Pipers Invade East Stroudsburg

It’s time for Balmoral’s Summer Music Program at ESU.

From July 16-21, 2017, at East Stroudsburg University, the Balmoral School will run an intensive summer program for pipers and drummers of all ages. Both beginners and accomplished musicians will immerse themselves in a week of music with some of the best pipers and pipe band drummers in the world.

A composer of pipe music, as well as award-winning Pipe Major, Robert Mathieson served as pipe major of the Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band of North Lanarkshire, Scotland, from 1986 to 2010. The band won 30 major championships under Mathieson’s leadership and was a 5-time winner of the World Pipe Band Championships.

Duncan Bell is a Professional grade piper, judges panel EUSPBA, and is Pipe Sergeant for Parlin and District. He is a founding member of Celtic Rock group 51 Ash, for which he plays guitar, and keyboards.

“Robert Mathieson, Duncan Bell and Gordon Bell are world class musicians who put their heart and soul into teaching pipes and drums,” says George Balderose, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Balmoral School “Their experience, spanning decades, enables them to see each student’s path to progress. They make it a fun journey.”

Drumming instructor, Gordon Bell, a EUSPBA Overall Champion from 1979-1987, has over 30 years experience instructing drummers. Bell is a veteran of many top Grade One Pipe Bands.

“Drummers, join us for an exciting week of learning and hard work,” says drumming instructor Gordon Bell. “Classes, band work and even a fanfare to expand your skills! Chances are, we’ll even convince a few pipers to join our ranks. See you there!”

Students, both individuals and pipe bands, will receive instruction on the Great Highland pipes, Scottish smallpipes, snare, tenor drum and bass drum, in small classes of four or less, while making friendships that last a lifetime.

There will be a free instructors’ concert on Thursday evening.