In concluding his informative articles on pipe band adjudication former judge Alistair Aitken OBE identifies specific factors associated with pipe band assessment. This should serve as a ‘ready reckoner’ for all bands competing and non-competing. Mr Aitken splits his list of ‘requirements’ into three sections, drumming, ensemble and piping which where he begins.
Introduction
- No sound from drones until 5th beat of 3-pace rolls
- All drones in together accurately and as one
- No chanter sound until 7th beat
- “E” sounding from all pipes in unison
- No tonal distortions
- Continuation of 3-pace roll tempo into opening march
Integration and Technique
- Clarity and precision of execution
- Integration between all members of pipe corps
- Technique and quality of basic rudiments/movements
- Expression, rhythm, phrasing, fluency, confidence, composure etc.
- Correct use of note values
- Clean breaks
Interpretation
- Style and interpretation in relation to time signatures (authenticity, emphatic, spirited, laboured, deliberate etc.)
- Impact of breaks/bridges/transitions between tunes
- Rhythmic definition and musical effect
- Impact of harmonies/counter melodies
- Musical theme
- Drum corps influence
Intonation
- Chanter pitch and unison
- Drone balance and consistency
- Tonal balance with drum corps
- Sustained tonal quality
- Sound projection
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Drumming
Introduction
- Accuracy of execution as a corps (and in relation to pipe corps)
- General timing and phrasing of 3-pace rolls
- Roll quality
- Integration between each section of corps (snares, bass and tenors)
- Balance of weight between instruments
- Continuation of 3-pace roll tempo into opening march
Integration and Technique
- Clarity and precision of execution (snares, bass and tenors)
- Integration between all sections of drum corps and precision of breaks
- Technical content and quality of basic rudiments
- Degree of difficulty
- Expression, dynamics, rhythm, phrasing, note values, fluency, aggression, relaxed playing, confidence, composure etc.
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Interpretation
- Influence on the melodies (musical effect, musical balance)
- Style of playing
- Accuracy of time signatures and impact of breaks/bridges/transitions between tunes
- Balance of weight between sections of drum corps and with pipe corps
- Emotional effect overall
- Musical theme
Intonation
- Clarity and quality of drum sound from all drums
- Tonal balance within drum corps and with pipes
- Sound projection (which can be affected by player positioning)
Ensemble
Introduction (as a collective unit)
- Precision and accuracy of the collective impact of all instruments – bagpipes, bass drum, tenor drums and snare drums
- Continuation of 3-pace roll tempo into opening march
Integration (as a collective unit)
- Precision and co-ordination of the technical execution throughout performance
- Clarity, phrasing, unity and breaks
- Obvious failings in technical aspects should not be ignored
Interpretation (as a collective unit)
- Arrangement of the melodies
- Expression, style of playing in relation to time signatures, musical theme etc.
- Rhythm, melody and harmony
- Rhythmic clarity, fluency, phrasing, dynamic effect, impact of breaks/bridges/transitions between tunes
- Musical balance
- Collective musical effect
Intonation (as a collective unit)
- Overall sound quality of band (richness, fullness, resonance, brightness, harshness, clarity, sound carrying power)
- Pitch balance between instruments
- Harmonics, overall stereo effect
- Weight balance between instruments (which may vary during performance for musical effect – musical balance)
Read the earlier articles in this series here.
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