Pipe Band Drumming
Master Artist: Mark Humphrey
Apprentice Artist: Ian McLeod

Description of the Art Form

Bagpipes are among the oldest musical instruments, and can be found in many countries, although they are often associated with Scotland. In older times in Scotland, each clan had its own piper who played a morning tune to awaken the family, and piped and composed special selections for important life events such as birth, marriage, and death. During the Napoleonic wars, drummers were introduced with pipers and have become an important part of an ensemble.

Pipe band drumming is unique to the drumming world. It is similar in some ways to marching bands, and most of the rudiments of pipe band drumming are marching bands are the same, though used in different ways. Unlike marching bands, however, in pipe band drumming the tune for which the drum score is written can be heard and felt.

Today there are pipe bands in countries around the world. At the World Pipe Championships in Scotland, for example, it is not uncommon to see bands from Saudi Arabia, Japan, Norway, and other countries. Pipe bands are popular in the United States as well, and the Pittsburgh area is home to seven pipe bands and two pipe and drumming schools.

Mark Humphrey

Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Current Residence:North Versailles, PA

Artist Statement

Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated with the bagpipes and the rhythmical style of the drums. My parents had a recording of a pipe band, and I would play it constantly. If we went to a parade, the highlight for me was the pipe band. At age 12, my mother saw an ad that a local pipe band was looking for drummers. That was the beginning of my love affair with Highland Drumming. For 40 years I have devoted most of my leisure time playing, teaching, or learning about drumming. It has meant everything to me.

Accomplishments/milestones

Getting a Drum Major first class certificate.
Being voted in to take over his first drum corps.
Getting first in drumming at the Winnipeg Highland Games in Canada for the first time.
Getting first in drum corps competition for the first time.
Being upgraded to the professional in solo drumming.
Winning the grade III band contest at the North American Championship.
Winning the grade II band contest at the North American Championship.
Winning both days at the Pleasanton Highland Games, California, in grade II both days.
Getting fourth in drumming at the World’s Contest in Scotland.
Placing fourth in the band contest at the World’s Contest in Scotland.
Having the drum corps that he teaches do well in their contest.
Having the solo players he teaches do well in the grade.

Ian McLeod

Place of Birth: Delmont, PA
Current Place of Residence: Delmont, PA

Artist Statement

My art form is Highland Drumming. I play in the drum corps of the Balmoral Highlanders Pipe Band. I have been involved in group lessons with Mr. Mark Humphrey, Pipe Drumming master, for four years and have been studying privately with him since 2004. Not only do I enjoy playing drums but I also enjoy the Scottish culture that we promote. My goal is to be a Grade 1 solo drummer by the age of 16. I intend to continue my Highland Drumming well into adulthood and look forward to performing solos all around the world.

Accomplishments/milestones

Getting upgraded from Grade 4 to Grade 3.
Getting upgraded from Grade 3 to Grade 2.
Getting 8 firsts out of 10 competitions.
Filling in for Mark Humphrey, master drummer, as lead stick when he is teaching other students.
Meeting Jim Kilpatrick, Tyler Fry, and Bert Barr, famous Highland drummers.