News

Please follow the link below to view the full results from bagpipe.news

https://bagpipe.news/2022/06/19/results-from-clasp-at-tnpc-june-2022/

Here is a link to Bagpipe News results and pictures of the overall winners!

https://bagpipe.news/2022/05/26/results-from-the-clasp-live-online-may-7-2022/

To watch the video link to the live streaming of the results, please follow this link: https://fb.watch/dmS-srz9Cf/

Attached are links to the competitors tune selections and playing times for the upcoming CLASP 'Live online' Competition, which will take place using a Zoom platform on Saturday 7th May 2022. This is a video submission competition of competitors live performance.

Attached are:

1. Tune selections/Judges/ Competitor List. Grade 3 and Grade 4 have 'Own Choice' submissions and therefore I have just listed the competitors’ name here. Tunes for Judges selection -May 7th
2. Competitors' Playing Times (Times Listed are UK times and our time zone is British Summer Time (BST) May 7th Playing Order (2)

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Important information to remember for competitors -(PLEASE READ ALL)

1. This is a 'live' VIDEO submission competition and competitors should use the Zoom meeting details as the platform to perform ‘live’ on Saturday 7th May 2022.  All video links should be sent as You tube video links to clasp@thepipingcentre.co.uk by midnight on the 7th May 2022. Please make sure you set your video as Unlisted. The judge will be unable to open a video that is set to Private.
2. I would suggest not to use Zoom as your means of recording you video performance. My advice is to use a separate device such as a good quality Mobile Phone or whatever you have used in the past (that gives a clear recording quality). *Remember to place your phone on flight mode if you are using it as a video recording device.
3. I would recommend using a separate device (to the one you plan to video record your performance with) for connecting with the Zoom performance platform. A laptop/computer/tablet or a separate mobile phone device for example. If you do get disconnected at any point after the steward has introduced you, just keep going with your performance and leave the video running. Do not stop the video until the end of your performance.
4. Please be in your assigned breakout/performance room, ready to play at your allotted time slot. I would ask that you are muted when warming up and that you unmute when it is your time to compete. Please keep an eye on the time when you are warming up so you are not late for your performance slot.
5.  The Steward will ask you to turn on your video device at your allocated performance time and will announce you. The stewards’ announcement at the start of the video is what verifies the performance so it is really important that this is captured at the start of the Light Music performance and at the start of the Piobaireachd performance. Videos should not be edited.
6. Please remember that ALL light music events are played in your assigned 15 minute performance time slot, but competitors can re-tune or stop between events. An Example of the order for light music... The steward will ask the competitor to Turn on their video recording device, The steward will announce you, and the competitor starts- tune if you need to, play your 2/4 March…… stop/re-tune/drink water but don't stop the video.... Play your Strathspey/Reel... Stop/re-tune/drink water/, but don’t stop the video….Play your Jig/6/8 March and then stop your video recording device.
7. It is useful for the judges if you add your name and tune names in the You tube description box when uploading the video.
8.  Allow enough time to upload your videos to You Tube.
9. Results will be announced via live video on Thursday 26th May at 6pm via The CLASP Facebook page. Results will also be published on BagpipeNews Good luck to all competing!

Click on the link below to see the printed results:  https://bagpipe.news/2022/02/24/clasp-live-online-february-results/

 

 

Attached are links to the competitors tune selections and playing times for the upcoming CLASP 'Live online' Competition which will take place using a Zoom platform on Saturday 5th February 2022. This is a video submission competition of competitors live performance.

Attached are:

1. Tune selections/Judges/ Competitor List. Grade 3 and Grade 4 have 'Own Choice' submissions and therefore I have just listed the competitors’ name here.
2. Competitors' Playing Times (Times Listed are UK times and our time zone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

1. Judges Tune Selections

2. Feb 5th Playing Order

Important information to remember for competitors - (PLEASE READ ALL)

1. This is a 'live' VIDEO submission competition and competitors should use the Zoom meeting details as the platform to perform ‘live’ on Saturday 5th February 2022.  All video links should be sent as You tube video links to clasp@thepipingcentre.co.uk by midnight on the 5th February 2022. Please make sure you set your video as Unlisted. The judge will be unable to open a video that is set to Private.
2. I would suggest not to use Zoom as your means of recording you video performance. My advice is to use a separate device such as a good quality Mobile Phone or whatever you have used in the past (that gives a clear recording quality). *Remember to place your phone on flight mode if you are using it as a video recording device.
3. I would recommend using a separate device (to the one you plan to video record your performance with) for connecting with the Zoom performance platform. A laptop/computer/tablet or a separate mobile phone device for example. If you do get disconnected at any point after the steward has introduced you, just keep going with your performance and leave the video running. Do not stop the video until the end of your performance.
4. Please be in your assigned breakout/performance room, ready to play at your allotted time slot. I would ask that you are muted when warming up and that you unmute when it is your time to compete. Please keep an eye on the time when you are warming up so you are not late for your performance slot.
5.  The Steward will ask you to turn on your video device at your allocated performance time and will announce you. The stewards’ announcement at the start of the video is what verifies the performance so it is really important that this is captured at the start of the Light Music performance and at the start of the Piobaireachd performance. Videos should not be edited.
6. Please remember that ALL light music events are played in your assigned 15 minute performance time slot, but competitors can re-tune or stop between events. An Example of the order for light music... The steward will ask the competitor to Turn on their video recording device, The steward will announce you, and the competitor starts- tune if you need to, play your 2/4 March…… stop/re-tune/drink water but don't stop the video.... Play your Strathspey/Reel... Stop/re-tune/drink water/, but don’t stop the video….Play your Jig/6/8 March and then stop your video recording device.
7. It is useful for the judges if you add your name and tunes in the You tube description box when uploading the video.
8.  Allow enough time to upload your videos to You Tube.
9. Results will be announced via live video on Saturday 19th February at 5pm via The CLASP Facebook page. Results will also be published on BagpipeNews 

