PLC Pipe Band Handbook by Presbyterian Ladies' College

Welome to the PLC Pipe Band

This document has been designed to provide you with all the necessary nformation you should require pertaining to the PLC Pipe Band for 2024.

The PLC Pipe Band has become something of an icon and is so often seen as the face of PLC in the community as well as being at the heart of the School itself.

The Band is an intrinsic part of life at PLC and performs at school assemblies, sporting events, church services, music concerts, Speech Night and various community events, such as the ANZAC Day parades and services.

Additionally, the PLC Pipe Band is seeking to become more active in the competition arena,competing within the local pipe band scene. One of our goals is to tour regularly, both nationally, and internationally.

Competing is essential for the improvement of our playing standards and provides regular goals and motivation for students and tutors to strive for personal excellence.

2023 has seen the band perform at over 30 events both within and outside of the school, including a special performance at the High Voltage Festival in Fremantle, where the band performed its unique version of the ACDC classic, Long Way to The Top, in front of a packed Fremantle Oval. This year, we look forward to once again performing in many of these events as well as maintaining our focus to develop and increase the numbers in the pipe corps.

Our vision is for the PLC Pipe Band to travel internationally to perform at high profile events such as the Virginia International Tattoo (USA) and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (UK) and also take to the competition field at the Australian, New Zealand and World Pipe Band Championships.

The PLC Pipe Band is an exciting place to be!

We look forward to supporting you on your musical journey and being part of this community.

Alisdair McLaren Head of Pipe Band

Statement of Purpose

Presbyterian Ladies’ College prepares every student to be personally successful in an evolving world.

Empowering generations of young women who are brave, authentic, and who thrive today and tomorrow.

Our Values

PLC is a values-based community. Staff, students, and parents subscribe to our values upon becoming members of the College. These values provide the compass by which members of the community come together to support one another and be of service to others.

(Honoré) | Learning | Community | Effort (Labore)

PLC Music Department Statement of Purpose

The Presbyterian Ladies’ College Music Department is committed to providing opportunities for all students to explore their musical potential. Within a nurturing environment Students can discover, create, and respond to music for personal enjoyment and growth in the pursuit of excellence.

Integrity

Pipe Band Ambition

The PLC Pipe Band strives to:

• Perform as a world class juvenile pipe band (official classification by Pipe Bands Australia)

• Provide students at PLC, the opportunity to be part of this whole-of-school, traditional music icon

• Delivering a disciplined approach to the learning and performing of Scottish cultural music in a fun and inclusive atmosphere; and

• Achieve personal excellence in both team and individual competitions.

Our Vision

In our vision for the future of the PLC Pipe Band, we see:

• A flourishing, high quality, all-girls pipe band curriculum delivered by highly qualified and experienced tutors that meets the needs of the College and the aspirations of its members. Learning

• A school pipe band that is well known and respected in the pipe band community for excellence in performance, learning and spirit. Integrity (Honoré)

• A pipe band that continues to attract and retain students of all ages and provide them with unique life experiences where each member is supportive of each other. Community

• Strive for personal excellence and support each other in their own personal pursuit Effort (Labore)

Instruments of the Pipe Band

Bagpipes

The bagpipes (pipes) are a woodwind instrument. The bagpipes have a bag that holds air, and the player keeps the bag full of air by blowing into it. To make music, the bag is pressed, and the air comes out through chanter and the drones. The chanter is the recorder like part of the pipes on which the melody is played and then there are three drones (1 bass drone and 2 tenor drones), which sit on the player’s shoulder.

The National Piping Centre, Glasgow quotes the bagpipes as one of the hardest instruments to play and learn. Furthermore, it states that it can be challenging; however, it builds strength of character, resilience and is certainly a fantastic workout! “It is certainly a great feeling when you can start to play various tunes on the bagpipes”.

Drums

There are three different types of drums in the Pipe Band:

1. Snare Drum: This drumming style is very intricate and challenging and provides the rhythmical accompaniment to the pipe melody.

