Hey everyone...

If you are aging out of drum corp corps, or maybe you are graduating HS, and doing drum corp corps is not in your future, or maybe you are graduating college, or maybe you are looking for something different. Consider pipe band drumming.

There are pipe bands all across the country, and it is very common for these bands to be in need of drummers. They go all the way from parade bands for fun to highly competative competitive bands that travel to Scotland for the world championships.

The drumming can be as challenging as anything you have ever seen.

Plus, kilts are dead sexy!

You can find bands in your area with google, or if you need help, drop me a line.

Cheers

Yeah! In matter of fact, I'm starting a new drumline with a top open class bagpiper and his students in Eastern Tennessee/Western North Carolina, so drop me a line at copland28601@aol.com if you're interested in laying down some notes sometime. I have instructed several groups in NC, VA, and NC that have improved and moved to new grade levels. I am a grade I drummer with a big desire to pass on my knowledge. If you join the band, lessons are free.

I too play in a bagpipe band (on snare or "side drum" if anyone wants to get technical). I must say, I love it. It's truly something different & it's great for expanding your musical interpretations & it can be just as challenging as drum corps. There's some groups out there that can be considered the "blue devils/SCV/cavaliers" of the pipe & drum world, they're just a different style. It's really great if any of you are thinking of getting involved with it. And just a foot note for those who're worried - Kilts aren't as bad as they may seem! Hehe...

Dude, you're absolutely right. The main college I want to attend doesn't have a marching band, and I was kind of miffed about that, because I wanted marching band to be a priority. But after joining my pipe band almost a year ago, I've found an excellent outlet for my talent. It's a lot of fun.

I would like to do pipe drum when I decide to stop teaching at m high school. I may be having an addition to my family in the next two years, and I simply won't have the time for high school marching band. I figure pipe band is something I've loved listening to since I was a child, and my rudimental snare is up to snuff. I'd like to give it a shot.

Plus the fact that my brother plays pipes, so that's giving me a bit of a push as well.


Do most pipe bands have music for side drum or do they learn it by rote?

These days it's almost all written down - rare to find stuff that's *not*, I think. Most pb's also use swiss notation (right hand over the line, left hand notes below) on the music - once you get used to that, you'll never want to switch back!

Mike New
Drum Corporal, Secretary-Treasurer
Capitol City Highlanders, Austin, TX

I know you were well meaning in your comments, I am the Drum Sargent for Kentucky United. I have a Bachelors in Music Ed and a Masters in percussion performance. I have played with the Lexington Philharmonic, taught College Percussion for 13 years and play actively in my area. Our band is in it's 2nd year and shows great promise. Please check out the facts before you make comments about skill level please.

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For SUPERDEER

Greetings, if you are living in the Cinci, Ohio area you might check out Cincinatti Caladonian or Mad Anthony Wayne...both good groups....If you live in KY, you might check Kentucky United out, I did my student at Madison Central and got my BM and MM from EKU and am also the Drum Sargent of Kentucky United.....take care, Rick

I apologize if I insulted you. There wasn't any malice in my heart when I made that post. I did not mean to belittle your accomplishments.

Quite alright, I get touchy sometimes as people see a new band and make snap judgements....2nd place, Grade V at Stone Mountain coming from a first year band should say something I would think, look forward to seeing you at the games and best wishes .....