Clan Fergusson Society of North America - Canada and the U.S.

CFSNA

Structure

MacFergus Pipes And Drums
STRUCTURE
BACKGROUND

In keeping with the educational purposes stated in the Articles of Incorporation of the Clan Fergusson Society of North America, Inc. (CFSNA) and the authority granted by Articles IV and X of the CFSNA’s By-Laws, the Clan Fergusson Pipes and Drums © was established by the Executive Committee of the Society’s Board of Directors on July 8, 2015. (EC Members: President Billy Ferguson; Sr.VP Steven Butler; Secretary Christopher Ferguson; Treasurer Dwight Farris)

RULES

As the band’s creator, sponsor and chief supporter, the BOD of the CFSNA, acting through its Executive Committeee, shall determine the band’s name; create the band’s rules; approve all amendments to the rules; make Pipe Major and Drum Major appointments; and will determine the elements of the band’s uniform.

ORGANIZATION

The band shall be organized with a Pipe Major and the Drum Major holding the top leadership and adminstrative positions. Both the P/M and the D/M may appoint subordinates to assist them in the fulfilment of their duties and responsiblities. The duties and the responsibilities of the P/M and D/M are described below in the “Leadership” section of these rules.

MEMBERSHIP

Currently active CFSNA regular and associate members, and all life, patron, and honorary members are eligible for consideration for membership. “Currently active” is defined as dues paid. However, at the descretion of the P/M or D/M, non-members and members not currently active in the CFSNA may participate in an occasional practice or reheasal session, but they may not participate in band performances or represent themselves in any way as being members of the band.

The Executive Committee may remove any member of the band or the band’s leadership (including P/M and D/M appointed leaders) at any time with cause. The removal shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect indefinitely unless the decision is reversed by the Executive Committee. While removed, the member cannot represent himself or herself as being a member of the band either by word or by wearing any uniform item that would imply membership. However, the member, while removed from membership, has the right to appeal the decision of removal to the full membership of the Boad of Directors providing that the appeal is made in writing and sent to each member of the BOD at least thirty (30) days before the date of a CFSNA Annual General Meeting. The appeal will be adjudicated by those members of the BOD who are present the next AGM following the appeal. Proxy votes by BOD members who are not present are permitted and, if presented, shall be added to the votes of BOD members who are present to arrive at a total. In the event of a tie, the President of the Society shall cast the deciding vote.

AMENDMENTS

Members of the band can recommend whom they would like to have for the band’s Pipe Major and Drum Major, and also make recommendations concerning anything else about the band that they wish. Such recommendations shall be submitted to the Executive Committee of the CFSNA Board of Directors for consideration and action.

LEADERSHIP

PIPE MAJOR

1. Shall have attained the age of at least 18 prior to appointment.
2. Sets the example for the band.
3. Determines who is eligible to join the pipe section of the band and whether they are to be considered ss student or perfoming members.
4. Requires reasonable competence in execution of the band’s repertoire and has the authority to disqualify any member of the pipe section from any engagement because of absenteeism from meetings, inadequacy of performance, or unfamiliarity with the pertinent repertoire.
5. Judges whether a member’s instrument is sufficiently well maintained and tuned for him/her to participate in a band rehearsal or performance.
6. Is responsible for the selection of tunes and sets to establish an effective repertoire.
7. Decides what music will be played at each performance.
8. Devises and conducts a program of practice chanter and pipe instruction of repertoire tunes for band members at regular band practices, responds to individual needs, and at all times exercises the freedom to alter established routines to meet particular exigencies.
9. Makes effective use of the internet for practice and organizational purposes when possible.
10. Appoints assistants as needed to help with the Pipe Major’s duties (Pipe Sergeants and/or Corporals, etc.) and works with them in a cooperative manner to accomplish the goals of the band.
11. Assures that the Pipe Major or an appointed assistant is present at each band practice and performance.
12. Decides which pipers and how many drummers will perform at each event, and if a Color Guard or Parade Rig will be necessary.
13. Is Responsible for the selection of marching routines in cooperation with the Drum Major and Drum Sergeant.
14. Performs the duties of the Drum Major if a Drum Major has not been appointed.

