Program_Cover_Classic2019_Rv2.qxp_Program 11/4/19 5:18 PM Page 1
EABHAL L IVEIN CONCERT ! SATURDAY EVENING, NOV. 16 2019 Balmoral School, Pittsburgh Session Our 2019 Instructors were Andrew Carlisle, Bruce Gandy, Jimmy Bell, Gordon Bell, Richmond Johnston, Colin Bell, George Balderose and others. The Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming 2020 SUMMER SCHEDULE: PITTSBURGH JULY 5-10, EAST STROUDSBURG JULY 12-17 2020 Guest Instructors To Be Announced By Jan. 1 2019 BALMORAL Immerse yourself for a week on one of CLASSIC our beautiful campuses with some of the 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.
For More Information Contact: FRIDAY EVENING, NOV. 15 SATURDAY, N OV. 16 Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming BAGAD NEW YORK US J UNIOR SOLO PIPING & 1414 Pennsylvania Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 (412) 323-2707 DRUMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS SUNDAY, NOV. 17 [email protected] www.bagpiping.org PIPING WORKSHOP - IAN DUNCAN America’s annual bagpiping celebration BALMORAL
CLASSICWWW.BALMORALCLASSIC 2019.ORG FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Celtic culture celebration kicks off at 7:30pm with performances by renowned pipers and drummers, our judges for the next day’s Championships. At 9:00pm we are joined by Bagad New York for Breton music and dance. Dances will be taught, no partner necessary. Co-sponsored with BalFolk Pittsburgh. 7:30-11:00pm | Tickets: $5 | Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center(WPUC), 100 Lytton Ave, Pittsburgh SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 United States Junior Solo Bagpiping & Snare Drumming Championships. Piping contest in Frick Fine Arts Auditorium; Drumming contest in Carnegie Lecture Hall 8:30am-4:30pm | Free | Frick Fine Arts Auditorium (FFA) & Carnegie Lecture Hall (CLH), Pittsburgh/Oakland SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Concert: Acclaimed Scottish band, Eabhal, to be joined by Scottish and Irish dancers. 6:30pm Lobby doors open. Jr. Solo Championship awards ceremony at 7:30pm. Concert 8pm | Tickets: $35 door, $27 advance, $15 students & seniors 65+ Carnegie Lecture Hall (CLH), 4400 Forbes Ave (Schenley Drive, behind Carnegie Library), Pittsburgh SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Free workshop on piobaireachd tunes conducted by Senior Piobaireachd Judge Ian Duncan 11:00am-1:00pm | Carnegie Room, Wyndham Pittsburgh Univ. Center (WPUC), 100 Lytton Ave, Pittsburgh
WPUC Wyndham
Craig St All locations are in (Oakland) Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Parking The Classic is sponsored annually by: Entrance to parking lot Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming 1414 Pennsylvania Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Parking 412.323.2707 [email protected] CLH Carnegie Lecture Hall BalmoralSchool.org
FFA Frick Fine Arts 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. 2019 BALMORAL CLASSIC Welcome!
Welcome to the Thirteenth annual Balmoral Classic, elsewhere in this Program Guide. Scotsman Arthur McAra Pittsburgh’s annual celebration of Scottish Bagpiping, Snare will be the emcee for the Saturday piping competition and Drumming, and traditional Scottish arts. the Saturday evening events. The Balmoral Classic’s core event is the US Junior On Sunday, November 18, there will be a Piobaireachd Solo Highland Bagpiping and Solo Snare Drumming workshop conducted by Ian Duncan of Blairgowrie, Championships, the only US national competition for pipers Perthshire, Scotland. The workshop will take place and drummers 21 years of age or younger. This free event from 11am to 1pm in the Panther Room of the Wyndham takes place on Saturday, November 16 at the University of University Center, 100 Lytton St. and is free and open to the Pittsburgh’s Frick Fine Arts Auditorium. There are twelve public. piping and three drumming contestants representing Please pick up a card at the information asking you how Colorado, Florida, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, you found out about this event, which will help us in Pennsylvania, Canada, and Scotland. They have worked next year’s planning. Completed cards should be placed intensively for years to earn their position by competing with in the receptacle at the main ticket table by the time of distinction in the upper amateur grades of their respective intermission, followed by a drawing from the deposited regional pipe band associations. For any competitor at this cards for an Eabhal CD. Please visit our information table. level it takes a lot of talent, focus, and time, in some ways If you are not on our email and street address lists, please analogous to preparation for top athletic contests. They leave us your name and addresses at the information table have all come to Pittsburgh at their own expense to prove so we can stay in touch. their skills and compete for trophies and valuable prizes, including a set of bagpipes donated by the manufacturer, The Balmoral Classic is made possible in part by grants and McCallum Bagpipes, and a Premier snare drum donated by individual and organizational contributions, for which we Henderson Imports of Traverse City, Michigan. are very grateful. We thank all of our contributors for their support, which is essential to the survival of this event. To The weekend begins on Friday night with recitals by the the many Balmoral Classic volunteers, we extend our sincere Balmoral Classic judges, followed by a new Balmoral Classic thanks. Without their time and talents the weekend events event, a Breton dance led by members of Bagad New York at would not be