Pipe Band Competitions
We are very excited to be hosting a Pipe Bands Australia (PBA) Pipe Band Competition during our 2023 festival celebrating Scotland!
Pipe bands have always been an integral part of our Celtic celebrations, no matter the specific country being celebrated, because they are a part of Australia’s Celtic history and culture.
Competitions in Australia have been a part of pipe band history since the early 20th century and are used as a way to promote and advance Scottish culture in Australia, as well as to enhance pipe band activities and culture. Competitions are a fun and instructive way for “iron to sharpen iron”.
PBA Pipe Band Competition
This year’s competition will focus on the pipe bands and the contest syllabus will cover the following events:
- GRADE 2: March, Strathspey & Reel
- GRADE 2: Medley
- GRADE 3: March, Strathspey & Reel
- GRADE 3: Medley
- GRADE 4A: March, Strathspey & Reel
- GRADE 4A: Medley
- GRADE 4B: Selection of Marches
- GRADE 4B: Medley
- Novice Juvenile A: March, Strathspey & Reel
- Novice Juvenile A: Musical Selection
- Novice Juvenile B: Selection of Marches
- Novice Juvenile B: Musical Selection
Applications are via the NSW Chapter of Pipe Bands Australia and close Sunday 16 April, 2023.
NSWPBA Inc. Quintet Pipe Band Competition
After a three-year hiatus, we are also pleased to announce the return of the New South Wales Pipe Band Association (NSWPBA) Inc. Quintet Pipe Band competition.
The quintet event originally came about from suggestions by smaller community bands wanting a degree of competition but being unable to field a full band for mainstream competitions due to either not having enough players or not having enough players wanting to do it. A quintet comprises just three pipers, a snare and a bass or tenor. The players do not have to be members of the same band or a member of any band. The music is an own selection medley with a duration between three and seven minutes and there is usually just one adjudicator judging on an ensemble basis.
This is a popular event for players and audiences alike. Though their numbers are fewer, they still make a big sound!
