User:ScottishDrumming

Drum corps

The drum corps of a pipe band consists of a section of drummers playing Highland snare drums  and the bass section (see below). In the early days of pipe bands, rope tension snare drums were common, but as the technology evolved, so did the music. Pipe band drummers now play on drums with very tight, knitted kevlar  heads, designed for maximum tension to create a very crisp and strident sound. Due to technological innovations and changing aesthetics, this crispness has become an integral part of the pipe band sound. Since today's drum is so facile as a result of its design, players are often able to execute extremely complicated and technically demanding rudimentary patterns. The pipe band drum corps is responsible for both supporting the piping with a solid rhythmic foundation and sense of pulse, often creating an interesting contrapuntal  line unto itself. The line played by the drum corps (referred to as the 'drum score') is usually based on rudimentary patterns and can often be quite involved, with solo, unison and contrapuntal passages throughout. A popular pattern in many scores is for the lead drummer to play a phrase, and the section to play in response. This technique is known as seconds (sometimes referred to as chips, or forte). While standard practice in pipe bands is for the pipe section to perform the traditional or standard arrangements of the melodies, including gracenotes , drum scores are very often composed by the lead drummer of the band. In competition, one of the adjudicators grades a band on how creative their scores are and how well they fit the piping - this aspect of the judging is known as 'ensemble'.

[edit  ]Bass section

The bass section (also referred to as a mid section) usually consists of a section of tenor drummers  and a bass drummer . Their role is to provide rhythmic support to the entire ensemble. In this respect, the bass section allows the drum corps to delegate their timekeeping responsibilities and allows more freedom in the drum scores. Generally, the bass drum provides a steady pulse, playing on the downbeat and on the strong beats of the bar, and the tenors support that pulse, often adding supporting beats, accents and dynamic interest. Tenor drums in their modern form are a relatively new addition to the pipe band. While pipe bands of yesteryear would often include tenor drummers, they would usually be "swinging tenors", players who would swing their sticks for elaborate visual effect but who would rarely play. Today's tenor drummers play pitched drums, and careful thought is given as to which pitches to use and at which times. The pitches help provide melodic or harmonic accompaniment to the bagpipes; creating a more dynamic flow between the drum corps and the pipe corps. In some cases, five or six tenor drummers have been used, providing a palette of individual pitches for use in a variety of musical situations. The swinging also known as flourishing has developed somewhat into an art form, with drummers playing and swinging in unison or sequential flows. Tenor drums are also still commonly played on a soft harness, or sling, instead of the typical marching harness used by the snare drums.

Stress Relief

Playing the drums is beneficial to stress relief. According to a study appearing in "Alternative Therapies," group drumming, like exercise and meditation, has the potential to produce cumulative positive effects on well-being to people facing long-term conditions. It results in less hormonal stress response. According to a study conducted by Michael Winkelman at Arizona State University, drumming induces relaxation, enhances awareness and releases emotional trauma so much that it is useful in treating addiction. Researchers at the Meadville Medical Center's Mind-Body Wellness Center have shown that group drumming reduces burnout and improves mood in long-term nursing care workers.

Brain Aid

Playing the drums, like any other musical instrument, has positive effects on brain development and coordination. Drumming is beneficial to hand-eye coordination. Drumming can even lead to an increase in IQ scores. According to a study conducted by E. Glenn Schellenberg at the University of Toronto, those receiving music lessons reported higher IQ scores.

Exclusivity

Drummers have it good in groups.They are often called the "heartbeat" or "backbone"of a band or an orchestra. Because they control the tempo and rhythm of a song and all other instruments follow suit, drummers have a large say in the direction and feel of a composition. There are also many fewer drummers than there are guitarists, and they are therefore looked upon as a precious commodity. Because of their rarity, drummers often find it easier to join a group, as there are more bands desperately seeking drummers. They can pick and choose more easily which group they're interested in working with. Green Day has said in interviews that the band really became what it was when the group's long-time drummer Tre Cool joined. Nirvana said the same about Dave Grohl. Drummers can make or break a band.

Physical Health

Playing the drums can be beneficial to physical well-being. A 150-lb. person can burn 272 calories playing drums for an hour. Clem Burke, the drummer for Blondie, has been working with Dr. Steve Draper at the University of Gloucestershire, who monitored his heart rate during a concert, which got as high as 190 beats per minute, his exertion rate equaling that of a professional soccer player. Drumming also improves reflexes and develops muscles.