Process and Factors for Promotions/Regradings
At the conclusion of each competition season, the BCPA Grading Subcommittees (Solo and Band) review the results of solo and band competitions at the BCPA sanctioned competitions from the Annual Gathering through to the Campbell River Highland Gathering and the Performance Ratings of the soloists and bands in those competitions. For soloists and bands, the Performance Rating values are the adjudicator’s assessment of the competitor’s performance according to the ANAPBA Recommended Grade Level Expectations for the grade. The Grading Subcommittees review all these factors and their recommendations for regrading competitors are presented to the BCPA Music Committee Chair and Vice Chair for final approval.

The BCPA implements a “continent grading standard” for solo competitors and a “world grading standard” for bands, as recommended by the Alliance of North American Pipe Band Associations (ANAPBA). This means that solo competitors and bands graded by the BCPA would be determined to be in the correct grade if assessed by other ANAPBA member associations (for solos) or by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (for bands).

Thus solo competitor promotions are determined based on assessed ability to successfully compete (i.e. have a reasonable chance of attaining some placings) at the next grade level, not only in BCPA sanctioned competitions, but also in sanctioned competitions in other ANAPBA member associations. Band promotions are determined based on the standard of the grades at the World Pipe Band Championships.

Appeals
Solo competitors and bands within the BCPA jurisdiction (BC, Washington, and Oregon) are not permitted to “self-promote” themselves to the next grade level. However, solo competitors and bands which have not been promoted may appeal the decision to the BCPA by submitting a completed BCPA Regrading Appeal Form (located on the BCPA website www.bcpipers.org ). Similarly, solo competitors and bands which have been promoted may appeal the decision to the BCPA by submitting a completed BCPA Regrading Appeal Form.
Solo competitors and bands may request a summary of their 2025-26 season Performance Ratings by emailing secretary@bcpipers.org and including competitor name, grade, instrument (i.e. piper, snare drummer, tenor drummer, band). Solo competitors and bands are encouraged to request their Performance Ratings summary so that when coupled with the results at BCPA sanctioned competitions (located on the BCPA website) a more comprehensive picture is presented of the solo competitor/band performances throughout the season.
Competitors who do not appear on the mandatory promotions list shown below are encouraged to discuss an appeal with their instructor. If the instructor feels a promotion is warranted based on strong and consistent performance in placings and performance ratings as well as other information not generally available to the appropriate Grading Subcommittees, then the appropriate Grading subcommittee encourages the competitor to file an appeal using the BCPA Regrading Appeal Form.
Appeal Periods
Amateur soloist re-grading appeals, except for those to the Open grade, will be accepted in the following periods:
● October 1 to October 15, 2026
● February 14 to 27, 2027 (immediately following the final BCPA Mini-Gathering)

BRITISH COLUMBIA PIPERS’ ASSOCIATION MANDATORY SOLO COMPETITOR & BAND PROMOTIONS FOR THE 2026-27 SEASON

Mandatory Solo and Band Competitor Promotions for the 2026-27 season are as follows:

After careful reiew, the BCPA Solo Grading Committee is announcing the following mandatory solo and band competitor promotions, effective for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Lists are in Alphabetical order.

Beginner to Grade 5 Piping All Beginner players who have competed in the Beginner grade for more than 12 months.

Grade 5 to Grade 4 Piping Liam Borthwick, Caleb Lawler, Logan Lewis, Kieran MacDonald, Niko Steves

Grade 4 to Grade 3 Piping Ayden Fitzpatrick, Logan Gillespie, Millie Kingston, Ilan Moss-Sheth, Carl Wilder, Adeylynn Williams

Adult to Grade 4 No promotions

Grade 3 to Grade 2 Piping Matthew Fleek, Trenton McGregor, Keefe McWilliams, Elsa Wonder

Grade 2 to Grade 1 Piping Aaron Bergen, Silas Heard, Travis McEachern

Beginner to Grade 4 Snare Drumming All Beginner players who have competed in the Beginner grade for more than 12 months.

Grade 4 to Grade 3 Snare Drumming Nolan Baird, Liz Dunsire, Ivy Moore

Grade 3 to Grade 2 Snare Drumming Isaiah Dahlstrom, Madeleine Ferrie, Maiya Frick

Grade 2 to Grade 1 Snare Drumming Max Fenwick

Beginner to Novice Tenor Drumming No promotions

Novice to Intermediate Tenor Drumming No promotions

All Band re-gradings Band re-gradings will be announced early October 2026