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11TH ANNUAL BALMORAL CLASSICNOVEMBER 17-19PITTSBURGH, PA

EVENT PROGRAM BOOK

Indianapolis, Indiana n Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania n East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Balmoral School of Piping and DrummingSUMMER SESSIONS - TENTATIVE SCHEDULE JUNE AND JULY 2018

For More Information Contact:Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming

1414 Pennsylvania Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233(412) 323-2707

[email protected] www.bagpiping.org

2017 East Stroudsburg Balmoral School SessionInstructors: Robert Mathieson, Duncan Bell, Gordon Bell, George Balderose, Richmond Johnston

ALASDAIR FRASER & NATALIE HAAS

Immerse yourself for a week on one of several beautiful campuses with some ofthe best pipers and pipe band drummers in the world. Receive intensive personal instruction, workshops, music sessions, presentations on piping and drumming topics, while making friendships that can last a lifetime.

ConcertProgram_FBCover_2017.qxp_Balmoral 11/1/17 5:14 PM

All locations are in (Oakland)Pittsburgh, PA 15213

The Classic is sponsored annually by:

Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming1414 Pennsylvania AvenuePittsburgh, PA [email protected]

CCHS

WPUC

BALMORAL CLASSIC 2017

WWW.BALMORALCLASSIC.ORG

America’s annual bagpiping celebration

OUR SPONSORS

Balmoral School receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

David Naill & Co, Ltd.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17Ceilidh Gathering: Entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar. Welcoming for contestants, with music by US Open Scottish Fiddle Champion, Melinda Crawford, and Irish Music Master, Richard Hughes, Scot-tish Country Dancers, and Balmoral Classic judges.7-10pm | Tickets: $20 | Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center (WPUC), 100 Lytton Ave., Oakland

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18United States Junior Solo Piping & Snare Drumming Championships. Plus a new Novice Snare Drum contest. Winners announced at 7:30pm immediately prior to evening concert.8:30am-5:00pm | Free | Central Catholic High School (CCHS), 4720 Fifth Ave., Oakland

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18Concert: Internationally renowned Alasdair Fraser (Scottish fiddle) and Natalie Haas (cello), to be joined by Scottish and Irish dancers. 6:30pm Lobby doors open. Silent Auction.Jr. Solo Championship awards ceremony at 7:30pm. Concert 8pm | Tickets: $35 door, $25 advance, $15 students & seniors 65+ McGonigle Theater, Central Catholic High School (CCHS), 4720 Fifth Ave., Oakland (near South Neville Street)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19Free workshop on 2018 Silver Medal tunes conducted by Dr. Jack Taylor, President of the Piobaireachd Society of Scotland. 10am-noon | Carnegie Room, Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center(WPUC)

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Welcome!Welcome to the eleventh annual Balmoral Classic, Pittsburgh’s annual celebration of Highland Bagpiping, Snare Drumming, and traditional Scottish Arts.

The Balmoral Classic’s core event is the US Junior Solo Highland Bagpiping and Solo Snare Drumming Championships, the only US national competition for pipers and drummers 21 years of age or younger. This free event takes place on Saturday, November 18, from 8:30am to 5:00pm. There are fifteen piping contestants and ten drumming contestants, which includes seven snare drummers competing in a newly organized contest for novices. Three of the contestants are from Ontario, and the rest are from Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Six of the piping contestants are members of the CMU Pipes and Drums under the direction of P/M Andrew Carlisle, and six of the novice snare drumming contestants are under the direction of P/S Richard Baughman.

Contenders for the US Junior Championship title aim to prove their skills and vie for trophies and valuable prizes, including sets of bagpipes donated by the manufacturers, David Naill Bagpipes and McCallum Bagpipes, and a Premier snare drum donated by Henderson Imports of Traverse City, Michigan.

The weekend begins on Friday night with the Gathering/Ceilidh reception at the Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center. I hope that you have a chance to personally welcome our guests, the young competitors and their families. Entertainment will be provided by Richard Hughes (Irish flute, vocals w/guitar), Melinda Crawford (Scottish fiddle), the piping and drumming judges, and the Pittsburgh Scottish Country Dancers, who will invite you to dance with them. The evening also features hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

The Saturday day-long piping championship takes place at Central Catholic’s McGonigle Theater. The morning event is the Piobaireachd (classical bagpipe music) contest, and the afternoon the March, Strathspey, and Reel medley. Drummers will be competing in the Central Catholic’s band room, with the morning event a March, Strathspey, and Reel Medley, and the afternoon event a Hornpipe and Jig medley. This year’s new ‘Novice’ snare drumming event will take place in the afternoon and the requirement is either a four-parted 2/4 or 4/4 march, or two 2/4 marches (two parts each) played consecutively.

The Saturday evening concert features the internationally renowned duo Alasdair Fraser (Scottish fiddle) and Natalie Haas (cello), including Scottish dancers from the Celtic Spirit Highland Dancers of Pittsburgh, and Irish step dancers from the Burke-Conroy School of Irish dance. More information about these artists can be found later in this program.

The award winners of the US Junior Championship will be announced during the opening of the Saturday evening

concert at 7:30pm in the McGonigle Theater, and the overall winners in piping and drumming will be asked to perform at the start of the second set. Trophies and prizes are listed elsewhere in this Program Guide.

The articulate and charming Scotsman Arthur McAra will be the emcee for the Balmoral Classic’s Friday Gathering, Saturday Piping Competition, and Saturday evening events.

On Sunday morning from 10am to noon Dr. Jack Taylor of Aboyne, Scotland, one of the three piping judges and President of the Piobaireachd Society of Scotland, is offering a free workshop in the Carnegie Room of the Wyndham Center on the 2018 Silver Medal Tunes. All pipers and those interested in the Classical music of the pipes are invited to attend.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle with the drawing at the beginning of the second set. Raffle tickets are available at the information desk. There you will be also given a card asking you how you found out about this event, which will help us in next year’s planning. Completed cards should be placed in the receptacle at the main ticket table by the time of intermission, followed by a drawing from the deposited cards for a Fraser/Haas CD.

