The British Columbia Pipers’ Association (BCPA) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Jack Lee Amateur Invitational Piping Competition, writes David Hilder, President. This exciting new annual event will celebrate the art of piobaireachd and showcase the top piping talent in the amateur grades of the Association.
The inaugural competition will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Seaforth Armoury in Vancouver. This new invitational honours the remarkable legacy of Jack Lee and will provide a high-profile platform for amateur pipers, inspire future generations, and strengthen the cultural fabric of piping both locally and internationally.
Jack will lead the judging panel. He said, ‘By highlighting piobaireachd at the highest amateur levels, we are celebrating tradition while continuing to build a vibrant future for piping in the BC Pipers’ area.’
Invitations have been sent to top-ranked amateur piobaireachd players from the 2024–2025 season. Each competitor will play an own choice 6/8 then a piobaireachd selected by Jack. The draw is this Sunday, October 19.
The winner receives a hand made sporran and a targe trophy newly created by designer Doug Mathews (see picture above). All prizewinners receive pin badges plus additional sponsored prizes.
The BCPA welcomes additional sponsorship and donations to support the success of this prestigious event. The BCPA provides tax receipts for contributions above $25. For sponsorship opportunities or event information, please contact me at president@bcpipers.org.
- Jack Lee is one of the world’s leading pipers. In a career spanning 50 years he has won all the major prizes. He is renowned as a teacher and adjudicator. Jack recently retired as P/Sgt of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band with whom he won the World Pipe Band Championship Grade 1 title on six occasions.
