The Pipes, the Pipes are Calling...
The 2010/$2010 Pipe Tune Contest
In celebration of our 20th Anniversary in 2010, we held a pipe tune contest to mark the occasion.The winning tune from the 2010/$2010 Pipe Tune Contest entitled “Canmore Highland Games” was chosen from amongst 28 entries from 4 countries.
The winning submission was composed by John Lee, a member of the Grade I World Champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band of Burnaby, BC. John performed the tune live at the 2010 Games during the opening ceremonies.
John comes from talented Scottish musician stock, with both his father Jack and uncle Terry being top pipers. Together they rank amongst the most prominent and accomplished pipers in the World, having won many awards of distinction.
Placing second in the pipe tune contest and winning $1000 was Rob Barrick of Happy Valley, Oregon. Rob, who originally hails from Victoria, BC is a Grade I world class piper, as are all of the top 3 winners.
Local piper Ann Gray of Calgary took third place, winning $500. This was no surprise as Calgary lawyer and musician Ann Gray has been known as a piper of stature for many years.
“She continues to compete in solo contests around the world and teach at various schools throughout North America, including schools in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Montana, Idaho, Ohio, and Washington State. Ann also teaches privately in Calgary during the fall and winter months and is a member of Western Canada's Celtic band "Seanachie," playing various instruments including highland pipes, Scottish smallpipes, whistles, bodhran, and mandolin.” *
“Ann has been a source of inspiration for many a piper and drummer” says Sally Garen, former Drum Major of the now defunct Three Sisters Legion Pipe Band. “Ann was one of our teachers in the early days of our band and has won many awards at our Games and abroad. She has been our piping soloist at the Highland Games on more than a few occasions for the closing ceremonies and Massed Bands. We’re so happy that she has been chosen as one of the top three by the judges in our pipe tune contest.”