Please visit our information table and bid on any of the silent auction items which have been donated to raise funds for this event. Winners will be announced at the end of the Saturday evening concert. If you are not on our email list, please leave us your name and email address at various venue’s information tables so we can keep in touch.

The Balmoral Classic is made possible in part by grants and individual and organizational contributions, for which we are very grateful. We thank all of our contributors for their support, which is essential to the survival of this event.

To the many Balmoral Classic volunteers, we extend our sincere thanks. Without their time and talents the weekend events would not be possible.

We encourage you to patronize our advertisers and sponsors. I hope that you will join us and them in affirming that Scottish and Irish cultural values have an important place in our American communities. US Senate Resolution 155 of 10 November 1997 states that the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish Declaration of Independence, was signed on April 6, 1320, and the American Declaration of Independence was modeled on that inspirational document.

On behalf of the Balmoral Board and Staff, Enjoy the ‘Classic’!

George Balderose, Executive DirectorBalmoral School of Piping & Drumming

2017 BALMORAL CLASSIC

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Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming

Boards and Staff


The mission of the Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming is to raise the standard and promote the appreciation of bagpipe music in the USA by providing world class instruction, cultivating excellence in youth, presenting innovative musical events, and fostering tradition.

Board of Directors

George Balderose, Secretary & Co-Founder • Executive Director and Piping Instructor, Balmoral School

William F. Askin, Esq., Chairman•Private Practice Attorney

Eric Hayes, Treasurer • Ha!Yes! Communications

Richmond Johnston • Piping instructor and on-site administrator, Balmoral School

Allan MacDougall • Schofield and MacDougall

Lacey Mahler • Music Educator, Deer Lakes School District

Ray Speicher • Co-founder & CEO, Smartsite Strategies

Colin Tait • Award-winning piper, Carnegie Mellon University

Advisory Board

Hon. Thomas Murphy • Former Mayor of Pittsburgh

Gordon Bell • Drumming instructor,US Snare Drum Champion

Bruce Bickel • Senior VP, PNC Wealth Management

Susan Blackman • Non-profit Arts consultant

Mike Cusack • Headmaster, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School, TX; First American to win the Gold Medal in Scotland; Former Pipe Major, five-time Juvenile World Champion Pipe Band

Robert C. Galbraith • Former High Commissioner, Clan Donald USA

Jonathan King • President, Equity Guidance, Inc.

James Lamb • Executive Director, Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Honorary Irish Consul, Pittsburgh

William R. Shipley • Regional Director Pittsburgh office , McKinley Carter Wealth Services

Mark Thomas • Vice President, EVA Dimensions

Lyric Todkill • Pipe Major, 2006 Juvenile World Champion Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School Pipe Band

Terry Tully • Former Pipe Major, St. Laurence O’ToolePipe Band, Dublin, Ireland, 2010 Grade One World Champion Pipe Band

John Wilson • Piper, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, Gold Medalist; Pipe Sergeant of 8-time World Champion Strathclyde Police Pipe Band; Host of “Pipeline” Internet program

Our special thanks to:Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center StaffCentral Catholic High School Staff

Staff

George Balderose, Executive DirectorLeslie Clark, Associate Director

2017 Balmoral Classic Production StaffArthur McAra, EmceeTom Elliott, Chief StewardRich Fishkin, Richmond Johnston, Elaine Lee, PhotographersRebecca Seaman , Stage ManagerGeorge Balderose, Leslie Clark, Elaine Lee, Program BookBanksville eXpress, PrinterGerry O’Neill, CZ Sound, Sound Reinforcement

A Memorial Scholarship to the Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming Pittsburgh Sessionhas been established by the Pittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Pipe Band

in memory of Edward D. Moore (August 30, 1937 - June 13, 2012)For more information contact George Balderose

Balmoral School, ph. (412) 323-2707 or [email protected]

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The Pittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Pipe Band proudly

represents the firefighters of the City of Pittsburgh and

Western Pennsylvania.

The Pittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Pipe Band wishes to

congratulate the competitors on their accomplishments in

qualifying for the Balmoral Classic and wish you all good luck.

Pipe Maior Joe Magliocca • 412-341-9244

New members welcome

Please see our Facebook page at Pittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Pipe Band

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Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming

Setting the StandardThe Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming was established in 1979 by co-founders George Balderose and James McIntosh, MBE, “…to raise the standard and promote the appreciation of bagpipe music in the USA by providing world class instruction, cultivating excellence in youth, presenting innovative musical events, and fostering tradition.” It is a non-profit, 501.C.3 a.1 tax-exempt school, and its Board of Directors include professionals from the fields of law, finance, education, management, commerce, and piping and drumming who selflessly serve to guide the organization and realize its mission.

Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming celebrates and teaches traditional bagpipe music dating as far back as the 14th century, along with more recent compositions in the traditional style including the competition repertoire. Long-term commitment to the culture and heritage associated with the great traditions of bagpiping and drumming is encouraged among the Balmoral students. Learning music through the Balmoral School builds character, promotes heritage and fully supports family values.

Summer SessionsBalmoral School of Piping & Drumming has introduced to Pittsburgh and other US locations some of the world’s most outstanding senior pipers to teach at its summer sessions, among them John MacDougall, Ron Lawrie, Iain Morrison, P/S John Wilson and P/M Iain McLellan, BEM of the 12-times World Champion Strathclyde Police Pipe Band.

James McIntosh, M.B.E. also founded the Carnegie Mellon University Bachelor of Performing Arts program in Bagpipe Music, the first in the world. Balmoral past instructor & Advisory Board member Mike Cusack was the first American to win the Gold Medal at the prestigious Northern Meeting in Inverness. He also led the St. Thomas Episcopal School Pipe Band to five Junior World Championships. Noteworthy drumming instructors who have taught for Balmoral include Reid Maxwell, Bert Barr, Andrew Hoinacki, Jon Quigg, Andy White, and our Principal drumming instructor, Gordon Bell.

