5. Tips on Pipe Band Formations

Posted to the web with permission...

by Mr. Joseph MacDonald Scottish Division/ Queens Own Highlanders

Joforty3@netscapeonline.com

http://www.thescottishtattoo.com/

Introduction: What follows is only a guide and should be treated as such!

Most band formations are of a similar nature and can be adapted to fit the situation in hand!

This guide deals with the following subjects;

a) Forming Up (Single & Massed Bands).

b) Seniority (Pipe/Drum Majors & Leading Drummers).

c) Uniformity (Bands in different forms of dress).

d) Dressing (Keeping in line).

5.1 Single Band; Most Pipe Bands will have their own forming up tradition, normally under the guidance of the Pipe Major who, will put the pipers into positions which will best serve to enhance the overall performance of the band.

The leading Drummer will normally be on the same flank as the Pipe Major. (This should also be the guiding flank).

The Bass Drummer should be in the centre rear of the pipe section, with a Tenor Drummer on either side.

Example (1)

DM

PS Ppr Ppr PM

Ppr Ppr Ppr Ppr

TD BD TD

SD SD SD LD

The above is an ideal situation with the PM on the right and the Pipe Sergeant on the left.

5.2 Massed Bands: When forming massed pipe bands it is always useful to keep the following considerations in mind.

a) Personalities on parade ie., Senior Pipe/Drum Major, any distinguished playing guests etc.

b) Uniforms/tartans worn by the bands on parade; for

uniformity, ie., full dress or, day dress, or indeed variations in between.

c) What is the layout of the venue, will the band(s),

have to be formed up the “wrong way round” ie., the

SPM on the left so that when finished the, march on, the SPM ends up on the right. (Example 2(c))

5.3 Example 2(a) Two Bands

DM DM

(PM) 2 1 2 1 2 1 (SPM)

2 1 2 1 2 1

T B T

S S L L S S

S S S S S S

The above is an ideal situation with both bands having equal numbers on parade.

It matters not whether both bands are dressed the same this formation can still be used, particularly for the visual effect.

I like to put both Leading Drummers together so they can listen to each other, and this, I think, gives a more even and concentrated sound for the other drummers to follow.

Example 2(b) Three Bands

SDM

DM DM

PM 3 3 2 2 1 1 SPM

3 3 2 2 1 1

B B B

T T T T T T

S S S S S S

In this set up bands 1 & 3 are dressed virtually the same, and band 2 is dressed somewhat different.

Here if the SPM comes from band 2 then he /she should still be on the right flank, unless by agreement he/she wants to stay with their own band. In normal circumstances the SPM & SDM would come from the same band, although this is certainly not always the case. Experience and knowledge has to be a leading factor when deciding who takes the senior spots.

Bearing the foregoing in mind, a bit of forward planning always comes in handy, even if it is just a telephone call to the other bands involved to gather information ie., numbers on parade ( broken down by; pipers, sides, tenors & bass + DMs), band dress etc., this will give you something to work on and discuss with the SPM.

Something else worth getting hold of, is a copy of the instruction/ programme for the event, plus a plan of the arena, so that when you arrive at the venue and rehearsal time is short you at least have an idea what you are going to ask the band to do. If you live close enough it is obviously advantageous if you can visit the venue with the SPM and the event organiser.

Again this will give you a better idea of what lies

ahead and, can minimise time wasted on the day.

Example 2(c) “Wrong Way Round”

DM DM

SPM 2 1 2 1 2

1 2 1 2 1 2

1 2 1 2 1 SP S

This shows two bands marching on from under the main stand and who are required to come to a halt facing the VIPs, before continuing with the performance.

The same reasoning would apply, if the band(s) were coming out from the; left or right hand side of the arena. Wheel away from the main stand, counter-march and halt facing the VIPs, apart from getting the band the “right way round”, it also gives the band(s) a chance to settle down, before going into the prearranged display.

During any further manoeuvres, it should be a consideration that, at the end of the display/march off, the band(s) should be the “right way” round.

Example 3 Forming Circle

DDddd

This example shows a frontage of six forming a circle as follows; On the prearranged signal from the DM(s) the front rank turns outwards, the second rank comes to the same point, turns out and follows the front rank round. The remainder of the pipe section does the same, with the PM(s) meeting in the middle.

The drum section has two options here; they can either counter-march with the DM(s) and stay in block or, they

Follow the pipers out and form one big circle.

I think, that the senior bass drummer should come forward, close to the centre of the circle, so that there is more chance of everybody hearing him/her, and the SPM can keep an eye on the bass drummer if the tempo goes a little haywire.

The same effect can be achieved by, counter-marching, marking time, turning outwards and the pipers going forward.

Once the, rear rank pipers are clear the, drum section just edges forward until they connect with the end pipers.