0:00:02 > 0:00:04As the athletes and, of course, this boy leave a legacy of
0:00:04 > 0:00:07sport for Scotland, we're joined by more friends from around the world.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09It's time to get Glasgow going again.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Welcome to one of the biggest musical events of the year -
0:00:12 > 0:00:15The World Pipe Band Championships 2014.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Hello and welcome to this world-famous competition.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Bands come here to find out who really is the best of the best
0:00:46 > 0:00:49and over the next hour we'll be bringing you all the action
0:00:49 > 0:00:52and telling you who gets their hands on this coveted trophy
0:00:52 > 0:00:55and earns the title World Pipe Band Champion.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Coming up, great music from the entire Grade 1 competition.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04Can last year's winners, Field Marshal Montgomery,
0:01:04 > 0:01:06make it four in a row?
0:01:06 > 0:01:08We'll be showing some of the highlights from both
0:01:08 > 0:01:13the Juvenile and Grade 2 finals taking place in the main arena.
0:01:13 > 0:01:14And, of course,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17it's the competition all the top bands have been working towards...
0:01:17 > 0:01:22Who will be World Pipe Band Champion 2014?
0:01:22 > 0:01:25There is so much to look forward to,
0:01:25 > 0:01:27and even a grey day like this isn't going to dampen
0:01:27 > 0:01:31the spirits of the thousands of pipers and drummers who've come
0:01:31 > 0:01:35here from New Zealand to Canada, from Northern Ireland to the USA.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39They're going to be competing across all categories and age groups
0:01:39 > 0:01:42which means some fabulous performances are guaranteed.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Now, I'm pleased to say I'm joined by our piping expert once again -
0:01:46 > 0:01:47Bob Worrall.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49Bob, you're going to take us through the competition,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51but first, remind us of the rules.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54The bands in the Grade 1, there are 12 of them,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56they play twice during the course of the day.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59They play a march, strathspey and reel, which is very prescribed
0:01:59 > 0:02:02and then they play a medley which is much more free form -
0:02:02 > 0:02:03five to seven minutes.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06And to the untrained ear, there's not a lot between the top bands,
0:02:06 > 0:02:07so what are the judges listening out for?
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Fine differences in sound, how the
0:02:10 > 0:02:12tone is sustained through the performance.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Fine differences in the level of technical clarity, how precise
0:02:16 > 0:02:19the playing is within each of the chorus and between the chorus.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21And, of course, ultimately, the overall musicality,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24and this can be just tiny things, like a tiny tempo thing,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27a tiny expression thing that can make the difference.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30This competition has been dominated by Field Marshal Montgomery
0:02:30 > 0:02:33in recent years. Who should we look out for this year?
0:02:33 > 0:02:36It has been dominated by Field Marshal and I would expect that
0:02:36 > 0:02:40they're going to be a force again today, without question.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42They've won three of the first championships this year.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Inveraray won one of the other championships.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Do not rule Inveraray out, do not rule Scottish Power out -
0:02:48 > 0:02:50they were second in a couple of those championships,
0:02:50 > 0:02:56and do not rule out Boghall because Boghall is playing extremely
0:02:56 > 0:03:00well, and St Laurence O'Toole since Alen Tully has taken over,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03has improved, and they're back in form again.
0:03:03 > 0:03:04It's a horse race.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07You've given us some ones to watch, anyway. Thank you very much, Bob.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09We'll be telling you some more about some of those
0:03:09 > 0:03:12bands as the programme goes on, but first let the competition begin.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14Let's head over to the main arena.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20Starting off this year's competition
0:03:20 > 0:03:22and first to face the rain...
0:03:26 > 0:03:29The first overseas band to win the Worlds back in 1987.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Now led by Pipe Major Douglas MacRae.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36Tempo came on quite nice.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52It was good. It was cold!
0:03:52 > 0:03:53Certainly cold on the hands,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55but the rain came down as we were
0:03:55 > 0:03:56tuning up, stopped,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58then came back, then back on the field,
0:03:58 > 0:04:00so it's just a guessing game, but we're happy with it.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02The sound held pretty well.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Superb alacrity entering that strathspey. Brilliant!
0:04:44 > 0:04:46Excellent...
0:04:49 > 0:04:52The ideal scenario is sunshine and a bit of heat, you know.
