What are the grades of bagpipe bands?

GRADING SYSTEM: Bands in the U.S. are graded from 5 to 1 . The most serious, professional pipe bands with the largest number of experienced players are Grade 1 (highest ability level), and the beginner bands with the newer players are Grade 5 (lowest ability level).

How many members does a pipe band have?

Standard instrumentation for a pipe band involves 6 to 25 pipers, 3 to 10 side drummers, 1 to 6 tenor drummers and 1 bass drummer .

How many Grade 1 pipe bands are there?

Grade 1 will consist of at least 16 bands – an increase of one from last year. Six of those bands are non-UK, including Auckland & District, Canterbury Caledonian Society and Manawatu Scottish planning to make the loooong and super-expensive trip to Glasgow.

What is the octave range of bagpipes?

The instrument responds easily when played. This makes it possible to play fast jigs and similar music. The fingering is semi - closed (like on Central France bagpipes). The range is up to 2 octaves , but the highest 3 notes (top C, C# and D) are musically not very interesting.

What are the different levels of bands?

What size are the bands? What are the levels of resistance bands? Exercise bands Lay Flat Length Resistance (lbs) Light 41" 5 to 15 Medium 41" 20 to 35 Heavy 41" 30 to 50 Robust 41" 40 to 80 6 more rows

What are the levels of piper?

There are 7 grade levels used to qualitatively describe the ability of a piper who intends to compete. They are, from least to most experienced, practice chanter, grades 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and professional .

What is the highest grade in band?

Grade Levels Grade 1 - For beginners. Grade 2 - For junior high school level musicians. Grade 3 - For high school level musicians. Grade 4 - For university and professional level musicians. Grade 5 - Challenging for professionals. Grade 6 - Some of the most difficult music available anywhere.

What is the scale of the bagpipes?

The nine notes of the chanter scale are " low G, low A, B, C (sounds as a C♯), D, E, F (sounds as a F♯), high G, and high A ". However, the A pitch of most pipers and pipe bands currently is somewhere around 470–480 Hz, which is actually sharper than standard pitch B♭ 4 at 466.16 Hz.

Calendar List - Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (2024)

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August 17, 2024

Maine Highland Games & Scottish Festival - Brunswick, ME 04011

August 17, 2024
Thomas Point Beach Road Brunswick, Maine 04011

Event Name
	Maine Highland Games & Scottish Festival
Event Start Date
	08/17/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Thomas Point Beach & Campground Brunswick
Event Address
	Thomas Point Beach Road Brunswick, Maine 04011 United States Map It
Event Details
	Individual piping competitions in grades 5 through 1 and drumming competitions in grades 3 through 1. Band competitions for grade 4 are medley(required) and mini msr(optional). Grade 5 is a march set, 6 to 8 parts, simple time. All registrations are online and received no later than August 3. Bands are expected to participate in opening and closing ceremonies. The Maine Games a full schedule of activities, events, and music. There is something for everyone to enjoy. https://www.mainehighlandgames.org/ Registration Link.https://www.mainehighlandgames.org/pdcomp
Primary Contact Name
	Roy Murdoch
Phone
	(207) 266-7981
Email
	rimurdoch@gmail.com
Judges:
	Gordon Peters Nancy Tunnicliffe Amy Garson Lezlie Webster John Bottomly Norman McLeod
Sanctioned Event
	Yes
Notes
	Leave a message or email . We’ll get back to you as soon as possible

Event Name
	QuecheeGames
Event Start Date
	08/24/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Quechee, VT
Event Address
	Polo Field 45 Deweys Mills Rd Hartford, Vermont 05047 United States Map It
Event Details
	Solo Piping, Drumming, Pipe Bands. Also, Highland Dance, Athletics, Sheepdogs, Vendors, Clans, Food Trucks, Beer Tent, Entertainment. Entries atwww.quecheegames.orgcoming soon
Primary Contact Name
	Lezlie Webster
Phone
	(603) 491-2739
Email
	lezliewebster55@gmail.com
Judges:
	TBD
Sanctioned Event
	Yes

