EDUCATION

I'm excited to see so many summer camp-type schools popping up all over the United States. It's getting difficult to decide which school would be the best to attend. But, I guess that isn't the most important question. The real question is: How do I make the time (and have the money) to attend these schools?

All these schools provide so many opportunities to improve on my favorite instrument. And those who attend these schools always remark that they truly move UP in their playing, whether it's on the bagpipe or on the drums. I truly believe the more professional help and guidance you can get will improve your playing, period.

I've attended the western Washington Balmoral Schools, and was very impressed, not only with their fine instructor's staff, but also that it allowed me to rise to a new plain in my playing. I can't encourage enough of that. I urge my students to also go to these intensive camps. As a result, several members of our band will be attending Piping Hot Summer Drummer, put on by the folks from Simon Fraser University Pipe Band. The fact that the school takes place at the beautiful Silver Star Mountain in British Columbia adds more to this wonderful week of instruction. As you may guess, I'm expecting a lot from our folks who go!

There are bagpiping and drumming schools all over the place. Seek out these intensive short-term education programs and put a huge chunk of your energy into it. The benefit will be dramatic, surprising, and, hopefully, successful! Let us know what you think about these schools!