TC 1-19.50 — The Army Drum Major
TC 1-19.50 governs Army drum major technique, mace signals, marching band movements, training, and ceremonial performance.
- Publication number: TC 1-19.50
- Title: THE ARMY DRUM MAJOR
- Date: 09/20/2023
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View TC 1-19.50 on armypubs.army.mil
TC 1-19.50 covers the drum major’s role, history, responsibilities, attributes, characteristics, equipment, and manual of the mace. It includes training principles, performance procedures, ceremonies, tattoos, and standard-to-metric conversions.
Topics covered
- Drum major technique
- Mace signals
- Marching band movements
- Ceremonial performance
- Drum major training
- Military ceremonies
- Tattoos
- Standard-to-metric conversions
Questions and answers
What does the mace signal for a marching band?
Drum majors use the mace to signal commands to the marching band. (paragraph 2-2)
What tempo is used for drum major commands and mace signals?
Commands and mace signals are performed at a tempo between 112 -118 beats per minute, with 116 the preferred tempo for most occasions. (paragraph 2-4)
How do drum majors carry the mace?
Drum majors carry the mace in either the left hand at Left Carry or in the right hand at Right Carry. (paragraph 2-9)
What is the Trail mace carry used for?
The Trail is an alternate carry used primarily to move the mace into position to execute the Countermarch signal. (paragraph 2-15)
What is the Seven-Count Cutoff used for?
The Seven-Count Cutoff is used to stop playing a march and begin playing a cadence. (paragraph 2-45)