir of Ord Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe. Appropriate tempo, well managed. Birls a little ahead of the beat.... Clear, strong technique. Lovely flow to this tune! A few places where you're playing a G gracenote instead of an E gracenote, but not a really big deal. Minor overblowing near the end, but an extremely well played march for this grade!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start, with D and high G just slightly sharp. Steady and careful tempo to start. Low G a bit light on D throws from bottom hand notes, but most of your technique is clear and accurate. Minor fingering issue in part 2 but recovered quickly.. Well controlled all through. Well done!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Andrew mcilwaine Place: 3 Tunes: The Conundrum Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start, and fairly well blown/squeezed. Steady and cautious tempo. A few D gracenotes missing on some short Cs. You are consistent enough with your doublings that you may want to start to close them up - just a wee bit! Mostly bottom hand doublings. Slowing a bit in part three. Lots of composure in part 4. Minor technical catch at the very end, but a strong performance!
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Vicki Heller 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Walter Douglas Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start. Be careful of a few surges in pressure. You're getting a tiny E sound on your way to the high G doublings near the start. Steady tempo, managed well. Technique mostly solid - a few crossing noises to address, and a few gracenotes not quite placed on the transition from note to note. Strong B doublings. E gracenotes often bigger than your other gracenotes, esp in the 4th bar. Overall, well controlled and well played.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: High Road to Gariloch and Corriechoille's 43rd Welcome to the Norther Meeting Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set. Steady tempo for the most part - occasionally a bit short on a dotted note (bar 7 low A for example one time, or E in second march bar two). Most technique clear, but some doublings a bit too tight. Lots of very good things happening here - seems to me that consistency is the main area for improvement, which is perfectly normal for the grade. Well done.
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Event 07. Grade 5 Piping – 2/4 March (at least 4 parts OR 2 different 2 parted tunes)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start. Some unevenness in pressure - you'll find it much easier to control the instrument if the bag is higher up under your arm. And, it'll put less pressure on your hands. You're showing a good foundation in technique, but it'll come out more consistently if you relax your hands a bit. Lively tempo, mostly well controlled, but occasionaly jumping toward some technique, like the high G in the ending phrase. Main thing is to get more control of the bag to reduce the amount of arm movement, and the number of chokes - and that starts by holding the bag higher under your armpit. Give it a try!! Well done.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: PM DONALD MACLEAN OF LEWIS Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - lovely tuned chanter, drones could have been a little better locked at the start but improved as the tune went on. Lovely bright tempo but try to ease into the tune at the start of the performance. Great technique coming through as well. Overall this was a solid performance, I felt there could be a little touch more expression, feel free to stretch out the dotted quavers just a little more. On the whole great job, keep up the good work.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Kate Gordon 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Leaving Rhu Vaternish Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - nice bright chanter though the drones could be a little more closely tuned. A musical uptake with great flow, I feel like the bottom hand technique could be a little more accurate. On the whole an enjoyable performance, well done.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Charles Taylor 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - a decent sounding instrument though the drones could be a little closer to low A. A good musical rendition with good rhythmic 6/8 playing. For me the technique could be a little more accurate; in the final bar of each part, when playing the E-C-A with a D gracenote the D gracenote finger remains open and so the melody sounds like E-D-A rather than E-C-A. Similarly the grips could be a little more accurate as well. In terms of posture it seems good though you could try and push the bag a little further back for more comfort. On the whole there is much potential keep it up.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: 10th Highland Light Infantry Crossing the Rhine Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - the tenor drones could be a little closer together with tuning, nice bright chanter. A decent presentation of the 6/8 idiom though there were a lot of basic G gracenotes missing in the tune, don't forget that these are important in defining the phrasing of the melody. A wee slip in pt 3 as well. On the whole, a good attempt at a tough tune.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Amanda Fedewa 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Dovecote Park Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - The tenor drones could be a little closer together in terms of tuning, nice bright chanter sound. The tune itself was played at a good tempo though I feel the short notes are a little too clipped and I'm struggling to hear the full melodic line, try and make this a little more accurate overall. Similarly some of the technique is very good like the D throw however there are a number of other technical inaccuracies that if worked on could lead to a much improved performance. Much potential here, keep it up.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: atholl highlanders Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - nice chanter sound, drones good though could be a little closer. A nice tempo to the tune though I feel the 6/8 idiom could be demonstrated a little more accurately, it feels rather square and could have a little more compound time flow to it. A few wee mistakes here and there also. Tehcnically ok at times though when playing the E-C-A with a D gracenote the D gracenote finger remains open and so the melody sounds like E-D-A rather than E-C-A. There is much potential here.
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Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Imogen Schmitz 🇺🇸 Tunes: Teribus Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - nice bright chnater and drones well tuned. This was a musical performance with some decent technique though Teribus is a 2/4 march, not a 6/8 march. Techniically this was sound though I feel like some of the technique could have been a little more accurate. There is much potential here, keep up the good work.
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: PADDYS LEATHER BREECHES Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Agressive tempo but held on very nice from start to finish. Pipe pretty good with F being a tad sharp. Playing pretty solid from start to finish on a decent bagpipe you appear to have nice conrol of making this an enjoyable presentation. I know you only needed 2 parts but your abilities appear to be well within the capability of playing all four. Well done!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Brendan Tighe 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Appropriate tempo and bagpipe appears to have good quality however the drones were not in tune with the chanter detracting from the overall sound quality. You have a nice sense of the music and really just slight inconsistencies with staying in consistent timing which can be caused from not being totally relaxed and in control with your instrument so keep practicing to gain further stamina. Playing pretty solid throughout however the G grace note to start the GDE combinations frequent throughtout the tune are not coming out at all either because you are not playing them or the mic is placed in a place that is not picking it up? Definitely on the right track in terms of your development just keep at it to improve your presentation. Well done!
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Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: cork hill Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Good tempo and a nice instrument you appear to have had nice control over in the beginning. 1st part pretty good 2nd part losing a little bit of steam with some small chokes and inaccuracies that were not there in the first part. 3rd same here with the chokes. 4th again some chokes heree as well. Overall a nice performance that started off in complete control and gradually got a little inconsistent which could be attributed to stamina and playing in time. If pipe is too hard you will be gripping which will cause inaccurate technique and timing.
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Robert Real 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Company's Lament Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice start Robert. A nice musical understanding evident here. A nice soft touch with connection notes. Nicely weighted them all notes with consistent hi light. Very nice pipe. Well blown. Nice double E echos and double F echos throughout. Nice D throws. Ready for full tune. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Black Donald’s March Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice start Kane. Pipe is nice and smooth. E and F are quite sharp. Nice grips on C. Nice chedre movements. Generally a nice feel here... with good phrasing. Watch the edre movement for flow.... its just a bit stuck in comparison to the chedre which is flowing well. Good stuff! Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Bryan Wuest 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: MacIntosh's Banner Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Bryan. Thanks for this. A nicely phrased ground with consistent musical delivery. Watch the grip from B to C (phrase 1) aim to fully close to Low G for each. Have a look at the G Gracenote "lift" - aim for a consistent presence with this important element. A strong clear gracenote will benefit all areas of your piping, including piobaireachd. Nice confidence. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Competitor: Craig Sherman 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Mac Donald of Kinlochmoidart's Lament (No. 1) Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Craig. A nice temp for this Ground. Caidences are well placed. Double B echos are nice and consistent. Watch Hiharin - It's a "d" gracenote (rather than a B) for this. Watch Line 2 for speeding up.... really stretch those thermal notes for full effect. E's and HiG's, Then F's and HiA's. A nice musical presentation here. Pipe is ok here. Well blown. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Allan Dodd's Farewell to Scotland Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe, fairly well set (tenors not quite locked, but close). Excellent 2/4 march flow from the outset. Strong and clear technique. Good phrasing coming thorugh. Impressive technique in this tricky fourth part. Really well played, and a pleasure to listen to. Well above the grade 4 level...
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Kantara to El Arish Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Terrific bagpipe! Steady tempo, lively pace, and excellent flow to start. Strong technique. Some F doubling consistency issues, but minor. Lots of control and maturity in your playing. Some birls at little early at the end of parts. A few minor doubling misses - take care not to be a little tight, and you'll miss fewer. A superb performance, above grade level, on a lovely bagpipe.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Watson 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Major Mansons Farewell to Clachantrushal Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe to start (high A a bit too rough for my taste though). Be careful not to overblow F in part two. Good tempo and lovely flow. Technique is strong. The odd little miss, but nothing major. Slightly inconsistent in ending phrase - sometimes just a little tight. A musical performance. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: John McColl’s March Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: What a terrific sounding pipe! Well controlled. Technique clear and open - perhaps time to tighten it a little bit! Birls starting early at the end of parts. Lovely 2/4 march flow. Excellent control. Perhaps in part three you could hold some of the downbeats a bit more - at times you are a tiny bitt short, which means you have to wait on the dotted note at the end of the beat - but that's me being extremely picky! Really enjoyed this!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Gregg 🇳🇿 Place: 5 Tunes: John mcColls march to kilbowie cottage Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Lovely bagpipe, tuned well and blown well at the start. Careful and appropriate tempo. Accurate and clear open technique. Little issue in ending phrase in part two. Be careful not to press into the chanter on birls - less chance of sticking. So much control shown in this tune! Very mature 2/4 march flow. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Callum Ross 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: Major David Manson at Clachantrushal Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe, well set. Lively tempo, mostly well maintained but at times a tiny bit hurried off eighth notes. Strong technique with just a few slightly indistinct bits. Pushing a bit in the third part, but the level of difficutly of this tune is quite high! Little choke part 4. This performance shows lots of potential - just make sure to make use of space (longer notes) when you have the space! Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Amanda Barrack 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Dundee Military Tattoo Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Chanter fairly well set, but drones not quite locked, and set a bit flat to your low A. Steady and well controlled tempo. Be careful not to put the birls ahead of the beat at the end of parts. Good flow - not overcutting the little notes. Oops - drone popped off... Clear technique for the most part. Tempo holding well all through. A steady performance. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bronwyn Heywood 🏴 Tunes: The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Chanter fairly well set, but drones could be tuned closer together. Lively tempo to start, with clear and accurate technique. Some very good phrase definition coming out in places, but a bit overdone sometimes (overholding, affecting tempo), and other times a bit underdone - I'd suggest keep it subtle, and aim for consistency. I'm happy to hear the phrasing, though! Take care not to overcut short notes, particularly when they land on a beat or offbeat. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Zaleski 🇺🇸 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and tuned at the start. Steady and appropriate tempo. Be careful not to jump into the High G pickup note into part two. C is quite flat... Strong technique. I am enjoying the relaxed flow in part three. Lots of control all through. Similar issue with pickup note into part four. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig Sherman 🇺🇸 Tunes: 79th Farewell to Gibraltar Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe. Good tempo, lively but controlled to start. A few little crossing noises to address. In part two be careful not to overcut when you have two cuts in a row. Keep them even and smooth. Birls at the end of parts occasionally early. Fairly strong technique demonstrated. Tachums a bit severely cut in part 4. Well done - steady all through.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dave Fullam 🇺🇸 Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisolm Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Chanter close, but not quite in balance. Steady drones. Some technique a bit tight - open up the birl, and be sure not to press into the chanter with your pinkie - won't stick as much! Steady tempo. Excellent grips part 4. At times you're cutting connecting notes so much that they disappear... Keep it relaxed and flowing smoothly. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Elizabeth Wilson 🇺🇸 Tunes: CPT Norman Orr-Ewing Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones not quite together at the start, and flat to chanter. Good birls! Lively tempo, managed well. Be careful not to surge in pressure when you go for the upper notes in part two. Technique fairly good for th most part. Steady start to finish. Main thing is control of the instrument - some unsteadiness, and drones could be closer. Might have more control of the insttrument if the bag is up a little higher under your arm. That reduces the amount of arm movement. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erika Redford 🇺🇸 Tunes: Prince Charles's Welcome To Lochaber Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close - drones not quite locked, and I'm hearing some surges in pressure from time to time. Something odd with the video sound though... Good flow and tempo well maintained until part three when you're speeding through the eighthnotes. Good technique for the most part - bit tight in places - keep it loose and smooth. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gabriel Holbrook 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Pap of Glencoe Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Chanter balance not quite there, but not too far off. Some of your short connecting notes are not coming out, but then at other times they're too big (and the big notes too short) creating a rounding effect. Some E doublings played badkwards. The grip in the ending phrase seems to be giving you some difficutlies. This is a magnificient march, and one you should continue to play, but I wonder if you might think about one that isn't so hard to deliver technically for contests? I just feel that the level of difficulty didn't allow you to show what you are most likely capable of musically.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇧🇾 Tunes: Donald MacLean Farewell To Oban Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set and blown from the start. Nice to hear attention to phrasing - well done. There are a few places in the middle of phrases where you are a bit short on a big note - as in before two cuts - but not a lot. Steady tempo. Technique coming out quite well. Lively presentation of the fourth part - lots of lift. Be careful not rush toward the D throw though. Well done!
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jason Nering 🇺🇸 Tunes: Colonel MacLean of Ardgour Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones fairly well set to each other, a bit flat to the chanter. Steady tempo to start, controlled well. Good clarity to technique for the most part. Good attention to flow - not overcutting the little notes, which is crucial in this tune. A few crossing noises creeping in in part 4 and a micro choke. A steady performance all through. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joe Korber 🇺🇸 Tunes: Willie Gray's farewell to the Glasgow police Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set - low A a bit sharp. Steady tempo to start. A few crossing noises to attend to, but mostly clear technically. Take care not to overcut when you have two cuts in a row - keep it smooth. Jumping the offbeat quite a bit in part two, bar two, beat two - the cut is on the offbeat. Good flow part three. A number of omitted G gracenotes. A tricky tune, farily well played, but with some inconsistencies to address. Well done
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kaitlyn Covarrubias 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Burning of the Piper’s Hut Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, though drones not quite together. Careful but clear technique. Make sure to get a full low G on grip from C to E (sometimes a low A). Part three, be careful not to go to E before the G gracenote of a doubling from F. Minor hesitation. Good clarity on B in final two parts. Steady tempo throughout. A good performance.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Keith Richards 🇺🇸 Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farwell to Oban Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Well balanced chanter, but drones really quite far out, especially the bass... Too bad, because the chanter is well set! Lively tempo and a good demonstration of 2/4 march playing. Good technique, and clear. There is a typo in your music, part three, bar three - last note of the bar should be a C not a low A, which I've seen... No penalty for that because it isn't your mistake! Birls at the end of parts occasionallly early. Really good flow all through though. A real shame about the drones - musically and technically this was very good.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Maureen Moore 🇺🇸 Tunes: Major Norman Orr Ewing Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close, but tenors not locked in tune together. Steady tempo to start, at times a bit jumpy in the ending phrase. Most technique coming out fairly well, though some doublings are a little bit fluffy sounding because the G gracenote is bigger there than in other places. For example in the technique in bars 3 and 4 of part two. Steady pace all through. Drones drifted out a bit more. Good flow. Well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Storie 🇬🇧 Tunes: Duncan McInnes Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones not together to start, but chanter fairly well set. Quite quick for solos - maybe pull it back a little bit to show some phrasing? Very strong technique. Be careful not to start your bitls early at the end of parts. You've got loads of talent and great mitts - ease up a bit on tempo and focus on getting as much out of the music (especially the big notes) as you can, with 2 bar phrase definition. Good job.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nick Haynes 🇺🇸 Tunes: Haughs of Cromdale Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close, but drones not quite in with chanter. Steady tempo to start. Be careful not to put the cut B in beat two ahead of the offbeat. Birls a bit ahead of the beat all through. Tempo maintained well. Clear technique. A steady perforance all through - well done.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Kantera to El Arish Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set, but low A a tiny bit sharp. Mostly good flow to start, but at times you're making the cut note before some technique too bit - use the dotted note before the cut as your setup, and you'll maintain a more consistent flow all through. Maybe oversqueezing with your hands in part three? Steady tempo. Little note error in part four before the B strike at the end of first line (both times). Clarity of doublings will imporve it you keep your g gracenote reined in - a bit big at times, creating fluffiness sometimes. Well done, steaty tempo all through on a demanding tune.
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Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Timothy Custodia 🇺🇸 Tunes: Pipe Major CM Usher Obe Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe farily close to start, but drones not quite together. Maybe start with your pinkie closer to the chanter for birls to get more consistent and to avoid the squeaks. Lively tempo. Be careful not to overcut short notes in places. Quite a few chokes... Try pushing your bag right up under your armpit - you'll need less arm movement and will have lots more control of he instrument. A musical performance!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Jack Watson 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Tulloch Castle, Major David Manson Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Jack! Great name :)! S: Part 1: -E very slightly sharp, playing very well Part 2: -Some of the half doublings on e not quite as crisp as others Part 3: -slowing down a tiny tiny bit on the long E starting bar 3 Part 4: -great! R: Part 1: -great navigation of the syncopation in line 2 Part 2: -end of line 1 a tiny bit clipped (GDE) Part 3: -slihgtly fluffy B to E in last bar of the part Part 4: -Great finish Overall: I felt that you could stretch some of the beat 1 Es in the strathspey a little more, but be mindful they don't turn into overlong downbeats. You're playing tunes very very well, and pipes sound excellent (video quality isn't the greatest, but what I can hear clearly sounds very good). Technique is good, epecially the darados. F tended to be sharp by the reel, so be careful to get everything tuned and stable before competing/recording. The only technical advice I'd give you is technique is meant to add to a melody, not impede its flow or progress. In part 3 of the reel, I felt some bogging down in the E doubling heavy passages. All minor things, but I know you'll be able to get these fixed in no time at all. Great job!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Maggie Cameron, The Brown Haired Maid Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Helllo Sam! S: Part 1: -Great pipes and start (F doubling a little soft at the end of line 1) Part 2: -Some slight dragging in part two, mostly coming from High As, but very slight Part 3: -Missed a C Doubling, otherwise great Part 4 -Excellent, missed g gracenote on C in bar 6 R: Part 1: -Some of the c doublings are coming across as bit tight Part 2: -great playing here Part 3: Same as 2 Part 4: -C doubling issues coming through Part 5: -F strikes weren't always the cleanest Part 6: -Recovered and finished really well Overall: Great playing here. You've got a good sound, and your strathspey was excellent. There were a few issues (noted above), but you should be very proud of this. The reel was still very strong, but not quite as rock solid as the strathspey. Work on polishing up your C Doublings (aiming for consistency), and this tune will quickly shine just as brightly as Maggie Cameron. Also, keep your fingers light and relaxed and your F strikes will improve with practice. Great show here Sam!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Charlie Gregg 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Mac n Irish and the Brown haired maide Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Charlie! S: Part 1: -Lovely pipes, though Low A very very slightly sharp (underblowing to bring it in tune). Excelllent 1st part! Part 2: -Chanter and technique clarity shining through fantastically Part 3: -Good show of patience while still letting phrase endings feel resolute Part 4: -Strong finish R: Part 1: -Some overblowing on High A, otherwise great Part 2: -Very very slight crossing noise from C to E in bar 3 Part 3: -You're not giving me much to write here, Charlie 🙂 Part 4: -Great part 4 Part 5: -slip bar 6, and C doublings coming off of Low A not always exactly bang on Part 6: -very clean navigation through this part! Overall: Very well done here, Charlie. You're doing a good job of making my job difficult. Strathspey was lovely to listen to, and I really appreciated how mature you were about staying on the beat and avoiding the temptation to rush. The reel was ever so slightly better, which is a credit to both tunes really, and aside from the slip in the 5th part, I don't have much to add. There were a few crossing noises that slipped in throughout (like 3 or 4), and some of the C doublings coming off of low A weren't as precise as you can definitely make them, but overall excellent work here. Thank you for sharing this!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: Maggie Cameron and The Brown Haired Maid Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hello Anthony! S: Part 1: -Pipes sounding good, steady and full. Similarly, you're playing with a lot of maturity and poise. Great show of patience! Be careful in the last phrase (bar 7 beat 3 and 4) that things don't get too square Part 2: -Slight slip in the ending triplet of the part Part 3: -Losing out a little on the downbeat quarter note Es, don't be afraid to hold those right up until the next beat Part 4: -the cut C grip E passages might need a little more breathing room on the Cs to let them come through clearly R: Part 1: -Slight slip and choke, recovered nicely Part 2: -V. good Part 3: -great playing here too! Part 4: -be careful that your G gracenotes are very precise, especially when they happen on a note transition (bar 4 and 8 Part 5: -Do your best to keep your melody nice and light and delicate, at times felt like the hands were just slihglty behind the beat Part 6: -Work some on the cut notes of bar 2 and 6, at times the short notes just preceding a strike weren't as clear as the rest of the technical work of the tune Overall: Great playing here Anthony. You had a bold choice in reel with the 6-parted Brown Haired maid, but I would say your pick paid off. Pipes were lovely, and the playing overall was good, controlled, lively, and measured. There were a few spots I noted above where some of that control waned slightly, but again, overall, a great set. I feel you could maybe bring the tempo up just a little bit, but that will come naturally over time. Right now, keep doing what your doing, work on the stuff I noted above, and I look forward to hearing more from you in the future!