Event Name
	Capital District Scottish Games
Event Start Date
	08/31/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Altamont, NY
Event Address
	16 The Concourse Albany, New York 12203 United States Map It
Event Details
	The CDSG will be held at the Altamont Fairgrounds in Altamont, NY. Solo and band events will be held.
Primary Contact Name
	Jennifer Farrigan
Phone
	(518) 461-5362
Email
	jrfarrigan@scotgames.com
Sanctioned Event
	Yes

Event Name
	VA Scottish Games & Festival
Event Start Date
	08/31/2024
Event End Date (Multiple days)
	09/02/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Great Meadows VA
Event Address
	5089 Old Tavern Rd, The Plains, Virginia 20198 Plains, Virginia 20198 United States Map It
Event Details
	Athletics (Heavy Events) Piping & Drumming Competitions - Bands Grade 3-5, all solo Piping & Drumming events British Car & Bike Show Children's Games Fiddling Highland Dancing Scottish Dog Events Entry at:https://vascottishgames.regfox.com/drumming-piping
Primary Contact Name
	Helen Harlow
Phone
	(540) 373-4890
Email
	harlow59@msn.com
Judges:
	John Bottomley Paula Glendinning Peter Kent Bill Caudill Brian Donaldson Tommy Kee
Sanctioned Event
	Yes

Event Name
	Middlte Tennessee Highland Games
Event Start Date
	09/06/2024
Event End Date (Multiple days)
	09/08/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Sanders Ferry Park
Event Address
	Sanders Ferry Park 513 Sanders Ferry Rd Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075 United States Map It
Event Details
	Full details about our games:https://www.midtenngames.com/
Flyer / Banner
	icon-HIGHLAND_finalcoloronlite_small-website.png
Primary Contact Name
	Jim Drury
Phone
	(615) 218-8340
Email
	drury55@gmail.com
Judges:
	Pipes: James Bell Ed Krintz Jerry Finegan Drums: Ed Best
Sanctioned Event
	Yes
Notes
	We have added a MTHG professional solo piping contest on Friday evening, September 6. There will be an MSR and Piobaireachd contest. The overall winner will receive the 'Music City Quaich'. See website for more details.https://www.midtenngames.com/piping-competitions

Event Name
	Covenanter Scottish Festival
Event Start Date
	09/07/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church
Event Address
	1199 Valley Road Quarryville, Pennsylvania 17566 United States Map It
Event Details
	Amateur Solo Piping & Drumming competition for all amateur grades. For more information about the festival, visit:https://www.covenanterscottishfestival.com/ To register for the solo piping and drumming contest, please visit our Eventbrite page athttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-covenanter-scottish-festival-solo-piping-drumming-competition-registration-843666167217
Primary Contact Name
	Thompson McConnell
Phone
	(717) 669-5365
Email
	piobaireachd@hotmail.com
Judges:
	David Hall, Dan Lyden, Andrew Walker, Alex Kuldell, Linda Hall, TBA
Sanctioned Event
	Yes

Event Name
	Edinboro Highland Games & Scottish Festival
Event Start Date
	09/07/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	PennWest Edinboro University
Event Address
	219 Meadville St Edinboro, Pennsylvania 16444 United States Map It
Event Details
	Revel in the rich traditions of Scotland on PennWest Edinboro's picturesque campus during the 30th annual Highland Games and Scottish Festival, Sept. 5-7 2024. Piping and Drumming Registration:https://your.edinboro.edu/PipeAndDrums
Primary Contact Name
	Stacey Regan
Phone
	(412) 519-8698
Email
	staceyregan08@gmail.com
Judges:
	Clark Abercrombie John Bottomley Barry Conway Callum MacDonald
Sanctioned Event
	Yes

Event Name
	Union County Celtic Festival
Event Start Date
	09/07/2024
Event End Date (Multiple days)
	09/07/2024
Event Type
	Competition
Event Location
	Oak Ridge Park
Event Address
	136 Oak Ridge Rd. Clark, New Jersey 07066 United States Map It
Event Details
	The 2nd annual Union County Celtic Festival is a full-day event that will include a pipe band contest, food, beverage, and craft vendors, live music, athletic events, and cultural exhibitions. The band contest will include Grades 3-5, as well as a parade band competition.
Primary Contact Name
	Cameron MacLeod
Phone
	(269) 330-6673
Email
	UnionCountyCelticFestival@gmail.com
Judges:
	Derek Midgley Gordon Bell Andrew Donlon John Wassman
Sanctioned Event
	Yes

