Solo & Mini Band elements.

Entries Close and Payment is to be received by midnight Wednesday 19th August, 2026.

Date: Saturday 29th August 2026

Venue: St, Patricks College Launceston - 282 Westbury Rd, Prospect Vale TAS 7250

Time: First performance is planned for 9:30am

MINI BAND ELEMENTS

Selection Of Marches
own selection 4 x 2 part march music

Medley
own selection 3 - 5 mins

MSR
4 parts of 2/4 March (may be 2x2 parts), either 2 or 4

parts of Strathspey (may be 2x2 parts) and 2 or 4 parts of Reel (may be 2x2 parts)

Mini Band rules as per Part C, Chapter 1 of the Contest Regulations 2025

Mini Band Note:

Each element will be graded separately. Each grade will have its own placings.

The miniature band will assemble in a formation of its own choice.

DUOS, TRIOS, QUADS & QUINTETS GRADES

(a) MSR
4 parts of 2/4 March (may be 2x2 parts), either 2 or 4 parts of Strathspey (may be 2x2 parts) and 2 or 4 parts of Reel (may be 2x2 parts)
or
(b) SELECTION OF MARCHES
A selection of marches or march up to the maximum requirement of Contest Regulations;
or
(c) MEDLEY
A medley of own choice of between 3 and 7 minutes.

Note:

Each element will be graded separately in each group structure. Any musical piece from the above selection can be played in each group structure.
Each element will have its own result placings.
The miniature band will assemble in a formation of its own choice.

GROUP STRUCTURE RULES:
C3.02.02 The complement of a duo will be 2 pipers, or 2 snare drummers or 1 piper and 1 drummer.

C3.02.03 The complement of a trio will be 3 pipers, or 3 snare drummers or 2 pipers and 1 snare drummer.

C3.02.04 The complement of a quartet will be 4 pipers, or 4 snare drummers or 3 pipers and 1 snare drummer.

C 3.02.05 The complement of a quintet will be 3 pipers, 1 bass or tenor drummer and 1 snare drummer.

C3.02.06 Players of a group will be Members of the Association and are not required to be registered with the same

band.
C3.02.07 Players will not compete with any other group within the same contest. This Regulation should not prevent a player from competing with another group in a different contest/grade element on the same day.
C3.02.08 If a player of a group is unable to compete on the day of the contest, the Contest Supervisor may allow the substitution of that player by any other Member.

SOLO PIPING GRADES

A Grade
Elements 1,2 & 3

B Grade
Elements 1,2 & 3

C Grade
Elements 1,2 & 3

D Grade
Elements 1 & 2

Novice
Elements 1 & 2

Beginner
Please note, competitors in Beginner are to play on a practice chanter. Competitors should have been learning the chanter for one year or less prior to August 2026. Competitors may compete in this section for one solo contest season only.
Element 1: Two parts of own choice, March style music.

OPEN PIPING ELEMENT PIPING
Medley of your own selection 3 - 5 mins.
This is an open element among all entrants who wish to enter.

PLAYING UP A GRADE
You can choose to play up one grade to your current grade, placings will only be considered if you meet all the expectations of that grade. Playing up is an option for all grades except beginners.

Solo Element Note:
Please note that all elements are compulsory. You will only be included in overall placings for the grade if you complete all elements.

**Link below for Solo Elements
https://pipebandsaustralia.com.au/college/solopiping/

PIOBAIREACHD GRADES

A grade
Submit 3 full tunes of your own choice, including crunluath variation and crunluath a’mach where applicable.

B grade
Submit 2 full tunes from set B grade list, including crunluath variation and crunluath a’mach where applicable.

C grade
Submit 1 full tune from the set list, including crunluath variation and crunluath a’mach where applicable.

D grade
Ground and next variation only.
Note: If the tune has a ground followed by thumb variation or ground doubling, then this is all that needs to be played. If the tune has ground, then Variation 1, then this is all that needs to be played.

Novice
Ground only

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Piping Note:
All competitors must be correctly attired in traditional Highland dress. For Beginner competitors, traditional Highland dress is optional.

DRUMMING GRADES

Beginner

Please note that competitors in Beginner are to play on a practice pad and are to be accompanied by a piper on a practice chanter. Competitors should have been learning the snare for one year or less before August 2026 and may compete in this section for one solo contest season only. It is preferred that you arrange a piper to perform on a chanter for you. If you require a piper, please contact PBT before the event.
Element 1: Two parts of own choice March style music. Must begin with introductory rolls.

Novice: Snare (learner), Tenor and Bass
Element 1: Two parts of simple time March.

Element 2: Two Parts Compound time March

D Grade: Snare, Tenor and Bass (Elementary)
Element 1: Four parts of Simple Time March

Element 2: Four parts Compound Time March

C Grade: Snare, Tenor and Bass (Sub Intermediate)
Element 1: Two or more parts of March, Two or more parts of Strathspey and two or more parts of Reel. Tunes can be split into two tunes of two parts to make four parts if required.
Element 2: Two or more parts of Hornpipe and Jig.

B Grade: Snare, Tenor and Bass (Intermediate)
Element 1: March, Strathspey and Reel, each of four or more parts, traditional style.
Element 2: Four parts of Hornpipe into four parts of Jig.

A Grade: Snare, Tenor and Bass (Open)
Element 1: March, Strathspey and Reel, each of four or more parts, traditional style.
Element 2: Four parts of Hornpipe into four parts of Jig.

OPEN DRUMMING ELEMENT
Medley of your own selection 3 - 5 mins.
This is an open element among all entrants who wish to enter.
You must be accompanied by a piper or a backing track of good quality. The backing track must not consist of pre-recorded drums.

PLAYING UP A GRADE
You can choose to play up one grade to your current grade, placings will only be considered if you meet all the expectations of that grade. Playing up is an option for all grades except beginners.

Solo Element Note:
Please note that all elements are compulsory. You will only be included in overall placings for the grade if you complete all elements.

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Drumming Note:
All competitors, all grades, are to commence their performance with two three-paced rolls.
All competitors must be correctly attired in traditional Highland dress. For Beginner competitors, traditional Highland dress is optional.
Backing tracks may be used in the absence of a piper, but they must be a good recording with a click track. The backing track must not consist of pre-recorded drums.

For full PBA contest regulations, please click here

Drinks and light snacks will be available for purchase at the event.

We look forward to seeing you.
Any questions can be directed to tas@pipebandsaustralia.com.au

Thanks,
Pipe Bands Tasmania

Contact the host of Launceston Solos + Mini Bands