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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: Callum Ross 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: Caledonian Society of London, Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Callum! S: Part 1 -Interesting setting re the second phrase (I play an E instead of the B on the last note of bar 3) Part 2: -rushing in the last phrase of the part Part 3: -Triplets mostly controlled very well, the D E F triplet lacking some patience in comparison to the others Part 4: - good R: Part 1 -Opening up the GDE gracenotes a touch might help some here Part 2: -same as part 1 Part 3: -This part stood out, because it felt to me that you settled into the tune a little bit, and the music shone through more Part 4: -Be careful not let the F doublings push you to slow down thte tempo Overall, Callum, I really enjoyed this set. The strathspey had a good tempo to it, and a lot of good lift and pulsing here. Some of the cut notes up to High A were softer than others, and I would aim to try and make those more consistent. The last phrase of the second part also stood out a bit because of some rushing. Similarly, the reel had a great confident tempo, though I felt like you weren't always locked in with the timing of the GDEs in the beats. Some of them felt uncertain. A good performance on a solid bagpipe (drones very nearly bang on in tune, and the chanter was very good). A few crossing noise blips came through, but they were minor. Great job!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 6 Tunes: The Piper's Bonnet/John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Zyggy! Big tunes! S: Part 1: -Be careful not to let the scale triplets get too snippy, they're not there here, but they aren't far off either Part 2: -Scale triplets getting too snippy for me here, throws a little slow relative to the tune, otherwise great Part 3: -good! Part 4: -choke, triplets getting much too cut (especially the arpeggio C E HA) R: Part 1: -I would encourage you to check the setting you've got, because you're trading out doublings for birls Part 2: -Some of the cut notes are too cut, resulting in rushing Part 3: -Same as pt 2 Part 4: -Slight choke Part 5: -Great technique in the E doubling gauntlet, but you can't let it slow your tempo Part 6: -Be sure to finish the tune before slowing down into your wind down phrases and stuff. Overall: You've got really good hands, which is a double-edged sword. Because you can play some of this technique so quickly, the key for you will be to remain sure and in control of that. I felt that your D throws pulled the melody tempo down a bit too much, but the cut notes of the strathspey triplets and in the reel tended to be a bit to cut for me. Pipes are very good, aside from the few chokes I noted above, and hands are great. Musicality is right there, so the next step from here is to work on refining those things into the great performance I can tell you're capable of. Very enjoyable tunes here, Zyggy!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇧🇾 Tunes: Highland Harry & Kalabakan Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Ivan! S; Part 1: -good, be careful about crossing noises from bar 1 to bar 2 (B to High G) Part 2: -try to make your grips just a tiny bit cuter and smaller, and you'll have better luck extending the high As Part 3: -be careful with the scale triplets that you don't start them early and don't rush through them, and be sure to have patience on the high G at the end of bar 1 Part 4: -Same here with the scale triplets as part 3 R: Part 1: -be careful not to rush out of line 1 into 2 Part 2: -at times, you are cutting the High A at the end of bar 1 too short, rushing into the birl Part 3: -Good! Part 4: -Also v. good Overall: I really enjoyed this performance, Ivan, and it's always great ot hear classic tunes played well. I think the majority of the issues I heard are control issues, because you've got good hands that are more than capable of doing the technique involved with these two tunes. In the strathspey, the key to remember is patience on the long notes. Strathspeys are at their best when there is a lot of lift and a lot of space, so being sure to be patient on the long notes is a great start toward that end. Your reel was the stronger of the two tunes, but I did detect a lot of the same control things. Both tunes had minor issues, and the nice thing about something like this is once you work on and master the patience part, you'll experience a huge step forward in all of your tunes. Good playing, drones not quite locked but not distracting, and I enjoyed this set. Thank you!
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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: Jason Nering 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lady MacKenzie of Gareloch/ Roderick MacDonald Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Jason! S: Part 1: -Pipes not perfect, but very close! Nice controlled tempo, and techinque is very clear. Some inconsistencies in B doublings Part 2: -Be careful to make all of your scale triplets equally as snippy as each other. Some were coming through overly-clipped Part 3: -Technique good here, though the D throw cut down to B could be a little more precise Part 4: -Same thoughts as part 2, which makes sense. Strong finish R: Part 1: -Good Part 2: -Don't let your blowing lax on High G (that's annoyingly the most sensitive note 🙂 ) Part 3: -Good Part 4: -Slips, but good recoveries! Overall: Good tunes here Jason! The slips toward the end were unfortunate, but you recovered well. Recovering is just as useful of skill as anything else (moreso for live competitions admittedly). This strathspey was the first one I learned when I was working my way into competitive piping, and you're doing a very good job with it. Some things I would definitely focus on are the scale triplets (part 2 beat 2 as an example). While any one of these on its own is fine, this tune demands a level of consistency on the different scale triplets throughout. Most of yours were fine, but there were a couple of standout ones that I would try to iron out. The reel was very good, just as strong as your strathspey. Be careful not to underblow High G. It's the most sensitive note on the chanter, so because that you accomplish tuning using tape rather than blowing. You didn't have a choke here, but using blowing to achieve in-tune chanter notes is a dangerous road to go down. You're a very musical player, and your pipes are good. Once you've got the above things smoothed out, you'll be in excellent shape!
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Event 12. Grade 4 Piping – Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts OR a two parted tune played twice)
Competitor: Joe Korber 🇺🇸 Tunes: Caledonian Canal/ Pigeon on The gate Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Joe! S: Part 1: -Losing some clarity in the short notes at times Part 2: -Smoother here, and the short notes are clearer Part 3: -C to High A crossing noises Part 4: -crossing noises in transitions from C R: Part 1: -playing much better here, slight flub at end of part with D throw Part 2: Good Part 1 and 2b: Similar to before, although the D Throws at times felt a little lighter than I would prefer. Since they are some of the only heavier embellishments, they stick out to the ear. Get those bang on and you'll hear a huge difference. Overall: Thank you for an enjoyable performance Joe! I quite enjoyed your reel, because you've got a great grasp of the idiom and the feel. Reels have a lovely chugging quality to them, and you captured that well. There are some technical things going on in your strathspey, mostly crossing noises from C to top hand notes, but I want to mention also that you've got some expression things going on that are holding you back a bit. I would suggest bringing the tempo down just a tad, but also try to focus on hitting every downbeat steadily and consistently. Strathspey expression deals more with how you budget the time within the beats, but the difficulty comes because you still need to hit each beat evenly and steadily. Well done, and the pipes sound great. Especially good high A!
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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 Richards 🇺🇸 Tunes: Scat Polly, Neil Angus Macdonald Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Keith! S: Part 1: -good start, although a little jarring to start right on the pickup note. Don't be afraid to let yourself settle in a bit before starting Part 2: -Some slight crossing noises coming through, very slight. Slip first time through the part (bar 3) Part 3: -V. Good! Part 4: -Also good, although some of the G gracenotes weren't quite as precise as other ones in the part R: Part 1: -Good Part 2: -Slip bar 4, otherwise solid Part 3: -Good Part 4: -Missed out on some of the g gracenote work Overall: Pipes good at start, though the blowing or the drones shifted some over the course of the set. Chanter good, but I do think you are underblowing the High A and High G a little bit (maybe to keep them in tune?). The big thing for me with this set was the memory/concentration slips. You've got very good technique (some crossing noises coming through, but otherwise genuinely very good), and you've got a good grasp of the control and musical expression needed for these tunes. The slips, however, detracted from this. Don't worry, every piper in the world has gone off the tune, but those concentration skills are just as much part of piping as any other technique or set up skill. Enjoyed the tunes here, and lots of great stuff to build on!
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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: Michael Storie 🇬🇧 Tunes: Mac an Irish, Lexy Mcaskill Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Michael! S: Part 1: -A little square, but you've started out with a good tempo for the tune Part 2: -Don't be afraid to stretch the High A in beat 2 bar 1 and 5 a little more Part 3: Good! Part 4: -You could use a stronger High A on beat 1s. That high A will feel like it's centuries long if you hold it long enough, but that little touch makes a world of difference! R: Part 1: -be careful that strikes on B show a clear a Low G tone Part 2: -slight slip from line 1 to line 2 Part 3: -slighlty fluffy e strike at the end of line 1 Part 4: -Strong finish, though there were a few almost-fluffed strikes Good show here, Michael, and you should be proud. Pipes are sounding good, but I do want to mention that the chanter was sharp relative to the drones. I noticed that most when you finished, because you relaxed into the drone pitch. Chanter sounds good on its own, drones too on their own, just not quite together. Playing is good here; you've got a good grasp of what your vision is with these tunes. Mac an Irish is a deceptively tough tune (with the shakes, strikes, etc). I think the next step with this tune is to push the strathspey expression part of things forward and out; you've got a lot more room in the beat than you are taking advantage of right now. And, I know you've got the hands to do it! The reel wasn't quite as strong as the strathspey, but that was more because of some techincal stuff. A lot of your E strikes are great, nice and poppy, but (with this tune especially) you need to aim to get all of them as strong as the best ones. Otherwise, you've got a great set here. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future!
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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: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Ewe wit the crooked horn/ Kalabakan Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Scott! S: Part 1: -Pipes great (though the mic is muting things somewhat). Bar 4, be careful not to rush to the C after the Low A Taorluath Part 2: -Very good, the second D throw in bar 7 not as solid as the one before it Part 3: -Starting to get a little square Part 4: -The trick in these parts where you have the same rythm over and over is to really lean into the expression component R: Part 1: -Good! Some Low A to D crossing noises coming through (watch the pinky!) Part 2: -Good, but the High A to Low A imprecisions detracted a bit Part 3: -Good Part 4: -Things started to round off here Overall: Good playing here, and you've got control in spades. I'd like to see you bring a little more of the strathspey expression out in part 4, especially because you have 13 beats in a row of hold cut rythms. The big thing for me in the reel is making sure you're getting to the low A before birls cleanly and confidently. You've got a great foundation here, and a great sound, and I really enjoyed this performance. A little bit of polishing, and you'll be in excellent shape!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Watson 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Dr ross's 50th farewell to the argyllshire gathering Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Jack. Excellent playing! In fact, you should really be in a higher grade level. Execution is very clean and crisp. Good tempo; maybe slightly dragging in 3rd part. Good 6/8 expression with a good use of dot/cut phrasing. Very steady bagpipe. Drones well set. Chanter balanced, but high A very scratchy. Excellent performance!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Angus MacKinnon Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Ziggy. Really good playing! Nice use of dot/cut phrasing to produce a nice “swingy” 6/8. Fingering is very crisp and mostly clean. Make sure to fully close the bottom two holes on your B taps. Some B taorluaths not clean. Good tempo. Dragging a bit in 3rd part. Very good bagpipes. Well tuned and steady throughout (other than small choke in 4th part). This was an excellent G4 performance. Nice job!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Keith Richards 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Fairview Cottage Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: HI Keith. Very good 6/8 march! You have really nice control of your phrasing with a good dot/cut approach. This is critical for good 6/8 playing. Execution was crisp and mostly clean. Slight crossing noises in your low A/C/E and low A/D/E sequences. A few missed F doublings and taps. Good bagpipe sound. Blowing is steady and drones well tuned. Chanter a bit flat on high A and F, but otherwise good. A really good G4 performance. Nicely done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 4 Tunes: Miss Lily Christie Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Sam. Really good 6/8 playing! You’re expressing the tune very nicely with good use of dot/cut phrasing. Tempo was appropriate for the grade level and steady throughout. Your execution is very crisp, but not always consistent. Some missed birls, and taps in spots. A more open and relaxed approach to your technique might help with consistency. Very nice bagpipe sound. Drones were solid. Chanter very bright and balanced other than a slightly sharp high G. This was a very good performance. Nice job!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Bronwyn Heywood 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: Diu Regnare Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Bronwyn. Nice tune! Your execution is very crisp, but a bit too tight at times. Some cut notes are too cut. Some D throws not coming out cleanly. Make sure there’s a distinct low G sound at the start of your throw movement. Overall, a looser approach to your execution would provide a bit more consistency. Very good dot/cut feel to your tune. Occasionally, you’re rushing into your phrases. You can check this with a metronome. Pipes were steady, but not quite in tune. Chanter set a bit sharp to drones. Overall, some really strong playing. Just a slightly more relaxed approach needed. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sean Stewart 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: PM DONALD MACLEAN OF LEWIS Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Sean. Good playing! Your execution is mostly clean and very crisp. Nice, lively tempo. Timing and phrasing need work. You have a good dot/cut feel to the idiom, but you’re often rushing your phrases. I think if you tried playing with your metronome you would hear and feel where your jumping into phrases early. Be patient and wait for the downbeats. Pipes were very good. Nicely tuned drones and chanter. Get your phrasing under control, and you’ll be solid! Good luck!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Tunes: Dr Ross's 50th welcome to the argyllshire gathering Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Anthony. Great job with your 6/8! Your execution is clean and crisp. Good, controlled tempo from start to finish. Timing is a bit round. You’ll need to develop a bit more dot/cut approach to your phrasing to get more of a 6/8 feel. Having said that, at this stage in your development, execution is always first, so only increase the dot/cut phrases to the point that allows you to still play cleanly. Excellent instrument! Pipes were well tuned and steady. This was a very good G4 performance. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chris Zaleski 🇺🇸 Tunes: Angus MacKinnon Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Chris. Really good bagpipe! Blowing is steady, drones well tuned, and a balanced and bright chanter. Execution is quite good. Gracenotes could be a bit crisper. Make sure the placement of your gracenote is directly on the note. Gracenotes that are within a doubling need to be clear and distinct from one another. Good tempo; maybe dragging a bit in the 3rd part. Timing and phrasing is very erratic. You’re really jumping into the pickup notes way too early. Practicing with a metronome will help you to hear and feel this. Overall, you just need to smooth out the phrasing. This will greatly improve the musicality of this tune. Good luck!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erika Redford 🇺🇸 Tunes: John D. Burgess Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Erika. Thanks for your submission. Generally speaking, your execution is just too tight. Most movements are crushed and the individual gracenotes within your embellishments are not coming through. Try to relax and open up all your movements. I’d suggest going back to some basic embellishment exercises, playing through them slowly and striving for 100% accuracy. You also need to open up your phrasing. Cut notes are way too cut. Your tempos were fine, but you may need to slow down a bit until you can consistently execute your movements and phrasing. Good luck!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gabriel Holbrook 🇺🇸 Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Gabriel. Nicely done! You have some good dot/cut phrasing which is so important for proper 6/8 phrasing. Your biggest issue is with your execution. You have a lot of crossing noises throughout the tune. You also need to work on your doubling technique. The gracenote placement within your doublings is not accurate or consistent. There are many good exercises that can really help you to focus and improve both of these execution issues. Check with your instructor for some examples. Good bagpipe sound; however, drones were not quite in tune. Keep working!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇧🇾 Tunes: P.M. Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Ivan. Nice playing. Really good bagpipe! Well tuned and steady throughout your tune. Careful not to overblow on the top hand. High G and A can be especially sensitive to even slight pressure changes. Execution is mostly clean and crisp. Some sloppy spots in 4th part, but overall very clean. Good dot/cut approach which is critical to proper 6/8 timing. You have a tendency to jump into some phrases early at times. Try practicing with a metronome and you should be able to feel where you’re jumping early. Overall, some really good playing!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jason Nering 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lord MacPherson of Drumochter Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Jason. You have nice snap to your fingers; however, there are some execution issues to address. B taorluaths are not coming out cleanly. Make sure there are 2 distinct low G sounds within your taorluaths. Tacums are a bit sloppy. Need to develop a bit more snap with the D gracenote. Taps inconsistent. Tempo was appropriate for the grade and was steady throughout. You have a nice dot/cut approach to your phrasing, but at times, you’re beginning phrases ahead of the downbeat which is interfering with your timing. Nice chanter sound; although it was set a bit sharp to drones. Drones not quite locked. Overall, a pretty good performance. Well done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joby Winans 🇺🇸 Tunes: Cock of the North Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Joby. Thanks for your submission! You have a nice “swingy” approach to your 6/8 idiom which is great. Your biggest focus will need to be on improving your execution. Crossing noises are prevalent throughout your tune. Embellishments are not coming out crisply or consistently. There are many good exercises that can help with these issues. Talk to your instructor and they may be able to suggest some good ones. You seemed to be struggling a bit with your pipes as your blowing was unsteady especially later in the tune. Again, an instructor can help you make sure your pipes are set up correctly and show you how to better tune your drones and chanter. Best of luck!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joe Korber 🇺🇸 Tunes: 10th Battalion HLI crossing the Rhine Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Joe. Nicely played tune. You have some good 6/8 phrasing which gives a nice swing to your tune. Be careful to finish your phrases. At times, you're rushing into your phrases giving a pushed feel to the tune. Embellishments are generally clean and crisp. Biggest execution issue is crossing noises, particularly in the low A/C/E sequence. Nice bagpipes! Drones well tuned and steady. Chanter bright and balanced. Overall, a very nice performance!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kaitlyn Covarrubias 🇺🇸 Tunes: Bengullion Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kaitlyn. Good playing! Your execution is generally quite good. Some things that need work are your E doublings (especially coming from F) and your D throws. The gracenotes within your E doubling need to be clear and distinct from each other. Don’t run them together. Make sure D throws always begin with a clear low G sound. Also; watch the B to E crossing noises. Your tempo was appropriate for the grade level. Phrasing is a bit too round, but I wouldn’t worry too much about that until you can fix your execution issues. I like your bagpipe sound. Good drones and a balanced and bold chanter sound. Maybe slightly underblown at times. Great potential. Stick with it!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Maureen Moore 🇺🇸 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Maureen. Your execution with this tune is basically correct and mostly clean. Tempo is appropriate for the grade and you kept it steady throughout. Timing is your biggest issue. You are not playing your dot/cut phrases correctly which is not allowing you to express the tune in its proper 6/8 idiom. The opening 3 phrase is a good example. The first 3 notes of this phrase includes a dotted ⅛ note, followed by a 1/16th note, and then an ⅛ note. This is a very common sequence in 6/8’s and is seen throughout the tune. You are not holding the dotted ⅛ note long enough and you’re not cutting the 1/16 note enough. You’re playing the 3 notes as if they are all 1/8th notes (round). If you can extend these dotted 1/8ths and shorten the 1/16th notes, your timing and expression will improve immensely. Good luck!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nick Haynes 🇺🇸 Tunes: John D Burgess Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi NIck. Your execution is generally quite clean. Biggest issue to address is crossing noises, particularly in the low A/C/E and low A/D/F sequences. Tempo is appropriate for grade level and remained steady throughout. Timing is good, but expression is too round. A more dot/cut approach would produce more of the expected 6/8 swing. Pipes steady, except for some slight overblowing in 4th part. Drones tuned to each other but not to chanter. NIcely done!
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Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Scott. Very nicely played tune! Execution is generally clean. Careful with the E doublings from F. It’s important to place the initial G gracenote directly on the E, and then make sure to fully complete the G gracenote before beginning the F gracenote. Each gracenote should be crisp and separate from the other. Yours are a bit “mushy” at times. C tacums also not always clean. The key to a good tacum is a crisp D gracenote on the low A. If it’s late or too big, the tacum will not be clean. Good, steady tempo throughout the tune. Make sure not to jump into phrases. Wait for the down beat! Great chanter sound! Very bright and well balanced. Drones not quite locked in. Overall, this was a very strong performance. Well done!
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Glengarries Lament Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Sam, great bagpipe sound at strike up. Clean technique coming through well and nice muscial phrasing. Var 1, good consistency here, again gracenotes coming through well. Thoroughly enjoyable performance well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: The Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry (Alasdair Dearg) Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Zyggy, lovely pipe from the strike in. Nice phrasing and impressive technique. Good muscial flow to the ground. Dithis a little on the clipped side but this a minor criticism - a very strong tune well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Chris Zaleski 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Chris thanks for entering. Well tuned pipe, Bold start to this Gathering tune. Clean technique. Good ground. Into Var 1 - careful not to snatch at the wee linking B in first phrase. Otherwise a clean, bold tune , enjoyed it, thanks.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Callum Ross 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Struan Robertson's Salute Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Callum thanks for entering . Pipe well tuned from outset, Nice clean technique, A muscial flowing ground . T singling - slightly tight T movement , not always consistent. Underblowing on D at times. Nice tempo lift to doubling. T movement not always clear here, otherwise good flow to variation, wee choke at the very end. Enjoyable performance well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Maureen Moore 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: MacGregor's Salute Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Maureen, thanks for the entry. Pipe quite nice, clean start. Make sure you complete each 2 bar phrase. Piob high G a little sharp at times. Mostly musical interpretation of this tune , with pretty good technique, well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Jason Nering 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: MacKinnon's Lament Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Jason, thanks for your entry. Strong chanter sound, D a touch sharp. Hiharin movement - D gracenote is quite open which unbalances the movement. Good run downs. Ground flows well. ok to Tuarluath, the occasional tight GDE distracts, wee choke late in the performance - otherwise a pretty good run thanks for the listen.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Cabar Feidh Gu Brath Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Brian, thanks for the entry. Pipe quite nice from outset. I wonder if your grip movement could have a shade more low G in it? Muscially try to get away from playing beat to beat, rather aim for that 2 bar phrase. That should help the melody flow more. Pleasnat ground nonetheless. Var 1 - Tuarluath movement not consistent, again I fell that you're holding each beat of each bar, rather than moving through the phrase, wee fumble last line otherwise well handled, thanks.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Elizabeth Wilson 🇺🇸 Tunes: Munro’s Salute Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Elizabeth, enjoyed your cheerful introduction. Drones not quite in at start, clean fingering, wee chokes distract however. F a touch sharp. Very good phrasing and muscial flow throughout ground, nice. Var 1 - careful not to snatch the wee cut notes. Othwerwise well phrased, thanks for the listen, a muscial tune well done. (ps it was piob society setting )
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Erika Redford 🇺🇸 Tunes: Clan Campbell's Gathering Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Erika, thanks for your entry. Amazing background there! Acoustics must be fantastic. Nice pipe, drones not 100% locked. Confident start to tune, nice clean hands. 2 bar phrasing coming through well. Hi A a little distracting , just need more air at times. Wee crossing noises coming in now. Ground went a bit better than first variation but welll done a strong effort nonetheless.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇧🇾 Tunes: Prince's Salute Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Ivan, good of you to enter. Big tune for this grade. Pipe ok at start, some variations in blowing evident throughout ground. Muscially a little stilted, I wonder if you focussed on the 2 bar phrasing (push through the phrase a little) it would flow better. Technically clean. Var 1 ok, again just not quite flowing through the phrase. Clean hands, D a touch sharp. Well done.
