About Winter School
Top flight instruction and small class size are the hallmarks of our Winter School programs. For over ten years, we’ve been offering fiddlers, pipers and drummers from around our region and beyond the chance to hone their musical skills. We do this by presenting the finest bagpipers, Scottish drummers, fiddlers and Highland dancers in the world for concerts and instructional seminars. Space for the 2010 sessions has been reserved at Seabeck as follows:
Please note: We intend to offer Highland Dancing for 2010 - details regarding dates to be announced soon. Winter School, Session 2: Pipers and drummers, February 6-10, 2010, Seabeck Conference Center, Seabeck, WA The instructors boast multiple world champions in solo and band competitions amongst their number – you’ll benefit from small class size and top instruction. This is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, practice lots and be immersed in Scottish music for several days. It’s an ideal learning environment and a ton of fun! Due to the generosity of many donors, the Celtic Arts Foundation has been able to offer several scholarships to Winter School over the past couple of years. Important note: Our friends at Seabeck have just alerted us to construction detours due to bridge repairs. Here's the news they passed on to us: We just got work that Big Beef Bridge will be closed from Thursday, January 28 – Friday, February 12. This will most likely affect your travel to Seabeck Conference Center during that time. Below I have listed the detour route, but you are more than welcome to contact us, should you have any questions. If the bridge opens early, we will surely let you know! Detour directions to Seabeck due to the closure of Big Beef Bridge (1/28 – 2/12) Newberry Hill Rd EXIT (Hwy 3): When you reach the end of Newberry Hill Road (at the Chevron) turn left. Follow Seabeck Highway to Holly Road. Turn right on Holly Road and follow until it ends at Seabeck Holly Highway (Evergreen Lutheran Church is on the corner). Turn right on Seabeck Highway and follow until you reach the town of Seabeck. Our campus will be on your right. Anderson Hill Rd: When you reach the end of Anderson Hill Rd turn left. Follow Seabeck Highway to Holly Road. Turn right on Holly Road and follow until it ends at Seabeck Holly Highway (Evergreen Lutheran Church is on the corner). Turn right on Seabeck Highway and follow until you reach the town of Seabeck. Our campus will be on your right. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Click on one of the following four choices to move to that section of this document:
► Concert
What's Benaroya Hall like?
Benaroya Hall is one of Seattle's most treasured facilities. It holds about 2500 people, and is the home of the Seattle Symphony. Acoustically, it is an absolutely superb venue for piping, drumming and dancing.
Where is Benaroya Hall?
It's in downtown Seattle. You can get driving directions here.
What does my ticket cost?
One complimentary concert ticket is included with your registration for the Winter School. Should you chose not to attend the concert, the ticket amount will not be subtracted from your tuition fees.
Where will my seat for the concert be?
The student section for the concert is located in the orchestra section, starting several rows back from the stage. These are essentially the best seats in the house!
May I get extra tickets for friends and family?
Yes. On your Winter School registration form there is a spot to indicate your desire for extra tickets.
Can they sit with me?
Yes. All tickets purchased through the registration process will be for seats in the MSA student section.
What's the difference between getting advance tickets from CAF or TicketMaster?
When you purchase tickets from us as part of the registration process, you receive special pricing as well as preferred seating in the student section.
When do I receive my concert ticket and any additional ones I have ordered?
All concert tickets will be available at the "Will Call" window in Benaroya Hall the day of the Concert, Friday, February 5, 2010, open at 6:30 - please plan to arrive early as lines can be long!
Are there special prices available for groups?
Yes, if you are part of a pipe band, a clan, civic organization, church group - we welcome you to join us and receive special seating and prices for groups. Groups consist of four or more people! Please contact us to arrange.
Do we dress up for the concert?
We really encourage everyone who has a kilt to wear it to the concert. It adds to the festive atmosphere and fun! Otherwise, dress as you would to attend a formal concert in a world class facility.
Where can I stay in Seattle on Friday night after the concert?
We have made arrangements with the Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue in downtown Seattle for students. The hotel is five blocks from Benaroya Hall, and rooms are available for the special discounted rate of $89 per night. To make reservations, click on this link for the Red Lion or call 1-800-RED-LION. When asked or prompted for a group discount rate, please provide this code: CELT0205.
How do I get to Seabeck for Winter School from the concert?
Transportation for students from the Executive Pacific Hotel to Seabeck Saturday morning, February 6, is included as part of the transportation package offered by CAF. Alternatively, it's a short ride from the hotel to the Washington State Ferry terminal, a 55 minute crossing to Bremerton, WA and then a about a 15 mile drive to Seabeck.
InstructionDo we have auditions to get into the School?
There are no performance auditions to get into the school; however there are class-placement auditions first thing on the first day of the school to ensure you are paired with students of similar ability levels. Drummers have an informal audition to establish class levels - no advance preparation required. Pipers need to have 1-2 tunes on the chanter prepared for the audition. A few piping instructors will hear each student play 1-2 short tunes on a chanter. The process only takes a few minutes.
