Learn More About Scottish Drums

Many people often ask “what is the difference between the snare drum, the big drum and the other drum!?”.  Well, each of the drums within the pipe band has a unique role and function.

The Scottish Side Drum ( also known as the scottish snare drum, the high tension side drum or the pipe band snare) is the high-pitched drum with a very high-tension system.  The top head is made of Kevlar (Remo Cyber max and the Andante Core Tec are the two main brands) and the bottom head is made of mylar(Remo Ambassador is the main brand).  The key drum manufacturers are Andante Percussion, Pearl and Premier. They all make a great drum but they all offer different benefits. 

The Scottish Tenor Drum is a much lower and richer sounding drum than the side drum. It is also played with different mallets (the TyFry Tenor Mallet is the most commonly played mallet universally) that produce a much softer and more subtle sound.  Tenor drummers also create a very cool visual effect by flourishing or “twirling” the sticks. Check out this video to see for yourself.  Both the top and bottom head are made from mylar (Remo PowerMax and Aquarian Hosbilt are the main brands).

The Scottish Bass Drum – this is a much larger (usually 28″ by 16″) drum and produces a very rich and deep sound in comparison to the other drums.  Again, this drum is played with a mallet – much softer than the side drum sticks.  The Bass drum is considered the “heart-beat” of the band. Both heads are also made of mylar and are often decorated with logos.  Hosbilt, Andante, Pearl and Premier all manufacture quality bass drums.

To find out more about pipe band drumming please contact james@come2drum.com or visit www.come2drum.com 

There are also some learning options for those of you who would like to learn Scottish Drumming.  You can download the “Guide to Pipe Band Snare Drumming” instantly from www.come2drum.com

So what is available to those who want to learn more about Scottish drumming?

Learn Pipe Band Drumming Book and MP3′s – Available as an INSTANT DOWNLOAD or a hard copy book. The perfect start for any snare drummer. Whether you are an absolute beginner, an intermediate player trying to improve the basics, or a drummer with a different background dabbling in scottish drumming for the first time, this 65 page e-book and 43 track MP3 accompaniment outlines snare drumming from the very basics of learning how to hold the stick, understanding basic theory, developing basic rhythms, mastering the essential rudiments and learning your first drum settings.

Scottish Drum Scores to Download –

The collection of pipe band drum scores are all composed by James Laughlin.  James focusses strongly on the ensemble aspect of composition, all drum scores match and enhance the bagpipe melody to offer the listener a balance of excitement and swing. Click on your favourite pipe band drum score and have it instantly in your inbox with a clearly written drum score, and a high quality recording!

Free Pipe Band Drum Socres –  Enjoy 100 + Free Scottish drum scores at http://www.come2drum.com

Online Pipe Band Drumming Lessons – Scottish drumming lessons available to anyone in the World who wants to enjoy quality tuition from a World Champion drummer.   The drumming lessons are performed over Skype with web cam and mic – the results have been amazing!

You can also check out the following Youtube, Twitter and Facebook pages to keep you informed with information about Scottish drumming and the Pipe Band scene :

C2D Scottish Drumming Facebook Page

C2D Scottish Drumming Youtube Channel

C2D Scottish Drumming Twitter Page

Brought to you by http://www.come2drum.com

– Your Pipe Band Drumming Supplier and Educator

Drum Scores, Pipe Bands in Germany and Prize-Winners!

Claymore Pipes and Drums

G’day Everyone!  It has been a week or three since I have posted anything to you all.  Lots has been happening in the pipe band World and the contest season in the Northern Hemisphere is well underway. With one major and a few minor contests out of the way shall we see some bands step up the game and put pressure on the big bands?  It will certainly be interesting to see how this weekend goes with the Major in Annan, Scotland.  Keep posted for results!

Thanks to those who are following COME2DRUM on twitter, I am delighted to announce that isoacustic is the winner of the pipe band drum sticks (J.Reid Maxwell by Andante). The winner of the Come2Drum T-Shirt will be announced at the end of the month…so you still have time to subscribe to the COME2DRUM blog and be in with a chance to win!

