Archive for The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community Bringing the serving and ex serving communities together
 


       The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community Forum Index -> Introduce yourself
MorfeBD

Cadet Drum Major Looking For Help

Greetings,

My name is Cadet Morfe and I am currently training to be the drum major of my school's regimental band this fall.  Our drum majors have used a mace drill style based off the Royal Marines Band Service for the past two years.  I have been taught, or have taught myself, most of the movements.  If there are any drum majors on this forum, or if anyone knows any that I could contact, I have a few questions I would like to ask.
admin

Post your questions and will do what we can do to help...
MrJpig

STAND BY TO STAND BY...........INCOMING !!
Aaron Aardvark

MrJpig wrote:
STAND BY TO STAND BY...........INCOMING !!


......i hope someone tells him how to do the sausage halt....... Wham bam thankyou Dan!
MorfeBD

My foremost question is how to signal left and right wheels.  Say I'm at a right carry, how would I change to a right wheel signal?  Or a left wheel signal?  I want to know the step-by-step, hand-by-hand, beat-by-beat of it.  I appreciate your help.
riknoc310

This Could take a few pages up.
admin

Right arm still carry into right wheel:
Working on left feet (i.e. as the left foot hits the ground, every other beat)
1. Cut the left arm to the side
2. Raise the right arm and the staff to the horizontal whilst the left hand grasps the staff with your palm facing forward (the staff should be in line with the eyes)
3. Turn the right hand and grasp the staff so the palm faces forward (prior to carrying this out your hand should be the opposite way round)
4. Pick your point and carry out the wheel signal.

Practice that and let us know when you think you have it cracked. Once you think you have it right, video it and put it on you tube and we will point out where you are going wrong.

Aaron, as well you know there has only been one Drum Major to throw his staff over the gate and there will only ever be one who has dared the sausage halt and lived (albeit a bit singed) to tell the tale who knows the intricacies of that mythological maneuver. To mention it in open forum could cause copycat attempts and lead to serious injury if people attempt it on their own. I hope that there isn't a series of people attending A&E units from trying this at home! Please people, DO NOT ATTEMPT the sausage halt at home even if you are supervised. We only ever had ONE trained professional who was capable of this and he has been scarred for life and he had assistance.
riknoc310

"Well Done  Admin" will you inform us when it is posted on you tube.
MorfeBD

admin wrote:
Right arm still carry into right wheel:
Working on left feet (i.e. as the left foot hits the ground, every other beat)
1. Cut the left arm to the side


I take it this means to stop the arm swing and "check" the left arm at the side?  If so, how long is the left arm checked?

Quote:
2. Raise the right arm and the staff to the horizontal whilst the left hand grasps the staff with your palm facing forward (the staff should be in line with the eyes)


Does the right arm raise the mace alone, or does the left arm grab the mace whilst at the carry before the mace is raised?  Is the mace lowered to the horizontal below the waist and then raised to the eye level similar to a halt?

Quote:
3. Turn the right hand and grasp the staff so the palm faces forward (prior to carrying this out your hand should be the opposite way round)
4. Pick your point and carry out the wheel signal.


Understood.  I will get a friend of mine to record my attempts and I will put it up within a few days.
townsergeant

Make sure the right end of the Staff (NOT Mace!) is pointing in the direction of the wheel, or it will get extremely heavy!  
admin

MorfeBD wrote:

I take it this means to stop the arm swing and "check" the left arm at the side?  If so, how long is the left arm checked?

As you are doing it say CUT pause UP. The staff is raised by the right arm and the left hand comes up to grasp it on the UP (the next left foot)
MorfeBD wrote:

Does the right arm raise the mace alone, or does the left arm grab the mace whilst at the carry before the mace is raised?  

Yes, right arm only to raise the staff
MorfeBD wrote:

Is the mace lowered to the horizontal below the waist and then raised to the eye level similar to a halt?

No, it goes straight from the carry position up to eye level.
You turn the right hand as the next left foot comes to the ground
RAB

I'm finding this thread absoloutely enthralling, and extremely educational.
I promise not to interrupt the stage by stage lessons with my usual drivel,
and have detached and re-weighted my broom-handle for the forthcoming practice sessions.    
townsergeant

The M1's Band Drill Staff was a broom-handle & ballcock! (Painted silver, of course!)
RAB

townsergeant wrote:
The M1's Band Drill Staff was a broom-handle & ballcock! (Painted silver, of course!)


Thanks TS... Blairgowrie Public Heads now 'Out of Order' until further notice.
MorfeBD

Admin,

I think I have it down.  I got a friend to take multiple clips of me trying the right wheel and the cut-off.  I will put it up on YouTube ASAP and post it in this thread.  I appreciate your help.  It has been excellent thus far.
Aaron Aardvark

Right......lesson 2.  How about the Lincoln Split
2nd Clarinet

RAB wrote:
I promise not to interrupt the stage by stage lessons with my usual drivel.