0:04:52 > 0:04:53The hands are cold
0:04:53 > 0:04:54and it's difficult to get them
0:04:54 > 0:04:55to move in this temperature,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57so it's tricky,
0:04:57 > 0:04:59but everybody is in the same boat, so you've got to just try
0:04:59 > 0:05:01and deal with it as best you can.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Snares and the pipe chord definitely
0:05:11 > 0:05:13on the same musical page in this tune.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42Good. It was a good, solid run for us.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45The conditions, obviously, as you can see are not pleasant but,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48yeah, overall happy.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49You can talk to the rest of the guys,
0:05:49 > 0:05:51it's the same all the time.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54But fairly happy with that. I felt it was quite confident.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58We'll have more from the Grade 1 arena in just a moment,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00but if you're new to the world of pipe band competition,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03here's a closer look at some of the bands
0:06:03 > 0:06:06who've made it past the qualifying stages and into that final.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Field Marshal Montgomery are back
0:06:10 > 0:06:13defending their world title for the fourth year in a row.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15If they can achieve this, it will be the first time
0:06:15 > 0:06:19since Strathclyde Police managed it way back in the early '90s.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23However, their recent impeccable form took a slight dip
0:06:23 > 0:06:26when they finished fourth at the Europeans earlier this year.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Out of the four championships so far,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31we've won three
0:06:31 > 0:06:32and we were fourth in the other.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37So a pretty good year, but the fourth was a bit of a disappointment for us.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39There's a lot of good bands out there,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42so all you can do is do what is in your control and try and play
0:06:42 > 0:06:45the best you can and then it's in the hands of the judges after that.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49With nine World Championships during his 33 year reign,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51the formidable Pipe Major Richard Parkes
0:06:51 > 0:06:53will be eager to avoid disappointment.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57He will be hoping to guide the band to his tenth win this year.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01With top three finishes at the Worlds over the last three years,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Scottish Power are strong contenders.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06They head into the competition having built up some momentum
0:07:06 > 0:07:07through the season,
0:07:07 > 0:07:10finishing second at the Scottish and European Championships.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13I think we have been second throughout the four majors
0:07:13 > 0:07:15so far this year.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18We've been playing fairly well, pretty consistent performances,
0:07:18 > 0:07:20which is the main thing.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22That's what it's all about.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Knocking on the door, so hopefully, fingers crossed.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Next up, we have Republic of Ireland's St Laurence O'Toole.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29They have had a great season
0:07:29 > 0:07:32and are coming into the Worlds full of confidence.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34We were third in three majors
0:07:34 > 0:07:36and we were fifth in the last major coming in,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39but we had our best performance of the year.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41So we're feeling very good and confident coming in here.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43We also won the All-Ireland Championships
0:07:43 > 0:07:47back at the start of July, so...good and strong.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51This is Alen Tully's first year as pipe major after taking
0:07:51 > 0:07:54over from his father Terry.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57I've just finished 30 years of being pipe major.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59My father before me was the pipe major.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03There has been a Tully pipe major since 1964 in our band,
0:08:03 > 0:08:07which is almost nearly half the band's lifetime.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11So with big shoes to fill, we'll have to wait and see
0:08:11 > 0:08:14if Alen can write a new chapter in the family history.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Here we have Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22last year's runners up.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26The World Championship still remains the only title to elude them.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29They've shown glimpses of good form over the season so far,
0:08:29 > 0:08:33placing sixth in the Europeans, third at the Scottish
0:08:33 > 0:08:36and second at the British Championships.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Our form this year has been pretty good,
0:08:38 > 0:08:39we have been playing pretty well.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43The results have been a bit up and down this year.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45But we haven't lost any confidence in our ability on the back
0:08:45 > 0:08:47of those results.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50I think our performance at the last major championship,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52the Scottish Championship, I thought we had a cracking run there.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55And I think it's probably carried on to this one.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00Contenders Simon Fraser University have been setting a very high
0:09:00 > 0:09:04standard since the late 1990s, having won the Worlds six times.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Last year was the first time
0:09:07 > 0:09:10they placed out of the top three since 1999.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13They have also been going through a major transitional period
0:09:13 > 0:09:18with Alan Bevan taking over from influential pipe major Terry Lee.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22We've done really well, the band. Really fired up.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Very keen to prove that we have not taken any step backwards,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28same attitude, maybe slightly better this year.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Been a few years since we won, so I think it would be a big deal
0:09:31 > 0:09:35back home for our local fans as well as for the University.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40Will Alan Bevan guide Simon Fraser University back into the top three?
0:09:40 > 0:09:45Or can he even inspire them to take the trophy back across the Atlantic?