COME2DRUM is delighted to share 100+ pipe band drum scores with you all. As of today, you can visit www.come2drum.com and look at our “music” section. You will find pipe band marches, strathspeys and reels. They are written from composers all over the World and for different skill levels. We have even posted massed band drum scores from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and America!  Go and check it out, if you would like to submit some scores then please email them directly to james@come2drum.com.  (Another COME2DRUM T-Shirt is up for grabs for the best pipe band drum score!).

It still amazes me that Scottish music is thriving in the most unusual places.  Dubai, Berlin, South Africa, India, South America and the list goes on.  People clearly have a connection to their Scottish heritage or simply love the sound of Scottish pipe bands!?  Recently I received a CD in the post from an online drumming student in Germany.  The CD “Claymore Pipes and Drums – Live in Munich” is a great example of great pipe band music, innovative arrangements and a fun recording.  It was pleasurable listening, with some old classics, modern compositions and intriguing transitions.  A very smart layout – kicking off with Green Hills of Tyrol and then finishing the CD with “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. Clearly a band that enjoys performing, trying new things and presenting traditional Scottish music.  Well done Guys on a great job!  If you would like to support the band and enjoy some great tunes then you can buy the cd @ http://www.c-p-d.de/bestellung.html

Here’s a wee bit of food for thought for you drummers : “Practice smart and often.  Set yourself some clearly defined short-term goals, so when you sit down to practice you have a plan and an outcome.  Even a 20 minute practice should have meaning.  Happy drumming!”.

So what are your thoughts on the direction that pipe bands are taking?  Have a listen to this performance from the City of Regina Pipe Band.  A very innovative approach to the pipe band competition medley. I feel that this is the direction we need to take our art form if we want to continue attracting people to watch and take part.

In the meantime – Happy Drumming…and piping! 🙂

Brought to you by :

Come2Drum –  the internet’s premier resource for pipe band drumming education.  Come2Drum is a leading supplier of pipe band drumming products and offers professional Scottish drumming tuition.

Drum Lesson Downloads, Australian Workshop and New Come2Drum T-Shirt!

Warrnambool, Victoria on the Great Ocean road will host a Piping and Drumming Workshop next weekend, May 7-9th 2010.  The instruction team will be led by Bob Worrall and James Laughlin, a recital will be held by by both instructors as well as Jono Quay and David Welsh.  Check out the flyer for the South West Coast Piper Drummer Workshop 2010. The Workshop is ran by the Warrnambool and Districts Pipe Band under the leadership of Donald Blair.

Warrnambool and District Pipe Band Logo

Come2Drum.com is delighted to announce the release of DRUM LESSON DOWNLOADS! They are the most comprehensive pipe band drumming learning solution ever.  James Laughlin’s drum lesson downloads utilise visual, kinesthetic and auditory methods to enhance your learning experience.  Scottish Drummers, Kit Drummers and Orchestral Percussionists are enjoying this tool to improve their technique, stick control and dynamic range.  Check it out at www.come2drum.com.

Two years ago, COME2DRUM released the very cool, super popular C2D Tee!  The T-Shirt sold out at the Ozzie National Pipe Band Championships in Sydney, at the New Zealand National Pipe Band Championships in Christchurch and at other C2D drumming events.  We are delighted to announce that we have the Black and White Tee back in stock.  NEW – We have just released the Light blue C2D Tee  (a limited stock).  Email us directly if you would like your own Tee!  James@come2drum.com

C2D Tee's

Only 3 months until the World Pipe Band Championships…keep posted for updates and news from around the globe.

Happy Drumming…and Piping!

Brought to you by www.come2drum.com – The internet’s premier resource for Scottish Drumming Lessons online.

For Pipe Band Products, visit our shop – www.come2drum.com

For Pipe Band Music Downloads visit – www.pipebandtunes.com

SFU Viva Las Vegas, Jim Kilpatrick Down Under and Hosbilt News

Las Vegas hosted a Celtic Gathering and Highland Games this past weekend with Simon Fraser University, the current World Champions, attending.  The weekend was packed full of Highland music, Kilted Golf and Pub crawls.   SFUPB of Canada ended up taking the first place prize, their second year running as victors of Las Vegas.

