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Lesson 10: Pipe Band Terminology
THE ATTACK
The attack is what bagpipers refer to when they start to play. It is sometimes also know as 'Striking In'. Once the drummer complete their drum roll the piper all begin playing at the same time. Attacks are always completed in 4/4 time regardless of the tunes time signature. A good attack is a very important part of a bagpipe competition.
HERE is an example of a well executed pipe band attack.
HERE is an example of a poorly executed pipe band attack.
There are 2 different kinds of pipe band attacks.
1. Fast Tempo Attacks. These are the attacks you heard above and make up 95% of attacks.
2. Slow Tempo Attacks. HERE is an example. Notice that the drums have a longer intro.
UNISON
Unison is the word pipe bands use to describe how well they play together.
HERE is an example of a pipe band with poor unison.
HERE is an example of a pipe band with good unison.
After listening to the example you should be able to tell which band has better unison.
PIPE MAJOR
The pipe major is the boss. He is usually the musical director and is the person giving the orders. They mark time (stomp their feet) when playing in a circle and during pipe band practice.
DRUM MAJOR
The drum major is not an actual drummer. They give visual signals with a mace to the pipe band and verbal commands. Many pipe bands don't have a drum major so they leave all the verbal commands to the pipe major. HERE is an example of a drum major.
DRUM SERGEANT
The drum sergeant is the 'drumming boss' he is in-charge of the drummers.
PIPE SERGEANT
The pipe sergeant is 2nd in command of the piping. They usually help out with pipe major duties and help tune the band.
WORD OF COMMAND
WORD BY THE RIGHT ............. QUICK MARCH
COUNT 1 2 3 4
HERE is an example at .40 seconds, listen carefully.
The attack is what bagpipers refer to when they start to play. It is sometimes also know as 'Striking In'. Once the drummer complete their drum roll the piper all begin playing at the same time. Attacks are always completed in 4/4 time regardless of the tunes time signature. A good attack is a very important part of a bagpipe competition.
HERE is an example of a well executed pipe band attack.
HERE is an example of a poorly executed pipe band attack.
There are 2 different kinds of pipe band attacks.
1. Fast Tempo Attacks. These are the attacks you heard above and make up 95% of attacks.
2. Slow Tempo Attacks. HERE is an example. Notice that the drums have a longer intro.
UNISON
Unison is the word pipe bands use to describe how well they play together.
HERE is an example of a pipe band with poor unison.
HERE is an example of a pipe band with good unison.
After listening to the example you should be able to tell which band has better unison.
PIPE MAJOR
The pipe major is the boss. He is usually the musical director and is the person giving the orders. They mark time (stomp their feet) when playing in a circle and during pipe band practice.
DRUM MAJOR
The drum major is not an actual drummer. They give visual signals with a mace to the pipe band and verbal commands. Many pipe bands don't have a drum major so they leave all the verbal commands to the pipe major. HERE is an example of a drum major.
DRUM SERGEANT
The drum sergeant is the 'drumming boss' he is in-charge of the drummers.
PIPE SERGEANT
The pipe sergeant is 2nd in command of the piping. They usually help out with pipe major duties and help tune the band.
WORD OF COMMAND
WORD BY THE RIGHT ............. QUICK MARCH
COUNT 1 2 3 4
HERE is an example at .40 seconds, listen carefully.