August 9, 2004, Pebble Beach, CA The Monterey Celtic Arts Academy announced today that it is launching the Monterey Bay School of Piping which will be held from Sunday, June 12 through Friday, June 17, 2005 at Stevenson School in Pebble Beach.

Coordinated by Michel d’Avenas, a 30-year bagpipe instructor and the Pipe Major of the award-winning Monterey Bay Pipe Band, and the Board of Directors of the Monterey Celtic Arts Academy (a 501(c)3), the new Monterey Bay School of Piping will feature outstanding internationally renowned piping instructors from Scotland, Australia, Canada, and the United States. Featured instructors will include Murray Blair (Scotland Victoria Police Pipe Band), Ann Gray (Canada Western Canada’s Celtic Band Seanachie), Adam Quinn (United States formerly of the world championship Simon Fraser University Pipe Band), Mark Saul (Australia Victoria Police Pipe Band), Aaron Shaw (United States Wicked Tinkers/Los Angeles Police Pipe Band), and more. All ages and skill levels will be welcome to participate in the school.

Attendees will be able to enjoy cost-effective room and board rates at Stevenson School or take classes at the school daily and stay at hotels throughout the region. Local day students will also be welcome, and a limited number of scholarships will be available.