The Balmoral School’s summer sessions attracts pipers and drummers each year, and are held on college campuses coast to coast.

Balmoral ClassicFounded in 2007, the Balmoral Classic is home to the only US Junior Solo Competitions for bagpipers and snare drummers 21 years of age and under. Judges are carefully chosen from among veteran judges in the USA , Canada, and Scotland. Successful contestants usually advance to major invitational competitions and are encouraged to compete in Scotland. Balmoral Classic events also include a Friday night reception, as well as a Saturday evening concert with acclaimed International Scottish or Irish traditional music artists.

Bringing Traditional Bagpipe Music to Wider AudiencesBalmoral School of Piping & Drumming and the Balmoral Classic supports the field of bagpiping in new and creative ways within the traditional idiom and widens the public’s understanding and appreciation of quality bagpipe music. During the year, public concerts such as those at downtown Pittsburgh’s historic First Presbyterian Church feature traditional & original bagpipe music, often in combination with other instruments.


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Sage Arts 14311 Stehr Road, Arlington, Washington 98223 USA

Phone: 800-724-3462 Fax: 360-691-2744

www.sagearts.comEd W. Littlefield, Jr., piper, musician, and visionary specializing in acoustic music

MACDOUGALL FINANCIAL COUNSELING Advisors to Individuals and Families

Registered Investment Advisor

Wills and Trusts Tax and Estate Planning Insurance and Annuities

www.macdougallfinancial.com

Call 724-468-1300

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Balmoral Classic

SupportersCHIEFTAIN ($1,000+)E.W.Littlefield, Jr. & Sage ArtsCary & Ken BohlVerna CoreyDavid & Marthe MurrayBarbara DrozdzCatherine Matthews

HIGHLANDER ($500-$999)George & Kay Balderose

STEWARD ($250-$499)Henry Phipps Hoffstot IIICaleb Loring IIIMalachy Whalen

PATRON ($100-$249)Fitzhugh BrownOliver BrowneLeslie ClarkPatricia Buchanan DunkisH. Thomas ElliottSamuel GarofoloSuzie GillilandMark Kemp & Geeta KothariWilliam McAllisterAlan McIvorConor MulcroneM.J. Shaner

FRIEND (UP TO $99)Gregory BrownJeffrey CooperRichard FarruggiaChristine FellnerEric HayesNeil HendersonJohn HetheringtonMichael HeywoodWilliam KellyDavid LangleyMaryrose McLarenDan McNamaraFred MerrittKathleen O’HaraRaymond PopchakLuanne RussellJoseph StearneJane Van KirkAnn WallaceJeaneen Zappa

MEMORIALSCary & Ken Bohl and David Murray: In Memory of Ralph and Patricia MurrayBarbara Drozdz: In Memory of Jim DrozdzPatricia Buchanan Dunkis: In Memory of Patricia M. BuchananChristine Fellner: In Memory of George & Beryl, Stephen, and Nancy Ward BalderoseSuzie Gilliland: In Memory of Dale A. GillilandCatherine Matthews: In Memory of Henry MatthewsMaryrose McLaren: In Memory of Jim McLarenJoseph Stearne: In Memory of Esta Ann StearneRaymond Popchak: In Memory of Sharon PopchakJane Van Kirk: In Memory of David Murdoch

GRANT SUPPORTAnonymousLaurel FoundationPA Council on the ArtsSage Foundation

NONPROFIT SUPPORTERSAmazonSmile FoundationPittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Pipe BandPittsburgh Police Emerald Society Pipes & DrumsSaint Andrews Society of Pittsburgh

BUSINESS & INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERSCollege of PipingThe Piping CentrePeppi’sTyler Mountain Water

DONORS OF THE US JUNIOR SOLO CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZESBalmoral School of Piping & DrummingThe Celtic CroftDavid Naill Bagpipes Duncans Highland SupplyHenderson Imports, Ltd.MacLellan BagpipesMcCallum Bagpipes LtdMcGillivray Piping Inc.Scott’s Highland Services Ltd.St. Kilda USATemple Records

SILENT AUCTION DONORSBig Burrito Restaurant GroupBirdsfoot Golf ClubBoys of the LoughCaliban Book ShopCalliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music SocietyCaraidean CraftsCollege of Piping/Piping TimesGaelic ImportsIrish Design CenterKathleen CleaverJoan GreenMax’s Allegheny TavernMullaney’s Harp & Fiddle Irish PubJill Pifferetti (Sabika jewelry)Pittsburgh Opera, Inc.Pittsburgh Trophy CompanyThe Priory InnSandy St. JamesThe Scottish BannerScottish Gourmet USATemple Records

VOLUNTEERSBill AskinMitchell BjerkeLee CunninghamTeresa CunninghamTom ElliottIrene FinkeLynette GarlanAmy GuthrieBen GuthrieCarol HenleyTeri HayesRichmond JohnstonKen KretchunElaine LeeArthur McAraLacey MahlerFrancine MarthensTJ MontgomerySean ReganJames RumbaughJennifer Burgher SeamanRebecca SeamanEric Starbuck


Many thanks to additional sponsorsand donors giving after our press deadline.

As a nonprofit organization, the Balmoral School depends on the generosity of donors and volunteers.

You can make a difference.To find out how, visit BalmoralSchool.orgor call 412-323-2707

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Calliope Calliope brings artists of national and international reputation to Oakland’s acoustically perfect Carnegie Lecture Hall and the intimate space of The Roots Cellar at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.

DEC 9 LÚNASA with ASHLEY DAVIS One of the finest Irish instrumental outfits of recent times

JAN 20 MOLLY TUTTLE BAND Multi-instrumentalist and 2016 IMBA Momentum Award winner

FEB 10 HARPETH RISING with RYANHOOD Amazing genre-bending chamberfolk trio

Go to www.calliopehouse.org for more information about all of our shows at both venues.

