BAGPIPES & DRUMS IN EAST STROUDSBURG THIS SUMMER
Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming’s 2020 Music Program at ESU
July 12-17, at East Stroudsburg University, the Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming will run its intensive summer school program for pipers and drummers of all ages. Both individual students 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.
Instructor 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. Mathieson is the only Pipe Major to have won the worlds 5 times, essentially playing his own compositions and arrangements, opening each winning medley with one of his own tunes.
Bruce Gandy of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia was a member of the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band when they were the first non-Scottish pipe band to win the World Pipe Band Championships in 1987. His solo awards include the Canadian Gold Medal, Gold Medal at the Northern Meeting, Gold Medal at Oban, and Bratach Gorm. He is a 3-time winner of the MacCrimmon Memorial Cairn for Piobaireachd and is a Vancouver Indoor 6-Time Metro Cup Winner.
Summer drumming instructor and head of Balmoral’s drumming program, 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.
According to Balmoral’s Executive, George Balderose, “Gordon Bell, America’s best lead snare drummer, will be joined in East Stroudsburg by two luminariesin the world of piping, both winners of the top piping awards: Bruce Gandy and Robert Mathieson.”
“For drummers, we’ll have classes, band work and even a fanfare to expand your skills!” says drumming instructor Gordon Bell. “So, join us for an exciting week of learning and hard work. Chances are, we’ll even convince a few pipers to join our ranks!”
There will be a free instructors’ concert on Thursday evening, featuring Balmoral Pipes & Drums, and Irish and Scottish dancers.
To register for Balmoral’s Summer Program, go to:
https://balmoralschoolofpiping.org/summer-school-registration-form/
For information on Tuition and Fees, go to:
https://balmoralschoolofpiping.org/summer-school-fees-tuition-meals-room/