0:09:45 > 0:09:50And finally, Inverary and District Pipe Band were founded in 2005
0:09:50 > 0:09:53and managed to attain Grade 1 status in just four years
0:09:53 > 0:09:59after winning all five RSPBA Grade 2 Championships in 2009.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01At the European Championships this year,
0:10:01 > 0:10:05they secured their first Grade 1 title.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07We did win the one, the third one, the European Championships,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10which was a big milestone for us.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13There is no doubt, it does boost the morale a lot.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16It puts belief into the players.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19A lot of them are first-time winners of a championship.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20So it really does put belief into them
0:10:20 > 0:10:23that all that hard work is actually for a reason.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Pipe Major Stuart Liddell has also been doing a bit of homework.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30I think the standard of the bands today is now at its highest.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34I went to the Strathclyde Police concert on Wednesday night
0:10:34 > 0:10:36and they sounded really good, checking them out,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39how they were getting the edge, can we get the edge as well?
0:10:39 > 0:10:43We will have to wait and see if those scouting missions,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46and, more importantly, their recent success will prove to be
0:10:46 > 0:10:49the deciding factor for them this year.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53Will this year's prize go to one of those contenders, or is there
0:10:53 > 0:10:57a dark horse ready to knock Field Marshal Montgomery off the top spot?
0:10:57 > 0:10:58Time for more music now.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Let's go back to the march, strathspey and reel.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Next up, the current champions, Field Marshal Montgomery,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07led by Pipe Major Richard Parkes.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23Well, to quote an overused expression,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27when it comes to that attack, that is as good as it gets.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16A tough part to express and they've managed it really well.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21All we can control is our own performance,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24and if we can do that and play to the best of our ability,
0:12:24 > 0:12:28that's all we can control. Other than that, if we can play well,
0:12:28 > 0:12:31I'm confident that it will be good enough to be in contention.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09We've come from mid-winter in New Zealand,
0:13:09 > 0:13:13so it's probably more what we've got in New Zealand right at the moment.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16But we handled it pretty well.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18We know we're just as likely
0:13:18 > 0:13:20to get this sort of weather here in Scotland,
0:13:20 > 0:13:23so we planned for it.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39A very fluent musical transition into the reel.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Well, that's another good one...
0:14:37 > 0:14:38from our Grade 1 bands.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46We nailed it on the tempos, it was good and controlled.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49We did everything we wanted to do, and judging from the reaction
0:14:49 > 0:14:52of the drummers, they had a very good run too, so...
0:14:52 > 0:14:53SHRIEK
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Some great performances from the main arena there
0:14:56 > 0:14:58and there are six more MSRs to come.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01But now, there's been a break in the clouds, which is
0:15:01 > 0:15:04quite fitting because we are turning our attention to the future
0:15:04 > 0:15:07and we're going to enjoy some of the quality
0:15:07 > 0:15:10and enthusiasm on display in the juvenile category.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14Eight teams all under the age of 18 made it through to the final.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17But it came down to a close battle for the title
0:15:17 > 0:15:22between Boghall and Bathgate, George Watson's College and Dollar Academy.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46APPLAUSE
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Juvenile first place, winning the MacDiarmid Shield
0:17:52 > 0:17:55and the Stirling McMurchy Memorial Cup...
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Dollar Academy.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03With George Watson's College taking second place
0:18:03 > 0:18:06and in third, Boghall and Bathgate.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- Can you sum up your feelings? - It's hard to put into words.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12It's absolutely amazing. Amazing.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15How much does this mean to you and the band?
0:18:15 > 0:18:18After all that hard work we've put in, it just paid off.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- I think everyone's just ecstatic.- I think I'll ask them. Are you happy?
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Yes!
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Worthy winners there,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30and judging by the standard in the Juvenile category,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33there's clearly a lot of great talent coming through.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36If you'd like to see more of the Juveniles, you can see
0:18:36 > 0:18:39the final performances from Grade 1 and Grade 2 on our website.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Go to...
