New rule change: No piper required. You have the option to play with a live piper or a recording of a piper, but it's totally optional.
Sign up today! Each event is limited to 30 competitors. Registration deadline: November 30, 2013.
Solo Side 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, evaluation-only - Any tune
Rules for All Events:
- Each event must be submitted in a separate video.
- Each event video must be made in one complete take (no editing, or splicing), but take as many tries as you want.
- Your videos must be not be recorded before October 10, 2013.
- Videos must be submitted by November 30, 2013 at 11:59 PM PST.
- 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.
- 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 "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"
- A list of all competitors and their city/state/province/country will be posted. All videos and judge's comments sheet will be posted.
- If you have trouble uploading your video to YouTube, please send email to onlinecomp@bagpipelessons.com to make alternative arrangements.
- 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.
- Wearing of kilts is encouraged, but not required.
- 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 Solo Side Drumming Events:
- Drummers must perform on standard pipe band drums. For example, side drummers must use a High Tension Pipe Band Snare Drum (for example, Pearl, Premier or Andante).
- Each drumming performance must start with two three-pace introduction rolls.
- No piper is needed. You have the choice to play unaccompanied, with a live piper, or with a recording of a piper.
- If you choose to use a recording of a piper, the recording may be of a piper playing the Highland bagpipes, Electronic pipes, or practice chanter. (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.)
- You must be in full view of the camera with your face, upper body, hands, and drum all clearly visible. If you use a live piper, they may also be on camera (but not required).
- We recommend that you say your name and the name of your tune(s) at the start of your video. For example, "My name is Hamish MacBeth. For my 4/4 March, I will play Scotland the Brave."
- Ungraded, evaluation-only event: 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 anybody else. 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 players or to play tunes that are not currently offered at your competition level. This event may be played on the drum or drum pad. Tenor and bass drummers may play on table top or drum.
