by Megan Canning | Aug 14, 2015
Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band has qualified for the Grade 1 final at the World Pipe Band Championships tomorrow, after competing in the qualifying round earlier today.
This is the third year running since the RSPBA first adopted a two-day format for Grade 1 bands competing in the World’s most important pipe band event. In the Friday qualifying round, Grade 1 bands from around the world are split into two heats, and play in both an MSR and a Medley event. Cumulative scores are taken between the two events, and the top six bands from each heat go through to the final, where bands must play both an MSR and a Medley in the quest to earn the title of World Champions. Bands must have in their repertoire four unique competitions sets, and whatever they choose to play on the Friday cannot be repeated again on the Saturday. It is a test of stamina as much as musicianship for bands to perform at their best across four competition circles over two days, especially in wet weather. Score sheets and the breakdown of judge’s places are not released to bands until after both days are complete, however, the names of the 12 qualifying bands were announced (in no particular order) at the close of today’s events. Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia’s qualification will mean that the band is now drawn 12th out of 12 bands in the final tomorrow, competing in the MSR at 12.20 and again in the Medley at 17.05.
Anyone unable to make it to Glasgow Green tomorrow can still take in the excitement of the World Pipe Band Championships by watching the BBC’s live stream coverage of the event online. The entire Grade 1 final, and the march-past and prizegiving, will be broadcast live as it happens.