0:18:42 > 0:18:47Now back to what those young players aspire to - the Grade 1 competition
0:18:47 > 0:18:51and the remaining march, strathspey and reel.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54His first year leading the band at the Worlds,
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Glenn Cupples and Cullybackey.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Good overall attack.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11A little squareish in the first couple of phrases of the march.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38At times, the pipe caller is just
0:19:38 > 0:19:41squaring off the phrase endings just a touch.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47That's our best MSR run of the year.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Certainly my best run as a pipe major of a band.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52That really did knit... It was very, very good. Very good.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55We'll have to remember there are bigger bands out there,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58more numbers, maybe more quality, but I'm really pleased.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Good tempo to the strathspey.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Just a bit unsettled with the strathspey idiom
0:20:16 > 0:20:18in the first couple of phrases.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21Much more settled now.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33It's my favourite day of the year.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Quite honestly, I guess it's a two-day now,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38but this day really feels like the World Championships.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Favourite day of the year, everybody that loves doing this...
0:20:41 > 0:20:44this kind of a hobby is here and lots of friends from
0:20:44 > 0:20:48around the world we get to revisit and play some great music together.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Superb, superb snare support throughout this tune.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38APPLAUSE
0:21:42 > 0:21:44It was edgy, I thought.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47Yesterday we were maybe admiring it a little bit
0:21:47 > 0:21:51and today we pulled it out a little bit
0:21:51 > 0:21:53and increased the tempos and it was a more exciting MSR, I think.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Don't really know from inside the circle how it comes across,
0:21:56 > 0:21:59but I was very happy with how it went musically.
0:21:59 > 0:22:00Time to have a closer look
0:22:00 > 0:22:03at some of the contenders braving the elements here today.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia are a band with big ambitions
0:22:06 > 0:22:09and they are hoping that the return of Mrs Brown's boys -
0:22:09 > 0:22:13no, not them - might help inspire them to glory.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Formed in 1910, Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia
0:22:18 > 0:22:23are one of the most successful and celebrated pipe bands in history.
0:22:24 > 0:22:2715 time winners of the World Pipe Band Championships,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30they've been an institution for over a century.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35But their last major win was way back in 2005.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39Since then, they've been going through a transitional period.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Leading the band today is Shotts legend,
0:22:41 > 0:22:43drum sergeant Jim Kilpatrick.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47And new and ambitious pipe major Ryan Canning.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51I took over the band in September 2012,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54having spent the vast part of my piping career
0:22:54 > 0:22:56with Field Marshal Montgomery.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58When I took the band on,
0:22:58 > 0:23:02the pipe corps had been in quite a sorry state and low in numbers.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05So when I took the job, I did bring in extra players
0:23:05 > 0:23:07and there was a lot of work needed
0:23:07 > 0:23:09to get it back in a competitive position.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13In 2013, Ryan made his first major appointment,
0:23:13 > 0:23:16making former band member Glenn Brown the pipe sergeant
0:23:16 > 0:23:21and bringing his brothers Blair and Graham back to the drum corps.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23If anybody in any band wants to progress
0:23:23 > 0:23:27they have to bring in good players who've got a lot of experience.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Glenn fits that bill perfectly. It was a natural choice.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35Canadian-born Glenn Brown is one of the world's top solo pipers,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38and he and his brother share a long history with Shotts.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42From a young age the three boys had the opportunity to visit
0:23:42 > 0:23:44and watch the band rehearse.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47To say they were three highly charged kids
0:23:47 > 0:23:49would be an understatement.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52I remember the first time I came into the band hall.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56It's very vivid, being that young, remembering coming through the doors
0:23:56 > 0:23:58and seeing, you know, a Grade 1 band. Wow.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00You know, this is pretty cool.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04It was a dream come true when they all joined the pipe
0:24:04 > 0:24:07and drum corps of the band, winning the World Championships twice,
0:24:07 > 0:24:12taking home the top prize in 2003 and 2005.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22But in 2007 Glenn, Graham and Blair left the band.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27We wanted to have a go at leadership positions.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31It was tough to leave Shotts but...that was it.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Glenn had a successful period with Scottish Power,
0:24:34 > 0:24:39while Graham and Blair drummed for Peel Police and SFU, respectively.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43For the three seasons that we all played...all of us played apart,
0:24:43 > 0:24:46that was always the hardest thing for me,
0:24:46 > 0:24:48was playing against these two guys.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52In 2013 the brothers jumped at the chance to rejoin Shotts.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55It was the perfect opportunity to get back together.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59When Ryan took on Shotts, I thought, "I got to go back to Shotts,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02"because that's kind of where our hearts are, you know.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05"I want to come back and kind of be a part of
0:25:05 > 0:25:07"kind of a rebuilding process."
0:25:07 > 0:25:11It was an absolute perfect storm because, you know,
0:25:11 > 0:25:15loads of respect for Ryan, thought, "OK, they've got, as far as
0:25:15 > 0:25:19"I'm concerned, like, THE guy that was unattached."