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Keith Richards 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lament for pipe major Robert Reid Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Keith - thanks for entering. Shame you didnt get the drones in for this. Good strong hands , nice flow to the ground too. SLightly distracting when you're using hand movements to conduct the tune. Good tempo lift to var1. Throughout you demonstrate a strong grasp of the tune and your technique is clean for the most part, well done , for me the drones just weren't in tune and this a significant distraction for me from the music. You have plenty of potential - keep up the good work. (Tune is by William Barrie)
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Michael Storie 🇬🇧 Tunes: Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Michael, thanks for entering , drones not quite in. Open technique (which is fine at this level - will stand you in good stead later in your career). Mostly well phrased ground, Nice to Dithis, wee error last line. Good tune , keep working hard, well done. ps this is piobaireachd society's setting)
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Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Competitor: Nick Haynes 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lament for the Old Sword Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Nick thanks for entering. Robust pipe, not 100% locked ( but close). Mostly accurate technique, throw on D slightly intrusive , otherwise good phrasing. Var 1 - I wonder if you could just liven this up with shaving a little off those linking low A's. Variable blowing on Hi G at times. Nonetheless an enjoyable performance thanks.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Donella Beaton Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice first impression with your bagpipe - very well setup and played. Great musical presentation here as well. Nice phrasing and execution. Great short notes ! Nice tune, thank you. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Good impression with bagpipe strike in and start. Good tempo with good clear execution. Phrasing is nice and musical here. Pacing is excellent. Thank you for this. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Keith Richards 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Curlew Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A good strong first impression with both musical and execution. Pipe is well set and blown. Watch third part and work towards making this as strong as the other three. Just a wee bit less strong presentation in third. Nice overall delivery. Thank you. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Callum Ross 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Kenny Gilles of Portnalong Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Good first impression with sound and expression here. Good tempo. Execution strong with good dot cut idiom. A few wee misses with E taps. A good consistant tune. Thank you. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Watson 🇦🇺 Place: 5 Tunes: The Skylarks Ascension Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A good first impression with your pipe. Tempo is nice and musical. High A is a little distracting otherwise a nice pipe. Phrasing well here with a musical delivery. Execution is strong as well. thank you. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Maureen Moore 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Donald MacLennan's Tuning Phrase Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Nice execution to start here with a good tempo. Watch for early G gracenote placement. Chanter well set up , hard to hear the drones with such echo. Very cool setting to play. Again, the noticeable thing is the G gracenote to start the triplet being just a wee bit ahead of your foot. Thank you so much. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ivan Agarkov 🇧🇾 Tunes: Paddy's Leather Breeches Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Good tempo to start. A wee bit ahead of your foot/tempo with G gracenote placement. Watch for this and work towards working with a metronome. Good tempo and a good musical feel at times, however the forward beat placement takes away from the musical delivery. Thank you David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jason Nering 🇺🇸 Tunes: Paddy Be Easy Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Tempo is good to start. Pipe is well blown, not sure about this setting of this tune. Check for the original setting as I believe this has been arranged leaving out most of the execution. Quite musical throughout, however watch to place your G gracenote on the beat to keep the musical delivery evident. Thank you. David.
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Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Lark in the morning Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A good tempo to Start. Overall the plating is ahead of your foot and beat causing the phrasing to lose musicality. Work towards working with a metronome to execute those G gracenotes ON the beat to start each bar. Thank you again, David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Mrs John MacColl, Maggie Cameron, Kalabakan Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A good strong strike in with a nice bagpipe. Good tempo and idiom here ! Nice contrast and short notes that really reflect the music of a 2/4. Good into spey with good dance idiom and contrast. Watch for some unclean fingering. A nice musical reall with just the correct amount of cut. A nice MSR. A nice harmonic bagpipe. Thank you David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Rothie Murchus, Monymusk, The Sheepwife Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice first impression with your instrument and tempo. Good 2/4 idiom here. A nice march. Good to spey, watch that you are cutting all short notes the same Value. Hands going well. Tempo good here, however idiom not solidified into spey feel all the way. Good to reel, a good lively tempo here giving way to a nice reel pulse and feel. Wee slip. Hands going well here in a difficult tune for any level. Keep that reel pulse feel going ! A well presented MSR thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Philip Duthie 🏴 Place: 3 Tunes: Donald Macleans farewell to Oban, Susan Macleod, sound of Sleat Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Good tempo to start here, 2/4 idiom evident. Drones out from start, however chanter quite well set. Keep that idiom going all the way through. Work towards all short notes having the same length, some are longer than others here taking away from the musical presentation. 4th better. Spey entry ok. Tempo ok, however could use a wee bit more contrast in the phrases. 3rd nice and strong birls. Good to reel, good tempo and pulse. Nice use of off beats here. Musical overall feel here. Nice MSR, thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nicholas Barber 🇦🇺 Place: 4 Tunes: Inveran, Maggie Cameron, Colonel McLeod Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. What a lovely venue to play ! A good strong start. Work towards getting even more contrast in your 2/4 idiom, all in the correct direction, just needs a wee bit more pulse. Good to spey. Some short notes are just a wee bit bigger than the shortest correct ones causing some confusion in idiom at times. Overall nice. Reel is well presented with good tempo and idiom. Execution quite strong. Thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lee McLeod 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Colin Thompson, Highland Harry, Sound of Sleat Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Nice first impression with pipes. Good idiom out of the gate. Tempo is a wee bit on the slow side, however the contrast is evident and consistent. Again, good idiom and phrasing with a slower tempo. Watch for cross notes. A nice entry to Reel with good tempo and idiom pushing the music feel out. Thank you David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Arniston Castle, Thompson’s Dirk Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Good tempo to start, with a 2/4 march pulse. Pipe going ok. Nice short notes. A good pulse continuing here in pt 3. Good pulse to spey with a good dance tempo. Watch birl accuracy. Nice break to reel with a good pulse.Musical reel here. Thank you for a good MSR. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Camille Layt 🇦🇺 Tunes: David Ross, Susan Macleod, The Grey Bob Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice pipe to start. Tempo is nice here. Work towards clean crossing notes with some extra exercises. A nice musical march. A nice spey feel here with evident grasp of idiom. A wee bit slow, it is hard to really present a good contrast at this tempo. However in the correct direction here. Reel has a nice feel with good off beat use. Small slip, keep at it ! Thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Iron Division, The Lad that Wears the Plaid, The Blackberry Bush. Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. What a great back drop ! Tempo is ok. 2/4 idiom is coming through here. Drones well out to start. Keep that 2/4 drive going to support the music. Marching could help to keep the pulse flowing. Good tempo in spey, really pull out the contrast to push the dance idiom feel. Wee slip. Reel, fingering strength is evident here. Work towards getting the execution stronger to present the tune a little easier musically. Work on those exercises and keep up the good work. Thanks, David. -
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Glenfinnan Highland Gathering, Captain Colin Campbell, Kalabachan Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Tempo to start is a wee bit on the slow side, settled after the first line into a decent tempo. 2/4 idiom is evident here, however work towards ensuring it is presenting all the way through. Spey tempo is significantly slow here. It is very difficult to present a spey idiom at this tempo. Reel tempo here is better, reel in an MSR setting should be presented in a dot cut format, this is quite a round setting. thank you again, David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sparklin 🇺🇸 Tunes: Cpt Carswell, Highland Harry, and Willie Cummins Rant Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice tempo to start. Some cross notes evident, work towards a clean tune with some exercises. Idiom is nice and musical here. Good tempo to spey. Good grasp of spey idiom with good contrast coming through. Nice musical reel with good contrast here. Thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hart Greenwood 🇺🇸 Tunes: 93Rd Sutherland Highlanders Farewell to Edinburgh, Jennifer Finlayson, Captain Lachlan Macphail Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice porch to play on ! Bagpipe first impression is nice. Tempo is nice to start. Some unclean passages, work towards cleaning those up with exercises. Overall a nice 2/4 idiom. Nice spey tempo and feel here. Again just work towards clean execution. Thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Tunes: Kelly McColl, Struan Robertson, Dolina Mackay Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice first impression of your bagpipe. Tempo is nice here. Phrasing is evident with just the odd blip in the idiom here and there. Work towards a smooth musical presentation. Spey temp ok. Again overall a decent idiom with just a few moments of wavering off the pulse. Good to reel tempo. Work towards clean finger work here. An overall nice MSR. thank you David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: Bank's View, Inveraray Castle, Willie Cumming's Rant Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice first impression with your instrument. Tempo and 2/4 idiom feel is presented nicely here. Watch to keep some rushing from coming through. A nice harmonic bagpipe. Nice to spey with a good sense of the dance idiom. A wee bit on the slow side, however good contrast. Again, watch for some rushing coming through. Some lovely short notes evident. Nice to reel with nice musical feel, again just some rushing coming through. Thanks David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rian Warnock Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel, The Marquis of Huntly's Highland Fling and Lexi McAskill Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. 2/4 idiom is evident here, however tempo is on the slow side. Bring the tempo up for a more musical presentation and ease of phrasing. A good entry to spey with a nice dance feel and contrast. High A is quite flat and is evident here as the rest of the chanter is well set. Good to Lexi with nice reel pulse. Good use of off beat here to present the music. Thank you, David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi, The Lad that Wears the Plaid, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree. Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Nice tempo to start, watch that the phrasing is pulsed well to start to really capture the musical presentation. Again, tempo ok, watch for execution that can be cleaned up with exercises. Work towards a clean set. Moments of nice phrasing here ! Reel tempo good, keep working on your fingering and the phrasing will fall into place. Thank you. David.
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Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Silke Reimann 🇩🇪 Tunes: Donald MacLeans Farewell to Oban, Captain Collin Campbell, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. Good tempo to start. Some technical fingering issues, keep working on those excercises and you will overcome them :-). Quite a quick entry to spey, take a wee moment to let the break breath here. Tempo ok, again work towards clean playing with the exercises. Reel is the most musical of the three, nice overall reel feel here. Thank you. David.
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: John MacColl's Farewell to the Scottish Horse Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kathryn. I really enjoyed this tune! Execution is good; crisp fingering and mostly clean technique. Very good dot/cut feel to your expression resulting in a really “swingy” approach. Good tempo; some slight rushing in 3rd part. Timing needs a bit of work. You’re often ending/beginning phrases early. Try to sit back and wait for your downbeats. Practicing with a metronome is a good way to hear and feel when you’re early. Very nice bagpipe sound. A warm and rich drone sound, with a bright and balanced chanter. Chanter set slightly sharp to drones. This was a solid performance. With a more controlled approach to your phrasing, it will be even better. Nice job!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nicholas Barber 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Mrs Lily Christie Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Nicholas. A really strong performance! Your execution is very crisp and clean. Tempo was steady from start to finish. Expression a bit on the round side. For a more pointed approach, try to hold the dotted 1/8th notes that begin many of the phrases. Then cut the following 1/16th note. This more dot/cut approach will give your 6/8 a much “swingier” feel. Very steady pipes, but drones were set a bit flat to chanter. Nice, bright chanter sound. Slightly sharp on high G. Overall, a very well played tune!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: All the Blue Bonnets are Over the Border Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Glen-mary. Very good playing! Your execution is very crisp and mostly clean. A few missed embellishments here and there, but overall very strong. Opening up some of your movements would improve your overall consistency. Tempo was very lively. You were actually playing faster than you were marching which gives the impression that you’re rushing the tune. Timing is also rushed, in that you are not giving enough time to the dotted ⅛ notes at the beginnings of phrases. This results in a “rounded” approach to your expression. I’d suggest a slight slower tempo, focusing on pointing (holding) the dotted ⅛ notes at the start of each triplet sequence, and then cutting the second note (1/16th note) a bit more. This will give you a much “swingier” approach to expression which is critical to good 6/8 playing. Overall though, a very good performance!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Place: 4 Tunes: Donald Maclean of Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kevin. Very good tune! Your execution is crisp and mostly clean. A few missed taps and birls in places. Wrong note in the second to last bar. Tempo was steady throughout tune. You need a little more control of your phrasing. You’re often leaving/arriving to phrases early giving a very “pushed” effect to your timing. Try practicing with a metronome and I’m sure you’ll hear/feel where you’re early. If not, then mark the downbeats on the music, then play through the tune with a metronome and see if you’re actually starting/ending notes on the marked notes. Your bagpipes were good. Well tuned and steady throughout. Overall, you just need to fix your timing issue and you’ll have a really good handle on this tune. Good luck!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Marius Treutwein 🇩🇪 Place: 5 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Marius. Really good playing! Execution is crisp and clear. A few minor crossing noises from to D to E. A few birls not 100% clean. Sounds like your B finger may be moving slightly off the hole during birl movement. Tempo was steady from start to finish. Timing and expression need a bit of work. You’re rushing your triplet phrases. This causes your timing to be rushed and round. 6/8’s are generally built around triplets beginning with a dotted ⅛ note, then a 1/16 note, and finally another 1/8th note. For example; bar one of Donald MacLean begins with a low A (dotted ⅛), B (1/16th) and low A (⅛). You are rushing past the low A too quickly. Additionally, this causes you to be way too early to the last low A (¼ note) in bar one. You pretty much repeat this pattern through the whole tune which causes your timing to be very rushed and ahead of the downbeats. Practicing with a metronome can help you to hear and feel when you’re leaving or arriving at notes too early. Very nice bagpipes! Pipes are steady and well tuned. Overall, a very nice performance!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Farewell to the Creeks Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Martin. Good playing overall! Your execution is generally quite good. Nice snap to your movements. At times, your gracenote placement is not 100% accurate. For example; E doubling coming from F. Or C tacums. The gracenote in these movements must be crisp and happen exactly on the main note. Good tempo; steady from start to finish. Biggest area of improvement would be with timing. You’re consistently playing ahead of the beat. Phrases and sub-phrases should always begin on the beat. Record yourself playing to a metronome and I’m sure you’ll hear where you’re beginning your phrases early. Nice bagpipe sound! Drones maybe not perfectly locked in, but very close. Nice, bright chanter. Slightly sharp on high G. Nice performance!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Carsten. Nicely played tune! You have good snap to your fingers, but some movements are a bit too tight which is contributing to some sloppy execution. Watch the crossing noise in the closing phrase (bar 7, B to high G). Several missed taps. Birls at end of part are early; make sure to place them right on the final downbeat. Jumping into your D throws too early. These early birls and D throws are affecting your timing. If you can fix those, your timing and expression would be quite good. Drones well tuned to each other, but set a bit flat to the chanter. Pipes steady throughout tune. Most of these issues are an easy fix. Once fixed, you’ll have a really nice tune! Good luck!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Damian. Your execution is generally quite good. Your biggest issue is with timing and expression. 6/8’s are generally built around triplets beginning with a dotted ⅛ note, then a 1/16 note, and finally another 1/8th note. For example; bar one of Donald MacLean begins with a low A (dotted ⅛), B (1/16th) and low A (⅛). You are rushing past the low A much too quickly. Additionally, this causes you to be way too early to the last low A (¼ note) in bar one. You pretty much repeat this pattern through the whole tune which causes your timing to be very rushed and ahead of the downbeats. Practicing with a metronome can help you to hear and feel when you’re leaving or arriving at notes too early. Good bagpipe sound. Drones note completely locked in, but quite good. Fix your timing issues and this would be a very strong performance!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sparklin 🇺🇸 Tunes: Mrs Donald McLean of Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Eric. Nicely done! Your execution is quite good. Crisp fingering, but a few moments of sloppiness here and there. GDE movement in 3rd bar of 3rd part is rough. Some minor crossing noises. Tempo is good. Timing needs some work. You’re often rushing the triplet movements which causes you to be early to the next phrase. 6/8’s are generally built around triplets beginning with a dotted ⅛ note, then a 1/16 note, and finally another 1/8th note. For example; bar one of Donald MacLean begins with a low A (dotted ⅛), B (1/16th) and low A (⅛). Try holding the first low A more. Additionally, don’t be early to the last low A (¼ note) in bar one. Practicing with a metronome can help you to hear and feel when you’re leaving or arriving at notes too early. Drones were well tuned to each other, but not quite locked into chanter. Pipes were steady, other than slight choke in 3rd part. Overall, a well played tune. Just a little more polish needed with the timing. Good luck!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: PM Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Laura. Your execution is quite good overall. Good snap to fingers and most movements are clean. A few missed taps here and there. Biggest issue is your phrasing and timing. 6/8’s are generally built around triplets beginning with a dotted ⅛ note, then a 1/16 note, and finally another 1/8th note. For example; bar one of Donald MacLean begins with a low A (dotted ⅛), B (1/16th) and low A (⅛). You are rushing past the low A much too quickly. Additionally, this causes you to be way too early to the last low A (¼ note) in bar one. You pretty much repeat this pattern through the whole tune which causes your timing to be very rushed and ahead of the downbeats. Practicing with a metronome can help you to hear and feel when you’re leaving or arriving at notes too early. Tempo is good. Good bagpipe sound. Fix the timing issues and you’ll have a really strong performance. Good luck!
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Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Dovecote Park. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Richard. Thanks for sharing your tune! There are several areas of your execution that will need some work. Taorluaths, grips, and D throws should always include two distinct low G sounds within the movement. Yours are lacking this. I’d suggest some embellishment exercises repeated multiple times very slowly until you can consistently develop these clear low G sounds. Your tempo was steady throughout the tune; however, your timing is much too round. The key to good 6/8 march expression is to hold the dotted 1/8th notes and cut the following 1/16th notes. This produces the distinctive “swing” heard in good 6/8 playing. It’s also important not to begin phrases or notes ahead of the downbeat. Practicing with a metronome can really help with this. Spend some time focusing on these issues, and you’re playing will be much improved. Good luck!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nicholas Barber 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: John Patterson's Mare Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo selected and bagpipe well tuned and controlled throughout performance 1. Good 2. Good 3. okay 4. Good 5. okay 6. okay Overall a very nice performance played with confidence and control throughout. Could use a little bit more separation of beat notes to keep you right locked-in (ie. Part 3 C to Low A GDE combinations into the GDE on Low A following) as there were times where the technique was close to being laboured or going from one to the other creating a pushed feel. Well done otherwise!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Mrs. Sharon Duthart Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo and a nice instrument you have nice control over that was in tune from start to finish. 1st: good 2nd: good 3rd: good 4th: missed GDE on C first time through Overall I felt that the tempo was proper however there were some passages (ie. being early to the short B strike that came across as pushed (ahead of the beat) in each part which detracts from the overall presentation and limits the necessary time required to play the technique accurately both technically and rhythmically. You have great hands so just relax a bit and wait for the beat to fall and let it happen. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: PM Jimmy McGregor Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice controlled tempo maintained from start to finish on a decent bagpipe that held. D was a tad sharp. 1. A little dirty going back into the repeat. 2. Good 3. Light birl to start part; jumped off the B to the Birl early. 4. Great. Overall a very nice performance on a decent bagpipe. Some comments above pertaining to pushing the beat a tad which in turn can create tension and inaccuracies so relax and just stay on the beat. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Rakes of Kildare Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo on a nice bagpipe with drones pretty close but not quite locked together detracting from overall sound. 1. Good 2. Setting here in the 2nd part different than what I have heard? You were consistent but just have a look at your music again to be sure. 3. Nice 4. Good - Don't rush the High A grip as you have the time to play the grip then wait before the first High A strike folloiwng as you are coming across a bit pushed here and you do need all the time available to play the technique. Very enjoyable performance played with a nice feel on a nice bagpipe you appear to have nice control over. Try to be a little more consistent with the timing to provide you the time required to put everything in place technically and rhythmically. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: The Curlew Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo that was played consistently from start to finish on a bagpipe that was okay however drones not quite locked together and on with Low A detracting from the overall sound quality. 1. Nice 2. light F doublings first time through 3. Slight choke 4. Good; slight choke and slight chirp on Low G 2nd time through. Overall a nice performance played with confidence and control on a decent instrument not quite in tune. Some light technique occurring at times that can be caused from tension (pipe too hard or hands too tight on chanter) which in turn creates a pushed feel preventing you to have the necessary time to stay relaxed and accurate. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Cutting Bracken. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Appropriate tempo and pipe okay with drones not quite locked together. 1. Light E strike near start 2. Not articluating the GDE from Low G to Low A correctly here. 3. Pretty good here 4. Again a little inaccurate on the same Low G to Low A GDE combination. Overall a nicely presented jig played with lots of confidence. Watch you don't jump off the B too early onto to the E strikes in the part endings throughout the tune. Nice feel for the music just need to loosen up hands a bit more and be more accurate with technique and timing to bring this performance up to another level. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Turf Lodge Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo on an instrument that seems good however the drones are not in tune together or in with the Low A detracting from overall sound quality. 1. watch the ending as you are not completing the grip from D to Low A before starting the birl causing a pushed feel 2. pushed 3. mistake on the repeat of the part and again slgihtly pushed. 4. pushed in the starting phrase here again. Overally well played and you have a nice sense of the music but just a little inconsistent with the timing creating technical concerns (ie. ending of the parts as mentioned in part 1. Keep it in time and this alone will provide you the required time you need to play the technique accurately. The metronome will help in this regard and once you have it this will improve your overally performance. Well done!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sparklin 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Curlew Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice tempo from start to finish and bagpipe okay however the recording with the mic position is creating a "tinny" chanter sound during this performance. 1. Watch the B to Low A GDE as not clean first time through but got better. 2. Slight crossing noise up to F at end of first time through. 3. Losing a little control with tempo and slight choke at end of part. 4. Nice Overall very well played on a decent bagpipe. Some little inaccuracies caused from pushing the beat a slight bit and is easily fixed by keeping your hands relaxed more and by staying in time which will allow you the time needed to be accurate. Good hands so just relax more and work on staying in time to improve your performance.
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: Donella Beaton Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice, controlled tempo that got a little faster by end of the first part. Pipes pretty good with drones not quite locked together detracting from the overally sound quality. 1. Nice start but tempo increased by end of the part. 2. Losing control 3. Again tempo getting faster here. 4. Losing control here especially near the part endings where you could use the time to accurately play the technique which is coming across pushed for this performance. Overall you have nice hands and a pretty good command of your instrument. You could befefit greatly by establishing a nice, consistent tempo (rhythm) which will provide you all the necessary time to play the technique accurately as when you were in time, there were very few misses. Pushing can be the result of playing ahead of the beat due to nerves or bagpipe being a tad hard. Very enjoyable nonetheless!!!
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Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Cork Hill. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: NIce tempo on a nice pipe with drones not quite locked in. 1. okay but grace notes are really big causing them to be on top of one another at times. 2. some slight crossing noises going up in bar 1 and laboured ending 2nd time through (Grace note sizes can contribute to this). 3. E to C strikes some slight crossing noises. 4. A little off toward the part endings as if losing control and slight loss of tune in 4th. Overall you have a nice feel for the music but some little crossing noises and pushed passages pulling you out of rhythm detracts from your performance. Work on your timing which will provide you more time to play without crossing noises and inaccurate technique (a result of big grace notes possibly?) . You have the hands and musicality. Well Done!
