Third competition in Richmond First Place 2/4 March

My third competition was in Richmond Highland Games and Festival Richmond Virginia. My wife's aunt was visiting from Oregon so we all met in Richmond at my sister-in-law's house. All the families came, there was a big chance of the rain continuing on Saturday. Pipers Hut rushed me my Mr. Anthony Band Spec Cape since the forecast was heavy rain. After Williamsburg, my decision to spend time on the 2/4 march was paying off, the missing 16th notes are now played in their full value and not rushed.

Woke up late so we had to hurry, after registering, I had 15 minutes till my turn on the boards. I went to my band's tent to get the pipes ready and my Pipe Major who was also competing offered to help in tuning. I thanked him and off I went to warm up. I could have used his help in tuning but in the rush I decided to do it alone. Coming late is taking it's toll on my concentration, and since my pipes which needs a decent 30 minute warm up, will have to do in 10 minutes.

Note to self, if one is not ready, do not accept an offer by the steward of stepping up when the competitor who is in front of you is not ready. My pipes did not settle at all when I played my piobaireachd "The Little Spree". The rushing and pipes not ready destroyed any chance of getting a good expression on the tune. I clipped the long notes so my chances was nil.

My number for the 2/4 march, third in line. I had 20 minutes to warm up. By now my pipes sounds solid, alas, number two was not ready, can I be ready to go(steward came, since I was the sucker the last time, seem to be the trend now, get that guy). Yep, I'm ready. After telling Chris Hamilton my tune, I turned and played Sou Gan to tune, it was in tune and immediately turned and off I went with "Prince Charles Welcome to Lochaber". I felt very good after I finished playing.

I took the kids for snacks, cold fish and chips and soda. Not the best meal but I was very hungry. I stopped by the Henderson Imports booth where Chris Apps was and bought a solo reed. Chatted with him awhile about having softer reeds and how it improved techniques and overall playing. As usual, he was a great source of info, I always leave with a better understanding of the reeds.

I returned to the main booth to check my results, my P/M was there to check his results as well. I was surprised to find my 2/4 march awarded first place. That felt good, it took a while to get the glitches out. My P/M won four medals, excellent. I went back to the tent and talked to my teacher and band members, as the rookie, it will be a while before before I compete with them. We had to leave for Williamsburg so I wished them luck and bid them farewell.

Lesson learned, I will have to be diligent in giving myself time to get to the games early so I can get myself and the pipes settled. The tunes needs to be played the day before the competition. Pipes needs to be inspected night before every competition for any loose drone reeds, loose joints etc. The pipes have to settle to lock in and warming up prior to competing is essential.