1-1. The mission of the Pipes ad Drums of the U.S. Corps of Cadets is to provide music to enhance unit cohesion and morale and to Musically support military operations of the U.S. Corps of Cadets.

1-2. The Pipes and Drums, USCC is a musical performing club composed of trained, motivated and equipped cadets that provide music for a variety of purposes.

1-3. Many of the traditions of Pipes Bands are rooted in Scottish heritage. The United States is a Nation created out of many different heritage’s. The Pipes and Drums, USCC uses many elements from the British and Scottish. However, it is an American Band and should not be constrained by its roots when other acceptable solutions are available.

2-1. Personnel: The Pipes and Drums, USCC is comprised of members of the Corps of Cadets. Any Cadet may join the band.

2-2. Equipment: All required equipment will be provided by the band. Equipment will be authorized by the Cadet in Charge and distributed based on the personnel and mission requirements for each mission.

2-3. Headquarters: The function of the headquarters element is to provide command and control, unit administration, operations, training and supply within the band during musical support and social functions.

2-4. Pipe Section: The Pipe section consists of bagpipe instrumentalists of various skill levels who train and rehearse in support of their musical mission. The section is headed by the Pipe Major.

2-5. Drum Section: The Drum Section consists of percussion instrumentalists of various skill levels who train and rehearse in support of their musical mission. The section is headed by the Drum Sergeant.

2-6. Dance Section: The Dance Section consists of Highland Dance performers of various skill levels who train in support of their performance mission. The section is headed by the Dance Captain.

2-9. The Pipes and Drums, USCC may be deployed IAW DCA SOP. The band may be employed as a parade band, a large entertainment group, a small ensemble or as individual musicians. The band will be employed by the Cadet in Charge based on the nature of the mission and the personnel available. The details of how the band is employed will be modified as needed.

2-10. Parade Band: The band will be employed as a parade band when the performance is a parade of involves playing while moving over a long linear distance. When employed as a parade band, the band will consist of the Pipe Section and a Drum Section led by a Drum Major.

2-11. Large Group: The band will be employed as a large group for performances that do not require marching and playing over a large distance, such as indoors or in a small outdoor area. When employed as a Large Group, the band will consist of the Pipe Section, the Drum Section, the Dance Section and is led by a Drum Major.

2-12. Small Ensemble: The band will be employed as a small ensemble for performances in confined areas or performances of short duration. When employed as a small ensemble, the band will consist of a few members of the Pipe Section, a minimal Drum Section, a Dance Section as needed and is led by a Pipe Major.

2-13. Individual Performers: At times the band receives requests for individual performers or for a performance requiring very little support. An appropriate number of pipers will be assigned to the mission or attached to another unit for these missions. The element will be led by the senior cadet.

2-14. The Pipes and Drums, USCC provides support for ceremonies, troop support functions, concerts, religious ceremonies, public relations and social functions.

3-1. The Cadet in Charge is a cadet elected by the band who is responsible for all aspects of command to include discipline, training, administration, operations and supply of the band. The Cadet in Charge advises the Officer in Charge on band missions and needs. Additionally, the Cadet in Charge:

3-2. The Drum Major is responsible for the drill and deportment of the band. The Drum Major:

3-3. The Pipe Major is responsible for the musicality of the band. The Pipe Major:

3-4. The Dance Captain is the leader and primary instructor of the Dance Section. The Dance Captain:

3-5. The Drum Sergeant is responsible for the rhythm of the band. The Drum Sergeant:

3-6. The Pipe Sergeant is the primary assistant to the Pipe Major. In addition, the Pipe Sergeant:

3-7. The Quartermaster is a performing member of the band who is responsible for the supplies and equipment of the band. The Quartermaster:

3-8. The Cadet in Charge and the Drum/Pipe Majors may appoint Drum/Pipe Corporals. This may be done as special recognition of position, such as the lead tenor or a piper who acts as instructor to beginners; or special recognition of ability, such as a highly skilled piper; or as recognition of leadership skill. Corporals will perform duties as directed by their respective Sergeants.

