Sunday, October 07, 2012

New Online Competition: The first-ever World Online Piping & Drumming Championships

I'm excited to announce our newest and biggest online competition ever. The first-ever World Online Piping & Drumming Championships features events in these categories:
  • solo piping
  • solo side drumming
  • solo tenor drumming
  • solo bass drumming
  • pipe bands
  • drum fanfare
We will continue our P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge Scholarship event and we've added our first-of-its-kind Make A Difference Prize which gives every competitor the chance to win big for his or her charity.

We're pleased to once again have world-class judges from around the world, who will write a detailed sheet of comments for every competitor in each event.

In addition to the individual event winners, and overall winners in each category, we'll be announcing special awards to groups of competitors with the most combined overall points, including:
  • Pipe Band (or Team) with Most Points in Band and Solo Events
  • Piping or Pipe Band Association with Most Points in Band and Solo Events
  • Country with Most Points in Band and Solo Events
  • Best Dress & Deportment
  • Best Video Background
  • Best Soloist or Band competing in service member uniform (military, police, fire, civil service, etc.)
  • Best School Pipe Band competing in school band uniform
  • Best Junior Pipe Band (all members must be age 18 or younger)
Check out the full list of events and all of the prizes and sign up today and represent your band, association, and country!

http://competition.bagpipelessons.com/

We welcome supporters and sponsors to help us grow and expand our competitions and scholarship programs.

Check it out!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Results for the March 2012 Online Piping & Drumming Competition

Last year, we launched the world's first-ever online piping competition.  Today, we've just completed the fourth BagpipeLessons.com Online Competition with an expanded list of piping events and drumming events, too! We got a great response and we received nearly 300 entries in 37 piping events and 19 side drumming events with competitors in seven different grade levels, from 15 different countries on six continents.

Competitors were judged by their competition video recordings, each competitor received a complete sheet of comments from our international panel of world-class judges, and the prizewinning videos have been posted for the world to see. Results were posted immediately on the BagpipeLessons.com Facebook page.  Visit us on Facebook and make sure to click "Like" to receive updates.

The final results are posted below, including the overall top winners in each competition grade level, the age category winners and the overall champion and scholarship winner for the  P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge.  Also, posted below are the winners of these categories:  Best Video Background, Best Dress and Deportment, and Best Quality Video.The video links are posted for all prizewinners and other competitors who chose to share their videos. We've also listed the country for each of our prizewinning pipers and their tunes.

Thanks again to all of the competitors for your excellent entries.  And thanks to James Laughlin of Come2Drum.com for helping us put together our first drumming events!

We're committed to getting the very best world champion pipers and drummers from around the world to judge our online competitions.  Special thanks to our outstanding judges who did an excellent job with a large number of entries and helped us get the results out in record fast time!

Our international panel of world-class judges:

Alan Bevan - Canada
Andrew Rogers - Canada
Brendan Eade - New Zealand
Colin Clansey - Canada
Dani Millar - Canada
Greg Wilson - New Zealan
Iain MacDonald - Canada
Ian K MacDonald - Canada
J.P. Troy - Canada
J.W. Troy - Canada
James MacHattie - Canada
Keith Paton - USA
Robert Mathieson - Scotland

March 2012 BagpipeLessons.com Online Piping & Drumming Competition Official Results

Beginner Piping Results

Overall Most Points in Beginner Piping
1. Kyle Prewitt - USA (264 points)
2. John JT Taylor - USA (126 points)
3. Paolo Di Nicola - Italy (112 points)
4. Nigel Gibbons - UK (81 points)
5. Danielle Danielsson - Australia (38 points)
6. Andrés Hernández Domínguez - Mexico (16 points)

Event 01. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Judge: Iain MacDonald
1. Kyle Prewitt - USA - The Dark Isle (link)
2. Paolo Di Nicola - Italy - Dream Angus (link)
3. John JT Taylor - USA - Scots Wha Hae (link)
4. Nigel Gibbons - UK - Gin I Where A Barons Heir (link)
5. Andrés Hernández Domínguez - Mexico - Scots Wah Ha´e (link)
(5 entered)

Event 02. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
Judge: Dani Millar
1. Kyle Prewitt - USA - Shoals of Herring (link)
2. Nigel Gibbons - USA - Suo Gan (link)
(2 entered)

Event 04. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Judge: James MacHattie
1. Kyle Prewitt - USA - Onaping Falls Centennial Pipe Band (link)
2. Paolo Di Nicola - Italy - Steam Boat (link)
3. Danielle Danielsson - Australia - Skye Boat Song (link)
(4 entered)

Event 05. Beginner Piping (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Judge: Alan Bevan
1. John JT Taylor - USA - The Munro's Salute (link)
(1 entered)