possible. the Windham University Inn Ballroom and co-sponsored by BalFolk, the French dance organization in Pittsburgh. We encourage you to patronize our advertisers and sponsors. I hope that you will join them in enjoying and It is our hope that events like Friday’s Breton dance will supporting Scottish, Irish, and Breton music and dance, bring about more collaborations among pipers and dance traditional art forms that occupy an important place in the communities in the US. diverse world of North American culture. The Saturday bagpiping contests begin in the Frick Fine On behalf of the Balmoral Board and Staff, Arts auditorium at 8:30am with the Piobaireachd (classical Cead Mile Failte! (A Hundred Thousand Welcomes!) bagpipe music) contests. During the afternoon the competition continues with the March, Strathspey, and Reel George Balderose, Executive Director medley. The drumming MSR contest take place in Carnegie Balmoral Classic Lecture Hall from 11:30-12:30pm, and the Hornpipe and Jig from 2:30pm-3:3opm. The Saturday evening concert at Carnegie Lecture Hall features the outstanding ensemble from Scotland, Eabhal and Irish step dancers from the Burke- Conroy School of Irish dance and Scottish dancers from the Thompson Highland Dancers of Pittsburgh. 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 Carnegie Lecture Hall, and the overall winners in piping and drumming will be asked to perform their winning selections at the start of the second set. Trophies and prizes are listed
1 2 2019 BALMORAL CLASSIC 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 Advisory Board
George Balderose, Secretary & Co-Founder • Executive Hon. Thomas Murphy • Former Mayor of Pittsburgh Director and Piping Instructor, Balmoral School Gordon Bell • Drumming instructor, William F. Askin, Esq., Chairman•Private Practice Attorney US Snare Drum Champion Eric Hayes, Treasurer • Ha!Yes! Communications Bruce Bickel • Senior VP, PNC Wealth Management Lee Cunningham • Federated Investors Susan Blackman • Non-profit Arts consultant Richmond Johnston • Piping instructor and on-site Mike Cusack • Headmaster, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School, administrator, Balmoral School TX; First American to win the Gold Medal in Scotland; Former Pipe Major, five-time Juvenile World Champion Pipe Band Lacey Mahler • Music Educator, Deer Lakes School District Ray Speicher • Co-founder & CEO, Smartsite Strategies Robert C. Galbraith • Former High Commissioner, Clan Donald USA Jonathan King • President, Equity Guidance, Inc. Staff James Lamb • Executive Director, Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Honorary Irish Consul, Pittsburgh George Balderose, Executive Director Allan MacDougall • Schofield and MacDougall Leslie Clark, Associate Director William R. Shipley • Regional Director Pittsburgh office , McKinley Carter Wealth Services 2019 Balmoral Classic Production Staff Mark Thomas • Vice President, EVA Dimensions Arthur McAra, Emcee Lyric Todkill • Pipe Major, 2006 Juvenile World Champion Sean Patrick Regan, Chief Steward Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School Pipe Band Richard Fishkin, Richmond Johnston, Elaine Lee, Spencer Terry Tully • Former Pipe Major, St. Laurence O’Toole Patterson, Bill Askin, Lily Cunningham, Daniel Pipe Band, Dublin, Ireland, 2010 Grade One World Champion Reese, Photographers and Videographers Pipe Band Tom Elliott, Stage Manager John Wilson • Piper, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, Gold George Balderose, Leslie Clark, Elaine Lee, Program Book Medalist; Pipe Sergeant of 8-time World Champion Strathclyde Police Pipe Band; Host of “Pipeline” Internet program Banksville eXpress, Printer CZ Sound, Sound Reinforcement
Our special thanks to: Pittsburgh BalFolk, University of Pittsburgh Frick Fine Arts Staff, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Events Staff, Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center Staff, Scottish Room Committee NRIEP
3 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
4 2019 BALMORAL CLASSIC Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming Setting the Standard
The 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 Sessions Balmoral Classic Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming has introduced Founded in 2007, the Balmoral Classic is home to the only to Pittsburgh and other US locations some of the world’s US Junior Solo Competitions for bagpipers and snare most outstanding senior pipers to teach at its summer drummers 21 years of age and under. Judges are carefully sessions, among them John MacDougall, Ron Lawrie, chosen from among veteran judges in the USA, Canada, Iain Morrison, P/S John Wilson and P/M Iain McLellan, and Scotland. Successful contestants usually advance BEM of the 12-times World Champion Strathclyde Police to major invitational competitions and are encouraged Pipe Band. to compete in Scotland. Balmoral Classic events this James McIntosh, M.B.E. also founded the Carnegie year include a Friday night contra dance, Saturday Mellon University Bachelor of Performing Arts program competions, Saturday evening concert and a Sunday in Bagpipe Music, the first in the world. Balmoral past piobaireachd workshop. instructor & Advisory Board member Mike Cusack was the first American to win the Gold Medal at the Bringing Traditional Bagpipe prestigious Northern Meeting in Inverness. He also Music to Wider Audiences led the St. Thomas Episcopal School Pipe Band to five Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming and the Balmoral Junior World Championships. Noteworthy drumming Classic supports the field of bagpiping in new and creative instructors who have taught for Balmoral include Reid ways within the traditional idiom and widens the public’s Maxwell, Bert Barr, Andrew Hoinacki, Jon Quigg, Andy understanding and appreciation of quality bagpipe White, and our Principal drumming instructor, Gordon music. During the year, public concerts such as those at Bell. downtown Pittsburgh’s historic First Presbyterian Church feature traditional & original bagpipe music, often in The Balmoral School’s summer sessions attract pipers combination with other instruments. Educational books and drummers each year, and are held on college and published by the Balmoral School include: The Balmoral academy campuses. Collection of Hymns Arranged for the Highland Bagpipe (2012) and The Balmoral Guide to Playing the Bagpipes for Community Dances (2018)
