Applications are now open to pipers and drummers wishing to compete at the 14th annual Balmoral Classic US Junior Solo Highland Piping Championships, which is being held virtually.
Applications are due on October 14 and video recordings due between November 4 and 8. There is a limit of 15 piping competitors and 15 drumming competitors. Appllicants should receive a response by October 19.
Applications should be accompanied by a fee of $50US. Contestants who are not chosen to compete will receive a $25 refund.
Organiser, George Balderose said: “There will be three first place piping trophies (Overall Winner, Piobaireachd, and MSR winners) and three first place drumming trophies (Overall Winner, MSR, Hornpipe/Jig). Former first place winners are not eligible to compete.
“Contestants who have not reached their 22nd birthday by November 14, 2020 are eligible to apply.
“On the Friday evening – November 13 – there will be a meet and greet on Zoom for contestants and judges. The contestants’ videos will be streamed on Saturday morning and afternoon, followed at approximately 5.00pm by the announcement of winners and the award ceremony.
“At 7:30pm a concert with Scottish fiddle master Alasdair Fraser will be streamed, followed by a Q & A with Alasdair, whose father was a piper. Tickets are $20. All contestants are provided complementary tickets to the concert. Videos of the overall winning medleys in piping and drumming will be streamed at the start of the concert’s second set.”
Pipers can download an application form here.
Snare drummers can download an application form here.
The overall piping winner will receive a new set of Duncan MacRae SL4 bagpipes donated by McCallum Bagpipes.
Overall Drumming winner will receive a new Premier snare drum donated by Henderson Imports of Traverse City, Michigan. Additional prizes, medals, and scholarships will be awarded to the first five places in each piping and drumming event, similar to those of previous years.
For more information, go online to www.BalmoralClassic.org or email George Balderose.