Calliope School of Folk Music offers HIGHLAND BAGPIPES, UILLEANN PIPING classes and workshops of all kinds in a casual, non-competitive environment. Other classes include: Banjo, Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin, Har-mony Singing and many more. See our website for term dates and current schedule.

www.calliopehouse.org | (412) 361-1915

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The Gathering November 18 - 7 pm

Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center -Schenley Ballroom

Cead Mile Failte!Join us for a thoroughly Celtic evening!Our annual Ceilidh Gathering kicks off the Balmoral Classic weekend, and is an opportunity to meet and greet the Balmoral Classic competitors, judges, Balmoral School board, staff, and volunteers. Enjoy a celebration of culture with Scottish and Irish music and dance, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Arthur McAra will be our emcee for the evening.

Melinda Crawford Scottish fiddle, A U.S. National Scottish Fiddling Champion and sanctioned Scottish F.I.R.E. judge, Melinda performs frequently for Scottish highland games, Celtic festivals, and concerts throughout the United States. A Scottish fiddler since the age of eleven, she has won numerous awards for her solo playing and her original compositions at regional and national S.FIRE competitions. She is an instructor at the Jink & Diddle School of Scottish Fiddling in North Carolina, teaches Scottish fiddling privately and internationally to many students over the internet, and conducts workshops on Scottish fiddling all over the USA. Melinda received her B.S. in music education from Duquesne University and her M.A., also in music education, from Ohio State University. Still at Ohio State, she currently is finishing her doctorate in music education with an emphasis in alternative string pedagogy. She has been heard in Scotland and Austria, and on the Discovery Channel’s two-hour special, “Seven Wonders of the Wild West.” www.melindacrawford.com

Richard Hughes concert D wooden flute, vocals, and guitar. Richard began performing traditional Irish folk song and music on the flute and tin whistle over 50 years ago, playing for Irish dances as a teenager in Pittsburgh, PA. A co-founder of Road to the Isles, Richard has performed with International Poetry forum, The Pittsburgh Wind Symphony, and two tours with Cathal McConnell of The Boys of the Lough, as well as numerous national and regional festivals and venues. Richard can be heard on the Rounder records re-issue of Light Through the Leaves, the first (1983) anthology (Rounder 6014) of traditional Irish music in America on wind instruments, and with Road to the Isles on The Way Home and Garden of Daisies.

Both musicians are members of Road to the Isles who delight with pipe and fiddle music, dance, and folksong traditions of Scotland & Ireland on the fiddle, flute, pipes, guitar, and with vocals in concerts. Their focus is to explore the cultural relationship shared by the Irish and Scottish people, who share many ties, as well as contrasts, in their music and dance. www.RoadtotheIsles.org

Pittsburgh Scottish Country DancersA Social Organization dedicated to Preserving Scottish HistoryScottish country dance is sometimes called “the ballroom dancing of Scotland” - it’s a social dance form in which square dancing and contra dancing have their origins. It is also a great form of exercise and aerobic activity. It is practiced world-wide - learn to dance here in Pittsburgh and you can attend social dance events the world over! Meetup: Pittsburgh Scottish Country Dance Meetup Group Facebook: Pittsburgh Scottish Country Dance Society pittsburghscottishcountrydance.org


Our Balmoral Classic judges will also treat you to selections of bagpipe and Scottish snare drum music. They hail from Scotland, Canada, and the US. To learn more about these international champion pipers and drummers, read about Amy Garson, Jack Taylor, John Bottomley, Gordon Bell, and Jon Quigg on the judges page of this program. Join us on Saturday to hear our young competitors put their talents and hard work on display at the daytime championships as they aspire to become the next tradition bearer.

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Céad míle fáilte romhat!Good luck to all competitors

The Pittsburgh Police Emerald Society Pipe Band

Pipe Major Dave Morgan • www.GPPES.org

Year Overall -Piping Piobaireachd MSR – Piper Piping Judges 2007 Larson Stromdahl Kegan Sheehan Andrew Tice Alasdair Gillies James McIntosh John Wilson2008 Ryan Praskovich Reid Bishop Ryan Praskovich Bruce Gandy Amy Garson Scot Walker2009 Anthony Masterson Marshall German Anthony Masterson Brian Donaldson Alasdair Gillies James MacColl2010 Joseph Stewart Joseph Stewart Daniel Pisowloski Andrew Carlisle Donald McBride Willie McCallum2011 Alexander Schiele Alexander Schiele Alexander Schiele Brian Donaldson Donald Lindsay Scot Walker2012 Kirk Brunson Nicholas Theriault Jack Williamson James Bell Donald McBride James MacColl2013 Scott McCann Christian Haars Scott McCann Duncan Bell Scot Walker Andrew Wright2014 Griffin Hall Griffin Hall Andrew Hutton Brian Donaldson Ed Neigh Dr. Jack Taylor2015 Gavin Mackay Gavin Mackay Gavin Mackay Dr. Bill Wotherspoon Bill Livingstone, Jr. Duncan Bell2016 Kolya Sier Mark McClennan Kolya Sier Ian K. MacDonald Robert Wallace James Bell

Year Overall-Drummer MSR -Drummer HJ –Drummer Drumming Judges 2009 Petey Lowrie Petey Lowrie Petey Lowrie Gordon Bell2010 Quinn McCormack Quinn McCormack Quinn McCormack Jim Sim2011 Petey Lowrie Petey Lowrie Petey Lowrie Gordon Bell Andrew Hoinacki2012 Amber Stone Amber Stone Alastair Burgess Alex Kuldell Jon Quigg 2014 Miles Bennington Miles Bennington Nick Parr Gordon Bell Jon Quigg2015 Mackenzie Chamberlain Mackenzie Chamberlain Mackenzie Chamberlain Donald Bell Gordon Bell2016 Blair Beaton Blair Beaton Blair Beaton Gordon Bell Jon Quigg

History of Balmoral Classic Championships

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US Junior Solo Championships

Judges & CompetitorsCANADA - AMY GARSON was the first woman to win the Silver Medal at the Northern Meeting in Inverness, Scotland and has placed in the Gold Medal Competitions in both Oban and Inverness. In 1988, she was the overall champion at the Colonial Highland Gathering in Fair Hill, Maryland and received the coveted invitation to play at the prestigious Grant’s Championship in Scotland. In addition, Amy has won the Piobaireachd Society Gold Medal at the Cambridge Highland Games. With a family and a career in law, Amy still manages to remain an active member of the EUSPBA judges’ panel.