5 Sage Arts 14311 Stehr Road, Arlington, Washington 98223 USA Phone: 800-724-3462 Fax: 360-691-2744 www.sagearts.com Ed 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
6 2019 BALMORAL CLASSIC Balmoral Classic Supporters
CHIEFTAIN ($1,000+) Adam Kupec The Celtic Croft George & Kay Balderose Lacey Mahler Duncans Highland Supply Mitchell Bjerke Kathy Maron-Wood Henderson Imports, Ltd. Cary & Ken Bohl Thomas & Gayle Ogden MacLellan Bagpipes Zoe Brumfield James Parker McCallum Bagpipes Ltd Barbara Drodz Abby Patterson McGillivray Piping Inc. Highland Musical Arts Raymond Popchak The Pipers Hut E.W. Littlefield, Jr. Jennifer Burgher Seaman Scott’s Highland Services Ltd. Catherine Matthews Joseph Stearne Temple Records David and Marthe Murray Ann Wallace VOLUNTEERS Raymond Werner Diane and Nishan Vartabedian Bill Askin Jeaneen Zappa Andy Beeler HIGHLANDER ($250-$999) Robert Zappa James & Cheryl Bowman Caden Beeler Lynn Hilton & Joan Campbell MEMORIALS Valerie Beeler Henry P. Hoffstot, III Balmoral School: In Memory of Frank & Jane Lee Cunningham Bonny & Caleb Loring III George Lily Cunningham Lanny & Anne MacDougal Cary & Ken Bohl and David & Marthe Murray: In Teresa Cunningham Michael Shamos Memory of Ralph and Patricia Murray Tom Elliott Peter Shefler Barbara Drozdz: In Memory of Jim Drozdz Lynette Garlan Malachy Whalen Patricia Buchanan Dunkis: In Memory of Patricia Amy Guthrie M. Buchanan Ben Guthrie PATRON ($100-$249) Christine Fellner: In Memory of George & Beryl, Teri Hayes James Belgie Stephen, and Nancy Ward Balderose Richmond Johnston Larry Borland Robert Gast: In Memory of Eugene Gast Ken Kretchun Mary Florence Brown Suzie Gilliland: In Memory of Dale A. Gilliland Elaine Lee Oliver Browne T.L. Graft: In Memory of Donald Graft Arthur McAra Lee & Teresa Cunningham Catherine Matthews: In Memory of Henry Lacey Mahler Herbert Thomas Elliott III Matthews TJ Montgomery Samuel Garofolo Maryrose McLaren: In Memory of Jim McLaren Harrison Potts David George Pittsburgh Firefighters:In Memory of John Sean Patrick Regan Owen Kilbane Marthens, and Edward D. Moore James Rumbaugh Mark & Sevasti Latham Joseph Stearne: In Memory of Esta Ann Stearne George Smith William McAllister Raymond Popchak: In Memory of Sharon Popchak Amber Young Arthur McAra Jane Van Kirk: In Memory of David Murdoch Isabella Young Glenn McClintock Jeaneen Zappa Alan G. McIvor GRANT SUPPORT Penelope Montgomery Anonymous Robert Rost PA Council on the Arts William Shipley Sage Foundation Gordon Smith NONPROFIT SUPPORTERS Ray Speicher AmazonSmile Foundation Robert Wallace Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society FRIEND (UP TO $99) Pittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Pipe Band James D. Carmichael Pittsburgh Police Emerald Society Pipes & Drums Leslie Clark Saint Andrews Society of Pittsburgh Jeffrey Cooper Winter Storm (MHAF) Gordon & Lois Core BUSINESS & INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS Many thanks to additional sponsors Patricia Dunkis College of Piping / The Piping Centre and donors giving after our press deadline. Robert Gast Peppi’s Peter Gilmore Pittsburgh Trophy Company As a nonprofit organization, the Balmoral School Steve Grenesko Tyler Mountain Water depends on the generosity of donors and volunteers. Michael Heywood Gabrielle Hughes DONORS OF THE US JUNIOR SOLO You can make a difference. Dennis Inserra CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZES To find out how, visit BalmoralSchool.org William Johnson Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming or call 412-323-2707 Ken & Lana Kretchun Burgess Bagpipes 7 www.aquafilterfresh.com
Among Calliope’s 2019-20 concert highlights: Sierra Hull, the mandolin marvel you have to see to believe, on February 15, 2020,
Calliope, Pittsburgh’s at Carnegie Lecture Hall. Alison Krauss says: “I think she’s endless. premiere nonprofit folk I don’t see any boundaries. Talent like hers is so rare …” For lovers music presenter, has of traditional Irish music, don’t miss Karan Casey, Grammy-winning, been bringing artists of Emmy-nominated Irish fiddler of international acclaim. She’ll be national & international fame to Pittsburgh for performing on March 13 at The Roots Cellar. And on April 25, the more than 40 years. Go to award winning and highly acclaimed band La Vent du Nord will be at www.calliopehouse.org for the Lecture Hall. This leading force in Quebec’s progressive francophone information on upcoming folk movement has a vast repertoire that draws from both traditional concerts, community jams, and the Calliope School sources and original compositions, rooted in the Celtic diaspora and of Folk Music, which offers influenced by a broad range of global music. classes and workshops for both the beginning and seasoned musician. Classes include Highland Bagpipes, Uilleann Piping, Guitar, Fiddle, Harmony Singing, and more!
