Rules and Regulations

The Atlantic Canada Pipe Band Association (ACPBA) is the governing body for Highland piping and drumming competitions in Atlantic Canada. The ACPBA oversees solo and pipe band contests, ensures fair judging standards, and supports the development of musicians at all levels.

Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information on this page is accurate. In the case of a discrepancy between information on the website and the official ACPBA rulebook, the rulebook will be considered correct.

The Rules and Regulations Governing Piping, Drumming Pipe Band Competitions.
Adopted by The Atlantic Canada Pipe Band Association (October 1996)
Last Revision – May 28, 2024

Documents Enclosed within the rulebook:
Practice Chanter Tune List, page 20
Music Board Appendix, page 21
Games Sanctioning Policy, page 22
Games Sanctioning Application, see Membership tab

    
    Tune Requirements
    
Tune Requirements for ACPBA Sanctioned Events
    Pipe Band Requirements
            
        Grade
        Tune Requirements
      
        Grade 5
        
          March Medley – A selection of tunes with a duration of 3:00 to 5:00 minutes. Different time signatures, tune types, and tempos must be used.

          Medley – A selection of tunes with a duration of 3:00 to 5:00 minutes. Must consist of tunes of different types, time signatures, and tempos.
        
        Grade 4
        
          March Medley – A selection of tunes with a duration of 3:00 to 5:00 minutes. Must consist of tunes of different types, time signatures, and tempos.

          Medley – A selection of tunes with a duration of 3:00 to 5:00 minutes. Must consist of tunes of different types, time signatures, and tempos.
        
        Grade 3
        
          MSR – Submit one (1) MSR set, consisting of one (1) 2/4 march, one (1) strathspey, and one (1) reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts.

          Medley – A selection of tunes with a duration of 3:00 to 6:00 minutes. Must consist of tunes of different types, time signatures, and tempos.
        
        Grade 2
        
          MSR – Submit two (2) MSR sets, each consisting of one (1) 2/4 march, one (1) strathspey, and one (1) reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts. The adjudicator will select one set for performance.

          Medley – A selection of tunes with a duration of 4:00 to 7:00 minutes. Must consist of tunes of different types, time signatures, and tempos.
        
        Grade 1
        
          MSR – Submit two (2) MSR sets, each consisting of one (1) 2/4 march, one (1) strathspey, and one (1) reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts. The adjudicator will select one set for performance.

          Medley – Submit two (2) medleys, each with a duration of 5:00 to 8:00 minutes. The adjudicator will select one medley for performance.
        
    Solo Piping Requirements
            
      Grade
      Tune Requirements
    
      Beginner (Practice Chanter)
      March – 2-part march in quick time (See rulebook for prescribed tune list).
    
      Grade 5
      
        2/4 March – Minimum 4 parts. May be a 2-parted tune played twice or a 4-parted tune played once.

        Piobaireachd – Ground only.

        Junior Amateur Jig – Submit one jig, minimum 4 parts, each part repeated.
      
      Grade 4
      
        2/4 March – One tune, minimum of 4 parts.

        Piobaireachd – Ground + 2 variations.

        Junior Amateur Jig – Submit one jig, minimum 4 parts, each part repeated.
      
      Grade 3
      
        2/4 March – One tune, minimum of 4 parts.

        6/8 March – One tune, minimum of 4 parts.

        Strathspey & Reel – One strathspey & one reel, each a minimum of 4 parts.

        Piobaireachd – Submit one full tune.

        MSR – One 2/4 march, one strathspey, one reel (each a minimum of 4 parts).

        Junior Amateur Jig – Submit one jig, minimum 4 parts, each part repeated.
      
      Grade 2
      
        2/4 March – Submit two marches, minimum of 4 parts.

        6/8 March – Submit two marches, minimum of 4 parts.

        Strathspey & Reel – One strathspey & one reel, each a minimum of 4 parts.

        MSR – Two 2/4 marches, one strathspey, one reel (each a minimum of 4 parts).

        Hornpipe & Jig – One hornpipe & one jig, each a minimum of 4 parts.

        Piobaireachd – Submit two full tunes (adjudicator selects one).
      
      Grade 1
      
        2/4 March – Submit two marches, minimum of 4 parts.

        6/8 March – Submit two marches, minimum of 4 parts.

        Strathspey & Reel – Submit two strathspeys and two reels, minimum of 4 parts each.