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General CLASP questions
Q. Does The CLASP have a website?
A. Yes. The CLASP website is www.theclasp.co.uk

Q. What is CLASP
A. CLASP is a Competition League for Amateur Solo Pipers aged 18 years and above. CLASP is open to adult amateur pipers worldwide and offers both in-person and online competitions for its members.

Q. How do I start competing in CLASP?
A. The first thing you have to do is become a CLASP member via the CLASP website – ‘Join Now’ button on the home page. Once you become a member you will need to get a grading. Here is a link to information on the grading process. Once you have been graded you can ‘log in’ via the members area of the website and enter any competition that are on offer.

Q. Can I join CLASP at any time of the year?
A. Yes!

Q. How much is CLASP Membership
A. Membership is £40 for a full year, but reduces throughout a calendar year depending on when you join:
December 1st - 31st March - £40
1st April - 30th June -£30
1st July - 30th Sept - £20
1st OCT -31st Dec - £10

Q. How many CLASP leagues are there?
A. The CLASP is offering two leagues for 2022.
The CLASP League runs from August to July each year and includes both in-person and online competitions. League table points are allocated to members who place in the top 6 of a competition.
The CLASP ‘Online’ League runs from January to December for 2022 and includes 3 ‘live online’ competition dates. League table points are allocated to members who place in the top 6 of a ‘Live Online’ Competition
Each league winner receives a clasp!

Q. How much is a competition entry?
A. £7.50 per event

Q. What does a CLASP membership include?
A. Access to compete in two competition leagues- ‘Online League’ (includes 3 ‘Live online’ competitions) & ‘The CLASP League’ (Includes all in-person and Online events) You will also have access to a members only area on the CLASP website, from here you can enter upcoming competition, see past results and keep an eye on the league table. Access to attend ‘The CLASP in Conversation with….’ Talks, which are run bi-monthly exclusively for CLASP members only at a cost of £5 per talk.

Q. How do I know if I am an Amateur and eligible to compete in CLASP?
A. Please read the 8 rules in this link - https://theclasp.co.uk/rules-sanctioning/

General Grading Questions

Q.I have a grade from my North American Piping/Pipe Band Association, do I still need to audition for a CLASP grade?
A. You still need to become a CLASP and pay a membership fee but any pipers with a current grade in an American or Canadian organisation will usually be accepted. CLASP reserves the right to request a recording to ensure standards are aligned. If you require further help with this please email Margaret and Wilson email

Q. Will I be in the same grade for both Piobaireachd and light music?
A. When you submit your grading recording(s) you will be placed in the appropriate grade for each discipline. This decision is made only on the recordings submitted for grading and you may therefore be in a different grade for Piobaireachd and light music.

Q. I have a CLASP grade but haven’t competed in CLASP for two years, do I need to submit another grading recording?
A. If you have not competed in CLASP for two years or more you will be required to submit for a grade, follow the instructions on the grading page.

General Tune Requirement Questions
Q. Which competitions need set tunes for Piobaireachd?
A. When the competition details are posted on the website, they will clearly state if you are required to enter set tunes or your own choice. To read the competitions exempt from Set tunes please click on this link https://theclasp.co.uk/set-tunes/#requirements

Q. Where do I find the set tunes?
A. The current set tunes can be found here along with the requirements for each grade. Be sure and select your tunes from the current set tune list.

Q. How many tunes must I submit for light music?
A. The competition entry form will indicate how many tunes you are required to submit. Here is a link to tune requirements https://theclasp.co.uk/set-tunes/#requirements

General Competing Questions

Q. Do I have to compete in both the Light Music and Piobaireachd events?
A. No. You can opt to play in only the light music or you can opt to play in Piobaireachd only.

Q. Do I have to enter all light music categories or can I choose?
A. You can enter any number of light music events you choose.

Q. For Grade 1 Light Music, do I submit my MSR as a two sets or as individual tunes for the judge to select ?
A. In Grade 1, you will submit two Marches, two strathspeys and two reels. The judge will select the tunes to be played. The entry form will state clearly if this is to be judged as a March with separate Strathspey and reel or as a complete MSR.

