The Military Band - Regimental Drum Major Association

91. The Mace
The drum major's mace, like the baton, is used to
band. Its component parts are the ball, staff, ferrule,
and chain. The mace is derived from the ancient
weapon of mace and chain which was
swung above the head to clear a path for marching
troops to follow. The following paragraphs
prescribe the various positions of the mace for
Army bands.
92. Order Mace
The position assumed by the drum major while
he is at halt is known as Order Mace, which is
executed as follows:
a. The right elbow is held close to the side with
the right hand grasping the mace just below the
ball, fingers together, and thumb perpendicular
toward the ball. The ferrule is in line with the
right toe-cap, and the right forearm forms a 300
angle to the body (fig. 32).
b. The left arm hangs straight from the shoulder.
Section VI. MANUAL OF THE MACE
93. Parade Rest
This movement and command is executed as pre- Figure 32. Order mace.
scribed in FM 22-5, except that the drum major
moves the mace across the right side of the body,
lifting the ferrule over the shoe, and placing it
between the feet in line with the toe-caps. The
thumb is brought down to the fingers and the left
hand crosses to grip below the right hand (fig. 0,
33).
94. Mace Twirl
a. Primary Twirl. The mace twirl is a circular
motion of the mace which is performed in front
of the body and is designed to attract the attention
of the bandsmen in order that they may be
prepared for the mace signal to follow. When
practicable, the twirl should precede all preparatory
signals. It is executed in the following manner:
(1) The drum major moves the mace from
the order position or the carry position to a vertical
position in front of the body ((1), fig. 34).
(2) He swings the ferrule in a slight arc to
the right and then swings the mace clockwise
through one complete circle, using both hands to
control and guide the mace ((2), fig. 34).
(3) Upon completion of the circle, the mace
should be grasped by the right hand, and the left
arm dropped smartly to the side ((3), fig. 34).
The mace is then immediately moved to the start- Figure 33. Parade Rest.
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