Pipe Band Events


We are pleased to pipe band events in all grade levels from Grade 5 to Grade 1, an open drum fanfare event, and an ungraded evaluation-only event.  Choose from the complete list of solo side drumming events below.


Sign up today!  Each event is limited to 30 competitors.  Registration deadline: November 30, 2013.


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




 Pipe Band Events:
401. Grade 5 - March medley (selection of 3 or more marches of any time signature, no longer than 4 minutes and 30 seconds)
402. Grade 4 - March medley (selection of 3 or more marches of any time signature, no longer than 4 minutes and 30 seconds)
403. Grade 3 - Medley (3-5 minutes) 
404. Grade 2 - Medley (4-6 minutes) 
405. Grade 1 - Medley (5-7 minutes) 
406. Ungraded Pipe Band - Any tune or set (no longer than 7 minutes).
407. Drum Fanfare - All grades.   Standard pipe band snare, tenor, and bass drums only.  Minimum: 3 snares, 1 tenor, and 1 bass.  No longer than 5 minutes.

Rules for All Events:
  1. Each event must be submitted in a separate video.
  2. Each event video must be made in one complete take (no editing, or splicing), but take as many tries as you want.
  3. Your videos must be not be recorded before October 10, 2013.  
  4. Videos must be submitted by November 30, 2013 at 11:59 PM PST.
  5. 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 accepted.
  6. Take your time with tuning and getting warmed up, just as you would in a regular competition.
  7. Upload your video to YouTube and set it to Public or Unlisted but not private.
  8. Your YouTube video title must start with the words "World Online Piping & Drumming Championships" and list your name and the event.  For example, "World Online Piping & Drumming Championships, Jake MacCrimmon, Grade 4 2/4 March"
  9. A list of all competitors and their city/state/province/country will be posted.  All videos and judge's comments sheet will be posted.
  10. If you have trouble uploading your video to YouTube, please send email to onlinecomp@bagpipelessons.com to make alternative arrangements.
  11. Bands and soloists are welcome to enter events at more than one grade level.  If you are graded by your association, you may enter events in your grade and/or a higher grade, but you may not enter lower grade events.
  12. Wearing of kilts is encouraged, but not required.
  13. If you have never competed before, view videos of the winners of the previous online piping competitions to help you decide which grade level to enter.  Here’s some guidance for solo competitors from Australia and New Zealand to select the correct competition grade level.
Additional Rules for Pipe Band Events:
  1. Pipe bands must have a minimum of 6 pipers, 3 sides, 1 tenor, and 1 bass drummer. 
  2. Bands with fewer than the required number of players may enter, but the band’s placings will be reduced by one for each player below the minimum.
  3. Each pipe band performance must start with two three-pace introduction rolls.
  4. Pipe bands must perform in “concert formation” with one row of pipers and a second row of drummers.
  5. All pipe band performances must be recorded with two separate cameras: one front camera view showing the entire front row (view this example), and a second camera view from the left side showing a side view the drum corps (view this example).  Also, please view this drawing. 
  6. Both camera angles must be recorded at the same time (i.e., the same performance from two view points).
  7. Bass and tenor drummers should be placed so they are visible in one of the two cameras angles.
  8. Risers may be used (e.g., so that tenors are visible above and behind the pipers or side drummers).
  9. Pipe band uniforms are encouraged, but not required.
  10. Ungraded, evaluation-only event:  This is a non-competitive, evaluation event.  Play any tune or set. Your band’s performance will be evaluated by a judge who will write a complete judging sheet for you, but you will not be compared to anybody else. Submit as many tunes or sets as you like, but each tune or set requires a separate entry and video.  This is a great option to get feedback for non-graded players or to play tunes or sets  that are not currently offered at your competition level.  This event must be played on the pipes and/or drums.