Torphichen, Cap Caval promoted to Grade 1
pipes|drums has learned that the RSPBA’s Music Board has recommended that Torphichen & Bathgate of Scotland and Bagad Cap Caval of Brittany should be promoted to Grade 1, pending approval by the RSPBA’s National Council.
Torphichen & Bathgate won the Champion of Champions title in Grade 2 in 2008, winning three major championships. The band also secured the Grade 2 Champion of Champions Drumming award for most overall points across the five major championships.
Bagad Cap Caval won the Grade 2 event at the World Pipe Band Championships. It is the first Breton band to be officially recognized by the RSPBA as Grade 1.
National Council approval is generally a formality.
The Torphichen upgrade would bring the number of Grade 1 bands based in Scotland to 10.
Established in 1902, Torphichen is one of the older civilian bands in the world. The band is led by Pipe-Major Gordon Stafford. Bagad Cap Caval, led by Herev le Floc’h, also won the Breton Championships this year.
Torphichen & Bathgate reached Grade 1 in 1990, but returned to Grade 2 a year later, and took a hiatus from competition for several years in the mid-1990s before resuming in Grade 2 in 1996.
Just to correct the end of your report andrew, Torphichen were promoted to Grade 1 at the end of the 93 season after similarly succesful season in Grade 2. The band competed in Grade 1 in the 94 season and held its own amongst the top 10 bands at that time. I’d like to wish my old band the very best of luck for next year, and congratulate them on the last 5 years of hard work to reach the goal of competing in Grade 1. Stuart
Correct decision, two good bands and deserve their shot in with the big guns. Good Luck!
Congratulations to both Bands!
congrats to both. striking who is not mentioned as apparently not beling recommended.