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Jim Kilpatrick is here, who is the best in the business
0:25:22 > 0:25:25and the man that I have the most respect for.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30So you've got the leadership and all of a sudden my brothers and I
0:25:30 > 0:25:35are going to be able to play somewhere together again.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39Now reunited, they're ready to bring the glory days back to Shotts.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41It's exciting.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44It's exciting to be a part of something fresh like that.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Having the Brown brothers back in,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50that is contagious for the other members in the band.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54This stage is very simple, it's to keep improving every single year.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56We're aiming for the top of the grade.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Everything we do is focused on getting right to the very top,
0:25:59 > 0:26:00and to be winning majors
0:26:00 > 0:26:04and hopefully the World Championships as soon as possible.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07The good news for Shotts & Dykehead is that they made it through,
0:26:07 > 0:26:09so let's take a look at them in action
0:26:09 > 0:26:13during the final instalment of the march, strathspey and reel.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Very precise and confident introduction.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Tiny bit on the squarish side in that first part,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46in terms of expression.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48They've settled in nicely now.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Erm, there's a few little things I heard that, erm, could be
0:27:08 > 0:27:11improved a little bit. Erm, mainly tonally.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Playing-wise, at least, again, where I was, I was happy with it.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20So, yeah, just tidy up a little bit of the tuning in a couple of notes. Just a little small amount.
0:27:25 > 0:27:30They nailed the strathspey idiom right off the bat in bar one.
0:27:30 > 0:27:31Great lift.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09We're confident as we can be.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11We're here to try and win this competition today, but
0:28:11 > 0:28:15we've got another performance to do, so we'll see how we go after that.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25Very demanding bottom-hand work... in this tune.
0:28:25 > 0:28:26Crystal clean.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Very precise transition to the reel.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48Good poise on their offbeat accents. Lovely.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Nicely done by the percussion section in the upright.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44APPLAUSE
0:29:44 > 0:29:47That was a good one. A very good one.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53It's always great to get the first run out the way. It sort of does...
0:29:53 > 0:29:56It is slightly nervous the first time you go in there in the final,
0:29:56 > 0:29:59but now that we've done that and we're happy with that one, er,
0:29:59 > 0:30:02we can relax a bit on the more fun stuff, on the medley.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05So I think it will be good for us.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08All the bands have now completed the march, strathspey and reel section.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10Still to come, the second half of the final
0:30:10 > 0:30:13and the chance to express themselves in the medley.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18But first let's see how the scores are standing at the halfway stage.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Can Inveraray & District do enough to stay there, or will
0:30:45 > 0:30:49Field Marshal Montgomery be able to clinch that historic victory?
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Before the start of the Grade 1 medley section,
0:30:52 > 0:30:57the Grade 2 bands got the chance to play their final in the main arena.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Let's see how they got on.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18Very demanding bottom-hand work in this tune.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Through to Donny Bradford's The Spice Of Life.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55Lots of confidence and poise in the delivery of these jigs.
0:32:42 > 0:32:43The drones and the chanters
0:32:43 > 0:32:47are just losing a touch of their earlier stability.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Precise, confident intro.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42Grade 2 first place,
0:34:42 > 0:34:45winning the RSPBA Stewards' Quaich,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Brieg, from France.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54In second place were Bleary and District
0:34:54 > 0:34:56and, in third, Buchan Peterson.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59But worthy winners, in their traditional Breton dress,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Brieg from France.
0:35:02 > 0:35:08And you can see all the Grade 2 performances, in full, at...
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Now it's time to go back to the main event,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14as the Grade 1 bands perform their medley.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52They're not holding anything back.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Aggressive, powerful, precise jig playing.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Fair Jean. Great old Gaelic air.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Lovely subtle forward motion to the phrasing.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27You have dominated the Worlds for the last few years.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30I wonder if the... the fear of losing
0:37:30 > 0:37:33ever becomes greater than the joy of winning?
0:37:33 > 0:37:36That's a very good question. I mean, um...