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Lucy Cassidy Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice pipe. A nice dot cut pace and feel for Lucy Cassidy. Tempo is a shade slow - yet consistent. Embellishments are coming through quite nicely. A very thoughtful performance Ken. Good fingerwork and clean note changes. Thanks SHaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig McKenzie 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Joe McGann’s Fiddle Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: A nice effort here Craig for HP. A pleasing HP feel and pace with dot cut evident. A few small finger catches but overall very nice. Pipe is a bit dry sounding, but generally well set with pleasing intervals. Thanks! Shaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: The City of Regina Pipe Band (Robert MacNeil) Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks for this. A spirited HP here Glen Mary. A nice tempo, sustained throughout. Round presentation. Clear articulation and finger work. Arriving to your doublings just a wee shade early through out the tune. Aim to wait a shade longer before the G gracenote and place it directly on the exact contact point of the toe tap.. for full musical effect. Thanks SHaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Nicholas Barber 🇦🇺 Place: 4 Tunes: Duncan Johnstone Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Nicholas. Thanks for this. A nice effort on your HP. Fingerwork is clear and consistent. A round presentation. Tempo is well suited allowing for good embellishment presence and musical delivery. Pipe well set and blown. Thanks SHaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sparklin 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Man From Skye Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice effort here Eric for your HP. A nice tempo and dot cut feel. Watch P3 - just rounding out here - pull those thermal notes a bit more for full effect. B of the tachum take the toe tap... just a shade early on those. Enjoyed this. Small choke. Thanks SHaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Carsten Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Sandy‘s New Chanter. Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Carsten. A nice effort here on your HP. Tempo is a shade slowish. Wee bobble in P3. Good recovery. Fingerwork is quite clean, and coming though consistently here. Aim to "let it go" a wee bit more for full musical effect... its just a bit mechanical at the moment... I see that your awareness of the off beat.. which is good... but time to move beyond that and let it go a bit... Nice pipe and blowing. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: Duncan Johnstone Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Damien, THanks for this. Love the Scottish flags!! A round presentation. A nice effort here. A HP can be challenging esp a tune like this. Keep working at it. Zero in on the ending phrase to create the solid framework. A few wrong notes .... Tempo is a wee bit slower than ideal.... aim for a walkable pace.. mid 70's. Keep at it. Nice pipe. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Tunes: Rathven Market Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Laura... A good effort on your HP here. A nice dot and cut presentation. A nice pipe and well blown. Good fingers, dar idols, and taps coming through well. Pacing is a small concern as you are featuring all these nice movement just a shade ahead of where they are meant to be. Wait a slight bit longer and place the Daridos, taps, birls etc... on the beat iteself, or on the off beat itself... Start with the ending phrase and find the "on beat" embellishments, and the "off beat" embellishments. SO much potential in your playing. Thanks SHaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Tunes: The King of Cardenden Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks for this Martin. A spirited musical HP. Nice tempo well sustained. Back Hits are frequent here, and are quite consistent. Pipe is well set and blown. Keep working on your birls for clarity. Nice handling of the syncopation in P3. Enjoyed this. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Sandy‘s New Chanter. Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: A nice effort here Richard. A nice pipe. Minor drone wavering. A HP can be challenging esp a tune like this one. You have the right idea musically. Tempo is consistent. Keep working on your fingerwork.. Aim to close up your B when on the top hand notes.. A few catches / bumps D to F. You are on the right track. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Old Men of the Shells (Setting no 1) Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. Ground moving along well. Excellent phrase definition (though a bit short off the end of line 2). Thumb var very good. Good entry to following var. Extra pulse added before the B double echoes... Well presented. Good entry into doubling. Losing a bit of time overholding a little in the middle of phrases. Good pace to taor sg. Some little technical inconsistencies here but mostly well delivered. Good pace to doubling. D and E gracenotes often a bit too close together. Good entry to crun sg. Pipe holding well. A little hurried when you get three fosgailtes in a row. Better control in doubling - controlled drive! Almost too abrupt off the Es as you progressed - you can relax a tiny bit on these. Slight acceleration near the end. Well done!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Lament for Mary McLeod Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start, but C is a little sharp. Good pace to the ground, with strong phrasing. Low A sharp to drones fairly early on, maybe causing you to adjust pressure a little to try to get it right? Good flow to var 1. The right mix of stretching when you need to, and pushing forward when it is called for. Following variation well played with effective ebb and flow of tempo. Taor singling moving well, and good transition to doubling. Very musical doubling var! Excellent transition into crun singling, and good pace here. Good into doubling. Oh no! Tiny change-of-mind. Not a huge deal. Drones not far off but not quite as tight as earlier. An extremely musical performance with many subtleties and proper pacing.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Lee McLeod 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Lament for Mary McLeod Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close to start, but drones sharper than low A at the beginning. A little cautious in the ground. You're getting a tiny low A before the E gracenote of your edres - be sure to play that gracenote down to low A and listen for two low As in your edres. Drones moving a little bit if you change your pressure even a little bit - maybe one needs a bridle adjustment? Much better pace in var 1. Well played. Following variation could use some ebb and flow of tempo (move through the middle of phrases and hold back at the start and end), and some light variation to the short notes. Keeping the taor sg moving along well. Good movements. Jumped into the final phrase. Good doubling, but could use a little phrasing. Crun singling moving well. Good movements for the most part. Good flow to doubling. Well played overall - just a few things noted!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Philip Duthie 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Sir James Macdonald of the isles lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones fairly well set together, but do seem to drift from each other a bit if your pressure changes even a tiny bit. Maybe one needs a bridle adjusted? Low A a bit flatter than drones, C sharp. Good flow to the ground, and good phrasing. Slightly hurried entry into the variation but settled down well. Good flow for the most part - just a few tiny inconsistencies. Could perhaps pull out the end of phrases a wee bit more. Phrasing coming out well in taorluath. Good rhythm to your movements. A bit hurried (for my taste) on the E and two connecting notes through the crunluath variation. A solid tune on a pipe that's close, but needs some little adjustments for better stability.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Martin Johnson 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: The Desperate Battle Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. Good momentum to start, but I'd suggest giving a tiny bit more time to the initial Es of phrases and taking a little away from the following F - you won't sacrifice tempo, but will get lots of music out of the big notes. Well played ground. Moving well in first var (on the upper end of tempo), and good contrast into doubling - smoothly done. Excellent second var. A couple of tiny tiny crossing noises. A little jumpy just before entering the doubling. Good doubling - I like it to be aggressive like this. Dithis ok, but here's where you get a chance to demonstrate the SMMS phrasing, which I can't hear coming through. Not much tempo contrast into dithis doubling. Executed well - again, missing the phrase definition... Pipe holding well. Quite aggressive into the taor, but played well. A mach fairly good but be careful not to jump to the regular E taorluaths. Crun going well. Same comment in the a mach about jumping into the regular E movements. A bold tune on a very good pipe - I liked a lot about this presentation, but I think there's some room to let it breathe in spots and get in some phrasing rather than all drive.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kathryn McEwan 🏴 Place: 6 Tunes: The Little Spree Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones close to start, but not quite locked, and a tad sharp to low A. F is flat. A cautious approach to this ground. I'd prefer to hear you move a little quicker through the middle of bars to create differentiation between the long notes, and allow you to clearly define the end of phrases. The tricky end to line one was handled very smoothly. The following variation is much more along the lines of what I'd like to hear! Lots of contrast and musical ebb and flow - well done. Excellent transition to siubhal. Good flow, but could use a bit more SMMS phrasing - just subtle of course. Good pace. Taor going well - little choke - but good control and momentum. Most GDEs coming out well. Good transition into crun. Rhythmically strong. A few misses but technique pretty good. Good control. A well played tune. Pipe could use some refinement, and a few things noted, but a strong tune.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Amanda Barrack 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lament for Alastair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe close to start, but drones not quite locked together. A bit on the slow side to start - yes, it is a lament, but the melody asks you to move through bars a little quicker in line one. I really enjoyed the flow of the second and third lines, though! Little lost in line three but not way off. Dithis slow as well. You're cutting the low As nicely, but the melody is a bit lost at the start due to overholding. Got better as you went on. Little chokes. Good contrast in tempo to doubling, but still slow. Easier to define your phrases with a bit more flow forward. Taor also quite slow. You are getting a good rhythm to your taor movement, but the low A following shouldn't be in time with it. It does need to be very short, but not the same size as the low Gs - that takes away from the triplet rhythm of the taor, and gives it a rhythm of four. Good control of the crunluath movement, and here you're not making the final E connecting note part of the movement. All in all, let the melody come out by letting the tune flow more freely!
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Chris Zaleski 🇺🇸 Tunes: Glengarry's Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. A bit cautious going into the grip to C. Good pace and good phrasing to the ground. Some G gracenotes too big, which is more evident in the following variation - some slightly squeaky approaches to C. Well played, and good tempo contrast into doubling. Be careful not to let this get a bit round. Slightly rushed at the end, anticipating the taor variations. Slightly inconsistent on entries to cadences, but usuallly just right. Could push the doubling a bit more from the start - picked up pace well as you progressed. Crun starting well. A wobbly F. Similar cautious start to the doubling as in taor, but picked up well. Good idea to hold the first note, but don't get bogged down mid phrase? Well done.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Damian Bell 🏴 Tunes: The Munro’s Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones set well together, but flat to your chanter. I like how you are not dragging the tune, but I think there are opportunities to let some of the bigger notes sing a bit more, and go for a bit more smoothness with some of the shorter notes - a bit choppy at times. Your attention to phrasing is good, though. In var 1, I think you're overdoing the phrase definition by almost coming to a halt - keep the flow going. Same in the taorluath and crunluath - keep the rhythm moving forward, and keep the phrasing subtle. A number of technical misses - perhaps hands getting a bit tight. A good tune, but the main thing for me is disrupting your flow by overdoing the phrase endings - keep it subtle.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Eric Sparklin 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Massacre of Glencoe Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe farily well set to start but not quite locked. Good pace to ground, but the phrasing might come out better if you move through bars/phrases with a bit more momentum. Gracenote error in bar 2 (and again in thumb) and little memory issue at the end, but a good ground. Momentum and flow is far better in the thumb variation! This allows the phrasing to come out without stopping the flow. Good pace to taor singling. A bit inconsistent in timing of the cadences. For the B cadences, you can just lift your D finger on the way down - tidier! Good into doubling. A few chokes creeping in. Most movements coming out well. Good entry to crun sg. Getting a little bogged down rhythmically on the end of the movements. Good contrast into doubling. Phrasing coming out well here. I'm wondering if the reed is new? Bit inefficient? A bit uneven in timing of pulses in a mach. Jumping off the end of some of the a mach movements. Well done.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Julian Payne 🇵🇭 Tunes: Struan Robertdon's Salute Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe fairly well set to start. Quite a bit of sudden arm movements causing wobbles in both chanter and drones. Maybe blow a little longer, and let the arm move firmly but smoothly with the bag. High A quite sharp when introduced in line two. A musically played ground. Good start to taor singling with mostly good movements. I'd prefer a little more of a pause to end the first phrase of each line - each pulse is pretty much the same length until you get to the hiharins, which are very nicely treated. Good contrast into the doubling. Drones moving out of tune. I have a suspicion that one or more may be taking too much air? Leading to the instability, and to the big arm movements. Most crunluaths excellent. Same comment about phrase endings as in taorluath singling. incorrect connecting note in first line of doubling (but you know that!). Slowing a little in line two. Little issues in the final line... You're doing a lot of very musical things with this tune - main thing is to get that instrument more efficient, and pay attention to your blow/squeeze techniqe for stability.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Tunes: Lament for Donald of Laggan Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start - D slightly sharp. Good flow and phrasing. Some early little issues with double echoes, but settled down in repeat of line one. Losing a bit of momentum in bar two of line two - keep moving through the bar. Little difficulties with double echoes again. Some little tonal wobbles. Overall a good ground. In the taor sg, I'd suggest moving a little more swiftly to the third note of the four-note cadence endings. Wee choke line two, and a missed cadence ending. Good transition to doubling. Good pace to doubling. Most movements coming out with good rhythm. Good entry to crun sg. A little inconsistent in time of the four-note cadence endings. Little chokes... Most movements coming out well. Good pace to doubling, but I wouldn't go any quicker. Well done.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Marius Treutwein 🇩🇪 Tunes: Sir James MacDonald of the Isles' Lament Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. A bit cautious going into the grip to C - the B could be much shorter for better flow, but apart from that and a couple of small technical things, a well presented ground. Var 1 well played, with a consistent flow, but could use a bit more phrase definition. D gracenote is early in your regular taorluath movement, taking away from the triple rhythm - your B gracenote in D taorluaths is a bit later, giving those movements a much better rhythm. Sounds like your D finger goes automatically (a bit early) in taorluaths and crunluaths - delay a tiny bit and I think you'll have better quality in both movements. Good pace and flow to both these rhythmic variations. Pipe held well.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Nicholas Barber 🇦🇺 Tunes: Lament for Mary Macleod Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe well set to start. Ground is quite slow... I'd prefer it to move through phrases a bit quicker, which makes it easier to define the end of phrases and keep the musical flow moving forward. Better in var 1, though still slow, and could use more phrase definition. Doubling also slow, particularly mid phrase. Good technique in taor singling. Same comments as above - the general flow is fine, but needs the ebb and flow of phrase definition without losing too much momentum mid phrase. So so much better in taor doubling! Momentum and phrasing paired nicely here! Very good transition into crun singling. Good overall pace to this. Maybe could smooth out the E and two connecting notes after movements - pretty abrupt off the E. Little wobble starting line two. Good contrast into doubling. Pipe moving a little bit, but not a real distraction. A tune that improved a great deal as it went on. Just make sure you have the right balance of musical motion and phrasing earlier on.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Richard Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Field of Gold. Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Drones not quite settled at the start. Chanter close, but F is flat. Keep working on consistency of technique - some very clear, esp some edres. Don't increase pressure as you go to high A. Good flow to the ground, but could use a bit more definition of two bar phrases, especially in the middle of lines. Good pace to variation. Good rhythm to the taor. Rhythm in crun - pause more to start each pulse but be careful not to dwell on the final E too long. A few note errors in this tune, and a number of gracenoting errors - some omissions, and in the taor you're often playing GDG instead of GDE. On the right track - keep working on the technique for consistency.
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Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Scott McKinley 🇺🇸 Tunes: Macintosh's Banner Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Sounds like the pipe is well set, but overloading your microphone a bit, and corrupting the sound at the start. I get moments of better clarity as you move - pipe is in fact well set! If you can turn down your gain, you'll capture the quality of your sound better. Well presented ground. Var 1 well played - a bit slow, but good phrasing. One squeaky moment. Following variation a bit round in places, and could use some more phrase definition. Another squeaky moment - when you come from high A to low A, be careful that your thumb isn't a tiny bit late coming down. Low rising a bit in pitch. Good flow to taorluath singling, and well presented. Squeak... Excellent entry into doubling and good pace. Well played crun singling. Most movements coming out well. Good entry into doubling. A few more squeaks (watch that thumb!). Well played. Be careful not to increase pressure in the later stages of the tune - when you relaxed a bit going back into the ground, your low A was much closer to your drones there, but much higher in the taor and crun variations.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Supples 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Brigadier General Ronald Cheape of Tiroran, The Islay Ball, and The Sheepwife Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Michael. Very nice set! Strong execution with crisp fingering and mostly clean. The odd missed doubling here and there in march. Some very subtle crossing noises (3rd part). Lively march tempo. Some slightly rushed phrasing in 2nd part of march. Overall, a well expressed march! Watch the hacums in the last bar of strathspey. You’re jumping into the second hacum from B too quickly. Some missed doublings in 3rd part, but overall execution is good. Very good lift in strathspey. Nicely expressed! Rushing a bit in 4th part. Very good break to reel. Some tacums in reel not clean. I felt the timing in your reel was a bit erratic. Make sure you’re landing the start of phrases and subphrases on the beat. Rushing in 4th and 6th parts. Bagpipes were excellent! Drones were locked in from start to finish. I really liked your chanter sound. Bright and balanced with a nice ring on the high A. Maybe some very slight flatness on high G at times. Overall, this was an excellent performance on an excellent bagpipe. Well done!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Joseph Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Leaving Glenurquhart, Maggie Cameron, Alick C MacGregor Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Joseph. Some really good playing! Execution in your march was excellent. Very clean and crisp technique. Nicely expressed with a good dot/cut feel. Some slight jumping into phrases at times. For example, C doubling in ending phrase. Tempo a bit too slow. Very good execution in strathspey. Very cleanly played. Needs a bit more tempo. Strathspey is a dance tune and needs to be a bit more lively. Execution in reel also very good. Again, a bit more tempo would be nice, but I thought you had really good control of your phrasing which kept the tune interesting and musical. Drones were well tuned. I enjoyed hearing an “old school” chanter with the characteristic lower pitch. However, some notes not quite balanced (sharp F, flat B) and it was not quite locked into your drones. Overall, this was a really strong performance. Your technique is excellent. I think a bit more tempo would be beneficial and inject a bit more music into your tunes. Well done!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Leland Reid 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Major Manson’s farewell to clachantrushal, The Pipers Bonnet, Dr. MacPhail's Reel Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Leland. Very good playing! Execution in march was clean. Small crossing noise in 1st part. Tempo was good, but dragged in 3rd part. Phrasing a bit round; although, much better in the 4th where you began to inject a bit more pointing. Strathspey well executed. Some runs a bit too abrupt. A bit more variety in your pulsing is needed. More emphasis on the 1st and 3rd beats would make the tune a bit more interesting. Tempo slowing in 4th part. You held the low A’s before the taorluaths nicely, but you have to keep the tempo going after held notes; you can’t slow down the over all tempo of the tune. Very lively reel. Again, well executed. Chanter was well set; however, your drones were not in tune from the start. They began to drift further out of tune as you progressed through the reel. Perhaps a moisture issue? Overall, this was a very good performance. Well done!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raúl Peinado 🇪🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Donald Maclellan of Rothesay/The Caledonian Canal/ Sexy MacAskill Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Raul. Good set! Execution in march is clean and crisp. Birls in 3rd part not 100% clean, but otherwise good. Good tempo, but expression is way too round. A more dot/cut approach, with extra emphasis on the strong pulses will make this a much more musical tune. Very round in strathspey also. More pointing needed to generate the lift that is characteristic of strathspeys. Execution in strathspey is good. Good tempo in reel, but phrasing is rushed. You’re consistently playing ahead of the beat. Jumping into E taps in 4th part. Excellent drones! Well set and steady. Chanter sharp on top hand. Overall, strongly executed tunes. A more pointed approach to march and strathspey and waiting for your phrases in the reel would really improve your overall performance. Good luck!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 5 Tunes: Jeannie Carruthers, The Piper's Bonnet, Duntroon Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Phil. Nice performance! Execution in march is quite good. A few birls not coming through cleanly, but otherwise good. Some birls at end of part a bit early. Make sure to place them right on the final beat. Good tempo. Generally, you have a nice dot/cut feel in your march, but there were a few moments of roundness here and there. Really nice break into strathspey. Good lift. Got a little round in the 3rd part, but overall, nicely expressed. A couple sloppy moments in the 1st and 4th parts. Slight choke. Strong execution in reel. Very clean. Good tempo. Some phrase a bit too deliberate (e.g. closing phrase). Very nice bagpipes. Drones really locked in. Chanter bright and balanced. Overall, some good playing.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 6 Tunes: Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band, Arniston Castle, The Angler Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Kurtis. Nicely done! Execution in march is pretty good. Some gracenotes are not timed properly causing some sloppiness in some doublings and bottom hand movements. Could use a bit more tempo in march. Phrasing is very round. A more dot/cut approach is needed to produce a more musical tune. Agains, some sloppy bottom hand work in strathspey. It seems to be an issue with your D gracenotes on cut notes. For example; at the end of the first bar there is a C 1/16 note with a D gracenote. It sounds like you’re playing a D there because you're not completing the D gracenote before moving on to the E. Therefore, it sounds like you’re playing a low A/D/E instead of low A/C/E. Off the tune slightly in 4th part. Expression again is a bit too round. Playing a bit better in the reel; although, a bit more tempo would be nice. Similar issues with the bottom hand work in the reel. Well-balanced chanter. Drones not in tune. Overall, some good playing. Just a bit more pointing and bottom hand work needed to take it to the next level.
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Miss Delicia Chisholm, Susan MacLeod, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree. Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Jurgen. Thanks for your submission. Execution in your march was quite good. A few E doublings not coming out cleanly, but otherwise good. Tempo a bit slow. Timing really needs some work. You have a tendency to jump into phrase early giving your timing a very erratic feel. Playing with a metronome will help you identify where this is happening. Good tempo in strathspey. Your expression is a bit too round. Need more dot/cut in your phrasing to generate more lift. Some sloppiness in 4th part. Much too abrupt into your reel. Try to ease into it more. Overall tempo in reel is too fast. Really rushing the GDE triplets in the 3rd part. Missed high A taps in 4th part. Reel just too frantic. Stay relaxed. Overall, your execution is pretty good. Some work is needed on expression and tempo control. Good luck!
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Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Tunes: Duke of Roxburgh's Farewell to Blackmount Forest, Struan Robertson, Dolina Mackay Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Ken. Execution in march is quite good. E doublings from F could use a bit more clarity. Careful not to overcut the C’s in the 4th part. Some birls not 100% clean. Could use a bit more tempo. Strathspey also a bit on the slow side. Some execution coming out a bit labored. Some sloppy moments in 4th part. Good use of dot/cut phrasing, but try to vary your pulsing a bit with more emphasis on the 1st and 3rd beats. Nice, controlled reel. Slightly more tempo needed. Execution a bit too tight in reel. Stay relaxed. Missed the short B before birl, 4th bar. Nice chanter and drone sound; however, drones were set too flat to chanter. Overall, I think a bit more tempo and openness in your execution would really help your playing. Thanks for submitting your tunes!
