CITY OF BRADFORD PIPE BAND

Transcription

1 CITY OF BRADFORD PIPE BAND HANDBOOK

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THE BAND... 3 BAND STRUCTURE AND COMMITTEE BAND COMMITTEE COMMITTEE POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES BAND OFFICERS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES... 5 BAND CONSTITUTION AND RULES GOALS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MEMBERSHIP PIPE BAND COMMITTEE COMMAND SUBSCRIPTIONS PIPE BAND EQUIPMENT ATTENDANCES FINANCIAL REIMBURSEMENT PRIVATE ENGAGEMENTS... 8 DRESS REGULATION NUMBER 1 DRESS NUMBER 2 DRESS GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT DISCIPLINE AND DEPORTMENT PROTOCOL UNIFORM GET INSTRUMENTS OUT ASSEMBLY FORMATION AND RANK PUNCTUALITY AND ATTENDANCE PRACTISE Page 2

3 ABOUT THE BAND The City of Bradford Pipe Band was originally formed in 1914 as a drum and bugle band by the Bradford Volunteer Force and called the Sports Battalion Band. In 1917, bagpipes were introduced into the band by Major Hazley from the Royal Scots. On his death the band paraded in the Hunting Stewart tartan and was renamed the Hazley Memorial Band. By 1923, full highland uniform had been adopted and, in 1946, female dancers were introduced. In 1947, another benefactor of the band retired, a local influential business man, Mr R Mansfield, and the band was again renamed the Hazley Mansfield Pipe Band. In 1962, after the death of Mr Mansfield, the band's name was changed to the present City of Bradford Pipe Band. Bugles had been replaced by bagpipes, and the band became a fully equipped highland pipe band. In the 1960 s and 70 s the band competed at national competitions organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, and won various competitions including All England Champions grade IV. In total the band has won the All England Championship three times, the European Championship, the World Drumming and the All England Drumming, besides other numerous minor competitions at grade III and IV. Our teams of highland dancers also have a long record of medals and trophies won at competitions throughout the north, and organised by the Scottish Board of Highland Dancing. Practices are currently held on Wednesday evenings at 7.45pm to 10.00pm. The Band is committed to provide help, encouragement and tuition to all members and learners in order to advance the standard of the band's music at all levels. Our aim is to re-establish the band once more in the piping world, to accomplish competition level and to secure the bands prosperity therefore we wish to recruit more pipers, drummers and dancers. Experience would be welcome however all newcomers are welcome. To become an inducted member of the band, section leaders will assess a potential players ability ensuring that they meet the required proficiency. Page 3

4 BAND STRUCTURE AND COMMITTEE 1.0 BAND COMMITTEE The day-to-day management of the band rests with the committee. The committee consists of a Chairman, a Treasurer, a Secretary and other full members elected from the piping, drumming and dancing sections. The Committee members are elected by a majority vote at the AGM each November. The Committee welcomes input from all members and members have the right to have any suggestions or matters discussed at committee meetings. These should be sent to the Secretary in writing so that the matter or suggestion can be included on the agenda for the next meeting. 2.0 COMMITTEE POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES CHAIRMAN Provides leadership and a vision of action during his/her term of office. Acts as a spokesperson for the band. Chairs committee meetings and the annual general meeting. Prepares the agenda for the meetings in consultation with the Secretary. Oversees the day-to-day management of the band and its affairs by liaising closely with other committee members. Acts as host for all band social functions. Is a signatory on all bank accounts. Ensures that action items from meetings are acted upon by the person(s) responsible. SECRETARY Acts as a general contact point for band business and arranges all engagements for the year. In consultation with the Chairman, prepares agendas for meetings. Records, prepares and distributes minutes for all meetings, together with an action list, to all in attendance at the meetings. Maintains all records for the band including legal documents, contracts, photographs, publications and other significant band material. Maintains a current register of all members. Records all incoming and outgoing correspondence and tables it at the next appropriate meeting. Responds to correspondence under direction from the Chairman and the committee. Delivers all monies received to the Treasurer. Maintains a diary of recurring events related to the band. Can be a signatory on bank accounts. Serves as a contact point for individuals and organisations seeking information about the band. Coordinates publicity. Can delegate any responsibilities. TREASURER Maintains financial records and manages accounts. Presents recurring expenses and new accounts requiring payment to the committee for approval. Page 4

