SOLO PIPING & DRUMMING EVENTS
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Pipers play both "light music" - marches, reels, and the like and "great music" - or Piobaireachd as it is known in Gaelic (pronounced "peep-roc"). Piobaireachd is the piping world's equivalent to classical music, consisting of a theme followed by variations. It is centuries old in origin and of soulful character, not meant for toe-tapping.
Throughout all solo piping events judges listen for: EXECUTION - fingering and accuracy of presentation; EXPRESSION - musical flow and interpretation of the melody; TEMPO - speed of playing that is both steady and appropriate; and TONE & TUNING - the overall quality of sound. The drones (long pipes which rest on the shoulder) must produce a rich, steady humming sound that is "in tune" with the chanter (melody pipe) and provide a proper balance of volume. The individual notes of the chanter must also be "in tune".
Solo Drumming Events
The snare drum is the main instrument played. Its high-pitched, crisp tone is a key trait. It comes from very high tension on the top and bottom drum heads and snares resting on each one. Pipe band drummers seek to accent the pipe melody rather than lay down a standard rhythmic pattern. Syncopated rhythms and dynamics are key qualities of "Gaelic" drumming. Judges evaluate: EXECUTION - the accurate playing of the basic movements, including their timing relative to the beat; EXPRESSION - the musical interpretation of the drum score and its relation to the pipe tune, including the strength of accents and use of dynamics; QUALITY - level of difficulty of the drum score; TEMPO - speed and steadiness of playing appropriate to the type of tune played; TONE - a bright, crisp sound; and VARIETY - the mix of basic drum movements and rhythms used in the score.
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Saturday, July 12, 2008
Ithaca Scottish Games & Celtic Festival
All Solo Piping and Drumming Events
The
Ithaca Scottish Games & Celtic Festival is sanctioned by the Eastern United
States Pipe Band Association.
Our
piping, drumming, and pipe band contests follow standards set by the
Eastern United States Pipe Band Association. Solo competitors are
assigned to a grade. "Open" is the highest level. Numbers define the
other grades - the lower the number, the higher the grade. One or more
events are run in each. Competitors choose the tune(s) to be played
consistent with the requirements set for the event. They must appear in
highland dress, but are judged only on their music.
Pipers play both "light music" - marches, reels, and the like and "great music" - or Piobaireachd as it is known in Gaelic (pronounced "peep-roc"). Piobaireachd is the piping world's equivalent to classical music, consisting of a theme followed by variations. It is centuries old in origin and of soulful character, not meant for toe-tapping.
Throughout all solo piping events judges listen for: EXECUTION - fingering and accuracy of presentation; EXPRESSION - musical flow and interpretation of the melody; TEMPO - speed of playing that is both steady and appropriate; and TONE & TUNING - the overall quality of sound. The drones (long pipes which rest on the shoulder) must produce a rich, steady humming sound that is "in tune" with the chanter (melody pipe) and provide a proper balance of volume. The individual notes of the chanter must also be "in tune".
Solo Drumming Events
The snare drum is the main instrument played. Its high-pitched, crisp tone is a key trait. It comes from very high tension on the top and bottom drum heads and snares resting on each one. Pipe band drummers seek to accent the pipe melody rather than lay down a standard rhythmic pattern. Syncopated rhythms and dynamics are key qualities of "Gaelic" drumming. Judges evaluate: EXECUTION - the accurate playing of the basic movements, including their timing relative to the beat; EXPRESSION - the musical interpretation of the drum score and its relation to the pipe tune, including the strength of accents and use of dynamics; QUALITY - level of difficulty of the drum score; TEMPO - speed and steadiness of playing appropriate to the type of tune played; TONE - a bright, crisp sound; and VARIETY - the mix of basic drum movements and rhythms used in the score.