MWPBA

Entry is now open for the 2014 MWPBA Regional Solos competition -- the second annual Terry McHugh Memorial Solo Piping Contest and Jim Enright, Sr. Memorial Solo Drumming Contest.

The contest is open to all Amateur Grades in light music piping, snare, tenor and bass. The top 3 qualifiers in each GRADE (not event) will qualify to play at the finals to be held in Chicago. See entry form for details, and for closing dates for entries.

The qualifier dates are:

• Feb 1 - Alma, MI
• Feb 8 - Milwaukee, WI
• Feb 15 - St Paul, MN
• Feb 22 - Lexington, KY
• Mar 1 - St. Louis, MO
• Mar 8 - Cleveland, OH

See full contest details on the MWPBA Contests page.

On November 9th, 2013, MWPBA member Scott McCann of Staunton, IL, played at the Balmoral Classic in Pittsburgh. Scott won the MSR and took 2nd in the Piobaireachd and was the Overall Winner.  Fellow member Colin Tait of Milford, MI claimed 3rd place overall, and Chandler Sievewright of Hales Corner, WI, also played very well to take 5th place overall.

It is wonderful to see the young MWPBA players doing so well in these big contests. Congratulations, Scott, and well done also to Colin and Chandler!  Keep up the good work!

Scott is pictured with George Balderose, Executive Director of the Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming.

Full details can be read here and at http://balmoralclassic.org/.

The MWPBA Rules and Regulations have been updated for 2014.

The main revisions are:

• re-introduction of the Practice Chanter grade for Piping, Light Music competition
• organizers of Pro, Grade 1, and Grade 2 MSR events to schedule 10 minutes between contestants

The Practice Chanter Grade is for all ages. Practice Chanter soloists must be registered members of the MWPBA or another pipe band association and may only play in the grade for a single season. Practice Chanter soloists do not need to wear highland dress. Practice Chanter soloists play 2 parts of Quick March music. See Sections III. B. and III. C. of The Rules for more information.

Congratulations to piper Jack Williamson of Topeka, KS, on winning the 6/8 March competition at the 2013 George Sherriff Memorial Invitational, taking 3rd in MSR, and claiming 2nd place overall behind Aaron Stone from Washington.

Full story and MSR videos on pipes|drums.

The MWPBA is privileged to have many wonderful volunteers and supporters that "wish to belong" to the MidWest Pipe Band Association but do not play competitively or judge, but would like to be counted in the membership and lend their support.

The MWPBA has now introduced Associate Membership.  This is for non-players, Games people, or anyone who would just like to know what is going on and get all the news from the MWPBA and belong, while helping the MWPBA activities.  The cost is $20, the same as an Individual member.  Just complete the regular individual membership registration form, and select the associate membership option.

Thanks again for your support!

Band and solo registration forms for 2014 membership are now available.

Band membership fee is unchanged at $150 if paid by January 31, and $200 thereafter.  Band Rosters and Registered Instructor forms are due March 31.

Individual membership fee is also unchanged at $20 if paid by March 31, and $25 thereafter.  Additional membership fees for immediate family members remains $10.

All registration for 2014 is online, and paid via PayPal.  There are no more emailed paper forms or payment via check.