[This is a general overview for information purposes only.  Details of the specific arrangements surrounding the next competition will be issued when we call for entries.]

OVERVIEW

The Glasgow Highland Club’s annual competition is designed to help schools develop their pipers and drummers and their performance, that is: their collective performance as a band and their individual performance as a solo competitor. The competition is positioned early in the competing season (usually the last Sunday in February) so that bands and individuals can use the experience to improve their performance skills, to get positive critiques from experienced judges, and gain confidence in a competitive setting.

There is no entry fee.

Should a School be unable to raise a full Band, individual Pipers and Drummers are very welcome to take part in the individual competitions. Pipers and Drummers who have left school and are under 18 years on the day of competition may also enter the individual competition.

TROPHIES AND PRIZES

BAND CONTESTS – in outline:

1.   SENIOR GRADE – suitable for bands graded Juvenile.
Playing requirements: March Strathspey and Reel of own choice, each tune to be a minimum of 4 parts.

2.   INTERMEDIATE GRADE – suitable for bands with competition experience, or bands graded Novice Juvenile A.
Playing requirements: 4-parted March or 2×2-parted Marches, 4-parted Strathspey or 2×2-parted Strathspeys, 4-parted Reel or 2×2-parted Reels.

3.   JUNIOR GRADE – suitable for development bands, bands who have not yet competed, or bands in Novice Juvenile B.
Playing requirements: 8 parts march tempo (any time signature).

All bands (Senior, Intermediate and Junior) should be led by an adult. Bands are asked to march in and march out of the Hall.

Senior Grade and Intermediate Grade Bands – should march into the hall, form up and halt on the start line; on signal of the Ensemble Adjudicator commence performance, stepping off to two three pace rolls, introductory E and form a circle whilst playing the first tune.

Junior Grade Bands – should enter the hall and march into circle formation without playing and halt; on signal of the Ensemble Adjudicator commence the performance in the circle with two three pace rolls and the introductory E.

In the event of a tie for first place, preference will be given to the Band with the higher mark for Ensemble.

INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIONS – in outline:

1.   SENIOR PIPING – open to Pipers aged 16 and over, or who are 14 and over and have previously won a solo piping competition.
Playing requirement: March, Strathspey and Reel, each of 4 parts.

2.   INTERMEDIATE PIPING – open to Pipers aged 14 to under 16 who have not previously won at this level.
Playing requirement: 4-Part 2/4 March.

3.   JUNIOR PIPING – open to Pipers under 14 years.
Playing requirement: any March of the competitor’s own choice.

4.   SENIOR DRUMMING – open to Drummers aged 15 and over.
Playing requirement: March, Strathspey and Reel, each of 4 parts.

5.   JUNIOR DRUMMING – open to Drummers under 15 years.
Playing requirement: 4-Part March.

Notes:
i. Ages as on day of competition.
ii. Drummers should be accompanied by a Piper. However, if a Piper is not available, this will be taken into account by the judge.

There is no restriction on the number of soloists that may be entered but in the event of too many competitors, numbers may have to be restricted. Piping competitors are asked to note that the judges will permit no more than one minute tuning time in the competition hall as there is sufficient opportunity for tuning in the final tuning rooms. (It is preferable to restrict the time tuning rather than limit the number of competitors in the senior piping.)

GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Timings – the Band contest usually starts at 10.00am and the Solo competitions run from 1.00pm. School facilities are available for Bands to arrive from 08.00am.  Actual arrangements are notified in the calling notice for entries.

Arrival – Band leads are asked to ensure that they report to the Welcome Desk in order to confirm their School’s entries and to receive details of their assigned room.

Stewarding – stewards assist with orientation and guiding Bands and soloists to tuning rooms and competition rooms in accordance with the programme.

Massed Bands – the Massed Bands parade at the close of the competition, prior to the announcement of results. Massed Bands play the Salute: the first two parts of “The Glendaruel Highlanders”.

Adjudication Sheets – adjudicators are asked to give positive critique and feedback during their judging of both Band and Solo performances. Marking sheets are available to Band adult instructors at the close of the prize giving.

Catering – the School dining facilities are available from 08.30am for self-purchase of refreshments, breakfast snacks and lunch. Water stations are available in the Dining Hall where competitors can fill their own bottles.

Photography – a photographer captures the highlights of the day. The competition entry form requires entrants to notify their permission, or otherwise, to be photographed. It is the responsibility of Band instructors to notify us of the name of those entrants who have withheld their consent, and the event they are playing in.

Spectators are very welcome – a good number of spectators view the competition each year.  There is ample car parking at the venue and in the surrounding area.