2. Bass Drum: The bass drum itself is the largest drum with the deepest tone.

3. Tenor Drum: The tenor drum comes in differing sizes and covers several different tones, pending number of players. The tenor drummers also flourish the sticks for a visual effect. Tenor drums complement the bass with their higher tones.

The bass and tenor section provides a basic underlaying rhythm with tone and visual enhancement to the Pipe Band.

A typical band comprises of 8-16 pipers, 4-9 side drummers, 1 bass drummer and 3-6 tenor drummers.

To compliment the Pipe Band at certain events, but not classified as an instrument, we also have the role of Drum Major, whose main role is to lead the band at marching engagements such as ANZAC Day, Christmas Pageant and Speech Night.

Moving Through the Pipe Band Programme

Once a student in Learner Class has progressed through the first three stages of the syllabus, the student will achieve the status of Orange Belt. They will then be invited to start attending the Chanter/Drummer’s Club sessions.

A student advances to the Development Pipe Band when they can play all required music on their instrument on their own or accompanied with a tutor. At this point, the student is also issued with a Pipe Band uniform.

Students will then advance through the PLC Pipe Band structure based upon their ability (please refer to the diagram below).

PLC

Pipe Band Structure

Learner Class - Stage 3

Learner Class - Stage 2

Learner Class - Stage 1

Senior Pipe Band

Development Pipe Band

Chanter and Drummer’s Club

Orange Belt

Yellow Belt

White Belt

Lesson Types

All students must take private lessons, shared (White Belt, Yellow Belt, Orange Belt & Chanter/Drummer’s Club) or individual (Development & Senior Band). Private Lessons, individual or shared will be 30 minutes in duration for all levels, but a 40 minute lesson can be requested by students in the Senior Band which is recommended especially for pipers.

Practise Routines

It is recommended that members stick to a consistent weekly practice routine to assist with their musical development.

Students who have progressed onto the bagpipes need to build up the strength and co-ordination to be able to achieve a steady and consistent sound for performing. As mentioned above, the bagpipes are a physical instrument so practicing on them, (not just on the practice chanter) is needed regularly to be able to play them properly. Given time and patience alongside a consistent practice routine, students should be able to perform on the instrument for around 20-25 minutes continuously which is a standard length of time for a juvenile bagpiper.

As a guide the table below outlines the approximate time in percentages that members learning the bagpipes are recommended to allocate to the Practice Chanter and Bagpipes when practicing as they progress through the programme.

Please refer to Appendix C for example practice routine which can be used as a good guide for your practice.

Lesson Fees

Fees are charged on an annual basis and are payable in quarterly instalments along with school fees. Following completion of 32 lessons in a year, students will continue to receive weekly lessons until the end of Term 4 at an additional charge. Year 12 students will only be charged and receive lessons for three terms/instalments based on 24 lessons.

For further information please refer to the PLC Music Handbook.

PLC Pipe Band Repertoire 2024

The music listed below will be performed by the related band in 2024. Members are expected to be able to perform the 4/4 marches (Development Pipe Band) and the additional 2/4 march set for Senior Pipe Band in a solo setting in order to gain entry or maintain participation in that particular band.

Chanter & Drummer’s Club Development Pipe Band Senior Pipe Band

Slow Airs

4/4 Marches

2/4 Marches

3/4 Marches

6/8 Marches

Strathspeys

Reels

Jigs

Other

School Tune

• Amazing Grace (V1 or Standard)

• Mahir’s Weding (V1,V2)

• Scors Wha Hae (V1)

• Amazing Grace

• Blue Bells of Scotland

• Water is Wide

• Mahir’s Weding

• Scors Wha Hae

• Amazing Grace

• Girl from Dungannon

• A Tune for Lottie

• Blue Bells of Scotland

• Water is Wide

• Dawning of the Day

• Land of our Birth

• Campbells Farewell to Redcastle

• Greenwood SIde

• Mahir’s Weding

• Scors Wha Hae

• Long Way to the Top

• Dragon’s Lair Intro

• Christmas Carol Set

• Dalnahassaig

• Thorton’s Reel

• Jig of Slurs

• Queen of the Rushes

• Long Way to the Top

• Dragon’s Lair Intro

• Christmas Carol Set

• Scotland the Brave

Pipe Band Weekly Rehearsal Schedule

Additional rehearsals will be held as required by each section of the Band. These practices are often scheduled close to events and will be communicated to students directly.

