You Be The Judge...

With pipe band season in full swing, we have been busy around here, not only playing but judging. And with two BCPA certified judges (and one apprentice judge at the moment), we have had an up close and personal view and listen to what's happening on the West Coast so far. Through the wonders of technology, we also have the capability of seeing and hearing what is happening overseas and everywhere else there may be a highland games and someone with a phone/camera.
Being on the current World Champions home turf, we have the chance to hear Simon Fraser University on a regular basis. They come out guns ablazin' every year and just get better and better as the season rolls on. Proof is in the multiple World Championships AND Sashes they have captured. Having Triumph St. riding right on their coat tails provides an interesting Grade 1 contest and a superb standard to adhere to.
As I am currently going through the BCPA Judges Application process, this requires me to shadow judge at a number of games, both solo and band events, drumming only at the moment (ensemble is to come later). This is such a wonderful exercise in my eyes as every judge has his/her own way of doing things (ie. administration etc.) and their own opinion. It opens up a conversation with the senior judge about not only their process but about the performance itself: technical aspects, musicality and overall enjoyment. As it is hard to pin down judges in the beer tent after the contest, this creates the perfect opportunity to get their thoughts in the moment and hopefully be able to dig out some golden nuggets of knowledge that will one day help in my own personal adjudicating. My father always taught us that you can learn anything from just about anybody. And damn it, he's right.
As this is always a lively conversation around the Troy Sunday dinner table, we've posted winning medley performances from some of this season's earlier contests. We want to hear from you! What are you liking? Who's making you tap your toes? Whose sound do you like? Whose tune selection do you enjoy? Whose drum sound makes you want to take up drumming? What about that backwards intro from Peel?! (now, I won't be offended since I am a Peeler once again!)
Stay tuned as we will post winning MSRs as well. This coming weekend is the first Grade 1 MSR contest for the Ontario crowd - hang on to your hats everyone, this could get interesting!












Enjoy!
-JLT