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Leland Reid 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Paddy’s leather britches, Donald McKillop Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Leland , thanks for entering. Nice mellow pipe from start, bright tempo , missed repeat of 2nd part of Paddy. Clean hands, very pleasant. Great grips in 4th. Donald McKillop impressive stuff, again strong technique showing through. Very confident muscial performance with a great technical foundation, really enjoyed this.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Rory MacLeod and Corkhill Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Kurtis , some classic jigs there. pipes quite nice. good tempo and rhythm from ouset, wee missed strike 2nd part. nice setting 3rd. smooth to Cork Hill. Clean fingering throughout and muscial pulsing consistent - pipe held too, well done.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: The Seagull, The Coldar Sniob and The Dubh Ramh Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Phil, interesting jig selection. Nice pipes, brisk tempo, well handled , occasional hint of a bottom hand catch otherwise good stuff, smooth to 2nd jig, ? breaking time 2nd part (birl?), complex 3rd part well played. great finish well done ,smooth jig playing , a few small tecnhical catches distracted at times.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig McKenzie 🇦🇺 Place: 4 Tunes: Paddy’s Leather Breeches, Donald MacLennan’s Tuning Phrase Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Craig thanks for taking the time to enter. Pleasant pipe on strike up. Muscial jig interpretation with Paddy. Careful not to rush those GDE's in 3rd part. Nice 4th. Smooth into the tuning phrase, careful not to surge tempo wise inthe actual tuning phrase in the melody. Enjoyable set of tunes, thanks.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raúl Peinado 🇪🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Alex Macdonald/Paddy's leather breeches Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Raul, quite an abrupt entry to your jigs, nice pipes. Brisk tempo, if anything a slightly rushed feel to the music. Clean hands though (wee fumble 3rd part) . Wee chip 4th and again. Top hand quite shrill into Paddy. Again pushing the tempo a little too much for me. A confident performance, you could possibly pull a little more music out of these classic jigs with a slight tempo reduction and a little pulsing on the first quaver of each grouping. Well done.
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Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: The Jig of Slurs, The Curlew. Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Jurgen, great acoustics in there I bet! Pipe a not accurately tuned from outset, another bright set of tunes. A feature of the Jig of Slurs is the combination of strikes throughout - not sure yours were always clean, certainly something to strive for. Ok to Curlew. A hint of rushing now and the odd catch and chirp distract. I wonder if you aimed for a slightly more relaxed muscial flow to this tune it would come across a little more settled. Well done, thanks for the entry.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Craig McKenzie 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Leaving Port Askaig Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Nice playing Craig. HG a little sharp. Drones not 100% locked together when playing, but good at start and finish!. C-E catch 3rd part. Enjoyable tune, technically well handled.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Miss Ishabel T MacDonald Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Some gracenote inaccuracies. Good tempo and 6/8 swing. Top hand technique a little tight. Wee glitch 4th part. Drones ok together but not quite with LA. Enjoyable tune!
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Pipe Major Frank MacKinnon Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Good 6/8. Thr on D sometimes needs more LG. Some technique inaccuracies. HG a little sharp. Drones need to be set better together. Enjoyable tune.
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Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Trees of North Uist. Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Drones need to be set better together. Slight anticipating of beat end of parts. Technique misses and inacuracies detracting. Keep working on techniques to get it secure and focus on getting a better sound overall. Good potential.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Hiccup Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Phil, sweet pipe , good rolicking hornpipe rhythm from outset. Strong hands , nice clean fingering whole tune. A muscially mature perfromance, clean and well controlled , great stuff.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Lucy Cassidy Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Ken, thanks for the entry. Well tuned pipe, one of my favourite hornpipes. Conservative tempo but good 2 bar phrasing. Birls not always consistent . A strong tune , well handled, enjoyed it thanks.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Raúl Peinado 🇪🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The piper's controversy Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Raul, good to hear you today. Well tuned instrument, solid tempo. Good hands from outset, a slight fumble into third part. Strong 4th part - well done, thanks for the listen.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Donald MacLeod Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Kurtis , thanks for entering summer 2022 online! Nice pipe at outset. A wee catches in those tacchums. Rolling rhythm , wee fumble third part (and error). Pleasant tune , certainly got the hornpipe feel, at times just rushing your technique, make sure the timing of the g gracenote is spot on with the wee cut notes. Good stuff thanks.
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Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jürgen Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: Crossing the Minch. Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Jurgen, thanks for entering the world online solos. Pipes not quite locked at the beginning of the performance , bright tempo. Hands not clean at times. Wee skirls last part. Muscially not always consistent, with some bars rounder than others. The secret to cleaning up this tune is to ensure that the cut note before the shakes and the birls is good and solid, which then sets you up to the nail the technique. THanks again for the listen.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Joseph Morrison 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Lament for Sir James MacDonald of the Isles Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Great pipe to start with, started drifting in the toarluath variation. Great technique throughout. Feel free to raise the pitch of the pipe as well. Ground - musically phrased, well done. Variation 1 - Try to ease into this just a little more but otherwise good. Taorluath - Good, try to conclude just a little more Cruanluath - good, feel free to let this go however. On the whole this was a most enjoyable performance. I feel you could conclude each variation just a little more subtly to bring this tune to the next level. Great job, well done.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Phil Nielsen 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Lament For Alan My Son Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - Drones could be a little closer, chanter is nice and bright however the piob G comes in and out of tune. Ground- Good perhaps a little safe, a few 2-bar-phrases are well defined and some are less well-defined. Good conclusion. Var 1S- Nice music here, try to define the 2-bar-phrase a little more. Very well concluded Var 1D - Could contrast the singling a little more to create a little more drama Toarluath S - Good entry, a few wee sticky movements here and there with a wee slip. Pace increasing, try to keep this a little more composed to add to the dramatic effect of the doubling tempo increase. D - Good, try to lean on the last theme note in the 2-bar-phrase to define it a little better. Try to conclude this a little more subtly. Cruanluath S - A tad on the fast side, entry could have been a little smoother as well. Try to be a little smoother going up to the E before the birl. D and A-Mach - Very good, try to point the last theme note in the 2-bar-phrase On the whole this was a very enjoyable performance of a tough tune. A few wee subtleties to add and this will be a very fine piece, keep up the good work!
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Craig McKenzie 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Lament for the Castle of Dunyveg Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - drones could be a little more locked. Nice bright chanter, piob G could be a little sweeter. Ground - Well expressed, line 2 could have been concluded a little better. Good use of 2-bar-phrases Var1 S - This was well expressed with good demonstration of 2-bar-phrases though it was a little sfae, it could have been brighter Var1 D - Good contrast though again this could be a little brighter, it's a little safe, F is beginning to wobble a tad. Taorluath S - Technically sound, good music here, very well delivered Taorluath D - Good contrast in tempo though you could let it go a little more here. 1 wee miss and a wee slip Cruanluath S - I felt you could have eased into this a little more, decent music here at times but could flow just that little bit more. A wee slip again. Cruanluath D - Better flow here but could be a tad brighter. A-Mach - good Overall a good performance with some lovely subtleties in the tune. Feel free to brighten the tempi up a little to enhance the musical delivery and excitement of the piece. Keep up the good work.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Raúl Peinado 🇪🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Clan Campbell's gathering Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - Started ok and got slightly better as the performance went on. E is very sharp though. Ground- Well-presented though try and be a little softer with the first bar Good 2-bar phrasing at times and ground was well-concluded Thumb- Good light and shade though try not to be too aggressive with the short notes Var1 Good but you could have eased into it a little more and I'd have liked to have heard the 2-bar-phrasing to be more defined. T S+D Well played but technically this could have been a little more accurate, try and define the difference between a taorluath movement and a grip a little more. Nice contrasting tempo C S+D Very good. See notes on toarluath variation. Also, a little more low G in the cruanluath movements would enhance these variations. Overall an enjoyable performance with nice subtleties, well done. I feel the instrument and the technical embelishments is where to turn your attention to next.
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Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 5 Tunes: The Battle of Strome Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Drones could be a little better set at the start but got better as the tune went on, good chnater sound. Take your time before starting the tune, ease into it a little more Ground - You have the right idea with presentation here however the 4 beat pulses seem to vary quite a lot between each bar, try and make this more consistent. The 3rd line was more like it Var1 S- Well presented, try keep your composure on the last 2 bars D- Well played but a few wrong notes here and there Sometimes I felt the 4th pulse of the 2-bar phrase was overheld T S- Good, same as Var1S D- Good, don't overhold the 4th pulse however C S- Cadences were a little inconsistent D- Try to ease into it, very nice flow however. A few wrong notes again. On the whole a good shot at what can be a hard tune to enjoy, plenty of life here which is great. Technically sound though there were a number of crossing noises evident. Great job, keep up the good work.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe, Cabar Feidh, John Morrison of Assynt House Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: HI Connor, great to hear you again. Booming pipe from the outset, impressive. March - conservative tempo but nice attention to the upbeat and 2 bar phrasing. Clean hands, crisp technique. JUst the occasional dropped doubling. Super stuff. Controlled break to strathspey, excellent lift and expression here, strong hands. Ok break to reel, quite a pointed interpretation here but consistent. Missed strike last part. This was an impressive set - strong muscial identity throughout, strong bottom hand technique, a few lapses with top hand (G gracenote, doublings on E and D and E strikes) which you could strengthen up for better impact. Thoroughly enoyed the tunes, pipe was excellent.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ray Flanagan 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Major Manson at Clachantrushal, Islay Ball, Mrs. MacPherson of Inveran Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Ray, thanks for taking the time to compete in the World online solos. Well tuned instrument from outset. Bold start to this classic tune. Breaking time part ending birls at times but nice 2/4 lift. Wee crossing noises third part. Tempo slows 4th part. Nice tuarluaths. Smooth to strathspey, tight hands at times ,third part, again overall good sthrathspey lift and expression. Interesting break to reel, some great playing here ?error 5th part? (or setting?) loads of good things about your playing , heaps of music, occasionally 'over-expressed' at the expense of tempo, some minor technical misses but a strong set of tunes , enjoyed it thanks.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Stirlingshire Militia, The Doune of Invernochty, Lt. Col. D.J.S. Murray Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Charlie, thanks for the online entry. Nice pipes from outset. Bright tempo and good 2/4 expression. Just rounding out a little at times, with the odd small catch. C to E movement last part march not always cleanly fingered. Good break to strath and again nice strathspey lift. Still those wee catches distract. Losing lift a little last part. Reel - ok break. Occasionally breaking flow especially cut F to E movement, possibly a little rushed 3rd and 4th parts but a very solid MSR nonetheless - well done.
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Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Friedrich Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Highland Wedding, Maggie Cameron, Willie Cumming‘s Rant. Judge: Brendon Eade Judge's Comments: Hi Friedrich, thanks for the entry. Pipes not quite in from outset. Highland wedding solid start, slighlty cautious tempo, good 2 bar phrasing evident. Note quite blowing out your top hand 4th part. Crossing noises 5th and 6th. ok to strathspey , slightly round interpretation and tight hands now. (3rd part). lost composure last time. ok to reel, confident tempo and expression, strong finish. Well done, a tough set of tunes - definitely want to spend some time setting up the bagpipe and getting more accurate with your tuning which would really enhance your performances. Strong musical understanding.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Brennan's Broken Chanter, Patrick's Revelations Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A good pipe and first impression here. A nice tempo with good phrasing to start. Musical feel overall. Just have a look at your phrase endings at end of parts and ensure they are all FULL value and the same. You want to put a "period" at the end of your sentences. Overall very strong just some subtle things at phrase endings to take it to the next level. thank you David.
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Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Alex MacDonald, The Piper's Bonnet Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice pleasing pipe at start. Nice musical mature playing. Good use of short notes and phrasing evident here. Execution is well defined here as well. A few small issues, however a very lovely presentation of jigs played musically on a pleasing pipe. Thank you. David.
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Dr. Ross Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Connor... A nice tempo with plenty of swing and style... Fingerwork has a nice rhythmic quality with clean and consistent delivery. Watch E Taps for consistent thickness in ending phrases. Lovely musical shape Connor. Pipe is well set, perhaps a shade flat on HiA. Thanks, Shaunna HIlder
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Iain Campbell of Oban Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi there Charlie. A nice tune here with plenty of dot cut and swing. A nicely sustained tempo. Pipe is well set and full drone sound. Finger work is thick with a nice rhythmic quality. Nice 6/8 feel. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ray Flanagan 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Ballochyle Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Ray. Thanks for this. Nice tempo evident. F is a shade unstable. Musically pleasing tune with nice dot and cut feel. Nice fingerwork throughout. Watch half F doubling from HiA, aim for a thicker prominent movement here. P3 well sustained. Watch E taps P4 for thickness. Enjoyed that. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Aberdeen Romeo, Stumbling Through the Grey Area Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - Good drones and nice chanter sound, well ballanced. HP1 - Try to ease into the tune a little more. The tempo you set was good but I felt it would be better if you gradually got to that tempo over 2 bars to enhance the musicality. Otherwise very well played. HP 2 - Good entry, great tune though I feel the 4th part was a little anti-climactic for a set of 2 tunes. A wee strike missed but again great playing. Overall playing here is fantastic with great technique on a good instrument. I do feel however that the overall presentation was a little straight and more suited to a pipe band presentation rather than a solo contest. Feel free to bring the tempo down just a few clicks and use musical subtleties to express the melody lines and syncopations just a little more as there i smore to be gained from them. They're great tunes that could use a softer touch.
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Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Donald MacLeod, Hamilton's Nut Sack Judge: John Dew Judge's Comments: Pipes - Lovely drone sound, chanter is good though the top hand is a tad sharp. HP1 - Try to ease into the tune here, gradually build the tempo up over the first 2 bars. Otherwise very nicely played with poise and controll. A wee slip in pt 3. HP2 - A tad slippy going into this tune. This tune was good though I felt that sometimes you played the rhythms rounded and sometimes played them dot and cut. Try to keep this consistent. At the ends of parts you can give the crotchets their full length to allow for a clearly defined end of part. A few wee misses on the top hand strikes. Overall a very enjoyable performance, very well done.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Ray Flanagan 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Massacre of Glencoe Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Pipe set well to start. Good pace to the ground. Well defined phrases. Could think about moving through the final bars of lines one and two a little more swiftly. Good contrast in tempo into the thumb var. Well played variation. Can't quite tell if your drones are out a tiny bit, or if it's from the speed you're moving - if you physically slow down, you'll get even more clarity in how the sound leaves the drones. Taor - watch consistency in the l ength of the connecting low A after movements - often just right (short) but at other times definitely too long. Much better in the doubling. Good contrast in tempo. It's partiicularly the middle phrase of line two to be careful on the low A connectors. Good entry to crun sg. Similar comment about length of connecting Es in middle of line two. The odd E almost too small - like to the C in the final bar - work on consistency. A bit hurried in the doubling. Then your tempo dropped a bit in the a mach before settling. A few squeaky B movements. Overall a well played tune.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Charlie Martin 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: MacLeod's Controversy Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Excellent pipe to start. A bit on the slow side, but only a little. Good phrase definition. High G double echoes not quite as smooth as the E ones. Slightly unclear embari. Apart from the comment on pace, a well presented ground. Good pace to taor singling, but some low As after movements a tiny bit big - better as the var went on. Good transition and pace to doubling. A few movenents not crystal clear but otherwise well played. Good transition into curn sg. Pipe holding well. Some movements slightly uneven, but most good. Little choke in the doubling. As in the taors, be careful not to lift your pinkie before the E greacenotes. Good pace to doubling. A well played tune on a good pipe. Just a few slightly untidy movements, and the ground could come up a nottch.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Laura Mullin 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: The King's Taxes Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Lovely pipe to start. Good pace, and good phrasing to the ground. Not always perfectly accurate on the short Bs from low G. Rushed off the end of the first phrase line 3 - let the high G sing! Var 1 needs more breathing room at the end of phrases. Maybe try softening the low As before grips to B? A bit severe in treatment of some of the short notes - could be smoother. Same in the doubling - needs an ebb and flow of tempo around phrase endings too. A bit waltzy! Strong entry to the taor sg. I like your approach to the cadences. Oops, wee choke. Technically very strong. Not much tempo contrast from sg to db - maybe pull the sg back a little. It got a bit hurried by the end. Pipe holding well. Cadences in the crun sg a bit pushed - all your pulses are pretty much the same length, but the cadence endings need to breathe a bit more. Similar thought about pace in the doubling here as in taor. Middle notes of fosgailte a bit big. Overall well played - I'd just like to hear most of it a little less severe and choppy - needs smoothness, and a bit more care with defining your phrases.
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Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Sid Baker 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Nameless hi harin dro o dro Judge: James MacHattie Judge's Comments: Good pipe to start. The odd little surge when you blow. Extra gracenote bar two line three, and a wee choke, but a well played ground. Could pick up the pace a little bit in the var, particularly mid phrase, which would make defining the end of phrases easier. Line three flowing well though. Good movements to start taor. Litlle untidy transition after one in line one though. Some wobbles in bag pressure. Good pace and good balance. A bit cautious to start the doubling but picked up well. A few slightly indisticnt movements, but mostly solid. Good entry to crun sg. Drones holding well. Oh no! Missed a pulse at the end of the third line... Good start to doubling. Incorrect connecting note first time around going into bar 4. Good flow. Off again... Little choke... A very good presentation of a tricky but beautiful tune, but fell off a bit in the later stages.
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Leland Reid 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Bob cooper of Winnipeg (m) Donald McKillip (j) Would the minister not dance (j) The water is wide (s/a) Donald Rudah (s) Miss Montgomery (s) Farewell to Erin (r) The crooked bridge (r) Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start to medley with an upbeat march - Drones are not quite locked together or with Low A on your chanter detracting from the overall sound quality. Nice playing Effective bridge to the jig - Nice aggressive tempo but still in control. -Some little crossing noises on the bottom hand involving D grace notes. Good into the 2nd jig - again some slight crossing noises on the bottom hand technique. Nice into the slow A little out of rhythm on the repeat of the slow I thought. Good into the Strathspey Again a little crossing noise in the 2nd Strathspey Lovely into the Reel playing with lots of confidence and drive. Nice waltz at the end. Overall a very enjoyable medley played with lots of drive and confidence throughout. Just loosen up your hands a bit more and keep those D grace notes small and in time to alleviate the slight crossing noises popping up. Lots of talent well done!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: The Stone Frigate, Walking The Floor, Paddy O'Rafferty, Mist Cover Mountains, PM Sandy Gordon, Stumpie, High Road To Linton. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Lively start and nice pipe with playing precise in the hornpipe. A little pushed into the Jig and the GDE's slightly pushed creating even more of a pushed feel but settled in nicely following. Good into 2nd Jig. Nice into the Slow Nice into the Strathspey - watch you are not early to the final C doubling run-down in the part endings. Nice into Stumpie -again watch the C doubling run-downs - wait and play a nice loose, open doubling. Good into the Reel Highway to Linton - nicely played. Overall a very nice medley played with confidence on a nice instrument. Just watch you continue to make strides in blowing consistently so there is no variation in chanter tonal quality as there is some frequent wavering. Well done!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Ken Maclean 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Dream Valley of Glendaruel, Lisnagun, Langavat, Hector the Hero, Smelling Fresh, The Hard Drive Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start to medley with the march and pipes nicely tuned. Effective bridge to the JIg -a little loss of control here at times. Nice into the Slow Good into the Reel - Just a little off toward the ending prior to going into the Hard Drive. Good into the Hard Drive - some light E strikes in first part. Settled in nicely and well played from there on. Solid slide into the ending!!! Overall a nice arrangement of tunes played with confidence. I could tell you were enjoying playing these tunes! Well done!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Craig McKenzie 🇦🇺 Place: 4 Tunes: Working Man (Rita MacNeil), Farewell to Nigg (Duncan Johnstone), J and B (Craig McKenzie), Donald MacLennan’s Tuning Waltz (apologies to Donald MacLeod), Donald MacLennan’s Tuning Phrase (Donald MacLeod), Row Me Home to Islay (E. McNally) Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start to the medley with a nicely played Slow Air. Good into the march - Pipe well tuned and chanter has lots of projection. Good into the 2nd march - nice playing here. Good into the waltz Good into the Jig - Just a tad ahead of the beat at times but generally well controlled and still exciting. Nice into the final slow. Overall a very enjoyable set ot tunes played with confidence and precision on a nice instrument. Just a little pushed in the Jig at times was really the only thing to work on. Well done!
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Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Competitor: Laura McEwan 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: The guild of the 19 Lubricators (Hornpipe), The Botanist (Jig), The Abbotsford Jig (Jig), The King's Taxes (Slow Air), Jessie Pinner (Strathspey), Old Wife of the Mill Dust ('Reelpipe') Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start to the hornpipe but losing a bit of control as you progressed speeding up a bit. Nice into the Jigs and started with lots of drive and control but again just a little pushed causing you to come out of rhythm and lose control a tad. Nice Slow/Piobaireachd Good into the Strathspey - Need a little more consistency here with the timing to really put this right where it needs to be as you were pushing. Good into the Reel - Driving here and maybe just a little too much gas. You have the musicality for sure and just need to get a little more control to really bring your performance up to another level. Pipe very good. Well done!
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Anthony Song 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: John McColl’s March Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Good correct playing on a well set up instrument Anthony. A wee LA - C catch 1st part. G strike from B mid way through each part - make sure you sound the B a bit more before putting the strike in. Really good playing otherwise!
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Charlie Gregg 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: John mcColls march to kilbowie cottage Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Nice pipe and good correct playing. 2nd part - swapped some gracenotes around! F dbl could be a bit clearer. HG doubl not clear 2nd part. Some minor blowing inconsistencies. Really good playing!
