We have some tremendous news for Saskatchewan students who wish to attend SOUND ADVICE. Please see the scholarships section below!
McCallum Smallpipes Silent Auction!
McCallum Bagpipes has donated a set of smallpipes to SOUND ADVICE 2009, and these will be auctioned to the highest bidder above reserve price. Thanks again to McCallum for their ongoing support! We'll post a note with more information when the pipes are here.
2009 Instructors
We have a fantastic line-up of instructors, with some changes from previous years. We are extremely excited to welcome James P. Troy from Victoria, perhaps North America's only professional-level player on pipes and drums! Last year, James played snare with the Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band, and also won many top prizes as a piper! Also new this year is Cape Breton native Ryan MacDonald, who brings years of professional experience as a soloist, a grade 1 band player, and a very fine bellows piper. Read about all the instructors, here: Graham Brown, Tyler Fry, Ryan MacDonald, Doug MacRae, Garth Neel, Doug Stronach, James P. Troy.
Join the Sound Advice Facebook group!
NEW LOCATION • NEW CLASSES • NEW COOKS!! WELCOME TO THE
SOUND ADVICE is moving to the main campus of the University of Regina this year! We have beautiful, modern classroom spaces, new student accommodation, great performance spaces, and vastly improved food services!
All the main school events will be at the main campus, and we are looking forward to another great school.
School Schedule
Sunday, July 12
1:00 pm - 3:00 a.m.
Check-in and auditions for students
4:00 p.m.
A general meeting for all students and instructors.
7:30 p.m.
Piping & Drumming Recital
Featuring our exceptional instructional staff, plus special guests.
Monday - Thursday, July 13 - July 16
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Regular classes and band sessions.
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Evening workshops and individual lessons on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Thursday Night
7:30 p.m.
Student performances, followed by an informal ceilidh. The school has always had a ceilidh, but this year, the students are going to perform! This will be an "anything goes" session of music and fun. Bring your smallpipes, hand drums, guitars and pennywhistles!
Friday, July 17
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Finish off with a great massed band!
Scholarships 2009
The Saskatchewan Band Association Scholarships The Saskatchwan Band association is offering $3,000 in scholarships for Saskatchewan pipers and drummers to attend the 2009 edition of Sound Advice. These scholarships are available to registered members of SPBA member bands.
The Regina Highland Games Scholarships The Regina Highland Games is offering two scholarships to the school, each one valued at $300. The scholarships will go to "The Most Promising Piper and Drummer" of the day, as chosen collectively by the judges.
The City of Regina Pipe Band Scholarships The City of Regina Pipe Band is offering four scholarships for $100 to members of the Conservatory of Performing Arts Pipe Band.
Graham Brown, current L-D of Peel Regional Police teaches a snare drum class at the 2008 school.
Piping and Drumming Classes
All participants will have a full day of piping or drumming tuition. Classes are organized according to skill level, and students will experience a variety of instructors during their stay at the school. The emphasis at the summer school will be to give you the information and tools you need to be a better solo player, regardless of your current skill level. There will also be a renewed emphasis at the school on band skills-learning to be good band players, and learning what makes a good band.
Fun and Friendship
Every year, students and staff at Sound Advice form friendships with other musicians, and 2008 was no exception. These two were part of an excellent and supportive student body that makes the school a great place to learn and have fun. Students at the camp had a blast at the "Student Challenge Night" this year, doing everything from "acapella pipe band" to the infamous "frozen t-shirt contest."
Other Bagpipes and Traditions
Each year we offer classes where students get the chance to hear and try smallpipes, lowland (border) pipes, and uilleann pipes, and learn about the music and traditions of these instruments. We are enhancing these programs significantly, and encourge students to bring their smallpipes, shuttlepipes, and other instruments. Don't forget to throw in the bodhrans, djembes and other percussion for the sessions and the ceilidh at the end!
If you own shuttlepipes, smallpipes, or other kinds of pipes, be sure to bring them! We will have an opportunity for people to improve their skills on these instruments, have some fun, and learn a new tune or two.
Your Evenings Are Full!
At Sound Advice, we have workshops and special classes each night. Topics are sometimes divided according to instrument, and sometimes they are applicable to all. Our instructional staff always features players with top experience in bands and solos, and the information and guidance they are able to give is just not available other places.
A Concert You'll Remember
The first night at the school, you'll get to hear a concert featuring the outstanding instructors that we have assembled for the week. Some of the top solo and band players in the world will perform, along with some surprise guests. Your concert ticket is part of your registration package, and extra tickets will be available at the door. Last year, the concert was in historic Darke Hall, and featured as special guests The Lothian Schools Fiddle Orchestra!
School Fee Packages
#1 - Tuition, Accommodation and Meals [triple occupancy]
This package includes tuition and special events, a shared room, and three meals each day. Your fees cover accommodation at the University Sunday through Thursday night, and meals from Sunday at supper to Friday at lunch. $600 CDN
#2 -Tuition, Accommodation and Meals [single occupancy]
This package includes tuition and special events, a single room, and three meals each day. Your fees cover accommodation at the University Sunday through Thursday night, and meals from Sunday at supper to Friday at lunch. $725 CDN
#3 -Tuition and Lunch
This package includes tuition and lunch only. Your fees cover lunch from Monday to Thursday.
$350 CDN
All packages also include a school t-shirt. Be sure to indicate what size you would like.
If you would like to take PDQB instruction and exams, you will need to register for that in advance. Information on the certificates and requirements is available HERE. If you have any questions, please send an email to the School Director.
The Saskatchwan Band association is offering $3,000 in scholarships for Saskatchewan pipers and drummers to attend the 2009 edition of Sound Advice. These scholarships are available to registered members of SPBA 