5 Receipts all monies paid to the band. Deposits all monies into the bands accounts. Is a signatory on all bank accounts. Prepares and presents a balance sheet at the AGM. QUARTERMASTER Is responsible for accountability of all band property. Maintains current stock inventory and issue records. Is responsible for the maintenance management of all items of equipment and uniform. Advises the committee of items of uniform and equipment required by the band. Reports to the committee on the status of stock acquisition and disposition. Is responsible for issuing purchase orders to the Treasurer for all band purchases as directed by the Pipe Major, Drum Major and committee. Ensures that all items of equipment and uniform are issued in a ready-to-wear condition. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS Attend committee meetings. Undertake to actively and responsibly support the management of the bands affairs. 3.0 BAND OFFICERS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES PIPE MAJOR As the musical director of the band, is in overall charge of the playing members of the band. Tutors members of the pipe corps. Selects the tunes and advises the Drum Major of the tunes. Coordinates band performances in consultation with band officers. Informs all members of the band of their duties. Can delegate any responsibilities. PIPE SERGEANT Assists the Pipe Major in his/her duties. Assists with pipe tutoring. Assumes control of the band in the Pipe Majors absence. DRUM MAJOR Is responsible for dress, drill and discipline of the band whilst on parade. Trains the band in drill and marching. Carries out the directions of the Pipe Major on the music to be played. DRUM SERGEANT Assists the Drum Major in all duties. Tutors members of the drum corps. Selects the appropriate drum score to suit the music as directed by the Pipe Major. Can delegate any responsibilities. Ensures drums and equipment are in good order. Page 5

6 DRUM CORPORAL Ensures that all drummers are in correct uniform and are properly equipped. Assists in tuition as directed by the Drum Sergeant. Page 6

7 BAND CONSTITUTION AND RULES 1.0 GOALS 1.1 To promote and encourage the culture and advancement of pipe band music throughout the British Isles. 1.2 To create and maintain a bond of fellowship with all pipe band personnel throughout the world without discrimination as to sex, colour, race ethnic or national origins. 2.0 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2.1 An Annual General Meeting of the band shall be held on the second Wednesday of November each year. 2.2 An audited balance sheet will be issued to each member and comments will be invited. 2.3 Any amendment to band rules can only be changed by a two thirds majority at a general meeting. 3.0 MEMBERSHIP 3.1 A full member of the band is a person who has been proposed and approved by the band committee as being suitable to represent the band on official engagements. 3.2 A person is not a full member until he/ she has attended an official engagement, in full uniform, as part of the band. 3.3 Only a full member, over 16 years of age, is allowed to vote at a committee meeting or an annual general meeting. 3.4 An associate member of the band is a person receiving tuition from a band member, officially appointed by the committee or a section leader. 4.0 PIPE BAND COMMITTEE 4.1 The band is governed by a committee of elected members from within the band. The committee members will be elected at the Annual General Meeting each year and will be responsible for the smooth running of the band in all matters for one year. 4.2 The committee will consist of a Chairman, a Treasurer, a Secretary and other full members elected from the piping, drumming and dancing sections. 4.3 When voting is necessary at a committee meeting, in event of a tied vote, the Chairman will have the deciding vote. 4.4 The Pipe Major will be allowed to attend committee meetings but only in an advisory capacity and without a right to vote. 4.5 The committee can also call other persons to a committee meeting, if required, but without a right to vote. 5.0 COMMAND 5.1 The command of the band, both at practice and official parades will be taken by the Drum Major or the Pipe Major or by any other band member appointed by the Pipe Major. 6.0 SUBSCRIPTIONS 6.1 All band members will pay full weekly subscriptions. The amount to be decided at the Annual General Meeting. Page 7

