Glossary of Bagpipe Terms - M

M

MacCrimmons

The MacCrimmon family are the traditional source of piobaireachd teaching and all players today can trace their teaching lineage back to this family. Their origin is obscure and shrouded in legend, but they were hereditary pipers to the MacLeods of Dunvegan by 1700, and were pre-eminent composers and players during the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of their tunes survive and are played today.

Mace

The Drum Major carries a mace to give visual signals to the band when marching.

March

A tune especially suitable for marching to. Usually an uptempo melody in 2/4, 4/4, 6/8,9/8 or 12/8.

Massed Bands

A number of pipe bands performing together, commonly after a competition or as part of a military tattoo.

Military Tattoo

A signal sounded (as on a bugle or drum) shortly before Taps. Also evening entertainment given by troops usually in the form of outdoor military exercises with bagpipe music and massed bands. The annual Edinburgh Festival Tattoo is famous for its exhibition of pipe band marching and playing, including the Massed Bands finale.

Mounts

Decorative trim on the wooden parts of a bagpipe. Its function is partly protective but its main purpose is decoration.

MSR

A common abbreviation for March, Strathspey & Reel. The MSR combination has been a common one since the Victorian era and is a common competition requirement.