Highland Drumming

Highland Drumming is a style of percussion accompaniment that is significantly different than most other forms of percussion performance. The most outstanding differences are that the percussion section does not set up a rhythm…… or “lay down a groove” for the other musicians to follow, and the drum corps (as it is often called) is the only source of dynamics in the band.

The drum scores are written to closely follow the rhythms and the “feel” of the tunes, with a primary goal of enhancing the music by reinforcing the pipers’ playing. More so than other styles of music, the drum scores are “harmony” to the music, and not simply a repetitive beat that goes on while the band plays.

While the drums and the pipes together play out the intricacies of the tunes, the drum corps contributes the dynamics, or the “light and shade” to the performance. While the pipes have no ability to adjust the volume level of their instruments, the drum corps alone provides the illusion of soft and loud passages, through exaggerated dynamics in the percussion scores.

These prime differences, along with many other execution differences from other percussion styles add up to what is often considered among the more difficult marching percussion styles to successfully perform. The stick control, hand speed and extremely tight unison playing that is required for Highland Drumming puts this type of percussion into the category of “advanced performance style”.

This is not to say that individuals cannot begin their drumming career with Highland Drumming, it certainly can be, and has been accomplished. In fact for a serious and dedicated percussion student, this is an excellent venue in which to work. Because of the critical nature of the unison accuracy, the relative difficulty of the drum scores, and the fact that the percussion parts are based upon the generally accepted rudimental standards, a student has an opportunity to attain a level of performance that will be of very significant value when the skills developed by Highland Drumming are applied to other styles of performance.

The rudiments are sometimes played quite differently than American Rudimental Drumming, and a pipe band drumming student, whether that person be a new drummer or an accomplished percussionist in another drumming style, will be challenged by the drum scores. Percussionists generally have a very strong sense of accomplishment upon developing the skills necessary for pipe band drumming.

A pipe band drum corps generally consists of one bass drummer, multiple side drummers (snares), and a mid-section composed of tenor drum player(s). The single bass drummer, as it is well accepted in any style of marching band, is the most key player in the drum corps. In pipe band style, the bass player must have an intimate feel for the tunes, and must be rock steady in maintaining a tempo.

The side drummers play “pipe band snare drums”. These instruments, briefly described, are 14” high tension marching snare drums, with Kevlar top heads, and with two snare strainer assemblies, one under the top head and one under the bottom head, produce a high pitched, crisp…….and heavy sound. The side drums are played with lightweight sticks, for speed and a bright crisp tone.

The tenor drummers each carry a single tenor drum. There are two styles of play for tenor drummers, known as rhythm tenors and flourish tenors.

1. The rhythm tenors play designated scores to augment the overall sound of the drum corps.

2. The flourish tenors are the “show” drummers of the corps, well known for their routines of swinging and spinning their drumsticks while the other drummers play.

While some bands have tenors of each type, it is common to see tenor drummers who combine the skills, and play some rhythms as well as flourish.

Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band is prepared to provide basic percussion instruction to beginners, as well as a promise to challenge experienced percussionists. Basic music reading skills are a satisfactory prerequisite, because the scores are “broken down” into small sections for learning purposes, to insure accuracy of interpretation and execution.

To the attention of experienced drummers, specifically to those who have “aged out” from their marching band or DCI organizations, if you are looking for a place to continue to perform and also expand your musical horizons and percussion skills, you should contact us. Likewise, if you are a concert percussionist or set player, who may be interested in expanding your horizons and develop new skills, contact us.

If you have never seen nor heard Highland Drumming, it could be very interesting for you to come and see what we are doing. The Scottish Heritage aside, as interesting as that may be for a lot of individuals, many percussionists have become interested and “hooked” on this style of drumming based only on the merits and challenge of the scores and drum ensemble performances. There is a lot you can learn here, and opportunities to perform in some very interesting shows and competitions.

Below, for those of you who are already percussionists and know something about rudimental playing and marching drums, here is a list of “differences” and “style highlights” that we have learned are the main points that we need to re-teach in our classes. Some of these points are obvious and common sense, but others would need to be demonstrated for a clear understanding.

Highland Drumming Style and Rudimental Pointers

• Scottish side drumming is generally a much lighter style and touch when compared to most rudimental styles, accomplished mostly with finger style technique for speed. Using the Scottish side drum, even accents do not require powerful strokes for volume. In fact it is easy to “overplay” and lose some of the snare response.
• The “sweet spot” on a side drum is relatively small; one must remain in the center of the head at all times. You don’t move toward the edge for dynamics.
• Use pipe band sticks for pipe band drumming. The color, speed and desired style dictate their use.
• Rolls are tightly pressed buzz rolls (played piano), unless otherwise indicated.
• Rolls with an accent over the attack are begun with an accented single tap.
• Be prepared to change roll paces…. Sometimes at unusual places.
• Rolls and phrases generally crescendo, rarely decrescendo.
• Flams are not accents unless indicated as accents.
• Flams must be played very open, to accommodate the style and avoid popping on Kevlar heads.
• Sticking is generally indicated by the placement of the notes above or below the staff line. Right hand is above the line, Left hand is below the line.
• Drags are played closed. Very closed. Scottish closed drag consists of “setting” the grace note stick on the drumhead prior to the main note. Like doing a flam but not allowing the grace note to rebound from the head.
• Dead Stick – similar to a closed drag motion, but it IS the main note, and is played at normal volume. Press the stick onto the drumhead, allowing as little buzz as possible.
• Scottish Pipe “tunes” are very syncopated, the pipes often use the term “pointed” to indicate the need to exaggerate the dotted and cut notes. The correct result sounds generally like everything is double dotted & cut.
• The Law of Tempo. The Tempo is set by the Pipe Major. Bass Drum and Lead Side Drummer watch the PM. All other side drummers watch the Lead’s hands.


Please contact us at classes@strathdonpipeband.com for more details.