X Marks the Scot - An on-line community of kilt wearers.
-
28th March 21, 06:58 PM
#4
The fancy flourishes are for the spectacle/show. If a Drum Major is doing the fancy spins and twirls, his/her command of the basics for providing direction to the band behind him/her had best be exceptional. Otherwise, it's 'all show, no substance' and they might find themselves out of the Drum Major role in short order.
In my opinion, providing very clear and consistent direction is a must. (i.e., Use the same signal the same way at the same time, EVERY time.)
The Louisville Pipe Band (LPB), as a primarily competition band, doesn't make use of a Drum Major. When in parades, the Pipe Major (front right corner as you're standing in the ranks, front left when you're facing the band head-on) is the one to call the tune start/stop. Having been in massed bands on the fields at Games, though, the better Drum Majors gave clear directions well before the march-on (e.g., "When I do THIS, stop moving forward and march in place", etc.). They also discussed the tunes that were going to be played - sometimes even getting in touch with the bands expected to be present beforehand to be sure they had particular tunes in their repertoire.
They would also negotiate with the games officials to get the bands on/off the field in a short span of time. Competing bands in particular don't want to be stuck out in the sun/heat for the half hour or more of 'opening remarks' at noon when band competitions start at 1 PM. It takes a good hour to get a band warmed up/tuned up for a competition.
A thorough knowledge of the tunes to be played - and how to direct them - is essential for any musical conductor. As Pipe Sergeant to the LPB, I would occasionally have to lead the band in rehearsals, on occasion in public performances (especially the small-group paid performances), and once or twice I led the band in competition as well. I found it's a very different thing to PLAY a set of tunes than it is to CONDUCT those tunes. Fortunately, there were several experienced players in the pipe & drum lines and folks were very tolerant as I was figuring things out.
As to how they learn, I'm not 100% certain. I know there are some piping and drumming schools (i.e. 'summer camps') that offer DM classes. There are also DM competitions at some pipe band competitions. That depends in large part on the event organizers (there is a significant cost involved in running any competition that is almost prohibitive).
John
-
The Following 4 Users say 'Aye' to EagleJCS For This Useful Post:
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|
|
Bookmarks