Henderson Imports Inc. of Traverse City, Michigan is sponsoring a new competition, the Great Lakes Superior Piping Challenge, to be held Friday, April 8th, 2005. The Challenge will be held in conjunction with the Henderson Imports Spring Piping Workshop on the same weekend.

Five events will be held during the Challenge: The United States Prize Pipe (Open), The Henderson Cup (15-18), The Great Lakes Under 15 Shield, The Challenge 6/8 (50 & Over Amateur), and The Practice Chanter (Open, Amateur). Eligibility for an event is determined by age and not by grade, with the motive to force the standard as high a possible.

This is more in tune with how many competitions are run in Scotland. In Scotland, the competitions for juniors are usually divided into Under 15 and 15-18 age groups. It is extremely competitive and the standard of these young players is very high. Once the young piper reaches the age of 18 then they must compete in Open events. Basically, they either do the hard work or they will not qualify for the major events.

The competition will also be unique in that the format will change every year. The tune submission requirements will change to focus on the music of a certain composer. Therefore, competitors must submit a number of tunes by a certain chosen composer. The organizers will carry this theme over into planned workshops.

The main aim of the Great Lakes Superior Piping Challenge is to encourage young players to push themselves in their piping.

All entry forms, entry fees and tune lists must be received by Henderson Imports Inc. no later then Monday, February 14th, 2005. Competitors may not change their tune lists once submitted and all competitors must appear and compete in appropriate highland dress.

Organizers say the entry forms and all other relevant details will be ready for sending out in November and will pass those items onto acpba.ca and we will post them here.

Prizes   Rules