Jacksonville Pipes & Drums Marching Formations 1 Option Page 4-Count...

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Jacksonville Pipes & Drums

Marching Formations

Option Page

4-Count Turn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Around the Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Figure 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Squads Delayed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Sections Delayed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Irish Snakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Grand March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

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Dennis asked for some quick routine for the Pub & Parade group to use in front of the reviewing stand for the St Augustine Parade. Most Pipe Bands simply do a couple of Counter Marches and continue in the original parade direction. A circle stops the parade for too long. Here are diagrams of the standard Pipe Band counter march and a couple alternative styles. Regardless of the marching tricks, the MUSIC has got to be the primary hook for the audience! Always PLAY YOUR BEST!

On the following diagrams, the square with an “X” is the Pipe Major and the one with “/ ” is Pipe Sergeant. Standard Counter March puts P/M on the opposite side. Alternative counter marches end with the P/M’s column on the same side each time (dressing right), just remember to always dress to the side with the P/M.

Maintain 2½ paces, as this allows room between columns for drones and drums and keeps the rows in line as they pass. It is impressive to see all rows fall in a straight line, with every other step having rows going in opposing directions both in the same line.

All start to “half step” (½ the length for each step) at the arrival to the place to turn, then maintain half stepping until the last row completes their 4-count turn. Keep basic spacing, avoid bunching up.

Absent a Drum Major to give the signal, the P/M must designate a spot to commence the turn. ALL in that row need to start the 4-count turn at the same time, watching the P/M. Successive rows start at the same place exactly as the previous row ends their turn. Also absent a D/M to signal, the P/M & P/S should count to 4 for each number of rows in the formation. That way, they know without turning around when it is time to step out to full-length steps again. It’s easier to use the start of a bar (in a 4/4 tune) or start of a 2-bar phrase of music (in a 2/4 tune). We can also use some drummer’s signal to sound when the last row turns.

The 4-count turn is: 1) ½-step 45o to right; 2) ½-step 45o to right so you are ½ pace ahead and perpendicular to original direction; 3) ½-step 45o to right; 4) ½-step 45o to right so you are going the opposite direction directly centered between the columns approaching and directly in line with the oncoming row as they prepare to start their fist 45o turn on their next step. Two steps later, the P/M row is in the same line as the third row while the second row is perpendicular at their #2 step in their turn.

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2 ½paces

2 ½paces

2 ½paces

2 ½paces

2 ½paces

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Basic Line-upColumns

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Direction of Travel

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Arriving at point (or music) to start the turn. Commence half-step.

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Counter March step #2. Row 1 is Perpendicular and offset by ½ pace.

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Row 1 is at Counter March step #4. Row 1 & 2 are in line. Row 2 starts their 4-count turn on the next step.

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Row 2 is on count #2. 90o and ½ pace to the right of the remaining columns.

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Row 1 is directly in line with Row 3, dress left to P/M side. Row 2 ends their turn 2 paces directly behind row 1 and ready to step out to ½ pace in the new direction, row 3 starts their 4-count turn on the next step.

New Direction of Travel

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Counter MarchAlternative

Center column does the same as the standard 4-count countermarch. P/S column goes outside, larger paces. P/M column goes between the center column and the P/S column, medium larger paces. When P/M & P/S columns catch-up to the center column, dress center and commence ½-stepping until all following rows have finished. This will take longer than 4-count due to the distance P/M & P/S columns go, but ends the turn with P/M on the right again. When last row is done, go back to full pace length and dress right (P/M) again. If there is a D/M, always dress center.

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Direction of Travel

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P/S Column to outside (to keep drones to outside as columns meet). Center column commence half-step.

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Counter MarchFigure 8 Alternative

Center column goes to alternate side columns, row 1 center behind P/M, row 2 center to left behind the person in row 2 who was behind P/S, and so on. P/S goes to the outside, P/M inside but still an arc with drones outside the arc and people just missing right shoulder to right shoulder. P/M & P/S lead their columns to cross in the center, person on the right just ahead. Then repeat the arc, P/S & drones outside, at the bottom of the Figure-8. The size of the “8” should allow for only 1 crossing point, so there may be 4 basic “looks:” 1) the upper loop of the “8” 2) a large “X” on the field 3) the “8” with P/M & P/S at the center just after the last Snare passes center 4) or the upper loop ready to turn again or to re form into 3 columns.

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Direction of Travel

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P/S Column to outside (to keep drones to outside as columns meet). Center column commence half-step.

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To continue in same direction, Center rank fills in after ONE figure 8. P/M on right side, P/S on left side.

To countermarch in opposite direction, Center rank fills in after ONE-and-a-HALF figure 8. P/M on right side, P/S on left side. Cross in center,

person on right steps in front, every other

time.

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Squads Delayed MarchAlternative

Good when we have a lot of musicians. Four or six squads (Columns). No need to change direction of march. Odd number columns go into slow march having the Even columns still at quick march. During the next four measures of music, the opposite columns go into their opposite marching speeds. By the next four measures, USUALLY everyone is back into the normal band formation and all are back into quick march. Never change from full pace length and dress right (P/M) at the finish. If there is a D/M, always dress center.

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Direction of Travel

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At the appointed place in the music, like the start of a part, P/M Column and Column 3 change in the same tune to Slow March, taking a step every other beat.

