Solo Piping & Drumming

Overview:

The Capital District Scottish Games is sanctioned by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA).  Adjudication is done by some of the most respected names in North American piping and drumming.

Our piping, drumming, and pipe band contest follow standards set by the EUSPBA.  solo competitors are assigned to a grade.  “Professional” is the highest level.  Numbers define the other grades – the lower the number, the higher the grade.  One or more events are run in each.  Competitors choose the tune(s) to be played consistent with the requirements set for the event.  They must appear in highland dress, but are judged only on their music.

Solo Piping Events:

Pipers play both “light music” marches, reels, and the like and “great music – or Piobaireachd as it is known in Gaelic (pronounced “pee-o-broc”).  Piobaireachd is the piping world’s equivalent to classical music, consisting of a thee followed by variations.  It is centuries old in origin and the soulful character, not meant for toe-tapping.

Throughout all piping event judges listen for : EXECUTION – fingering and accuracy of presentation; EXPRESSION – musical flow and interpretation of the melody; TEMPO – speed of playing that is both steady and appropriate; and TONE & TUNING – the overall quality f sound.  The drones (long pipes which rest on the shoulder) must produce a right, steady humming sound that is “in tune” with the chanter (melody pipe) and provide a proper balance of volume.  The individual notes of the chanter must also be “in tune”.

Solo Drumming Events:

The snare drum is the main instrument played, it’s high-pitched, crisp tone is a key trait.  It comes from very high tension on the top and bottom drum heads and snares resting on each one.  Pipe band drummers seek to accent the pipe melody rather then lay down a standard rhythmic pattern.  Syncopated rhythms and dynamics are key qualities of highland drumming.  Judges evaluate: EXECUTION – the accurate playing of the basic movements, including their timing relative to the beat; EXPRESSION – the musical interpretation of the drum score and its relation to the pipe tune, including the strength of accents and use of dynamics; QUALITY – Level of difficulty of the drum score; TEMPO – seed and steadiness of playing appropriate to the type of tune played; TONE – a bright, crisp sound; and VARIETY – the mix of basic drum movements and rhythms used in the score.

All solo and band events are judged by the rules and regulations set forth by the EUSPBA.  You can read more about the rules and regulations by visiting the EUSPBA’s website: www.euspba.org