Pipe Band Drumming

The bass drummer in a bagpipe band is just like the bassist of any normal band. They are the heart beat of the entire band and without a good bass player, it's easy to fall part.

For the most part, pipe bands do not rotate bass drummers. Scottish Bass drummers take pride in their elite position and work very closely with both the Pipe Major and the Drum Sergeant to ensure a steady tempo throughout every performance or competition.

Tenor Drumming is something that is relatively new to the Pipe Band World. Originally as a secondary bass beat, the tenor has evolved and developed a new role in the pipe band.

Flourishing has become essential to any good tenor drummers repertoire. Typical tenor drum sticks have a loop attached to them which when held correctly, allows the drummer to twirl the sticks while maintaining enough control to play in time.

Below is a video of Tyler Fry. Tyler is considered the top tenor drummer in the world today and has pioneered the way that the tenor drum is used in pipe band competition and performances.

Let's face it guys, the snare drummers are the ones that you really came to see. These are the guys who show up to practice before the Pipers and the other drummers, and are the last bunch to leave too. They are without a doubt the hardest working musicians in the pipe band.

It takes a lot of focus and dedication for 8-12 drummers to stay completely in sync with one another.

Below is a video of the Shotts and Dykehead Drum Corp. practicing in the courtyard of the dorms at Strathclyde University. S&D is considered one of the greatest pipe bands in the world, and their drum corp is simply unbeatable. Here, we see them practicing for a performance to be played the week of the World Pipe Band Championship.