What makes a good Drum Major?

**OC Richard** · 29th March 21, 05:26 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

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.

Originally Posted by Father Bill

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.

**Father Bill** · 29th March 21, 06:11 AM

Yes, I've noted a pleasing formality with the Regimental DMs that is quite different from the showy civilian style, and I respect, appreciate, and enjoy that regimental formality. I particularly appreciate and respect your comments about personal qualities. Not showy, but never upsetting either.

**Macman** · 29th March 21, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

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.

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.

I agree 100%. Our local games has separate categories for flourishing and non. Jason is a joy to watch, and he's a very nice young man as well. My wife and I had a chance to talk to him for quite a while when he was here for our games.

**Grump** · 6th May 21, 05:29 PM

In order of importance PM No. 1, PS No.2, DM No.3. I was always told "make no mistake about it PM is always in control" . That should stir the pot.

**Ninehostages** · 6th May 21, 07:24 PM

Flourishes ... watch one of the Scottish regiments parading in their home streets, arms shouldered. They beat the living stuffing out of their bass drums. Not much of that pansy flourishy stuff, there. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! ... presence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S00SFXh_ThI

**Bruce Scott** · 7th May 21, 12:29 AM

Mick Hay, the former Senior Drum Major, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, discusses his Army career and his new role here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqJbLpvO0bg

**Grump** · 7th May 21, 08:41 AM

Well worth the watch. I am always amazed at the memories anyone who has had anything to do with piping hold on to and most of them remember the youngsters. I have been to competitions and seen five and six year olds compete. It's wonderfull to watch and it sticks with you in your mind youngsters either playing the chanter or playing kitchen pipes. The youngsters with faux pipes marching alongside a pipe band. Who can say maybe a drum major in the making!

**OC Richard** · 10th May 21, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by Bruce Scott

Mick Hay, the former Senior Drum Major, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, discusses his Army career and his new role here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqJbLpvO0bg

Very cool.

What's this "light-up mace" that everybody but he knew about?

Another local lad makes good, Drum Major Kevin Conquest, US Coast Guard, second DM from right at the 2019 Edinburgh Tattoo

**Grump** · 10th May 21, 08:38 AM

Your USMC program hit a nerve. DM aside the ignorance of some people in this day and age to let horses lead a band, brass or pipe, is disgusting. Horse crap and spats
DO NOT mix especially if you have had to clean up after.

**Father Bill** · 7th May 21, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by Ninehostages

Flourishes ... watch one of the Scottish regiments parading in their home streets, arms shouldered. They beat the living stuffing out of their bass drums. Not much of that pansy flourishy stuff, there. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! ... presence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S00SFXh_ThI

To me, that pretty well beats the tar out of just about any other display. Thanks for the share.