Grades

[dlbraly]

What is the difference in the Bagpipe band grades?
Who determines the grade?

[Bagpiper]

What is the difference in the Bagpipe band grades?

The purpose of the Grade system provides an appropriate standard of play amongst the competitors to compete at. These rules ensure that band will meet the minimum player requirements, music selection, length of play and other basic elements. Music Requirements usually fall into three basic musical categories, M/S/R, Medley and Quick March Medley

Who determines the grade?

There are many pipe band organizations throughout the world, each with it’s own set of rules and “formulas” for determining grade. Music Committees are usually formed and will review and determine a band’s proper placement for grade. If a band feels that they should be re evaluated during the competition season, they may formally request to be regraded.

[dlbraly]

Is this right?

It is not just experience level, It is also what type of music they play.

These maybe be dumb questions, but I am new to bagpipes, and want to learn more.
One thing I am not affraid of is asking questions.

Thanks for your time and understanding.

[Bagpiper]

Depending on the grade, the competitor will be required to perform music selections that have been laid out by the pipe band organization. Each organization has their own rules but have similar requirements. Examples of the EUSPBA 2006 pipe band rules are follows:

Requirements fall into three basic musical categories, M/S/R, Medley and Quick March Medley (QMM). For the M/S/R, all three tunes will consist of at least four parts of music and the march must be in 2/4 time. The Medley will be a selection of tunes of any length, type, tempo, and time signature, which varies in overall length according to grade and may not include an M/S/R set that would qualify to
meet the M/S/R requirement. The QMM must consist of traditional quick march music only, without bridges or reprises, commencing with two three-pace rolls and with the “E” sounding on the 7th beat.