I joined a Pipe Band

**OC Richard** · 9th September 11, 05:29 AM

Yes congratulations and good luck! Much hard practice is required but the rewards are huge.

There's nothing like circling up with a dozen pipes all in good tune playing some lovely tunes with lovely harmonies. (That's the highlight for me anyhow: I'm our band's harmony person, I write our harmonies, and I was glad to see positive judge's comments about them on our debut last weekend.)

Yes the pipes are traditionally a solo instrument, and ARE a solo instrument par excellence, but I enjoy band playing so much more.

**KWD** · 9th October 11, 03:42 PM

ok.. So 1 mouth ago, I joined a pipe band, been practicing very hard, and learning my way into tunes, Although still not playing the pipes, I went to my first band parade today, to find out that our Drum Major quit, so they all collectively decided to make me the interim Drum Major, so for the time being while I learn to play the bagpipes, I am now my bands Peacock, the Drum Major

it is fun being out front!

**Neil Clark** · 10th October 11, 12:04 AM

Don't lose sight of the pipes.

However, on the plus side, at least you will know half the tunes. many Drum Majors don't.

**flyrod6057** · 10th October 11, 01:47 AM

Welcome to the piping rabble. Not enough obsession wit the kilt alone, eh? Well, yer in fer it now laddie! The great highland bagpipe isn't some mere horn to be trifled with! Nay! It's an instrument of warriors, brought down though the generations to present day in order to preserve the Celtic spirit! Should ye dare to place the bag under ye arm, and ye fingers upon the chanter, then you'll find that the pipes will captivate your soul, and you'll be forever bound to them, and the pursuit of the perfect tune.

At least you've a tremendous lot of similarly affected souls here to converse with. Many of us here are now bound to the pipes, and we'll welcome ye, as a group, to our midst. You've slept your last peaceful night, aspiring piper! Steel thyself against dreams of grips and taorluaths, for they will henceforth occupy your idle moments. Allow me to extend the hand of friendship, and offer my encouragement as you embark on your piping sojourn. And after a moment's smile and brief introduction, we all focus on the Pipe Major, and his call of "pipes up!"

**FreddyBeachPete** · 11th October 11, 04:22 AM

ok.. So 1 mouth ago, I joined a pipe band, been practicing very hard, and learning my way into tunes, Although still not playing the pipes, I went to my first band parade today, to find out that our Drum Major quit, so they all collectively decided to make me the interim Drum Major, so for the time being while I learn to play the bagpipes, I am now my bands Peacock, the Drum Major it is fun being out front!

Lucky you! I am (at least) a few months away from being able to play with our Grade 5 band but secretly I would LOVE to be the DM for the Senior (Grade 2) band. They don't seem to have ever have had a DM though so unlikely to come to pass.

Have fun as DM and practise, practise, practise on your chanter/pipes.

**lrpddrummie** · 13th October 11, 02:52 PM

Thats great...I joined my band as a piping student and when our DM stepped down I took over just during practice and now I do it full time...but Neil said it don't loose site of the piping and if you enjoy doing both the piping will help make you a better DM. I see way to many knuckle heads who really have no business being in front of a band not only do they not know the music they really have no clue what it means to be a DM. Even though I am the DM full time I still do chanter practice with the pipers and sit in with the drummers as I play the bass drum also.

If you are at all serious about learning more about being a DM check out the Regimental Drum Major Association web site: www.drummajor.net

PS - what band did you join...I am just over the borader in PA and know alot of the bands in NJ

**KWD** · 14th October 11, 05:04 AM

Originally Posted by lrpddrummie

Thats great...I joined my band as a piping student and when our DM stepped down I took over just during practice and now I do it full time...but Neil said it don't loose site of the piping and if you enjoy doing both the piping will help make you a better DM. I see way to many knuckle heads who really have no business being in front of a band not only do they not know the music they really have no clue what it means to be a DM. Even though I am the DM full time I still do chanter practice with the pipers and sit in with the drummers as I play the bass drum also.

If you are at all serious about learning more about being a DM check out the Regimental Drum Major Association web site: www.drummajor.net

PS - what band did you join...I am just over the borader in PA and know alot of the bands in NJ

Thank you for that link, I will absolutely read up on it before my next parade, and practice too..
I will never loose sight of the pipes, I am very determined to learn to play, and practice every chance i get..

St. Brendan the Navigator Pipes and Drums Point Pleasant, NJ