Grade 5 Piping Results

Overall Most Points in Grade 5 Piping
1. Karina Huber - Austria (270 points)
2. Steve Joubert - South Africa (194 points)
3. Paul Johnson - USA (144 points)
4. Fred Arnold - Canada (126 points)
5. Ray Morrison - USA (124 points)
6. Jim Lowe - USA (88 points)

Event 06. Grade 5 Piping - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
Judge: Keith Paton
1. Karina Huber - Austria - The Maids of (traditional) (link)
2. Paul Johnson - USA - Mrs. Joy Cairns (link)
3. Fred Arnold - Canada - Morag of Dunvegan (6/8) (link)
4. Steve Joubert - South Africa - The Lament for Jef Ar Penven (link)
5. Ray Morrison - USA - Flight of the Eaglets or MacRobert's Lament (link)
6. Greg Ellsworth - USA - Going Home (link)
(14 entered)

Event 07. Grade 5 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Dr. Brendan Eade
1. Paul Johnson - USA - Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber (link)
2. Steve Joubert - South Africa - The Highland Wedding (link)
3. Karina Huber - Austria - John Mac Donald of Glencoe (Wm. Laerie) (link)
4. Fred Arnold - Canada - Barren Rocks - Mhairi's Wedding (link)
5. Jim Lowe - USA - Muir of Ord (link)
6. Mike Greene - USA - Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber - P/M Evan MacRae (link)

Also competing:
Ray Morrison - USA - Miss Delicia Chisholm (link)
(11 entered)

Event 08. Grade 5 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
Judge: James P. Troy
1. Steve Joubert - South Africa - MacDonald of the Isles (link)
2. Karina Huber - Austria - Mrs Lily Christie (PM D. Shaw Ramsy B.E.M) (link)
3. Carlos Henrique Perini Miranda - Brazil - Hundred Pipers (link)
4. Fred Arnold - Canada - Steamboat (link)
5. Jim Lowe - USA - Major John MacLennan (link)
6. Ray Morrison - USA - John D. Burgess (link)
(10 entered)

Event 09. Grade 5 Piping - Jig (at least 2 parts)
Judge: Colin Clansey
1. Karina Huber - Austria - The Lame Leg i left behinde (link)
2. Nicholas Comuni - Brazil - Jig - Paddy leather Breeches (link)
3. Fred Arnold - Canada - Banjo Breakdown (First 2 parts) (link)
4. Steve Joubert - South Africa - Paddy's Leather Breeches (link)
5. Emile Suerinck - France - Dirty rice 'n haggis (First 2 parts) (link)
6. Ray Morrison - USA - Oft in the Stilly Night (link)

Also competing:
John McClure - USA - Glasgow City Police Pipers (link)
(12 entered)

Event 10. Grade 5 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
Judge: James MacHattie
1. Ray Morrison - USA - The Glen is Mine (link)
2. Jim Lowe - USA - Lament for the Old Sword (ground) (link)
(3 entered)

Grade 4 Piping Results

Overall Most Points in Grade 4 Piping
1. Rik Mendez - USA (376 points)
2. Matthew Fleek - USA (207 points)
3. Dagmar Pesta - Germany (130 points)
4. John Urdiales - USA (114 points)
5. Lucas Mitsch - USA (88 points)
6. Russell Prewitt - USA (57 points)

Event 11. Grade 4 Piping - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Judge: James W. Troy
1. Matthew Fleek - USA - Athol and Breadalbane Gathering (link)
2. Rik Mendez - USA - The Conundrum (link)
3. John Urdiales - USA - Wrangler McQueen (link)
4. Marty McKeon - USA - The Iron Division (link)
5. Russell Prewitt - USA - The Drunken Piper (link)
6. Dagmar Pesta - Germany - Lady Lever Park (link)
(9 entered)

Event 12. Grade 4 Piping - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Judge: Greg Wilson
1. Rik Mendez - USA - Highland Harry - Sound of Sleat (link)
2. Matthew Fleek - USA - Kathleen Gillies - Kalabakan (link)
3. Dagmar Pesta - Germany - Highland Fling - Duntroon (link)
(3 entered)

Event 13. Grade 4 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Ian K. MacDonald
1. Rik Mendez - USA - John D. Burgess (link)
2. John Urdiales - USA - Captain Craig Brown (link)
3. Erik Lima - Mexico - Duncan McGillivray (link)
4. Marty McKeon - USA - The Eighth Army (link)
5. Russell Prewitt - USA - Cameron MacFadyen (link)
6. Dagmar Pesta - Germany - Major John McLennan (link)
(9 entered)

Event 14. Grade 4 Piping - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
Judge: Andrew Rogers
1. Rik Mendez - USA - The Battle of Auldearn (Setting #2) (link)
2. Dagmar Pesta - Germany - Glengary's Lament (link)
3. John Campbell - UK - Field of Gold (link)
4. Matthew Fleek - USA - Field of Gold (link)
5. Chris Tabram - Australia - The Blue Ribbon (link)
6. John Urdiales - USA - Struan Robertson's Salute (link)
(11 entered)

