Creativity: A Casualty of War & Competition

A Centennial Observation of Wartime & Modern Bagpipe Bands 

Only a few miles from the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, MO on Veterans Day 2018.

I can see the poppies from here...

Bagpipes were instrumental in times of war. 100 years ago on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 the first declared war of the worlds ended. The Great War waged for 4 years, other disputes followed, and despite the peace for which these brave men fought, the war continues.

Pipers once marched through trenches and atop hills to relay signals and pronounce attacks. Now these warriors of bagpipes with batteries of the most unique drums gather in local basements and other secret dwellings in preparation for battle still. They now circle their ever-growing ranks, assembling “sets” and “medleys” of music, every individual keenly focused on the same...

A Monster Drumming Article

By Michael Eagle

Rudimental drumming is awesome. The physical and mental demands are intoxicating, the benefits can be felt in other areas of musical development, and a particular discipline is ingrained that can be carried into nearly all facets of life. The popular activities in the United States such as DCI, WGI, BOA, DCA, high school bands, and college bands provide lifelong experiences and friendships that can take us all over the world.

While nearly every PAS member has had some, if not extensive, American rudimental studies, the unfortunate reality is that after age 23, our performance opportunit­ies become limited. While teaching and composing in the various marching activities is indeed rewarding, there is simply nothing like strapping on a drum and feeling the raw power of music through rhythm.

This article serves to introduce an entirely different world of drumming and to pique your rudimental interest, as DCI perhaps does or once...