Knockout Series
2025-2026 Knockouts
Junior Ranks Mess (3rd Floor), 4 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K2P 2H9
The Ottawa Branch Knockouts have been a staple in the region for decades. The series has multiple divisions for pipers and drummers.
NEW! We are hosting a Quartet Contest! Scroll Down to see more details
Admission
Both General Admissions Tickets and Competitor Registration are found through clicking the "Tickets" button below
Registration For competitors will be closed at 11:59 on the Wednesday before a contest
Categories
Players are encouraged to consult with their teachers or Branch executive members if they are unsure about the grade that aligns best with their level.
Level "A": PPBSO grade 1 or 2
Level "B": PPBSO grade 3 or 4
Level "C": Beginner or PPBSO grade 5
Level "40+":
Categories
Includes pipers and drummers over 40 years of age, from beginner to PPBSO grade 3. Competitors in this category are not eligible for Levels A, B or C. The intention is to allow participants to begin competing against their peers. Experienced players who are over 40 are welcome to compete in the A and B categories if they wish.
Requirements
Dress
Competitors will adhere to the standard highland dress requirements found in the PPBSO Rule Book
Tunes
The tune requirements for each of the contests are designed to reflect the ability of the grade.
Requirements
Results
Finals
After the last round, the three competitors with the most points in the A, B, C and 40+ divisions will be invited to compete in a final round where the winner of the final round in each division will be the Knockout champion. In the event of a tie in the last qualifying position both contestants will be included
Points
Results
& Points
Division points will be awarded as follows:
1st place – 6 points
2nd place – 5 points
3rd place – 4 points
4th place – 3 points
5th place – 2 points
6th place – 1 point
Tune Requirements
Piping
Oct 25th | Nov 29th | Jan 10th | Feb 28th | Final : Mar 28th | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Piping 40+ | 2/4 March (2 parts) | --- | 3/4 March ( 2 parts) | 6/8 March (2 parts) | Medley (2-5 mins) |
Piping A | Two 6/8s (min. 4 parts each) | MSR (min. 4 parts each) | --- | Canadian Content H/J | Medley (5-8 mins) |
Piping B | --- | Air, 6/8 March (min 4 parts) | S/R (min 4 parts in total) | 2/4 March (4 parts) | Medley (2-5 mins) |
Piping C | 2/4 March (2 parts) | --- | 3/4 March ( 2 parts) | 6/8 March (2 parts) | March Medley (2-5 mins) |
REQUIREMENT CHANGE: Those in B Piping are allowed to play two 2 parted tunes in the S/R contest
Snare
Oct 25th | Nov 29th | Jan 10th | Feb 28th | Final: Mar 28th | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Snare 40+ | 2/4 March (2 parts) | --- | 6/8 March (2 parts) | 4/4 March (2 parts) | 2/4 March (4 parts) |
Snare A | MSR (min. 4 parts each) | Two 6/8s (min. 4 parts each) | --- | H/J (min. 4 parts each) | Medley (5-8 mins) |
Snare B | --- | 6/8 March (4 parts) | S/R (4 parts each) | 2/4 March (4 parts) | MSR (min. 4 parts each) |
Snare C | 2/4 March (2 parts) | --- | 6/8 March (2 parts) | 4/4 March (2 parts) | 2/4 March (4 parts) |
REQUIREMENT CHANGE: Those in B Snare are allowed to play two 2 parted tunes in the S/R contest
Bass & Tenor
Oct 25th | Nov 29th | Jan 10th | Feb 28th | Final: Mar 28th | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bass A | --- | MSR (min. 4 parts each) | --- | H/J (min. 4 parts each) | MSR (min. 4 parts each) |
Bass B | --- | 2/4 March (4 parts) | --- | Hornpipe (4 parts) | 2/4 March (4 parts) |
Bass C | 2/4 March (2 parts) | 6/8March (2 Parts) | 2/4 March (2 parts) | ||
Tenor A | --- | MSR (min. 4 parts each) | --- | H/J (min. 4 parts each) | MSR (min. 4 parts each) |
Tenor B | --- | 2/4 March (4 parts) | --- | Hornpipe (4 parts) | 2/4 March (4 parts) |
Tenor C | --- | 2/4 March (2 parts) | 6/8March (2 Parts) | 2/4 March (2 parts) |
Quartet Contest
Title | Oct 25th | Nov 29th | Jan 10th | Feb 28th | Final: Mar 28th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quartet | --- | --- | --- | --- | Medley (3-5 mins) |
REQUIREMENTS NOTE: Medley (3-5 mins), open to your interpretation.
Upon arrival at the contest, please check in with the competition steward. They can also answer any questions the day of the event and are there to create a positive competition environment.
2024-2025 Knockout Results
Name | Oct 25th | Nov 29th | Jan 10th | Feb 28th | Total |
|---|
2024-2025 Knockout Final Results
Tenor & Bass - Kahlil Cappucino Trophy
Winner : Andrea Jackson (Tenor A) and Claire Stanhope (Bass B)
Snare C
Winner: Julie Umpherson
Snare B - MWO John B. Kerr Memorial Cup
Winner : Ryan Seigmiller
Piping C - Joan Matthews-Kahn Trophy
Winner: Gabriella Doucet
Piping B - Ottawa Robert Burns Club Trophy
Winner: Nolan-Patrick Cunningham
Piping A - Ottawa Folklore Center Trophy
Winner: Erin Bell