0:37:36 > 0:37:40This band is in a position that everybody wants to be in,
0:37:40 > 0:37:43but when you're in it, you almost have to win all the time,
0:37:43 > 0:37:44and that makes it very difficult,
0:37:44 > 0:37:47but I mean, to produce a performance like that in there
0:37:47 > 0:37:49gives you such a thrill and such a high when you finish,
0:37:49 > 0:37:53and you hear the crowd's reaction there - that's what we do it for,
0:37:53 > 0:37:57you know, and, er, the fear of losing will never take that away.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29PLAYING STOPS, APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:39:29 > 0:39:32How about that for a dramatic finish? Loved it.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Good start to finish. No mistakes.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36So, er, the sound held well. MEN CHATTER
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- Quite happy, as you can hear. - Sounds like they're happy.- Yeah.
0:39:40 > 0:39:41What needs to come together
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- for that winning performance? - Concentration, really.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45That's the big thing, you know.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Making sure everybody's head's in the right place at the right time,
0:39:48 > 0:39:50making sure I get my job right, do the sound,
0:39:50 > 0:39:52get that as good as it possibly can be.
0:40:14 > 0:40:19The overall tonal impression I'm having is that the sound is
0:40:19 > 0:40:22much more refined than it was in the march, strathspey and reel.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57Lovely Gaelic feel coming across in these tunes.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10How much do you have to steady your nerves
0:41:10 > 0:41:12before you make that final march in?
0:41:12 > 0:41:15We've had this conversation with a couple of people.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18See, when you're in this position, you've got too much to worry about.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21You're actually more nervous just being a piper in the band sometimes,
0:41:21 > 0:41:26but, er, no, just, you have to stay focused, focus is the main thing,
0:41:26 > 0:41:29just believing in what you're doing, go on and try and nail it.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14That's very, very sweet, what the percussion did there.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41Some fairly significant intonation concerns on their Ds.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52Pipes were very good in the march, strathspey and reel.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54Not quite as solid here.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06- How much pressure is there on you to do your dad proud?- Um...
0:43:06 > 0:43:10- I don't know. He's not, er, he's not too on putting pressure on...- On you!
0:43:10 > 0:43:12- How much are you putting on yourself?- Yeah.
0:43:12 > 0:43:14I put a lot of pressure on myself, because I want the band to do well.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17We work hard all the way through the winter time and summertime,
0:43:17 > 0:43:22so yeah, er, yeah, I feel pressure from everybody to make sure
0:43:22 > 0:43:25we've the best band we can have going forward, but at the end of the day,
0:43:25 > 0:43:28the guys are really good today, we've had four very strong runs
0:43:28 > 0:43:31over the last two days, so we've done as much as we can do.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35The Worlds are a date not to be missed by fans of all ages
0:43:35 > 0:43:39that come from far and wide to enjoy these championships.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42I think the atmosphere's quite energetic, because you're
0:43:42 > 0:43:45in amongst people that are actually very passionate about piping
0:43:45 > 0:43:49and it's something that they do 52 weeks of the year
0:43:49 > 0:43:53and this is ultimately the pinnacle of the pipe band world today.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56The support for the bagpipes is getting better every year
0:43:56 > 0:44:00and it's a phenomenal day out, it's great.
0:44:00 > 0:44:02- Brilliant.- Brilliant. - Perfect.- As we always do.
0:44:02 > 0:44:04The rain doesn't make one blind bit of difference.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06We're enjoying it just the same.
0:44:06 > 0:44:07It's been fantastic.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10Everyone has been so friendly and everybody's having such a good time.
0:44:10 > 0:44:12The weather's brightened up.
0:44:12 > 0:44:14This morning, everyone was still really getting in the spirit.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16Absolutely brilliant.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19The weather isn't wonderful, but the music is so good,
0:44:19 > 0:44:21you forget about the bad weather and the showers.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24High energy, just great energy, um,
0:44:24 > 0:44:27I don't think that many people pay much attention to the weather,
0:44:27 > 0:44:29because there's such an excitement about the music.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32Just everywhere, you can feel the vibe.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35Hilal, where are you from and what have you been doing today?
0:44:35 > 0:44:39We are representing the Royal Air Force of Oman Band.
0:44:39 > 0:44:41We are from Sultanate of Oman.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45And we are so glad to be in the World Championship of Pipes.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49- I'm going for Field Marshal again this year.- I'm going for Inveraray.
0:44:49 > 0:44:53Gotta be Field Marshal Montgomery, definitely. Cannae see by them!
0:44:53 > 0:44:55We were listening to Inveraray earlier and they were in
0:44:55 > 0:44:58with a very good chance, if they play like that in the final.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01I would be a keen Field Marshal Montgomery fan
0:45:01 > 0:45:05and I'd really like to see them clinch the 10th world title.
