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Despite the distance to Scotland our band tries to compete several
times a year. We travel to the Worlds and Perth Highland Games almost
every year. In 2002 we played in grade 2 for the first time, finishing
in the middle of the field at the Worlds. In 2003 we went to Belgium, as the
European Championships were held on the continent for the first time ever!
There are also several annual contests in Scandinavia. The principal
judges are recruited among the Scottish elite, but experienced Scandinavians
assist and judge some events. Competitors come from Sweden, Denmark, Norway
and Finland and also from England, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
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The Scandinavian Championships are held every Whitsun weekend (May/June)
since 1970, in Denmark or in Sweden. It is a two-day competition with band
events (grades 4 and 3, open medley and open march/strathspey/reel) on the
Saturday and solos on the Sunday.
One week before, on Ascension Day, the Danish Championships are held as a
"dress rehearsal" for grade 4 bands in Denmark, with Danes judging.
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The Copenhagen Winter Competition takes place every mid-February since 1973.
This indoor event includes all solos, Drum Salute and Quintets
(3 pipers/side/bass, grade 4/open, medley). The concluding judges’ recital
on the Sunday evening is another highlight.
There are also quite a few piping competitions on the continent of Europe,
notably in Ludwigshafen, Germany in April and in Alden Biesen, Belgium in September.
Solo events in Scandinavia include m/s/r and hornpipe/jig on several levels
of proficiency for both pipers and drummers. Beginners play a slow air (drummers
a march). Piobaireachd events include Urlar (for beginners), Intermediate
(one tune) and Advanced (three tunes). One special event is Scandinavian Tune,
where a domestic tune is played on the Highland bagpipe (though twice, for the
judge to appreciate it).
All competitions are co-ordinated by The Pipe Band Association of Scandinavia,
a body which lays down rules (in accordance with the RSPBA) and promotes band
co-operation.
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