As a courtesy, students are expected to contact their piping or drumming tutor if they are unable to attend any scheduled practice.

*Only applicable to Old Collegians who are looking to continue performing after leaving school.

Pipe Band Performances

The band can perform in various formats tailored for specific events and to work within different environments. The Senior Pipe Band is the primary performance band and is expected to perform at the majority of school events.

The Development Pipe Band will also be given its own opportunities in the calendar year to assist with their members development. In 2024 members of the Senior and evelopment bands will combine for most events to boost numbers. This is known as the Parade Band.

Chanter & Drummer’s Club

The Pre–Novice Pipe Band is the first step for all members transitioning onto the bagpipes and drums. Students will be learning to develop their blowing co-ordination on the bagpipes whilst learning how to produce a steady and consistent sound with the aim of transitioning music from the practice chanter onto pipes. They will also learn how to maintain their instrument properly. Drummers will also be transitioning from playing on drum pads to the pipe band snare, tenor and bass drums.

Development Pipe Band

The Development Pipe Band is the first performance band that members will transition to in the programme. Students in the Development Pipe Band will build on their pipe band craft further enhancing confidence on either the bagpipes or drums. Pipers in the band are expected to be able to perform all the required repertoire as outlined above with one to two drones in a group environment. They are also expected to be able to perform to a set time of around 15 to 20 minutes on the instrument. Drummers are also expected to be able to perform the same repertoire on the pipe band drum for the same length of time. Both pipers and drummers will develop their marching skills during their time with the Development Band.

Senior Pipe Band

The PLC Senior Pipe Band is the main performance pipe band for the school. Members must attain the required standard of performance to be able to be considered for a place in the senior team. Selection is based on ability and not on year level. Pipers and drummers must be able to perform all required repertoire as outlined above on their main instrument confidentially on their own and have the necessary stamina to do so. For senior pipers, they must be able to perform utilising all three drones and display a satisfactory level of keeping steady tone on the instrument and proficiency in marching.

The required level once in the Senior Pipe Band must be maintained to keep their place.

Parade Pipe Band

The Parade Pipe Band is made up of members from all three bands. This larger combined group only come together for special marching events such as the Christmas Pageant to boost numbers on parade and to give the bands youngest members marching experience.

Main Events Calendar

Term 1

• Sunday 18 February – Vyner Brooke Memorial

• Sunday 17 March – PLC Quarry Concert

• Sunday 24 March – Floreat Fives Mini Band Competition

Term 2

• Thursday 25 April – ANZAC Day Street Parade

• Sunday 5 May – Fremantle Highland Games

• Saturday 22 June – Head of the River

• Sunday 30 June – Perth Bagpiper Solos.

Term 3

• Tuesday 13 August – Founders Day

• Thursday 15 August – Arts Day

• Monday 26 August – Spring Concert

• Saturday 31 August – Senior School Showcase

Term 4

• Sunday 6 October – Armadale Highland Games

• Thursday 10 October – Valedictory

• Sunday 13 October – Highland Pipers Society of WA Solo Competition

• Friday 18 October – Open Garden Day

• Saturday 26 October – Wembley Downs District Fair

• Saturday 30 November – Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant.

• Thursday 5 December – PLC Senior School Speech Night

Please note that all the events listed above will be confirmed closer to the date.

Communications Procedure

Please see below the main list of contacts for the PLC Pipe Band.

Contact Name

Chris Goff

Director of Music

Alisdair McLaren Head of Pipe Band and Piping Tuition

Marianne Kirby Deputy Head of Pipe Band and Drumming Tuition

Matija Franetovich Music Administration

Email Phone

chris.goff@plc.wa.edu.au 9460 6512

alisdair.mclaren@plc.wa.edu.au 9460 6113

marianne.kirby@plc.wa.edu.au 9460 6113

music@plc.wa.edu.au 9460 6512

Administration & Registrations

For all enquiries with regards to lesson fees, instrumental hireage and applications please contact directly Mrs Matija Franetovich.