Info: www.calliopehouse.org or 412.361.1915.
8 2019 BALMORAL CLASSIC Celtic Culture Celebration November 15 - 7:30 to 11:00 pm Schenley Ballroom, Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center
Join us for a thoroughly Celtic evening! This year we are kicking off the Balmoral Classic with Scottish, Irish, and Breton music and dance. The celebration is an op- portunity to meet and greet the Balmoral Classic competitors, judges, Balmoral School board, staff, and volunteers, and to make new friends.
Come early - at 7:30pm our piping judges for the Balmoral Clas- sic Champions will treat us to some marches, strathspeys, and reels played on the bagpipes.
At 9:00pm, Bagad New York takes the stage with Breton music on bagpipes, bombards and percussion. They will teach the lively Breton (French) dances, no experience needed, no partner needed. Local dancers from BalFolk Pittsburgh are cosponsoring this part of the evening. Let’s Dance
9 Céad míle fáilte romhat! Good luck to all competitors The Pittsburgh Police Emerald Society Pipe Band
Pipe Major Jim Agnew • www.GPPES.org
History of Balmoral Classic Championships Year Overall -Piping Piobaireachd MSR – Piper Piping Judges 2007 Larson Stromdahl Kegan Sheehan Andrew Tice Alasdair Gillies James McIntosh John Wilson 2008 Ryan Praskovich Reid Bishop Ryan Praskovich Bruce Gandy Amy Garson Scot Walker 2009 Anthony Masterson Marshall German Anthony Masterson Brian Donaldson Alasdair Gillies James MacColl 2010 Joseph Stewart Joseph Stewart Daniel Pisowloski Andrew Carlisle Donald McBride Willie McCallum 2011 Alexander Schiele Alexander Schiele Alexander Schiele Brian Donaldson Donald Lindsay Scot Walker 2012 Kirk Brunson Nicholas Theriault Jack Williamson James Bell Donald McBride James MacColl 2013 Scott McCann Christian Haars Scott McCann Duncan Bell Scot Walker Andrew Wright 2014 Griffin Hall Griffin Hall Andrew Hutton Brian Donaldson Ed Neigh Dr. Jack Taylor 2015 Gavin Mackay Gavin Mackay Gavin Mackay Dr. Bill Wotherspoon Bill Livingstone, Jr. Duncan Bell 2016 Kolya Sier Mark McClennan Kolya Sier Ian K. MacDonald Robert Wallace James Bell 2017 Joseph Horwath Liam Macdonald Callum Younger Dr. Jack Taylor John Bottomley Amy Garson 2018 Charlie Morris Charlie Morris Charlie Morris Dr. Angus MacDonald Donald F Lindsay Matt MacIsaac Year Overall-Drummer MSR -Drummer HJ –Drummer Drumming Judges 2009 Petey Lowrie Petey Lowrie Petey Lowrie Gordon Bell 2010 Quinn McCormack Quinn McCormack Quinn McCormack Jim Sim 2011 Petey Lowrie Petey Lowrie Petey Lowrie Gordon Bell Andrew Hoinacki 2012 Amber Stone Amber Stone Alastair Burgess Alex Kuldell Jon Quigg 2014 Miles Bennington Miles Bennington Nick Parr Gordon Bell Jon Quigg 2015 Mackenzie Chamberlain Mackenzie Chamberlain Mackenzie Chamberlain Donald Bell Gordon Bell 2016 Blair Beaton Blair Beaton Blair Beaton Gordon Bell Jon Quigg 2017 Matthew Darmadi Matthew Darmadi Isabella Jackson Gordon Bell Jon Quigg 2018 Shane Stapleton Shane Stapleton Shane Stapleton Gordon Bell Jon Quigg 10 2019 BALMORAL CLASSIC US Junior Solo Championships Judges & Competitors
CANADA - BRUCE GANDY began his journey in piping in 1970 in Victoria, British Columbia. In 1982 he moved to Ontario to play with the 78th Frasers Pipe Band, and over 15 years he helped them win a Grade I World championship, record three live concerts, and capture 13 North American championships. As a soloist, in 1999 he won the March, Strathspey and Reel competition at the Northern Meeting at Inverness. In Piobaireachd contests he won the Gold Medal at the Northern Meeting (2003), and the Gold Medal at the Argyllshire Gathering in Oban (2004). SCOTLAND – MASTER IAN DUNCAN is a widely respected senior adjudicator at major piping competitions in Scotland. He regularly judges at both Oban and Inverness, and this year for the main event, the Gold Clasp at the Northern Meeting, Inverness. He learned Piobaireachd during the ‘60’s and 70’s from the piobaireachd masters at Balmoral: Bob Brown and Bob Nicol, as well as their confident, Dr. MacKay of Laggan. For many years Ian served as Pipe Major of the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band, in eleven seasons taking the band from last in Grade 4 to first in Grade 1 at European Pipe Band Championship, and consistently in the Grade 1 prize lists until retiring from the band. In 2005 Ian took the Grade 2 Drambuie PB into Grade 1, and in 2010 he led the Tayside Police PB into Grade 1. USA - LEZLIE WEBSTER, a resident of New Hampshire, began her training as a piper while a youngster in Ontario and Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Lezlie has won most of the major piping competitions in the US and a few in Canada and the UK. She is a graduate and an examiner of Scotland’s Institute of Piping and an adjudicator for the Eastern US Pipe Band Association. With her late husband Pipe Major Gordon Webster she was invited to represent Scottish piping and dance traditions for New Hampshire’s presentation at the 1999 Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the Celebrate New Hampshire Festival in 2000. 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.
