All solo competitions will be held Saturday, September 4.

The Capital District Scottish Games is sanctioned by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association. Nearly 500 solo competitions will take place with events offered for all skill levels. Adjudication is done by some of the most respected names in North American piping and drumming.

Our piping, drumming, and pipe band contests follow standards set by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association. Solo competitors are assigned to a grade. "Professional" is the highest level. Numbers define the other grades - the lower the number, the higher the grade. One or more events are run in each. Competitors choose the tune(s) to be played consistent with the requirements set for the event. They must appear in highland dress, but are judged only on their music.

Solo Piping Events

Pipers play both "light music" marches, reels, and the like and "great music" - or Piobaireachd as it is known in Gaelic (pronounced "pee-o-broc"). Piobaireachd is the piping world's equivalent to classical music, consisting of a theme followed by variations. It is centuries old in origin and of soulful character, not meant for toe-tapping.

Throughout all solo piping events judges listen for: EXECUTION - fingering and accuracy of presentation; EXPRESSION - musical flow and interpretation of the melody; TEMPO - speed of playing that is both steady and appropriate; and TONE & TUNING - the overall quality of sound. The drones (long pipes which rest on the shoulder) must produce a rich, steady humming sound that is "in tune" with the chanter (melody pipe) and provide a proper balance of volume. The individual notes of the chanter must also be "in tune".

Solo Drumming Events
The snare drum is the main instrument played. Its high-pitched, crisp tone is a key trait. It comes from very high tension on the top and bottom drum heads and snares resting on each one. Pipe band drummers seek to accent the pipe melody rather than lay down a standard rhythmic pattern. Syncopated rhythms and dynamics are key qualities of "Gaelic" drumming. Judges evaluate: EXECUTION - the accurate playing of the basic movements, including their timing relative to the beat; EXPRESSION - the musical interpretation of the drum score and its relation to the pipe tune, including the strength of accents and use of dynamics; QUALITY - level of difficulty of the drum score; TEMPO - speed and steadiness of playing appropriate to the type of tune played; TONE - a bright, crisp sound; and VARIETY - the mix of basic drum movements and rhythms used in the score.