The Lowland & Border Pipers' Society

The Annual Competition is a very non-competitive event, more an excuse for a get together - so those of you used to the cut and thrust of Highland piping competitions, put these thoughts aside.

Although there is an official judge for every class, the audience are given score cards in order to indicate their preferences. No special knowledge is required for this - simply an appreciation of the music.

There are a variety of classes and competitors may enter several (subject to the restrictions noted in each class). Entries are done on the day - so make sure you arrive in plenty of time for the 10am start. There is a small fee for entering each class.

Tea and coffee (and buns) are served throughout the day, at very reasonable prices and spectators are welcome.

• Except where stated, all classes are open to either Border pipes or Scottish smallpipes.
• * With the exception of the Duet for Pipes and other instrument, Competitors will be allowed to enter the Duet competitions only once.
• * Competitors may enter the Duet for Pipes and Other Instrument twice as long as they play a different instrument with a different person the second time.
• The music for new compositions should be provided (manuscript or tape recording) for inclusion in Common Stock.

Sheet music.
Competitors using sheet music will not be marked by the judges except in the New Composition category where sheet music is allowed.

Presentation and Timing.

• * Whilst it is accepted that some tuning will be required on stage, the venue does have a significant number of tuning rooms and it is expected that minimum tuning will be required once competitors are on stage.
• * To assist the judge and audience, please ensure there is a gap between tuning and starting your set. Once tuned, competitors must introduce themselves and their programme.
• Although a 15 second overrun is permitted, points will be deducted at the rate of 5 marks per 15 seconds after this. Competitors will be disqualified for a one minute overrun.
• * Competitors should also note the following rule change. The committee have introduced this rule following a number of comments from competitors. There will be a minimum time restriction for each category with the exception of the 'New Composition Class'. This will be one minute less than the maximum. e.g. The Duet for Pipes has a maximum time limit of 4 minutes and there will now be a minimum time limit of 3 minutes with marks deducted for under-running the same as for overruns (i.e. first 15 seconds, no penalty, thereafter every 15 seconds incurs a 5 point deduction with disqualification if under-run is greater than one minute.)
  Time your pieces!!!

Judging.

• Players will be judged by 5 members of the audience who will award up to 10 marks each and be asked not to judge classes if they are related to or closely connected to someone competing in the class.
• A nominated judge will award a maximum of 50 marks.
• Marks are to be based on overall performance, musicality and enjoyment.

1. Intermediate - The Julian Goodacre Trophy

Maximum 3 minutes (minimum 2 minutes). For those who have never competed in a solo open instrumental class at this competition. Winner moves to open class in future LBPS competitions.

2. Seasoned pipers - The Nigel Richard Trophy

Maximum 3 minutes (minimum 2 minutes). Solo on any Scottish bellows blown pipes. Pipers over 65 years of age. For anyone except those entered in Novice, Intermediate or Open classes.

3. Pipe and song - The Jimmy Wilson Memorial Cup

One piper, one song. Piper to sing whilst accompanying themselves on the bellows pipes.

4. Duet for pipes and other instrument - Dunfermline Tassies

Maximum 4 minutes (minimum 3 minutes). Any Scottish bellows blown pipe played with any other instrument other than a bagpipe.

5. Novice - The Heriot and Allan Quaich

Maximum 2 minutes (minimum 1 minute). Max. 2 tunes. Border or Scottish small pipes.

6. Duet for Pipe and Voice *NEW CLASS*

One Piper to accompany one singer for one song

7. New composition - The London Trophy

Maximum 4 minutes. One tune only per competitor, played twice through. Tune must have been composed since the last competition and played on bellows blown pipes. A competitor may enter someone else's composition as long as they have the composer's permission.

8. Open solo for Scottish small pipes - Colin Ross Trophy

Maximum 4 minutes (minimum 3 minutes). For anyone except those entered in Novice, Intermediate or Seasoned pipers classes.

9. Duet for pipes - Mains Castle Medals

Maximum 4 minutes (minimum 3 minutes). Two pipers, two sets of pipes, one of which must be Border or Scottish small pipes.
Please note that some harmony is required, and merely playing in unison will not be accepted.

10. Open solo for Lowland/Border pipes - Hamish Moore Cup

Maximum 4 minutes (minimum 3 minutes). For anyone except those entered in Novice, Intermediate or Seasoned pipers classes.