A Day with the Calgary Highlanders: Preparing for Success at the Canmore Highland Games

On the afternoon of August 17, while many were glued to updates from the World Pipe Band Championships, I had the privilege of spending my time with the Calgary Highlanders, helping them fine-tune their performance as they prepared for the upcoming Canmore Highland Games. It was a day filled with assessment, instruction, and judging—a perfect blend of practice and theory aimed at maximizing the band’s performance.

Assessing Chanter and Pad Practice

We began the afternoon with a focused assessment of the band’s chanter and pad practice. This early stage of the session was crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the day. The chanter practice allowed to isolate finger work, ensuring that every note was being hit cleanly and consistently. Precision here is critical, as any weaknesses can be amplified when playing in full band mode. The pad practice, meanwhile, was all about rhythm and timing, making sure that the drummers were locked in sync, providing the strong foundation the pipers would need.

I was impressed with the dedication and discipline of the band members. Their commitment to refining the basics was evident, and it set a strong foundation for the rest of the day’s activities.

Lecture: Maximizing Pipe Band Performance

After the assessment, I had the opportunity to give a lecture titled “Maximizing Pipe Band Performance: Psychology, Responsibilities, and Preparation for Major Events.” This is a topic close to my heart, as I believe the mental aspect of performance is just as important as the technical skills.

We delved into the psychological components of performance, discussing how mindset and mental preparation can make or break a performance on the day of the competition. We explored the importance of each member understanding their role and responsibilities within the band, emphasizing that individual excellence contributes to the collective success.

Preparation was another key focus. We talked about the importance of consistent practice routines, the value of run-throughs under pressure, and how to mentally rehearse for the big day. The band was fully engaged, and the questions they asked showed a deep interest in not just playing well, but performing at their absolute best.

For those interested in exploring more about how to prepare for such major events, I recommend checking out my bagpiping services where I offer tailored coaching and preparation sessions.

Acting as a Judge: The Competition Run-Through

Following the lecture, we moved on to a full-band run-through, treating it as a mock competition scenario. Here, I put on my judge’s hat, listening critically to each aspect of the performance—tuning, timing, ensemble, and overall musicality.

The run-through was impressive, but as always, there were areas to improve. In my critique, I pointed out the strengths—such as the band’s solid unison in the marches and the powerful dynamics in the strathspeys—and also highlighted areas where small tweaks could make a big difference. I emphasized the importance of keeping the tempo steady, especially during transitions, and the need for even tighter synchronization between the pipers and drummers.

After the performance, we had an overall debrief with the leadership of the Calgary Highlanders. This was a time to reflect on the day’s work and strategize for the final days of preparation before the Canmore Highland Games. I left the band with a few key takeaways: maintain focus, trust in your preparation, and most importantly, enjoy the performance. The Highland Games are as much about celebrating culture and camaraderie as they are about competition.

For those preparing for their own competitions or events, I highly recommend reviewing some of our bagpipe lessons to help refine your technique and performance under pressure.

Looking Ahead

As I left the practice, I felt a great sense of satisfaction knowing that the Calgary Highlanders were not only ready but eager to showcase their hard work at the Canmore Highland Games. They had put in the effort, absorbed the lessons, and were prepared to bring their best to the competition stage.

For anyone interested in learning more about how professional guidance can elevate a pipe band’s performance, whether through lectures and workshops or direct coaching, I encourage you to explore the services offered by Bagpipes 4U. It’s always a pleasure to work with dedicated musicians who are passionate about their craft, and I look forward to seeing the Calgary Highlanders continue to achieve great things.

Until next time, keep piping and stay tuned for more updates on how to elevate your pipe band performance!