Pipe Major's Commands

Pipe Major's Commands

by Lynn Peterson (Lynnie McPeterson)
(Eugene, Oregon)

After death of our pipe major of 55 years, command of our band has fallen to elected PMs each year and it's a big learning curve as the rest of the 'old guard' are now gone as well. The original band wore full gear Seaforth uniforms, used military commands throughout parades, shows.

Our pipe majors need to learn commands to say to lead the band. Some are reluctant to yell 'Beat Off' for obvious reasons. Alternatives?

Lynn Peterson, Dance Sgt (yes, our dancers are members of the band...I play tenor drum as well)

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Pipe Major's Commands

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Aug 02, 2010
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On Parade
by: Anonymous

Hi Lyn,

Here is the link to the book Bill referenced in his post.

http://www.bagpipe-tutorials.com/on-parade.html

I hope it will be og help to you

Best Regards
Greg

Aug 01, 2010
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Pipe Major's commands
by: Bill Robertson

Hello Lynn,
My web-master, Greg, will have most likely refered you to a very good book on band Drum Majors that I am sure will include among other things that of Pipe Major dircting the band on parade when necessary as I used to do in my regiment, and as other P/Ms had to do in other regiments.

The various drill commands such as coming to attention, quick march, ready, are given by the P/M who strctly speaking should be on his own front right of the front rank so that he/she can be seen. Before any parades etc., the P/M should tell the band what has to be done starting from etc., and finishing at--.

Also the band, especially the bass drummer should know to keep an eye on the P/M for his signal (stepping to the side and swinning shoulder or right hand up)to stop playing end of the part. If marking time, then the PM singals his front rank that it is coming with short stepping and the rest of the band who can expact such to happen commencing to short step and mark time with proper dressing/space beteween ranks. Stop marking time on end of part, first or second time whichever is nearest. The P/M will signal in the usual manner to stop when necesary after the halt - remember bass double taps.

Dismiss etc., and genearl discipline in care of the P/M. In the Scottish regiments the pipers are also highland dancers with a selected team for dancing such as the foursone reel, and Argyll broadwsords. I trust that helps. I like the Seaforth's kilt of the MacKenzie tartan with the regimental pleating of the white stripes.

Regards,
Bill

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Aug 01, 2010
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Submitted by: Bill Robertson

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Hello Lynn, My web-master, Greg, will have most likely refered you to a very good book on band Drum Majors that I am sure will include among other things that of Pipe Major dircting the band on parade when necessary as I used to do in my regiment, and as other P/Ms had to do in other regiments. The various drill commands such as coming to attention, quick march, ready, are given by the P/M who strctly speaking should be on his own front right of the front rank so that he/she can be seen. Before any parades etc., the P/M should tell the band what has to be done starting from etc., and finishing at--. Also the band, especially the bass drummer should know to keep an eye on the P/M for his signal (stepping to the side and swinning shoulder or right hand up)to stop playing end of the part. If marking time, then the PM singals his front rank that it is coming with short stepping and the rest of the band who can expact such to happen commencing to short step and mark time with proper dressing/space beteween ranks. Stop marking time on end of part, first or second time whichever is nearest. The P/M will signal in the usual manner to stop when necesary after the halt - remember bass double taps. Dismiss etc., and genearl discipline in care of the P/M. In the Scottish regiments the pipers are also highland dancers with a selected team for dancing such as the foursone reel, and Argyll broadwsords. I trust that helps. I like the Seaforth's kilt of the MacKenzie tartan with the regimental pleating of the white stripes. Regards, Bill

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