2019 Competitors Solo Bagpiping Championship Solo Snare Drumming Championship Sebastian Benedetto Cape Neddick, Maine Andrew McNamara (D) Laurel, Maryland Gemma Briggs Clearwater, Florida Nicholas Moore(D) Cleveland, Ohio Robert Dunn, Jr Montville, New Jersey Jeremiah Whitney (D) Rockville, Maryland Amy Howard Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Kayleigh Johnstone Aurora, Ontario * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Alexandra Knox Woodbine, Maryland Piping and Drumming Stewards Elizabeth Knox Woodbine, Maryland Sean Patrick Regan, chief steward Harrison Little Fergus, Ontario Alex Burlew, Evan Burlew, Lee Cunningham, Lily Cunning- Steven MacDonald Dundee, Scotland ham, Tom Elliott, Richmond Johnston, Ken Kretchun, TJ Kate Runciman Guelph, Ontario Montgomery, Harrison Potts, George Smith Colin Swett West Chester, Pennsylvania Emcee Arthur McAra | Registrar Leslie Clark Duncan Winters Grand Junction, Colorado 11 12 2019 BALMORAL CLASSIC US Junior Solo Bagpiping and Solo Snare Drumming Championships Trophies and Awards
Overall Piping Winner * Piping medals are awarded to the Overall Drumming Winner Ralph & Patricia Murray Memorial Trophy 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th place competi- David Peet Memorial Trophy and Scholarship tors in each event. Trophies become Premier HTS-800 Snare Drum (Room/Board/Tuition for two weeks of the the property of the winner. (donated by Henderson Imports, Ltd.) 2020 Balmoral Summer sessions) Henry Matthews Memorial Scholarship * Drumming medals are awarded to MacRae Bagpipe, African Blackwood, (Room/Board/Tuition for two weeks of the the 2nd and 3rd place competitors engraved alloy ferules and imitation ivory 2020 Balmoral Summer sessions) in each event. Trophies become the projection mounts, with bagpipe case The Band Room Masters Solo Drumming property of the winner. (donated by McCallum Bagpipes) Championship CD (Donated by Temple Records) Overall 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th place winners March, Strathspey, & Reel Piping Winner Balmoral Scholarship E.W.Littlefield, Jr. Trophy Hornpipe/Jig Drumming Winner (Tuition for one week at any of the 2020 Border Bagpipe Chanter and Reed Pittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Trophy Balmoral Summer session) (donated by Burgess Bagpipes) A Controversy of Pipers CD March, Strathspey, & Reel Drumming Piobaireachd Winner (Donated by Temple Records) Winner Balmoral Trophy Piping Center 1996 Recital Series Vol 2: St. Andrew’s Society of Pittsburgh Handcrafted blackwood pipe chanter Burgess & MacPherson Trophy “MAC 1” (Donated by Temple Records) 2nd Place Overall Drumming Winner (donated by MacLellan Bagpipes) 2nd Place MSR Piping Winner Gaelic Themed Leather Sporran Brown & Nichol Masters of Piobaireachd Kitchen Pipes (donated by The Piper’s Hut) Vol 3 (Donated by Balmoral School) (donated by Scott’s Highland Services) The Band Room Masters Solo Drumming 2nd Place Piobaireachd Winner A Controversy of Pipers CD Championship CD Antiqued Thistle Faux Seal Fur Sporran (Donated by Temple Records) (Donated by Temple Records) (donated by Celtic Croft) Piping Center 1997 Recital Series Vol 1: Balmoral Scholarship Brown & Nichol Masters of Piobaireachd McCallum & Worrall (Tuition for one week at any of the 2020 Vol 5 (Donated by Balmoral School) (Donated by Temple Records) Balmoral Summer sessions)
3rd Place Piobaireachd Winner 3rd Place MSR Piping Winner 3rd Place Overall Drumming Winner Practice chanter in “A” Scots Guards Vol 3 The Band Room Masters Solo Drumming (donated by Robert Felsburg) (Donated by Duncans Highland Supply) Championship CD Brown & Nichol Masters of Piobaireachd Piping Center 1997 Recital Series Vol 2: (Donated by Temple Records) Vol 7 (Donated by Balmoral School) Patrick & Liddell Dough Stronach’s Pipe Band Snare Drum (Donated by Temple Records) Tutor Book 4th Place Piobaireachd Winner (Donated by Balmoral School) Bagpipe Carrying Case 4th Place MSR Piping Winner (Donated by The Pipers Hut) Scots Guards Vol 2 Brown & Nichol Masters of Piobaireachd (Donated by Duncans Highland Supply) Vol 4 (Donated by Balmoral School) Piping Center 1997 Recital Series Vol 3: Welcome bag donations include: Gillies & Stoddart For the pipers: Gift certificate from 5th Place Piobaireachd Winner (Donated by Temple Records) Burgess Bagpipes, Balmoral Guide to Gift Certificate for pipetunes.ca 5th Place MSR Piping Winner Playing Bagpipes for Community Dances (donated by Jim McGillivray) For all: Henderson Imports towel, Scottish Piper Kilt Pin Scots Guards Vol 1 (Donated by Duncans Highland Supply) Balmoral School bumper sticker, magnet, (donated by Celtic Croft) and stylus pen, map of Oakland. Brown & Nichol Masters of Piobaireachd Piping Center 1996 Recital Series Vol 4: Vol 9 (Donated by Balmoral School) MacColl & Duncan (Donated by Temple Records)