Event 15. Grade 4 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Dr. Brendan Eade
1. Lucas Mitsch - USA - Paddy's Leather Breeches (link)
2. Rik Mendez - USA - The Old Wife of the Mill Dust (link)
3. Matthew Fleek - USA - Lark in the Morning (link)
4. Russell Prewitt - USA - The Glasgow City Police Pipers (link)
5. Dagmar Pesta - Germany - Paddy's Leather Breeches (link)
6. John Urdiales - USA - The Old Wife of the Milldust (link)
(5 entered)

Grade 3 Piping Results

Overall Most Points in Grade 3 Piping
1. Soren Larsen - Denmark (276 points)
2. Romana Brunner - Austria (252 points)
3. William Shropshire - USA (210 points)
4. John Campbell - UK (122 points)
5. J David Hester - USA (98 points)
6. Lachlan McPhee - Australia (57 points)

Event 16. Grade 3 Piping - March - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Judge: Alan Bevan
1. Soren Larsen - Denmark - The Cowal Gathering - Dornie Ferry - MacKay From Skye (link)
2. John Campbell - UK - The Seige of Delhi - Caledonian Canal - Bessy MacIntyre (link)
3. Romana Brunner - Austria - The Glenfinnan Highland Gathering - Arniston Castle - Traditional Reel (link)
4. William Shropshire - USA - Arthur Bognold of Lochrosque - Susan MacLeod - The Sound of Sleat (link)
5. Lachlan McPhee - Australia - The Conundrum - The Caledonian Society of London - Mrs McPherson of Inveran (link)
6. Craig Gerbich - New Zealand - (link)

Also competing:
Josh Chandler - Australia - Leaving Lunga - Caledonian Society of London and Mrs Macpherson of Inveran (link)
Sean Becker - USA - Knightswood Ceilidh - John Roy Stewart - Dolina MacKay (link)
(12 entered)

Event 17. Grade 3 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Dani Millar
1. Romana Brunner - Austria - Auld Adam (link)
2. William Shropshire - USA - The Sweet Maid of Mull (link)
3. Soren Larsen - Denmark - Rab's Wedding (link)
4. Sean Becker - USA - Jean Mauchline (link)
5. Angela Goodwin - Canada - Ellenorr (link)
6. John Campbell - UK - Major John Maclennan (link)
(11 entered)

Event 18. Grade 3 Piping - Jig (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Greg Wilson
1. William Shropshire - USA - Alan MacPherson of Mosspark (link)
2. Soren Larsen - Denmark - Paddy's Leather Breeches (link)
3. Romana Brunner - Austria - The Braes of Mellinish (link)
4. Lachlan McPhee - Australia - The Judges Dilemma (link)
5. Angela Goodwin - Canada - Troy's Wedding (link)
6. J David Hester - USA - Glasgow City Pipers (link)

Also competing:
Jan Belak - Germany - Donella Beaton (link)
Sean Becker - USA - Donald Camerons Powder Horn (link)
(15 entered)

Event 19. Grade 3 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Keith Paton
1. Romana Brunner - Austria - Donalde MacLeod (link)
2. Soren Larsen - Denmark - Donald MacLeod (link)
3. Craig Gerbich - New Zealand - John Walsh's Walk (link)
4. Jan Belak - Germany - The Man from Skye (link)
5. William Shropshire - USA - The Train Journey North (link)
6. Lucas Mitsch - USA - The Crossing of the Minch (link)

Also competing:
Sean Becker - USA - Stevies First Bar (link)
(14 entered)

Event 20. Grade 3 Piping - Piobaireachd
Judge: Iain MacDonald
1. J David Hester - USA - The Groat. (link)
2. John Campbell - UK - Munros' Salute (link)
3. Soren Larsen - Denmark - Sir James MacDonald of the Isles Lament (link)
4. William Shropshire - USA - The Desperate Battle (link)
5. Lachlan McPhee - Australia - Too Long in this Condition (link)
6. Jan Belak - Germany - Struan Robertson's Salute (link)
(10 entered)

Grade 2 Piping Results

Overall Most Points in Grade 2 Piping
1. Malcolm Mackellar - Australia (281 points)
2. Daniel Emery - USA (224 points)
3. Chris Cahoon - USA (176 points)
4. Ben Gibbons - UK (154 points)
5. John Stewart - Canada (126 points)
6. Daniel Del Piccolo - UK (67 points)