Bagpipes and Drumming Lessons

Parents and students are to contact directly Mr Alisdair McLaren or Miss Marianne Kirby if they have any enquiries or questions regarding bagpipes or drumming tuition.

If a student is unable to attend their scheduled paired or individual lesson due to an assessment, sporting commitment or any other valid reason, then a rescheduled lesson may be available if 24 hours notification is given. In the circumstance that a lesson cannot be rescheduled then the lesson will be marked as “Excused” for that week. If a student is not at school due to illness, then they will be marked as “Absent”.

Students may liaise with each other and do a lesson slot swap, but this must be approved firstly by your tutor and then communicated to the Music Administrator, Mrs Matija Franetovich.

Events & Rehearsals

Information regarding major events that the Pipe Band is endeavouring to participate in will be sent out through email in the form or a letter to members parents via the Music Administrator on behalf of the Head of Pipe Band. Other forms of information will be communicated directly from the Head of Pipe Band with both Head of Performance and Music Administration copied in for reference.

For all enquiries leading up to a scheduled Pipe Band rehearsal or event please contact directly either Mr Alisdair McLaren (Bagpiping) or Miss Marianne Kirby (Drumming) via email or phone. If during teaching hours they will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.

On the day of a performance, the main contact for the Pipe Band will be Mr Alisdair McLaren unless notified otherwise. If running late or cannot attend due to illness, then contact must be made directly via mobile phone.

General Enquiries

All other general enquiries or concerns relating to the Pipe Band programme should be made directly to the Head of Pipe Band.

Staff will endeavour to respond to all enquires within 24 hours, as per the PLC Communications procedure. Please allow some grace period for weekends and performance days.

Pipe Band Leadership Roles

Leadership positions within the Band are appointed annually.

Pipe Band Leadership roles available include:

• Pipe Major & Drum Major

• Pipe Sergeant & Drum Sergeant

• Drum Corporal

Due to the important tasks these perform within the Pipe Band all leaderships appointments will be made by the Head and Deputy Head of Pipe Band, in consultation with the Director of Music and other staff as required .

General

All position holders will always conduct themselves in an exemplary fashion in accordance with the expectations of PLC Student Handbook and Policies.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Always conduct yourself in a professional and courteous manner.

• Give guidance and positive encouragement to all members of PLC Pipe Band, especially new members.

• Be responsible for making sure that PLC Pipe Band wear their uniform immaculately and drill element is practiced and highly polished.

• Liaise with the Head of Pipe Band at the start of each week regarding details of forthcoming engagements for the Band and/or individual players.

• Respect and support the tutors.

• Assume responsibility for the Pipe Band storage area and practice rooms to ensure that members of the band assist in maintaining these rooms in a tidy and orderly fashion.

• Assist with supervision of Pipe Band members during rehearsals and performances.

• Provide instruction, guidance, and encouragement to young Pipers/Drummers/Drum Majors

Please refer to Appendix A at the back of this document for all Leadership Roles and their duties.

Pipe Band Leadership Team

Pipe Major

Pipe Sergeants

Drum Major

Drum Sergeant

Drum Corporal

Katherine Lovegrove

Tessa Lammerts Van Bueren

Stella Wandel

Jasmine Ritchie

Natasha Whittome

Emily Hair

Pipe Band Uniform

The PLC Pipe Band proudly wear the Black Watch tartan which reflects well the school colours. In 2022 the band updated its uniform from the white lace blouses, and blue Prince Charlie jackets to navy socks and waistcoats which is in line with the current standards in the Pipe Band world. Below is a list of uniform items that our band members wear when performing.

• Ghillie Brogues (Senior Band only)

• Black school shoes (Development Band)

• Navy Hose (socks)

• Red Garter Flashes

• Kilt (Black Watch tartan)

• Leather Sporran

• Navy Waistcoat (vest)

• White Long Sleeve Shirt (provide your own)

• PLC Pipe Band Tie

• Glengarry and Badge

• Officers Red Sash (Pipe Major, Drum Major, Pipe Sergeant, Drum Sergeant, DrumCorporal)

Uniforms are issued to students once they become a playing member of either the Development or Senior Pipe Band.

