What makes a good Drum Major?
I follow Braemar Media on Facebook tinyurl.com/5b753ejz because they so often post videos of Pipe Bands and I've been an addict since I was a pre-schooler. Gottahave my daily 'fix'! 
One of my fascinations is the Drum Majors. I love the flashy flourishes of, for example, D.M. Bill Barclay tinyurl.com/2z7sckcc , who I read is from New Zealand. I also love it when there is a toddler beginning to learn the trade by accompanying the DM on the march. Good for them, and for their mentors! The future may indeed be in good hands.
But the question for DMs here (I'm sure we have two or three!) and for the pipe band members they command, is "What makes a good Drum Major?" Is it indeed those flashy flourishes which the public so enjoys, or is it a clarity of command for the sake of the band, or something else that hasn't struck me yet? Are some flourishes better than others? What is the best combination for these? How do Drum Majors learn their important task?
Hoping for a fulsome and educational discussion on this, as so often happens on XMarks.
Rev'd Father Bill White: Mostly retired Parish Priest & former Elementary Headmaster. Lover of God, dogs, most people, joy, tradition, humour & clarity. Legion Padre, theologian, teacher, philosopher, linguist, encourager of hearts & souls & a firm believer in dignity, decency, & duty. A proud Canadian Sinclair.
Bookmarks