How Piping & Drumming Competitions Work

Competitions are a big part of the piping and drumming world, whether you're a solo player or part of a pipe band. This section will guide you through how contests work, what to expect, and what’s required at the beginner levels.

Types of Competitions

• Solo Competitions – Individual pipers and drummers perform set tunes and are judged on technique, musicality, and execution. Solo players are graded similarly to bands, competing against others at the same skill level.

• Pipe Band Competitions – Bands compete in graded categories, where they’re judged on ensemble, musicality, and precision.

What Happens on Competition Day? (Soloists)

Arrival & Check-in

When you arrive, check in with the piping & drumming coordinators to confirm your performance time and get any necessary information about where to go. It’s a good idea to arrive early so you have time to get settled and ready.

Warm-up Area

Before performing, you’ll have time to warm up and tune your instrument. This is your chance to get comfortable, run through your tunes, and make any final adjustments. Different players have different warm-up routines—what matters most is finding a way to get focused and prepared.

Performance & Judging

When it’s your turn to perform, you’ll play in front of a judge. Judges evaluate performances based on criteria, such as:

• Timing & Rhythm – Are you staying on the beat and maintaining a steady tempo?

• Technique – Are your finger movements, embellishments, or drumming rudiments clear and controlled?

• Expression & Musicality – Are you playing with confidence, flow, and feeling?

• Overall Execution – How well do all the elements come together?

Each judge brings their own experience, but they follow guidelines to ensure fairness and consistency in scoring.

Results & Feedback

After all performances are completed, scores are posted, and competitors receive adjudication sheets. These sheets provide feedback on strengths and areas for improvement. It’s important to remember that competitions aren’t just about results—they’re about progress. Even if you don’t place, the experience and feedback will help you become a better musician.

What Happens on Competition Day? (Bands)

The competitive process for pipe bands varies depending on the band's leadership and approach, but here’s a general overview of what to expect:

Arrival & Check-in

Band members should arrive early to check in, review the schedule, and meet with their leadership. Some competitions have designated areas for tuning and warm-up, while others require bands to find their own space.

Warm-up & Final Preparations

The band will gather to tune instruments, run through the set, and make final adjustments. Leaders and senior players guide this process to ensure everyone is ready to perform at their best.

March to the Line & Performance

When it’s time to compete, the band will be led to the competition area by the Pipe Major or Drum Sergeant. Bands are judged on various elements, including:

• Ensemble Sound – How well do the pipes and drums blend together?

• Execution – Are notes, embellishments, and drum scores played cleanly?

• Musicality – Does the performance have good phrasing and expression?

Results & Feedback

After all bands have competed, results are announced, and bands receive adjudication sheets with comments from the judges. Most competitions include a formal awards ceremony.

Why Compete?

Competitions can feel intimidating at first, but they are one of the best ways to improve as a piper or drummer. Playing solos, in particular, helps build confidence, develop technique, and refine musicality. Judges aren’t just there to rank performances—they’re there to help you improve. Every competition is a learning experience, and over time, you’ll see real progress in your playing.

That said, competitions are just one part of the journey. Some of the best moments in piping and drumming come from playing with friends, performing at community events, and simply enjoying the music. Whether or not you compete, your progress as a musician is what truly matters.

So whether you’re competing for the first time or looking to move up to the next level, embrace the challenge, and enjoy the process!