~ From The Classroom & Into The Trenches, We Move Forward ~

     A Pipe-Band in Parade or Performance should always present the Best Show possible.

    This is accomplished with strong Audio and Visual effects.  In order to make this happen,

    All members need to be supplied with All of the information to make it happen and then

    the Regiment needs to practice this thoroughly. 

    Here we will supply you with the information needed to do just that.  This page will be

    updated as we go, starting with the basics and moving you into an Elite Show Pipe-Band.

~ Helpful Hints While In Formation ~

    While in Formation at Practice or Performance it is very important for you to Always be

    aware of what's going on around you.  Stay focused on the Drum-Major or if there is no

    Drum-Major present, stay focused on your Pipe-Major; this is where all of the commands

    will come from.  Lets face it, you're not in formation for a long time and if you want to

    present the best show possible, all you will need to do is Relax, Stay Focused and Enjoy

    the ride.  If you're not paying attention, you may not hear the the next command.

WHEN   YOU   FALL  INTO   FORMATION

    It will be the Drum-Major or the Piper Major who will signal the band to Fall into Formation.

    The Command will either be "Pipe-Band  - Circle Up ! " which is telling all band members to Fall into

    a Circle Formation.  or the Command will be "Pipe-Band - Fall into Formation ! " which is telling all

    band members to line-up  in Parade formation.

    PIPERS: When you get into formation your bagpipes will be at the carry;  in your left hand by your side;

    the bass drone will be in your left hand and in a horizontal position.  Right hand by your right side.

    DRUMMERS: When you get into formation your drum will be placed in front of you on the ground and

    you will wait for the Major to call out the command of "Drums - Up!"

    COLOR GUARD: When you fall into formation your flag will be directly in front of you with the base of

    the flag pole on the ground.  You will wait for the command of "Attention" and then "Colors - Up !"

    HIGHLAND GUARD: When you fall into formation your rifle will be at your right side, butt of the rifle

    placed on the ground to the outside of your right shoe.  You will wait for the command of "Attention"

    after this the verbal commands will be directed by the H/G Sergeant.

    A Verbal Command consists of three parts when given; Here we will break them down

    and explain what the three parts are and what they mean; 

When the Command is Given there Will Be a Slight Pause in Between Each of the 3 Parts.

    Part 1: Cautionary: this is what you will first hear, usually "Pipes & Drums" - this is the

    Cautionary command which is basically letting the band know that something is about

    to happen.

    Part 2: Preparatory: this is what you will hear next, "Atten" - this is the preparatory

    command that is letting the band know that you are about to come to "Attention"

    Part 3: Execution: this is what you will hear next, "Shun" - this 3rd part of the verbal

    command is the trigger which basically means that when you hear it, you execute the

    command.  Do not over rush the movement, be graceful and and easy with it.

When first learning to execute verbal commands, you may feel rushed, this is normal.

The Key is to Relax and Practice executing commands as often as possible and you will find that

the movements come more Graceful as you go.  Remember; "Slow Will Get You There Quicker"

PIPES & DRUMS  -  ATTEN  -  SHUN !

     Command:  "Pipes & Drums" - "Atten" - "Shun"

    Objective:  To bring the band into the position of Attention.

    Execution:  Bend the Left knee, raising it up about six inches and then straightening the Left leg

    bringing it down next to the right foot in double time; ( 6 inches up & 8 inches down.)

    Attributes: Heels together.  Toes at a 45 degree outward angle.  Arms straight.  Elbows

    close your side.  Bagpipes in left hand horizontal with drones forward.  Right fist

    clenched, thumb on top, thumb faces forward, and at imaginary seam line.

    Shoulders back but Relaxed.  Chest up. Chin slightly above level. Eyes slightly above

    the horizon.  Good Posture.

    Command:  "Pipes & Drums" - "Stand At" - "Ease"

    Objective:  To bring the band to a semi relaxed position from Attention.

    Execution:  Bend the Left knee and then straighten the Left leg about 10" away from Right

                       foot in double time.

    Attributes: As in Attention above except: Left foot is placed 10" away from planted   Right

    foot.  Do not break military bearing ( posture & poise ) during the execution of movement.

    Arms remain at side ( not small of back ) hands are in a fist with thumb in line with seam.

   From the waist up, you will steady and still as Attention

    Command:  "Pipes & Drums" - "Stand Easy"

    Objective:  To bring the band to a Relaxed position from "Stand at Ease" position.

    Execution:  Bend the Left knee and then straighten the Left leg about 10" away from Right

                       foot in double time.

    Attributes: Given only from the "Stand At Ease" position.  This is a more relaxed position

    that allows you to move your upper body or turn your head.  Remain in Formation.

The only Command that can be given from this position is Attention.

    Command:  "Pipers" - "Pipes Ready" - "Pipes Up"

    Objective:  To bring the bagpipes up to the playing position, from the carry position.

    Execution:  First Roll: Simultaneously thrust the bagpipes directly forward with the Left

    hand holding the Bass Drone, Blow Stick and Chanter; then with your right hand grasp the

    onto the chanter and blow stick; Note: Drones should be horizontal inline with your side.

    Second Roll: Lift the bagpipes to the shoulder position, releasing the chanter and placing the

    blow stick into your mouth with your Right hand; at the conclusion of count two, the bass

    drone will rest on your shoulder and the Left hand will finger E on the chanter.

    Third Roll: Cut the Right hand away to the position of Attention.

    Attributes: On the Major's command the Lead snare drummer will give 3 sets of roll-ups for

    pipes up.  Pipers will make each motion as effectively, efficiently and expeditiously as possible.

    The Pipe section should make each motion simultaneously.

This Command can only be given from this position of Attention.