ASPD Position Roles and Responsibilities

Band Appointments

These appointments provide day to day operational control of the band. As a council they will guide the operational direction of the band. The appointees may also fulfill Director roles on the Board of Directors.

Pipe Major

The PM is the director of the Band.

  1. The PM shall administrate the band
    1. Maintain attendance lists
    2. Manage and coordinate performance schedules
    3. Maintain a list of pipers available for solo performances
    4. recruit new members
  2. The PM shall act as the musical director for the band
    1. The PM shall select the compilation and arrangements of tunes for the band repetoire.
    2. The PM shall lead rehearsals.
  3. The PM will set the goals of the band for practices and performances.
    1. The PM shall decide what practice and tuition is required.
      1. encourage instruction for members.
  4. The PM will have the power to recommend that the Band take disciplinary action on any member who, in the opinion of any member of the Band, is considered to have acted contrary to the provisions of these By Laws or has displayed negligence in the performance of duties or expectations. #The PM will set policy for the band in terms of music to be played, and how it will be played.
  5. The PM shall determine who meets the standards of the band, or sub-band for a given activity.
    1. For example, someone may play well enough to be in the parade band, but not quite up to the standard of the competition band.
  6. Appoint other positions as required.

Pipe Sergeant

  1. The PS will take over the duties of the PM when the PM is unable to perform them, or not available to perform them.
  2. The PS is also the pipe section leader, responsible for the performance of the section.
  3. The PS may appoint a Pipe Corporal as required, with the concurrence of the Pipe Major.
  4. The PS shall work with the PM and DS to develop the repetoire of the band.
  5. The PS shall arrange the training and practices of the Pipe Section as required.
  6. The PS shall tune the pipe section before full band practices and performances.

Drum Major

  1. The drum major is responsible for coordinating with the Pipe Major, and the hiring authority for any performance.
  2. The Drum Major is responsible for the Dress, Drill and Deportment of the band. This holds true at both performances and practices.

Drum Sergeant

  1. The DS is the drum section leader, and is responsible for the performance of that section.
  2. The DS may appoint a Drum Corporal as required, with the concurrence of the Pipe Major.
  3. The DS shall work with the PM and PS to develop the repetoire of the band.
  4. The DS shall arrange training and practices of the drum section as required.

Dance Sergeant

  1. The Dance Sergeant is the section leader of the Dance Corps, responsible for the performance of the section.
    1. For public performances, the Dance Sergeant shall be subordinate to the Pipe Major.

Also, the Dance Corps may be asked to fill out the Guard, and as such will be requested to undergo the basic training of the Guard.

Color Ensign

The Color Ensign is the person entrusted with the Colors of the Society.

  1. During Public performances, the Ensign shall carry the Colors on behalf of the Society.
    1. For public performances, the Ensign shall be subordinate to the Pipe Major.
    2. For public performances, the Ensign shall follow the drill commands of the Guard Commander.

Guard Commander

  1. The Guard Commander is the section leader of the Color Guard, and is responsible for the performance of that section.
    1. For Public Performances, the Guard Commander shall be subordinate to the Pipe Major.

The Guard will generally mount a Color Guard. The Color Guard, when protecting/marching with the Colors shall be known as the Escort to the Colors. The Color Ensign, when formed with the Escort, shall follow the drill commands of the Guard Commander.

The Guard may also march within the formation of the band itself.

Band Member

This includes pipers, drummers, dancers and guard members.

The primary reason for participation in the pipe band is to create good performances. To do this we require co-operation, teamwork and an individual work ethic.

All performers are expected at ALL performances.

Full Band practices as well as sectional practices are held weekly. From time to time, as needed, other practices may be called on weekends or other nights depending on performance demands.

The practice routine is set by the PM. The PM may alter the practice schedule as required by performance demands. All band members are expected to follow these routines for the good of the music and the performance quality of the whole band.

Band members are expected to clear their personal schedule in order to set aside the time to attend ALL practices and performances. It is recognized that there are extenuating circumstances which may preclude you from attending practices or performances, such as:

  • Sickness
  • Schoolwork
  • Work schedules or overtime work
  • Family commitments

If you know you will miss a practice or performance, notify your section leader.

Band members are expected to practice their instruments and/or their music at home in a manner that keeps their instruments and playing proficiency equal to or greater than the demands of the practices.

All members shall participate in ongoing activities of the band by:

  1. Ensuring their dues are paid in full;
  2. Attending all meetings and applicable practices;
  3. Attend the General Meetings;
  4. Participate in fund raising activities;
Guests and New Members

Members are encouraged to bring guests and prospective new members to practices and meetings. After attendance at two meetings/practices, the guest must be nominated to the PM for membership in the Band.

Guests are encouraged to actively participate in the activities of the band at the meeting/practice that they are attending.