Drum major Competition

HISTORY OF THE DRUM MAJOR

Drum Major is a historical title going back many hundreds of years. It was a position of considerable importance, unlike the title holders of today who are acting out an individual role as part of a band formation although generally doing a good job.

The Drum Major has historically held a very significant position in the British Army. In the reign of Charles 1st we find the first mention of a Drum Major, who held the rank of a Staff Officer. To counter this, the French introduced a rank of ‘Colonel Drummer’. Not to be outdone, the British gave their Drum Major the rank Drum Major General. This all happened in the 17th century. Such was the importance of the drums within a Regiment due to the part they played in battle formation. The Drum Major would instruct the drummers in certain beatings which would communicate messages to the troops in battle, which in turn would direct fire and concentration at the enemy. He had to get it right first time or the battle might be lost, hence the high rank given to the Drum Major. The drums in all infantry Regiments played their part in the day-to-day duties required of them. Drummers also played the bugle and each instrument complimented the other, eventually leading to the formation of Bugle and Drum Bands.

The Drum Major was the figure head of the Regiment. He carried the battle honours of the Regiment on his regimental sash and the silver head of his mace was embossed with the same titles, of which the Regiment was so proud. He was appointed by the Commanding Officer whose decision to appoint was based on a number of factors, not entirely the ability to instruct drumming. The Drum Major would be a man of outstanding military bearing and be able to control men in difficult battle conditions. Whether or not he was a good instructor for the drummers would, however, play a part in the decision-making process, because this was a very important position on which the Regiment would rely. He would always lead from the front – you cannot be a Drum Major and lead from the rear. Above all else he had to be a leader of men.

The uniform of the Drum Major was always ornate, engaging the talents of the tailor to create a uniform most fitting to the Regiment. Money for band uniforms was always expensive, none more so than that for the Drum Major.

Drum Majors appeared in our towns and cities when the drum again played its part to awaken the residents and to draw their attention to certain happenings of the day. In my small town the town drummer was an important figure. He was paid the sum of 7 pounds Scots annually for his duty. The top job in the town went to the Town Clerk and he was paid the sum of 12 pounds Scots. This in itself, in some way lets you know the importance of the role of drummer within our townships.

The foregoing is a short insight to the Drum Major of yesteryear and the importance of his role within a Regiment or town.

DRUM MAJOR FUNCTIONS

The main responsibility of any Drum Major is to his/her own band; and within the band, to the Pipe Major. The key characteristics which any good Drum Major must have to perform the role efficiently and effectively, are:

(a) A good foundation of knowledge of music construction and a keen rhythmical sense.

(b) A bold firm voice to have the ability and authority to give instructions and commands to the band.

Through having these characteristics Drum Majors have a number of functions, which they have to perform in relation to the band –

(a) Through various signals and voice commands provide instructions regarding direction while on parade and also when the band should stop playing.

(b) Provide a good example to the rest of the band members regarding wearing of band uniform and standards of discipline within the band.

(c) Be aware of times and dates which are relevant to the functions of the band, and ensure that they are clearly communicated to the other members of the band.

(d) Always know some background information about their band in relation to its history, band members and future engagements.

(e) Make themselves easily accessible to persons who may be interested in the band to help explain the band’s identity.

(f) Ensure that marching, deportment and discipline are maintained at a high level, and that band members are aware of what is not being performed correctly.

FLOURISHING

Flourishing has gradually become an integral part of the role of the Drum Major, additional to the origins of using the mace to give commands and drill movements.

Drum Majors on parade with a band use their own discretion when they should flourish, as no regulations are laid down. However, it is evident when in competitions that there is a clear distinction when to perform a flourish. It should only be carried out in the forte part of the tune, notably a 6/8 tune for Drum Major competitions. It should be clear that all flourishing must be conducted in time with the music being played. Flourishing in piano time ensures a severe penalty from the Adjudicators. As flourishing is so individual it is very difficult to teach to individuals. This is due to the fact that everyone has different levels of ability, and individuals also use different hands to execute movements. When watching persons flourishing it can easily be seen that some throw with left hands, while others throw with right hands. This leads to considerable problems when trying to teach movements, so it is better for Drum Majors to try and adapt flourishes to suit their own ability, rather than try to learn exact flourishes.