Event Name
	New Hampshire Highland Games
Event Start Date
	09/20/2024
Event End Date (Multiple days)
	09/22/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Loon Mountain Resort - Lincoln, NH
Event Address
	Loon Mountain Resort 60 Loon Mountain Rd Lincoln, New Hampshire 03251 United States Map It
Event Details
	Friday 9/20 - Professional Piobaireachd Saturday 9/21 - Piping and Drumming Solo contests Grade Open - Grade 3 Drum Major Contest Pipe Band Contest - Grade 5 - Grade 2 Sunday - 9/22 - Piping and Drumming Sol Contests Grade 4 - Beginners Piping quartet challenge - March Medley and Medley events (Non Sanctioned) Drum corp Challange
Primary Contact Name
	James Wiltse
Phone
	(860) 798-6472
Email
	Dickersonj@bioriginsp.com
Judges:
	Scot Walker - Piping Derek Midgely - Piping Dan Lyden - Piping Maureen Connor - Piping TBD - Piping TBD - Piping TBD - Piping TBD - Piping Scott Fletcher - Snare TBD - Snare TBD Bass and Tenor TBD Drum Major
Sanctioned Event
	In process

Event Name
	Brooklyn Games
Event Start Date
	09/22/2024
Event Type
	Competition
Event Location
	Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Event Address
	Marsha P. Johnson State Park 90 Kent Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11211 United States Map It
Event Details Finally a bagpipe and drumming competition that is only a subway ride away! Inaugural bagpipe and drumming competition in Brooklyn, NYC. We will be in a New York State Park in the hip neighborhood of Williamsburg - on the shores of the East River. Solo Pipers: Grade 2 - 5 Solo Drummers: Snare Drumming Bands: Grade 3 - 5, service bands welcome (have to be registered with EUSPBA and will play in Grade 5) Sign up for news athttps://brooklyngames.organd check us out on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560212879596. Please use the following link to register: https://www.eventry.net/brooklyn/2024-brooklyn-games
Primary Contact Name
	Gerrard McStubi
Phone
	(646) 256-7844
Email
	mcstubi@brooklyngames.org
Judges:
	- John Bottomley - Gordon M. Bell - Joe Brady Jr. - Andrew R. Walker - Andrew Donlon - Lezlie Webster
Sanctioned Event
	Yes

Event Name
	Dallas Solo Piping Competition
Event Start Date
	10/05/2024
Event End Date (Multiple days)
	10/05/2024
Event Type
	Competition
Event Location
	Four Corners Brewing Company
Event Address
	1311 S Ervay St Dallas, Texas 75215 United States Map It
Event Details
	The first annual Dallas Solo Piping Competition will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. There will be EUSPBA-sanctioned solo piping competitions for all amateur grades (5 through 1) in the morning, and piping quartet competitions in the early afternoon. Online registration link coming soon. Bobby Durning is the organizer and would be happy to answer any questions.
Primary Contact Name
	Bobby Durning
Phone
	(973) 856-4522
Email
	bobbydurning91@gmail.com
Judges:
	Nick Hudson, Dan Lyden
Sanctioned Event
	In process
Notes
	Online registration form coming soon!

Event Name
	40th West Point Tattoo
Event Start Date
	04/27/2025
Event Type
	Games / Festival
Event Location
	West Point, NY
Event Address
	United States Military Academy West Point, New York 10996 United States Map It
Event Details
	The West Point Tattoo is free and open to the public to attend. Tickets are not required. The Tattoo is held annually on the grounds of the historic US Military Academy overlooking the Hudson River. A day of performances by pipe bands, dancers, and other groups. Bring your picnic blankets and enjoy the day. The Tattoo ends with Massed Bands at the Retreat ceremony when the post flagis lowered for the day. Bands that are interested in participating need to submit their interest at the following link:https://forms.office.com/r/8MSm5tqDJcSelections will be made and invitations sent out in the fall semester (September-Dec). There are no fees to participate, other than your own travel to the event, and we do not pay bands. This is not a competition and there are no awards. The is a day of fellowship and sharing of music.
Primary Contact Name
	Gordon Cooke
Phone
	(845) 705-5144
Email
	pipesanddrums@westpoint.edu
Sanctioned Event
	No
Notes
	You can also contact me directly atgordon.cooke@westpoint.edu