Event 21. Grade 2 Piping - March - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Judge: James MacHattie
1. Daniel Emery - USA - Mary Anderson of Lochranza - Maggie Cameron - Bessie MacIntyre (link)
2. Malcolm Mackellar - Australia - John Mcdonald of Glenco - Maggie Cameron - Alick C. MacGregor (link)
3. Chris Cahoon - USA - Duke of Roxborough's Farewell to the Blackmount Forest - Shepherd's Crook - and Thompsom's Dirk (link)
4. Nick Tomkins - Australia - John McDonald of Glencoe - Maggie Cameron - Colonel McLeod (link)
5. Daniel Del Piccolo - UK - John MacDonald of Glencoe - Sandy McPherson - Captain Lachlan McPhail of Tiree (link)
6. Ryan Moore - Canada - David Ross - Susan MacLeod - the Man from Glengarry (link)
(11 entered)

Event 22. Grade 2 Piping - Jigs (two jigs - each tune at least 4 parts)
Judge: James P. Troy
1. Chris Cahoon - USA - The Judges Dilemna - Cutting Bracken (link)
2. Ben Gibbons - UK - Cork Hill and Banjo Breakdown (link)
3. Daniel Emery - USA - Sgt. Maguire - The Snuff Wife (link)
4. Malcolm Mackellar - Australia - The Geese in the bog - I laid a herring in Saut (link)
5. John Stewart - Canada - The Ewe with the Crooked Horn - The Curlew (link)
6. Daniel Del Piccolo - UK - Paddy's Leather Breaches - Glasgow City Bobbies (Gordon Walker setting) (link)

Also competing:
Nick Tomkins - Australia - The Wrafter's Jam - The Curlew (link)
(8 entered)

Event 23. Grade 2 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Andrew Rogers
1. Daniel Emery - USA - John Burgess (link)
2. Malcolm Mackellar - Australia - The Heights of Cassino (link)
3. John Stewart - Canada - John MacColl's Farewell to the Scottish Horse (link)
4. Daniel Del Piccolo - UK - Donald MacLean of Lewis (link)
5. Andrew Kerr - UK - Angus MacKinnon (link)
6. Ben Gibbons - UK - Cock of the North (link)
(8 entered)

Event 24. Grade 2 Piping - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Colin Clansey
1. Ben Gibbons - UK - Moonshine (link)
2. Malcolm Mackellar - Australia - Tam Bain's Lum (link)
3. Claus Reiss - Denmark - Crossing the Minch (link)
4. Chris Cahoon - USA - Duncan Johnstone (link)
5. John Stewart - Canada - Alex MacIntyre's Hornpipe (link)
6. Daniel Emery - USA - The Man From Skye (link)

Also competing:
Daniel Del Piccolo - UK - Sandy's New Chanter (link)
Nick Tomkins - Australia - Duncan Johnson (link)
(11 entered)

Event 25. Grade 2 Piping - Piobaireachd
Judge: James W. Troy
1. Malcolm Mackellar - Australia - Glengarys Lament (link)
2. John Stewart - Canada - Struan Robertson's Salute (link)
3. J David Hester - USA - Too Long in This Condition (link)
4. Chris Cahoon - USA - Piper's Warning to His Master (link)
5. Daniel Del Piccolo - UK - The Little Spree (link)
6. Kevin Kilby - USA - Clan Campbell's Gathering (link)

Also competing:
Ryan Moore - Canada - MacCrimmon's Sweetheart (link)
(8 entered)

Grade 1 Piping Results

Overall Most Points in Grade 1 Piping
1. Sandy Dalziel - Australia (440 points)
2. Bill Peters - Canada (249 points)
3. Andrew Yu - Chun Kit - Hong Kong (56 points)
4. Stephen Ross - Australia (38 points)
5. John McGrath - USA (38 points)
6. Claus Reiss - Denmark (25 points)

Event 26. Grade 1 Piping - March - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Judge: Ian K. MacDonald
1. Sandy Dalziel - Australia - Father John MacMillan of Barra - Dornie Ferry - Alick Cameron (Champion Piper) (link)
2. Andrew Yu - Chun Kit - Hong Kong - Captain Campbell of Drumavoisk - The Piper's Bonnet - The Grey Bob (link)
3. John McGrath - USA - john macdonald of glencoe - the pipers bonet - broad ford bay (link)
4. Bill Peters - Canada - 71st Highlanders - Caledonian Society of London - Thompson's Dirk (link)
5. John Stewart - Canada - Leaving Glenurquhart - Highland Harry - Alick C. MacGregor (link)
(5 entered)

Event 27. Grade 1 Piping - Jigs (two jigs - each tune at least 4 parts)
Judge: Alan Bevan
1. Sandy Dalziel - Australia - Allan MacPherson of Mosspark - Minnie Hynd (link)
2. Bill Peters - Canada - Inspector Donald Campbell of Ness - Thief of Lochaber (link)
(3 entered)

Event 28. Grade 1 Piping - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Dr. Brendan Eade
1. Sandy Dalziel - Australia - Pipe Major John D Burgess (link)
2. Bill Peters - Canada - Dr Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering (link)
(3 entered)