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Event 33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 12 years or younger
Competitor: Liam Chan 🇭🇰 Place: 3 Tunes: John MacDonald's Welcome to South Uist Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Nice sounding pipe. A difficult tune for this level! Generally good technique - just need to make sure it is correctly executed all the time. A few wee chokes. Plenty of potential here - focus on good correct technique, and you really need to be playing a tune of lesser difficulty at this level.. Enjoyable stuff!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Sam Foote 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Kantara to El Arish Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Sam, and thank you for competing in this event! You're pipes sound really nice, smooth and sonorous. Technically, there isn't much for me to pick on. There were a few doublings that felt a bit fuzzy (lacking in definition), and some of your G gracenotes in the third part could be a little more open and have a little more life in them. There was one grip that was softer/fuzzier than the rest; not quite a slip, but something to mention and work on. Musically, I really enjoyed this performance. You've got a great feel for the upbeat, and you've obviously got the hands to wait for downbeats to come to you. You've got a good idea about the musical impact of the tune, and there were some spots where I felt you could let yourself do a bit more. I thought you were holding back a little bit with holding the long high A in the first phrase of the 2nd part, for example. Another example- the low A pick up note in bar 1 of the first part (the one that leads into bar 2), I think you could hold that a bit more for just that extra little bit of oomph. You've got great hands, a good bagpipe, good technique, and a good idea of the music you're playing. All of these made for an enjoyable performance, and I look forward to seeing what you can do when you let things loose just that tiny bit!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Zygmunt (Zyggy) Gray 🇦🇺 Place: 2 Tunes: Allan Dodd's Farewell to Scotland Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Zyggy! Thank you for competing in this event, and a great tune choice for it. I will say that the video is quite dark, so my feedback is based solely on what I can hear, rather than see. My main points with this performance are rythmical- it felt to me like you were trying to hold back on the tempo. The main portion of each part where I felt that is you tended to significatily slow down in the second phrases of each part (starting right on the D throw). Bar 4 was just a tiny bit slower still, and then you would start back into the original tempo. You want to be careful to not let holding a note turn into dragging the tempo on that note. You've definitely got the hands to move through this tune more consistently, and that's the only suggestion I would make to push this performance to the next tier. Technically, there's just about nothing I would say. Some of the D throws were a bit slow, but I feel that falls more in to the above tempo issue than anything else. The bagpipe was very good, with an excellent chanter balance. I'm not sure what pipes you're playing, but I would certainly hold on to them! The tempo issue was the primary thing I would note, so that's where I would focus your efforts. You're not far away, and this is that last little touch that turns a good tune into a tremendous one! I look forward to hearing more from you in the future!
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Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Competitor: Kane Gordon 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: Muir of Ord Judge: Jack Williamson Judge's Comments: Hi Kane, and thank you for competing in this event. Alasdair Gillies was a bit of a hero of mine, and performances like this are a great tribute to his memory. 1st part: You had a few chokes slip in, where you weren't blowing right on top of the reed. Don't hold back on the blowing (even if it means playing a sharp High A). You could probably flatten the high A a tiny tin y bit with tape, and that would free you up to blow a tiny bit harder. Be mindful also that you aren't trading G gracenotes for the E gracenotes that are written. 2nd part: Playing well here! 3rd part: Very good 4rd part: I feel you could be a little lighter and zippier with the 3rd bar beat 2 work (D E D B); you have to be sure to be on time for the next left foot downbeat. It wasn't so much so that things dragged, but I did notice some heaviness to this little passage in the tune. Overall, Kane, I enjoyed this performance quite a bit. You've got a good setting of this tune, and you're playing it well. There are a few things that I noted above that will help polish it that last little bit, but you definitely have the musical mindset and hands to go far. A little bit more refinement on blowing and a few wee touches here and there with the music, and you're right in with this tune!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Connor Eckert 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: John MacDonald of Glencoe Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Connor. This was a really well played 2/4 march! Execution was very strong with clean and crisp technique. A few missed gracenotes here and there, but otherwise very clean. Tempo was steady, but perhaps dragging just a bit. Good, musical expression. Some slightly rushed phrases in 3rd and 4th bars of 3rd part. Really good bagpipe sound. Solid drones. Resonant and well balanced chanter. Overall, this was an excellent 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: Leland Reid 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Major Manson’s farewell to clachantrushal Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Leland. Very nice playing! Your execution is excellent. Very clean and crisp technique. I thought the tempo was just a bit slow. Really starting to drag in 3rd part. Careful not to jump into the cut C at the start of the 4th bar. I think a bit more on the strong pulses would make the tune more musical. You’re just a shade on the round side with your expression. Bass drone was not in tune from the start. Chanter a bit dull, but well tuned other than a flat F. Some really good playing overall. Nice job!
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Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Competitor: Jack Watson 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban Judge: Keith Paton Judge's Comments: Hi Jack. Good playing! Some really strong execution overall. Technique is generally clean and crisp. Some B tacums not always clean. Tempo a bit inconsistent. Rushing a bit in bar 2 of second part. Some ending phrases slowing. Overall, could use a bit more tempo with this tune. Nicely expressed with could dot/cut phrasing. Drones well tuned. Chanter balanced, but a very scratchy high A which distracts from the performance. Overall, some really good playing. Well done!
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Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Competitor: Friedrich Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi. Judge: David Hilder Judge's Comments: Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice tempo to start. Drones not in tune with the chanter causing a wee bit of distraction. Chanter seems well set and blown. Overall a good 2/4 idiom with phrasing evident. 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: Glen-mary Christopher 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Nice one Glen Mary... THanks for this. Nice tempo evident. Pipe set quite well. A good 2/4 march feel here, with a nice off beat punching through. Watch birls for arrival in ending phrases. Some are a shade early. Aim to land your G gracenote of your doublings squarely on the toe tap itself. Some are a shade early.... A nice confident tune here. Thanks. Shaunna HIlder
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Brian Gilley 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Captain Norman Orr Ewing Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Brian. Thanks for this . Pipe is set ok. The F and HiG are a shade sharp. Drones quite nice. The tune has a nice 2/4 feel with swing and style. Tempo is slightly slow yet consistent and maintained. Watch the ending phrase for full length on E for full musical effect. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Nicholas Barber 🇦🇺 Place: 3 Tunes: Inveran Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: hi there Nicholas. Thanks for this. Pipe is well set... D Sharp. Watch this tune for pacing.. in P3 C - C E is rushed. Watch birls for earliness. Tempo well sustained itself... just watch your arrival of your movements as some are just a shade early, affecting the musical delivery. *Wait and Place* those movements.. A great tune choice for this event. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Kurtis Bryden 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Alasdair Gillies Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Thanks Kurtis for this. A very fitting tune for event. Tempo well sustained. DOubligs and embellishments are coming through clearly. This tune needs more contrast between dot and cut notes. This is particularity evident in P3 and P4. The 1/8 notes need full value before the tachums. This combination repeats over and over and improve this will elevate the tune. Cut the tachum harder for full effect. Stretch ... and cut.... A lovely composition. Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 2/4 March - for pipers 21 and older
Competitor: Robert Real 🇺🇸 Place: 5 Tunes: High Road to Gariloch and Corriechoille's 43rd Welcome to the Northern Meeting Judge: Shaunna Hilder Judge's Comments: Hi Robert. Thanks for this. A nice collection of tunes here. Nice tartan wallpaper !! Tempo is sustained... although a slight bit slow.. A nice musical feel. Pipes are set ok. The embellishments are coming through ok. Watch your c doubling and aim for a more rhythmic feel, as they are slightly too open. Have a look at your top hand finger placement.and aim to push your Hi G finger to lengthen and thus get away from the finger tips. Nice confidence. Thanks SHaunna Hilder
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Dew 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Compliments to the Teaching of Willie McCallum, Lady Louden, Dr. MacPhail's Reel Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice entry to March with nice lift and bagpipe well tuned. March: 1. Good 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Good into the Strathspey - nice 2. Good 3. A little pushed to the C doublings I thought 4. Nice Reel: 1. Nice into the Reel and nice pace 2. Nice 3. Nice 4. Nice - Lovely Overall a very enjoyable MSR played with drive and poise throughout (minus 3rd part Strathspey) on a nice instrument in tune from start to finish. Well Done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dr Brendon Eade 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Knightswood Ceilidh, Monymusk, Sheepwife Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice to start March - brisk and pipe excellent! March: 1. A little clipped on Low G doubling at line ending. 2. Good - same with Low G doublings at line ending being a slgiht bit tight! 3. Good 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Nice into Strathspey and tempo well established. 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good Reel: 1. Good break to the Reel 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good 5. a little pushed to the D throw slightly 6. Good Overall a very nice MSR presented on a solid instrument that held from start to finish (High A coming across a little sharp in Strathspey at time). Well done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James MacHattie 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Margaret Ann MacLeod, The Bob of Fettercairn, The Little Cascade Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice into March and lovely pipe! March: 1. Nice 2. Good - a little early off the B doulbing at part ending before tacchum to Low G 3. Good - a little longer on the C before the Grip throughout part as coming across a little flat. 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Nice into Strathspey 2. Slgihtly pushed in delivery 3. Good 4. Excellent - more poise here Reel: 1. Good into the Reel - a little quick to first F doubling from High G 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good - a little early to ending F doubling 5. a little early to the ending F doubling 6. Good Overall a nicely played MSR that was a little square throughout some passages hi-lighted above and could use a little more poise as there is plenty of drive which is excellent! Well done!.
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Dick 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Duke of Roxburgh’s Farewell to the Blackmount Forrest, Inveraray Castle, The Grey Bob Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: NIce tempo to start and bagpipe is good however there is some little recording distortion from mic placement. March: 1. Nice drive 2. Good 3. Good - a little early to last birl at ending of part. 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Nice into the Strathspey - Maybe a tad cautious in terms of tempo but Good otherwise 2. Good 3. Good - coming off the High A to the short High G to half Doubling on F at part ending - a little longer here will put you into better timing and provide space. 4. Good - same as above otherwise - nicely played Reel: 1. Good into the Reel 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good - lots of poise throughout the Reel - Nice Overall a solid MSR played on a good bagpipe that held from start to finish - watch mic placement as slight distortion detracting from overall sound quality in performance. Some slight pushed passages and would like to see a little more drive in Strathspey. Well done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Bowen 🇨🇦 Place: 5 Tunes: Doctor Allan MacDonald, Islay Ball, Cockerel in the Creel Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice bagpipe and nice entry into the March March: 1. Good - slightly pushed onto Low A's in Bar 2 and Low G doubling in following bars. 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good Strathspey: 1. F a little bright here and some tight doublings on B 2. Slightly pushing the B doublings 3. Slghtly pushed 4. nice Reel: 1. Nice into the Reel - a ittle dirty at end of part 2. Good watch tacchums at part ending and a slightly different setting? 3. Nice 4. Good Overall a very nice MSR presented on a resonant bagpipe that was controlled from start to finish and only slightly sharp on F in SR. March was a little pushed in part one and just need to settle it to really lock-in as you got better as you went along. Strathspey was much the same where I felt it took you a couple of parts to settle and Reel wsa pretty solid from start to finish. Well done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Williamson 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: The Taking of Beaumont Hamel; PM Hector MacLean; Stornoway Castle Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: NIce start to March and nice pipe! March: 1. Good 2. Good - B Taorluath at end of line not clean second time through 3. Good 4. A little loss of drive here but playing well. Strathspey: 1. Good into Strathspey - nice tempo 2. Good 3. Good 4. Thick High A doubling otherwise lovely Strathspey Reel: 1. Good into Reel 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good Overall a nicely presented MSR played on a nice instrument that was not quite locked from star to finish. Lots of poise displayed here. Well done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Graeme Glass 🇳🇿 Tunes: The Glenfinnan Highland Gathering, Catlodge, The Grey Bob Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: A little careful to start March but gradually got there. Pipe Okay but not quite locked solid. March: 1. Good - pushing the offbeat entering Bar 7. 2. Good 3. Good - nice touch here with phrasing. 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Good 2. Good 3. Good 4. A little laboured into bar 4 Reel: 1. A little pushed entering Reel and a little laboured at start but settled 2. A little pushed at ending 3. Good 4. Good but again a little pushed into the birl at the part ending following the short B Overall an enjoyable MSR played on a decent bagpipe that was not quite locked from start to finish. Well done
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Partanen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Lady Elsbeth Campbell, Donnie Ferry, Duncan Lamont. Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start to March - Lots of drive and pipe okay! March: 1. A little crossing noise in part 2. A little early off the ending Taorluath on Low A into the Birl - you have more time in between. 3. Good - same ending mentioned above 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Good - A little square but as you went I got used to it 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good Reel: 1. Good into the Reel 2. Good 3. Good 4. Good Overall a very enjoyable MSR played with precision and although slightly pushed at times you are very consistent and confident in your delivery. Well done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Justin Howland 🇺🇸 Tunes: Mrs. Duncan MacFadyen, Bob of Fettercairn, Cecily Ross Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice start to the March - Pipe okay but some distortion due to Mic placement detracting from overall sound quality March: 1. Good 2. Good - watch E doublings as some light ones here. 3. A little laboured High A, short F to E doubling - don't be early and trust it. 4. Good Strathspey: 1. Good into Strathspey - nice 2. Good 3. Good 4. C run down a little dirty to Low A Reel: 1. Good into the Reel 2. A little pushed to the birl - wait after the GDE and keep B short 3. Good 4. Good a slight catch at end Overall an enjoyalbe MSR played on a good bagpipe that was not articulating optimally due to mic placeemnt I believe. Well done!
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Event 38. Open/Pro - Piping - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Armstrong 🇳🇿 Tunes: Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band, Tulloch Gorm & Lt Col DJS Murray Judge: Ian K. MacDonald Judge's Comments: Nice into the March and bagpipe okay wirh lots of projection and resonance. March: 1. Good 2. Good 3. A little pushed in Bar 3 4. Good St rathspey: 1. Good into Strathspey - Nice 2. A little pushed going to the birl from C - wati longer and you will always make the birl! 3. Good 4. Good Reel: 1. A little abrupt into the Reel but nice tempo 2. Good 3. A little pushed here 4. Good Overall a nice MSR played on a resonant pipe that held from start to finish. Just some minor timing issues where you push the beat slightly pulling you out of rhythm. Stay relaxed and lock-in to maintain poise from start to finish. Well done!
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Dew 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Dora Watt, Alasdair F. Henderson Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Lovely. J. Well played - unusual. Pipe well set, sounding great. Really enjoyable playing John.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Jack Williamson 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Dr. McInnes’ Fancy; Donald MacLennan’s Tuning Phrase Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Nice playing, strong tune. J. 3rd pt - HG gracenote on E first them then correct after that! Very good set Jack, appropriate tempos, and nice pipe.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: James MacHattie 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Wee Alec - Fort William and The Gold Ring Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Could get more music out of the tune at a slightly slower tempo! J. Tempo again up there! Well handled, especially at that tempo! Pipe well set.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Laura Mullin 🇨🇦 Place: 4 Tunes: Forham's Dawn - by Josh McFarlane, Humours of Ballyloughlin - arrangement by Mark Saul Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Nice musical playing, good impression. J. Again, very nice musical playing. Minor technical blemish last part. Good pipe and very nice set Laura, enjoyed this.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lachie Dick 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: PM George Allan, The Bride’s Jig Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Competently played. J. Nice tune, good playing here. Drones well set Lachie. Thinnish top hand on chanter. HG a little sharp. Pitch up there? An enjoyable listen.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Dr Brendon Eade 🇳🇿 Place: 6 Tunes: Jimmy Blue, Annie's New Heart Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Rushing off the end of parts. Wee catch 4th part. Very nice otherwise. J. Good playing. Nice set Brendon.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Bowen 🇨🇦 Tunes: Jack Adrift, Donnie MacGregor Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Nice tempo. F a little sharp, but drones well set. Some rushing ahead of beat in 2nd part. Could do with more on the 1st beat each 2 bar phrase to help achieve a more rollicking hornpipe rhythm. J. Well played. Slightly ahead of the beat at times in the 1st part. Nice set overall Aidan.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: John Partanen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Maxwell's Bonnet, Angus Macpherson Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Nice hornpipe rhythm, just lost it a little in the 4th part. J. Good transition to Jig. Lively tempo! Well handled. Good stuff John!
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Justin Howland 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Henningham Reunion, St. Ninians Parish Centre Ceilidh Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Wee miss 2nd part, and 3rd part. Nice playing at a good tempo. Some minor technical blemishes. J. Good playing here - attractive tune Sound quality of recording lacking Justin - for this sort of thing, it neds to be better. Otherwise, an enjoyable set.
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Event 39. Open/Pro - Piping - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Scott Armstrong 🇳🇿 Tunes: Man from Skye and Tommy Burke Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: H. Slight rushing ahead of beat throughout tune. Otherwise competently handled. J. Nice playing. Pipe well set Scott - an enjoyable set.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Dr Brendon Eade 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: The Old Men of the Shells (Number 1) Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Pipe well set. Nice playing in Ground. I felt the hiharin was a little tight throughout - could fatten it a bit. Var 1. Nice. HA no sharper! Dbl. Good. Var 2 and Dbl. Good. TS and Dbl. Good. CS and CD. Good - although I did think the CD was going to take off up bit - ended up ok. As an observation, some doublings of variations could take a bit of tempo off, but what you did was balanced. Pipe nice. An enjoyable listen overall.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: James MacHattie 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: The Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. A slightly abrupt entry to the tune, transitioning from tuning. E in hiharin could be a little fuller. Otherwise nice ground. Var 1. E in hiharin again. Nice otherwise. TS. Perhaps a little quick overall for me - could set it out a bit and give yourself more room to move in the doubling. TD. Missed HG gracenote bar 6 line 1. A little on the quick side for me. CS. E after Crun movement just a shade fat, otherwise nice. CD. Ok. Overall, a nice tune James. Pipe well set and held. Just felt that you pushed the tune along a little bit much, particularly in the T and C variations.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Scott Armstrong 🇳🇿 Place: 3 Tunes: The Big Spree Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Pipe well set. Very nice treatment of ground. Var 1. Nice variation. Dbl. Good tempo uplift. Siubhal. Sightly laboured getting onto the singling cadence for me - but very consistent. Dbl. The odd catch going from LA to F. T. OK. GDE no tighter than that. C. Good fosgailte movement. Standard crun movement not always consistent. Overall, very nice tune Scott on a well presented bagpipe that held well.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: John Dew 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: The Battle of Strome Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Pipe well set. Nice ground. Perhaps need a shade more weight 1st pulse each phrase. Var 1. Nice. Dbl. Nice. Sometimes 1st pulse weighting a fraction light. TS and TD. Nice playing. CS. I felt the middle note of the fosgailte movement was intruding a bit - broke the flow. CD. Middle note of fosgailte again a bit prominent - broke the flow. Overall, nice tune, easy listenting!
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Lachie Dick 🏴 Place: 5 Tunes: The Rout of Glenfruin Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Pipe well set. Nice ground. Var 1 and Dbl. Good, short E's just a wee bit clipped for me. Darado not always clear. LS - CD - good playing - some good expression evident. In the T and C, be careful not to fatten the LA after the tar movement and the E after the Crun movement after playing the last theme note before a singling cadence. (Hope that is clear!). Top hand part of crun movement a little crushed at times. CAM. Ok. A very nice tune overall Lachie, and on a good pipe.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Alastair Murray Place: 6 Tunes: the big Spree Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Pipe nicely set. Darado not always clear - need more LG. Otherwise nice. Var 1. Nice. Perhaps E in cadences could be a fraction fatter. Dbl. Could kick this on a wee bit more. A little bit too similar in tempo to the singling. Otherwise fine. Siubhal. Nice. E in cadnecs again - a little more weight on them would help finish the phrase off. Dbl. A little straight for me. T. OK. A bit more weight on 1st pulse /bar need. An abrupt transition to Crun var. C. Slightly fat on E after Crun movements. Standard crun movements not always consistent. Overall, a very enjoyable tune Alastair. Nice pipe. Would be good form to play all of the first line to finish the tune and not miss a chunk out!
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Aidan Bowen 🇨🇦 Tunes: Lament for Donald Dughal MacKay Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. End of 2-bar phrases could be marked a fraction more. Generally good treatment throughout ground, but marred by a sharp F. Drones well set. Var 1. A little straight overall. Need more light / shade in pulsing. TS. Too straight for me - each pulse was getting the same treatment - no light and shade. TD. As for TS. Technically very good. CS. Perhaps a little quick. Too straight again. Technically very competent. CD. Straight. Overall. A very good listen Aidan. Drones not locked together 100% for the duration. F quite sharp which detracted from the performance. Need to breathe more music into the tune with pulsing in each 2-bar phrase.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Graeme Glass 🇳🇿 Tunes: Lament for Donald Duaghal Makay Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Drones well set to start. F quite flat. Tending to overdo 1st pulses each phrase. Otherwise nice treatment. Var 1. Perhaps a little sedate overall. Some 4th pulses a bit fat for me. Wee hiharin slip repeat line 1. Some E's in cadences a little abrupt. TS. Tending to be a bit straight up until the last theme note before the cadence. Tar movement a bit crushed at times. TD. A little stratight for me - need more light and shade. CS. A little straight again (less last theme note before cadence). Crun movement crushed. CD. Straight again overall, but nice weighting of HA theme notes. Overall, nice tune Graeme. I'm looking for more pulsing/expression in the T and C variations. Drones held well - need to sharpen the F slightly. Just open up the Tar and crun technique a bit - would improve the clarity.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Jack Williamson 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Massacre of Glencoe Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Drones well set to start. C flat. F in last bar each line sometimes a little over held. Hiharin a executed a ittle too fast. Nice otherwise. Thumb. Cutting C - LA bar 1 and E - C bar 5 a bit too much for me. Perhaps a little brisk overall. TS and TD - tar movement not always consistent (a little tight). D gracenote in cadence to B hard to hear (but I am sure it was there!). CS and CD. E after crun movement a little fat for me - need to get off it sooner. Overall, this variation a little too straight and lacking in expression. CAM - Ok. Enjoyable tune Jack. Chanter intonation not 100%, especially C.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: John Partanen 🇺🇸 Tunes: Glengarry's Lament Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. 2nd pulse each bar needs a little more weight. Need to play more in 2 bar musical phrases - odd numbered bars, the last pulse just a bit too heavy. Var 1. Ok. Dbl. Could kick the tempo on a little more, otherwise ok. TS and TD. LA after tar movement tending to be a little fat - need to come off it sooner. E in cadences in the TS could be fatter. Otherwise ok. CS. E in cadences could be a little fatter. Good crun movement. CD. Tempo needs to be a little quicker than the singling. Overall, an enjoyable listen John. Drones not 100% but chanter well set up.