Event Name
	Scotland County Highland Games
Event Start Date
	10/05/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Laurinburg, North Carolina
Event Address
	13043 X-Way Road North Carolina Rural Heritage Center Laurinburg, North Carolina 28352 United States Map It
Event Details
	2024 Scotland County HIghland Games will be offering a full range of EUSPBA Sanctioned events. All Amateur Grades Piping and Drumming Events, Pipe Band Contests in Grades 3, 4, 5, and Public Performance Bands. Amateur Grade I Piping Contest is the FINAL Qualifier for An Cros Griene/The Sun Belt Amateur Contest and also a MacCrimmon Quaich competition for Piobaireachd. Entries at:http://www.carolina-highlandgames.com/pipe_band_registration(BANDS) http://www.carolina-highlandgames.com/individual_piping_and_drumming_competition(SOLOS) GAMES WEBSITE:www.carolina-highlandgames.com
Primary Contact Name
	Bill Caudill
Phone
	(910) 318-1397
Email
	bill@sa.edu
Judges:
	Piping: Ed Bush, Jim Dillahey, Jerry Finegan, Chris Hamilton, June Hanley, Ed Krintz, Joyce McIntosh, Ken McKeveny, JIm Wilson; Drumming: Tom Kee, Alex Kuldell, Steve McClure (T/B)
Sanctioned Event
	Yes

Event Name
	Scotland Connecticut Highland Games and Festival
Event Start Date
	10/13/2024
Event End Date (Multiple days)
	10/13/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Brooklyn Fair, Brooklyn CT
Event Address
	Brooklyn Fair 15 Fair Ground Road Brooklyn, Connecticut 06234 United States Map It
Event Details
	Solo Piping - Grade open - Beginner Solo Snare Grade Open - Beginner Quartet Piping Challange - Non Sanctioned
Primary Contact Name
	James Dickerson
Phone
	(860) 798-6472
Email
	dickersonj@bioriginsp.com
Judges:
	Derek Midgley - Piping Dan Lyden - Piping Lezlie Webster - Piping TBD - Piping TBD - Piping TBS - Snare TBD - Drum Major
Sanctioned Event
	In process
Notes
	The Highland Festival & Games, held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, has been moved to the Brooklyn Connecticut Fairgrounds. While we loved the location at the Waldo Homestead in Scotland CT - the Scotland Historical Association decide to revoke our use of the grounds. The new location in Brooklyn has many amenities and plenty of parking. While the entry fee to the games has not increased, there will be a $3.00 parking fee which goes directly to the Mortlake Fire Department for managing parking on the day of the games. We hope to see you there

Event Name
	Stone Mountain Highland Games Open Piping Contest
Event Start Date
	10/18/2024
Event Type
	Competition
Event Location
	Atlanta Hilton Northeast, Norcross GA
Event Address
	5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 United States Map It
Event Details
	Open Piping contest on Friday, October 18th @ 6 pm at the Host Hotel in Norcross GA: Atlanta Hilton Northeast. Events will include MSR and Piobaireachd. The judges are Jack Lee and Joyce McIntosh. Other Solo events will be held at the park on Saturday the 19th.
Primary Contact Name
	Kari Olsen
Phone
	(404) 354-1307
Email
	pipe.band@smhg.org
Judges:
	Jack Lee Joyce McIntosh
Sanctioned Event
	Yes

