Ontario Solo Piping Competition

[Miss_Andrews]

I've entered into my first Solo Piping Competition for this coming weekend. I'm new to the world of competitive piping (new to piping in general for that matter!!) and am just wondering if it is required to march while playing. Of course I've seen many videos of all the pro's taking 4-5 paces and then turning on the spot and repeat...is that mandatory? I've been practicing both standing still and marching while playing my tune but of course am better at the stand still?

Cheers,
Alison

[Randy McIntosh]

If you were to say...Read the PPBSO solo rules....you will find no mention of having to march.

So technically you do not have to. As to whether or not you should is a matter for another discussion.

[Chairman Mao]

No. Not necessary. At all. Won't even be mentioned. As you move along and get more accomplished at playing, it's actually a bit nicer to march, as time is kept better. Unless you walk funny....

What competition is this? Where is this solo comp in Ontario this coming weekend? Or maybe it's not in Ontario....

Regardless, the marching thing is up to you....

[Tripp]

Originally Posted by Chairman Mao

Unless you walk funny....

Or you blew your ACL out and are learning to walk w/o a limp again. <sigh>

[Chairman Mao]

Yeah, a torn ACL would do it. Other issues:

Some of the fields around the games can be in rough shape. I lost a complete part of a piob in Chatham one year due to a hole that appeared to have been made by a gopher. Caber dents wreak havoc. Sometimes overhanging tree branches can reach out and shut off drones....

[Miss_Andrews]

Originally Posted by Chairman Mao

No. Not necessary. At all. Won't even be mentioned. As you move along and get more accomplished at playing, it's actually a bit nicer to march, as time is kept better. Unless you walk funny....

What competition is this? Where is this solo comp in Ontario this coming weekend? Or maybe it's not in Ontario....

Regardless, the marching thing is up to you....

Competition is in Hamilton at the John Foote Armouries. I'm not holding out for a win or anything - simply attempting to get over my fear of playing alone in front a room full of people. Fortunately enough for me, half the room will most likely be filled by members of my pipe band!!!

Thanks for all your replies!! Stand still it will be for the first one!

Cheers

[Box Elder Piper]

If you can, marking time (marching in place) really helps to keep the tempo even and steady. You probably don't have enough time between now and the competition to try it and get it down, but think about it for your next go.

[KiltSwinger]

Good choice Miss Andrews!

You're going to have enough to focus on.

If you can, at least try to tap you foot to keep on the beat.

I'll be there, and will be cheering you on

[Ken Gordon]

Originally Posted by Miss_Andrews

I'm not holding out for a win or anything - simply attempting to get over my fear of playing alone in front a room full of people.

Well, I, for one, found it very difficult and it got even more difficult to be shy and yet play the pipes!

Congratulations to you, and carry on. Remember, most of us who are listening don't hear, or don't really care about, any mistakes that appear: we just enjoy the music.

You might also keep a picture in your mind of how all those people might look without clothes...if you don't start laughing.

[Miss_Andrews]

Originally Posted by KiltSwinger

Good choice Miss Andrews!

You're going to have enough to focus on.

If you can, at least try to tap you foot to keep on the beat.

I'll be there, and will be cheering you on

Thanks! Almost got through the whole tune!!! Was defiantly just as nerve racking as I anticipated it to be. Things will only start to get easier from here!