Last week, Andante Percussion released their new Pro Series Bass and Tenor drums.  This week, Hosbilt announced that it will now be offering Bass and Tenor drums again as part of its product range.  Hosbilt established itself as one of the leading manufacturers for top-quality sound back in 1994.  The turnbuckle system made tuning these great instruments very easy and efficient. Please stay tuned for more information on these new drums. You will be able to purchase through Laughlin’s Pipes N Drumz, or email James Laughlin at james@come2drum.com.

Tyler Fry and Jim Kilpatrick organised the Innovation weekend in London, Ontario last weekend. Snare drummer Nathan McLaren and tenor drummer Kyle Heaney were the co-winners, decided by audience vote, of the first Drumming for Drinks event held outside of Scotland, before a sell-out audience at the London Mocha Shriners Club.  Each prize winner received a Pearl drum and a Hardcase drum case. Overall winners split a cash purse and received a Remo Pro Pad.  Be sure to attend Drumming For Drinks in August at the Lord Todd Bar, Glasgow.

Canberra, Australia will be hosting an unforgettable pipe band workshop and recital in September 2010.  Participants will enjoy top  instruction from an unbeatable line up of World Champions, Gold Medallists and Clasp winners.  Instructors include Jim Kilpatrick, James Laughlin, Tyler Fry, Richard Hawke, Jori Chisholm and Greg Wilson.  This incredible event will take place at the Canberra Burns Club on the 24, 25 and 26 of September. Register online at www.canberracollegepipesdrums.org.au

Check out these scottish drumming and bagpipe downloads at Pipebandtunes.

Brought to you by COME2DRUM – The internet’s premier resource for online drumming lessons and products.

New drums hot off the press, Australian Nationals, Easter Weekend Contests

April…A very active time in the piping and drumming fraternity.  The Australian National Championships, The Hastings Solo Contest in New Zealand and the British Columbia Indoor contest in Vancouver.  Adding to all of the excitement, Andante Percussion have launched a new series of Bass and Tenor drums.

Australian Nationals, Caloundra

Contesting Success

Canada

Simon Fraser University Pipe Band cleaned up at the BC Annual Gathering contest, beating Triumph Street to the 1st place victory.  Grant Maxwell lifted the Pro Drumming trophy for the first time, taking the Arran Campbell Trophy. Steven Wheeler and Kelsey Dougan, students of COME2DRUM.COM took 1st place and 2nd place in the Grade 3 MSR event.

Australia

Scottish drumming is in a very healthy situation across Australia, with 45+ bands turning out for this sunny event in Queensland. The Pipe Band Club of Sydney took the Grade 1 contest and also the drumming prize. This is their 2nd “Ozzie” title in a row, congratulations to the band. Grade 4 had 20+ bands  fight it out with University of Ballarat taking the drumming prize. Grade 3 was dominated by a kiwi band, the Manawatu Development band.  Grade 2 was a highly competitive grade, with Hawthorn enjoying the 1st place prize. Drumming victors, University of Ballarat took 1st in both circles. Canberra Burns Club took 2nd place overall in drumming. Both Ballarat and Canberra have a very strong personell base and seek advice from come2drum.com, Richard Hawke, Jori Chisholm and Tyler Fry.  Highlight of the Day – Queensland Highlanders Drum Corps MSR performance.

New Zealand

The annual Hastings Easter Solo contest saw Greg Wilson and Brian Switalla take the piping prizes.  B and C Grade drumming was dominated by COME2DRUM.COM students Aaron Mitchell and Hamish Petersen, with Hamish taking straight firsts in all events.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Laughlin’s Pipes N Drumz proudly presents the Andante Percussion Pro Series Bass and Tenor Drums, and also the Military series drums. Laughlin’s is the Australia/New Zealand Agent, they are now selling the Pro Series Mid Section drums as played by the Simon Fraser Universtity Pipe Band. Contact james@come2drum.com for more information on the drums.

Andante Drums

The Southern Hemisphere is drawing its Pipe Band season to a close, as the Northern Hemisphere kicks off. Here’s to a great 2010!

Brought to you by – www.come2drum.com The internet’s Premier resource for Pipe Band Drumming Lessons, Products and Advice.

Check out – www.pipebandtunes.com Top Quality drum scores, pipe scores and recordings by World Champion composers.

Happy Drummin’!