The Pipe Band supplies the Red Garter Flashes, Black Watch Kilt, Sporran, Waistcoat, Pipe Band Tie, Glengarry (hat) and Badge, plus the Uniform Kit Bag. All items are to be named. If an item of uniform has been lost, then the student will be responsible to pay for a replacement.

Students are required to purchase their own white long-sleeved shirt that can be obtained from PLC Uniform Shop and their Navy Blue Pipe Band Socks (Hose), which will be ordered through the band and charged to your school account.

Members of the Senior Pipe Band will be required purchase their own Ghillie Brogues (Pipe Band Shoes). These can be purchased from St Kilda Retail:

St Kilda Retail Australia 166 Glebe Rd, Booval QLD 4304 (07) 3282 0031 kiltmaker@stkildaretail.com.au

Uniforms are a large ongoing cost to the Pipe Band. It greatly extends the life of the uniform if the individuals take appropriate and proper care of their gear. Our Pipe Band uniform is valued at approximately $1,500.

Taking Care of the Uniform

Cleaning Instructions

Kilt

$800

Black Shoes / Ghille Brogues

Navy Pipe Band Socks

Flashes (Garters x 2)

$180

$40

$25

Sporran $250

Navy Waistcoat

$140

Tie

$20

Glengarry & badge $180

The Kilt is the most expensive item of the uniform so all members must look after it so that it might last for a long time. Always hang your kilt up after each use. Make sure that the kilt is hung from the top of the provided hanger and not folded over so pleats will fall in place. If the kilt gets wet, do not leave it in your uniform bag. Hang it up as soon as you get it home and let it completely dry out before storing it

Must be highly polished and buffed up to give a high parade shine on the shoe.

Must be clean and tidy.

Keep them in your sporran when storing.

Sporrans must be hung on a hanger after each performance.

Always hang your waistcoat up after each use. If it gets wet, do not leave it in your uniform bag. Hang it up as soon as you get home. Let it dry completely before storing it.

Band tie should be tied in a Double Windsor Knot and should be clean and crease free.

Ribbons pressed and without crease. Store ribbons by folding them back inside the cap to keep from damage and creasing.

Do not machine wash your kilt or put it in the dryer if it is wet. Only Dry clean the kilt. If something is spilled use cold water to clean it and if that doesn’t work, have it dry cleaned as soon as possible.

Black polish must be applied to the shoe with either a shoe brush or cloth. The polish must be worked into the shoe until a high level of shine appears.

Machine wash on cold wash and air dry only.

No need to wash.

A rag or duster will be sufficient to run over the leather to buff up and shine.

Do not machine wash your waistcoat or put in the dryer if it’s wet. Only dry clean. If something is spilt on it the use cold water to clean and if that doesn’t work dry clean as soon as possible.

Do not machine wash your tie or put in the dryer if wet. If something is spilt on your tie then use cold water to clean it.

Do not wash or dry clean. If wet, please air dry. To iron ribbons place a tea towel over the top of the ribbons and iron on medium heat. This will stop them going shiny or sticking to the iron.

Hearing Protection

It is recommended that students use hearing protection when performing in the band due to the high level of decibels our instruments produce. At Minora House, (the band room), we have disposable ear plug that all students are welcome to use for lessons and rehearsals. These will be topped up each term.

If you would like to purchase better protection then please follow the link below which will take you to St Kilda’s Retail, Australia who make and sell a recommended hear defender for pipers and drummers.

www.stkildaretail.com.au/pipe-band-plugs-hearing-protection

Pipe Band Staff

The Band is very fortunate to have an exceptionally experienced and high calibre of tutors across all the disciplines. The Head and Deputy Head of Pipe Band are responsible for overseeing students across the programme, setting the musical direction, and managing the day-to-day responsibilities associated with the Band. All Pipe Band staff work as a team within the PLC Music Department.

