David was invited to compete at the first annual US Junior Solo Piping Championship in Pittsburgh this past weekend. He joined 17 other teens (age limit under 18) from around the US at Carnegie Mellon University for the Saturday competitions in Piobaireachd and MSR (march, strathspey, reel). Mom went along as his chaperone.
Fortunately, the competition was held indoors, so we avoided spending the day in the 35 degree weather. It was held on stage in a 300-seat auditorium in a beautiful marble building. Competitors came from all over the US - California to Texas to New Jersey and Maine. Most were in the top two Amateur piping levels in the US, so the field of playing was fairly level. Each competitor was allowed about an hour in the tuning room before being escorted on stage in front of three judges and an audience. The pressure was intense; one little slip of memory or finger, and a competitor would be eliminated. David played beautifully, but he ended up not placing. Even so, his performance was one to be proud of.
The long day ended with a concert in Carnegie Music Hall by the world champion Irish band St. Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band. The concert - while a bit long - showed off some of the best music in the piping world. And to make things better, all the competitors were given very nice complimentary seats.
Oh, yes, and one bit of excitement to begin our trip: David's suitcase took a leisurely tour of the US, courtesy of the friendly skies of Delta, while mom and kid stressed out in Pittsburgh over the lack of uniform (required to compete). It did arrive by special delivery Saturday morning, in time for his first performance.
Fortunately, the competition was held indoors, so we avoided spending the day in the 35 degree weather. It was held on stage in a 300-seat auditorium in a beautiful marble building. Competitors came from all over the US - California to Texas to New Jersey and Maine. Most were in the top two Amateur piping levels in the US, so the field of playing was fairly level. Each competitor was allowed about an hour in the tuning room before being escorted on stage in front of three judges and an audience. The pressure was intense; one little slip of memory or finger, and a competitor would be eliminated. David played beautifully, but he ended up not placing. Even so, his performance was one to be proud of.The long day ended with a concert in Carnegie Music Hall by the world champion Irish band St. Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band. The concert - while a bit long - showed off some of the best music in the piping world. And to make things better, all the competitors were given very nice complimentary seats.
Oh, yes, and one bit of excitement to begin our trip: David's suitcase took a leisurely tour of the US, courtesy of the friendly skies of Delta, while mom and kid stressed out in Pittsburgh over the lack of uniform (required to compete). It did arrive by special delivery Saturday morning, in time for his first performance.
No comments:
Post a Comment