SCOTLAND – JACK TAYLOR started piping age 11 under P/M Bert Barron, St Andrews, Fife, followed by tuition from Bob Brown and Bob Nicol at Balmoral for seven years. He won the gold medal in Inverness in 1973 with The Lament for the Children, the Piobaireachd Society Gold medal in Ottawa in 1979, Open Piobaireachd in London in 1978 and the Silver Chanter in 1984. Jack has been President of the Piobaireachd Society for 12 years, and played with the Grade 2 Buchan Pipe Band from 2005-2014, winning the Grade 2 World Championship with them in 2013. He co-produced “Pipers Meeting New Tunes from the Campbell Canntaireachd” with Patrick Molard in 2016, is secretary of the Solo Piping Judges Association, and continues to teach and judge.

USA - JOHN BOTTOMLEY has been piping for more than 50 years, starting out with the Amityville American Legion Pipe Band in 1963. He is currently the Director of Bagpiping at the United States Military Academy at West Point. John played in the groundbreaking Guelph Pipe Band in the 1970s, and has led a number of successful pipe bands. He is the publisher of the EUSPBA Voice. A long-time judge in the EUSPBA, he is recognized internationally as a top piobaireachd player and authority.

USA - GORDON BELL began drumming at the age of eight under the guidance of Norman MacLeod and he also received tuition from the legendary Alec Duthart. He became the drum sergeant of the Parlin & District Pipe Band in 1975, winning the North American Championship in Grade 2, and placing them in Grade 1. He has also been a member of Muirhead & Sons, Kenmure, Worcester Kiltie, 78th Fraser Highlanders, the City of Washington Pipe Bands, and most recently, the Peel Police Pipe band (Canada). Gordon also saw a great deal of success in the solo field winning the EUSPBA Overall Champion consistently from 1979 to 1987. He has recorded with The Empire Brass Quintet, 78th Frasers Live in Scotland, and with his own Celtic Rock group 51 Ash in which he plays the bass guitar.

USA – JON QUIGG began his drumming career at the age of 13. In 1976, he became a professional solo competitor and in 1989 he assumed the Drum Sergeant position of the City of Washington Pipe Band, helping them garner numerous North American contest wins which included their winning performance at the 1999 World Pipe Band Championships. He has taken part in recording projects and drumming clinics around the globe. Highlights from recent years include the CoW corps’ successive wins in the drum salute contest at Winter Storm in Kansas City and an appearance at the White House.

2017 CompetitorsSolo Bagpiping ChampionshipGemma Briggs Clearwater, FloridaAlex Burlew Bethlehem, PennsylvaniaEvan Burlew Bethlehem, PennsylvaniaKevin Darmadi Houston, TexasTyler Destremps Bethlehem, PennsylvaniaRobert Dunn Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAna Fairbanks-Mahnke Lakewood, ColoradoJoseph Horwath Saginaw, MichiganColin Johnstone Aurora, Ontario

Liam Macdonald Wellesley, OntarioSteven MacDonald Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Drew Mackay Kitchener, OntarioCalum MacNeil Dearborn, MichiganColin Tait Milford, MichiganCallum Younger Latham, New York

Solo Snare Drumming ChampionshipIan Bielski (D) Middleboro, MassachusettsIsabella Jackson (D) Parma, OhioMatthew Darmadi (D) Houston, Texas* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Piping and Drumming StewardsTom Elliott, chief stewardMitchell Bjerke, Lee Cunningham, Richmond Johnston, Ken Kretchun, TJ Montgomery, Rebecca Seaman

Emcee Arthur McAra | Registrar Leslie Clark


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * *

2017 Novice Snare Drumming ContestLiam Conway, Matthew Fuhrman, Becky Jesurum, Steven MacDonald, Elyce Milligan, Coby Rangel, Jett Vaultz

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US Junior Solo Bagpiping andSolo Snare Drumming Championships

Trophies and Awards

* Piping medals are awarded to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th place competi-tors in each event. Trophies become the property of the winner.

* Drumming medals are awarded to the 2nd and 3rd place competitors in each event. Trophies become the property of the winner.

Overall Piping Winner Ralph & Patricia Murray Memorial Trophy and Scholarship(Room/Board/Tuition for two weeks of the 2018 Balmoral Summer sessions)

Overall 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th place winners Balmoral Scholarship(Tuition for one week at any of the 2018 Balmoral Summer session)

Piobaireachd WinnerBalmoral TrophyDN2E Bagpipe with half engraved nickel and aged imitation ivory projecting mounts(donated by David Naill & Co., Ltd.)

2nd Place Piobaireachd WinnerHandcrafted blackwood pipe chanter “MAC 1”(donated by MacLellan Bagpipes)

3rd Place Piobaireachd WinnerThistle Sgian Dubh(donated by Celtic Croft) Masters of Piobaireachd Vol.6-10(donated by Duncans Highland Supply)

4th Place Piobaireachd WinnerPipes Up! DVD(donated by Jim McGillivray)Donald MacPherson -The Legend Lives On(donated by the Balmoral School)

5th Place Piobaireachd WinnerAirstream 10” blowpipe with mount(donated by Scotts Highland Services)General Principles of Piobaireachd by Andrew Wright (donated by Balmoral School)

March, Strathspey, & Reel Piping WinnerE.W.Littlefield, Jr. TrophyMacRae Bagpipe, African Blackwood, engraved alloy ferules and imitation ivory projection mounts, with bagpipe case(donated by McCallum Bagpipes)

2nd Place MSR Piping WinnerKitchen Pipes(donated by Scotts Highland Services)

