Is a military structure important for the band?

Although the original pipe bands were military organizations, only a very small fraction of the pipers in the world today are active in a band associated with the armed forces. A civilian band is made up of volunteers who give of their time and energies for all sorts of different reasons.

A successful civilian band undoubtedly needs some structure to support the delegation of duties and responsibilities that help the band function and grow. It could take that structure from the military or from business or from any other organization. What's important is that the goals of the band are clear, supported by all (consensus) and that those in the leadership positions is strong both organizationally and musically.

In an outgoing group, it is generally not possible for one person to run all aspects of a band.