8 7.0 PIPE BAND EQUIPMENT 7.1 It will be the responsibility of each member, when issued with equipment to: (a) Sign for the equipment received. (b) Keep it clean and in good state of repair. (c) Return it to the band either permanently or temporarily, when requested by the committee. (d) Repair or replace any items, if damaged or lost through negligence. This is to be decided at the discretion of the committee. 7.2 When attending band engagements, the uniform must: (a) Be worn in a proper, clean and tidy manner. (b) Not include badges, medals (other than military medals) insignia or other items such as excessive jewellery or sunglasses, unless agreed by the committee. (c) Be worn in such a manner so as not to discredit the band. 7.3 Any member resigning from the band must return all the equipment in their possession immediately. 7.4 Lost or stolen items must be reported to a section leader or secretary immediately. 8.0 ATTENDANCES 8.1 All members will be expected to attend as follows: (a) Band practise once a week, on Wednesday starting at 7.45 pm. (b) At additional practises when arranged and at the times and places specified. (c) At official engagements at the times and placed as notified by the secretary. 8.2 Absence from any of the above should be notified to the Pipe Major or secretary at the earliest convenience. 8.3 Any member persistently missing from any of the above will be contacted by the secretary with the course of action to be taken after consultation with the committee. 9.0 FINANCIAL REIMBURSEMENT 9.1 The committee will decide on any reimbursement to members in respect of travel to engagements. Payments are not automatic and will be arranged at the discretion of the committee PRIVATE ENGAGEMENTS 10.1 No member will perform at private engagements using band equipment without first seeking permission from a section leader. This rule does not apply to New Years Eve engagements. Page 8

9 DRESS REGULATION 1.0 NUMBER 1 DRESS SHOES Preferably black brogues but ordinary lace-up black shoes are acceptable. Must be clean and polished. SPATS Worn tight to leg and rear point in line with centre of seam on hose tops. Must be clean and whitened evenly with no cracking marks. HOSE TOPS Worn three fingers distance from bone at outside of knee joint. Patterns and seams centred and vertically straight. FLASHES Both flashes to be worn of equal length. Leading edge of front flash to be vertical in line with centre diamond on hose tops up the front of the leg. SGIAN-DUBH The sgian-dubh should be worn inside the hose of the right leg in the centre of the front right portion of the leg. Only 1½ of the sgian-dubh handle should be visible above the top of the hose. KILT Must be clean, neatly pressed and free from creases. Kilt hem should fall just above the half way mark of the knee cap. Kilt hem should be level from front to rear and side to side. The set (pattern) to be centred at the front of the body. Band issue kilt pin must be worn. SPORRAN All parts clean, tidy and neatly brushed. Worn centrally over front apron of kilt so that the cantle is one hand s breadth below waist belt buckle. TUNIC Clean and free from creases. All buttons present and firmly attached and shined. Shoulder epaulettes on the tunic should be firmly attached with the small tapes pointing forwards. Page 9

10 WAIST BELT Clean with buckle polished and centred at front of body. Worn firm to body with sufficient tightness to permit insertion of one finger only between belt and body. Should not cover buttons on rear of tunic. Worn level front to back of body. CROSS BELT Clean with buckle polished. Worn over the right shoulder to the left side of waist and secured by waist belt being worn over the top. Worn underneath the plaid with lower edge of buckle over plaid. Slider pushed up to lower edge of plaid. FULL PLAID Clean, neatly pressed and free from creases. Worn over left shoulder and under right arm, pulled firm to body. Edge of plaid level with top of left spat point at rear of leg with fringe hanging down below this level. Lower edge of plaid horizontal and parallel with ground. Leading edge of plaid and front face of plaid secured by brooch. DRUMMER S PLAID Clean, neatly pressed and free from creases. Worn over left shoulder and secured by brooch at front Secured around the waist at the rear and hanging so that the pleats match with the rest of the kilt. PLAID BROOCH Clean and polished. Worn on front left shoulder upright tightly securing plaid. FEATHER BONNET Clean and tidy with tapes neatly pressed. All tails showing. Worn level on forehead ¾ above eyebrows. Tapes centred on rear of head, chinstrap worn on point of chin with no loose straps evident. Hackles attached securely. Badge to be clean, polished and attached securely. Page 10