DRUM MAJOR

1. Shall have attained the age of at least 18 prior to appointment.
2. Determines who is eligible to join the drum section of the band and whether they are to be considered ss student or perfoming members.
3. Teaches individual drill and trains band members as required.
4. Teaches, trains, and inspects all bandsmen in the proper wearing of the uniform.
5. Leads the band on parades and in performances as required.
6. Coordinates communication with the Pipe Major, Drum Sergeant, and Pipe/Drum Corporals to facilitate the passing of instructions through the band during performances.
7. Is ultimately responsible for the sound of the drum section.
8. Has the authority to disqualify any member of the drum section from a particular engagement because of absenteeism from meetings, inadequacy of performance, or unfamiliarity with the pertinent repertoire.
9. Inspects the entire band on a regular intervals to maintain high quality sound and appearance.
10. Performs all administrative duties pertinent to the band in the absence of a Band Manager or Quartermaster. This includes: acting as liaison with the CFSNA Executive Committee and other CFSNA performance groups (e.g. dancers, fiddlers, vocalists, etc.); performing Quartermaster duties; and advertising and public outreach.

AUTHORIZED UNIFORM

REQUIRED ITEMS:

• Balmoral, Black, Red Toorie
• Crest, Clan Ferguson, 1 3/4”, Polished Silver (balmoral accessory)
• Shirt, Short Sleeve, Air Force Style (light blue with epaulettes & pocket flaps)
• Shirt, Long Sleeve, Air Force Style (light blue with epaulettes & pocket flaps)
• Tie, Tartan, Ferguson Ancient (optional with informal uniform, otherwise required)
• Crest, Clan Ferguson, Lapel Pin on Shirt, Vest, or Jacket (whichever is the outer most garment)
• Vest, Black, Silver Buttons (worn with Semi-Formal uniform)
• Kilt, Ferguson, Ancient Tartan
• Belt, Black with Silver Buckle
• Sporran, Black, Plain or With Silver Studs
• Sporran, Chain Strap (around the waist belt suspension type, black leather parts with plain silver chain)
• Hose, Black
• Flashes, Red
• Gillies, Black
• Pipe Bag, Solid Black, Black Fringe, Silver Drone Chords

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

• Pipe Bag, Decoraton, Ferguson Related (design yet to be determined)
• Jacket, Argyle, Black, Silver Diamond Buttons (worn with vest to complete the formal uniform)
• Sash, Red (P/M, D/M, and Band Officers)
• Rosette, Kilt, Green (P/M, D/M, and Band Officers)
• Slides, Band Rank or CFSNA Position, Black with Silver Embroidery
• Banner, Bass Drone, Ferguson, Silver Fringe (design yet to be determined)
• Tie, Bow, Solid Black (can be worn instead of a tartan tie for very formal wear)

UNIFORM VARIATIONS

Items to be worn with all uniform variations are the same from the waist down: Kilt, Sporran, Sporran Strap, Hose, Flashes, and Gillies; all as specified in the Uniform items list above.

In the descriptions below, when there is more than one choice can be made, if performing solo, the choice is at the descretion of the performer. If performing in as a group, all members of the of the group should wear the same uniform to the extent possible. If the P/M or D/M is not present, then the choice should be mutually agreeable to all members participating. If the P/M or D/M is present, then they will make the choice for the group. The optional sash, rosette, and slides can be worn with any uniform variation and does not require group approval or uniformity.

Informal – Short or long sleeve shirt with or without tartan tie.
Semi-Formal – Short or long sleeve shirt with vest and tartan tie.
Formal – Long sleeve shirt, vest, tartan tie and jacket (optionally, the tie can be a black bow tie).

UNIFORM ITEM SUBSTITUTIONS

Substitutions for uniform items as specified in these rules and regulations should be avoided as much as possible. However, they are permitted provided that items used as substitutes:

• Are extremely close in color and style to the authorized uniform (e.g. navy blue may be substituted for black).
• Have been approved by the P/M and the D/M.
• Are regarded as temporary substitutions pending acquisition of uniform items that comform to specs.