A cool, breezy morning greeted the bands for the first two legs of the Grade 1 Worlds 2024. I listened to the complete contest from edge of the arena with extraneous noise apparent.
I had Inveraray just ahead after two excellent runs. Field Marshal not far away, after, in my book, winning the MSR. Inveraray were out on their own in the Medley, really nailed it.
By Robert Wallace
The day started at 10.30 and the MSR contest did not come to life until Simon Fraser University left the flags. Boghall were a big disappointment with a poor sound and a tired performance, maybe a hangover from the Wednesday night concert.
SFU were up tempo, playing on the edge. Very enjoyable. Next to catch the ear were St Laurence with a big drone tone and a clean run. Field Marshal followed, their Lord Alex just that bit more pointed and phrased than SLOT’s.
Richard Parkes’s team were flawless to my ear, though someone said they heard chirps in Charlie’s Welcome and other technical flaws. I didn’t. The finger work was really electric.
Next contender was Shotts. A big, robust but tuneful tone. Cameronian Rant didn’t always appear in cohesion with the drummers. Overall not quite so tight as SFU or FM.
Thus far my list was 1 FMM 2 SFU 3 SLOT 4 Shotts. I was impressed with the 78th Frasers. Their technique may have been short of the bands already mentioned, but they had a fine tone and their tempi betokened a refreshing attitude: ‘Let’s leave everything out there.’ I hoped the judges would give them credit for it. I added them to the bottom end of my MSR list.
The last of the contenders were Inveraray. Confident, controlled with a clarity of tone that instantly impressed. Were those doublings in Argyllshire Gathering D to low G as united as they ought to be in band with so many brilliant pipers?
My list for Friday’s MSR: 1 FMM 2 Inveraray 3 SFU 4 SLOT 5 Shotts 6 78th.
What was noticeable in the Medley was the improvement in the bands not yet mentioned. Closkelt, Johnstone, Police Federation, Dunedin, Fife Police, St Thomas, were all much, much better. It shows just what a test the March, Strathspey and Reel is, and why it must always be retained in the Worlds format. MSR preference should replace Ensemble preference in the final reckoning as far as I am concerned, much as Piobaireachd does over MSR in the solos.
Inveraray were on near the end. They delivered a stunning tour de force which brought the biggest cheer of the day from the surprisingly large crowd – a cheer courteously acknowledged by P/M Liddell.
More importantly you could tell from the judges’ body language that the band had hit home with the men who mattered. I am writing this on Friday evening [August 16th] only a few hours after leaving the Green. I have no doubt whatsoever that the summaries will show Inveraray winning this Medley contest.
The Balmoral bonnet makes a comeback! Leading the way at the Worlds were adjudicators Cameron Edgar (left) and Peter Snaddon, and the 78th Fraser Highlanders from Ontario
Great stuff from defending champions Boghall with particularly good amalgamation of drum and pipe. A different band from the MSR; the sound was so much better too.
SLOT gave it everything, their powerful drum corps driving them on through rampant jigs and reels and a lovely slow air. FMM’s ending goes on too long and the seconds in the opener are overpowering, but what precision from this pipe corps.
The first half of SFU’s set was right up there, but after the slow air I felt the jigs lacked quality, and the arrangement over complex. Tuneless jigs were an impediment for Shotts too, yet they played very well. Another accomplished pipe corps; bass too loud in places.
What about Fife Police at the end? Simply terrific. You would not have believed this was the same band that played in the morning. Brilliant work from David Wilton. Another young pipe major who deserves all the success that comes his way. They gave it absolutely everything and next to Inveraray drew the best ovation of a chilly afternoon.
My result: 1 Inveraray 2 SLOT 3 Fife Police 4 Boghall 5 FMM 6 SFU
- Postscript: Though an enjoyable day of top class pipe band competition, is the Worlds Friday really necessary? With our expert judges, can’t the World Champions be decided with two runs on the Saturday?
Hi Robert.Can you explain what categories the judges are commenting on in their critique sheets during a performance.ie is it broken into segments..start,drones,chanters etc
Judges are looking for a good instrument that lasts the course, accurate technique throughout, musical expression and all the correct notes. Hope this helps.RW
I think that Friday grade 1 is great for all the bands of other grades to have the chance of listening the best bands. If you are in any grade, on Saturday you have your mind in your tuning, your arena, your settings.
Plus, it gives grade 1 bands the chance of performing both sets of msr and medleys thay have presented.
On grade 2, with the extraordinary level lf the bands, I would make them play both msr and medley on Saturday at the Worlds
Great event!
I think a two day worlds is a great test for grade 1. Inveraray were consistently the best over the 4 runs and worthy winners. I think the same applies for the pervious years of the 2 day world’s winners.
Having 16 judges allows the opportunity to throw out the top and bottom marks each band receives, like they do in other subjective sports, such as ice skating. It wouldn’t have changed who the winners were on this occasion, but it could make the difference in a closer contest. This could be from any discipline, however, all marks are considered for the drumming prize. All placings published for transparency. I don’t think any human being can avoid bias, intentional or not, and this would go some way to avoid that. If it isn’t bias, then the judge is incompetent and their mark discounted.
Friday lacks the atmosphere that Saturday possesses. Perhaps move more events to Friday, such as qualifiers, juvenile grades and Grade 2. I think it would be a nice touch for the grade 2 band to play off the finale as world champions.
The worlds is not great for spectators. Very difficult to hear grade 1 especially with strong winds. In other grades, if the ring has an entry and exit, plus judges tents, there is very little space for spectators to see and hear the bands. I think the stewards should have “be quiet” signs to remind the audience to respect those around them who are listening. The march past is way too long and the beer tent queues horrendous.
The RSPBA do an amazing job and I’m not sure all of the above points made are entirely their remit, but I think feedback from all quarters should be gathered and used to make the event even better for bands and spectators alike.
Some very god pointed made here and that is why your anonymous comment has been published. The problem with Friday qualifiers is that many good bands, some of whom have travelled great distances, find themselves excluded from Saturday’s excitement. Ed.