I lead Trotters Wake Irish Band. Please see our company profile for more information about the band and the style of music we play.
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I am seeking musicians who play:
Violin – It would be preferable to have fiddle style experience, but not necessary. I have worked with classically trained performance violin and viola players in the past.
Accordion – I am open to anything from concertina to standard chromatic piano accordion. Note that we play some songs in odd keys, which is more challenging for diatonic button boxes that have limited key combinations.
Flute – This person would ideally be able to (or learn to) play penny whistle, low whistle, and Irish flute also. My old whistle player also picked up Uilleann pipes as well.
Electric Bass Guitar – Although Irish music does often use upright bass, our space limitations make using upright bass difficult.
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Ability to improvise is a plus, since sheet music is not available for all songs.
Ability to play fast tempo is a plus, especially for playing traditional instrumental tunes.
Ability to sing is a plus.
You are responsible for your own instruments.
You are responsible for your own music stands, music lights, stools, microphones, and cables to plug into the sound system; however, some of these items can be provided by the band until you are able to obtain your own.
No amplifiers are required apart from the sound system provided unless you need one as a monitor.
It is desirable for the you to use an iPad (or similar) for music, since the band’s preferred method of providing music is via PDF using the Forscore app for organizing music into set lists.
You are responsible for your own transportation but may frequently be able to carpool from Souderton for longer distance gigs.
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You will be expected to attend unpaid 2hr rehearsals, based on your schedule, to get up to speed on the music, but you will receive $20 for fuel/tolls if you drive to Souderton for the rehearsal. Virtual rehearsals may be arranged as well if desired. The number of rehearsals will depend on how quickly you pick up the music, but 4-6 rehearsals would be typical to learn a 3hr set.
After you are up to speed, you will be offered performance opportunities as they become available. Pay varies depending on the type and length of the performance but will be $75 minimum for a 3hr performance with call-time 45min prior to start. Travel time is compensated for some gigs.
You will be paid on a 1099 (contract), not W2, so you are responsible for your own income tax withholding.
Although the estimated work time per month is estimated to be low, we are a new band to the area and are constantly getting gig requests, so I expect the opportunities to increase.
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Listen to some of the bands listed in our company profile and to our YouTube channel. If you can play your instrument well and are fired up about playing our type of music, PLEASE APPLY!