At present day, hundreds of competitions occur all over the world each summer as Grade V (the most amateur bands) through Grade I (professional-grade bands) compete in their respective categories for trophies, bragging rights, prize money, and prestige. The civilian and competitive bagpipe band units began soon thereafter, circa 1870. Bagpipers and corps of pipers as serviceable military positions, however, did not come into effect until the mid 19th century during the Crimean War. The lineage of the Great Highland Bagpipes has a clear connection with the exhaustive disputes between the Celts and the English.

Like all rudimental drumming genres, Scottish pipe bands stem from military roots. Either way, it’s time to drum like you’ve never drummed before. For some, it’s time to get those chops back into shape, and for others, it’s time to continue the discipline. This article is about Scottish pipe bands, and its unique style of snare, tenor, and bass drumming.

This article serves to introduce an entirely different world of drumming and to pique your rudimental interest, as DCI perhaps does or once did. While teaching and composing in the various marching activities is indeed rewarding, there is simply nothing like strapping on a drum and feeling the raw power of music through rhythm. While nearly every PAS member has had some, if not extensive, American rudimental studies, the unfortunate reality is that after age 23, our performance opportunities become limited. The popular activities in the United States such as DCI, WGI, BOA, DCA, high school bands, and college bands provide lifelong experiences and friendships that can take us all over the world. The physical and mental demands are intoxicating, the benefits can be felt in other areas of musical development, and a particular discipline is ingrained that can be carried into nearly all facets of life.

A Monster Drumming Article By Michael Eagle

Scotland the brave fife and drum