Event 29. Grade 1 Piping - Hornpipes (two hornpipes - each tune at least 4 parts)
Judge: Robert Mathieson
1. Sandy Dalziel - Australia - Pipe Major Calum Campbells Caprice - Jack Adrift (link)
2. Bill Peters - Canada - Fiona Ferguson - The Man from Skye (link)
(3 entered)

Event 30. Grade 1 Piping - Piobaireachd
Judge: Greg Wilson
1. Sandy Dalziel - Australia - MacCrimmon's Sweetheart (link)
2. Bill Peters - Canada - The Unjust Incarceration (link)
3. Stephen Ross - Australia - MacKintosh's Lament Piob Soc (link)
4. Claus Reiss - Denmark - The Little Spree (link)
(6 entered)

Event 31. Any Grade Piping - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
Judge: Robert Mathieson
1. Nick Tomkins - Australia (link)
2. Chris Cahoon - USA (link)
3. Sandy Dalziel - Australia (link)
4. Dagmar Pesta - Germany (link)
(6 entered)

P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March

This event was created to honor the great piping legend, Alasdair Gillies, who recently passed away. Alasdair will go down as one of the greatest pipers in history. For this event, pipers competed by playing a single 6/8 March. Prizes were awarded in several different age categories, and the first place winners were judged against each other to determine our overall champion and winner of a $200 scholarship to go towards their piping tuition.

P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge Overall Champion and Scholarship Winner for March 2012
William Shropshire - USA - The Sweet Maid of Mull (link)

Event 34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) - for pipers age 13 to 14 years
Judge: Iain MacDonald
1. William Shropshire - USA - The Sweet Maid of Mull (link)
(2 entered)

Event 35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) - for pipers age 15 to 17 years
Judge: Alan Bevan
1. Malcolm Mackellar - Australia - The Ross Battery (link)
(2 entered)

Event 36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) - for pipers age 18 to 20 years
Judge: Ian K. MacDonald
1. Nick Tomkins - Australia - Duncan McGilvary Chief Steward (link)
(1 entered)

Event 37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) - for pipers 21 and older
Judge: Robert Mathieson
1. John McGrath - USA - MacLeod of Mull (link)
2. Chris Cahoon - USA - The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth (link)
3. Bill Peters - Canada - PM Donald Maclean of Lewis (link)
4. Soren Larsen - Denmark - Rab's Wedding (link)
5. John Stewart - Canada - Miss Ishabel T. MacDonald (link)
6. Daniel Emery - USA - Kirkhill (link)

Also competing:
Matthew Fleek - USA - P/M Donald McClean of Lewis (link)
Sean Becker - USA - Leaving Port Askaig (link)

Overall Most Points in All Piping Events
(including Open Medley and P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge)
1. Sandy Dalziel - Australia (478 points)
2. Rik Mendez - USA (376 points)
3. Malcolm Mackellar - Australia (369 points)
4. Soren Larsen - Denmark (301 points)
5. William Shropshire - USA (298 points)
6. Chris Cahoon - USA (288 points)

Beginner Drumming Results

Overall Most Points in Beginner Drumming
1. Nathan Hurt - USA (88 points)
1. Bruce Besley - USA (88 points)

Event 102. Beginner Drum Pad 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Judge: Gordon Lee
1. Nathan Hurt - USA - Scotland the Brave (link)
(1 entered)

Event 103. Beginner Drum Pad 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
Judge: Gordon Lee
1. Bruce Besley - USA - The Muir of Ord (link)
(2 entered)

Grade 5 Drumming Results

Overall Most Points in Grade 5 Drumming
1. Andrew Merchant - USA (88 points)

Event 105. Grade 5 Side Drumming 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Gordon Lee
1. Andrew Merchant - UK - "Murdo's Wedding
The Meeting of the Waters" (link)
(1 entered)

Grade 4 Drumming Results

Overall Most Points in Grade 4 Drumming
1. Patrick Moran - New Zealand (176 points)
2. Randy White - USA (88 points)
3. Michael Theriault - Canada (56 points)
4. Aidan Smith - New Zealand (56 points)

Event 107. Grade 4 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Gordon Lee
1. Randy White - USA - Pipe Major Donald McClean of Lewis (link)
(3 entered)

Event 108. Grade 4 Side Drumming March - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
Judge: Duncan Millar
1. Patrick Moran - New Zealand - Delcia Chisholm - Mac N Irish - Becky Ewen (link)
2. Aidan Smith - New Zealand - Delcia Chisholm - Mac N Irish - Becky Ewen (link)
(3 entered)

Event 109. Grade 4 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Duncan Millar
1. Patrick Moran - New Zealand - Rocking the Baby (link)
2. Michael Theriault - Canada - Old Wife of the Mill Dust (link)
(4 entered)

Grade 3 Drumming Results

Overall Most Points in Grade 3 Drumming
1. Oscar Sobalirov - Australia (264 points)

