Support for Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming and The Balmoral Classic is made possible by the following foundations, public agencies, sponsors, donors, volunteers and staff:
Foundations and Public Agencies
The Heinz Endowments
One of the largest and most innovative independent foundations in the country, The Heinz Endowments supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work.
Laurel Foundation
Established in 1951 by Cordelia Scaife May, the Laurel Foundation perpetuates Mrs. May’s philanthropic vision, which reflects her Pittsburgh heritage and her desire to preserve and promote the region’s culture, environment, and rich history.
RK Mellon Family Foundation
The RK Mellon Family Foundation has maintained a commitment to southwestern Pennsylvania since 1978.
Clan Donald Educational and Charitable Trust
The Trust was created for the improvement of the happy relationship existing between Scotland and the United States of America by such educational, literary, scientific, charitable and religious means as the Trustees may from time to time deem appropriate.
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
The mission of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) is to foster the excellence, diversity and vitality of the arts in Pennsylvania and to broaden the availability and appreciation of those arts throughout the state. The PCA, founded in 1966, is a state agency in the Office of the Governor.
Principal Sponsors
McCallum Bagpipes
One of the best known and most advanced bagpipe manufacturers in the world today, McCallum produces the highest quality bagpipes, smallpipes, chanters and piping products. The McCallum Bagpipes brand of Great Highland Bagpipes are the instrument of choice for many of today’s top soloists and pipe band competitors. McCallum Bagpipes is the maker of the overall prize for the Balmoral Classic’s US Junior Solo Bagpiping Championship.
Inveran Bagpipe Makers
Inveran prides itself in preserving the traditional methods of bagpipe craftsmanship, in kindred spirit with makers of old — MacDougall, Lawrie, Henderson & Glen — where each instrument is turned by the hands of skilled craftspeople. With Inveran, you are choosing to purchase quality and a tailored instrument built for you to fit you. No copy machines. No mass production. This is what sets Inveran apart. Inveran is the maker of the first-place piobreachd prize for the Balmoral Classic’s US Junior Solo Bagpiping Championship.
Far Away Point
The ultimate waterfront vacation rental home and retreat — 100 acres on the Miles River of the Chesapeake Bay’s eastern shore near St. Michaels, Easton, Oxford and Tilghman Island, Maryland. Far Away Point offers a magnificent combination of water and land with activities for every season. From a sandy beach to a well-stocked library, a boathouse in a secluded cove, and sunsets as well as sunrises over the water, this unique property is perfect for all ages and interests. For photos and details of the estate, see Tidewater Vacations.
Henderson Imports
Henderson stocks over 100 sets of Highland bagpipes and smallpipes, including Dunbar, McCallum, Gibson, David Naill, John Walsh, RG Hardie, Peter Henderson, and Shepherd. Henderson also stocks Pearl, Premier, and Andante snare, tenor, and bass drums, plus uniforms, practice chanters, reeds, and piping and other supplies. Henderson Imports is the supplier of the overall prize for the Balmoral Classic’s US Junior Solo Drumming Championship.
Additional Sponsors
Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society
Since 1976, Calliope has been a nonprofit educational and presenting organization that promotes and preserves traditional and contemporary folk music and its allied arts. Calliope programs are unique to western Pennsylvania, including its concert series, music school, and annual festival.
Cape Breton University Press
Established in 1974 as the College of Cape Breton Press, CBU Press serves as a link between the Cape Breton University and its broader communities, publishing literature of significance to Cape Breton Island and that which enhances knowledge about the Island, its history and cultural preservation.
Hillman Center for Performing Arts, home of The Balmoral Classic
On the campus of Shady Side Academy in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania, the Hillman Center is available to the community for concerts, recitals, weddings, banquets, courses, rehearsals, galas, and more. Includes the state-of-the-art 641-seat Rauh Theater, the 110-seat Kountz Black Box theater, and 40-seat Wean Room.
House of Bagpipes
Authorized dealer of David Naill (one of only three in the United States), McCallum, CE Kron and RG Hardie & Co., including Peter Henderson Bagpipes, House of Bagpipes custom fits all bagpipe sets to your specifications, size and needs. House of Bagpipes is able to deal with most repairs, upgrades and customization in their shop. Call first before you throw away the parts. You would be surprised what they have been able to save.
