EUSPBA News

Announcements

So, You Want To Compete?

Learn the ins and outs, the ups and downs, the dos and don'ts of solo and band competition. This informative booklet has been freshly updated and is invaluable to the new competitor. Even if you've been on the boards for years, it couldn't hurt to review this information. Read So, You Want To Compete? (03/21/2008)

2008 Rules and Regulations

The new rulebook for 2008 has been posted (see it here). The printed booklet will be going to press soon. If you would like to receive a rulebook in the mail, please email Carole Hackett at zecsec@euspba.org and she will send you one as soon as they become available. Rulebooks are available at no charge to EUSPBA members.

Competitors will notice some changes in this upcoming season, many of which are a result of agenda items from the 2007 AGM. Among the changes are:

  • Grade 5 bands – please be aware that the time limit for Gr. 5 Quick March Medley will be 2 minutes 45 seconds – 4 minutes 30 seconds.  This new time limit brings the EUSPBA in line with the PPBSO and MWPBA and will make it easier for bands that travel to other associations to compete.  It is also the same as the time limit for Gr. 4 bands.
  • No Ties in Band Contests — All bands will be ranked in contests - no judge will award any two or more competitors in a band event the same placing.  All bands must be ranked with no ties.” 
  • Change in Gr. 3 solo piping requirement for strathspey/reel – Two 2-parted or one 4-parted strathspey and reel.
  • Grade 3 solo snare drumming – the 2/4 March requirement will remain in effect with the addition of a strathspey/reel as an optional requirement for those players who wish to play a strathspey/reel in competition.  Each of these disciplines will consist of four (4) parts each – either two 2-parted or one 4-parted strathspey and reel.  This will now match the new Gr. 3 solo piping requirement.
  • Splitting of Amateur Tenor in Am 1 and Am 2 – see page 9 for details.

There will be no change for 2008 in regard to Gr. 4 snare drumming - the current rule will still be in effect:

  • Grade 4Sr (18 & over) — One 4-part March or two different 2-part Marches or one 2-part March played twice. May be of any time signature.
  • Grade 4Jr/John Murray Juvenile Contest (17 & under) — One 4-part March or two different 2-part Marches or one 2-part March played twice. May be of any time signature.

As always, any questions or concerns about rules or other EUSPBA-related issues should be directed to the Executive Secretary at rules@euspba.org. or zecsec@euspba.org

2008 Workshops Announced

Saturday With Bruce Gandy - April 19, 2008. Designed for teachers and their students. Seminar, master class and evening recital offered. For more information, visit www.bagpipeband.com/brucegandy.htm

Drum Major Workshops - April 19-20, 2008 - Albany NY; April 26-27, 2008 - Hartford CT
Get more info from Patti Nisco at drm-maj@msn.com

Piping and Drumming Atlanta Summer School - June 15-20, 2008. A week with Roddy McLeod, Steven McWhirter and many others. First time to be held in Atlanta. More information can be found at www.thepipingcentre.co.uk/atlanta/pages/Atlanta.html

North American Academy of Piping and Drumming - Valle Crucis, NC. In its 37 year, 5 weeks to choose from in June and July. for more information visit www.naapd.org/

Invermark Piping & Drumming Workshops - Castleton VT with 2 sessions - 7/13-7/18, and 7/20-7/25. Also Invermark Solo Piping Retreat 08/17-08/22/2008 on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. More information is available at www.invermark.org.

 

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