Pipe Band Philosophy Pipe Major’s Vision Pipe Major’s Vision (or version, or maybe perversion) Jacksonville Pipes and Drums, Inc.

Band Mission Every practice and every performance, including Highland Games, should uphold the mission in our Bylaws: “To support and carry out, for the benefit of all, activities to foster and promote greater public understanding, recognition and appreciation of the history, traditions, contributions, sacrifices, and roles of people of Celtic Heritage and their Traditional Celtic Music.”

Hobby Status Usually, people are more passionate about hobbies than their profession However, families and professions should come before hobbies … … even before Jax Pipes activities! Fellowship and Mission take precedence over personalities –Personalities are what makes Pipe Bands unique … in their aggregate ability to support their music

Participation Supporting our Mission, given the hobby nature of our band, EACH member should –Practice independently –Attend band practices as possible –Perform with the group as possible –Excuse themselves from performances when their attendance at practice hinders their ability to play* *P/M policy: Members participate in at least 2 of 4 practices preceding performances UNLESS they meet arrangements to tune or otherwise prepare ahead of the performance.

Leadership Band Officers lead by example –Practice –Uniform –Preparation –Attendance –Deportment Results in “followership” –Group can only go in directions that members are willing to support in actions

Followership Band members drive group activity –Gigs accepted only when 4+ members can attend, otherwise optional individual or small groups –Tunes selected based on those who can play them –Individual improvement required for band improvement –Time to tune-up depends on individual pipers’ preparation, NOT the leadership If P/M follows a democratic process, then: –Other Officers expected to be just as open –Band Members MUST participate in the process

Competition Intended to identify improvements Individual performance is critical –Compete in the band = Compete Individually –All prepared to their best ability Practice Attitude Mechanics of their instrument Physical, Mental & Emotional readiness “Winning” is improved band performances

Music Selection We play only tunes the band is willing to spend time and effort to learn correctly Each member has a vote, through their actions, to learn or not learn tunes presented for performances or competition When tune settings or musical differences arise, the Pipe Major has veto power –Subject to top two bullets

Music Selection Consistent with skill level plus “one-up” Published settings first, then expression Timing/Tempo mathematically correct –Even audiences that do not count beats perceive the inherent “order” of music –Meter must flow in correct beat 1 st beat of each measure falls on the correct foot even when not marching –Especially in tune transitions, one of our weak points

Tuning Consistent with skill level plus “one-up” ‘Pipe Sergeant shall conduct tuning of pipes at all practices and performances with concurrence of the Pipe Major’ (Bylaws) If EACH member is responsible to: –Learn & USE the best tuning techniques, and –Arrive for practice/performances ready to play Will result in band tuning <15 minutes

Judges Assignments are consistent with skill level Sanctioning Organization judgment is final Judges comment on their score sheet –Risking sounding vindictive, this Pipe Major questions comments from judges who: Were not selected to be the official event judge Did not make comment on the signed score sheet Make comment after drinking alcohol Make comment in private

P/M Vision - Summary This is purely ONE person’s Opinion I expect each of us already has their own If not, I encourage you to: –Form your own “Piping Vision” –Share your Vision with others –Adopt parts of others’ Vision that you like

Now, Say This: “Piping is just a HOBBY” “That I ENJOY doing” “With my FRIENDS” “and” (… be careful, think about this part …) “My personal approach to piping” “Reflects my approach to” “Everything I do!”