JUDGES CORNER - Piping Tip #1

The Judges Corner is an educational series in which accredited PPBSO judges share insights and tips to help competitors improve their performances. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this advice aims to clarify what judges focus on and support your growth as a musician.

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PIPING TIP #1 - Brad Davidson PPBSO "A" Piobaireachd & "B" Solo Piping Judging Accreditation

For solo pipers, as you move up the ranks into Grades 1 and even 2, and most certainly into senior amateur, you need to be mindful that the quality of sound from your bagpipe, drones, as well as chanter, becomes of greater importance to your competitive performance.  Showing up with a bagpipe that is set up to fit in with a pipe band may not be your best option for solo competition.  Bands often like a bigger, buzzier sound, whereas a solo instrument will tend toward something more refined.

A suggestion for solo pipers is to obtain a set of cane drone reeds and use them as your benchmark for drone sound.  With that, you now have a reference sound for your solo drone setup. 

Good luck this season!