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1. Do you need to be Scottish or Irish to join the band? |
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No. We are a non-partisan, non-religious organization that is
open to anyone interested in learning this form of music. As a
matter of fact, our Pipe Major is Czechoslovakian!! |
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2. Do you need any prior musical experience? |
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No. While prior musical experience may helpful, it is not
necessary. |
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3. What could I expect to learn? |
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The Amerscots teach music theory as an integral part of
learning the Pipes and Drums. It is our belief that many Pipers
and Drummers are not well rounded musicians in that they are not
schooled in music theory. These persons never learn pitch or
rhythm notation, which is a universal language and is critical to
communicate on the level of a professional. If we wish to advance
our idiom, we must educate! |
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4. How long does it take to learn the Pipes/Drums? Is it hard? |
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You get out of it what you put into it. Some people have a
more natural affinity for music than others. However, with the
proper nurturing, most have the potential to be a confident
musician. It takes most people an average of a year to learn the
exercises needed to begin the bagpipe and there is an old
Scottish adage that "It takes seven years to make a
piper". |
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5. When and were do you practice? |
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We practice Thursday nights at the Red Hook Firehouse on Rt 9,
Red Hook, NY. We give lessons from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Band
rehearsal is from 7:00 until around 10:00 pm. Please call before
coming to the firehouse, in order to ensure practice times! |
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6. How can I hire you? |
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You can contact the band by clicking here!
Someone will contact you to discuss contract availability and fees.
Members of the band are also available for individual hire
(weddings, funerals, etc). For availability, uniform choice (regimental or dress)
and fees, click here! |
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7. How much do pipes/drums/uniforms cost? How much does it
cost to learn? |
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Pipes cost between $500.00 for a set of used pipes to $5,000
for real ivory with silver mounts. Average cost is about $1000
for a set of decent new pipes. Drums cost about $500.00 for and
HTS 200. However, the band provides drums, so that is not an
issue! Uniforms cost about $2000.00 for a full regimental
uniforms. The band provides most of this also. Members are
required to buy foot and head gear for a cost of about $150.00.
These are the articles that get soiled the most. |