A gentleman should wear

[EagleJCS]

Sorry for the long-winded post... TL/DR: some band members and soloists don't like wearing the clothes but still want to play the music.

Ladies and gents of XMarks, believe it or not there are those in the piping community - soloists and band members - who love the music (playing and listening) but really dislike the hassle of the wardrobe requirements. Those folks would just as soon wear their shorts/jeans and polo/tee shirts like they do at home or at band rehearsal when practicing than have to put on this awkward, uncomfortable - hot, itchy, ill-fitted, etc. - "costume" (fancy dress for those on the east side of the big water) when playing their instrument. (The attitude affects both pipers and drummers.)

Even though the pipe band associations (the EUSPBA is one) no longer judge a musical competitor on 'dress & deportment', most of the games venues that sponsor a piping/drumming/band competition have a 'Highland dress/garb required' clause for entrants.

Part of the "I don't wanna wear it" attitude may be due to the cost and/or the fit. Bands typically issue a kilt that is 'close' (maybe) to the right fit rather than order a new kilt made to measure for a new band member that may not stay more than a few months. Items beyond the kilt are usually personal-purchase items anyway, though the band may offer something 'at cost' if they order uniform items in bulk (mainly kilt hose).

Those not affiliated with a band have to spend as much or more on their wardrobe items than they do on their instruments, at least in their first year or so of competition. A decent set of pipes will run about US$800 or so, fully set up. (I'm sure less expensive sets can be found, depending on region and materials - I'm ball-parking an average cost.) Kilt, hose, jacket/waistcoat (or both), and headgear run at least that much, unless one is fortunate enough to find things on a bidding site, thrift shops, etc. A lot of new-ish competitors may not have the time (or patience) to wait for items to come up - "I'm entered in my first contest in a month and still have to get my 'outfit' together! Time to rush-order from 'Scottish clothing website du jour'!"

Another thing a lot of those outside the piping community don't realize is that the massed bands spectacle that many spectators/listeners enjoy is mind-numbingly boring to many of the performers due to the relative simplicity of the tunes - the selection is often limited to the repertoire of the lowest-grade band so every band can play - and/or the clash of different settings (different embellishments, etc. - not everyone plays/learns the "standard settings" found in the tune books e.g. Scots Guards Standard Settings of Pipe Music Vol I). Massed bands also tend to be stuck out on a hot, open field for long periods of time listening to endless speeches by organizers, various guests/dignitaries, lists of the days winners in the various activities, etc., etc. This affects the tuning/playability of the instruments (and that of the players!).

Bands also tune to slightly different pitches which blend together at a distance but are very obvious 'in the ranks'. This really annoys the band members that actually listen to the players around them for their musical cues. (Are my pipes flat or sharp to the piper next to me? Should I blow/squeeze harder to go sharp or ease off a bit to go flat? Oops, too sharp for the one to the left of me, but the guy to my right is even sharper than ME!)

Another thing that annoys bands about playing in massed bands is that a lot of bands that come to a Highland Games venue for a band competition tend to be bands that don't practice a lot of marching, especially the 'close order drill' kind of marching that sees a block turning in a left/right wheel, counter-marching, etc. that's why you'll see a lot of 'crab walking' or sideways movement of the back end of a block rather than lines that pivot on one end like well-drilled parade/marching units do.

Just some observations from a piper & former Pipe Sergeant of a competition band. My own opinions and not intended to be all-encompassing hard-and-fast "rules" or statements of 'facts'.

[Allan Thomson]

Not ant expert on piping competitions (had a go at piping in my youth but didn't put the practice in to improve, I regret it now) but surely there are two ways to address this -either two categories for a more traditionally dressed piper which would have more prestige & an amatuer class for none attired pipers with slightly less prestige. Or (& this may also be the case) grade pipers on not just their technical ability but also their turn out, making it clear where their ability is goid but their turnout has let them down by breaking down the points)... I dare say anyone who is not traditional but with piping ability would start to change their attire to up their game, and likewise anyone who was more casual due to strugglimg yo purchase the wardrobe would soon find people stepping forward to help thrm (maybe the casual class prze could be vouchers for a kilt outfitters?)....

[Tarheel]

[QUOTE=EagleJCS;1365199]Sorry for the long-winded post... TL/DR: some band members and soloists don't like wearing the clothes but still want to play the music.

Accepted and appreciated as a valid reason for a piper with a passion for the instrument and music.

I do not mean to high jack the thread but I am reminded of a similar case (compared to the article link) when the Norwegian curling team wore multi-colored pants to the Olympic competition. What a stir it caused.

[Tobus]

Sorry for the long-winded post... TL/DR: some band members and soloists don't like wearing the clothes but still want to play the music.

Ladies and gents of XMarks, believe it or not there are those in the piping community - soloists and band members - who love the music (playing and listening) but really dislike the hassle of the wardrobe requirements. Those folks would just as soon wear their shorts/jeans and polo/tee shirts like they do at home or at band rehearsal when practicing than have to put on this awkward, uncomfortable - hot, itchy, ill-fitted, etc. - "costume" (fancy dress for those on the east side of the big water) when playing their instrument. (The attitude affects both pipers and drummers.)