Event 110. Grade 3 Side Drumming March - Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts - S & R each at least 2 parts)
Judge: Duncan Millar
1. Oscar Sobalirov - Australia - Hugh Kennedy - Susan Mcleod - Dolina McKay (link)
(1 entered)

Event 111. Grade 3 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Duncan Millar
1. Oscar Sobalirov - Australia - John D Burgess (link)
(1 entered)

Event 112. Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Duncan Millar
1. Oscar Sobalirov - Australia - Old Wife of the Milldust (link)
(1 entered)

Grade 2 Drumming Results

Overall Most Points in Grade 2 Drumming
1. Eoin Aitken - Australia (176 points)
2. Jake Broadhurst - New Zealand (88 points)
3. Aaron Mitchell - New Zealand (56 points)
4. David Spotswood - Australia (38 points)

Event 113. Grade 2 Side Drumming March - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Judge: Duncan Millar
1. Jake Broadhurst - New Zealand - John MacDonald of Glencoe - Caledonian Society of London - Brown Haired Maid (link)
2. Aaron Mitchell - New Zealand - Kilbowie Cottage - Caledonian Society of London - Brown Haired Maid (link)
3. David Spotswood - Australia - John McDonald of Glencoe - Maggie Cameron - Lexy McAskill (link)
(2 entered)

Event 114. Grade 2 Side Drumming 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
Judge: Paul Turner
1. Eoin Aitken - Australia - Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis (link)
(1 entered)

Event 115. Grade 2 Side Drumming Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
Judge: Paul Turner
1. Eoin Aitken - Australia - Ian Green of Greentrax - The Curlew (link)
(1 entered)

Grade 1 Drumming Results

Overall Most Points in Grade 1 Drumming
1. Rory McPherson - USA (88 points)

Event 116. Grade 1 Side Drumming March - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
Judge: Paul Turner
1. Rory McPherson - USA - John MacDonald of Glencoe - Atholl Cummers - John Morrison of Assynt House (link)
(2 entered)

Overall Most Points in All Drumming Events
1. Oscar Sobalirov - Australia (264 points)
2. Eoin Aitken - Australia (176 points)
2. Patrick Moran - Australia (176 points)

Special Awards

Best Video Background:
Greg Ellsworth - USA (link)

Best Dress and Deportment:
Karina Huber - Austria (link)

Best Quality Video:
Ben Gibbons - UK (link)

Friday, January 20, 2012

New BagpipeLessons.com Online Piping & Drumming Competition for March 2012


We are excited to announce a new and expanded BagpipeLessons.com Online Piping & Drumming Competition for March 2012.

Update: Registration deadline extended to March 10.  Sign up below.

We are thrilled to announce the addition of 19 side drumming events, presented in association with James Laughlin of Come2Drum.com -- the internet's best place for information on learning pipe band drumming.

Last year, we saw an incredible worldwide response to the world's first-ever online piping competitions.  We received over  600 entries from pipers from around the world, many competing for the first time.  The competitors submitted their competition videos via YouTube and received a detailed evaluation and comment sheet from our panel of world-class adjudicators.  Videos of the prizewinners were posted for everyone to watch and enjoy.

Some comments from previous BagpipeLessons.com online competitions:
"I think that online competition is a great idea, allowing players to compete with each other disregarding distance." 
"The online competition is an absolutely fantastic idea... I got my first sheet yesterday and am very enthused about it. The critique is very constructive." 
"This first online competition is an historic event for piping."
We've made improvements and added events based on feedback from our previous competitors and judges.  We're pleased to announce 37 different piping events and 19 different drumming events!  Drummers have the option to record their videos with a live piper or with a recording of a piper.

We're pleased to continue with our tribute to honor the piping legend: The Pipe Major Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March.   The competition is open to any piper and is divided into age groups.  The overall winner will receive a piping scholarship.

The Medley Event that is open to pipers in any grade, including Open/Professional.  The Evaluation-Only Event is for pipers who want to be evaluated by a judge and receive judging sheet only, but don't want to compete against other pipers.

Here's how the online competition works:
  • Pick the events you want to enter (see below).
  • Sign up by March 10 (each event limited to 30 competitors).  Deadline extended!
  • Help spread the word and get your entry fee for free (see below).
  • Make your video recording -- this is your competition entry.
  • Submit your recording.
  • Wait for your judge's comment sheet and the results!
All competitors will receive a full judging comment sheet. Prizes will be awarded according to the number of entries.  Selected prize winners will receive scholarship gift certificates that can be used at any of the BagpipeLessons.com family of websites, including BagpipeGauge.com, BagpipeRevolution.com, or PipeBandTunes.com, with additional prizes to be announced later.   Prizes will be given for: Best Dress & Deportment, Best Video Background, Best Quality Video.

