Drum Major's Staff

Originally, Drum Major's staffs were similar to a beadle's staff, with a thin shaft and very small head. They could be used to clear the way in front of a formed body of men. Staffs gathered increasing numbers of embellishments and from 1704, Battle Honours were added on decorative scrolls. The staff is used for signalling commands to a Band when their playing blocks out verbal orders. Left and Right wheels and Halt are obvious examples. The Drum Major assumes a steady pace and indicates it to the following troops by continual movements of the staff and a distinctive stage walk in slow and quick times. The staff may also be thrown into the air and caught by the Drum Major.