Name: Alison Molumby

Age: 40-ish

Where are you from originally?: Scotia, NY

Where do you live: Scotia, NY

What is your job or major if a student? “Retired” graphic designer; currently a stay-at-home mom to two girls

Where did you learn to play? Schenectady Pipe Band and Sacandaga Elementary School

Instrument: Snare

How long have you been playing? Since third grade… too many years to count!

What got you interested? My dad was a drummer and long-time drum major with the Schenectady Pipe Band. I was a highland dancer for a few years, and already a percussion student in school, so I switched to pipe band drumming.

How did you go about learning/finding – private teacher, class, band, parent or relative? Schenectady PB provided “in-house” instruction—I was taught by Dave Haughey Sr. and Bob Munro. Once I discovered the wide world of pipe band drumming, I took lessons from Norman McLeod, Davy Armit, John Murray, Alex Duthart, Hugh Cameron, Tom Kee, Larry Willis, John Kerr, and many others.
Teachers that had a big influence: Alex Duthart and Hugh Cameron were huge influences.
How long did you take lessons? I don’t think I’ve ever stopped. There’s always something new to learn, since the art is always changing.

How long did you play practice chanter/pad before moving to pipes/drum? I probably started playing on the pad in September, and played the newbie’s traditional first parade in Albany for St. Patrick’s Day. I had always played standing in school band, so marching and playing at the same time took a while to master! I still haven’t figured out how to talk, march and play at the same time.
How long does it take you to get to practice? About 30 minutes.

Favorite bagpipe player or drummer? I’d have to say Jim Kilpatrick and Jon Quigg for snare drumming, and I love to watch Stewart Hogg and Bill Tansey play the bass. City of Washington has an awesome tenor section. And of course, our own Steve Donnelly!

Favorite bagpipe band? Shotts & Dykehead or old Dysart & Dundonald. Another favorite is 90s-era Toronto and District. T&DMFDC indeed!

What other music do you like? Too many to list; Celtic rock, Scottish or Irish trad,, show tunes, ska, Elvis Costello, Dixie Chicks, vintage Journey, and Patsy Kline are up there.

What other instruments do/did you play? None, but I can still pull out a Highland Fling when the occasion warrants.

What is the hardest thing about playing? Memorization and focus are big problems. If I see someone I know in the crowd, I’m easily distracted! I have to really concentrate on watching the lead drummer’s sticks.

Do you compete? In solos? Nope. Did enough of that in my younger days. Much happier being a part of the corps.

What is the one thing you would tell a beginner about learning? One thing has stuck with me from a drumming workshop years ago, and it has nothing to do with playing. If you stumble or trip while marching with the band, stay on the ground and let them take you off on a stretcher. You’ll gain the sympathies of the crowd and not look like a klutz! Musically, watch and listen to as many pipe band recordings and performances as possible. Watch the highland dancers too — that’s where you can really get a feel for the music.
Do you play solo events like weddings and funerals? I’d love to. If you need a drummer, call me! I’ve played for graduations, ceildhs, TV commercials, church services and even a 100-year-old woman’s birthday party (where she rode in on an elephant!) The favorite event of my drumming career was playing for Wrestlemania 1 at Madison Square Garden.

What hobbies or other pursuits do you have? Anything creative like drawing, painting, paper crafting, and jewelry making; hiking and camping; all things Mac; reading.