3-9. Performers are the instrumentalists and dancers not in a leadership position. They:

3-10. All sections of the band require training and skill before a cadet is proficient to perform with the band. Band membership is open to all cadets and no skill is required to join.

4-1. The Pipes and Drums, USCC is a cadet run organization and offers cadets a chance to learn to plan and properly conduct training. The Officer Representatives are a valuable resource. FM 12-50 Army Bands is a resource on the operation and skills needed for bands. FM25-100 Training the Force has been established as the capstone manual for the execution of training. Leaders of the band should maintain continuity books with resources collected over time. These should be passed on to the next years leaders as a resource of information.

4-2. Rehearsals will be held twice a week.

4-3 Beginner Piper Training: Beginning pipers will be started on the chanter. The Pipe Sergeant will supervise their instruction in basic musical areas:

4-4. Performer Piper Training: Instruction of the performing pipers will be supervised by the Pipe Major. Instruction will include:

4-5. Drummer Training: Instruction of drummers will be supervised by the Drum Sergeant. The most experienced drummer or Drum Corporal on each type of drum will assist with the instruction of each type of drum; snare, tenor, bass.

4-6. Dancer Training: Instruction of dancer will be supervised by the Dance Captain. New dancers will be taught the simplest dances first to get them involved as quickly as possible. Dancers should be challenged to their level of ability.

4-7. Unit Training: The Drum Major will instruct the band in unit training.

4-8. The band is a cadet run organization. Every cadet leader must take initiative to develop the leadership of the band members subordinate to them. The Officer in Charge and Officer Representatives are available for advice on leadership matters.

4-9. To support the development of leaders, the cadet leadership must work through the band chain of command. Personal initiative on all levels of leadership must be encouraged and allowed. The leadership of the band should support one another in their leader decisions.

4-10. Musical skills are individual skills. While the band can provide instruction, only the individual can take the initiative to learn. Individual practice of skills presented at practice is encouraged.

5-1. The Cadet in Charge will process all personnel actions. These include processing authorizations, trip requests, property receipts and accountability.

5-2. The Officer in Charge is responsible for the administration of the band budget. Issues concerning funds will be coordinated with the DCA Treasurer.

5-3. The band is given authorizations to miss drill by DCA.

5-4. Pipes and Drums Authorizations will not be given to cadets who have authorizations from another club.

5-5. Authorizations to miss drill excuses a cadet from the 1600 drill period, but changes that cadets place of duty to Pipes and Drums. This time, from 1600-1730, must be used to practice and prepare for Pipes and Drums.

5-6. The Cadet in Charge will make a list of the cadets who will have authorizations. This list will be sent in to DCA through the Officer in Charge. Changes to the list may be made each week and must be turned in by Thursday to be effective the following Monday.

5-7. Trip Rosters for missions outside USMA must be approved by DCA. The Officer in Charge will forward the approved trip request to the Cadet in Charge. The Cadet in Charge will then compile a roster of cadets who will be on the trip. This will be forwarded to DCA through the Officer in Charge for final approval.

5-8. Trip Rosters may be updated after they are posted by notifying DCA through the Officer in Charge.

5-9. Before departing on trip section, the trip roster held by Central Guard Room must accurately reflect all cadets present. Additions and deletions may be made with the Cadet Guard to ensure the roster is accurate.

5-10. Property receipts will be held for all band supplies and equipment. The Quartermaster will maintain accurate accountability of band property and keep the Cadet in Charge informed.

5-11. Inventory of all equipment will be conducted by the Cadet in Charge and Quartermaster twice each year. This inventory will be turned in to DCA through the Officer in Charge.

5-12. The Cadet in Charge will maintain accountability of all personnel at band functions.

5-13. At rehearsals, accountability will be maintained to track participation.

5-14. Accountability on trip sections is extremely important. All cadets must be present for each movement. It is important that all cadets be informed of the schedule and that they adhere to it.

5-15. Problems with accountability will be handled within the band to all extent possible. Beyond that, delinquencies will be handled IAW USCC SOP.