In the tradition of its founder, Lt. Col. John McEwing, the Coeur d'Alene Summer School of Piping and Drumming (CSSPD) offers instruction to students of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. This year, the course is a one-week (Saturday through Sunday) immersion in all facets of piping and highland drumming. Chief instructor in piping will be Andrew Wright of Dunblane, Scotland. The balance of the school's faculty is made up of 5-6 highly qualified piping and drumming instructors from all parts of North America. John Fisher, our Chief Drumming Instructor, is one of the World's prominent Pipe Band Drumming Instructors from North America, is a former North American drumming champion and has played with the world famous Shotts and Dykehead drum corps under the leadership of Alex Duthart. He has also served as a faculty member of the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, ands works as a session drummer in Los Angeles and Canada. Small-group classes meet for 7 to 8 hours per day. Piping subjects include pipe maintenance, tuning, blowing, expression, and composition. In addition to their class instructor, students will have the opportunity to work with the chief instructor. Drummers will work on practice pads, but are encouraged to bring their drums. All students have the option of competing at the Spokane Highland Games at the end of the week and show their skills. Registration and dorm check-in will begin at 4:00 PM. The CSSPD will emphasize electronic registration this year, and a simple brochure will be mailed to former students referring them to this Web site. http://csspd.com/index.php