Please refer to Appendix B for Pipe Band Staff player profiles.

Music Ensemble Awards

Music Ensemble Awards in the form of badges and pockets are available to students in Years 7 to 12 who are a member of following music ensembles:

• Senior Pipe Band

• Development Pipe Band

The presentation of the awards exists to acknowledge consistent and outstanding service to music ensembles over a substantial period of time. They enable students to develop outstanding playing and leadership skills and provide a framework in which students are encouraged to be co-operative, hardworking, and reliable members of their ensembles.

Music Ensemble Badges – Silver and Gold

• Silver Badge - awarded to members of the Development Pipe Band.

• Gold Badge - awarded to members of the Senior Pipe Band.

Badges are awarded to students who:

• Attend a minimum of 75% of rehearsals.

• Attend all scheduled performances.

• Consistently performs to the best of their ability.

• Displays appropriate rehearsal and performance behaviour.

• Shows improvement in their playing skills.

• Completes one full year of service.

Music Ensemble Pocket

A student in Year 12 may apply for a Music Ensemble Pocket. The Pocket is normally awarded after two years of continuous service to the ensemble. Students new to PLC in later years of the Senior School may not be able to fulfil these criteria but may still apply for a Pocket at the Principal’s discretion. To be considered for a Music ensemble Pocket, students must complete an application form, available from the Senior School Wiki. It is recommended that students wishing to apply for a pocket should see their ensemble director/conductor halfway through the performance year to discuss their progress.

Pockets awarded are:

• Music Participation Pocket – A Music Participation Pocket may be awarded to a student who achieves a Gold Badge in three different music ensembles.

• Music Honours Pocket – A Music Honours Pocket may be awarded to a girl who has achieved a Music Ensemble Pocket in three different music ensembles.

Music Participation and Honours Pockets are not awarded automatically but given at the discretion of the Principal.

For descriptions on the criteria please see the PLC Music Handbook.

Friends of Pipe Band

Friends of Pipe Band (FoPB) are a group of enthusiastic parents who wish to promote and support the Pipe Band programme at PLC. They coordinate a number of fundraising activities and social events, as well as providing practical support to all areas of the Pipe Band programme. They meet once a term and produce a newsletter to report the band’s activities and initiatives. Any funds raised by the FoPB must be spent on the ‘advancement’, or support, of the Pipe Band. Participation of all Pipe Band parents is warmly encouraged and welcomed.

The main activities of the FoPB are:

• Assisting when appropriate the Head and Deputy Head of Pipe Band to organise Pipe Band activities such as play outs, school events and tours.

• Fundraising for tours, workshops and other special items from time to time as directed by the Head of Pipe Band.

• Supporting Pipe Band girls as and when appropriate.

• Organise social events for Parents of the Pipe Band.

How do I join the FoPB?

All parents/carers of Pipe Band girls are automatically members of the FoPB, and welcome to attend and participate in FoPB meetings. Members of the FoPB elect the members of the Committee at the Annual General Meeting of the FoPB each year.

How is the FoPB run?

The activities of the FoPB are managed by the Committee. Members of this team actively initiate, organise, and run a range of activities, with the help of the wider Pipe Band community. Committee members are expected to lead and manage initiatives within their areas of responsibility with consultation from the Head of Pipe Band.

The Committee in 2024 is made up of the following elected positions:

• President – Sam Ritchie

• Vice President – Anne Mecham

• Treasurer – Bronwyn Reynolds

• Secretary – Sarah Cox

• Committee – Lachlan Roberts

• Committee – Donna van Bueren

What if I want to help, or I know someone who can help with fundraising or other projects?

The Committee warmly welcomes all offers of assistance and support for the activities of the FoPB. To ensure the effective and financially responsible operation of the FoPB, members should refer all offers of assistance and support (whether from FoPB members or third parties) to the Head of Pipe Band and Committee. You can do this by attending a FoPB meeting, or by contacting the President of the FoPB. FoPB members may not speak for or act on behalf of the FoPB Committee, unless expressly authorised to do so by the President. All correspondence to the FoPB should be approved by the Head of Pipe Band and then passed onto to the President or a Committee member for consideration and if a response is required.