3rd Place MSR Piping WinnerGordon’s Highlanders(donated by St. Kilda USA) Blackwood Sgian Dubh(donated by Celtic Croft)

4th Place MSR Piping WinnerGift Certificate for pipetunes.ca(donated by Jim McGillivray)Celtic Oval Antiqued Kilt Belt Buckle(donated by Celtic Croft)

5th Place MSR Piping WinnerPipes Ready! DVD(donated by Jim McGillivray)The Glasgow Collection by Robert Wallace(donated by Balmoral School)

Overall Drumming WinnerDavid Peet Memorial TrophyPremier HTS-800 Snare Drum(donated by Henderson Imports, Ltd.)Henry Matthews Memorial Scholarship(Room/Board/Tuition for two weeks of the 2018 Balmoral Summer sessions)

Hornpipe/Jig Drumming WinnerPittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Trophy

March, Strathspey, & Reel Drumming WinnerSt. Andrew’s Society of Pittsburgh Trophy

2nd Place Overall Drumming WinnerFox Fur Economy Sporran(donated by The Celtic Croft)Balmoral Scholarship(Tuition for one week at any of the 2018 Balmoral Summer sessions)

3rd Place Overall Drumming WinnerCeltic Swirl Antiqued Kilt Belt Buckle(donated by The Celtic Croft)

Welcome bag donations include:The Balmoral Collection of Hymns Arranged for Highland Bagpipe(donated by Balmoral School)

Andante Snare Sticks(donated by Henderson Imports, Ltd.)New York’s Bravest CD(donated by Sandy St. James)


Balmoral Classic Inaugural Novice Snare Drumming Contest1st Place Novice Drum Contest WinnerInnovative Red Gum Rubber Pad with Black Rim, and Andante Snare Sticks(donated by Henderson Imports, Ltd.)

Medals are awarded to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place novice contest winners.

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ConcertNovember 19 at 8:00pm

McGonigle TheaterCentral Catholic High School

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

“Fraser, one of the most respected of all exponents of the Scots fiddle, would look long and hard to find a more appropriate cellist as a partner. Haas can switch just as effortlessly as Fraser from a gentle singing tone to driving, dancing melody. A positive joy.” — The Scotsman

The musical partnership between consummate performer Alasdair Fraser, “the Michael Jordan of Scottish fiddling,” and brilliant Californian cellist, Natalie Haas, spans the full spectrum between intimate chamber music and ecstatic dance energy. Over the last 16 years of creating a buzz at festivals and concert halls across the world, they have truly set the standard for fiddle and cello in traditional music. They continue to thrill audiences internationally with their virtuosic playing, their near-telepathic understanding, and the joyful spontaneity and sheer physical presence of their music.

Fraser has a concert and recording career spanning over 30 years, with a long list of awards, accolades, radio and television credits, and feature performances on top movie soundtracks (Last of the Mohicans, Titanic, etc.). In 2011, he was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame.

Haas, a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, is one of the most sought after cellists in traditional music today. She has performed and recorded with a who’s who of the fiddle world including Mark O’Connor, Nata-lie MacMaster, Irish supergroups Solas and Altan, Liz Carroll, Dirk Powell, Brittany Haas, Darol Anger, Jeremy Kittel, Hanneke Cassel, Laura Cortese, and many more.

¨[Alasdair and Natalie] create a sumptuous orchestral mix through the subtle art of aural implication, an intricately textured sound built upon Haas’s extended cello technique.” —Andrew Gilbert

¨Natalie basically wrote the book on the cello’s place in Celtic music.¨ — Peter Winter

This seemingly unlikely pairing of fiddle and cello is the fulfillment of a long-standing musical dream for Fraser. His search eventually led him to find a cellist who could help return the cello to its historical role at the rhythmic heart of Scottish dance music, where it stood for hundreds of years before being relegated to the orchestra. The duo’s debut recording, Fire & Grace, won the coveted the Scots Trad Music “Album of the Year” award, the Scottish equivalent of a Grammy. Since its release, the two have gone on to record three more critically acclaimed albums that blend a profound understanding of the Scottish tradition with cutting-edge string explorations. In additional to performing, they both have motivated generations of string players through their teaching at fiddle camps across the globe.

Workshops, Master Classes, and Residency Activities

Through the four summer programs that Alasdair founded, the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School, the Sierra Fiddle Camp in California, a week-long course at Sabhal Mor Ostaig on the Isle of Skye, and Crisol de Cuerda in Spain, Alasdair and Natalie have inspired hundreds of aspiring musicians.

Alasdair and Natalie give master classes and workshops for performers of all ages, levels, and instruments, with an emphasis on the linguistic nature and rhythmic drive of traditional music. Several different themes are available, including: finding your own voice on your instrument, becoming ‘groove’ aware, ensemble playing, arrangement, creativity & improvisation, and working with orchestra and smaller chamber groups. The focus is on inclusivity and building community through music-making. They create a safe, non-judgmental and non-competitive place to learn. All teaching is done by ear.

“ … you would think they’d been playing together for centuries. While his fiddle dances, her cello throbs darkly or plucks puckishly. Then [Haas] opens her cello’s throat, joining Fraser in soaring sustains, windswept refrains, and sudden, jazzy explosions. Their sound is as urbane as a Manhattan midnight, and as wild as a Clakmannan [Scotland] winter.” — Boston Globe

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Partial DiscographyAlasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas

Ports of Call (2017)Abundance (2014)

Highlander’s Farewell (2011)Fire and Grace (2009) In the Moment (2007)

Legacy of the Scottish Fiddle, Vol 2 (2004)Legacy of the Scottish Fiddle, Vol 1 (2002)

Skyedance BandLive in Spain (2001)

Labyrinth (2000)Return to Kintail (1999)

Way Out to Hope Street (1997)

Dawn Dance (Indie-Best Celtic Album of 1996)

Culburnie Recordswww.Culburnie.com | [email protected] Box 219, Nevada City, CA 95959(800) 830-6296

“As many gigs as they must have played together over the past decade or so, there remains a striking spontaneity about Fraser and Haas’s music-making. He has tonal variation and attack to spare, but what makes them so consistently absorbing is the responsiveness each shows to the other. Haas is more than a cellist: she’s the rhythm section who uses the percussive chip’n’chop of her bowing and the double bass-like pulse of her pizzicato playing to great effect. The accompanist’s role moves so fluently between them, building tension all the while, and then they’ll slip into unison and it’s like floodgates opening. “— The Herald

www.alasdairfraser.comwww.nataliehaas.com

www.alasdairandnatalie.com

Burke Conroy School of Irish Dance The Irish dancers here this evening are Sheila Clark & Bebe Duffus, two world caliber competitors from The Burke-Conroy School of Irish Dance. Both girls have competed internationally at the World Championships, & All-Ireland Championships, and are consistently ranked within the top tier of their age brackets at the Regional and National level.

