PLAY WITH THE CHAMPIONS. . .
Do you like music? Are you interested in learning how to play the bagpipes or drums in the Schenectady Pipe Band? Pipe Major Jeff Schenck and Drum Sergeant Iain Munro answer many of the questions you may have about learning to play or becoming involved in a great activity with a great group of people.
Q: What age do you have to be to begin lessons and join the band?
A: Eight is really the minimum age. The younger the better to begin lessons. Currently the age range of the band members is from thirteen to the seventies.
Q: What level of musical training or background does a new student need to begin lessons?
A: There is no specific knowledge or skill level that is required in order to begin lessons, just an interest in music and learning. The music � staff notation for example � different for the pipes and drums than for other music and instruments anyway, so everyone begins kind of at the same level.
Q: Are the bagpipes harder to learn than other musical instruments?
A: The technical challenges of the music itself are no different than for other instruments. However, there are some issues that are unique to mastering the pipes, such as keeping the bag inflated and tuning the pipes, but that�s easy to learn.
Q: Do you have to buy your own bagpipes or drums?
A: Not to begin with while you are learning. There are drums available and you can use a practice chanter for lessons and practice. The big goal of learning the pipes and drums is to become a member of the band. Once a person become a band member, h/she is responsible to buy h/her own bagpipes, which can range from $600 to $1,000. Drums are provided free!
Q: How long does it take to learn the pipes or the drums?
A: It generally takes two to three years to become proficient at the pipes; at least two years if a person is highly motivated. The timeframe is somewhat less to learn drums.
Q: Are lessons expensive?
A: The cost is very affordable and cheaper than on the outside. Also, you would probably want to practice on your own several times per week.
Q: What skill level do I have to reach in order to perform with the band?
A: The band plays about twenty tunes. Once you�ve learned about half of those you can then start rehearsing with the band. And, yes, that does mean memorizing as we don�t use sheet music when we perform! But even after you begin performing with the band, you�d still be taking lessons; they�d just be at a higher level. You�d also be practicing with the band which would really increase your skill level. When a person begins lessons, h/she is called an Aspirant Player. Once you reach that level of proficiency where you can perform with the band, you become a Probationary Member. Finally, when the Pipe Major or the Drum Sergeant feels you are ready, you are presented to the band for membership, which is voted on. After you become a member, as you get really good, you can try out for the competition band!
Q: Are there a lot of performances?
A: There are about twenty performances per year � but you don�t have to be in all of them. We play in parades and at graduations, festivals and things like that. It�s a great time and a big benefit of being a band member is that your uniform is provided free (from what the band is paid for our performances). That�s a good deal considering that a full military uniform costs around $1500!
But it�s more that just playing. The focus of the band is community. We try to instill a sense of family into the band, where everyone knows each other, learns and improves and has fun. We like to compete but we like to perform for audiences that love our music � and the pipes and drums are a special sound.
We�d love to teach you the pipes or drums, and we�d like you to join us as a band member! To get started, email us at [email protected].
THE BENEFITS. . .
Some of the many benefits we provide include:
* free uniforms
* travel stipends
* leadership opportunities
* equipment and supplies for pipers and drummers
* fun atmosphere
* tuition assistance for qualified applicants
* support for your individual growth and improvement
* social events with great food
TO DONATE TO THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND. . .
The Schenectady Pipe Band's Scholarship Fund enables area piping and drumming students to take advantage of special summer programs. Won't you please donate to help further our musical traditions? Your contributions are tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3).