13 Concert the island. Fluent in Gàidhlig, Jamie’s repertoire of November 16 at 8:00pm puirt-a-beul and old Highland tunes is complement- Carnegie Lecture Hall ed by his understanding of the Gàidhlig song tradi- tion which flavours his music. He plays with a dis- tinct island style and can often be found at the crux Eabhal of the Ceilidh or helm of the Horo-gheallaidh! Jamie ‘Full of energy and bold ideas but firmly grounded in the is also a member of the Dùn Mòr Ceilidh Band and Scottish & Gaelic tradition, Eabhal are one of Scotland’s is currently working on his debut album “The Pipe brightest up and coming bands that continue to evolve our Slang” alongside piper Christian Gamauf. music.’ - Angus Lyon (Blazin’ Fiddles) Eabhal came together while based on the Isle of South Uist in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. Along- Nicky Kirk comes from rural side traditional songs, contemporary and self- Northumberland and found penned tunes, the band draws influence from oth- the route to Irish and Scottish er musical cultures and unites them with in their traditional music through his home music. Hands up for Trad’s, Battle of the Folk Bands county’s rich musical heritage. 2018 winners, Eabhal present a blend of energetic Predominantly a guitarist, he was instrumental sets and soulful songs. The band has engrossed at an early age through projects like just released their first studio album, “This is How Folkworks at the Sage, Gateshead, performing the Ladies Dance” long listed for Album of the year and experimenting with a wide range of musical MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2019 and have outfits and bands. With a passion for music and been touring it to audiences throughout Scotland, travel he has developed an interest in folk music Europe and China. from many of the countries he has visited and has experimented with influences from Europe, India Megan MacDonald is an and North Africa. After several years of travelling accordionist from Lairg in and gigging in England and Europe, Nicky moved Sutherland currently in her to the Isle of Uist to further develop his interest 2nd year of the BA (Hons) in traditional music and began performing with Applied Music with Lews Eabhal. Castle College UHI. She has had an active interest in traditional music from a Hamish Hepburn comes from the young age and attended the National Centre of small village of Carrbridge seated Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton. Me- in Cairngorm’s National Park. Origi- gan’s diverse repertoire from Scottish and world nally a fiddle player he began play- traditions, combined with sensitive and assured ing the pipes at the age of 9 under playing has seen her much in demand as a band the tuition of Lewis Barclay. From member and session musician. In October 2016 a young age he has been heavily involved in the Megan was invited to collaborate in the Fuaran Fèisean movement, including participating in the nan Eilean project -a partnership between Feisean local ceilidh trail and tutoring at Fèis Spè. nan Gaidheal and Lews Castle College UHI with In 2014 Hamish began studying at Lews Castle Col- performances at the Celtic Colours Festival in Cape lege, Benbecula for an HNC in traditional music Breton 2016. With Eabhal, she has toured the UK, where he received tuition from Iain MacDonald Switzerland and Holland, and is currently based in (Glenuig). As well as receiving lessons on pipes, Glasgow. he also had his first taster of wooden flute which automatically sparked an interest in learning the Fiddler Jamie MacDonald is instrument. Having lived on Uist for the previous a native of the Isle of Tiree two years, Hamish takes a large influence from and has grown up immersed the Gàidhlig culture and its music which is evident in the music and culture of through his playing. 14 2019 BALMORAL CLASSIC
Specialising in Gaelic song and Guest Dancers guitar, Kaitlin Ross has strongly Thompson Highland Dancers of Pittsburgh centred her time around music by Brittany Maniet and Andrew Hoffman are award-winning performing at a number of venues students of the Thompson Highland Dancers of Pittsburgh, and festivals, both Nationally and a group of young performers who study traditional Scottish Internationally, with a number of Highland and national dance. They love to share their knowledge of the Scottish traditions through performing. projects and with her previous Director and dance instructor Sarah Jean Thompson provides band Hecla where they had a students with professional Scottish Highland and national packed summer performing at a number of Festivals dance training. She is certified by The British Association in Cambridge, Lorient, Austrailia, Denmark and of Teachers of Dance and a member of The Federation of Romania. By being involved in the Feis movement, United States Teachers and Adjudicators. particularly Feis Rois, and attending the National Highland Dance is a celebration of Scottish spirit combining Centre Of Excellence in Traditional music, Kaitlin has strength, agility movement, traditional music and costume and is a healthy workout for children and adults. Its study surrounded herself around music from a very young improves confidence, coordination, concentration, stamina age. Currently, she is studying her Honours in BA and self-discipline. The dancers perform regionally at Applied Music where she spent two years based in Scottish celebrations such as Tartan Day, Robert Burns Benbecula. events, and other occasions. Since being a student there, she has grown to Ph. 724-468-5800 email: [email protected] recognise the importance of the old traditions and Burke Conroy School of Irish Dance has furthered her appreciation and understanding The Irish dancers here this evening are Sheila Clark & Bebe of traditional and world music. Duffus, two world caliber competitors from The Burke- ©Eabhal Music 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. Video of Eabhal can be found at: With sister schools in Ohio, the Burke Conroy School is one of the oldest and most respected Irish Dance schools in the https://youtu.be/F000JMDL6M0 country. The school has had many top winners in regional https://youtu.be/wGSY-h6EZn4 and national championships, and is very proud to continually https://youtu.be/GlUMWEb0l98 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
15 Where your passion for the highland arts thrives
Instruction, instruments, highland dress & gifts
Our goal is to provide quality bagpiping, drumming, and highland dancing supplies with professional service at a competitive price.
