Just come across this video. A good guide for the Marines Band. To answer some of the comments I've read, the Marines call it a staff, the Army call it a mace. Yes it has a slight bend in it probably because it's a training mace and not a ceremonial one. The countermarch position is correct for the Marines and in answer to one of the comments the Army does point it up in the air. All services have slight differences. Even within the Army, the Guards Bands have slight differences from the Infantry for instance. At the end of the day, as long as it's consistent and the band knows the movements, that's all that matters.
thanks a lot, i've recently joined a marching band but a lot of the mace movements are different, still i am in air force cadets and i'm trying to start a marching band at my squadron so thanks for the info
of course he knows what he's doing, not only is he warrant officer 1st class, he has the OBE and i think he would know if his staff was bent! wiggy joined up with my brother years ago
Sir, I have a question regarding the countermarch. I have seen some Scottish band spin the mace upside down for that, holding it only in the right hand. Is that a non-standart „Scottish-only“ thing, or a possible variant?
It is unfortunate that the slow marching drill wasn't included; the trail position wasn't either. I'll pull some strings and see if I can get them put up.
there is no meaning as far as signaling is concerned , its just a flourish for visual effect , the same as rolling the staff or carrying the staff on the march , the DM is still just leading the band.
Well if there any sea cadets or royal marine cadets watching this clip and you want to know more or any of the movements that are not showed in this clip, just get your CO to e-mail the SCC director of music/HQSO (Band). We know have a pack which includes all of the movements plus everything you need to know to participate in any SCC band
All RM Drum Major staffs are made of malacca, it is a springy wood, flexible but very strong and why they have a slight curve. It also makes them expensive!
![The Cane Walk Tutorial [4 counts]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tlHMSB4qr2o/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Cane Walk Tutorial [4 counts]](/img/tr.png)
Just come across this video. A good guide for the Marines Band. To answer some of the comments I've read, the Marines call it a staff, the Army call it a mace. Yes it has a slight bend in it probably because it's a training mace and not a ceremonial one. The countermarch position is correct for the Marines and in answer to one of the comments the Army does point it up in the air. All services have slight differences. Even within the Army, the Guards Bands have slight differences from the Infantry for instance. At the end of the day, as long as it's consistent and the band knows the movements, that's all that matters.
very useful as we have just proved one of our instructors wrong!! as were the rmvcc band portsmouth
thanks a lot, i've recently joined a marching band but a lot of the mace movements are different, still i am in air force cadets and i'm trying to start a marching band at my squadron so thanks for the info
of course he knows what he's doing, not only is he warrant officer 1st class, he has the OBE and i think he would know if his staff was bent! wiggy joined up with my brother years ago
It's the marines peppl it has the best music school in the uk
Yes, the correct description of a Royal Marines "Mace" is actually called a "STAFF"
every movement has a meaning.what swing and star movement meaning???? i always wondering about it.
it is a staff isn't it as I saw the RMSoM drum major and he said it was a mace not a staff but I still think it is a staff
Sir, I have a question regarding the countermarch. I have seen some Scottish band spin the mace upside down for that, holding it only in the right hand. Is that a non-standart „Scottish-only“ thing, or a possible variant?
That's just the command for scottish bands .
It is unfortunate that the slow marching drill wasn't included; the trail position wasn't either. I'll pull some strings and see if I can get them put up.
@DJjarrett23 it's called a parade cane.
What do swings and stars mean, like what is the meaning of the movement?
there is no meaning as far as signaling is concerned , its just a flourish for visual effect , the same as rolling the staff or carrying the staff on the march , the DM is still just leading the band.
Well if there any sea cadets or royal marine cadets watching this clip and you want to know more or any of the movements that are not showed in this clip, just get your CO to e-mail the SCC director of music/HQSO (Band). We know have a pack which includes all of the movements plus everything you need to know to participate in any SCC band
@sodachris3000 maces are supposed to go to either top of shoulder or armpit, personal preference. it's fine.
watch this space*** i will soon post a video showing all the drum major movements!
if your taking requests? Staff Drill in slow time and for the Troop?
will flag your vid to the local sea cadets etc for training etc,
is that james 'wiggy' whitwham
What's the name of the short stick the drum majors use during practice??
Its called a parade cane in the Army . RM term may or may not be the same.
@sodachris3000
my bad.. but im telling you its bent.. Just thought you should know.
All RM Drum Major staffs are made of malacca, it is a springy wood, flexible but very strong and why they have a slight curve. It also makes them expensive!
gd tutorial bt absultly no use 2 me
Lots of elbow with the Marines D/M not a fan,really great bands though.
his mace is wayy to big for him and its bent... good stuff though.