New playing requirements for 4A

So what do we think about the new proposal for 4A bands to play an MSR at major competitions? The RSPBA music board are in favour of it, so it looks like it's going to happen.

so that'll mean 4a bands have to play
two, two parted MAP 2/4 marches
one, two parted MAP Strathspey
one, two parted MAP Reel

anyone think it's good/bad?

what happens at the minors ???

oh and you wont have to worry about it for a few years anyway m8

Good! I'm sick of hearing the same 2/4's every week.

Now we will have to listen to the same MSR every week


Ahh well...suppose it will help in the long run! The should open it up & let bands play whatever tunes they want!

The only sence I can see with MAP tunes is that it benefits the RSPBA. It's making it easier for judges and the RSPBA by using fewer judges so as to cut costs. I have never played in a band while the MAP process has been around but I can see the sheer boredom on the kids faces having to play the same tune seven odd times a night. When I was in grade 4 we had a good selection of tunes I still remember Jimmy Findlater, Morrison Avenue and Bob Martin. Nothing wrong with them. Grade 1 has vast improved and yes we do have advanced tools out there to help improve the band but playing is of a much higher standard than ever before. We got there without the use of MAP. I think the MAP process is driving kids away... kids love to learn new tunes not to be stuck playing the same old every practice night. MAP is supposed to improve musicality in lower grade bands. I say scrap the procedure. Let the bands play what they want never done us any harm.

All this fiddling with things? and we all know what happens when you fiddle too much(Come on keep it clean??) Just ask Nero?? and the population of Rome?

wee_fee-Fee wrote:........playing is of a much higher standard than ever before. We got there without the use of MAP.

Quite right.
I see no reason why a G4 band cannot play an MSR as part of the repertoire. There must of course be some form of regulation for competitions but bands should be allowed to play whatever they choose (to a degree of course and within the regulations).

Any G4 band which cannot play an MSR of some description must ask themselves if they are indeed a pipe band.

Theres a good case for both points of view on this topic IMO

It was heavily discussed at the NI branch AGM.

The Map system is good in principal, but gets let down by the tune choice, and the fact that a lot of the settings are sanitised of movements.

You can get penalised in higher grades for leaving things out, so RSPBA double standards strike again.

BY the same token, some G4 bands were saying, that everyone else has a free tune choice, so it was unfair and even discriminatory to them, a very fair point in my view.

Unfortunately the went on to say that they would like to play the same tunes as grade 1 bands...... Not such a good idea, they are in G4 for a reason.

I think the idea of an MSR, 2 parts each tune is fine, that will allow them to improve in a steady manner, and begin to prepare them for 3B etc.

There is no reason in the world that they cannot play the first 2 parts of a march, first 2 of a S/S and the first 2 of a reel, then if successful, and up graded, learn the rest of these tunes for 3b,

That seems to be why many bands falter, the jump is too big.

As for other tunes, they will have parades, gala days concerts etc, so will need a selection of bread and butter tunes, Jimmy Findlater and Morrison Avenue being an excellent pair

One thing is for sure, no-one seems to like the MAP idea as it currently stands


cheers

Piping Connections wrote:what happens at the minors ???

oh and you wont have to worry about it for a few years anyway m8

No m8, i have it on good word that it's coming into action next season.

As to minors, g4a bands will have to play to the lower standard of 4b bands. So it'll be a QMM same as always! Only MSR for majors!

Hmmmmm, havin' second thoughts on this one.

There are plenty of good 4 parted tunes grade4's can use. Why bastardise a 4part tune?, or is it a case of 2 parted march ect' ?.

Well if it's the latter it's a bloody insult to grade 4A bands. WTF wants to play the Keel Row or the Lilt when there are better 4 parted tunes ?.

Don't know, am goin' aff this whole piping crap altogether, FFS when I was 10 a was learning Maggie Cameron 'n Willie Cummings, not stupid 2 parted fiddle tunes.

The youth of today are more than capable of handling a proper MSR.

Ummmmmm, Inverary anyone?......just go back 2-3 seasons wi this outfit.

Robbie - I was at the branch meeting the week after the music board met to discuss this - its still up in the air
4B will have to choose 4, 2 part 2/4,s from a list of 18 tunes same tunes in qualification and final if they qualify
4A will choose 2, 2 part 2/4,s from the same list a 2 part strathspey from a given list and a 2 part reel from a given list

It has not been sorted out what will happen at the minors yet.

Think RSPBA are trying to improve the level - i have no problems with what they are trying to do.
One thing i will say is I was standing in between the G4B ring and the G3B ring at Dumbarton and apart drom perhaps 2 or 3 bands G4 were getting a better sound from relaxed players who had practised 3 tunes all winter and better phrasing from 2/4,s
Ime not saying its the answer but there needs to be some direction and help for the lower G4 bands who dont have the input from top Grade players