Event Name
	Stone Mountain Highland Games
Event Start Date
	10/19/2024
Event End Date (Multiple days)
	10/19/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain GA
Event Address
	1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083 United States Map It
Event Details
	Saturday Morning Solo contests beginning at approximately 8 am: Solo Piping Events Grades 1 through 5 Solo Drumming Events Grades Open through 5 Saturday afternoon beginning at approximately 1:30 pm Pipe Band Competitions Grades 3 through 5 & Public Performance Band Open Piping Contest on Friday Night (see other event posted) at Host Hotel in Norcross GA beginning 6:00 pm. Registration for all events closes September 14th. Online entry forms, contest rules, and park/games admission information will be posted in April atsmhg.org
Primary Contact Name
	Kari Olsen
Phone
	(404) 354-1307
Email
	pipe.band@smhg.org
Judges:
	Piping Judges: Bill Caudill Jack Lee John Recknagel Joyce McIntosh June Hanley Lyric Todkill Nick Hudson Drumming Judges: Jon Quigg Sally Warburton Tom Kee
Sanctioned Event
	In process

Event Name
	Charleston Scottish Games
Event Start Date
	11/02/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Charleston, SC
Event Address
	1061 Everglades Drive North Charleston, South Carolina 29405 United States Map It
Event Details
	The 53rd Annual Charleston Scottish Games & Highland Gathering is the second oldest event of its kind in the southeast. Drawing visitors from around the country and abroad, the Games brings in over 8,000 guests, immersing visitors in Scottish heritage and history. Amateur Grades 5-1 solo piping and drumming Competition, Grades 4 and 5 Pipe Band Competition 2024 Charleston Scottish Games - Piping & Drumming Solo Competition Registration, Sat, Nov 2, 2024 at 8:00 AM \| Eventbrite 2024 Charleston Scottish Games - Piping & Drumming Band Competition Registration, Sat, Nov 2, 2024 at 8:00 AM \| Eventbrite
Flyer / Banner
	Games-Logo.png
Primary Contact Name
	Berry Sosa
Phone
	(502) 767-0788
Email
	charlestonscotpiping@gmail.com
Judges:
	Bill Caudill Jim Dillahey June Hanley Ed Krintz Joyce McIntosh Ken McKeveney Eric MacNeil
Sanctioned Event
	Yes

Event Name
	Salado Gathering and Highland Games
Event Start Date
	11/09/2024
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Thomas Arnold Elementary School
Event Address
	575 Salado School Road Salado, Texas 76571 United States Map It
Event Details
	Sanctioned piping and drumming for Grades 1-5. Band events and quartets (unsanctioned) include QMM, MSR, Medley and Public Service competitions.
Primary Contact Name
	Lori Waters
Phone
	(210) 363-7645
Email
	loriwaters37122@gmail.com
Judges:
	TBA
Sanctioned Event
	Yes

Event Name
	Southeast Florida Scottish Highland Games
Event Start Date
	03/01/2025
Event End Date (Multiple days)
	03/01/2025
Event Type
	Games / Competition
Event Location
	Plantation Heritage Park
Event Address
	1100 S. Fig Tree Ln. Plantation (Ft. Lauderdale), Florida 33317 United States Map It
Event Details
	planning on individual piping, (gr 5 thru 1); drumming (snare, tenor, bass) and band competitions (gr 5, 4, 3)
Primary Contact Name
	kevin patterson
Phone
	(561) 346-6533
Email
	sassf.pipesdrums@outlook.com
Judges:
	TBD
Sanctioned Event
	No
Notes
	we are now in the planning phase. we always have great weather so plan now and bring your sunscreen.

Event Name
	Austin Solo Piping Competition
Event Start Date
	06/07/2025
Event Type
	Competition
Event Location
	Austin, TX
Event Address
	TBD Austin, Texas United States Map It
Event Details
	Indoor Solo piping competition for grades 1-5 and novice practice chanter. More details to come...
Primary Contact Name
	Lori Waters
Phone
	(210) 363-7645
Email
	silverthistlepipesanddrums@gmail.com
Judges:
	TBD
Sanctioned Event
	In process

Exercise bands	Lay Flat Length	Resistance (lbs)
Light	41"	5 to 15
Medium	41"	20 to 35
Heavy	41"	30 to 50
Robust	41"	40 to 80

Calendar List - Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (2024)

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