London Announces All-CPA Format

The Scottish Piping Society of London will require all competitors at its annual solo competition to be graded members of the Competing Pipers Association, Piper & Drummer Online has learned.

The move marks the first time in history that a major solo event in the United Kingdom will demand players be members of a single association.

“We are only accepting pipers registered with the CPA, and will in fact require a membership number,” said Chris Apps, convener of the London event. “This is a first. It supports the CPA and makes life easier for us as an organization.”

London in recent years has been known for incorporating several firsts for UK contests. In 2000 it became the first major British competition to use scoresheets, a regular practice in North American events since the 1960s.

“This is a very important and positive step forward for professional solo piping,” said CPA President Colin MacLellan. “Since the inception of CPA in 1975, the association has strived to reach the point where a major piping competition such as the London Society Competitions would accept CPA members only for their competition. I believe it’s a recognition after over a quarter of a century that CPA is the best equipped vehicle for the grading of solo pipers, and has been since its foundation.

“It’s also interesting to note that no longer will there be any type of ‘back door’ entry into a major competition such as London, since every competitor will have been screened and recommended by their senior colleagues in our association. In recent years the CPA has made it a priority to overhaul the grading system, and we are now confident that the procedures presently in place are as accurate and extensive as possible. It’s a great boost for the CPA to receive this sort of vote of confidence from the London Competition, and we will redouble our efforts to serve pipers and the major competitions as effectively as we can.”

This year’s London competitions are to be held on October 25, and feature, among other top events, the Bratach Gorm, the first automatic qualifier for the 2004 Glenfiddich Championship.

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