MUSIC SERVICE FOR PIPES AND DRUMS MARCH/APRIL 2019 Drum Major Alan McBride How/Where did you begin your Drum Major Career? I started drum-majoring at the age of 7 as my father was pipe major of Cumberland, the local pipe band in Kilkeel. My sister and brother were also in the band as a piper and drummer. Harry started off as drum major until Violet came along so he went into drumming; Violet continued drum-majoring until I came along and then progressed into piping… No one came along after me so I remained a drum major! What attracted you to being a Drum Major? I guess it was natural to becoming a drum major when it was in the family and although my father was never a drum major himself he taught all 3 of us. Also I would be quite a competitive person whether it was in sport or pipe bands so to be able to compete at various contests and championships it added another dimension to the sport of ‘pipe banding’ - Something more to aim for! What Bands have you been part of? Cumberland Pipe Band was my first band; then when they stopped competing I was drum major for Field Marshall Montgomery. From there I joined Wallacestone and District for a few years and just before retiring I drum-majored with Scottish Power. How did you get involved with the International Celtic Pipes and Drums? It was just by chance as Paula Braiden was to be Senior Drum Major in 2017 but due to expecting her first baby was unable to make the trip and asked me to fill in for her. Not having actively led a band in years it was quite daunting and having to take responsibility for the formations etc I did worry about it; but I got great support from all the other band members and after it was over I felt I had a new lease of life becoming an active drum major again. Since then I’ve been back to Moscow in 2018 and Khabarovosk in May this year. I’m also back in Moscow in August this year making it my third time at the Spasskaya Tower Tattoo! I understand that you are now an Adjudicator, what do you look for in a good Drum Major? I feel there has to be a ‘presence’ in a good drum major. Of course they have to be able to march well and flourish (the tricks, spins and throws you perform with the mace) but also they have to exude a confidence and style that sets them apart from the rest. As someone once said ‘it’s not what you do it’s the way that you do it!’ We’re very fortunate in Ireland to have some of the best in the World and there are so many good young drum majors coming along to continue this legacy. What’s the most rewarding thing about being involved with Pipe Bands? First thing comes to mind is that it’s something that families can do together. I remember all the years when Harry, Violet, Harry’s son Darren and I all competed and my mother, Father and Harry’s wife and other children all came to the contest for support.. Where do people get the chance to share time together every Saturday for just over 2 months with all of their family! The next thing is the camaraderie. The people you meet when you’re a part of a pipe band become life-long friends and the fun and enjoyment you experience when taking part in events such as the Tattoos is unbelievable. The great thing about the Tattoos and especially the International Celtic Pipes and Drums is that everyone works together for the one aim. People come from various bands not to compete against one another but to be the best ambassador for their countries and Pipe Band Associations. Music Service for Pipes & Drums c.i.c www.mspd.co.uk Unit 34 Crescent Business Park, Ballinderry Road, Lisburn, BT28 2GN www.facebook.com/musicserviceforpipesanddrums 3
4 Publizr Home