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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Monterey Bay School of Piping?

The Monterey Bay School of Piping was established by the Monterey Bay Celtic Arts Academy (MCAA), a 501(c)(3) organization, to provide outstanding instruction for students at all levels regardless of income who are dedicated to improving their skills in Highland piping with world-class instructors. The school was founded to encourage students of all ages to reach their maximum potential at Stevenson School in beautiful Pebble Beach, California, on the Monterey Bay.

The Monterey Bay School of Piping is coordinated by Michel d’Avenas, a 30-year bagpipe instructor and the Pipe Major of the award-winning Monterey Bay Pipe Band. Michel has attracted a team of world-renowned Scottish, Australian, Canadian and American award-winning bagpipe instructors.

The school will include a public concert on Thursday, June 16, 2005 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Stevenson School with the world class bagpipers - Mark Saul, Ann Gray, Aaron Shaw, and Michel d'Avenas.

Where is it held?

Stevenson School is located in the heart of Pebble Beach, California, one of the most gorgeous places on earth. Stevenson is an internationally respected boarding school situated at 3152 Forest Lake Road just off of the famous Seventeen Mile Drive, on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. The school is only five minutes away from the beach and the famous Inn at Spanish Bay resort, which features a bagpiper nightly at sunset on its golf course and near its outdoor patio. It is conveniently located 10 minutes from the cities of Monterey, Carmel and Pacific Grove, about 2 hours south of San Francisco and 4 hours north of Santa Barbara. It is approximately 6 hours north of Los Angeles. In June, the weather usually ranges between 65-75 degrees during the day, and 50-60 degrees in the evening so it is recommended that a student bring a jacket and clothing to layer.

Stevenson School (http://www.rlstevenson.org) is surrounded by hundreds of acres of Monterey pines and cypress trees, lawns and fields, and woodland trails. A wide selection of meeting rooms will accommodate the piping classes, recitals and concert. Three delicious buffet meals will be provided at the school's outstanding dining facilities. Please be aware that Stevenson School is a non-smoking, non-alcoholic beverage campus.

If a student or his/her family chooses not to take advantage of the cost-effective room and board at Stevenson School, they may stay at one of the hundreds of other quality hotels and motels in the region. Resort 2 Me Lodging Reservation is an award-wining local company that can help arrange alternative lodging. Their phone number is (800) 757-5646 and their web site is http://www.resort2me.com. Monterey County features a wealth of fabulous recreational opportunities, from kayaking and scuba diving, to wine tasting, to visiting the world renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and National Steinbeck Center. More information can be found on the website: http://www.montereyinfo.org.

What classes are being offered?

The program will start on Sunday, June 12, 2005 and continue through Friday, June 17, 2005. All bagpipe skill levels, including beginners, are welcome.

The curriculum covers a wide variety of subjects, including:

The school will include a public concert near the end of the program.

Students will audition for class placement during the registration session on Sunday afternoon, June 12, 2005. If desired, audition tapes on the bagpipes, can be submitted but is optional. The instructors will meet late Sunday afternoon to determine class placements.

What is the tuition?

Full Tuition: $695.00 including a $100.00 non-refundable deposit. The full tuition for June 12-17, 2005 will include instruction, lodging, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and a concert ticket. Checkout is by Noon on June 17, 2005, although classes will continue during the day. Full payment is due no later than May 31, 2005.

Day Student (instruction only): $350 including a non-refundable deposit of $100. The day student tuition for June 12-17, 2005 will include instruction, meals (lunch only), and a concert ticket. Full payment is due no later than May 31, 2005.

Meals Only: $30 per day for three meals, $20 for lunch only; Full payment is due no later than May 31, 2005.

Cancellation or Refund Policy: In the event that the Monterey Bay School of Piping June 2005 session is cancelled, all monies will be returned including deposit.

Who are the instructors?