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At the next line of music, P/M & #3 Columns resume regular Quick March and Colum 2 & P/S Column go to Slow March. At the next line of music, all Quick March, caught up, dress right.

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Sections Delayed MarchAlternative

Good when we have a lot of musicians. Any number of Columns but Pipe & Drum Sections about even or at least filled out. No need to change direction of march. Pipers go into slow march (Waltz-like “ Left-and-pause, Right-and-pause, …” ) having Drummers still at quick march. During the next four measures of music, the opposite Sections go into their opposite marching speeds. By the next four measures, USUALLY everyone is back into the normal band formation and all are back into quick march. Never change from full pace length and dress right (P/M) at the finish. If there is a D/M, always dress center.

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Direction of Travel

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At the appointed place in the music, like the start of a part, Pipe Section change in the same tune to Slow March, taking a step every other beat. Drummers pass on the left as they Quick March through.

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At the next line of music, Pipers resume Quick March and Drummers go to Slow March. Pipers pass on the right. At the next line of music, all Quick March, caught up, dress right and cover (columns line up on squad leader).

This can be done in a show in stages where drummers go to the front to perform a Drum Salute at the halt. Upon resuming the march, the sections again fall into regular formation by reversing which section Slow Marches. The group can then do other maneuvers like Counter March, Figure 8, Circle, or simply depart the performing area, etc.

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St Patrick Drivingthe

Snakes Out of IrelandAlternative

Any number of Columns. No need to change direction of march. All columns go to the right behind P/M and simply follow the person in front. P/M marches a large circle. As the circle closes, the lead would march inside the column making a spiral of the column. Continuing the spiral, forming it tighter and tighter, but leaving a gap between the lines of the spiral wide enough for the lead and pursuing column to perform a countermarch at the spot indicated. Where the lead counter marches, each in turn doing the same, as the spot was reached. This now presents 2 spirals moving in opposite directions one inside of the other. Spectators thinkas the spiral tightens that they will all collide, how will they get out of this mess? The single column snakes it's way out of the spiral and reforms in parade formation.

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Direction of Travel

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Zipper effect into single P/M side Column.

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P/M snakes Column into spiral, about three circles in. Then counter marches to spiral the snake back out as the rest are spiraling in. (In on the black, out on the white).

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Direction of Travel

P/M departs the outbound spiral, half turns left to resume the original direction. Columns reform by reversing the initial zipper. Half step to allow the last of the spiral (P/S side snare, last row) to resume formation.

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Grand MarchAlternative (complex)

Good when we have a lot of musicians. Four or six squads (Columns). Takes a long time to complete, though. Form into two (02) columns, led by P/M & P/S, marching down the center of the show floor. Upon reaching the far end they would each cast off, separating and each turning to the outside to lead each column down the outsides of the ballroom to the opposite end (like opposing ovals). Upon reaching the end of the hall, the columns again turn toward each other but form into twos. As the twos approach, they turn to the original direction, making four across, P/M to the right, P/S left. At the far end of the show floor, the four abreast make two abreast, twos cast off to the outside, then back to the end of the floor. Reaching the opposite end, twos turn inward, making four, and march toward the opposite side also in fours. The fours wheel toward the original direction of march, P/M to right, P/S to left, and form a row of eight across to march in a single line in the original direction, marching the length of the hall. In this fashion it repeats until all form a single line marching abreast in the original direction, P/M to the extreme right. At the midpoint of the hall, all turn toward P/M, who leads the group into either a Circle or Snakes Spiral as before. The finish is to reform into the original formation by reversing how the columns were separated to start with.

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Direction of Travel

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P/M & P/S angle inward to form two columns, zippered by successive rows.

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P/M & P/S cast outward to form opposite direction “D”.

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Bass stays in middle as a landmark. Single columns form two’s as they turn inward, then four across with a wheel to the original direction.

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Original Direction of Travel

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P/M & P/S wheel to original direction, four abreast as started.

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P/M & P/S wheel to original direction, four abreast as started. Following pairs do likewise. Option 1: Resume original direction, maneuver over. Option 2: Repeat the cast off outward at the top, 3 or 4 abreast to round the “D,” coming together at the bottom to form a single line.

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P/M & P/S wheel to original direction, four abreast as started. Following pairs do likewise. Option 1: Resume original direction, maneuver over. Option 2: Repeat the cast off outward at the top, 3 or 4 abreast to round the “D,” coming together at the bottom to form a single line.

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Each side wheels down, 3 abreast. Wheel in at bottom, still in threes. Wheel up, 6 across, with following row(s) also up to six depending on how many are marching.

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Last time around, all are abreast. A number of options to take from here: 1) All turn at top to follow P/M into the Snakes spiral; 2) Opposite ends turn outwards, Bass stays center, P/M & P/S curve to

form head-on Figure 8, crossing either side of Bass;3) Original rows stagger slow march to align in the original fore/aft

spacing, then oblique (angle in/out to once again cover on original Squad Leaders (line up on front row);

4) Form a Circle (good for Strathspey/Reel or Slow Air/Hornpipe);5) Etc. (group ideas?)

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Jacksonville Pipes & Drums Marching Formations 1 Option Page 4-Count...

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