Panel prediction: FMM to win World’s

Here we are once again: on the brink of another World Pipe Band Championship, and everyone is wondering what the final result will be. We wonder, too, so we assembled our annual panel of piping and drumming experts from around the world, who have heard the various bands this year, but who are not attached with any Grade 1 organization.

We compiled their feedback, weighed the input, and came up with the following prediction for the likelihood of bands taking the big prize.

Just a reminder: this is all in fun, and we don’t condone gambling, and it really means nothing.

Odds

Field Marshal Montgomery – 1:2 odds
“The European was a rather large blip on an otherwise great season.”
“Drumming will help because of the panel.”
“Awesome.”

Strathclyde Police – 2:1
“They have lots of momentum after the win at Greenock.”
“Ensemble mark wrapped up in bass section more than any other band.”
“Much to be said for carrying off the banner on home turf.”

Simon Fraser University – 3:1
“Back to the Sinclairs: back to top-three.”
“After Pitlochry, expectations might be low and SFU may surprise.”
“Always produces the goods at the World’s.”

House of Edgar-Shotts & Dykehead – 3:1
“Can’t wait to hear their medley this year.”
“A wee bit inconsistent.”
“KP’s corps could be the deal-maker here.”

Robert Wiseman Dairies-Vale of Atholl – 6:1
“A solid chance at top-three.”
“Andy Renwick seems to have found the magic.”
“A great chanter sound at the earlier majors.”

Alberta Caledonia – 10:1
“Nice results at last week’s small events, but this is a whole different ballgame.”
“Will qualify, but playing three times is a huge disadvantage for any band.”
“All the buzz. Could be a shocker.”

St. Laurence O’Toole – 10:1
“Maybe lost steam from last year.”
“Great music, but sound a question-mark.”

Scottish Lion-78th Fraser Highlanders – 12:1
“Always creative, but creativity usually goes unrewarded at the World’s.”
“A better pipe section sound than last year.”

ScottishPower – 12:1
“First year out with Armstrong. Give it time.”

Australia Highlanders – 15:1
“Tough one to call. Could be very, very good.”
“First on in qualifier.”

Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia – 15:1
“Not a great year so far for Boghall.”
“A band that gets better later in the season.”

Toronto Police – 15:1
“If they play to potential, they will do well.”
“Interesting to see how the new drums are judged.”

Clan Gregor – 20:1
“P-M leaving mid-season a big hurdle to overcome.”

78th Highlanders (Halifax) – 20:1
“Always a treat musically. Sound and drumming are questions.”

Dysart & Dundonald – 25:1

New Zealand Police – 25:1

Ballycoan – 30:1

Bleary & District – 30:1

Ballinderry Bridge – 40:1

Lothian & Borders Police – 50:1

City of Blacktown – 50:1

Qualifier result prediction

Our panelists’ consensus prediction for five that go through from the qualifier contest, in order: