When James Moore talks about bagpiping, his passion for the instrument is palpable.
This weekend's Great Lakes Piping Challenge, created by Moore and gold medal winning piper Graham Mulholland, will bring together pipers from around the world who share his interest.
The solo piping competition, conducted on the order of a traditional Scottish contest, is unlike the typical North American format in that each piper is required to play a tune by a particular composer or specific idiom, exposing competitors to music they may not have previously learned. This format is intended to challenge participants and eventually raise the level of play.
"The U.S. is kind of behind the UK and Canada in turning out professional level players. We've turned out a list of tunes which the participants will be required to play from, not the standard tunes you hear over and over again," said Moore, whose mail-order business Henderson Imports of Traverse City specializes in bagpipes, instructional materials and Highland wear.
Pipers, coming from as far away as Los Angeles, Seattle, Baltimore and Thunder Bay, Ontario, will compete for $7,500 in cash and prizes including the top prize set of silver David Naill Bagpipes.
Along with the solo piping challenge, the weekend's activities include "Spring Tune-Up" piping and drumming workshops for bands and individual players from across the Midwest. Workshops are designed for those who already play the pipes, snare, tenor or bass drum and include such topics as "What judges look for in band competitions," "How to tune a band," "Reed adjustment" and "What's new in piping gear."
Top level instructors from British Columbia, Ireland, California and Texas will provide a wide range of experience and understanding. An international group of vendors will also be on hand to answer questions about their products. These workshops require pre-registration and will be held Saturday and Sunday at the TBA Career Tech Center on Parsons Road at Three Mile Road.
Saturday's public concert, featuring the Grade One Windsor Police Pipe Band as well as solo performers and competition winners, is the highlight of the weekend, noted Moore.
"Listening to the Windsor band gives you an idea of what top level play is all about. They just project a wall of sound," Moore said.
Tickets for the Friday Challenge performance are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 55 and over, $9 for students age 13-17. This event is not recommended for small children.
Saturday's Premier Piping Performance tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $9 for children 13-17 and $7 for children 12 and under. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at the Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St. in Traverse City.
For ticket information, call 932-7330 or visit www.bagpipes-henderson.com.