» Winter School Instruction
» Winter School Venue & Accommodations
» Student Behavior and Expectations
Concert
Is this a "not to be missed" event?
Regardless of whether you are a seasoned fan of Scottish music and dance, or a total newbie, this will be an amazing concert that you will talk about for years. The performers are of world class stature, many having won the top competitions in their respective disciplines of music or dance, in most cases multiple times. Here is your chance to see and hear some of the best, it really is a "not to be missed" event!
What's Benaroya Hall like?
Benaroya Hall is one of Seattle's most treasured facilities. It holds around 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 MSA 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 center orchestra section, starting several rows back from the stage. These are essentially the best seats in the house!
Can I get extra tickets for friends and family?
Yes. On your MSA 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 MSA or TicketMaster?
When you purchase tickets from MSA 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 1, 2008.
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. 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?
MSA has negotiated special discounts at the Executive Hotel Pacific within walking distance of Benaroya Hall. You may contact the hotel here. Be sure to mention you are part of the MSA Winter School program to get discounts.
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 2, is included as part of the transportation package offered by MSA. 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.
Instruction
Do 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. Also please check out our "What to Bring" suggestions.
What do I need to bring? pipers
Practice chanter, MSA music book, 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 MSA Music Collection (2nd edition). Be sure to bring the book if you have one. These books are required for pipers, and may be purchased for $30 at the MSA check-in desk. Copies of drumming music will be provided upon Winter School check-in. 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?
MSA 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.
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 MSA Board of Directors - food and drink are provided!
Venue and Accommodations
What 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.
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 coffee shop 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 Expectations
What if I register for the Winter School and have to cancel for some reason?
MSA 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 Behavior Policy which outlines the expectations for minors.
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 10:00PM. 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 10:00PM is with the individual student, it must be remembered that adequate sleep is essential to the learning 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.