The Old Elgin Band - Instruments

	Soprano Trumpet : This single-valved horn plays in the key of G. Most melodies written in the upper register, in the band's repertoire, are carried by this instrument. Second soprano trumpets round out many arrangements by adding lower harmony to accompany the first horns.
	Baritone Horn : This G - D horn provides the lower register music in the brass section of the band. It is featured on some melodies of the band's playlist. The baritones are the larger and heavier horns that typically require a great amount of air to play. Baritones add the tenor and bass ranges to the ensemble for depth of sound.

Long Horns : The long horns, or "fanfare" trumpets are reserved for use on special occasions or at ceremonies. Historically, as "herald trumpets", banners would be attached displaying the coats of arms of the royal family nation whom they represented. Special events at which The Old Elgin Band has used these horns include previous visits to Canada by Queen Elizabeth and a performance on the Bannockburn Battlefield during the band's tour of Scotland in 1993

The Bugle : This horn typically has no valves. All the musical sounds coming from this instrument are generated by altering the speed of the air going into the horn and adjusting the lip pressure on the mouthpiece. Its use as the soldiers' "wake-up" call ... Reveille ... and signal for lights out ... Last Post ... is legendary. A large number of bugle calls ( 50 - 100, each with its own significance ), in various branches of the military, developed over time to signal such events as; attack, retreat, arrival of officers, lowering of the flag, breaking up of camp, and military salute in burial and remembrance ceremonies. Buglers provided the necessary signals designed to be heard over the din of battle.

Percussion

Glockenspiel :

This is the melodic percussion instrument in the band. It is played with one mallet and adds a sparkling contrast to the sound of the horns.

Snare Drum :

The snare or "side" drum provides the driving rhythms in the band's selections. Snare drummers use two drumsticks and utilize a number of traditional drum rudiments like flams, rolls, paradiddles in the context of the music performed.
Tenor Drum :

These drums resemble the snare drums in size and shape. Their tom-tom sound typically reinforces the part played by the bass drum. Tenor drums are played with two beaters. The tenor drum players are the "swingers" in the band. In many march selections, the beaters are spun and swung in the air by the leather straps attached to the handles of the beaters.
Cymbals :

These hand held metal discs add to the "dynamics" or louder sections of the performed music.

Bass Drum :

This large drum is the heartbeat of the band. It helps set the tempo and steady pulse for the music, especially in march selections. The bass is usually played with one mallet ( although two may be used on occasion ), in an upright position.

Piling of the Drums

The piling of the drums is traditionally used by The Old Elgin Band as a ceremonial alter. The drums are piled with five snare drums arranged in a circle at the bottom. The bass drum is then laid on top of these. The pile is completed with a tenor drum and finally, the whole arrangement is draped with a flag.