Royal Oak • Michigan • 248-397-8315 [email protected]
duncanshighlandsupply.com
16 2019 BALMORAL CLASSIC In memoriam John H. Marthens (October 20, 1959-October 24, 2019)
John died peacefully at home after a long illness. He was a man who very much believed in family, honor and duty. A Pittsburgh Firefighters for 27 years, John was a founding member of the Pittsburgh Memorial Firefighters Pipe Band, which he started in order for the Pitts- burgh Firefighters to have their own people playing for fallen Pittsburgh firefighters funerals. A Navy veteran, John was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1983, plus reserves in 2002, having spent most of his naval career as a cook. As a civilian he put the skills he learned in the Navy to good use by volunteering to cook for the Sacred Heart community in Shadyside. John and his wife Francine’s cookies were legendary. John generously gave his time to community organizations such as the Balmoral School of Piping, the Veterans Administration, and others. John is survived by his wife Francine, and four children: Joshua, Adam (also a piper), Dziadzi, and Lily. -by George Balderose
Memorial Scholarships to the Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming Pittsburgh Session John F. Marthens Memorial Scholarship Edward D. Moore Memorial Scholarship by the Pittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Pipe Band the Frank and Jane George Memorial Scholarship for a West Virginia Bagpiper by the Balmoral School For more information contact George Balderose Balmoral School, ph. (412) 323-2707 or [email protected]
Save the date: November 14, 2020 Balmoral Classic featuring
Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and cellist Natalie Haas
17 2239 Banksville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15216 412-571-0333 www.bx-print.com
18 2019 BALMORAL CLASSIC What Are Bagads & Bombards?
A bagad (Breton pronunciation: [bagat], French: [bagad]) occasionally accompanied by a drummer in past centuries, is a Breton band, composed of bagpipes, bombards and has been practiced for at least 500 years in Brittany in an drums (including snare, tenor and bass drums). The pipe unbroken tradition and must be considered the heart and band tradition in Brittany was inspired by the Scottish soul of this instrument’s place in Breton culture. example and has developed since the mid-20th century. A bagad plays mainly Breton music, but a bagad’s In the first part of the twentieth century, the number music is evolutionary: new forms and musical ideas are of players of bombards and biniou kozh decreased experimented with at each annual national competition. significantly. In the late ‘40s, the creation of the Bagad, a specifically Breton ensemble of bagpipes, bombards The plural for bagad is unusual in that many are referred and drums, by figures such as Polig Monjarret and the to as bagadoù but for two, three or any other specified organization Bodadeg ar Sonerion (Brotherhood of number they are simply referred to as bagad (following Musicians), offered a new role to the bombard. Now most the rules of Breton grammar). towns in Brittany have one or several Bagadoù, and they continually compete with each other in a series of annual Every major town and city in Brittany has at least one tournaments and festivals. As the bagad is a Breton take bagad and there are over eighty in total. There are also on the Scottish pipe band concept, the music initially many bagadoù outside Brittany, owing to large-scale performed was typically martial in character. Now the Breton emigration throughout France. Bagad Lann Bagadoù play dance music, traditional melodies and new Bihoue is well known to belong to the French Navy. compositions.[a] The large number of bombard players For competition purposes the bagadoù are ranked into in the Bagadoù has been a key factor in the successful five categories. Major competitions take place annually popularization of the instrument. Another key factor has in Brest and in Lorient, where the National Championship been the revitalization of the traditional pairing of the takes place during the Interceltic Festival in August. bombard and biniou in the 1970s with the Breton cultural revival, thanks to the success of Alan Stivell and the The bombard (Breton: talabard, ar vombard, French: development of “Fest Noz” dances and traditional music bombarde) is a contemporary conical-bore double-reed competitions. instrument widely used to play traditional Breton music. The bombard is a woodwind instrument, and a member A class of professional musicians and instrument makers of the shawm family. Like most shawms, it has a broad has emerged, as well as standardized reeds and commonly and very powerful sound, vaguely resembling a trumpet. available tutorial materials. Today, both the biniou and It is played as other shawms are played, with the double bombard are played in combination with an unlimited reed placed between the lips. The second octave is ‘over- number of instruments (voice, saxophone, piano, blown’; achieved via increased lip and air pressure or organ, clarinet or treujenn gaol, fiddle, flutes, guitar, through the use of an octave key. It plays a diatonic scale percussion… ) in fest-noz,[b] groups and ensembles of of up to two octaves, although contemporary instruments all styles - from classical to folk, rock, frequently have added keywork permitting some degree pop, punk, metal - in arrangements of of chromaticism. The bombard is an instrument that traditional Breton dance tunes or in has been in constant evolution, with many different new compositions. keys developed as well as sophisticated silver key-work -Wikipedia enabling chromatic possibilities. A bombard player is known as a talabarder after ‘talabard’, the older Breton name for the bombard.