Go on RAB........you know you want to..........and we are all expecting it..... .....
RAB

2nd Clarinet wrote:
.......and we are all expecting it..... .....


Sorry Mr Chairman... .. A promise IS a promise...
2nd Clarinet

Admin

Perhaps you could persuade one of our chappies to record and post the L and R turns on YouTube to show him how it's done....A sort of master class for wannabe Drum Majors......????
admin

townsergeant wrote:
ballcock!

No, it's gen  
Hornblower

OMIGOD  

Can't wait  
admin

Aaron Aardvark wrote:
How about the Lincoln Split

We don't talk about her now... the PC police might get us  
2nd Clt wrote:
Perhaps you could persuade one of our chappies to record and post the L and R turns on YouTube to show him how it's done

Nah, that is far too easy! I'll not mention about massed bands yet either where the staff says right and we wheel left
 That would only confuse matters  
MrJpig

MorfeBD wrote:
Admin,

 It has been excellent thus far.


I am glad you are happy. Thus far I have a bog that won't flush, crabby tiles cos me broom's knackered, silver overspray on the lounge wall, a broken window cos I was too close practicing the right wheel and I split a pack of lincoln sausages which burnt while I had to take my dog to the vets....this was due to the order CUT PAUSE UP being dictated to me instead of reading it.    
2nd Clarinet

Waaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!

Great one Andy!

 
MrJpig

2nd Clarinet wrote:
Waaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!

Great one Andy!

 


Cheers....I feel humbled by that  
Hornblower

I thought it was shite actually...

How d'ya feel now big man?  
admin

Lucky I didn't say Cut Pause up pause 1 2 3 4 Kick, kick, kick, kick... now that could have effected the whole of the highlands
2nd Clarinet

Nah......RAB can't count past 3!!!!!!
MrJpig

Hornblower wrote:
I thought it was shite actually...

How d'ya feel now big man?  


Can't stop crying mate
Hornblower

Nice try at trying to make me feel guilty...  
MorfeBD

Cut Off Signal at the Halt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiaSCWZIm98

I think my left arm was too low on the position just before the staff is raised to the signal.  Any other critique is appreciated.

I have a question:  Is the same signal executed when on the march?  I've seen some drum majors march at the left carry and simply skip straight to the vertical staff position.

Right Wheel Signal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_ANR42lVgg

I'm hoping the movements were correct.  I know it was sloppy.
admin

Right wheel:
Cut the arm in from the rear of the body, check pace, raise the staff and the arm as the left foot comes to the ground grasping the staff as the left foot hits the ground. change the grip of the right hand as the next left foot hits the ground to be palm forward.

Cease play:
as you spin, cut the right arm straight into the side and move the staff over the body at the end of the spin to catch the ferrule of the staff in the right hand. As you raise the staff, make sure the left arm cuts away to be straight down at the side. ALL movements are on the first beat of each bar... try again

I'll see if I can get someone to film someone for you...
Bilvers

Great effort though, keep it up
Wolfy

OOOOh! Its like being privvy to the most private things in a Drum Majors Inner Sanctum!  (Or was that a Scorched Inner Rectum?)

Can't wait for the next installment!!!
David Duxbury-Williams

Sh*t, Was I supposed to pass all this on when I was a VBI?
MorfeBD

admin wrote:
Right wheel:
Cut the arm in from the rear of the body, check pace,


This part got lost in translation.

Quote:
raise the staff and the arm as the left foot comes to the ground grasping the staff as the left foot hits the ground. change the grip of the right hand as the next left foot hits the ground to be palm forward.


Let me see if I'm reading this right:
-  First Left foot of sequence:  check arm, raise staff with right arm only to horizontal position in front of eyes
-  Next left foot:  raise the left hand to the staff with palm forward (back of hand within drum major's view)
-  Next left foot:  Change right hand grip so that palm faces forward (like left hand)
-  Next left foot:  In four beats, execute the wheel signal

Quote:
Cease play:
as you spin, cut the right arm straight into the side and move the staff over the body at the end of the spin to catch the ferrule of the staff in the right hand. As you raise the staff, make sure the left arm cuts away to be straight down at the side. ALL movements are on the first beat of each bar... try again


I gave it a shot and here are the results:
At  the Halt-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nZ-3Jgg4KQ
On the March-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x3r8WrE-pU
I believe I was supposed to grasp the staff by the ferrule, but I forgot that part...  

Quote:
I'll see if I can get someone to film someone for you...


