Piper / Drummer Basic
The basic course is a four-week course, which is designed for soldiers with little or no experience with their instrument. The course focuses on music theory, scales/rudiments and introducing soldiers to the career stream.
Competencies
1.0 Maintain and Expand Music Knowledge and Critical Listening Skills
1.1 Maintain and develop music knowledge
1.2 Use listening skills to analyse music
1.3 Maintain understanding of relevant musical genres and styles
2.0 Develop Basic Technical Skills for Playing or Singing Music
2.1 Identify the range and capability of the instrument
2.2 Prepare to produce basic notes, rhythms and/or chords
2.3 Identify the musical elements of the selected style
Piper / Drummer Elementary
The Elementary Course is six weeks long and is the longest course available. It is designed for playing Pipers/Drummers who wish to advance their skills and it is essential for soldiers looking at promotion to Lcpl/Cpl within Pipes and Drums. The course focuses on the individual skills of performance and tuning and also touches upon the responsibilities of JNCOs within the stream. On completing this course the soldier will be qualified ECN 244-1 and be eligible to wear the appropriate Qualification badge for their instrument.
Competencies
3.0 Evaluate and Extend Performance Techniques
3.1 Develop control over the range and capability of the instrument
3.2 Maintain and care for the instrument
3.3 Plan and use practice time to extend technique
3.4 Perform pieces from a range of repertoire
4.0 Perform Music as Part of a Group
4.1 Perform warm-up routine
4.2 Perform work
4.3 Perform in a group
4.4 Interact with other performers
4.5 Evaluate performance
4.6 Analyse live performance
Piper / Drummer Intermediate
The Intermediate course is four weeks long and is designed for playing Pipers/Drummers who wish to advance their skills beyond Elementary, It is essential for soldiers looking at promotion to Sgt within Pipes and Drums. The course focuses on the running of a Pipe or Drum Corps and involves tuning, score writing and instruction. On completing this course the soldier will be qualified ECN 244-2.
Competencies
5.0 Compose a Simple Song or Tune
5.1 Determine the artistic purpose of the song/tune and use appropriate song writing tools
5.2 Select or write the lyrics for a song
5.3 Compose a melody to express the lyrics of a song
5.4 Set down the song
6.0 Prepare Compositions for Performance/Publishing
6.1 Identify with relevant parties the scope of the performance and resources
6.2 Arrange for and acquire the required music resources
6.3 Determine the requirements for the performance/publication and prepare music
6.4 Use equipment or technology effectively, where appropriate
7.0 Rehearse Music for Performance
7.1 Confirm rehearsal details
7.2 Contribute to a rehearsal culture
7.3 Plan and prepare for rehearsals
7.4 Prepare own performance for rehearsal in private practice
7.5 Respond accurately to the direction and suggestions of the producer/director and/or peers
7.6 Interact with other members of the group
7.7 Perform to the required professional standard in rehearsal
8.0 Prepare For and Lead a Music Rehearsal
8.1 Develop musical direction skills
8.2 Prepare performance program
8.3 Prepare to rehearse performance program
8.4 Communicate musical vision and rehearsal strategies
8.5 Prepare the performance in rehearsal
Piper / Drummer Advanced
The advanced course is four weeks long and is aimed at future Pipe Majors/Drum Majors and is essential for soldiers looking at promotion to Warrant Officer within Pipes and Drums. The course focus is on the running of a Pipes and Drums and covers administration, tune selection and ensemble. On completing this course the soldier will be qualified ECN 245 or ECN 246 depending on their instrument.
Competencies
9.0 Maintain self or group in music
9.1 Plan artistic development
9.2 Develop artistic practice
9.3 Plan repertoire and image
9.4 Observe and apply OH&S principles
9.5 Rehearse music appropriately
9.6 Plan and maintain performance program
9.7 Maintain equipment
9.8 Plan checks and balances for continuous improvement
10.0 Provide musical leadership in performance
10.1 Use and extend music techniques
10.2 Combine resources and techniques to express ideas and concept in performance
11.0 Administer operations for performances and rehearsals
11.1 Confirm all booking details with appropriate personnel
11.2 Produce a booking confirmation sheet
11.3 Record relevant contract details of the booking
11.4 Produce a work sheet for a venue artist
11.5 Inform all parties as required
12.0 Direct or conduct music in performance
12.1 Lead pre-performance warm-up and/or give notes as required
12.2 Observe protocols
12.3 Interact with performers
12.4 Interact with audience
12.5 Evaluate own performance
13.0 Provide instrumental/vocal tuition
13.1 Develop self as a private studio teacher
13.2 Plan and implement individual and small group tuition programs
13.3 Teach music literacy
13.4 Teach the instrument
13.5 Assist learners to develop technical proficiency in performance
13.6 Teach expressive skills
Piper / Drummer Drum Major
The Drum Majors course is a one-week course designed to introduce future Drum Majors to military mace drill. Soldiers must be Lcpl or above and are introduced to the Ceremonial, Dress and Pipe Band Drill manuals.
Competencies
1.0 Display Knowledge of Ceremonial Procedures, Service Traditions and Protocol
1.1 Demonstrate knowledge of definition, symbols and parade formats
1.2 Demonstrate knowledge of music salutes
1.3 Demonstrate knowledge of regimental and corps marches
1.4 Demonstrate knowledge of the Beating of the Retreat
1.5 Demonstrate knowledge of military funerals
1.6 Demonstrate knowledge of a United Drum Head service
1.7 Demonstrate knowledge of the Freedom of Entry
1.8 Demonstrate knowledge of the Order of Ceremony - ANZAC Day
1.9 Demonstrate knowledge of colours
2.0 Perform as a Drum Major
2.1 Demonstrate attention, stand at ease and the carry position
2.2 Demonstrate halting in slow and quick time
2.3 Demonstrate knowledge of cease playing and complete cut out signal
2.4 Demonstrate knowledge of prepare to play signal
2.5 Demonstrate knowledge of step-off - playing in slow and quick time
2.6 Demonstrate knowledge of forward from mark time in slow and quick time
2.7 Demonstrate knowledge of mark time in slow and quick time
2.8 Demonstrate wheeling - left and right
2.9 Demonstrate the counter-march
2.10 Demonstrate decrease and increase frontage
2.11 Demonstrate knowledge of saluting at the halt and on the march