Alberta Pipe Band Competitions

Alberta Pipe Band and Soloist Competitions

In Alberta there are a number of highland games and competitions over the course of the summer. As the list of events changes each year, I suggest you check the Alberta Society of Pipers and Drummers for the schedule.

The grading in the pipe band world is grade 5 is the lowest up to grade 1, and then there is a professional category above grade 1. You can compete in only 1 grade at a time on an instrument.

Rules

Rules for solo competition.

The summary below was a quick best effort in 2011. The rules may have changed, and the ASPD link would be authoritative.

  1. Register with the steward before your event starts
  2. must play the music from memory
  3. must be able to provide a copy of the music on request
  4. Appropriate dress is required. For beginners, dress pants, shirt and dress shoes are acceptable, though females may substitute a skirt and blouse. For those on pipes or snare, kilt, hose, and shoes are required.
  5. Must belong to the Alberta Society of Pipes and Drums or an affiliated association.
  6. Beginner grade must not have competed on the pipes or drums nor won in a previous year.

The competition events

This is an abbreviated summary, and the different competitions might change them slightly.

Pipers

  1. Junior piping quartet – March Strathspey Reel (Min 4 parts each)
  2. George Reed Memorial 6/8 March (under 16)
  3. Novice Chanter – Quick March (Min 2 part)
  4. Novice Chanter – Slow March (2 part)
  5. Grade 5 Piping – Slow Air (Min 2 parts)
  6. Grade 5 Piping -2/4 March (4 parts)
  7. Grade 4 Piping – Slow Air (4 parts)
  8. Grade 4 Piping -2/4 March (4 parts)
  9. Grade 3 Piping – Jig (4 parts)
  10. Grade 3 Piping – Strathspey and Reel (4 parts each)
  11. Grade 3 Piping -2/4 March (4 parts)

Drummers

Drummers in grade 5 or higher must be accompanied by a piper.

  1. Practice Pad (beginner drummers) – Any March (4 parts from ASPD massed Bands)
  2. Practice Pad (beginner drummers) – 2/4 March (4 parts from ASPD massed Bands)
  3. Grade 5 Side (snare) drum – 2/4 March (4 parts)
  4. Grade 5 Side (snare) drum – 6/8 March (4 parts)
  5. Grade 4 Side (snare) drum – 2/4 March (4 parts)
  6. Grade 4 Side (snare) drum – 6/8 March (4 parts)
  7. Grade 3 Side (snare) drum – 2/4 March (minimum 4 parts)
  8. Grade 3 Side (snare) drum – 6/8 March (minimum 4 parts)
  9. Grade 3 Side (snare) drum – March Strathspey Reel (minimum 4 parts each)