With sister schools in Ohio, the Burke Conroy School is one of the oldest and most respected Irish Dance schools in the country. The school has had many top winners in regional and national championships, and is very proud to continually qualify dancers to compete in the annual World Championship of Irish Dance. In addition to competing, the students perform throughout the region, including performances with popular Irish bands, including “The Chieftains”, “Gaelic Storm”, Eileen Ivers, and Cherish the Ladies, among others. Ph. 412-781-3273; http://burkeirishdance.com

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Celtic Spirit Highland Dancers of PittsburghBrittany Maniet and Andrew Hoffman are award-winning students of the Celtic Spirit Highland Dancers of Pittsburgh, a group of young performers who study traditional Scottish Highland Dance and traditional Scottish Bagpiping. They love to share their knowledge of the Scottish traditions through performing. Director and dance instructor Kathy Horvath provides students with professional Scottish Highland Dance training. She is certified by The British Association of Teachers of Dance and a member of The Federation of United States Teachers and Adjudicators.

Highland Dance is a celebration of Scottish spirit combining strength, agility movement, traditional music and costume and is a healthy workout for children and adults. Its study improves confidence, coordination, concentration, stamina and self-discipline. The group performs regionally at Scottish celebrations such as Tartan Day, Robert Burns events, and other occasions. Ph. 412-551-7420; email: [email protected]

Tonight’s Dancers

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2239 Banksville RoadPittsburgh, PA 15216

412-571-0333

www.bx-print.com

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The Balmoral Pipes & Drums Band is a project of the Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming, a non-profit, tax-exempt 501.c.3 corporation. Located in Pittsburgh, the band is comprised of pipers and drummers of all ages. The band practices weekly and performs at numerous public and private events throughout the year. New members with an interest in piping or drumming are always welcomed.

For more information please contact: [email protected] or 412 323-2707or visit: www.BalmoralPipesAndDrums.org

Pipe Major: George BalderosePipe Sergeant: Lacey MahlerDrum Sergeant: David Acres

Balmoral Pipes & Drums

REAY SUTHERLAND MACKAY Age 78, passed away peacefully in his home on March 14, 2017

Reay was born in Toronto (1939) to Colin and Mary Mackay. He received his initial piping instruction from his father, a well known professional piper and member of the 48th Highlanders of Canada. His uncle, Douglas Mackay was also a professional piper with the 48th and Reay played Douglas’s pipes for much of his active piping life. Two other uncles, Tom and Jimmy were fiddlers, resulting in Reay spending his young life immersed in highland music.

Reay went on to study from two renowned pipers: Murdo MacLeod (a student of John McDougall Gillies) and Pipe Major John Wilson, gold medalist from Edinburgh and student of Roddy Campbell. At age thirteen, Reay turned professional and also wrote the infamous hornpipe, Colin Mackay, for his father. Over his career, he won most of the major piping competitions in North America, including the North American Professional Solo Championship six times consecutively.

Reay started composing at a very young age and continued up until shortly before his death. He loved to write music and would literally spend hours/days writing music. Reay was always concerned that his compositions were original and his own. He often used his trusted piping sources and especially his daughter Glenna, as a sounding board for his music. Reay was delighted when players would play his tunes, as that was his ultimate goal - make, play and enjoy music.

Reay played with the 48th Highlanders of Canada Pipe Band from the early 1950’s and became Pipe Major in 1975. He went on and became Pipe Major of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Pipe Band in 1985 and had great success with both organizations, winning many prizes over the years.. His dedication, influence and passion to both these organizations was unparalleled.

Reay started teaching at a young age and continued until just before his death. Over the years, he taught countless people and was committed and passionate about his work. A teacher, by profession, Reay’s expertise and knowledge were in high demand. He had his Masters degree in Education and was truly a masterful educator. Reay travelled extensively, teaching at venues across North America.

Reay started adjudicating in his mid thirties and was instrumental in designing the initial adjudication examination process, with colleagues: Archie Cairns and Willie Connell. These gentlemen worked very hard to lay the foundation for our current system. He was an active adjudicator for both the PPBSO and EUSPBA and was a senior adjudicator on the Competing Pipers Association’s panel.

Reay and his loving wife Joan were married for 57 years. Reay was always grateful for the love and support Joan gave him, while pursuing his love of music.

Reay’s piping legacy lives on with his daughter, Glenna and grandchildren, Colin and Kayleigh.

Written by: Glenna Mackay-Johnstone

Reay Sutherland Mackay (1939-March 14, 2017) In memoriam


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Temple Recordsthe Scottish record label Est. 1978

-the best in Scottish Traditional Music, plus a little bit of Irish Music for good measure.

www.templerecords.co.uk

email: [email protected] telephone: 01875 830 328

Piping TimesRead by 10,000 people worldwide every month

Become a subscriber to the world’s best piping magazinePublished monthly by The College of Piping

Print or online

www.college-of-piping.co.uk

Piping Times, 16-24 Otago St, Glasgow G12 8JH, Scotland, [email protected]

www.aquafilterfresh.com

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the cello

The cello is most closely associated with European classical music, and has been described as the closest sounding instrument to the human voice.

