“This
far exceeded my expectations — this is the kind of
school I had always imagined would be really
wonderful, but until now I didn’t think possible or
realistic.” Sandy
Smith, California session student
“Best
time I had at a piping school in
years.” Paul
Hinson, Illinois session student
Dear
pipers and drummers,
Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming’s 2012
summer sessions present excellent opportunities for
pipers and drummers to improve their knowledge and
skills through intensive, personalized instruction
in small groups with master instructors.
This year, we are also offering school-wide
informational sessions on such topics as:
• Producing a quality tone with your instrument
• Improving sight reading skills
• How to efficiently memorize music
• Drumming fundamentals for pipers
• Putting expression in your music
• Preparing for a competition
• An introduction to piobaireachd
• Understanding the pipe band drum section
• Playing the bagpipe for dancers
• Matching reeds and chanters
• Playing with a massed band
• A primer for pipe majors
• Evening music sessions and instructor recitals
Balmoral School’s emphasis continues to be
personalized instruction and daily progress, and we
have added an additional piping instructor to each
of the sessions in order to facilitate this focus.
Students have daily times and locations to practice
so as to steadily progress to the next level.
Students at the 2012 Balmoral School have the
option to prepare and be examined for a skill level
certification program established by the Eastern US
Pipe Band Association. The non-competitive exams
and ensuing certificates consist of a practical and
playing portion to show mastery of rudiments,
repertoire and written or verbal questions on
maintenance and musical theory. For more
information, see EUSPBA’s Progressive Certification
Program.
As with all Balmoral School summer sessions, we
welcome students at all ages and levels of
expertise, soloists and band members alike. We are
mindful that piping and drumming are
non-competitive community activities for many. We
serve our purpose by instructing students to become
better musicians, whatever age, skill level, solo
or band member, competitive or not. We firmly
believe that the Balmoral School is the best place
for improvement to happen.
The 2012 Balmoral Classic will be held in November in Pittsburgh. Pipers and drummers under the
age of 18 years who have competed with success in
the upper amateur grades are encouraged to submit
an application to compete for the title of US
Junior Champion.
Items of interest: Piper Bill Millin interview
describing his fascinating experiences on
Normandy Beach on D-Day, including the tunes he
played. We encourage support of the fund to
erect a statue in memory of Bill Millin on
Normandy Beach.
Also recommended: When Piping Was Strong,
a new book by Joshua Dickson, subtitled
‘Tradition, Change, and Bagpipe in South Uist.’
A fascinating account of the role of piping and
pipers in Hebridean life and how it has changed
over time.
I hope you will join us this year at a summer
session or at the Balmoral Classic!
Best wishes for good piping and drumming in 2012!
George Balderose
Executive Director