Registration is now open for many Branch events taking place this winter and spring!
NEW – Solo Bass and Tenor Contests – February 29th
We’re proud to launch a new amateur solo bass and tenor contest.
When: Saturday, February 29th @7:30 pm before the evening’s Knockout Final
Where: HMCS Bytown Naval Officers’ Mess – 78 Lisgar St. in downtown Ottawa
We’re happy to announce that our judge for this contest will be Khalil Cappuccino.
Categories:
Tenor B (approximates PPBSO Grades 5 – 3) – 2/4 March – 4 parts
Tenor A (approximates PPBSO Gr 2 – 1) – MSR – 4 parts each
Bass B (Novice) – 2/4 March – 4 parts
Bass A (Amateur)- MSR – 4 parts each
Rules for the contests will follow those for typical PPBSO contests. Rules are accessible here (pages 19-21).
Note: Although similarly structured, these events will not be counted toward Knockout point standings. We hope however to build this into a future Knockout series over time.
How to register:
Register for the Bass and Tenor Contests (deadline to register Saturday, February 22nd)
Amateur Piobaireachd Contest – February 29th
We are proud to host our third annual amateur piobaireachd contest!
Where: HMCS Bytown Naval Officers’ Mess – 78 Lisgar St. in downtown Ottawa
Contests
“C” Piobaireachd:
Requirements: One (1) ground – own choice
Grade approximation – New piobaireachd players, those with limited Novice competitive experience
“B” Piobaireachd:
Requirements: One (1) full piobaireachd – own choice
Grade approximation – Experienced Novice, Junior Amateur
“A” Piobaireachd:
Requirements: One (1) full piobaireachd – own choice
Grade approximation – Intermediate and Senior Amateur
Competition start times: All contest start times will be finalized based on entries. The contest will run during the mid-day/afternoon before the evening’s Knockout Final.
Order of play: Reverse order of entry. Sign up early to secure a later draw!
Cost: $7.00. Piobaireachd contest entrants and attendees get in free for the Knockout contest taking place that evening.
Note: Although similarly structured, these piobaireachd events will not be counted toward Knockout point standings.
(deadline to register Saturday, February 22nd)
Ottawa Indoor Highland Games (Kemptville) – May 9th
Registration for the Ottawa Branch Indoor Highland Games is now open!
The games will take place in Kemptville on Saturday, May 9th.
Entries will close two weeks in advance (Saturday, April 25th).
Schedule: Schedule and Order of Play will be posted in the week leading up to the games
NEW for 2020
Band competition challenging up
New this year, competing bands in Grades 5 and 4 may “challenge up” to one (1) grade higher than their official grade, so long as they register and compete in their official grade on the day. Bands opting for this must register for both grades by the registration deadline, and they must meet all the playing requirements for the higher grade. Eastern Ontario Champion Supreme points will only be counted for bands in their official grade.
Grade 5 Solo Piping requirements
Competitors in Grade 5 Solo Piping PPBSO contests must now submit two parts of 2/4 March. Previously, any time signature was acceptable.
Other Highlights for 2020
PPBSO Champion Supreme Points for solo events
Like last year, PPBSO Champion Supreme points will be awarded to PPBSO members (alongside the traditional Eastern Ontario Champion Supreme points). Please note: PPBSO members, or members of other pipe band organizations risk disqualification if they enter a grade not assigned to them by their organization.
Juvenile band contest
We’re once again excited to offer a juvenile band contest!
How it will work: Minimums for Juvenile grade are 5 pipers, 2 snare drummers, 1 bass, all of eligible juvenile age. “Eligible juvenile age” means any competitor whose 19th birthday occurs after the contest. Proof of age may be requested. Juvenile bands may add a non-juvenile piper as Pipe Major in addition to the minimum 5 juvenile age pipers. Juvenile bands may also add a non-juvenile drummer as their Lead Drummer in addition to the minimum 2 juvenile age snare drummers. Players of eligible juvenile age on the roster of a Juvenile band may also compete with one (1) non-Juvenile band on the day.
While individuals that are 18 and under have the option to compete as a group, this will not prevent their ability to also compete with their full band in their regular category afterward.
Register for the Ottawa Indoor (deadline to register Saturday, April 25th)