Never competed before?  No problem!  If you don't have a competition grading or you've never competed before you should enter the Grade 5 level events (see below).  If you are from a region of the world that uses a different grading system (e.g. Australia, New Zealand), please email me and I can help you select the correct competition level.  Also, you can send me a recent recording of yourself playing and I can suggest a grade level for you, too!

Tell a friend and get to enter for free! We need your help to spread the word and include pipers from around the world. After you've entered your events, ask your friends to sign up and tell them to type your name or email address in the "Who referred you?" box during the sign up process. For every three events your friends sign up for, you'll get one free event entry fee!  (I will refund your entry fee or credit it towards the next online competition.)  So email your friends and bandmates, post on facebook, and blog about it!

Piping Events:
1. Beginner (practice chanter) - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
2. Beginner (practice chanter) - 3/4 or 4/4 March (2 or 4 parts)
3. Beginner (practice chanter) - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
4. Beginner (practice chanter) - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
5. Beginner (practice chanter) - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
6. Grade 5 - Slow Air (at least 2 parts)
7. Grade 5 - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
8. Grade 5 - 6/8 March (at least 2 parts)
9. Grade 5 - Jig (at least 2 parts)
10. Grade 5 - Piobaireachd (Ground Only)
11. Grade 4 - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
12. Grade 4 - Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
13. Grade 4 - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
14. Grade 4 - Piobaireachd (Ground and Next Variation)
15. Grade 4 - Jig (at least 4 parts)
16. Grade 3 - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
17. Grade 3 - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
18. Grade 3 - Jig (at least 4 parts)
19. Grade 3 - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
20. Grade 3 - Piobaireachd
21. Grade 2 - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
22. Grade 2 - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
23. Grade 2 - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
24. Grade 2 - Hornpipe (at least 4 parts)
25. Grade 2 - Piobaireachd
26. Grade 1 - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
27. Grade 1 - Jigs (two jigs, each tune at least 4 parts)
28. Grade 1 - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
29. Grade 1 - Hornpipes (two hornpipes, each tune at least 4 parts)
30. Grade 1 - Piobaireachd
31. Any Grade - Medley (4-6 Minutes)
32. Ungraded - Any tune. This is a non-competitive, evaluation event. Play any tune. Your performance will be evaluated by a judge who will write a complete judging sheet for you, but you will not be compared to any other pipers. Submit as many tunes as you like, but each tune requires a separate entry and video.  This is a great option to get feedback for non-graded pipers or to play tunes that are not currently offered at your competition level.  This event may be played on the practice chanter or pipes.

The Pipe Major Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge is open to all pipers regardless of any competition grading, except Open/Professional.  Prize winners will be announced for each age group level.  The first place winners for each age group will be judged against one another and the overall winner will win a scholarship and be the Pipe Major Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March Champion.  Select the appropriate event based on your age on March 1, 2012.

33. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) - for pipers 12 or younger
34. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) - for pipers 13 to 14 years old
35. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) - for pipers 15 to 17 years old
36. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) - for pipers 18 to 20 years old
37. P/M Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March (at least 4 parts) - for pipers 21 years or older

Drumming Events:

101. Beginner (Drum Pad) - 3/4 March (at least 2 parts)
102. Beginner (Drum Pad) - 4/4 March (at least 2 parts)
103. Beginner (Drum Pad) - 2/4 March (at least 2 parts)
104. Grade 5 - 2/4 March (at least 4 parts)
105. Grade 5 - 4/4 March (at least 4 parts)
106. Grade 5 - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
107. Grade 4 - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
108. Grade 4 - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 2 parts)
109. Grade 4 - Jig (at least 4 parts)
110. Grade 3 - March, Strathspey & Reel (M at least 4 parts, S & R each at least 2 parts)
111. Grade 3 - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
112. Grade 3 - Jig (at least 4 parts)
113. Grade 2 - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
114. Grade 2 - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
115. Grade 2 - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
116. Grade 1 - March, Strathspey & Reel (each tune at least 4 parts)
117. Grade 1 - 6/8 March (at least 4 parts)
118. Grade 1 - Hornpipe & Jig (each tune at least 4 parts)
119. Ungraded Side Drumming - Any tune. This is a non-competitive, evaluation event. Play any tune. Your performance will be evaluated by a judge who will write a complete judging sheet for you, but you will not be compared to any other drummers. Submit as many tunes as you like, but each tune requires a separate entry and video. This is a great option to get feedback for non-graded drummers or to play tunes that are not currently offered at your competition level. This event may be played on the side drum or drum pad, with or without a piper.

Enter here for all events:

How many events do you wish to enter?
Which event numbers?

Sign up today! Each event is limited to 30 competitors.  

