I need a tune suggestion

[Phogfan86]

My son and I will be attending the Midwest School of Pipes and Drums near Milwaukee this June, and I've entered us in the nonsanctioned competition, grade 5. Thought it would be good experience for both of us.

We need to play a 2-parted 4/4 march. Can someone suggest a tune NOT titled 42nd Highlanders.

There's Wings and Rowan Tree, but they're slow marches. I suppose I could pick up the pace a bit, but if I can find another piece that's not killer to learn, I'd like to.

Any suggestions?

[castledangerous]

those tunes arent slow marches

[Phogfan86]

Airs?

And do I take that for "I don't have any suggestions"?

[kypnkilt]

How about "Murdo's Wedding"? Nice tune. 4/4 March. Easy to learn I think....for grade 5.

[Mr. Woolery]

Murdo's Wedding is a very good one. Good to have in the repertoire of a piper. Really, you probably won't go wrong with that one.

Other suggestions:

-Battle of Waterloo (local band has this as the first of our new March Medley - 4/4, not difficult, fair amount of Low G which makes it stand out boldly among basic marches)

-The Minstrel Boy (classic old chestnut, but a very good tune and worth knowing)

-Earl of Errol (make sure to give the half-notes full value, simple to play, nothing tricky but it is a really musical tune and has a nice drive to it, not one of the more common tunes so you won't be likely to hear four other people play it the same day)

Have fun!

-Patrick

[haukehaien]

I would second? Third? Murdo's Wedding. High Road to Gairloch is also nice.

[Phogfan86]

Good suggestions -- thanks!

High Road (along with Brown-Haired Maiden) is 2/4, though. One of my favorite tunes.

[Ayin McFye]

I am not entirely positive what tempo this song is at, but you could always speed it up if it's a bit slow.

Have you ever listened to Dark Isle?

Check out a sample here, along with a bunch of other clips, that may or may not work.

I'm personally in love with Dark Isle right now, so I just thought I'd throw that out there.

http://www.americanbagpipes.com/music.html

[Ayin McFye]

I'd like to add that I don't understand what class 5 means, which means that I probably should have never commented in this thread but oh well. What's done is done.

My apologies if I was way off base.

[Friday]

I'd like to add that I don't understand what class 5 means, which means that I probably should have never commented in this thread but oh well. What's done is done.

My apologies if I was way off base.

Explanation of bagpipe grading levels
Andrew's Tips: Understanding Solo Bagpipe Competition Grading


grade five is beginning.