A pipe sergeant, commonly abbreviated as "P/Sgt", is the number-two person in charge of the pipers in a pipe band or pipes and drums. He is secondary only to the pipe major, who is the director of bagpipe music in the band. A pipe sergeant shares much of the pipe major's responsibilities in tune selection, compilation and arrangement. He or she is responsible for tuning-up the band before a performance.
The pipe-sergeant position can be found in many civilian and military pipe bands around the world. In the British Army, the position is an appointment, not a military rank, normally given to a highly capable piper who already holds the rank of sergeant or colour sergeant. A candidate for the position in a British Army regiment is normally expected to have obtained the Pipe Major's Certificate at the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming.
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