On bagpiping tryouts

When playing the bagpipes there is a certain self-imposed pressure in performing well. OK, we do play a very loud instrument and one that ‘speaks’ to many listeners. Yet nothing, for me, holds more pressure than playing for fellow bagpipers in tryouts for a competition band.

Our band has decided that this year, the pipe major, pipe sergeant and pipe corporal will review all pipers who wish to be part of (dare I say the word: tryout for) the competition band. It’s a fascinating idea that challenges each of us. The idea that we must meet a level of playing, meet the criteria of performance, be judged worthy to or not to join the group gives us all pause. And yet, I applaud the idea of setting high standards for play; expecting better performances from each member of our team.

Our band has an overarching principle of inclusion of all who play the highland bagpipes (or drums). If you want to learn the pipes (or drums) we’ll teach you. The only requirement is a dedication to learning, and then performing together at some level. Our band promotes a family environment where we support one another, and demonstrate that with experience pipers coming along side less experience; dedicated pipers encouraging more casual pipers, in an air of caring and support. As musicians you can see that there are several strata of players.

As a Western United State Pipe Band Association (WUSPBA, pronounced: woos-puh-buh said quickly) grade 5 band and nonprofit organization we are all here to learn, continually improve and share our music through performance. The levels of playing ability are observably three tiers and are all marked by a love of our instrument. The top tier is the talented, experienced pipers whose dedication and by their performance and playing abilities leads us. The second tier (here is where I live) is the players who are dedicated, play well in public performance, but continually work to improve (just like tier one) our playing by practicing a lot, etc. In some respects our group has a lot of fun, loves performing and are the heart of the band. The third tier is also part of the heart of the band. They are less fanatical than either tier one or two, but still with a love of the instrument and love playing and performing. Together we make up the band.

This brings me back to tryouts. We are to make an mp3 recording of our quick march medley (QMM) and submit it for review to the pipe major. Challenge …accepted. Making the mp3 is the first hurdle to overcome. Just listen to your family video singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and smile. Now consciously record yourself singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and think about sending it to America’s Got Talent. Each gets a different level of self-scrutiny as you make it. So it is in my preparing to submit a recording of my playing for review.

I remind myself that I am not defined by comparing myself to others, nor am I defined by the outcome of the tryout. To be part of the competition band is an honor. If my fellow players, or I, make the team, excellent! If others (or I) don’t, I’ll be cheering for my mates in the competition band, and it’s back to practice. Which if I think of it (practice) should happen anyway, no matter the outcome. Happy piping!