Official Rules:

Important Dates:
  • Sign up before March 10, 2012.  Deadline extended!
  • Last day to send in your competition video: March 15, 2012.
  • Your video must be not be recorded before January 20, 2012.
Your Videos:
  • Each event must be submitted in a separate video.
  • All videos must be made in one complete take (no editing), but take as many tries as you want.
  • Wearing of your kilt is encouraged, but not required.
  • Your video should show most or all of your body, including your head. Your video must be lighted properly so your face and hands can be clearly seen. Videos with poor lighting or sound (backlighting, face and hands not clearly visible, distorted sound, etc.) may be not be judged.
  • You must state your name and the name of your tune(s) at the start of your video. (You don't need to say your tunes for the Medley event, but you must state your name.) For example, "My name is Jake MacCrimmon.  For my 6/8 March, I will play Dovecote Park."
  • Take your time with tuning and getting warmed up, just as you would in a regular competition.
  • Upload your video to YouTube and set it to Public or Unlisted but not private.
  • Your YouTube video title must start with the words "BagpipeLessons.com Online Competition" and list your name and the event.  For example, "BagpipeLessons.com Online Competition, Jake MacCrimmon, Grade 4 2/4 March"
  • If you are one of the top six prizewinners, your video and your judge's comment sheet will be posted with the results. A list of all competitors and their city/state/province/country will be posted.
  • If your video is longer than 15 minutes and you have trouble uploading it to YouTube, please go to http://www.sendspace.com/ and send your video to me at jori@bagpipelessons.com.
Additional Rules for Drumming Events:
  • You must perform on a standard High Tension Pipe Band Snare Drum.  For example, Pearl, Premier or Andante.
  • Each performance must start with two three-pace introduction rolls.
  • You may play with a live piper or a recording of a piper. Unaccompanied drum performances are not allowed.
  • If you choose to use a recording of a piper, the recording must be of a piper playing the Highland bagpipes.  Electronic pipes or practice chanter recordings are not allowed.  We may be able to provide you with a high-quality pipe recording of your tune at played at your desired tempo.  Send us an email with what you are looking for.
  • Make sure that both the pipes and your drum can both be heard in final recording.  (You might want to make some test recordings to find the right optimal volume playback level for your pipe recording.)
  • You must be in full view of the camera with your face, torso, hands and drum all clearly visible. If you use a live piper, they must also be visible on camera.
Events, Prizes, Fees:
  • Piobaireachd events: You must email the sheet music for your tune if your setting is not from the Kilberry or Piobaireachd Society books.
  • Medley event: Your medley must be between 4 to 6 minutes and must contain at least two-parts of each of these types of tunes: march (any time signature), strathspey, reel, and jig.
  • You may enter events in more than one grade level. But if you are graded by your association, you may enter events in your grade or a higher grade, but you may not enter events in a lower grade.
  • The Pipe Major Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge events are open to all pipers regardless of any competition grading, except Open/Professional. Prize winners will be announced for each age group level. The first place winners for each age group will be judged against one another and the overall winner will be the Pipe Major Alasdair Gillies Memorial Challenge 6/8 March Champion. Select the appropriate event based on your age on March 15, 2012.
  • Additional prizes will be given for: Best Dress & Deportment, Best Video Background, Best Quality Video.
  • Entry fee $10.00 per event.
If you have never competed before, take a look at the winners from the previous piping competitions to help you decide which grade level to enter. Here's an example of an excellent video.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

BagpipeLessons.com on the front page of the New York Times!

I have very exciting news to share. The New York Times ran a front-page feature this week about online music lessons, featuring BagpipeLessons.com.  The newspaper's website even included a short video clip from one of my Skype lessons.

They've got a fantastic story about one of my students, and why online piping lessons work great for him:

New York Times: With Enough Bandwidth, Many Join the Band

When Dr. John McClure, a pathologist in Edina, Minn., was pondering his wish list several years ago, he added something a little out of the ordinary: learn to play the bagpipes. But his goal seemed like a long shot after a friend who had been teaching him moved away.

Now he is getting lessons from a top-tier teacher — Jori Chisholm, whose résumé includes a first-place award at the 2010 Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon, Scotland. Mr. Chisholm lives in Seattle, but distance is no longer a problem — Dr. McClure now takes lessons over Skype.

They even squeeze in a lesson sometimes when Dr. McClure, 50, is at work, though he keeps the noise down by using a practice chanter, essentially a pipe without a bag. “I’ve been on call, waiting for a specimen from the O.R., and I’ll do a lesson with Jori,” Dr. McClure said.

Skype and other video chat programs have transformed the simple phone call, but the technology is venturing into a new frontier: it is upending and democratizing the world of music lessons. ...

Read the full article.

Of course, you may have already experienced the value of online piping instruction!

To celebrate making the front page of the Times, we're offering special "We made the New York Times!" discounts on several of our most popular packages.  So visit BagpipeLessons.com and start making that New Year's resolution happen.

Thank you for making BagpipeLessons.com the internet's premier site for information on learning to play the pipes. We have some great things coming up and we plan to make 2012 our best year ever, so stay tuned...