A demonstration of what a band of Bretheren can accomplish, When they mix Music, Philanthropy, and Heritage
Do you have a place for a bagpiper or a drumer?
Y E S . We are looking for pipers and drumers currently.
But, I do not know how to play?
That does not matter. We can teach you.
Where?
At Wisconsin, the Madison Zor Shrine Temple
575 Shrine Place
(just behind Pedro's on the West Side)
How often does the band meet?
Weekly. We rehearse on Thursday evenings. Performances are as scheduled
What is expected of me?
Ten expectations:
1- You want to have fun.
2- To have a sincere desire to learn.
3- You want to have fun.
4- A commitment to practice between rehearsals.
5- You want to have fun.
6- A desire to become a Shriner.
7- You want to have fun.
8- Respect for your instructer, your Major, and your fellows.
9- You want to have fun.
10- You want to have fun.
What about instruction?
The band is well equiped to provide you instruction from beginning to advanced levels for bagpipes and drums.
What are the cost for instruction?
There are no charge for the lessons. Contrary to the Academies. You would be expected to purchase a practice chanter and a practice book. This is discussed more below, in the Practice Chanters section. Estimate of $100 for chanters, $500 to $1200 for new Bagpipes, maybe purchases later either outright or on payments.
Drums are provided by the band.
How long does it take to learn to play?
Playing the bagpipes is not an instant talent to aquire. It must be built over a period of time. The same goes for the drums. Different musicians develop differently, even completely unique at times, and this becomes sometimes maddening when it is time to participate in a group or a band. Full perfect participation is still sometimes a dream, even for the experts, and we do not expect you to come up with perfect performance in every gathering. But doing your best, and practicing sincerly between rehearsals, even if you have never played ANY music instrument before, can get you to participate in any of our group public performances in ONE YEAR.
Do I need to be a Freemason already?
No. We will assist and provide encouragment as you become a Freemason and eventually a Shriner.
Do I need to provide my own uniform?
Uniforms and practice space are graciously donated by Zor Shrine Potentate office
Every bagpiper started, and still using the practice chanter. It is a very easy instrument to learn, in comparison to a Violin, a Trumpet, a Guitar, even compared to jazz Drums. We highly recommend that you invest in :
1- A Metronome. There is a free one here at
www.metronomeonline.com
2- A Good Practice chanter (African black wood, and Polypenco plastic) .
3- Good Practice Chanter reeds.
4- A notes readers-stand (book stores carry them for very good prices)
5- Music notes for beginners, you can check our personal books as a starting point.
To learn it right, you need to learn it on the music notes. Practice chanters and notes are at a very low price, and easy to buy on line. Get ready for at least one year of Practice Chanter trainning, before you start looking for a Bagpipe to buy. Be generous to yourself when you buy. Cheap Practice Chanters and Cheap Bagpipes will be great pleasure for a only the first day of the purchase, and a long regret for years to come, even after making a return, and buying something worth the money.
Do not think that after buying the Bagpipe, that you are done with the Practice Chanter. This is your companion for life afterwards. So invest wisely.
Learning by ear is a very dangerous habit on the Great Highland Bagpipes, and not to be considered at all seriously with this instrument. You can start to play by ear only when you reach the expert level. That is the level that enables you to "WRITE THE MUSIC NOTES OF WHAT YOU HEAR PERFECTLY". That includes your ability to pin point the "A" note at 440 Hz
There are three kinds of Drums at the "Zor Pipes and Drums":
1- Bass Drum. (Only one for the whole band).
2- Tenor Drum.
3- Snare Drum.
You need to follow the next steps to march with us.
Welcome to the parade. Enjoy the crowd cheers, the Philanthropy, the heritage, and the music
May the Great Architect of the Universe have his blessing upon you.