That would be awesome.  It's not easy learning this stuff from videos where the camera rarely focuses on the drum majors...  The shame of it is a retired R.M. drum major was our director of music the year before I got here.

Bilvers wrote:
Great effort though, keep it up


That means a lot to me.  Thank you.
Kratos

BZ   MorfeBD.....have been keeping a keen eye on your progress. When admin gets a willing volunteer to show how the RMBS DMajs do it, you should be flying.
Hornblower

I too am extremely impressed with your dedication and motivation.

I would NEVER have had the brainwave of recording myself and putting it on YouTube!

I'm enchanted, engaged and amazed.

BZ BZ BZ
2nd Clarinet

Well done MoreBD.    

A bloody good effort!  



My learned collegues, I refer you all, to the posting I made on this topic on Wed 14 May at 6.57.



Come on Admin, there MUST be someone out there who's passed the Drum Major course and wants to be on Ebay and demonstrate these 'secret society' moves, for our Colonial cousin.

I bet there are a few ex Drummies or Wannabe Drummies on this forum who are getting moist reading this forum topic and watching the postings on Ebay. It's their equivalent to Internet Porn!!!!


Anyway, I always found the best substitute to a real 'Staff' (because Dave Dawson wouldn't let anyone practice with his) was a good old fashioned, circa 1971, wooden handled.......... 'SQUEEGIE'.

riknoc310

I think you mean "You Tube" not EBay
Hornblower

If I had one, I'd want to sell it and where better than on E Bay?

Bob probably meant E Bay!
2nd Clarinet

Thanks Stu......

As for riknoc310....... even though you were right and I should have quoted YouTube, but here's another just the same!....
admin

2nd Clarinet wrote:
Come on Admin, there MUST be someone out there who's passed the Drum Major course and wants to be on Ebay

Been there, see that and DON'T want to do the eBay thing again      
As I am Drum Major qualified, I suppose I could do it or film it but can't do both. I'll keep an eye out for someone next week but you know how it is, you wait a week for a drum major and then 2 come along at the same time!
MorfeBD

What did you think of my latest 'cease play' videos?  I was acting drum major this morning during parade practise and I managed to do one perfectly to the music. :)
admin

The cease play is carried out over an 8 bar phrase.
You should do the look up on the 7th bar and cut the staff away on the 1st beat of the 8th bar. You are in luck this week, the Corps Drum Major has agreed to be filmed on Wednesday afternoon doing the various signals...
2nd Clarinet



I can't wait.........
MorfeBD

admin wrote:
The cease play is carried out over an 8 bar phrase.
You should do the look up on the 7th bar and cut the staff away on the 1st beat of the 8th bar.


I realized that I messed that up in the "cut off on the march".  Normally I get it right.

Quote:
You are in luck this week, the Corps Drum Major has agreed to be filmed on Wednesday afternoon doing the various signals...


Awesome.    You can tell him that he's doing it for a student of WO2 Bandmaster Evans.
RAB

MorfeBD wrote:
 You can tell him that he's doing it for a student of WO2 Bandmaster Evans.


Was that Taph Evans..???

Be interesting to see if the drill has changed since my time of following behind some real 'class' Drum Majors...

Roll on Wednesday.....
MorfeBD

RAB wrote:
MorfeBD wrote:
 You can tell him that he's doing it for a student of WO2 Bandmaster Evans.


Was that Taph Evans..???


I'm afraid not.  Phil Evans, to be precise.
2nd Clarinet

Drum Major Masterclass.

Corps Drum Major being filmed for YouTube (Should be EBAY, would get a better response and more money).


One day to go.......


Can you also record a bit where he tells people to "get yer bloody hair cut".
It would take me back years, give me goose bumps and remind me of that nervous look over the shoulder twitch, which I finally got rid of only 3 years ago.

Perhaps we could start a request spot and record things like;
Bass Drummers hitting a Double beat,
Buglers missing the top notes,
Trombonists calling out the wrong march to the Buglers.

I have just posted a new Topic titled 'What would YOU like to see recorded on YouTube'

Visit it and post.
2nd Clarinet

.
Today's the day............
admin

Left arm still carry to cease play on the march

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JOPFFLwbleI&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param></object>
admin

Left arm still carry into Right wheel
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pZBwOa-kRY8"> </param> </object>
admin

Left arm still carry into left wheel:
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-FGv8LdE8Yg"> </param> </object>
riknoc310

"WOW" Beats the cinema hands down!!
Kratos

BZ Wiggy....are you wearing body armour?
admin

The Corps Drum Major's Masterclass
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n_yRRdprMkM&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param></object>
2nd Clarinet

I can think of loads of silly, mundane and trite comments I could now make after seeing these, but.........

