Face the drummers or pipers?

[Alan]

I just wanted to get an idea of what the tenor drummers do in your band and why they/you do this.

As a band we aren't sure what we'd rather do however it's something we're going to be playing about with so we'll try turning to face the drummers one time then stay facing the pipers the next to see what we find easiest.

Personally I feel that facing the pipers is a bit better for us. We're able to keep our flourishing together and I think it gives the idea that we're more of a 'band' which may sound silly but you're sort of closing the circle to the pipers if you turn make your own circle with the side drummers, just my own view of it, what about you lot?

[ppyper1]

we don't have enough drummers to have a circle within a circle. They usually face us. thinks for a minute.............I think in our timed medley the tenors faced the snares.

Actually, I don't really mind as long as the lead tip can see my foot and the ensemble is good. I leave it up to the drum corp what they feel best about.

[Mike Cole]

I prefer that the tenor drummers face the side drummers and lock in as a drum corps. Flourishing is secondary to drumming.
I also find that the attack is clearer of off the top heads and projects to the drumming judge. The resonant sound projects toward the top of the circle...in ensemble judge territory...especially those who park their behinds in a tent during the performance...not that they can really hear f-all anyway.
Sorry.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Mike Cole

I prefer that the tenor drummers face the side drummers and lock in as a drum corps. Flourishing is secondary to drumming.
I also find that the attack is clearer of off the top heads and projects to the drumming judge. The resonant sound projects toward the top of the circle...in ensemble judge territory...especially those who park their behinds in a tent during the performance...not that they can really hear f-all anyway.
Sorry.

I'd forgotten about the sound completely, good point. What judges sit in the tent when they're judging? I don't I've ever seen that!

[janelleTG]

I prefer the tenors to face the snares. I like to play off the lead snare (then i've got someone to blame if we miss the changeover haha) The band I've been with just this last year use to face the other way but i convinced them of the benifits of facing the snares. Problem with (some tenors) in lower grades facing the pipers is they tend to play 'to' the music instead of keeping the beat.

[Robbie.Crow]

Originally Posted by Alan

I'd forgotten about the sound completely, good point. What judges sit in the tent when they're judging? I don't I've ever seen that!

Shepard for one, Jimmy Hutton used to do it too - but he's retired now. Shame, I actually really liked Jimmy...

[Churchill]

Aye, Shepherd is well known for it.

Personally, I found it strange facing the drummers at first but now I wouldn't go back. As Mike (I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy) rightly says, the sound projection is improved by facing the drummers. Aside from that though, I think that following your lead tip for the breaks is important.

Remember, the bass section is part of the drum corps as a whole, if the bass section is playing to the pipers then there is a chance that they aren't playing to the drummers and that just makes marking you down easy for the Judge. Granted, if the leading tip isn't playing to the Pipe Major, you've got an ensemble problem but at least the drumming will be together (or should be anyway).

[Daz Gregory]

Originally Posted by Alan

what about you lot?

Alan

Next time you get the chance to see one of the big bands practicing or warming up take a walk around the circle to get different perspectives on the sound you are listening to. You'll be quite surprised at the differences!

The two best places for me are behind the Drum Corps (obviously!) and at the top of the circle. As Mike said it's here where the idea of the Tenors facing the drummers has it worth as you get a great sound off the bottom heads and that, combining with the Bass sounds fantastic here.

Tenors in? Tenors out? it's all down to preference really and what the band is trying to achieve sound wise I suppose. For me it's Tenors in though....gotta love that circle within a circle!

[Bashful]

I've always played facing the snares. It's easier to follow the score/breaks by watching the lead tip.

Then again, if you make a mistake and you're facing him, he glares at you. LOL!

B

[Churchill]

Aye, been there bashful! Although, it's always good to be there to give the tip a wee encouraging smile or nod if it looks like they need it.