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Event 40. Open/Pro - Piping - Piobaireachd
Competitor: Justin Howland 🇺🇸 Tunes: The Big Spree Judge: Greg Wilson Judge's Comments: Urlar. Nice treatment. Darado a litle crushed. Recording made it difficult to hear the quality of your pipe clearly. Var 1. Need to come off the first note of the duplet and ut the weight onto the second note. This made the variation drag a bit for me. Dbl. As for singling. Need to kick the tempo on a bit relative to the singling. Suibhal. Nice onto singling cadences. The odd catch LA - C. Dbl. Need to move the tempo up relative to the singling. 4th pulse in a bar somtimes a little too much. Line 2 - error end of the line - additional bar or so addedd!! T. Last bar each line you are playing an E - should be F. Same with Bar 3 line 2. C. Fosgailte movement not consistent. Missed bar 3 line 3 out!. Overall, a good listen Justin. Need to get rid of the notational errors! Crun technique needs to develop a bit, and (for the future) the quality of the recording needs to be better.
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Event 104. Grade 5 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Arthur Bignold Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Solid intro into the tune, but slowing down through the first 4 bars leaving you slightly behind the piper. I's say its almmost a touch over-controlled. Better through the second part, you're more on top of the beat here and playing more musically. I really like that you're ensuring you try and extend your dynamic range! Few wee technical issues towards the end that I would focus on! I'd say that last part you play is a bit too technical for my liking. Great job overall, you're a very musical player. Just continue to work on your rudimanets and phrasing and i'm sure you'll see a huge difference.
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: The Children Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Intro rolls were good. Tempo slowed down as soon as the pipes came in. I know this can be one of the issues with not having a piper present playing with you. Excellent use of dynamics throughout the whole tune. There were a couple spots where you disconnected with the pipes but were very quick to get back on it and give a good permformance. One technique thing to think about that might help is to keep your hands and sticks low to gain optimal control and only bring your sticks up when you need to (accents, flams, loud dynamics) Thank you!
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Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chantaille Buczynski 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Mass Band 4/4 (I signed up for grade 4, but I could only find a grade 5 4/4 competition. Sorry if it’s in the wrong place & hopefully this will be okay). Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: I like the tempo choice here. Very lively and brisk. Watch when you play the ends of your rolls and rolls combinations and make sure to articulate the taps in between the buzzes. Something that helps with rolls and roll combos is to keep your sticks lower to gain better control of of when you do play the taps that are in between and around the buzzes. I would really love to hear you play with a piper as you maintained a very steady rhthym and pulse throughout the performance. One thing I would consider is to add some varying volumes and dynamics to really enhance the presentation. Thank you!
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Event 106. Grade 5 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Good introduction rolls. First bar of tune a bit rushed compared to tempo set in rolls. Really good 6/8 March phrasing coming through with nice dynamics. First 2 parts of the march are well controlled. Losing a bit of control in the phrasing in the 3rd part. Watch that you aren't forcing the rudiments in bars 5 & 6. Overall a nicely presented performance with good understanding of how a 6/8 march should be phrased. Keep up the good work Michael.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Kirkwall Bay, Dornoch Highland Gathering Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Good introduction rolls with great buzz quailty coming through. Good 6/8 march phrasing through out. You have a tendancy to speed up towards the end of single stroke runs. Try and control those more especially when coming out of a roll movement. Good dynamics throughout and well maintain tempo. Overall a nicely presented performance. Fantastic work Daniel. Well done.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sennett 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Good introductory rolls Slight tempo drop going into tune. Good control, dynamics and phrasing in first 2 parts. Speeding up and slightly ahead of piping in piano of 3rd part. Good roll quality throughout with good use of dynamics range. You can see that you have a good understanding of 6/8 march phrasing. A well presented performance. Thanks Eric. Keep it up.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Good introduction rolls. First bar of tune a bit rushed compared to tempo set in rolls. Really good 6/8 March phrasing coming through with nice dynamics. First 2 parts of the march are well controlled. Losing a bit of control in the phrasing in the 3rd part. Watch that you aren't forcing the rudiments in bars 5 & 6. Overall a nicely presented performance with good understanding of how a 6/8 march should be phrased. Keep up the good work Michael.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Welch 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: Duncan McGillivray Chief Steward Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Watch the endings of your introduction rolls. Aim for a definitive tap. While the drum score matches the rhythm of the piping tune it comes across a bit staccato with no flow. Look at creating more flow in your playing. Definite 6/8 march swing coming through. Good buzz quality in your rolls throughout. Try and match the stick heights in the left hand flams to those of your right hand flams. There is a tendancy to not lift the primary stroke in your left hand flam high enough which is closing the sound of the flam. Overall, a good presentation. Keep up the good work Christopher.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Chantaille Buczynski 🇨🇦 Place: 5 Tunes: Mass Band 6/8 March Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: First buzz or pulse of your rolls is a bit crushed. Aim for a nice even buzz sound. Watch the height of the gracenotes of your flams as they are coming down from the same height as the primary stroke. This is affecting the sound of your flams - the sound you need to aim for is all in the name "faLAM". Keep the gracenote of the flam close to the practice pad or drumhead. Good 6/8 march phrasing coming through. Tempo well maintained throughout. Good work Chantaille. Keep it up and thank you for entering.
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Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 6 Tunes: Dr Ross‘ 50th Welcome Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: While your drum score matches the rhythm of the piping tune, and you followed and controlled that rhythm really well, it comes across a bit staccato with no clear definition between rudiments within the score. Work on defining the rudiments you are playing i.e. rolls, tap, flams, drags etc. Better definition coming through in 3rd part. For long rolls, like the ones you play for the introductory rolls and in the 3rd part, practice getting a nice even sustained buzz sound from start to finish. Keep up the good work Christine. Looking forward to seeing you compete again in the World Online Piping & Drumming Championship. Love the color matching of your tie and sticks.
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: John Macdonald of Glencoe Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Great intro and confident uptake to start. The tempo started to slow down in the second part. I feel like it got a little too comfortable. This might be betterr if you had melodic support. Nice clean detail in playing in the second part. Same here in third. I feel like you are trying to play dynamics here but the effect is not coming across fully. Fourth part excellent steady rythym and and tempos since the tempos settled in the second part. Great confident finish. Well done. Thank you!
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christopher Welch 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: King George V Army Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Great uptake at the start. Tempo is very comfortable and easy to enjoy. Playing well with pipes throughout the performance Very dialed in. Playing is overall pretty clean. I feel your rolls are a bit forced sounding. Try relaxing the buzz a little bit more and making it a bit fuller sounding. I can see and feel that you are playing some dynamics throughout but I feel like this could stand out more if you commit to the dynamics. Great confidence and playing throughout. Good run. Thank you!
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Arthur Bignold Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Good intro. Don't be so harsh on the first buzz in the rolls. Slight disconnect with pipes in first part. Good to get back on it. I really like the dynamics in the third part. Excellent range but watch that you dont fall behind with the pipes. It's great to have some dynamics throughout but I would bever sacrifice it for ensemble with the pipes. Getting ahead of pipes in fourth part at the beginning both times through but again quick to get right back on it and finish strong. Thank you!
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 4 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi. Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Great start to tune. Very nice steady tempo and feel with pipes. I feel like your buzzes are too harsh. Try relaxing your the buzz and letting it fill out more. Roll phrases and roll combos sound a little unclear of what notes are taps and what notes are buzzes. You have the rhythm and feel down just lacking some clarity and detail on these. Playing well with pipes and really dialed in on the ensemble. I really wish I could hear some more dynamics. This would really enhance the solid cohesion you have going with the melody. There is some separation with pipes in the last part towards then end. Never lose focus and track even at the end of your performance. Good run. Thank you!
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Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Linda Kraft 🇨🇦 Place: 5 Tunes: Teribus and Sweet Maid of Glendaruel Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Rolls are excellent. Very smooth sounding. Great start to tune. Slightly disconnected with pipes in first part. Again here in second. There is a lot of tug of war going on with the pipes. I know this can be challenging when playing with a recording as it's hard to lock in musically. Roll quality throughout is very nice. I would really like to see more dynamics and varying weights throughout. This would really enhance the presentation or the tune. The biggest issue is the back and forth with the pipes. The best way to get better at this is to practice with a metrnome to gain a really solid feel for the phrasing. Thank you!
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Great entry into the tune! watch through the first part not to losr control on some of your open work, but as you go through the tune it gets better. Some lovely execution coming through with swiss ruffwork and windmills. I'd focus on your roll texture ensure your right and left buzz sound the same and your single accuracy. Losing some control in the long roll phrases and singles in the last part. Overall a very musical performance (you did well with no piper!) some awesome confident playing coming across. Great job, Daniel!
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Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Michael Cox 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Alan McPherson of Mosspark Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Bit of a shaky intro but getting better through the double forte of the first part. The roll in the ending phrases is finishing a touch after the piper. I would personally shorten it to a 9 stroke roll. Nice controlled tempo coming through, great music and expression, especially through your double work. Lovely single work through the last part, but separation coming through from the 4th bar leading into the 5th. Great effort, Michael! I would look at some of the scoring through here and how you're executing the rolls in relation to the beat (i.e. a 9 stroke roll is beat to beat in a 6/8 jig).
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Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: John Macoll's March to Kilbowie Cottage, Maggie Cameron, Brown Haired Maid Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Good intro rolls but clipping the down beat and jumping to it too quick. Settled back in quickly and seem to be locked in now. I am not convinced on your dynamics. I feel like your really trying to get some variance in volume but its not coming across as well. Playing nice and steady in Maggie. Overall a bit flat needs more dynamics. Good to reel. Very controlled here and moving along nicely. Playing is clean and there is some good phrasing here. Again not enough dynamcs. Good performance oveall but you are lacking a more enhanced presentation by playing more monotone throughout. I know playing with a piper can really enhance this affect too. Thank you!
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Timothy Sellars 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Donald MacLean of Lewis Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Musical entry into the tune, some lovely playing coming through the first part here. Just watch that you dont rush off some of your flam work, keeping them open and nicely controlled. Would also like to hear some more dynamics coming through! Much better through the second part though! Slightly clipping that ending phrase in the 8th bar, it's that cut-dot flam tap being rushed which means you start the roll too early. Its not all the time but something to keep an ear out for. Loved the third and fourth part, super musical and great to listen to. Really nice controlled playing to finish. Great job mate.
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 2 Tunes: Kirkwall Bay, Dornoch Highland Gathering Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Good intro into the tune, watch you're not rushing through the dot-cut triplets. Make sure you really extend them out to capture that entire 6/8 feel. Execution wise it's great, just some open work rushed. More musical second part here, can feel more expression coming through. Just coming off the long roll and through the 3rd and 4th bar make sure to control your singles. Similar through to the end of the tune, just some rushed singles and phrasing. Enjoyed it overall though, you're a great player!
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Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ron Flanagan 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Glendaruel Highlanders Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Good entry and a musical start to the tune. The 6/8 swing is coming through nicely with some great light/shade. Just try to work on executing your flams ensuing they're not dead, as well as accuracy when you're playing small (such as 5 stroke rolls). Much better execution through the second part here, again great dynamic range coming through! Loving the 13 stroke roll dynamics. Losing some control through open work through parts 3. Better through to the end of the tune from here. Really controlled and musical performance overall. Big thing to focus on is some of. your rudimentary and execution to ensure 100% clarity.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Daniel Liu 🇳🇿 Place: 1 Tunes: Archie Beag Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: It's extremely important in jig playing to keep a nice even and consistent triplet feel. Focus on getting your single work nice and even without speeding up. Great flam technique throughout. Watch that you aren't just throwing paradiddle movements down. Control each note within the paradiddle. A very mature performance. Keep it up Daniel.
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Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Eric Sennett 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Dr. Flora MacAulay of Carradale, Am Breamatain Tobhain Dubh Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Single stroke movements are coming across as forced. You need to work on using your fingers more to gain better control and consistency with these rudiments. Good rolls throughout Good triplet jig feel coming across. Well done Eric. Keep on improving and I hope to see you competing in these online solos again.
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Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Giorgia Di Girolamo 🇮🇹 Place: 1 Tunes: Donald Cameron, Maggie Cameron, The Brown Haired Maid Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Nicely controlled intro, some nice musical playing coming through just a bit of control and execution is letting you down with some of the phrasing being rushed. The drag-drag-5 singles in the ending phrase is slowing down a bit. Better into the second part but losing some clarity on the single work. Similar in the third and fourth parts, then losing a bit of "swing" in the 5th. Nice 6th part, some great swing here thorugh the roll work, just a bit inaccurate getting into the part. Great intro into the strath! Nice Strong-weak-mediuum-weak feel coming through here. Losing some control and therefore rushing through the third part and into the fourth. Better through to the end of the strathspey. I'd say overal with your strathspey pllaying, really try work on extending your dynamic range, plenty of opportunity to get down on triplets and drags also crescendo your rolls! Accurate break into the reel, but slightly rushed first bar. Just extend the duration between those first couple flams a touch. But its gets much better after bar 1. Your best playing here now through the 2nd, 3rd and 4th parts!! Great music and some technical playing well executed. Losing some control through the 5th and especially the sixth. Overall you're a very musical player which will bode well for you! Just need to fine tune your control and execution. You may already be aware, but i'd look at the height of your top snare as it's not coming through the top head 🙂
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hollie Chalmers 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Links of Forth, Bohan Lochan, John MacKegnie Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Great intro rolls! Very smooth. Very confident uptake to tune. Playing very nicely with pipes. Excellent dynamics throughout march. Very locked in here. Good to straths. Locked in here again with pipes. Slight disconnect in second and again in fifth. Good to reel. Excellent control of a really technically demanding score. Excellent feel for the dynamics and flow. Sounds very nice. This was a great run. One thing I noticed that was a little distracting was you moved a lot throughout the performance. It's almost as if you were never comfortable with where you were standing but you were very much in control of what you were playing. It makes it a little bit more difficult to enage the listener. Very nice playing though. Thank you!
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Gary Wray Place: 2 Tunes: Balmoral highlanders, Susan McLeod, John Morrison Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: Start seems a bit cautious to me. Excellent control and dynamics in third. Slight disconnect in fourth with pipes. Lovely touch on the drum and not over working. Being very effiicient allows you to play that complex and intricate score. You handle it very well. Great finish in march. Good to straths. Slight disconnect in first. Again here in third. Not enough dynamics on starths. Could definitely use some more to really enahnce the overall effect. The scores is technically demanding so varying that technicality with some more effects is always nice and really engages the listener. Break to reel not together. I know this is always difficult when you are playing with a recording. I feel like this would not be an issue if you had a piper live with you. Reel going nicely. Some cool bits in the score. Looks really fun to play. Disconnect with pipes in fifth part. Good to ending. Some really technically demanding scores executed quite cleanly. Very nice. Thank you!
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Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Hogan 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: The highland wedding, Maggie Cameron, John Morrison of Assyant house Judge: Grant Maxwell Judge's Comments: second part playing untidy in first two bars. Excellent dynamics in third. Slight disconnect at start of fourth.Good to straths. Slight tug of war in spots here with pipes. Seems a bit uncontrolled not settling more than settled. Good use of dynamics here but some of the playing is getting untidy. I would never sacrifice the clarity and execution for dynamics. Good to reel. Tempo seems a bit fast. This is a tough score to handle on its own nevermind playing too fast. I like that you are going for the dynamics a lot. You are missing some more punchy bits though. It's almost like you are holding back and not just letting it go. I think this is the tempo causing this. Overall nice run. One thing I noticed is you move your right side very well and fluid but your left is not as smooth and could use a little more movement from the elbow. More flow in the movement means more flow in the playing. Thank you!
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hollie Chalmers 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: 6/8 March Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Great roll quality throughout. Good 6/8 march phrasing. Closing of the left hand flam coming through in 3rd part. Good use of dynamics. A good performance with good scoring to compliment the tune.
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Event 117. Grade 1 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Hogan 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Tugargan Gap Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: A very controlled performance. Good use of dynamics throughout. Your playing became more mechanical as you went on. Make sure you are bringing out the musicicality of the score without becoming robotic in your playing. Overall an enjoyable performace.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hollie Chalmers 🏴 Place: 1 Tunes: Rhonda Blair, The Old Wife of the Milldust Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Nice confident rolls! Love the lively tempo into the hornpipe. Hornpipe flowing great overall, some really accurate and musical playing. Dynamics coming through nicely too, but you could extend them a wee bit more i think! Lacking a bit of clarity through some of the open work and then losing a bit of control the first time through the 4th part, but great to finish. A confident entry into the jig, but a bit rushed through the first couple parts. It settles by the 3rd. Lacking abit of open work clarity but some really enjoyable playing overall through to the finish.
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Event 118. Grade 1 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Aidan Hogan 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Rhonda Blair, Old Wife of the Mill Dust Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Controlled intro into the hornpipe, but slightly uneven rolls. Very musical into the first part with some great playing and dynamics coming across! Watch out for a slight lack of control in those smaller open phrases. Some really great playing through the rest of the tune with great dynamic range. Losing a bit of control through the third part as you're falling behind the piper a bit. You could also afford to open up your ratamacues a wee bit to to really enhance things in that third part. Great through to the end of the hornpipe, again just some open work lacking execution but really enjoyed it overall! Controlled entry into the jig, great execution here but just rushing some two bar phrases. Great 2nd and 3rd parts loving the dynamic range! Losing a bit of control again through some open work in the 4th and 5th and then an awesome 6th part ot finish. Love your jig playing overall! Great job, Aidan.
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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: Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban, Arniston Castle, Alick C. MacGregor Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Great positive drumming Good phrasing throughout march with excellent use of dynamics Good break in strathspey Strathspey phrasing coming through really well with points of arrival evident. Great clarity of rudimentation coming through An excellent, well presented and controlled performance. Thank you. That's a fair bit of cash invested in your backdrop $$$
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Harvey Dawson 🇨🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Sinclair Scott /. The Ewe wi’ the crooked Horn /. John Morrison of Asante House Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: A very entertaining MSR with a good balance of power and finesse, Good drive and phrasing coming through in march although playing was slightly round in repeat of first part of march. Creative use of rudimentation throughout march with great use of dead strokes. Good break into the strathspey. Great feel and phrasing throughout strathspey. Tempo running away a bit in John Morrison. Not able to quite get the same controlled phrasing in the reel. Your playing is extremely entertaining and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you.
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alex Kuldell 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Kilbowie Cottage, Duncan Lamont, Mrs MacPherson Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Tempo increased slightly after introductory rolls but settled in repeat of first part. Quality of drags inconsistent throughout march Interesting scoring in 3rd part. Very creative. Good use of dynamics in strathspey with good phrasing coming through. Tempo a bit quick going into reel resulting in phrasing coming across a bit rushed. Overall a good positive performance. Thank you.
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Event 120. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hollie Chalmers 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Links of Forth, Bogan Lochan, John MacKegnie Judge: Gary Potter Judge's Comments: Slight tempo increase after opening rolls. Tempo a bit quick throughout march resulting in phrasing being rushed Good break into strathspey Great lift and phrasing coming through here. Slight slip in 4th part of strathspey Tempo a bit quick in reel. Slow things down a bit to help with control and phrasing within the tunes. Good roll quality throughout. Great use of dynamics. Well done.
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Grant Maxwell 🇨🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Mason’s Apron, Archie Beag Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Lively intro, loving all the intricate flam work through the first part. A few flams coming across as a bit dead, but this is only minimal. Love the first couple of parts simplicity but it is really effective dynamically! Just those 5's in the second are lacking control a bit. 3rd and 4th are awesome, really enjoying it through here. Great dynamic range, control and musicality. Great jig overall, just a few things not super clear down the lower end of your dynamics. Potentially going almost too small so losing a bit of clarity here? Better to finish! Loved it overall mate!
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Alex Kuldell 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Tam Bains Lum, Donella Beaton Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Slightly uneven rolls but apart from that a great entry into the hornpipe. Some lovely playing and your flam and open work especially is really great. Losing a bit of control and clarity in the third part and also in that single run in bar 8 of the ending phrases. I'd open up your left hand a bit! Lovely dynamic range through the fourth and great to finish. Great control into the jig, just unfortunately losing some clarity in some. of your open work through the first part. From the 2nd onwards its great though, some great dynamics and playing coming through. A bit rushed to finish! Nice one, Alex!
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Harvey Dawson 🇨🇦 Place: 3 Tunes: Helen of Dunoon /. The Fiddler’s Rally Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: Great tempo into the hornpipe, really musical playing coming through! Lacking a bit of clarity in some of your flam/open work. Much better into the rest of the tune, absolutely love all the deadsticking work. Cool stuff! Musical hornpipe overall and generally very accurate, i'de just like it a bit cleaner through some of the open work. Similar in the jig here, loving the music overall. It definitely gets better in terms of the clarity in your playing past the first couple parts. Again, loving the technicality in your single/deadstroke phrases, love that you're having fun with it. Would like to see a bit more dynamic range too through the jig. Loved it, Harvey!
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Event 121. Open/Pro - Side Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Hollie Chalmers 🏴 Place: 4 Tunes: Rhonda Blair, The Old Wife of the Milldust Judge: Michael Jenkins Judge's Comments: *Same recording & comments as Grade 1 HP&J* Nice confident rolls! Love the lively tempo into the hornpipe. Hornpipe flowing great overall, some really accurate and musical playing. Dynamics coming through nicely too, but you could extend them a wee bit more i think! Lacking a bit of clarity through some of the open work and then losing a bit of control the first time through the 4th part, but great to finish. A confident entry into the jig, but a bit rushed through the first couple parts. It settles by the 3rd. Lacking abit of open work clarity but some really enjoyable playing overall through to the finish.
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Event 203. Grade 5 Tenor Drumming - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rowan Shaw 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Balmoral Highlanders Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Solid, confident, and poised introduction. Lovely sounding drum. Nicely tuned with just the right amount of sustain. Very wide range and good fluidity of motion. Slightly off the tune in 5th measure/part 1. Timing issues throughout, but very focused and poised. Nicely penned score for Highland Wedding. Very impressive at this level! Make sure to keep your dot/cut and triplet phrases o p e n. In doing so you will make your playing swing. You are pushing the phrase in places causing you to rush and go off of the tune at times. Lots of variety in your visual adaptation/scoring! Again, very impressive! Overall The primary focus of every competition is always on the drumming. Practice your complex phrases with a metronome. Get comfortable with the score before you begin adding your flourishes. Although very important; visuals are secondary - the icing on the cake, if you will. Consider examining and experimenting with different grips. I notice that you are using your wrists to execute your strokes. Use the natural rebound of the drum and mallet to your advantage. It will allow you to play off of the drum as opposed to playing in to the drum. One of the biggest challenges in tenor drumming is making the transition from flourishing to the drum. This is where stick control and confidence in the score come together. You are on the right path. A very impressive run!