0:45:05 > 0:45:10So, opinion is split over who will take this year's title.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12It'll all come down to their medley performances,
0:45:12 > 0:45:14so let's get back to the music.
0:45:51 > 0:45:55The ease in the introduction, just a lack of clarity.
0:45:55 > 0:46:00It's a brassy sound, but just not precise enough.
0:46:18 > 0:46:21It felt confident out there. The band felt good.
0:46:21 > 0:46:23The sound really held well -
0:46:23 > 0:46:26nice hum off the drones and everybody's always happier
0:46:26 > 0:46:27when the sound's good,
0:46:27 > 0:46:29so we tend to play better and just
0:46:29 > 0:46:30felt really, really tight and together.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34Are you particularly happy cos you've got your first Worlds
0:46:34 > 0:46:35under your belt as pipe major?
0:46:35 > 0:46:37Yes. Happy and relieved, I guess.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39All four circles went well.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08Lovely orchestration to these harmonies.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37Slight integration issue there between pipes
0:47:37 > 0:47:40and drums at the start of this strathspey.
0:47:43 > 0:47:44Locked in nicely now.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11How did that feel?
0:48:11 > 0:48:13Not quite as good as MSR I don't think.
0:48:13 > 0:48:17Just a little bit shaky in a few places.
0:48:17 > 0:48:20But then again, the guys round the other side are really happy,
0:48:20 > 0:48:22so you can't really tell -
0:48:22 > 0:48:25there could be a little pocket that's not as good as the rest.
0:48:25 > 0:48:27I'm still generally very happy,
0:48:27 > 0:48:30but there are still a couple of things we could have improved on.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33What played a part in that, do you think? Nerves? The conditions?
0:48:33 > 0:48:35- Or a combination of both? - Probably a bit of both, yeah.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38Conditions obviously make it very difficult for everybody.
0:48:38 > 0:48:43We've a lot of very young players - we're a very young band, a new band.
0:48:43 > 0:48:44First time for a lot of people
0:48:44 > 0:48:46playing in that arena with that crowd,
0:48:46 > 0:48:50so that can all contribute towards it.
0:48:50 > 0:48:52But, yeah, it can be a number of things.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54We're well into the final stages of the competition now,
0:48:54 > 0:48:57which means in a very short time we'll find out who is going
0:48:57 > 0:48:59to be crowned World Champion.
0:48:59 > 0:49:01But first, let's have a few words with John Hughes,
0:49:01 > 0:49:03who's the vice chairman of the RSPBA.
0:49:03 > 0:49:05John, you made some changes this year.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09We did. We brought the Juvenile bands and the Grade 2 bands into the
0:49:09 > 0:49:13big arena and also we have most of our bands now on the Saturday,
0:49:13 > 0:49:15with only the Grade 1 qualifying on the Friday.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18It seems to have gone down very well - you're always evolving.
0:49:18 > 0:49:19What about next year?
0:49:19 > 0:49:22I think again we'll go for feedback from our bands and our members
0:49:22 > 0:49:24and see what they thought of this format,
0:49:24 > 0:49:25and see where we go from there.
0:49:25 > 0:49:28Let's not hear about what they think about the weather.
0:49:28 > 0:49:29- Let's not ask that! - To be continued...
0:49:29 > 0:49:32We're going now for our final visit to the Grade 1 arena,
0:49:32 > 0:49:33and after that, the results.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54Good release into the jig.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25This is very musical jig playing.
0:50:32 > 0:50:34Subtle dynamics range from the snares.
0:50:53 > 0:50:54First the ensemble and the jigs.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28The pressure must be on, runner-up last year.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30No pressure - no pressure at all.
0:51:30 > 0:51:32You come here and you do your best.
0:51:32 > 0:51:34We're playing well and we're performing really good,
0:51:34 > 0:51:37so the pressure isn't really about what we do,
0:51:37 > 0:51:39just making sure we deliver and execute on the day,
0:51:39 > 0:51:40and I think we did that.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43I hope. The dream then, if it's not pressure -
0:51:43 > 0:51:45getting to number one from number two last year.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48- The trajectory has been going one way.- Yeah. It's been good.
0:51:48 > 0:51:50I've been saying that for the last 30 years,
0:51:50 > 0:51:52- but maybe one day it'll happen. - Not to me you haven't!
0:52:12 > 0:52:14Phenomenally subtle transition.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38And the subtlety continues - just gently nudging the tempo up.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44Fully intentional.