        MSR – Submit two 2/4 marches, two strathspeys, two reels, minimum of 4 parts each. Adjudicator selects one set.

        Hornpipe & Jig – Submit two hornpipes and two jigs, minimum of 4 parts each. Adjudicator selects one of each.

        Piobaireachd – Submit three full tunes. Adjudicator selects one.
      
      Professional
      
        2/4 March – Submit four 2/4 marches, minimum of 4 parts each. Adjudicator will select one.

        6/8 March – Submit four 6/8 marches, minimum of 4 parts each. Adjudicator will select one.

        Strathspey & Reel – Submit four strathspeys and four reels, minimum of 4 parts each. Adjudicator will select one of each.

        MSR – Submit four 2/4 marches, four strathspeys, and four reels. Minimum of 4 parts each. Adjudicator will select one of each.

        Jig – Submit four jigs, minimum of 4 parts. Selected tune to be played twice over, each part repeated.

        Hornpipe & Jig – Submit three hornpipes and three jigs, minimum 4 parts each. Adjudicator will select one of each.

        Piobaireachd – Submit four tunes. Adjudicator will select one.
      
    Solo Snare Drumming Requirements
            
      Grade
      Tune Requirements
    
      Drum Pad (Beginner)
      March – Minimum two (2) parts of a march in any time signature.
    
      Grade 5
      
        March – Minimum two (2) parts of a march in any time signature, chosen from a list of 6 parade marches commonly played in Atlantic Canada.

        Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe, minimum 4 parts, played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig, minimum 4 parts, but also may be two, two-part jigs. Submit one set.
      
      Grade 4
      
        March – Minimum four (4) parts in any time signature. Two-parted tunes may be played twice, or a four-parted tune may be played once.

        Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe, minimum 4 parts, played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig, minimum 4 parts, but also may be two, two-part jigs. Submit one set.
      
      Grade 3
      
        MSR – A 2/4 march, strathspey, and reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts.

        Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe, minimum 4 parts, played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig, minimum 4 parts, but also may be two, two-part jigs. Submit one set.
      
      Grade 2
      
        MSR – A 2/4 march, strathspey, and reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts.

        Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe, minimum 4 parts, played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig, minimum 4 parts, but also may be two, two-part jigs. Submit one set.
      
      Grade 1
      
        MSR – A 2/4 march, strathspey, and reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts.

        Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe, minimum 4 parts, played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig, minimum 4 parts, but also may be two, two-part jigs. Submit one set.

        Drum Solo – A drum solo contest of two (2) to four (4) minutes may be offered.
      
      Professional
      
        MSR – Submit two (2) sets of a 2/4 march, strathspey, and reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts. Selection is drawn at the judges' table on the day of the contest.

        Hornpipe & Jig – Submit two (2) sets, each including a 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) and a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts, or two 2-part jigs). Adjudicator selects one set.

        Drum Solo – A contest of three (3) to five (5) minutes may also be offered.
      
    Solo Tenor Drumming Requirements
            
      Grade
      Tune Requirements
    
      Grade 5
      
        March – Two-parted 2/4 march, performed along with a piper or an audio recording.
      
      Junior Amateur (Grades 4 & 3)
      
        March – Four-parted 2/4 march, performed along with a piper or an audio recording.

        Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts), but also may be two, two-part jigs.
      
      Senior Amateur (Grades 2 & 1)
      
        MSR – A four-parted 2/4 march, a four-parted strathspey, and a four-parted reel OR a medley performance, performed along with a piper or an audio recording.

        Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts), but also may be two, two-part jigs.
      
      Professional
      
        MSR – Competitors must submit two (2) MSR sets, each consisting of a 2/4 march, a strathspey, and a reel, with a minimum of four (4) parts per tune. The adjudicator will select one set for performance.

        Hornpipe & Jig – Submit two sets, each including a 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) and a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts, or two 2-part jigs). Adjudicator selects one set.
      
    Solo Bass Drumming Requirements
            
      Grade
      Tune Requirements
    
      Grade 5
      
        March – Two-parted 2/4 march, performed along with a piper or an audio recording.
      
      Junior Amateur (Grades 4 & 3)
      
        March – Four-parted 2/4 march, performed along with a piper or an audio recording.

        Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts), but also may be two, two-part jigs.
      