Latrobe Country Club
To play Latrobe Country Club is to play the very same fairways and greens on which Arnold Palmer learned to play — and still does play — the game of golf. Latrobe Country Club is a private club located 40 miles east of Pittsburgh in the scenic Laurel Highlands. The course layout has 18 holes of mostly bent grass tees, fairways and greens. The complex also includes professional tennis courts, heated swimming pool and bathhouse, fully-staffed locker rooms, and multiple restaurant, dining and entertainment facilities.
Ligonier Highland Games
One of the oldest (over 50 years) and largest Highland games in the US. The Ligonier Highland Games are held on the first weekend in September after Labor Day. Saturday’s events take place in Idlewild Park located three miles west of Ligonier, Pennsylvania and 45 miles east of Pittsburgh.
MacLellan Bagpipes
Custom makers of the most unique, distinctive and highest quality bagpipes and chanters. Instruments are handcrafted from the finest materials, using traditional skills learned in Scotland. Custom engraving on silver and nickel.
Meade Custom Drumming Supplies
Meade Custom Drumming Supplies began in the early 1970s when a bass and tenor drummer noticed the thin selection of mallets available to pipe band drummers. Seeing nothing he liked on the market, Robert Meade made tenor and bass sticks for his own personal use. Soon, he was making custom mallets for other pipe band drummers. Over the years, he has refined his techniques and his product lines have expanded to include workshops, music writing, and instructional materials, including a book, a video, and a DVD.
Pittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Pipe Band
The purpose of the pipe band is to represent all of the past and present members of Pittsburgh Fire Fighters Local No. 1. The pipe band is open to fire fighters, family members and friends. Professional instruction is available for those interested in learning to play the pipe or drums. The band is available for parades, weddings, funerals, etc.
Pipers Choice
A quality product that you can count on! Piper’s Choice strives to offer a full range of bagpipe accessories that will suit your piping needs. Many of the Pipers’ Choice bagpipe accessories are either first’s in the market, or totally unique. Piper’s Choice prides itself on their ingenuity and are constantly trying to be ahead of the times, including adding new products.
Pipers Cove
Suppliers of fine Scottish and Irish goods, Pipers Cove is a family owned and operated business serving all aspects of the Scottish and Irish cultural community. The owners are John and Joan Nisbet. John is from Musselburgh, Scotland and has a deep involvement in the bagpiping world, having competed individually and as a bandsman in both Scotland and the USA. Joan is from County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland and is very knowledgeable in all things Irish; she also speaks fluent Gaelic.
Piper’s Pub
A taste of the British Isles on Pittsburgh’s Southside. Open seven days from 11 AM to 1 AM. Full service kitchen Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM. Sunday brunch from 9 AM to 3 PM. Vast selection of single-malt whiskies, cask-conditioned ales, and draught and bottled beer. Sponsor of the the whisky tasting at the Balmoral Classic’s October Gathering at the Duquesne Club.
Pittsburgh Snax & Nut Company
An old and established importer, roaster and processor of nuts, dried fruit, trail mixes and confections, Pittsburgh Snax & Nut Company’s mission is to continually provide its customers with the highest premium quality product available. Using state-of-the-art cooking technologies and packaging formats, Pittsburgh Snax & Nut Company products embrace a “cook to order” philosophy, thus assuring absolute freshness.
The Priory
Carefully restored and renovated to modern standards, The Priory is a 24-room European-style hotel on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. It features all of the appointments of a large establishment, and the personality and personal service that only a small boutique hotel can offer. The Priory Hotel has been named as one of the world’s top 10 hidden gems by Hotels.com.
St. Andrew’s Society of Pittsburgh
An organization founded and dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Scottish heritage and traditions through educational, philanthropic and social endeavors, primarily in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Sandy St. James
Distributor of authentic Scottish kilts, bagpipes, Premier drums, pipe chanters, doublets, Scottish Highland dance shoes plus piping, drummming and dancing accessories, Sandy St. James also does kilt alterations and repair.
The Saturday Light Brigade
Award-winning public radio for kids and adults, live from the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Every Saturday, 6 AM to noon, on WRCT 88.3 FM Pittsburgh, WIUP 90.1 FM Indiana, WMCO 90.7 FM Muskingham, WSAJ 91.1 FM Grove City, WNJR 91.7 FM Washington, WCUC 91.7 FM Clarion, and slbradio.org. Archived broadcasts available online.