Bombards in their most traditional setting are accompanied by a small bagpipe called a biniou kozh (“ancient bagpipe”), which plays an octave above the bombard. This duet of bombard and pipes, also
19 62nd Annual Ligonier Highland Games and Gathering of the Clans of Scotland September 19-20, 2020 Scottish Fair Opens 8 am Saturday and 10 am Sunday at Idlewild Park, Ligonier, PA eSee Massed Bagpipe Bands on Parade eHighland Heptathalon eHighland Dancing eCeltic Harper eGaelic Mod eInternational Entertainers Perform all day eChildren’s Games eScottish Dog Exhibit eScottish Market - Imported Goods and Food eRe-Enactors Show Scottish Military History eCheck Your Family Genealogy eNon-Stop Fun for the Whole Family eEveryone Gets a Big Scottish Welcome! 381 Adults $20, Seniors $18 Children (age 11-17) $5, (age 10 & 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
20 2019 BALMORAL CLASSIC Balmoral Pipes & Drums
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. Pipers and drummers, and those interested in learning or supporting the band are always welcome. Pipe Major: George Balderose Pipe Sergeant: Sean Patrick Regan For more information Drum Sergeant: David Acres please contact: [email protected] or 412 323-2707 or visit: www.BalmoralPipesAndDrums.org
Balmoral Pipes and Drums w/ Arthur McAra, Emcee & Scottish Dancers First Night Pittsburgh (12/31/19) Concerts 7:30-8:15pm, 9:00-9:45pm First Presbyterian Church 320 Sixth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
21 22 2019 BALMORAL CLASSIC what we’ve been up to -
2019 Summer Sessions
23 Temple Records the 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] UK telephone: 01875 830 328
24 America’s annual bagpiping celebration BALMORAL
CLASSICWWW.BALMORALCLASSIC 2019.ORG FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Celtic culture celebration kicks off at 7:30pm with performances by renowned pipers and drummers, our judges for the next day’s Championships. At 9:00pm we are joined by Bagad New York for Breton music and dance. Dances will be taught, no partner necessary. Co-sponsored with BalFolk Pittsburgh. 7:30-11:00pm | Tickets: $5 | Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center(WPUC), 100 Lytton Ave, Pittsburgh SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 United States Junior Solo Bagpiping & Snare Drumming Championships. Piping contest in Frick Fine Arts Auditorium; Drumming contest in Carnegie Lecture Hall 8:30am-4:30pm | Free | Frick Fine Arts Auditorium (FFA) & Carnegie Lecture Hall (CLH), Pittsburgh/Oakland SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Concert: Acclaimed Scottish band, Eabhal, to be joined by Scottish and Irish dancers. 6:30pm Lobby doors open. Jr. Solo Championship awards ceremony at 7:30pm. Concert 8pm | Tickets: $35 door, $27 advance, $15 students & seniors 65+ Carnegie Lecture Hall (CLH), 4400 Forbes Ave (Schenley Drive, behind Carnegie Library), Pittsburgh SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Free workshop on piobaireachd tunes conducted by Senior Piobaireachd Judge Ian Duncan 11:00am-1:00pm | Carnegie Room, Wyndham Pittsburgh Univ. Center (WPUC), 100 Lytton Ave, Pittsburgh
WPUC Wyndham
Craig St All locations are in (Oakland) Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Parking The Classic is sponsored annually by: Entrance to parking lot Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming 1414 Pennsylvania Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Parking 412.323.2707 [email protected] CLH Carnegie Lecture Hall BalmoralSchool.org
FFA Frick Fine Arts 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. Program_Cover_Classic2019_Rv2.qxp_Program 11/4/19 5:18 PM Page 1
EABHAL L IVEIN CONCERT ! SATURDAY EVENING, NOV. 16 2019 Balmoral School, Pittsburgh Session Our 2019 Instructors were Andrew Carlisle, Bruce Gandy, Jimmy Bell, Gordon Bell, Richmond Johnston, Colin Bell, George Balderose and others. The Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming 2020 SUMMER SCHEDULE: PITTSBURGH JULY 5-10, EAST STROUDSBURG JULY 12-17 2020 Guest Instructors To Be Announced By Jan. 1 2019 BALMORAL Immerse yourself for a week on one of CLASSIC our beautiful campuses with some of the 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.
For More Information Contact: FRIDAY EVENING, NOV. 15 SATURDAY, N OV. 16 Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming BAGAD NEW YORK US J UNIOR SOLO PIPING & 1414 Pennsylvania Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 (412) 323-2707 DRUMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS SUNDAY, NOV. 17 [email protected] www.bagpiping.org PIPING WORKSHOP - IAN DUNCAN