GRADE LEVEL

In bagpiping there are 5 (actually 6) levels or grades of competence that determines the quality of piping that you hear. Grade 1 being the highest grade level and 5 the lowest. The sixth level is the open class or professional level. As one might expect, there are far fewer open class players than say grade 4 level players. This grading system becomes important in the realm of highland game competitions and should be used only as a rough guide when choosing a piper for your special event. Bagpipers of even the lowest grade levels can some times satisfy the requirements for impromtu or short events. Having said that, I am a believer in the competition system. It provides the practicing piper the necessary challenges needed for continual improvement. If a bagpipe player does not compete in solo competitions, and therefore does not have a grade level classification, the number of years a bagpiper has been playing the instrument can help determine a quality level. I fall into the category of a grade 3 level player and have been playing the Highland Bagpipes since 1996 here in Wisconsin. I am a long time member of the Billy Mitchell Scottish Pipes & Drums in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Highland game competitions present an opportunity for pipers and drummers to not only match themselves against other bagpipe players, but to also get the chance to have a well trained ear (the competition judge) listen to their abilities and comment on them. I find this activity essential in sharpening my technique as well as enhancing my ability to express the emotions found in the music. Throughout my years of competition I have aquired some awards from highland game judges around the midwest and in Milwaukee Wisconsin. (12-1st place, 4-2nd place, 6-3rd place and my fair share of no placings at all). My crowning achievement has been the awarding of "Champion Supreme" status for Piobaireachd in grade 3. An award given to the piper who accummulates the most points or wins in a single season. (please see the Tunes section for a bit more on Piobaireachd style of music.)

TUNING

Tuning of the bagpipe presents a great challenge to even the most seasoned of piper. Proper tuning is essential in achieving the greatest quality performance. It remains a major determining factor in judging the competence of a bagpiper. However, time and circumstance will often play a role in the final outcome. I place great importance in achieving a properly tuned instrument. The Highland Bagpipes demand a period of about 30 to 45 minutes of tuning time prior to an event. This is due to, in part, because of the reeds (there are 4) and other factors such as finger dexterity and weather related conditions. The length of time between pretuning and the actual performance needs to be as short as possible in order to maintain the best sound quality. The Highland Bagpipes are notorious for their finicky nature when it comes to maintaining proper tuning once they have been tuned. This warm-up time should be taken into account when planning a piper at your event. Arrangements should be made to provide a room, out of ear-shot of your guests for this critical stage of the performance.

UNIFORM

As a performer of the Scottish Highland Bagpipe, I perform in a uniform known as highland wear that includes a kilt, around the kilt straps a belt and a pouch or "Sporran". Shoes called "Ghillie Brogues" and flashes that help keep the knit hose or socks up to my knees. Generally, a piper is also required to wear a hat or cap. Mine is wool, done in the Glengarry style. As opposed to the barret-look of the Balmoral style. Apart from bagpiping I enjoy working with leather. As such, I have created my own version of belt and Sporran as well as a leather kilt vest that I sometimes wear. The more polished look is achieved by wearing a kilt jacket, similar to a sport jacket, but fitted and shortened to accomodate the kilt. My jacket is genuine Harris tweed, purchased on a past trip to Scotland and the isle of Harris. My kilt, as all true Scottish kilts, is made from Scottish wool and the pattern or "tartan" is the Ancient Mitchell tartan. It is shared by other Scottish clans (such as Galbraith, Hunter and Rose). The Ancient Mitchell was proclaimed the "Official Tartan" of Milwaukee County by County Executive William O' Donnell, and duly entered into the Tartan Registry in Scotland.