To: News media
Date: September 21, 2007
Contact: Judith Reilly 527-5233(H) 733-2391 Ext 31 (W)
World-class highland drummer Tom Foote has joined Mohawk Valley Frasers Bagpipe Band. Foote, who lives in Rochester, will begin attending Frasers' bi-monthly practices on Friday and Saturday, October 12 and 13, when the Frasers hold their first practices in preparation for the 2008 season. Foote will serve as drum sergeant of the band, drumming instructor for the band's three competition sections, and lead drummer for the award-winning Grade 3 section.
Foote, who has been drumming since the age of eight, is trained in both classical and highland drumming. He is a recognized expert in highland drumming. He has been a member of several of North America's premier pipe bands, including Toronto Metro Police, Peel Regional Police, one-time perennial North American champion Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band, and the world champion 78 th Fraser Highlanders of Toronto. Foote is also a prominent drumming judge throughout Canada and the U.S.
"We are very fortunate to have Tom aboard," said Jim Clough, pipe major of Mohawk Valley Frasers. "He is a first-rate instructor, whose services are sought throughout the pipe band world. He improves every band he plays with, and I expect that our piping and drumming will both be 'kicked up a notch' by his participation."
In addition to working with Frasers Pipe Band, Foote will run a bi-monthly class for beginners, starting on Saturday, October 13, at 3:00 pm at St Paul's Church on Cypress Street in Rome. He will also offer solo lessons to experienced drummers.
In conjunction with Tom Foote's drumming class for beginners, Mohawk Valley Frasers will offer classes for those who wish to learn to play the bagpipe. Those interested in pipe lessons or drum lessons should contact James Clough at 339-0972, Carl Sturtevant at 336-5393 or Tom Foote at 585-752-3838.
Mohawk Valley Frasers also sponsors lessons in highland dancing, taught by Elizabeth Clough, with classes meeting on Sundays at the Kirkland Art Center in Clinton. Clough is certified by the Scottish Dance Teachers' Alliance. For more information about learning highland dance, contact Liz Clough at 339-0972.