      Senior Amateur (Grades 2 & 1)
      
        MSR – A four-parted 2/4 march, a four-parted strathspey, and a four-parted reel OR a medley performance, performed along with a piper or an audio recording.

        Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts), but also may be two, two-part jigs.
      
      Professional
      
        MSR – Competitors must submit two (2) MSR sets, each consisting of a 2/4 march, a strathspey, and a reel, with a minimum of four (4) parts per tune. The adjudicator will select one set for performance.

        Hornpipe & Jig – Submit two sets, each including a 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) and a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts, or two 2-part jigs). Adjudicator selects one set.

    
    Tune Requirements
    
Band Composition Requirements
  Band Composition Requirements
          
                      Band Grade
                      Minimum # of Pipers
                      Minimum # of Side Drummers
                      Minimum # of Bass Drummers
                  
                      Grade 5
                      5
                      2
                      1
                  
                      Grade 4
                      5
                      2
                      1
                  
                      Grade 3
                      5
                      2
                      1
                  
                      Grade 2
                      6
                      2
                      1
                  
                      Grade 1
                      8
                      3
                      1

Grade	Tune Requirements
Grade 5	March Medley – A selection of tunes with a duration of 3:00 to 5:00 minutes. Different time signatures, tune types, and tempos must be used. Medley – A selection of tunes with a duration of 3:00 to 5:00 minutes. Must consist of tunes of different types, time signatures, and tempos.
Grade 4	March Medley – A selection of tunes with a duration of 3:00 to 5:00 minutes. Must consist of tunes of different types, time signatures, and tempos. Medley – A selection of tunes with a duration of 3:00 to 5:00 minutes. Must consist of tunes of different types, time signatures, and tempos.
Grade 3	MSR – Submit one (1) MSR set, consisting of one (1) 2/4 march, one (1) strathspey, and one (1) reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts. Medley – A selection of tunes with a duration of 3:00 to 6:00 minutes. Must consist of tunes of different types, time signatures, and tempos.
Grade 2	MSR – Submit two (2) MSR sets, each consisting of one (1) 2/4 march, one (1) strathspey, and one (1) reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts. The adjudicator will select one set for performance. Medley – A selection of tunes with a duration of 4:00 to 7:00 minutes. Must consist of tunes of different types, time signatures, and tempos.
Grade 1	MSR – Submit two (2) MSR sets, each consisting of one (1) 2/4 march, one (1) strathspey, and one (1) reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts. The adjudicator will select one set for performance. Medley – Submit two (2) medleys, each with a duration of 5:00 to 8:00 minutes. The adjudicator will select one medley for performance.

Grade	Tune Requirements
Beginner (Practice Chanter)	March – 2-part march in quick time (See rulebook for prescribed tune list).
Grade 5	2/4 March – Minimum 4 parts. May be a 2-parted tune played twice or a 4-parted tune played once. Piobaireachd – Ground only. Junior Amateur Jig – Submit one jig, minimum 4 parts, each part repeated.
Grade 4	2/4 March – One tune, minimum of 4 parts. Piobaireachd – Ground + 2 variations. Junior Amateur Jig – Submit one jig, minimum 4 parts, each part repeated.
Grade 3	2/4 March – One tune, minimum of 4 parts. 6/8 March – One tune, minimum of 4 parts. Strathspey & Reel – One strathspey & one reel, each a minimum of 4 parts. Piobaireachd – Submit one full tune. MSR – One 2/4 march, one strathspey, one reel (each a minimum of 4 parts). Junior Amateur Jig – Submit one jig, minimum 4 parts, each part repeated.
Grade 2	2/4 March – Submit two marches, minimum of 4 parts. 6/8 March – Submit two marches, minimum of 4 parts. Strathspey & Reel – One strathspey & one reel, each a minimum of 4 parts. MSR – Two 2/4 marches, one strathspey, one reel (each a minimum of 4 parts). Hornpipe & Jig – One hornpipe & one jig, each a minimum of 4 parts. Piobaireachd – Submit two full tunes (adjudicator selects one).
Grade 1	2/4 March – Submit two marches, minimum of 4 parts. 6/8 March – Submit two marches, minimum of 4 parts. Strathspey & Reel – Submit two strathspeys and two reels, minimum of 4 parts each. MSR – Submit two 2/4 marches, two strathspeys, two reels, minimum of 4 parts each. Adjudicator selects one set. Hornpipe & Jig – Submit two hornpipes and two jigs, minimum of 4 parts each. Adjudicator selects one of each. Piobaireachd – Submit three full tunes. Adjudicator selects one.
Professional	2/4 March – Submit four 2/4 marches, minimum of 4 parts each. Adjudicator will select one. 6/8 March – Submit four 6/8 marches, minimum of 4 parts each. Adjudicator will select one. Strathspey & Reel – Submit four strathspeys and four reels, minimum of 4 parts each. Adjudicator will select one of each. MSR – Submit four 2/4 marches, four strathspeys, and four reels. Minimum of 4 parts each. Adjudicator will select one of each. Jig – Submit four jigs, minimum of 4 parts. Selected tune to be played twice over, each part repeated. Hornpipe & Jig – Submit three hornpipes and three jigs, minimum 4 parts each. Adjudicator will select one of each. Piobaireachd – Submit four tunes. Adjudicator will select one.