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Event 205. Grade 4 Tenor Drumming - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Rowan Shaw 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Heights of Cassino Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Introductory strokes a bit uneven. Very nice swing feel into the tune. Some of your catches were a bit off. Very nice range of motion that adds good visual effect to the swing feel of the march. Lots of variety in your flourishes. Very nice! Ending phrases are ‘squared’ (2/4 ish) and losing the 6/8 feel. Pushing your phrasing in places and ending ahead. Ending a bit early. Excellent poise and impressive run for this level! Please refer to the overall comments in your 2/4 march. Well done!
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Event 207. Grade 3 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts S & R each at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Lexie Shaw 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Lord Alexander Kennedy, Susan McLeod and Charlie's Welcome Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Very solid introduction - Smooth and steady. Lovely sounding drum. Professional presentation! Tempo well maintained through the first part. Excellent symmetrical & fluid flourishing! Great control! Wide range of motion and good variety of moves. Ending phrase on ff a bit off of the tune. You’re pushing you dot/cut phrasing in places. Open them up. Be sure to give the dotted note their full value in order to maintain the ‘swing’ feel. Listen closely to the melodic phasing and the notes that come just before the downbeats for the proper beat placement. Mallet slip in 6th part. Excellent recovery and poise! Good break to strathspey. Impressive visual adaptation. Some issues with your triplets…inconsistent and not always ending with the tune. Nice cut/dot work. Spot on. Late break to reel Locked in to tune after start Very fluid motion with a wide range of motion and good variety Some of the same issues with pushing/rushing phrases Overall Very enjoyable performance! Consider taking a good look at how you execute your strokes on the drum. I notice that your playing is very ‘wrist dominant’. Noticing that your grip is a bit ‘wrist dominant’. Use the natural rebound of the drum and mallet to your advantage. It will allow you to play off of the drum as opposed to playing in to the drum. Well done!
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Event 208. Grade 3 Tenor Drumming - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Lexie Shaw 🇦🇺 Place: 1 Tunes: Ishabel T. MacDonald Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Very good introduction Somewhat up-tempo 6/8. First part lacking swing…a 2/4 ‘ish’, as opposed to 6/8 feel. On track in ff. Watch your ending phrases…keep them open. Swinging visuals well adapted to the march! Overall Consider choosing a more relaxed tempo for your 6/8. In many places this felt very rushed creating inconsistencies in the idiomatic phrasing.
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🇬🇧 Place: 1 Tunes: Allan Dodds Farewell to Scotland, Atholl Cummers, Mrs MacPherson on Inveran Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Excellent introduction Lovely tone/sustain/and pitch Very smooth playing into the march. Symmetrical and poised visuals Very controlled playing! Maintaining tempo and the swing feel of the march. Lots of variety in your flourishing! Superb transitions to the drum! Well controlled, steady, dynamic, and musical. Impressive! Very open and controlled open work. Solid break to strathspey Nice dance feel and great supporting visual work A few minor timing/feel issues in a couple of places Nice cut/dot & cut/dot playing. Smooth & dynamic triplet phrasing A bit early into the last part Good break ‘Reel feel” solid into the 1st part of the tune Excellent work, all around here! Enjoying this very much! Slight slip in 4th…superb poise! Great ending! Overall a very enjoyable performance! Excellent work!
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Event 209. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 2 Tunes: Jimmy Young, ewe with the crooked horn, John Morrison of Assyn house Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Smooth and steady intro. Drum well tuned. Some overtoning and a bit of an extended sustain Excellent symmetry and mallet speed. Score well set to the tune Could use more variety in your flourishes Pushing your phrasing a bit into the 1st part. Your dot/cut phrasing could be more open. Would like to hear more dynamics in your phrasing Watch your triplets..pushing a bit in places Good break Very nice strathspey feel. Smooth and steady. Solid and smooth visual work Excellent work here. Very relaxed and true to the idiom. Some very nice dynamic phrasing! Break spot on Nice tempo slide/glide into 1st part. Ending phrase a bit off here. Impressive visual work. Great range. Some great playing here. Just a tad rushed in areas, but true to the tune throughout. Well done!
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Event 210. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Duncan Johnstone, Donella Beaton Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Introduction - impressed that you were able to come in, on time, at the intro. Accompaniment initial tempo was off. Very well tuned drum. Crisp and clear tone. Nice sustain. Excellent symmetry & mallet speed! Great visual adaptation. Very well played & complimentary score Rocking this tune! Solid & smooth break to jig Good feel and solid command of tempo Well supported visuals Could use a bit more range in your dynamics. Overall Very well played! A solid musical performance!
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Event 210. Grade 2 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🇬🇧 Place: 2 Tunes: Flying Scotsman, Battle of Waterloo, The Panda Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Introduction-very good Smooth and steady into the tune. Excellent open work. Could use a touch more dynamic range in your phrasing Impressive array of flourishes, well executed & symmetrical Overall very clean and steady work. Just a touch flat in terms of your dynamics.
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Ryan Niksch 🇿🇦 Place: 1 Tunes: Pipe Major Jim McWilliams, Bob of Fettercairn, John MacKechnie Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Good introduction Very steady into march Smooth visuals. Excellent speed & motion on X/Y axis Slightly ahead at times Pushing your triplet phrases in spots Need to open up some of your singles Nice triplet runs - last part Good break Excellent strathspey feel! Supportive flourishing-very clean Great open work…very complimentary to the tune. Solid break to reel Very nice introduction through 4th part. Impressive visual work. Great range of motion well matched to the tune. Watch your triplet & dot cut phrasing. Pushing… Overall A good run with a few phrasing issues throughout. Watch your transitions to the drum..might assist in you phrasing. Well done!
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🇬🇧 Place: 2 Tunes: Allan Dodds Farewell to Scotland, Atholl Cummers, Mrs MacPherson of Inveran Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Excellent introduction Lovely tone/sustain/and pitch Very smooth playing into the march. Symmetrical and poised visuals Very controlled playing! Maintaining tempo and the swing feel of the march. Lots of variety in your flourishing! Superb transitions to the drum! Well controlled, steady, dynamic, and musical. Impressive! Very open and controlled open work. Solid break to strathspey Nice dance feel and great supporting visual work A few minor timing/feel issues in a couple of places Nice cut/dot & cut/dot playing. Smooth & dynamic triplet phrasing A bit early into the last part Good break ‘Reel feel” solid into the 1st part of the tune Excellent work, all around here! Enjoying this very much! Slight slip in 4th…superb poise! Great ending! Overall a very enjoyable performance! Excellent work!
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Event 211. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: Hugh Kennedy, Susan MacLeod, Mrs. MacPherson of Inverran. Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Visuals not quite on the mark on intro. Very good poise. Nice tempo and well held in first part. Score lacking the variety and complexity of syncopated phasing needed for this grade level. Dot and cut phrasing in 2nd part need to be opened up. Dotted notes need to be played to their full value to avoid ending phrases early Keep to the center of the drum in order for a more consistent sound Nice cut/dot work in 3rd part. Off the tune a bit in the ff Break to strathspey not in time. Dragging Nice cross-over flourishing Triplets not in time Does not have the heavy-weak-medium-weak strathspey feel Missed break to reel Not in sync with the piper Speeding up…. Feeling very rushed and lacking musicality. Overall A noble attempt The Grade 1 level requires a great deal of diversity in scoring/composition. Don’t be discouraged. I feel that you have the ability and enthusiasm in order to move forward with your musicality. Consider competing in march contests to start. Work on your drumming scores before you begin adding flourishes. Make audio recordings of yourself and be your own best critic. By all means, keep at it!
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Erin McRobbie 🇬🇧 Place: 1 Tunes: Flying Scotsman, Battle of Waterloo, The Panda Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Introduction-very good Smooth and steady into the tune. Excellent open work. Lacking dynamics/groove Good break to jig Steady tempo Could use a touch more dynamic range in your phrasing Impressive array of flourishes, well executed & symmetrical Overall very clean and steady work. Just a touch flat in terms of your dynamics.
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Event 212. Grade 1 Tenor Drumming - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: Christine Christiansen 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Sandy‘s New Chanter, The Jig of Slurs. Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Intro unsteady Unevenness in some of your strokes, especially on ending phrases. Good variety of flourishes. Some issues with your symmetry Watch your transitions from visuals to the drum. Timing issues here. A bit off the tune . Break a bit ‘squiffy’ Some good playing in spots Off the tune in 3rd part Triplets off in last part
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Event 301. Novice Bass Drumming (Grade 4 & 5) - Any March (at least 2 parts)
Competitor: Mary Thrasher 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Stirlingshire Militia Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Lovely, mellow sound bass! Solid and confident introduction Very steady tempo into the march Dot cut phrasing just a wee bit unsteady in spots…pushing in a few places Very supportive and musical score! Smooth and steady playing, overall. Very nice, indeed!
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Event 302. Intermediate Bass Drumming (Grade 3 & 2) - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Competitor: William Gunn 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: The Iron Division, Dornie Ferry, and Lexy MacAskill Judge: Mike Cole Judge's Comments: Great sounding drum! Mellow, resonant, and the perfect match to the accompaniment. Very steady tempo into the march. Excellent dynamic control on your intro. Very musical and complimentary score. Really like your treatment of the long snare rolls. Well matched and supportive. Solid and clean triplets! Great syncopated phrasing! Rock solid break Good work in establishing the strathspey idiom in 1st part measures 1 - 4 Subtle and effective syncopation 5 - 8. Nice touch! Very good visual meter supporting the dance feel. Appreciate your usage of ‘open' spaces in this tune Excellent work! Good dead stick..not overly crushed. Good break Rocking this reel. Great attention to beat placement and dynamic emphasis where it counts. Excellent phrasing and subtle touches throughout . A VERY enjoyable performance. Grade 2 level stuff! Well done!
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Stephen Holter and Sam Holter 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Gilbert Lightfoot Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: David Hilder (Piping) — Place: 1 — Hello and thank you for your submission. A very pleasing and musical performance. Really well integrated together piping with some tasteful harmonies. A nice overall performance to be proud of. Thank you, David. Judge: Grant Maxwell (Side) — Place: 1 — Very neat performance. The music definitely enhanced the mood of the video. You could really feel like you were a part of the story you were playing. I did not want it to end. Good show! Judge: Ian K. MacDonald (Piping) — Place: 4 — Nice start to the performance. Drones okay and the chanters seem like they are pretty good although they are not quite tuned together detracting from the overall sound quality. When chanters are not quite set together the harmony will not come across as effectively however they were appropriate and placed properly. I liked the video and the tune itself was quite musical so well done to you all ! Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 1 — Lovely drones! Chanters well set. Excellent clarity and great harmonies Outstanding presentation! Very nice cinematography! Really enjoyed this! Well done!
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Kern County pipe band 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Thomas Sanders, The Company's Lament (ground only) Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: David Hilder (Piping) — Place: 2 — Hello and thank you for your submission. A nice start with all instruments. Good tempo with very nice support from drums. Pipes quite good together with idiom Present. Nice use of harmonies in Companies Lament, pretty. Nice transition back to full band to end. Thank you, David. Judge: Grant Maxwell (Side) — Place: 2 — Excellent start and uptake. Nice and lively. All sections are locked in here and playing well together. First tune excellent! Second tune has a nice affect and feel here. This is a nice piece. Drummers and pipers not completely locked in for transition to third tune. It settles nicely in end of first. Playing very nicely and confidently to the end. This was a nice performance. Thank you! Judge: Ian K. MacDonald (Piping) — Place: 2 — 3Nice start to medley. Pipes sound pretty well set and a nice steady tempo. Drum playing well with pipes and Bass and Tenor section providing nice accompaiament. Nice into the Piobaireachd - effective use of harmony - Drones wavering a tad here. Good into the 6/8 - Drum score not quite locked here at times but pipes moving along nicely. Overall a very musick performance played with lots of precision and effective use of harmony and rhythm section. Well done! Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 2 — Good introduction Very complimentary drum score. Side drum a tad flat, very good snare response Bass well set to the pipes Tenor pitched nicely Spirited tempo..well held through the tune. Lovely air! Transition into the march not quite together as a unit. Very nice ‘slide” into the 6/8 march…effective! Well done!
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Siege of Delhi, Struan Robertson, Alick C. MacGregor. Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: David Hilder (Piping) — Place: 3 — Hello and thank you for your submission. Great backdrop with the Pipe Organ. Good introduction and tempo into the march with good idiom. Watch that you continue the 2/4 march pulse throughout to really Present the musical delivery of the March. Break to spey not 100%, tempo could be brought up a wee bit, this is after all a dance tune so "go for it" a wee bit 🙂 A bit better entry to Reel, work towards clean breaks and good strong musical presentations. Thank you, David. Judge: Grant Maxwell (Side) — Place: 3 — Nice confident start. The whole drum section is playing well together. March very nice all sections locked in and playing well together. Break to straths there was disconnect between pipes and drums. First part seems unsettled for all sections but comes back nicely in second. I would really like to hear some more varying volumes from the snare and midsection. Playing nicely with the tune but more dynamics would really enhance the playing here. Break to reel not locked in all sections. Again here settled nicely back in towards the end of first. Both drums sections working well together in reel. Again more dynamics would really enhance this tune. All sections play well together for most of the performance except the breaks. This would be a great focus point to get the breaks as confident as a majority of it is. Great run. Thank you! Judge: Ian K. MacDonald (Piping) — Place: 1 — Well away - First rolls not quite in time and together but better on the 2nd. Nice uptake to the march and both corps playing well together. Bass tuned nicely but coming across a little dull (hitting a little too hard not allowing the drum to sing). Snares well set and playing well with the pipes. Pipes well set and chanter and drone quality pretty good. Not 100% solid into the Strathspey - someone was a little ahead and some mistakes on B strikes in first and second parts. A couple of piper's pushing the beat a bit creating a round feel in the Strathspey pulse. Again not 100% together going into the Reel but appropriate tempo and majroity playing well together. Some wrong notes in the 3rd part by pipe corps. Overall a pretty good MSR that demonstrated pretty good ensemble for each corps together as a band. Some pushed playing a mistakes in pipe corps detracting from the overall quality of unision and musicality (pulse in Strathspey). Lots of potential here and a good pipe band! Well done! Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 3 — Very impressive looking band. Great backdrop! Introduction not together. Bass late on three paced rolls…drop in tempo Snares off on 2nd roll ending. Band settling in nicely after the intro. Very complimentary scores for the tune Great snare response. Drums well pitched Consider functional tuning of bass. Tenors not always coming through on the recording. Bass tone would be more pronounced if the drum were played closer to the center Break to strathspey not together Tempo dragging significantly Would like to hear the heavy/weak/medium/weak pulsing from the drum corp. Bass can add a lot here. Break to reel not together Good forward motion after the first part. Both corps not quite in sync. Tempo fluctuations Overall. Excellent presentation and a nice selection of tunes for your MSR. Consider utilizing a metronome when the band practices as a unit…especially for introductions. You might have the band march in place as the pipe major hums the intro to the tune. That helps everyone ‘lock in’ the tempo. All the best!
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Event 401. Pipe Band Style Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Pipes & Drums Of The Boys' Brigade, 60th Singapore Company (Raffles Institution) 🇸🇬 Place: 4 Tunes: The Drunken Piper/Greenwood Side Judge: Panel A Judge's Comments: Judge: David Hilder (Piping) — Place: 4 — Hello and thank you for your submission. Nice use of all the instruments. Pipers well together with some intonation issues. Bass drum is a little off tonally causing some ensemble issues at times. Snares adding some nice texture. Tempo OK. Looks like a nice setting to play in ! Thank you. David. Judge: Grant Maxwell (Side) — Place: 4 — First part not all quite locked in. There is some disconnect going on between the snares and the bass. Snares playing well together throughout first tune and playing confidently. Once the second tune started the drummer speeding up. Make sure to be really focused and together when transitioning between tunes. Pipers are holding down the performance well. Snares and bass disconnected throughout the last part. I think the nerves are kicking in here. Pipers very confident all the way through to the end. One thiing that really stood out to me is how steady the pipers were from start to finish. They really helped to keep to the flow going. Thank you! Judge: Ian K. MacDonald (Piping) — Place: 3 — Pretty good start but rolls not quite in time creating a little bit of an inaccurate start to the march. Work on a nice consistent bass drum rhythm and rolls in time to ensure a nice clean start. Pipes set pretty good and playing okay from start to finish. Overall a nice performance. Keep working on timeing and improving the unison from each corps to continue to develop your ensemble. Well done! Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 4 — Introduction not together between pipes and drums. What may help here is having the PM hum the introduction of tune as everyone marches in place. This is an effective means to assist getting everyone settled in and together as a unit. Also consider having everyone march through the first part of the tune. This will help in getting everyone locked in to the tempo. Appropriate level scores for these tunes. Issues with execution (drums) but the intent and drive is there. Lots of potential for growth here! It is very encouraging to see how seriously you lads are taking this! Keep at it, and all the best!
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Stephen Holter and Sam Holter 🇺🇸 Place: 1 Tunes: Wayfaring Stranger Judge: Panel B Judge's Comments: Judge: Gary Potter (Side) — Place: 1 — A well produced video with very high production value. Good arrangement and use of other instruments to compliment the bagpipes. Bagpipe tuning could have been more accurate to the string instruments to really enhance the piece of music, especially on D, F, High G and High A. Thank you for entering this piece into the contest. Judge: John Dew (Piping) — Place: 1 — Nice arrangement and video, well produced. Pipes high G note blending as well as the rest of the chanter. This was a great music video however it felt a little too short, could it have lead into a second tune or perhaps something that developed on from the slow air? There is room for exploration. Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 1 — A lovely rendition of this classic folk song. The plaintive fiddle intro, the distressed setting, and the bagpipe, paint a black and white picture of hardship, endurance, suffering…and also a glimmer of hope. Nothing more that I can add other than…VERY well done! Judge: Shaunna Hilder (Piping) — Place: 1 — Wow this is incredible;.. Such a strong emotive presentation... love the black and white video, the blending of the fiddle and pipes, pitch is perfect with professional production quality. The emotion in the music is evident, so much sorrow and sadness, complimenting the images and shadows of a location that has suffered loss. Beautiful tone and and balance and pitch. Incredible! Thanks Shaunna Hilder
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums 🇺🇸 Place: 2 Tunes: Killicrankie, The Panda, Paddy Carey, She Moved through the Fair, The Fiddler‘s Joy, The Famous Ballymote, Kalabakan (Borneo). Judge: Panel B Judge's Comments: Judge: Gary Potter (Side) — Place: 2 — Some great tunes in this selection. Bass drummer needs to play more in the centre of the drum to give more depth to the sound. Introduction rolls not 100% together between snares and bass. Drum corps providing good rhythmic accompaniment for the pipers. Break into slow air a bit hesitant Roll quality from snare drummers in slow air could be better. Snatching triplet runs in strathspey. Keep up the good work. Well done Judge: John Dew (Piping) — Place: 3 — Drums not fully together on intro, intro E could be a little better. #1 - Well played however I'm not sure the harmonies fit correctly, there should be an F on D in the final bar of a D major tune. #2 - A tad safe for me, drum score seems a little too simple at this level. #3 - " #4 - Air executed well for the most part with good harmonies #5 - Not the smoothest entry to this tune but was well played #6 - Well played but a few too many slips disrupting flow #7 - great ending to the medley with a very nice cut off, well done! Overall this was a little safe in tempo but a huge improvement from when I've previously listened! Keep up the good work its getting better each time. Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 3 — Excellent selection of tunes. Lovely setting and a very professional looking group. Introduction not together. Three paced rolls off the beat. Drop in tempo Bass would produce a mellower tone if played more toward the center of the drum. Consider functional tuning the bass to compliment the ‘A’ of the drones Tenors adding nicely to the ensemble Great snare response. Drums well pitched and very crisp Break to jigs not clearly defined Tempo variations producing a labored effect throughout Very pretty slow aire. Rolls somewhat choppy. Very good break to strathspey Tempo not allowing for a solid HwMw pulse. Good break to reel Tempo steady. Nice work here! Overall. Very well constructed and musical medley. Judge: Shaunna Hilder (Piping) — Place: 3 — A nice Killicrankie to start this selection. Nice efforts on your harmonies... Tempo and musical delivery is nice. Good efforts by the band here. Nice arrangements of your tunes... Sow Air well suited with nice harmonies here. Strathspey is well done - watch the clarity of the runs in P2. Strong ending tune. Drumming overall is quite literal in the composition of the scores.. work on adding non literal phrases over time. A nice band ! Thank you. Shaunna Hilder
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Event 402. Freestyle Musical Ensemble
Competitor: Kern County pipe band 🇺🇸 Place: 3 Tunes: The Bumpy Old Road, Oft In the Stilly Night, (slow air and jig), The One Legged Deck Hand. Judge: Panel B Judge's Comments: Judge: Gary Potter (Side) — Place: 3 — A nice selection of tunes. Triplet feel for the jig could have been better. A few errors but overall an entertaining set. Well done. Judge: John Dew (Piping) — Place: 2 — Pipes - drones not bad, could be a little closer. Top hand on chanters were a little sharp. Playing well together for the most part, some clear fingerwork coming in with some good intergration however there were a few wee slips here and there. Overall I think this was well played however I wonder if the tunes were placed in the most musical order, it felt slightly tangent at times and perhaps putting them in a slightly different order would produce a nicer flowing medley. Judge: Mike Cole (Midsection) — Place: 2 — Very well constructed & musical medley! Solid drones and well matched chanter sound. Great into and transition to slow aire. Haunting tune. Start of jig not quite together as a unit. Builds quite nicely to finish. Well done! Judge: Shaunna Hilder (Piping) — Place: 2 — Nice trio !!! A very thoughtful piping presentation here. Unison and attention to detail was evident through out. Good timing and feel with the Slow air and Jig version of Oft in the silly night. Generally a nice job of handling the La-C-E combos in the final tune. Some harmonies would be a welcome addition to this performance. Nicely tuned pipes and chanter set up well. Good one !! THanks SHaunna Hilder.
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