Sodexo
The leading provider of integrated food and facilities management services in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Sodexo serves 10 million customers in 6,000 locations every day. Sodexo’s dedication to excellent service, corporate citizenship, and fighting hunger all come from one goal — to make every day a better day. Sodexo has been named one of world’s top 50 green outsourcing suppliers and one of world’s most ethical companies.
The Voice
The USA’s first and finest piping and drumming magazine, The Voice is the internationally acclaimed publication of the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association. The Voice focuses on the education of pipers and drummers across the US and international piping and drumming scenes, offering educational and informative articles by some of the world’s top performers and authorities.
Walker Metalsmiths Celtic Jewelry
Celtic jewelry by metalsmith Stephen Walker, specializing in authentic, handmade Celtic design jewelry, mokume and mixed metal designs. Walker Metalsmith specializes in Celtic knotwork wedding rings in silver, gold, platinum, Celtic Crosses , brooches and other treasures. Their workshop and gallery is located in the village of Andover in rural Allegany County of western New York, 12 miles from the Pennsylvania border.
Walkers Shortbread
“Probably the best food you can buy in a box.” The New York Times. Walkers is the authentic pure butter Scottish shortbread for the holidays, baked in the Highlands with only the finest ingredients. Walkers is happy to include a free carton of Festive Shapes with any order made at WalkersUS.com. Enter code “shortbread” at checkout. The offer expires January 31, 2010. For corporate gift giving opportunities, Walkers offers special volume discounts and unique custom gift assortments. Visit Walkers online for these special savings.
How You Can Help
1. Because Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your contribution may be tax-deductible. You may make a contribution online by PayPal or credit card, or check by mail.
2. When you buy from among over 700 online merchants through GoodShop.com, each merchant will contribute a percentage of your purchase to Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming. And it costs you nothing beyond your normal purchase. You might even discover sales and other special offers. Just start shopping via this link.
3. You can do the same just by searching through GoodSearch.com. Each time you search, a portion of income goes to Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming. Again, it costs you nothing.
4. Encourage businesses and organizations you work with to become a sponsor, such as the ones to the left.
5. If you would like to volunteer some of your time, please contact us.
Donors
Chieftain ($1,000 +)
Anonymous
Heinz Endowments
Laurel Foundation
Ellice McDonald, Jr.
Allan and Annie MacDougall
Ralph Murray Family
Mark Thomas and Hollie Ramaley
Highlander ($500–$999)
Jane Potter Cookson
Diane and David George
GPAC PA Partners
Catherine Matthews
Tom and Karen Reinsel
William and Judith Shipley
Nancy and Phil Williams
Steward ($250–$499)
William Casey
James Darby
Robert C. and Thelma Galbraith
Dennis Inserra
Bridget and Paul Loftus
Jim and Carol Logan
Kenton and Florence McElhattan
Robert Mocniak and Donna Myers
Michael Shamos
Ann Watson
Woodmere Foundation
Patron ($100–$249)
Fitzhugh L. Brown
Richard Gibbs
William and Bonne Gurzenda
James Hamilton
Stuart and Laura Irwin
Charles Kannair
John and Agnes Keegan
Owen and Nancy Kilbane
Caleb and Bronwyn Loring III
James and Marilyn Malanos
Sean and Alexis Raynak
Ray and Marcia Speicher
St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit
Charlie and Susan Wain
Katherine Woodcock
Friend (Up to $99)
David and Linda Assard
George Austin
Joseph Baker
Mary Jane Bolter
Bud Brizuela
Mary Conroy Adams
Del Dausman
Mary Fanning
Charles Freeman Sr
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Gast
Les Getchell
Terry Graft Susan and Stephen Grenesko
Arjun Hattiangadi
Tamara Hayden
Kathleen Jedlica
Roberta Jones
Jules and Carroll Labarthe
Lynn Lewis
William McGeachin
Tara McPheron
Michael Moore
Mary and Bradley Oliver
Jerry Palmer
Mark and Ruth Riethmuller
Kelly Rosenberg
Nancy and David Rost
MJ Shaner
Curt and Soile Shaw
David Shelow
Bruce Shiring
Mary and Bronson Shonk
Douglas Thompson
Bill Thorne
Beth Vinton
John Walsh
All contributions are tax-exempt.