How should I prepare for Winter School?
All students should put in good practice time during the weeks before the Winter School. Students are then placed in an appropriate peer class based on considerations of both age and skill level.
What's a typical day like at the Winter School?
Although the actual class time will vary for each program, the following represents a typical School Day:
7:30-8:30 am Breakfast
9:00-12:10 pm Morning Classes
12:30-1:15 pm Lunch
1:30-3:45 pm Afternoon Classes (Piping & Drumming Semi-Private lessons 3:45-4:45pm)
6:00-7:00 pm Dinner
7:15-8:00pm Evening seminars
8:00-10:00 pm Free time - Practice, informal jam sessions
What do I need to bring? - drummers
Drum, sticks or mallets, drum pad, drum scores. Side drums are not typically played in the classes, however sometimes there are sessions after classes where drums are needed. Bass and tenor drummers should bring their drums to each session. A binder or folder of some type is handy to store your sheet music. Also please check out our "What to Bring" suggestions.
What do I need to bring? - pipers
Practice chanter, Pipes Music Tutor 2nd Edition (music book) this is required for class, pipes. Also please check out our "What to Bring" suggestions.
Do we play pipes in classes, or just chanters?
All students should come prepared with their pipes to each practice session. You never know!
Music?
Piping music is mostly taken from the Pipes Music Tutor (2nd edition). Be sure to bring the book if you have one. These books are required for pipers, and may only be purchased in advance for $30 with registration. Copies of drumming music will be provided at Winter School. Additional copies can be made at Seabeck for 10 cents a copy.
Will there be practice time and a place to practice? How about jams?
Classes are scheduled to allow for practice time; there is also time in the evenings after dinner. Classrooms, as well as student rooms, are available for practice. Should the weather cooperate, the grounds of Seabeck provide many lovely practice spots as well! Student jams are definitely encouraged. A piano is available in the Meeting House.
What are classes like?
Seabeck is a great setting for learning. Instructors are top notch, and students should come prepared to work and learn. It's a collegial and supportive atmosphere.
Are the instructors mean?
We've carefully selected instructors to accommodate a wide range of abilities and experience. Our instructors are great!
Are the students mean?
Winter School encourages camaraderie among all students and instructors. We try to foster an atmosphere in which students from different bands and backgrounds have the opportunity to interact. Meal times and social activities such as the ceilidh are designed to help students share common experiences. You will return home with many new friends!
Do I bring my uniform?
No, unless you want to wear it to the MSA Concert or for the Saturday night student ceilidh.
What's a "Ceilidh?"
It's the Gaelic word for a party - really a fun gathering with music and impromptu performances. You don't have to participate, but are encouraged to do so. Sponsored by the Celtic Arts Foundation Board of Directors - food and drink are provided!
Venue and accommodationsWhat are accommodations like?
Dormitory style, with small cabins making up some of the accommodations - common bathrooms and gathering rooms.
Does everyone get their own private room?
No, there are only a limited number of single rooms available. Mostly students share rooms - which we think adds to the Winter School experience. Please consider requesting a private room if you snore or require privacy for a daily additional fee. Single rooms are assigned on a first come first served bases - please register
What is the dining arrangement?
Family-style dining - sit down meals are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Generous quantities of food are provided.
Is there a town close by?
Seabeck is mostly a self-contained retreat center. Few amenities are available right close by, however there is a espresso stand across the street.
Will I need a car?
Winter School is quite intensive and there will be no extra time to explore the area. Services and supplies are readily available at the conference center. Unless you are going to extend your stay in the area a car is not necessary.
Behavior and expectationsWhat if I register for the Winter School and have to cancel for some reason?
CAF recognizes that unexpected circumstances can arise that could preclude someone from being able to participate in the Winter School. There may also be situations beyond our control, causing cancellation of the school (natural disaster, etc.). We have developed a cancellation policy in an attempt to clarify the manner in which situations will be handled.
Will there be supervision for minors?
Students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while at the school. All students are required to sign and abide by our Alcohol/Behavior Policy which outlines the expectations for minors (see registration forms).
What are the expectations for students?
Come to Winter School prepared to learn as much as you can. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
How late can I stay up?
Quiet time begins at 11:00PM. This means that people will be going to bed at this time. Students who choose to stay up must be considerate of those sleeping. Although the choice to stay up past 11:00PM is with the individual student, it must be remembered that adequate sleep is essential to the learning process. Should you require more sleep - please consider requesting a single room in the registration process.
Is there a TV?
There are TVs available for video games and videos, but not regular viewing, as reception is poor. Feel free to bring along a favorite movie or video game to share. You can also bring other games such as cards, board games or interactive games.
Our goal is to have this be a great learning experience in a fun, safe environment. Please contact us with any unanswered questions.
What to bringClothing
Fiddlers
Optional
What's new?Watch this page for information and updates about the 2010 Celtic Arts Foundation Winter School.
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