What makes a good Drum Major?

[OC Richard]

One of my fascinations is the Drum Majors. I love the flashy flourishes...

One thing to be aware of is the divide between Regimental Drum Majors and the sort of drum majors that are seen with High School bands in the USA, for example.

Here. Look for the fancy flourishes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOuhLIqj_vU

Local lad made good Jason Paguio, several time World Drum Major Champion, is the finest example of the US school style flourishing Drum Major.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8KitT9UIcs

I do believe at Drum Major competitions Regimental DMs compete in a separate category from the flourishing DMs.

But the question for DMs here and for the pipe band members they command, is "What makes a good Drum Major?"

From the perspective of someone who has spent over 40 years regularly competing in Pipe Band contests at Highland Games I will say that for me what makes a good Drum Major isn't the things you mentioned, but their quality as human beings.

We are blessed here to have a group of Drum Majors who are the finest gentlemen and gentlewomen you would ever have the privilege of knowing. They not only take their craft seriously but also know that they are the Public Face, the Ambassadors, of the Pipe Band community. To a man and to a woman they are dignified, thoughtful, and kind to all. In spite of all eyes being on them, or perhaps because of it, they are humble, self-effacing, quick with a joke and with a dram. You won't find big egos and power-trips with them.