School's....not out!

Now is the time of year when not only are the contests in full swing, but the schools/workshops kick it into high gear as well.
CeltFest Vancouver Island (FYI: the Pause button is at the top of the content area and you'll have to press it every time you visit a new page....) has come and gone already with James P. part of the drumming staff, along with the almighty John Fisher. This school manages to bring in instructors from all over in various Celtic disciplines: Bob Worrall, Ken Eller and Alan Walters to name a few for the piping; four time World Champion David Wilton for the highland dancing and this year THE OLD BLIND DOGS, who were on staff teaching Celtic song, bodhran, guitar, penny whistle and piping amongst other things. Check out Ali Hutton, the band piper with his lightening fast fingers playing Gordon Duncan's Thunderstruck.
Keep your eyes peeled on youtube for clips from the CeltFest 2009 concert as there were many performances worth checking out!
Sound Advice, run by Iain MacDonald, has also ended for another year with James P. and Ryan both on the piping faculty. Also on staff were: Doug MacRae, Garth Neel, Graham Brown, Tyler Fry and Doug Stronach. Thanks to the MacDonalds for hosting a wonderful week in Saskatchewan. Seeing as though James W. was born in the Prairies and we still have some of the family living there, it gave James P. and Ryan a chance to spend some time with them!
Of course, Ryan also managed to squeeze in some photo shoots as well.
Both Ryan and Jamie have gone from Saskatchewan to Portland, Oregon (thanks to the PHGA for hosting James P. as a judge this past weekend) where this week will be spent teaching the beginning pipers of the Sir James MacDonald Pipe Band. Thanks once again to Jeff and Robbi Brewer for their wonderful hospitality.
Speaking of Portland, a huge congrats goes out to the Portland Metro Pipe Band for their winning performance in the Grade 3 medley contest as well as challenging up to Grade 2 and placing a well deserved 2nd place. Hear that performance here.
I have been spending some time in the States this week or so and had the opportunity to get some time in with the Keith Highlanders Pipe Band. This band has been in the Seattle area since 1952 and are currently cranking out a competitive Grade 4 and Grade 3 band. Gracious and fun folks, these guys and gals were a pleasure to work with. Thanks for the great day!
Everybody's back at the end of this week on home turf....probably celebrating with a barbeque while awaiting the results from the European Championships on Saturday. Good luck to all!
-JLT