It is a part of the standard orchestra, as part of the string section, and is the bass voice of the string quartet, as well as being part of many other chamber groups. A large number of concertos and sonatas have been written for the cello. Among the most well-known Baroque works for the cello are Johann Sebastian Bach’s six unaccompanied Suites. There are also pieces written for two, three, four or more cellos; this type of ensemble is also called a “cello choir”

Cellos are tuned in fifths, starting with C2 (two octaves below middle C), followed by G2, D3, and then A3. It is tuned in the same intervals as the viola, but an octave lower. Unlike the violin or viola but similar to the double bass, the cello has an endpin that rests on the floor to support the instrument’s weight.

Around 1700, Italian players popularized the cello in northern Europe. Many existing bass violins were literally cut down in size to convert them into cellos according to the smaller pattern developed by Stradivarius. The sizes, names, and tunings of the cello varied widely by geography and time. The size was not standardized until around 1750.

Cellos made before approximately 1700 tended to be considerably larger than those made and commonly played today. Around 1680, changes in string-making technology made it possible to play lower-pitched notes on shorter strings. The cellos of Stradivari, for example, can be clearly divided into two models: the style made before 1702, characterized by larger instruments (of which only three exist in their original size and configuration), and the style made during and after 1707, when Stradivari began making smaller cellos. This later model is the design most commonly used by modern luthiers. The scale length of a 4⁄4 cello is about 70 cm (27 1⁄2 in). The new size offered fuller tonal projection and greater range of expression. The instrument in this form was able to contribute to more pieces musically and offered the possibility of greater physical dexterity for the player to develop technique. Standard-sized cellos are referred to as “full-size” or “ 4⁄4” but are also made in smaller (fractional) sizes (e.g. 7⁄8, 3⁄4, 1⁄2, 1⁄4, 1⁄8, 1⁄10, 1⁄16). The smaller cellos are identical to standard cellos in construction, range, and usage, but are simply scaled-down for the benefit of children and shorter adults.

The cello is increasingly common in traditional fiddle music, especially Scottish fiddle music. From the late 17th to early 19th centuries it was used in folk ensembles to provide low, driving rhythms for dance tunes and to render haunting Scottish airs. 18th century Scots fiddlers like Niel Gow saw little contradiction between playing for a fashionable drawing room audience by day and sawing out tunes for village peasants in the evening. Bowed instruments (including viola and cello) were more about the dance than the musician. If it set Scottish toes a tapping, it scarcely mattered if they were shod in silk or leather. That spirit of court and pub pervades the traditional fiddle and cell music of Scotland.

Within the folk music revival of the past forty years there has been a small but dedicated movement to restore the unique richness of the cello to traditional music, and Natalie Haas is among the forefront of that movement.


-sources: Session Tunes for Scottish Cellists by Eilidh and Christine Martin, Taigh na Teud Music Publishers, Isle of Skye, Scotland, 2007; Crossing to Scotland: Scottish Music for the Cello, by Abby Newton. Mel Bay Publications, Pacific, Missouri, 2000; Alasdair Fraser; Wikipedia.

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First Night Pittsburgh (12/31/17)

in Concert

Balmoral Pipes and Drums with Scottish Dancers too!

First Presbyterian Church320 Sixth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222

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what we’ve been up to -


Summer sessions and Massed bands with Gordon Bell, our first Contra Dance Ensemble, many parades for Balmoral

Pipes & Drums, St. Anthony’s Pipe Band at East Stroudsburg, scholarships for young pipers, tuning with Terrry Tully,

judges for the Classic, tuning room 3 at the Classic, a student concert band with juggling, Pittsburgh’s summer session,

Robert Mathieson at the summer concert, practicing tunes together or on a snare drum, CMU Summer Strings workshop with bagpipes and Scottish dance, Jack

Taylor and Tom Elliott forging friendships and looking forward to more

adventures to come.One of our local sponsors for the Classic

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A - (. .. ... ..th .. v.\1.1nu� · .L1gon1eR highland c; es and

' ' ' ' '

c;�theRing of the Clans of Scotland

September 22, 2018 Scottish Fair Opens Saturday at 8am

at Idlewild Park, Ligonier, PA £ See Massed Bagpipe Bands on Parade £Highland Heptathalon £Highland Dancing £ Celtic Harper £Gaelic Mod £International Entertainers Perform all day £Children's Games £ Scottish Dog Exhibit £ Scottish Market - Imported Goods and Food £Re-Enactors Show Scottish Military History £Check Your Family Genealogy £Non-Stop Fun for the Whole Family £Everyone Gets a Big Scottish Welcome!

Adults $20, Seniors $18 Children (age 13-17) $10 - 12 & Under FREE

FREE PARKING

For Information Send S.A.S.E to:

Ligonier Highland Games 324 Forrest Street, Altoona PA 16602

ligonierhighlandgames.org www.facebook.com/Ligonier.Highland.Games

ligonierhighlandgames. tumblr.com

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11TH ANNUAL BALMORAL CLASSICNOVEMBER 17-19PITTSBURGH, PA

EVENT PROGRAM BOOK

Indianapolis, Indiana n Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania n East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Balmoral School of Piping and DrummingSUMMER SESSIONS - TENTATIVE SCHEDULE JUNE AND JULY 2018

For More Information Contact:Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming

1414 Pennsylvania Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233(412) 323-2707

[email protected] www.bagpiping.org

2017 East Stroudsburg Balmoral School SessionInstructors: Robert Mathieson, Duncan Bell, Gordon Bell, George Balderose, Richmond Johnston

ALASDAIR FRASER & NATALIE HAAS

Immerse yourself for a week on one of several beautiful campuses with some ofthe best pipers and pipe band drummers in the world. Receive intensive personal instruction, workshops, music sessions, presentations on piping and drumming topics, while making friendships that can last a lifetime.

ConcertProgram_FBCover_2017.qxp_Balmoral 11/1/17 5:14 PM Page 1

balmoral school of piping and drumming€¦ · welcome to the eleventh annual balmoral classic,...

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