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THE IDEA of the Autumn Pipers’ Retreat is to mix a really beautiful time of the year in Europe with a weekend away for pipers who want to have a serious look at the high art of solo piping. For that reason both Piobaireachd and MSR have been chosen as the subjects - each given a day in their own right.

The ‘Retreat’ is a mixture of playing, learning, discussing - and just having a good time in the company of fellow piping enthusiasts. You don’t have to be a champion piper to enjoy all of this, instead you only have to have a positive attitude.

The first Autumn Pipers’ Retreat was held in Lolland, Denmark in November 2009 and in 2010 will be held in 5 different countries - Scotland, Italy, Denmark, Holland and Spain. Maybe the Barcelona event is a bit of indulgence, but why not? Full booking details of these events can be found on the relevant ‘country’ pages on this web site - but don’t forget, there are closing dates and numbers will be strictly limited.






















DAY 1: THE CEOL BEAG WORKSHOP
This day is also split into several independent, yet connecting, modules. Instruction is given by Bruce Campbell by way of explanation and then demonstration on a practice chanter and also playing of studio recordings. Discussion completes each module. This workshop is a 7-hour program with a break for lunch.

During the day demonstration on pipes is also given and, if possible, a session at the end of the day going through tunes in concert - for a not-critical audience of fellow students!

Late in the day, Bruce will give a short performance of competition music.

There is no set ‘standard’ for those who attend this workshop - it is entirely up to you although the more experienced a piper is then the more he/she will gain. This is NOT a basic workshop for practice ‘chanter only’ pipers although you are more than welcome to attend regardless of your standard.

The method of teaching is to ‘build’ knowledge through a tune - so as the phrases of each tune are demonstrated, played and discussed then all aspects will also be dealt with including technique.

The modules will include;
‘Setting up a pipe to professional standard’
‘Tuning and reed setting’
‘Phrasing’
‘Technique’
‘March Strathspey & Reel’ (the level of tunes depends on the standard of the players present)
‘Question and Answer session’

DAY 2: THE PIOBAIREACHD WORKSHOP
The day is split into several independent, yet connecting, modules. Instruction is given by way of explanation and then demonstration on a practice chanter and also playing of studio recordings. Discussion completes each module. This workshop is a 7-hour program with a break for lunch.

During the day demonstration on pipes is also given and, if possible, a session at the end of the day going through a Piobaireachd in concert - for a not-critical audience of fellow students!

There is no set ‘standard’ for those who attend this workshop - it is entirely up to you although the more experienced a piper is then the more he/she will gain. This is NOT a basic workshop for practice ‘chanter only’ pipers although you are more than welcome to attend regardless of your standard. But it could also be that this workshop will serve for you as an ‘introduction’ to Piobaireachd.

The method of teaching is to ‘build’ knowledge through a tune - so when the phrases of the Urlar are demonstrated, played and discussed then all aspects will also be dealt with including technique.

The modules will include;
‘An overview of a Piobaireachd’
‘Construction’
‘Phrasing’
‘Piobaireachd Technique’
‘Styles and Settings’ (this is dependant on the knowledge and level of those taking part)
‘Question and Answer session’

25/26  NEWCASTLE, NE ENGLAND

Click on the ‘venue’ for complete details, venue and booking arrangements

09/10  AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND


16/17  BEXHILL, SOUTH ENGLAND


23/24  BALLATER, SCOTLAND

Click on the ‘venue’ for complete details, venue and booking arrangements

21/22  LOLLAND, DENMARK

Click on the ‘venue’ for complete details, venue and booking arrangements