News & Updates
The Canmore Highland Games are scheduled for Sunday, September 3, 2022 and as usual, there is lots to look forward to!
- Solo Piping and Drumming events start at 8a.m.
- Opening Ceremonies will commence at 1p.m., featuring the Regina Police Pipe Band as Duty Band.
- Band Contest starts at 2p.m.
- Drum Major Contest will begin at 4:30p.m.
- Closing Ceremonies and Massed Bands at 5p.m.
More information can be found at www.canmorehighlandgames.ca.
Solo Piping and Drumming Competitor and Band and Drum Major Schedules are now available as well as the Canmore Competitor Order of Play! Find it all here: www.aspd.ca/canmore-highland-games-september-3-2023.
The Calgary Highland Games are scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2023. Hosted by the Calgary United Scottish Games Association, the Games will take place at the Calgary Rugby Union (9025 Sheppard Road SE).
- Solo Piping and Drumming events start at 8a.m.
- Opening Ceremonies will begin at 1p.m.
- Pipe Band events start at 2p.m.
- Drum Major contest to follow after the Pipe Band contest, approximately 4:10p.m.
- Closing Ceremonies with Massed Bands to commence after the pipe band contest, approximately 4:45p.m.
For more information, visit the new Calgary Highland Games website: www.calgaryhighlandgames.com.
Competitor Schedule and Order of Play are now available for Piping, Drumming and Pipe Band events: www.aspd.ca/calgary-highland-games-september-2-2023.
2023 Sherwood Park Highland Gathering
The Sherwood Park Highland Gathering is back at Broadmoor Lake Park (50 Festival Way) on July 22 & 23, 2023. Piping, drumming and pipe band events all take place on Saturday, July 22.
- Piping and Drumming solo events start at 8:30a.m.
- Opening Ceremonies and Massed Bands commence at 1p.m.
- Pipe Band events start at 2:10p.m.
- Closing Ceremonies and Massed Bands commence at 4p.m.
- Ceilidh featuring North Stratton Pipe Band, Cabot's Crossing and Celtic Ceilidh Dance Academy starts at 6p.m.
Use Promo Code: CABOT50 for a special price on your ticket!
An updated Competitor Schedule and Order of Play are now available for Piping, Drumming and Pipe Band events: www.aspd.ca/sherwood-park-highland-gathering-july-22-2023.
2023 Edmonton Scottish Society Highland Gathering
This year marks the 50th Highland Gathering by the Edmonton Scottish Society and we are happy to include them back in the ASPD sanctioned season!
- Piping and Drumming solo events start at 8:30a.m.
- Opening Ceremonies will be after P&D solo events have wrapped.
- Pipe Band events start at 2p.m.
- Closing Ceremonies and Massed Bands commence at 4:30p.m.
Competitor Schedule and Order of Play are now available for Piping, Drumming and Pipe Band events: www.aspd.ca/edmonton-scottish-society-highland-gathering-june-25-2023.
2023 Red Deer Highland Games
The Alberta contest season kicks off on June 24th with the Red Deer Highland Games at the Harvest Business Park in Springbrook, Alberta.
- Piping and Drumming solo events start at 8:15a.m.
- Opening Ceremonies featuring the Red Deer & District Pipe Band commence at 12p.m.
- Pipe Band events start at 2p.m.
- Closing Ceremonies and Massed Bands commence at 4:30p.m.
- A Ceilidh featuring Tilted Kilt, starts at 7p.m.
Competitor Schedule and Order of Play are now available for Piping, Drumming and Pipe Band events!
Find them here: www.aspd.ca/red-deer-highland-games-june-24-2023
Updated Massed Bands Scores
We have uploaded bagpipe settings for Massed Bands! These are available for download to ensure consistency across all disciplines and enable every competitor, individual and band, to participate in Massed Band presentations at any ASPD sanctioned Highland Games.
Find these settings on Resources & Form page, under the Massed Bands Scores heading HERE.
An Update
Unfortunately, the crew that runs the Ogden Indoor has decided to cancel the Games this year. On behalf of the Foothills Caledonia Youth Pipe and the ASPD, we apologize for any inconvenience. For those that have already registered, we will be in touch.
On a brighter note, we can now accept e-transfers as payment for future registrations as well as memberships. Please ensure you use the Alberta Society of Pipers & Drummers' email: youraspd@gmail.com.
Another One!
As Calgary was a success, we are having another Pipers Club on March 4th - this time in Edmonton! With a 1pm start, we will be able to enjoy beverages and food from the Legion while celebrating local 2022 ASPD Aggregate winners and listening to some fabulous local pipers.