The Monterey Bay School of Piping is proud to present a slate of outstanding world-renowned piping instructors:

Program Director: Michel d’Avenas (United States – Monterey Bay Pipe Band)
Ann Gray, (Canada – Western Canada’s Celtic Band: Seanachie)
Mark Saul (Australia – Victoria Police Pipe Band)
Aaron Shaw (United States – Wicked Tinkers/Los Angeles Police Pipe Band)
David Brewer (United States – Molly's Revenge)

Where can I stay?

All accommodations will be for two persons in the dormitory rooms at Stevenson School, located at 3152 Forest Lake Road in Pebble Beach. Roommates may be requested on the registration form. Limited single room accommodations are available on a first request basis at an additional fee of $275, subject to availability. There are hundreds of other hotels and motels available in the area but please be aware that the hotel rooms typically book up quickly in June. Advance reservations are recommended.

Can minors enroll for classes?

If a student is under age 18, please bring an emergency medical permission slip signed by a parent or guardian. Please note that NO ONE under the age of 15 will be permitted to attend the Monterey Bay School of Piping without a parent or designated guardian in attendance. Notification, in writing, must be received by the Registrar prior to the first day of classes if a parent has designated a guardian to accompany his/her child to the Monterey Bay School of Piping.

Can I bring visitors?

Parents/visitors can be accommodated at the rate of $125 per day per person (double occupancy) which includes lodging and three meals per day, and excludes class instruction.

What should I bring?

Every student should bring a practice chanter and bagpipes if they have them. Feel free to bring a tape recorder, as well as seasoning, hemp, and spare reeds (although these items will be available for sale.) Bring Highland clothing for the group photo and public concert nights. As an alternative to a kilt, bring a white shirt with a black jacket and black slacks.

What is the admission policy?

The number of students at each skill level will be limited, to keep student-teacher ratios low and to accommodate all skill levels. Admissions will be processed strictly on a first come, first served basis for each skill level. Deposits must accompany application in order to be accepted. The Monterey School of Piping accepts checks and money orders made out to the Monterey Celtic Arts Academy (MCAA). VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS and DISCOVER will also be accepted for payment.

Are scholarships available?

A limited amount of tuition-only and full scholarship assistance is available to Monterey County students on a competitive basis. Applications for scholarships are available upon request. Selections and notification of awards will be made by the Monterey Bay School of Piping staff.

Criteria for selection include: economic situation, age (preference is given to younger applicants), performance experience (competitive piping successes, other musical instrument experience and successes), etc. A letter of recommendation from a piping or music teacher is required with a merit scholarships application. Scholarship awards can vary according to talent, need, and the location of the school.

Scholarships are made possible by grants from the Monterey Bay School of Piping and donations from community organizations. Monterey Bay School of Piping supporters are encouraged to make tax-exempt contributions to the Monterey Celtic Arts Academy (a 501(c)(3) organization) for worthy students. Students from out of the area are encouraged to apply to other sources for scholarship assistance, such as a local clan.

A limited number of tuition-only scholarships will be available for students who have special circumstances or financial needs. Students desiring to apply for tuition assistance should make their request in writing along with their application to Michel d’Avenas, Monterey Celtic Arts Academy, P.O. Box 145, Pebble Beach, CA 93953.

Will transportation be provided?

Transportation to and from the Monterey airport to Stevenson School will be provided if needed.

Will a concert be held?

One ticket will be provided to attend the public concert which will be held at Stevenson School [ Map ] on June 16th. Additional concert tickets may be purchased on site at the Monterey Bay School of Piping.

Are T-shirts available for purchase?

Attractive Monterey Bay School of Piping T-shirts are available for pre-order on the Registration Form. T-Shirts are available in size Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large. The T-shirts will be issued on June 12, 2005 at school registration.

Who may I contact for more information?

Michel d'Avenas 831-372-2020 office or 831-277-5993 cell
Wendy Brickman 831-633-4444 office or 831-594-7500 cell