New Competition Rules For 2018

New Competition Rules For 2018

(Full rules will be found in Rule Book after January 1st)
New Grade 5 Piping and Drumming Events RULE:

Grade 5 (Bagpipe): March: Grade 5 Amateur competitors shall submit and play one (1) two-parted march in simple time (2/4, 3/4 or 4/4), once through played on the bagpipe. This can be a two-parted march or the first two parts of a longer tune. At least two drones must be sounding (one bass and one tenor). To be implemented in the 2018 season. Piobaireachd: Ground only of a Piobaireachd from the set list to be played on the bagpipe. To be implemented in the 2019 season. Grade 4 Junior and Senior competitors may petition the music board for reassignment to Grade 5 based on track record and ability.

Any Grade 5 competitor who receives an AGL may voluntarily upgrade to the corresponding Grade 4 level (Junior or Senior) at any time during that season. If an AGL is awarded, the competitor will be automatically upgraded at the end of the season. All other requests for upgrade will be submitted through the annual EUSPBA upgrade process or on a limited case by case basis during the season. Grade 5 (Snare Drum): Grade 5 Snare Drum competitors shall submit and play one (1) two-parted march in simple time (2/4, 3/4 or 4/4), once through played on the snare drum.

This can be a two-parted march or the first two parts of a longer tune. Piper recommended but not required. Novice Grade (Practice Chanter): One four-parted or two different two-parted marches in 2/4, 4/4, or 6/8 time. Novice Grade (Practice Chanter) is restricted to those playing the practice chanter only in competition and is not open to those playing the bagpipe in band competition or in Grade 5 Bagpipe solo events. Novice Grade (Practice Chanter) does not require membership in the EUSPBA. Novice Grade (Practice Pad): Two parts of a march, any time signature on the drum pad. No piper required. Novice Grade (Practice Pad) competitions are restricted to those playing the drum pad only in competition and are not open to those playing the snare drum in band competition or in Grade 5 Snare Drum solo events. Novice Grade (Practice Pad) does not require membership in the EUSPBA.
Grade III Medley

Medley will now be 3 to 6 minutes
Midsection Instructor

Bands will now be allowed a playing midsection instructor
Instructor on Band Roster
Instructors added to band roster no less than 60 days before the band’s first contest

Protest Fee
Fee is now $20
Event Renaming
Professional events are now called “Open”