Grade	Tune Requirements
Drum Pad (Beginner)	March – Minimum two (2) parts of a march in any time signature.
Grade 5	March – Minimum two (2) parts of a march in any time signature, chosen from a list of 6 parade marches commonly played in Atlantic Canada. Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe, minimum 4 parts, played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig, minimum 4 parts, but also may be two, two-part jigs. Submit one set.
Grade 4	March – Minimum four (4) parts in any time signature. Two-parted tunes may be played twice, or a four-parted tune may be played once. Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe, minimum 4 parts, played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig, minimum 4 parts, but also may be two, two-part jigs. Submit one set.
Grade 3	MSR – A 2/4 march, strathspey, and reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts. Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe, minimum 4 parts, played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig, minimum 4 parts, but also may be two, two-part jigs. Submit one set.
Grade 2	MSR – A 2/4 march, strathspey, and reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts. Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe, minimum 4 parts, played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig, minimum 4 parts, but also may be two, two-part jigs. Submit one set.
Grade 1	MSR – A 2/4 march, strathspey, and reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts. Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe, minimum 4 parts, played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig, minimum 4 parts, but also may be two, two-part jigs. Submit one set. Drum Solo – A drum solo contest of two (2) to four (4) minutes may be offered.
Professional	MSR – Submit two (2) sets of a 2/4 march, strathspey, and reel, each a minimum of four (4) parts. Selection is drawn at the judges' table on the day of the contest. Hornpipe & Jig – Submit two (2) sets, each including a 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) and a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts, or two 2-part jigs). Adjudicator selects one set. Drum Solo – A contest of three (3) to five (5) minutes may also be offered.

Grade	Tune Requirements
Grade 5	March – Two-parted 2/4 march, performed along with a piper or an audio recording.
Junior Amateur (Grades 4 & 3)	March – Four-parted 2/4 march, performed along with a piper or an audio recording. Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts), but also may be two, two-part jigs.
Senior Amateur (Grades 2 & 1)	MSR – A four-parted 2/4 march, a four-parted strathspey, and a four-parted reel OR a medley performance, performed along with a piper or an audio recording. Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts), but also may be two, two-part jigs.
Professional	MSR – Competitors must submit two (2) MSR sets, each consisting of a 2/4 march, a strathspey, and a reel, with a minimum of four (4) parts per tune. The adjudicator will select one set for performance. Hornpipe & Jig – Submit two sets, each including a 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) and a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts, or two 2-part jigs). Adjudicator selects one set.

Grade	Tune Requirements
Grade 5	March – Two-parted 2/4 march, performed along with a piper or an audio recording.
Junior Amateur (Grades 4 & 3)	March – Four-parted 2/4 march, performed along with a piper or an audio recording. Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts), but also may be two, two-part jigs.
Senior Amateur (Grades 2 & 1)	MSR – A four-parted 2/4 march, a four-parted strathspey, and a four-parted reel OR a medley performance, performed along with a piper or an audio recording. Hornpipe & Jig – A 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) played together with a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts), but also may be two, two-part jigs.
Professional	MSR – Competitors must submit two (2) MSR sets, each consisting of a 2/4 march, a strathspey, and a reel, with a minimum of four (4) parts per tune. The adjudicator will select one set for performance. Hornpipe & Jig – Submit two sets, each including a 2/4 hornpipe (minimum 4 parts) and a 6/8 or 9/8 jig (minimum 4 parts, or two 2-part jigs). Adjudicator selects one set.