Competition is a primary focus for many pipe bands and soloists around the world. Every year competitions are held at various venues including Highland festivals and Indoor Events. The Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario (PPBSO) administers the Solo Piping, Drumming and Pipe Band contests at various highland games throughout Ontario. Several of these contests have special distinctions attached to them, such as North American, Canadian and Ontario Championship.
As well, local Society branches hold many smaller competitions throughout the fall, winter and spring months. The George Sherriff Invitational, The Agnew-Harrison Invitation, and the Livingstone Invitational are prestigious events for solo competitors that the PPBSO takes pride in presenting each year.
See below for more information and a list of events for the coming season.
Pipe Band Competitions
Pipe Bands are divided in to classes for competition based on the overall performance quality and skill level of the band as a whole. Generally, the bands are ranked from Grade 5 (lowest) to Grade 1 (highest).
Requiements for each grade and event are available in the PPBSO Rule Book.
Solo Piping Competitions
Solo Piping Competitions are divided into the following classes:
(i) Professional
(ii) Senior Professional (ages 45 & over)
(iii) Amateur Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
(iv) Amateur Piobaireachd – Senior, Intermediate, Junior, and Novice
(v) Novice Practice Chanter
Requiements for each grade and event are available in the PPBSO Rule Book.
Solo Drumming Competitions
Solo Drumming Competitions are divided into the following classes:
(i) Professional
(ii) Amateur Grades 1, 2, 3 4 and 5
(iii) Novice, Amateur, and Professional bass and tenor
Requiements for each grade and event are available in the PPBSO Rule Book.
Associations:
Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario
Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario – Ottawa Branch
Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association