Guidelines, Not Boundaries.

Wake and District
Sep 14
2 min read

In pipe bands — especially volunteer organizations like Wake and District — it’s easy to think in terms of boundaries. “I don’t play outside in the cold.” “I won’t practice during the week.” “I only come to local gigs.”

Boundaries feel safe. They protect our time, our comfort, and sometimes our pride. But here’s the hard truth: too many boundaries weaken the band. They damage trust. They close off opportunities. They stop us from improving.

Yes, some boundaries are non-negotiable — things that are illegal, unethical, or harmful have no place in this band. But most of the “boundaries” we set as players are really just preferences. And preferences, when rigid, can hold the entire team. So, what’s the alternative?

Priorities and Alignment in a Band

Instead of fixed walls, we need priorities and alignment.

Prioritize and Execute: Focus on what matters most for the music, the performance, and the mission.
Alignment: Ensure pipers, drummers, and families all understand and work toward the same shared goals.

This shift lets us adapt. For example: A player might say, “I never show up for weekday gigs because that’s my family time.” Fair enough — until it’s Police Week in Washington, D.C., or a line-of-duty funeral. In those moments, the priority isn’t personal convenience. The priority is to stand together, play with dignity, and honor the fallen. When the team is aligned, everyone understands why that moment calls for flexibility.

From Boundaries to Guidelines

Think of them less as boundaries and more as guidelines. A guideline points you toward your default choice, but leaves room for exceptions when the mission matters more.

Rehearsals
- Boundary: “I never practice on Sundays.”
- Guideline: “Sundays are usually for family, but if the band needs an extra full run before a contest, I’ll be there.”
Repertoire
- Boundary: “I don’t play tunes outside my comfort zone.”
- Guideline: “I focus on the core set, but if the band adds a new 6/8 or medley, I’ll push myself to learn it.”
Uniforms
- Boundary: “I don’t wear Class A because it’s uncomfortable.”
- Guideline: “I prefer day dress, but if Class A honors the occasion, I’ll suit up with pride.”

Guidelines honor your personal limits and the greater mission. They keep relationships intact, trust strong, and the band moving forward.

Build Relationships, Not Walls

At the heart of it, this is about relationships. The better our trust is as pipers and drummers, the easier it is to align priorities and adapt when things get tough. When the group knows you’re willing to flex for the sake of the team, they’ll do the same for you.