the drum corps
The pipe band drum corps is responsible for supporting the piping with a solid rhythmic foundation and sense of pulse, while often providing interesting contrapuntal elements to the music. But that's not all it does. Bagpipes can only be played at one volume level - loud. As Nigel Tufnel would say - they play at 11! Unlike the pipes, the drum corps can play a range of volume levels, providing the illusion of the music getting louder or softer. Thus, the drum corps keeps the beat whilst also adding dynamics or 'light and shade' to the music. The tenor and bass drummers, known collectively as the mid-section, provide a tonal depth and groove to the drum corps since, unlike the snares, the drums of the mid-section are played at various pitches. The snare drummers will often play parts or 'chips' throughout the music to further enhance the dynamics within the ensemble.
While there is often friendly rivalry between the pipers and drummers within a pipe band, make no mistake - the drum corps serves to support the pipers.
A good drum corps will enhance the melodic and harmonic lines of the music without overpowering the pipers or distracting from the music with an overly complicated or embellished drum score. While some drum sergeants like to make their scores as intricate as possible, it can sometimes serve to fight or distract from the piping. The drum corps is there for one primary reason - to make the ensemble sound as good as possible. Unless of course we're playing a drum fanfare - then it's all about the drummers!
While there is often friendly rivalry between the pipers and drummers within a pipe band, make no mistake - the drum corps serves to support the pipers.
A good drum corps will enhance the melodic and harmonic lines of the music without overpowering the pipers or distracting from the music with an overly complicated or embellished drum score. While some drum sergeants like to make their scores as intricate as possible, it can sometimes serve to fight or distract from the piping. The drum corps is there for one primary reason - to make the ensemble sound as good as possible. Unless of course we're playing a drum fanfare - then it's all about the drummers!