Wondering how many of the forum members have experienced pipe band drumming?  What are your thoughts, experiences and perceptions on this area of rudimental drumming?

Part of why I was asking the question was to find out what other percussion people perceive the pipe band idiom to be.  Unfortunately, many have not been exposed to the average competitive level for the art.  Most of the wierd sticking you see around is not the norm.  Most of the rudimental play is based on traditional and swiss elements.

We who play at a high level in the idiom are very interested in raising the level of play overall.  There are several opportunities for one to see and hear the top level of play in concert and instructional formats.

We would love to introduce this interesting facet of rudimental drumming to any and all percussionists with great chops and a good feel for swing.

Check out these links.
http://www.sfupipeband.com/
http://www.78thfrasers.net/
http://www.bagpiping.org/
http://www.milwaukeeschoolpiping.com/

Like any other instrument there are numerous variations in technique as far as the grip goes.  

For traditional grip players, one major variation is the developement of a left hand grip that envolves the thumb on top of the stick as opposed to the forefinger wrapped over the stick.  This allows for better closed (buzz or tizz) roll stick response.  It also make it easier to perform rebound movements.  Very smooth and relaxed effect.

As far as the stick issue, I currently play a premier kp2 model at about a 60-62gm weight.  There were some very light models available in previous years.  I don't know of a balsa stick ever being made.  I do have a single stick (Kirkwood model late 1960s) that is made from a very porous and light material that has a hole running the length of it.  Must have been a real manufacturing nightmare.

Generally the pipe band sticks are much lighter that most Drum Corps people are used to.

I noticed while at PASIC last year that many of the set drummers were employing this fluid and relaxed  approach to the traditional grip in thier play. Cool

Thanks Tom, for the information.  It is a great help.  

I have been doing pipe band drumming for about 9 years, and have loved every minute of it.

Tom, your name is very familiar who do you play for?  Or maybe I saw you on 'Sidedrum'.

I do remember the post about the balsa wood sticks, and like Tom I have never seen such a creature.

Scott, how are your 'Duthart triplets coming along.  Did the exercises I sent you awhile back help(from Dunsire's)

We may have crossed path's at the beer tent last time Peel was at Pleasanton.  I played with Monterey Bay at that time, but now I play with Prince Charles.