All I will say is WELL DONE.!!!!!
admin

Kratos wrote:
BZ Wiggy....are you wearing body armour?

No, he had his webbing on under his shirt... the Corps Headbutting champion (AKA The Corps Fun Major) is always ready!
2nd Clarinet

Changed my mind,

Can he now do it naked?
MrJpig

Well done Wiggy....rather upset it wasn't in no 1's though
admin

He can't fit his webbing on under his No1s!
2nd Clarinet

Just had a practice and dropped my 'squeegie' during the left wheel, wife is a bit annoyed I'm doing it in the kitchen.
MrJpig

If your having trouble wi' t' lingo...this should 'elp lad
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lHFJfOScKnk&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param></object>
MorfeBD

Admin, that was awesome!  Thank you.  He even went into "swings & stars"!  I already had that pretty much figured out, but nothing beats that video.  Thank Drum Major Whitwam for me.  I will continue to post videos of my efforts and will expect the corrections to continue.
RAB

MorfeBD wrote:
 I will continue to post videos of my efforts and will expect the corrections to continue.


I'm sure they will Mork...err sorry Morf....

This is our top man on your case now...

Superb stature Wiggy...
MrJpig

MorfeBD wrote:
 He even went into "swings & stars"!
Not as good as DANS "Sausage and Sauce"
Aaron Aardvark

That chap at the back needs a bloody haircut!!!.. damned near tennavarked watching that......wahhhhhhhhhh.      
MorfeBD

Admin, is it correct to assume that the wheel signals from the left carry are simply mirrored when executed from the right carry?
Errol

RAB wrote:
I'm finding this thread absoloutely enthralling, and extremely educational.
I promise not to interrupt the stage by stage lessons with my usual drivel,
and have detached and re-weighted my broom-handle for the forthcoming practice sessions.    

When did you take any notice of what drummie was doing Rab !!!
admin

MorfeBD wrote:
Admin, is it correct to assume that the wheel signals from the left carry are simply mirrored when executed from the right carry?

Yes...
2nd Clarinet

One word, single syllable replies.........

Nothing like 'em.

No misunderstanding there!
Hornblower

Nope.
admin

Wahhhh
townsergeant

admin wrote:
Wahhhh

or....Wahhhh  
Errol

admin wrote:
Left arm still carry into Right wheel

The things wiggy has to go through,just to park his car Deli.
2nd Clarinet

Next time, to add a bit of authenticity and atmosphere, can you include a Bass Drummer, he can give those 'double taps' we all loved to hear.
Hornblower

2nd Clarinet wrote:
Next time, to add a bit of authenticity and atmosphere, can you include a Bass Drummer, he can give those 'double taps' we all loved to hear.


HE??!!!

What happened to equality all of a sudden?

Surely there must be female bass drummers out there?
RAB

Errol wrote:
When did you take any notice of what drummie was doing Rab !!!


Usually when I was unwrapping a nutty bar during long stands at ease mate...

Stu... I'm with you on this one mate. I have this mental picture of a girly Bandie wrapped in a leopard/tiger skin  (can't remember which one it was).
admin

RAB wrote:
I have this mental picture of a girly Bandie wrapped in a leopard/tiger skin  (can't remember which one it was).

You mean laying on one more like! Wahhhhhh
RAB

admin wrote:
You mean laying on one more like! Wahhhhhh



Oooooooh.. you are awful... But I liiiiiiiiiiiiiiike you...
2nd Clarinet

RAB wrote:
I have this mental picture of a girly Bandie wrapped in a leopard/tiger skin.


Well............is there anything more you would like to add????

I suggest you refrain from eating cheese just before you go to bed at night. (Unless of course, you like these mental pictures!!!!) I'm sure your other half will dress up if asked.

Hold on RAB......leopard/tiger skin?????

I thought 'Leopard skins' were for Tenor Drummers and 'Tiger skins' were for Bass Drummers, or did that also change after I left due to cut backs?????

Stu,
Sorry about the gender slip.......but, I can only relate to the time when I served, and at that time it was a 'Men Only' club.
RAB

2nd Clarinet wrote:
RAB wrote:
I have this mental picture of a girly Bandie wrapped in a leopard/tiger skin.


Well............is there anything more you would like to add????

I'm sure your other half will dress up if asked.


YEP....

He doesn't own a tiger/leopard skin....
Errol

They should update those Tarzan films with Jane in a tiger suit.
Cheetah can do the dogging.
This thread is going every which way but loose.
RAB

Errol wrote:

This thread is going every which way but loose.


ANDY's got a new phone.....    
       The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community Forum Index -> Introduce yourself
Page 1 of 1