The Pipe Major
The Pipe Major is the “boss” of the pipe band. The Pipe Major stands in the ranks with the other pipers, occupying the position on the right-hand side of the front rank.
By definition: The Pipe Major is the director of bagpipe music in a Scottish or Irish pipe band. Like Drum Major, the position of Pipe Major is derived from British Army traditions. As in the case of Drum Major, the Pipe Major is a position in any Scottish regiment. In full dress uniform the Pipe Major wears a distinctive gold-embroider badge of pipes surrounded by a wreath on the right sleeve, and may have other special uniform items as well.
The Pipe Major is always a first class player, and his authority in the band is absolute. Whether it is a civilian or military pipe band, the Pipe Major is generally responsible for: music selection, compilation and arrangement of tunes for the band's repertoire, acting as a musical director, leading band rehearsals, co-ordination of the band's performances, training, learning, and beginning pipers The personality and abilities of the Pipe Major are the biggest factors influencing the success or otherwise, in both the musical and social sense, of a band.