I can understand the discomfort of putting on all the kit, and certainly appreciate their desire to be comfortable when performing. But this is part and parcel of performing. Again, I'm not a piper, but I can think back some 30 years ago when I was in high school marching band. Nobody liked putting on the hot ill-fitting polyester uniforms and fur hats. But a marching band wears uniforms if they want to look proper; this is a tradition based on military bands. Without uniforms, it's just a motley bunch of people in their shorts and T-shirts. Presentation is just as important as the precision of marching and playing. If any one of these elements is subpar, it ruins the rest.

Of course, a solo piper has a bit more leeway when separated from the band. But presentation and decorum remain equally important. I don't know how we got to the point in society where personal comfort trumps everything else, but it's disappointing when good traditions start to erode because people just can't be bothered to suffer a little for their craft.

[FossilHunter]

I can understand the discomfort of putting on all the kit, and certainly appreciate their desire to be comfortable when performing. But this is part and parcel of performing. Again, I'm not a piper, but I can think back some 30 years ago when I was in high school marching band. Nobody liked putting on the hot ill-fitting polyester uniforms and fur hats. But a marching band wears uniforms if they want to look proper; this is a tradition based on military bands. Without uniforms, it's just a motley bunch of people in their shorts and T-shirts. Presentation is just as important as the precision of marching and playing. If any one of these elements is subpar, it ruins the rest.

Of course, a solo piper has a bit more leeway when separated from the band. But presentation and decorum remain equally important. I don't know how we got to the point in society where personal comfort trumps everything else, but it's disappointing when good traditions start to erode because people just can't be bothered to suffer a little for their craft.

This goes beyond pipe bands as well. An orchestra performing in one of the great music halls will wear finer clothes appropriate for the venue. They probably practice in street clothes.

It doesn’t make them play better but it’s part of the experience. Part of their professionalism. Just like the audience dressing up to show their respect for the venue and performance.

[kilted redleg]

The points Eagle makes are valid to a point but it must be remembered that if you want to be a solo piping competitor there are certain rules you must follow. Everything including the universe Fr. Bill will tell you, was done in an orderly fashion. Think of it like this "I drive just as well as anybody but I'm not comfortable stopping for red lights - so I won't". Really. I too have been in a pipe band and know exactly what your talking about, however that's what you sign up for when you go to highland games. There is a famous piping incident which I think illustrates this point; it involves two giants in the piping world who are now passed. On the adjudicator's bench judging sat Lt. Colonel David J.S. Murray and the competitor was probably the greatest player of light music [ marches, strathspeys, reel etc.] Alasdair Gillies. I think Alasdair was a sergeant at the time in the Cameronians.[I met Alasdair and he was a gentlemen's gentlemen, but when it came to tuning his pipes he was to the point of being anal]. The rules for the competition were once on the boards[competition platform] the competitor had three minutes to tune; this day Alasdair took three minutes and forty five seconds to tune. As he began his tune he was stopped by colonel Murray for violating the time rule Alasdair was dumbfounded, he stated all he wanted was tuned pipes. Murray according Gilles looked right through him and stated "you knew the rules when signed up for the competition - your dismissed sergeant!" Alasdair left the boards. Point being you know the rules when you sign up for the competition. If you can't afford a kilt when starting out go with trews and put your kit together piece meal like everyone here has probably done. Good luck Eagle in your future competitions hopefully you'll soar with your brother eagles. Remember DON'T TURN YOUR BACK TO THE JUDGES.!!!!

[Father Bill]

Great story & I love it!

You did refer to me:

Everything including the universe Fr. Bill will tell you, was done in an orderly fashion.

and I would heartily support that... with the exception of human fallibility and free choice. That's the sad thing we see with some apparel.

[YOJiMBO20]

Remember DON'T TURN YOUR BACK TO THE JUDGES.!!!!

Unless, of course, you're in a pipe band contest. Then keep your back to the judges.

[EagleJCS]

Folks, I didn't intend to imply that I followed the sentiments I wrote of, just being devil's advocate and noting that there are those in the piping world that feel that way. In fact, I agree that if you want to perform highland pipe music in public, one should 'dress the part'. It's what's expected, just as one might expect an orchestra to be in formal wear (tuxes/evening dresses) for a typical concert hall performance. It should also be pointed out that a vast majority in the piping world are volunteers - not professionals - and have day (or night) jobs to pay for their obsession with their instrument of choice.

As an adjunct to my previous post, there are also some who have voiced the idea of taking band - and possibly solo - competitions out of the public eye altogether (i.e. private venue, possibly even indoors) and get away from the compulsory attire requirements, massed bands and the whole Highland Games environment. Charge an admission fee to non-band members and/or anyone else wanting to observe/listen to help offset the costs of a competition (which runs in the US $5k-8k range for just one or two grades).


By-the-by, I have never competed as a soloist, just with the band, though I have done a handful of gigs (mostly funerals) as a soloist. Haven't been piping for a couple of years now due to some left (drone) shoulder issues.

Also in the interest of full disclosure, I used to be the co-director for the Glasgow (KY) Highland Games pipe & drum competition from 2003 - 2012, before the games committee decided to run an unsanctioned contest as a cost-saving effort. I stopped being involved with that in 2014.