Where to begin?

[WilliamL82]

Hello all,

I've been playing for about 3 years but have yet to enter in a competition. How does it work? Do you start off where you think you would be competitive or are you required to start at grade IV or V, since you're "unrated?"

[EquusRacer]

Hey, William: Where are you competing and under what rules does that venue operate? They'll likely let you know how it works. Also, are you working with an instructor who could provide some guidance in case the organization is non-responsive?

Good hunting in your competition and best wishes, Michael :wave:

[meryrose]

Hi William, you should have a look at Andrew Lenz's website: Bagpipe Journey (http://www.bagpipejourney.com/)
His site helped me a lot when I first started competing. :thumb:
Mery Rose

[Bob Lyman_dup1]

William,

Since you're in the Norfolk, Va area that would put you in EUSPBA. Check out http://www.euspba.org for the official rules. Here's a synopsis though:

Register with EUSPBA first.
I trust by your note that you are already on the pipes? Since you've never competed before you could compete in Grade V Practice Chanter, but frankly I would just register as Grade IV (provided you're on the pipes).

Most games offer multiple events for each grade and typically in GrIV you'll see 2/4 March and Piob. with occasionally Slow March or 6/8 March as well.

Requirements are pretty simple for Grade IV:

2/4 March Event: A 4 parted 2/4 march OR 2, 2 parted 2/4 marches, played with repeats.
6/8 March Event: A 4 parted 6/8 march played with repeats.

Note: For All Quick March events the player is required to march while playing the tune. I'm not sure off the top of my head about Slow March as I never competed in a Slow March event while in GrIV.

Piob: Typically in GrIV these events require that you play only the Ground or Urlar of the tune. Some games will ask that you play the whole tune though so be prepared if competing in this event.

Highland dress is pretty much always a requirement.

Hope this helps!

[WilliamL82]

Thanks Michael, Bob & Mery. Yep Bob, I'm on the pipes. I just printed the EUSPBA individual membership form. No Michael I don't have an instructor, so I've been just a tad in the dark. I plan to compete in the summer of '05, either at GMHG in NC or at Portland Oregon (just a question of when I get terminal leave from the Navy and how early I can come out there!) But thanks again for all your generous advice!
Will