Again, no entrance fee to this event but we are encouraging to support the Legion by purchasing items from the bar and kitchen.
Details of this event are also on our Facebook page (@albertasocietyofpipersdrummers).
Norwood Legion, Branch 178
11150 82 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 2V1
Bite, bevy and bagpipes!
Mark your calendars for February 25th as we gather at the Forest Lawn Legion in Calgary to celebrate the 2022 Aggregate winners. Starting at 1pm, we will delight in the musical stylings of some of the province's most outstanding musicians.
With no entrance fee to this event, we are encouraging everyone to come hungry! Help support the Legion by enjoying their food and drink for purchase from their kitchen and bar.
Details of this event are also on our Facebook page (@albertasocietyofpipersdrummers).
Forest Lawn Legion, Branch 275
755 40 St SE, Calgary, AB T2A 5G3
RCMP of Alberta Searching for P/M
See below for more details.
Do you have (Pipe) Major Skills? WE WANT YOU...
The Regimental RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancers are looking for a Pipe Major to lead us through 2023 and beyond. Check out the Regimental RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancers on Facebook, @kdiv.dancers on Instagram and on our website: rcmppipesanddrums.ca.
If you are a piper who has experience with pipe bands and looking for a fun challenge to inspire people, check out our posting here! All combinations of experience related to the criteria will be considered – contact us if you are interested! Expressions of interest (or any questions) can be sent to rcmpdrummajor@gmail.com. Please submit by February 1, 2023.
Happy New Year!
Grade promotions for the 2023 season have been decided and notification has gone out to those that were recommended by the Music Committee. See below for details:
PIPING:
Grade 5 to 4: Kellan Harris-Still, William St. Peter, Connell Campbell
Grade 4 to 3: Jonathan Kalyn, Joseph Fraser, Alasdair Ehlers
Grade 3 to 2: Matthew Badmington
Grade 2 to 1: Ethan DesChamps, Andrew Hill
SNARE DRUMMING:
Grade 5 to 4: Greer Britton
TENOR DRUMMING:
Beginner to Intermediate: Caitlyn Skinner
All 2022 Chanter and Drum Pad competitors are expected to be on instruments for the 2023 season and therefore competing in Grade 5 piping or snare drumming.
Congratulations to everyone for continuing the pursuit of great music!
If there are any issues with this information, please direct all communication to youraspd@gmail.com. If you wish to appeal your grading, in accordance with Rule 4.2.4 in Rules for Solo Piping and Solo Drumming Competition, you may do so in writing using the Solo Competitor Appeal Form.
We are Back!
You may have noticed over the few past weeks that the website was not accessible. We are sorry for any inconvenience but we are happy to announce it's back in action.
Thank you to those few that attended the AGM on October 27, 2022. It was an intimate yet productive meeting with lots of engagement, good ideas and enthusiasm. As in the nature of business, we have lost some Board Members however, we have elected current Board members into different roles and have gained a new and enthusiastic Director!
Your 2023 ASPD Executive is as follows:
President: Jacquie Troy Carter
Vice President: Andrew Miller
Treasurer: Andrew Fedori
Secretary: Dave Otto
Past President: Sean Somers
Directors: Valerie Nicol, Matthew Waddle, Jay Haverstock, Alastair Briggs
The 2022 Provincial Aggregates were also announced and have now been published on our Results page. Congratulations to those winners! A big THANK YOU also goes out to all of the competitors, supporters and associates for a very successful first season after our brief pandemic hiatus. Here's to a bigger and better 2023!
Notice of ASPD Annual General Meeting
On October 27, 2022 at 7p.m., we will hold our Annual General Meeting. This year's meeting with remain online in order to reach more of our members. We will reflect on this past season, discuss possible bylaw and rule amendments, the ASPD's future and run elections for our Board of Directors.
We will have our Treasurer position up for election. If you know of anyone that would be interested in joining our Board in such a capacity, please email youraspd@gmail.com with your nominations as soon as possible.
The meeting access information will follow closer to the date.
The Canmore Highland Games are scheduled for Sunday, September 3, 2022 and as usual, there is lots to look forward to!
- Solo Piping events starting at 8:30a.m.
- Solo Drumming events starting at 10:30a.m.
- Opening Ceremonies at 1p.m.
- Band Contest starting at 2p.m.
- Closing Ceremonies and Massed Bands at 5p.m.
- FREE Drum Major Clinic on both Saturday (9:30am - 4:30pm) and Sunday (9am to early afternoon) with Drum Major Bill O'Donnell of the Surrey Firefighters Pipes & Drums.
- The clinic consists of a full day and a half of instruction on the role of the Drum Major and a great opportunity for Drum Majors to meet and network with others in the same role.
