The drums that we play are of the old rope-tension type, as was used by the 42nd and all military units during the 18th century. The 18th century armies used drums as signaling devices, their deep, powerful sound carrying over the din of battle, and across the entire camp. One, the batter head, is on top and is the one actually played on, and the other is a thin snare head, with several catgut snares stretched across it, giving the drum the snare sound. Several yards of rope are laced through the hoops, and when the leather ears are pulled down, tension is applied to the heads. Our band carries snare drums, bass drums, and a tenor drum, each adding a distinct sound to the underlying beats.
All parts are our own arrangements, written to complement the rythyms of the pipe music.
IV, Sec XI, XII, XIII 2 Cuthbertson, Chap. II 3 Camus, Military Music, Chap. All rights reserved.