11 2.0 NUMBER 2 DRESS SHIRT & TIE A white short-sleeved shirt must be worn. The shirt should be clean, pressed and all buttons fastened. The tie should be fastened securely around the neck with the knot tight in the centre under the points of the collar. HOSE/SOCKS The hose/socks should be worn with the tops three fingers distance from the bone on the outside of the knee joint. The patterns and seams should be vertically straight. The hosetops/turndowns should be horizontally even. SHOES Preferably black brogues but ordinary black shoes are acceptable. Must be clean and polished. FLASHES Both flashes to be worn of equal length. Leading edge of front flash to be vertical in line with centre diamond on hose tops up the front of the leg. SGIAN-DUBH The sgian-dubh should be worn inside the hose of the right leg in the centre of the front right portion of the leg. Only 1½ of the sgian-dubh handle should be visible above the top of the hose. KILT Must be clean, neatly pressed and free from creases. Kilt hem should fall just above the half way mark of the knee cap. Kilt hem should be level from front to rear and side to side. The set (pattern) to be centred at the front of the body. Band issue kilt pin must be worn. SPORRAN Worn centrally over front apron of kilt so that the top is one hand s breadth below waist belt buckle. WAISTCOAT The waistcoat should be clean, tidy and free from dust, fluff or dirt. It should be worn with all buttons closed and fixed in line. The button line of the waistcoat should be in line with the centre line of the kilt.32 SECTION B Page 11

12 GLENGARRY The Glengarry should be clean and tidy, free from dust, fluff or dirt. The tails should be neatly pressed (no creases). It should be worn with the point of the Glengarry in line with the nose, 1 above the left eyebrow and 1½ above the right eyebrow. 3.0 GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT PIPERS Most pipers own their instruments and it is therefore assumed they will be responsible for their own care and maintenance. However the Pipe Major or Pipe Sergeant will be responsible for tuning at practise and playing engagements. And, in the interests of uniformity and musical consistency, all pipers will be issued with a chanter, reed and drone reeds once they join the playing ranks. Pipers playing in the ranks must use band issue pipe bag and cords. DRUMMERS Drummers have a particular responsibility for the safe and secure storage and care of their drums. These instruments represent a major investment by the band and their appearance and usable life needs to be extended as long as possible. Care should be taken to store drums in their cases and to ensure that they are handled carefully. It is not appropriate to store drums in direct sunlight. They should be kept in a dry, cool and clean place. Page 12

13 DISCIPLINE AND DEPORTMENT PROTOCOL 1.0 UNIFORM Consult with Pipe Major or Drum Major about order of dress. Get dressed and follow the dress code at all times. Help each other (all pipers are required to know how to put plaids on). The Drum Major will inspect uniforms to ensure that it is being worn in the correct manner in accordance with the dress code. 2.0 GET INSTRUMENTS OUT Pipers, play on your own to get reeds warmed up. Pipers, if your chanter reed doesn t sound right or is too hard or too easy see Pipe Major. Drummers, ensure your drum is in good order. Be ready for practise and any necessary tuning when called by the Drum Sergeant. 3.0 ASSEMBLY Pipers, be aware of the Pipe Major and be ready to assemble when called. You are now on parade, pay attention to the Pipe Major and don t get distracted by anything outside the circle and no unnecessary talking amongst each other. The Pipe Major will tune pipes, wait your turn and do not leave the circle. Drummers will be called to the circle for full band practise after pipes are tuned. If there is time to spare before parade/performance, the band will fall out for final dress adjustments, toilet visits etc 4.0 FORMATION AND RANK Be aware of the Drum Major and be ready to assemble when called. Pay attention to the Drum Major and no unnecessary talking amongst each other. The Drum Major will bring the band to attention and command pipes up. The Pipe Major will instruct which tunes to play. The Drum Major will command the march, ensure you keep in line when marching and dress to the right of your rank. Be aware of the Drum Major at all times for mace signals or vocal commands when marching. Be aware of the Pipe Major at all times for music instruction and tempo when playing. If we have a break between spots, the band will fall out, now is the time to see your section leader if you are having any problems. After performance the Drum Major will command pipes down then dismiss the band. 5.0 PUNCTUALITY AND ATTENDANCE The meeting time for engagements is usually one hour before a performance. All members must arrive to time and have all uniform and equipment with them. Absences must be notified to a section leader or secretary at the earliest convenience. Lateness and non attendance compromises the bands progression and performance. 6.0 PRACTISE Page 13

14 You are required to practise in your own time, take note of what you have been taught by your section leader on practise night, understand what you need to learn and repeat until you get it right. If you find a certain movement difficult, break it down, slow it down or ask for further help and instruction from you section leader. Page 14