FoPB Meeting Dates 2024

• 27 February

• 28 May

• 13 August

• 15 October

• December (AGM elections for the following year)

Appendix A

Pipe Major Duties – (Stage 3)

• Leads the Senior and Development Pipe Band at all school and external performances.

• Able to demonstrate steady time keeping.

• Able to read and write bagpipe music to a satisfactory level.

• Can perform on bagpipes all current band repertoire confidently and to an appropriate standard.

• Demonstrates good and consistent practice routines.

• Assists the Piping Tutor with the tuning of the Senior and Development Pipe Band when required.

• Communicates regularly and effectively with the Leadership Team.

• Undertakes weekly piping lessons.

• Consistently works hard within both Pipe Bands

• Performs at all Senior School Assemblies marching in the official party.

Ongoing:

• Maintains a high level of performance throughout the year.

• Maintains her personal bagpipes to ensure they are always in good working order.

• Is prepared for all solo tasks outlined in the Senior Pipe Band calendar.

• Maintains effective communication standards between Pipe Band staff and students, ensuring all are kept up- to-date and informed of task details throughout the Senior Pipe Band calendar.

• Attends meetings as required with the Pipe Band staff and actions items raised.

• Monitors and encourages positive and safe student use of the instruments including pipes and drums.

• Attends and is actively involved in all Senior Pipe Band practices, performances, and camps.

• Is actively involved with the development of the Senior and Development Pipe Band repertoire in consultation with the Head of Pipe Band.

• Attends Development practices and performances as required.

• Maintains and updates Assembly rosters for each term.

• Is a positive, professional, consultative, affirming, and fair leader of the bands.

• Always maintains a high level of dress standard, including school and pipe band uniform.

• Maintains a high level of personal discipline particularly at practice and when on parade.

Drum Major Duties – (Stage 3)

• Leads the Senior or Development Pipe Band when required at school and external events.

• Is responsible for final uniform checks on each individual band member prior to an event commencing.

• Able to demonstrate steady time keeping and marching on their primary instrument.

• Able to demonstrate consistent timing while marching without their instrument.

• Can perform on her primary instrument, all current band repertoire confidently and to an appropriate standard.

• Demonstrates good and consistent practice routines in both her primary instrument and Drum Major movements.

• Communicates regularly and effectively with the Leadership Team.

• Undertakes weekly lessons on her primary instrument as well as Drum Major lessons.

• Consistently works hard within both Pipe bands.

Ongoing:

• Maintains a high level of performance throughout the year.

• Maintains effective communication standards between Pipe Band staff and students, ensuring all are kept up to date and informed of task details throughout the senior pipe band calendar.

• Attends meetings as required with the Pipe Band staff and actions items raised.

• Monitors and encourages positive and safe student use of the instruments including pipes and drums.

• Attends and is actively involved and in all senior practices, performances, and camps.

• Attends Development Pipe Band practices and performances as required.

• Is a positive, professional, consultative, affirming, and fair leader of the bands.

• Always maintains a high level of dress standard, including school and pipe band uniform.

• Maintains a high level of personal discipline [particularly at practice and when on parade.

Drum Sergeant Duties – (Stage 3)

• Leads the Senior and Development Pipe Band drum corps at all school and external performances as directed by the Drumming Tutor.

• Able to demonstrate steady time keeping.

• Able to read and write drumming music to a satisfactory level.

• Can perform on snare drum, all current band repertoire confidently and to an appropriate standard.

• Demonstrates good and consistent practice routines.

• Assists the Drumming Tutor with the tuning of the Senior and Development Pipe

• Band drums when required.

• Communicates regularly and effectively with the Leadership Team.

• Undertakes weekly snare drumming lessons.

• Consistently works hard within both Pipe bands.

Ongoing:

• Maintains a high level of performance throughout the year.

• Maintains her snare drum to ensure they are always in good working order.

• Is prepared for other engagements outside of full band performances.