Rule change: Grades 4 & 5 soloists

The Board of Directors of The Pipers' & Pipe Band Society of Ontario today approved a rule change that allows for competitors participating in our "entry level" events (i.e. grades 4 and 5 solos) to take part wearing attire apart from "Proper Highland Dress" as defined in the appendix of the PPBSO rule book.

"The board was unanimous in supporting this rule change," said Michael Grey, PPBSO president, "we know that a kilt, hat and sporran - along with instrument costs - can run in the thousands of dollars; we want to make it as easy as possible for anyone interested to take part in our events." He added, "not just that, there are people in Ontario starting to take up the bagpipes and drums who are completely unfamiliar with Highland dress; wearing a kilt or Glengarry hat is going to have zero impact on the music a person might make."

The new rule is as follows (with guidelines):

• B-2.2 Competitors. All competitors excluding practice chanter, practice pad and grades 4 and 5 solo competitors must wear Proper Highland Dress. (Appendix 1). Certain exceptions can be made during extreme weather conditions as decided by the Board or Society Officers in attendance. Note that while encouraged to wear Proper Highland Dress if possible, those except from wearing Proper Highland Dress, should don, at a minimum, “smart casual” attire (See Appendix 1)

Appendix 1 (addition)

“Smart casual” dress guidelines:

• Shirt with collar

• Long pants or skirt

• No track pants, hoodies, running shoes, flip-flops, sandals, “crocs”, gym or yoga wear.