Q. Will I get a crit sheet?
A. You will receive a crit sheet for all indoor and online competitions. Crit sheets are usually not issued at Highland Games, but some judges like to write sheets and these will be handed out after the competition.

Q. Do I have to wear a kilt for online competitions?
A. Yes. There is an acceptable dress standard which applies to both in-person and online competitions. This includes the wearing of a kilt/trews. Details can be found in the relevant section of the Rules

Q. I’ve never played Piobaireachd before, how do I get started?
A. The best way to get started is to find a teacher. Once you are feeling confident you can request a grade and compete. Our grade 4/5 is perfect for less experienced Piobaireachd players, as the tune requirements are less demanding than the higher grades. As with any other grading, you will be placed in the grade appropriate to your standard.

Q. What do I do on the day of an in-person competition?
A. Plan to arrive in good time (you will probably have seen the draw before the competition day) Check in with the steward who will let you know how things are progressing and at the appropriate time, will show you where you can tune up. When it’s your turn to play a steward will come for you and take you to the room where you will perform. You will meet the judge, tune your pipes and away you go. You will play your piobaireachd in one visit and your light music in a separate visit.

Q. What happens on the day of an online competition?
A. In an online “live” event, tune into the platform in good time. We usually use Zoom but we will advise you in advance. At the appointed time for your performance, be ready to play. Don’t worry about finding your way around the Zoom platform, our stewards can move you to where you need to be. Once you have played you can leave or remain in the room and watch other competitors. There will be further instructions for online events which will be issued as required in the days leading to an online competition.

Q. When will I get my results?
A. At an in-person competition we will hold a short awards ceremony at the end of the competition day. Prizes, crit sheets and overall medals will be issued at that time. For an online competition, the results are usually published 7-14 days via live video on The CLASP Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/TheCLASP and printed on Bagpipe News website. The date and time for the results can be found on The CLASP website (Event Info) and The CLASP Facebook page.

Q. I still have a question, who can I contact?
A. If we haven’t answered your question on the website of the FAQs please contact Margaret Dunn and Wilson Brown via email

 

https://bagpipe.news/2021/11/29/clasp/

To watch the 'Live' Video results, here is the link and passcode:
Copy the link below to share this recording with viewers:
https://thepipingcentre-co-uk.zoom.us/rec/share/CGc1-k98RZnLoZET3HDT9aK1a2i8GyE2nCy4SitL-ppZe8tK5wrDP_Gp_NkGdMPZ.7792JFyZnqCszs5u
Passcode: .N1$4ixk

 

Attached are links to the competitors tune selections and playing times for the upcoming CLASP 'Live online' Competition which will take place using a Zoom platform on 13th November 2021. This is a video submission competition of competitors live performance.

Attached are:

1. Tune selections/Judges/ Competitor List. Grade 3 and Grade 4 have 'Own Choice' submissions and therefore I have just listed the competitors’ name here.
2. Competitors' Playing Times (Times Listed are UK times and our time zone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Tune Selections & Judges-13th Nov. 2021

Competitors' Playing Times

Important information to remember for competitors - (PLEASE READ ALL)

1. This is a 'live' VIDEO submission competition and competitors should use the Zoom meeting details as the platform to perform ‘live’ on 13^thNovember 2021. All video links should be sent as You tube video links to clasp@thepipingcentre.co.uk by midnight on the 13th November 2021. Please make sure you set your video as Unlisted. The judge will be unable to open a video that is set to Private.
2. I would suggest not to use Zoom as your means of video recording. My advice is to use a separate device such as a good quality Mobile Phone or whatever you have used in the past (that gives a clear recording quality). *Remember to place your phone on flight mode if you are using it as a video recording device.
3. I would recommend using a separate device (to the one you plan to video record your performance with) for connecting with the Zoom performance platform. A laptop/computer/tablet or a separate mobile phone device for example. If you do get disconnected at any point after the steward has introduced you, just keep going with your performance and leave the video running. Do not stop the video until the end of your performance.
4. Please be in your assigned breakout/performance room, ready to play at your allotted time slot. Keep an eye on the screen if you are blowing your pipes.
5.  The Steward will ask you to turn on your video device at your allocated performance time and will announce you. The stewards’ announcement at the start of the video is what verifies the performance so it is really important that this is captured at the start of the Light Music performance and at the start of the Piobaireachd performance. Videos should not be edited.
6. Please remember that ALL light music events are played in your assigned 20 minute performance time slot, but competitors can re-tune or stop between events. An Example of the order for light music... The steward will ask the competitor to Turn on their video recording device, The steward will announce you, and the competitor starts- tune if you need to, play your 2/4 March…… stop/re-tune/drink water but don't stop the video.... Play your Strathspey/Reel... Stop/re-tune/drink water/, but don’t stop the video….Play your Jig and then stop your video recording device.
7. It is useful for the judges if you add your name and tunes in the You tube description box when uploading the video.
8. . Give yourself enough time to upload your videos.

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