Thanks to the donors of the October 15 Gathering
Allegheny Historic Preservation Society
Birdsfoot Golf Course
Caliban Bookstore
Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society
Lynette Castelucci
Celtic Culture
Irish Design Center
Paul Jay, potter
Susan Kozak
Latrobe Country Club
The LeMonte
Max’s Allegheny Tavern
Mullaney’s Harp and Fiddle
The Parador Inn
Peter Shefler/Far Away Point
Pike Run Country Club
Piper’s Pub
Pittsburgh Snax & Nut Company
The Priory
St. Brendan’s Crossing
Susan Shegog
Ceinwyn Thomas
Many thanks to Drew Topping of Piper’s Pub for the whisky tasting.
Thanks to the donors of the US Junior Solo Championship prizes
Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming
Chris Hamilton
House of Bagpipes
Inveran Bagpipes
Henderson Imports
Inveran Bagpipe Makers
MacLellan Bagpipes
McCallum Bagpipes
Meade Custom Drumming Supplies
Pipers’ Choice
Pipers Cove
Sandy St. James
Susan Shegog
Non-Profit Supporters
Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society
Clan Donald Educational and Charitable Trust
Ireland Institute
Pittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Pipe Band
St. Andrew’s Society of Pittsburgh
Saturday Light Brigade Radio Productions, Inc.
Foundations
The Balmoral Classic is supported, in part, by grants from the Howard Heinz Endowment of Pittsburgh, the Clan Donald Educational and Charitable Trust, Laurel Foundation, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and The Sage Foundation. We very much appreciate their vision and generous support.
Corporate Sponsors
Sodexo
Walkers Shortbread
Volunteers
Kristen Ayers
Kay Balderose
Oliver Browne
Bill Casey
Lynette Castelucci
Liz Cherry
Robert Clifford
Patricia Danowski
Carla Dundes
Josh Dye
Kathy Fallon
Bob Galbraith
Lynette Garlan
Les Getchell
Steve Grenesko
Teri Hayes
Nick Hudson
Brandon Ingram
Evan Kenepp
Susan Kozak
Lanny and Anne MacDougall
Rick Manning
John Marthens
Francine Marthens
Mychael Mohorovich
Hollie Ramaley
Kathie Ramaley
George Rumbaugh
Jim Rumbaugh
Peter Soergel
Dan Speicher
Ray Speicher
Patrick Tevlin
Mark Thomas
John Walsh
Don Wright
Richard Withers
Staff
Executive Director:
George Balderose
Associate Director:
Leslie Clark
Marketing Director:
Les Getchell
Fundraising:
Mark Thomas
Allan MacDougall
Ray Speicher
Volunteer coordinator:
John Marthens
Intern:
Katie Ramaley
Balmoral School Web site:
Les Getchell
Balmoral Classic Web site:
Mark Thomas
Balmoral Classic chief steward:
Curt Shaw
Balmoral Classic piping stewards:
Liz Cherry
Nick Hudson
Balmoral Classic drumming stewards:
Bob Clifford
Josh Dye
Lacey Mahler
Balmoral Classic program guide:
Les Getchell
George Balderose
Based on a design by Kathy Boykowycz
Local transportation:
John Marthens
Balmoral Classic and Duquesne Gathering emcee:
Arthur McAra
Balmoral Classic Championship judges:
Gordon Bell, drums
Brian Donaldson, pipes
Alasdair Gillies, pipes
James MacColl, pipes
Balmoral School and Balmoral Classic registrar:
Leslie Clark
Photographers:
Evan Kenepp
Dan Speicher
Don Wright
Duquesne Club Gathering musicians:
Oliver Browne
Carla Dundes
Kathy Fallon
Les Getchell
Alasdair Gillies
Richard Withers
Duquesne Gathering reception audio:
Les Getchell
Balmoral Classic welcoming reception musicians:
Gordon Bell
Melinda Crawford
Brian Donaldson
Alasdair Gillies
James MacColl
Lyric Todkill
St. Thomas’ Episcopal School Pipe Band Quartet
Balmoral Classic welcoming reception audio:
Fred Gigler
Balmoral logos:
Droz and Associates
Printers:
Banksville Express
Got Print
Print Direct for Less
Hillman Center Staff
Executive Director:
Sarah York Rubin
Assistant to the director:
Rebecca Rapaport
Audio and lights:
Fred Gigler