Saturday 17th March 2012

Solo Piping, Drumming & Mini Band Competition Free to public!

For 2012 The Geelong Highland Gathering will once again be hosting solo piping and drumming competitions. These will be on Saturday the 17th of March. This is a free to public event and will be held at the showgrounds. There will also be a mini band competition for smaller bands. Competition details are:

• Solo piping, in accordance with Part D of the Australian Pipe Band Contest Regulation
• Solo drumming (in accordance with Part D of the Australian Pipe Band Contest Regulation)
• Mini Band Contest for Grades 1, 2, 3 & 4 plus a Juvenile Contest (in accordance with Part C of the Australian Pipe Band Contest Regulation with both a SOM / MSR and Musical Selection (Medley) in accordance with Rules B.3.01 and B.4.01 being the two contest elements). Note: If only one band enters 3rd prize applies if only two bands enter 2nd & 3rd prize monies is paid in lieu. Download an entry form.
  

14th January 2012 NEWS FLASH!

Richard Hawke MNZM from New Zealand will be our international Piping Judge for the solo piping competitions, mini band and aggregate competition. We are very pleased to have Richard onboard for the re-introduction of solo drumming to the Geelong Highland Gathering.

8th November 2011 NEWS FLASH!

John Hilliard from New Zealand will be our international Drumming Judge for the solo drumming competitions, mini band and aggregate band competition. We are very pleased to have John onboard for the re-introduction of solo drumming to the Geelong Highland Gathering.

Competitors interested in staying in Geelong overnight to compete in Solos and in band competition on the Sunday are encouraged to contact the Secretary in order to obtain a 10% Discount card for local Golden Chain Motels.

Solo Drumming Program

Can be found via this link.

Solo Piping Program

Can be found via this link.

Sunday 18th March 2012

Australian Highlander Title

The strong men will be competing for the Australian Highlander Title in Geelong in March 2012.

Pipe Band Competitions

• Drum Major (solo, In accordance with Rule D.4.01 of the Australian Pipe Band Contest Regulation)
• Best Dressed Band (in accordance with Rule B.6.02 of the Australian Pipe Band Contest Regulation)
• Aggregate contest (in accordance with Rules B.3.01 and B.4.01 of the Australian Pipe Band Contest Regulation)

Musical Adjudicators

The 2012 pipe band contest will be judged by 4 piping, 2 drumming and 2 ensemble judges of whom 2 will be from New Zealand as selected by the Victorian Branch of the APBA. Both contest elements will be judged by 2 piping, 1 drumming and 1 ensemble judge as normally applies at an Australian / Branch / State Championships (but points will be out of 100 and to retain the relativity of 50% for piping, 25% for drumming and 25% for ensemble). It is proposed the two international judges will also adjudicate on the Saturday contests.

Appearance/Prize Monies

As approved by the Victorian Branch of the APBA the proposed total prize pool and appearance monies available to interstate bands will be added together and "all" bands will receive "appearance" monies based on the number of competitors per band and the distance travelled by the bands concerned.

Winning bands in each Grade will receive a plaque.

Solo prize monies (and for the mini band contests) are yet to be determined but as a guide will be not less than offered by the Victorian Pipers Association and the Victorian Branch of the APBA for solo drumming with both organizations determining the music to be played.

Closing Date

Applications close 31st December 2011.

Download an entry form.