Are there different levels of pipe bands?
Pipe bands often compete against each other at Highland Games or other contests. These contests are offered under the auspices of the local Pipe Band Association, and the exact rules differ between each Association. In most countries, the Associations are national, but in the United States and Canada they are regional. In most of the world, there are 4 levels of pipe bands, from Grade 1 (the highest level) to Grade 4. In a few Associations in the United States, the levels are from Grade 1 (the highest level) to Grade 5. Essentially, these Associations have split the Grade 4 level into an upper and lower level.