- Topics and skills covered will include: dress, drill, mace, and hand signals - all of which are required to be able to maneuver the band around when on parade.
- Open to anyone from complete beginners to those who just want to brush up on current skills.
- Regimental Drum Major Competition on Day Two.
- Register by email at info@canmorehighlandgames.ca.
More information can be found at www.canmorehighlandgames.ca.
Competitor Schedule is now available for piping, drumming and pipe band events!
Find it here: Canmore Highland Games Competitor Order of Play.
It's ON! The Calgary Highland Games are scheduled for Saturday, September 3, 2022! Hosted by the Calgary United Scottish Games Association, the Games will take place at the Calgary Rugby Union (9025 Sheppard Road SE).
- Solo Piping events starting at 9a.m.
- Solo Drumming events starting at 10:45a.m.
- Pipe Band events starting at 1:30p.m.
- Closing Ceremonies with Massed Bands to commence after the pipe band contest.
For more information, visit the new Calgary Highland Games website: www.calgaryhighlandgames.com.
Competitor Schedule is now available for piping, drumming and pipe band events!
Find it here: Calgary Highland Games Competitor Order of Play.
The Sherwood Park Highland Gathering is scheduled for July 22-24, 2022 at Broadmoor Lake Park in sunny Sherwood Park. A lovely venue for a second Alberta Highland Games with all sorts of activities and events for the entire family.
- Piping and Drumming solos events starting at 9:30a.m. on Saturday
- Opening Ceremonies with a Massed Bands at 12:30p.m.
- Pipe Band competitions starting at 1:30p.m.
- Closing Massed Bands at 4:30p.m.
- Ceilidh featuring Cabot's Crossing and North Stratton Pipe Band, starting at 6p.m.
- Service Pipe Band Competition on Sunday starting at 1:30p.m.
For a full Schedule of Events, visit: www.sphg.ca/events/schedule-of-events.
Competitor Schedule is now available for piping, drumming and pipe band events!
Find it here: Sherwood Park Highland Games Competitor Order of Play.
The Red Deer Highland Games kicks off the Alberta Highland Games season on Saturday, June 25. We are looking forward to it after a long brief due to the pandemic.
- Piping and Drumming solo events starting at 9a.m.
- Opening Ceremonies featuring the Red Deer & District Pipe Band at 12p.m.
- Pipe Band events starting at 1p.m.
- Closing Ceremonies and Massed Bands at 4:30p.m.
- Ceilidh featuring Tim Stackhouse and Tilted Kilt, starting at 6p.m.
Competitor Schedule is now available for piping, drumming and pipe band events!
Find it here: Red Deer Highland Games Competitor Order of Play.
Spring 2022 Online Freestyle Contest Winners Announced!
On May 20, the winners of our first ever Spring 2022 Online Freestyle contest were announced on our Facebook page.
Big congratulations to:
Clara Aellen for Best Solo Performance
Edmonton Youth Pipe Band Drum Corps for Best Group Performance
Our wonderful prizes were donated by Art by Sky (@s.ky.canvas) and Accugrave Industrial Markers.
Get your 'act together' for Fall where we will be presenting another Freestyle Contest opportunity!
*UPDATED: Spring 2022 Online Freestyle Contest
Registrations extended until May 13. Video submissions due same day.
Join in on the fun and submit a video for our NEW Online Freestyle Contest. It's a great way to dust off the instruments in preparation for the upcoming season, explore some music and creativity and engage in the community.
For contest details and rules, visit: www.aspd.ca/spring-
To register: https://www.aspd.ca/
New Massed Bands Scores for Drummers
By now, all ASPD drummers and pipe bands should be aware of the changes to the massed drums scores for snare, tenor and bass approved and rolled out by the Alliance of North American Pipe Band Associations ("ANAPBA") recently. They will now be referred to as “The Massed Band Cadences”.
The initiative has the end goal of improving massed bands while encouraging and supporting drummers at all stages of development, especially the earlier stages. The ASPD has adopted these and most bands within the Society have been working on these scores. It is expected that all pipe bands will be prepared to play these scores, starting at the Red Deer Highland Games in June.
Click here to download the final version of the new Massed Band Cadences for snare, tenor and bass.
ACE Percussion has put together videos featuring tenor and bass including piping and snare accompaniment. Follow the links below for each time signature:
2/4 March: https://youtu.be/XKweRryI7gU
3/4 March: https://youtu.be/8uBQy2TD3qw
4/4 March: https://youtu.be/NOmFn-NVujw
6/8 March: https://youtu.be/lrePEtpve5I
If you have any questions, please email youraspd@gmail.com.