0:53:03 > 0:53:07Just released into the final tune - Michael Grey's Dunrovin Farm.
0:54:12 > 0:54:13CROWD CHEERS
0:54:14 > 0:54:16Stunning performance.
0:54:17 > 0:54:21Can you describe the feeling you get when it's all piecing together?
0:54:24 > 0:54:27I think emotional, probably.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30It's just when the bagpipe holds together
0:54:30 > 0:54:32and everything is as it should be,
0:54:32 > 0:54:34it communicates some kind of emotion -
0:54:34 > 0:54:36well, I feel it is anyway.
0:54:36 > 0:54:38It just...
0:54:38 > 0:54:42It's such a hard instrument to get right, it's very...
0:54:42 > 0:54:44Exposed to the elements, it can be very variable with
0:54:44 > 0:54:47the temperatures and moisture, and it's just a nightmare,
0:54:47 > 0:54:50so when everything goes well it's just an excellent feeling.
0:54:50 > 0:54:53- ON PA:- Welcome to the last bands of
0:54:53 > 0:54:57the 2014 World Pipe Band Championship.
0:55:24 > 0:55:25The countless hours of rehearsing
0:55:25 > 0:55:28and competing have led the bands to this moment.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30There's nothing more they can do.
0:55:30 > 0:55:35It's time to find out who is the best pipe band in the world.
0:55:35 > 0:55:38Grade 1, 1st place...
0:55:38 > 0:55:42winning the RSPBA Jubilee Trophy and banner...
0:55:44 > 0:55:47..and World Champions for 2014...
0:55:49 > 0:55:51- ..Field Marshal Montgomery. - CHEERING
0:55:58 > 0:56:00In 2nd place...
0:56:00 > 0:56:01Inverary & District.
0:56:05 > 0:56:07In 3rd place...
0:56:07 > 0:56:09St Laurence O'Toole.
0:56:13 > 0:56:14In 4th place...
0:56:14 > 0:56:17Peoples Ford - Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia.
0:56:31 > 0:56:37Richard Parkes, congratulations, you must be very proud.
0:56:37 > 0:56:38Very proud indeed.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41To win it four years in a row is just unbelievable for the band.
0:56:41 > 0:56:43Just a great feeling.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47You were up against some particularly tough
0:56:47 > 0:56:50competition this year, weren't you?
0:56:50 > 0:56:53I think the competition's getting closer and closer every year
0:56:53 > 0:56:55and I listened to some of the bands after we played today
0:56:55 > 0:56:58and they were absolutely tremendous.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01And you know, the standard of bands at the moment is very high and to
0:57:01 > 0:57:05win it four years in a row with that standard of bands is a great feat.
0:57:05 > 0:57:09This is the tenth time you have won it as pipe major,
0:57:09 > 0:57:12does the thrill of winning, for you, still feel as good?
0:57:12 > 0:57:14Absolutely, it never changes.
0:57:14 > 0:57:18The thrill when we were called out first - that never changes.
0:57:18 > 0:57:21A great feeling to hear your name called out first in the Worlds.
0:57:21 > 0:57:24Let's hear it one more time, ladies and gentlemen,
0:57:24 > 0:57:28for the World Pipe Band Champions 2014, Field Marshal Montgomery.
0:57:30 > 0:57:32APPLAUSE
0:57:36 > 0:57:39An historic victory from Field Marshal Montgomery,
0:57:39 > 0:57:41making it four in a row,
0:57:41 > 0:57:45also taking this year's Champion Of Champions title.
0:57:45 > 0:57:48And the final positions of the top six...
0:57:48 > 0:57:54Runners up - Inverary & District with St Laurence O'Toole in 3rd,
0:57:54 > 0:57:57Boghall and Bathgate in 4th place,
0:57:57 > 0:57:59Shotts and Dykehead in 5th,
0:57:59 > 0:58:00and completing the top six,
0:58:00 > 0:58:03Scottish Power.
0:58:03 > 0:58:06So an emotional end to a fantastic day.
0:58:06 > 0:58:07Bob, worthy winners?
0:58:07 > 0:58:08Absolutely.
0:58:08 > 0:58:11Terrific competition.
0:58:11 > 0:58:14That's it from Glasgow Green. Don't forget, you can
0:58:14 > 0:58:20catch up with lots more music on our website bbc.co.uk/worlds.
0:58:20 > 0:58:25From Bob and from me and a jubilant Field Marshal Montgomery, goodbye.