2011 Balmoral Classic - US Junior Solo Piping Championships

Three talented young musicians from the Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band attended the Balmoral Classic, US Junior Solo Piping and Drumming Championships in Pittsburgh, PA on November 12, 2011, and all placed near the top. Alexander Schiele, Amber Stone, and Aaron Stone attended this annual invitational established by the Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming in 2007 with the mission “To raise the standard and promote the appreciation of bagpipe music in the USA by providing world-class instruction, cultivating excellence in youth, presenting innovative musical events, and fostering tradition." The piping contest was adjudicated by Brian Donaldson of Fife, Scotland, Scot Walker and Donald Lindsay. Alexander Schiele won the Championship, winning the Piobaireachd competition with “The Unjust Incarceration,” and the March, Strathspey & Reel competition with "93rd at Modder River," "Caledonian Society of London," and "The Grey Bob", picking up bagpipes in each event, generously donated by Inveran Bagpipes and McCallum Bagpipes.

Aaron Stone won 2nd place in the Piobaireachd competition, and 2nd place in the March, Strathspey & Reel competition and played pipes for his sister Amber in the drumming competition. Drumming was adjudicated by Gordon Bell and Andrew Hoinacki. Amber Stone tied in the March, Strathspey & Reel competition, which forced a “drum off” and finished the event in 2nd place with the tie in the first MSR contest, a 2nd in the drum-off and 2nd place in the Hornpipe & Jig contest. The event was well attended, with a concert following the competition by Breabach, from Scotland. Congratulations to all competitors, and to the organizers on a well-attended and organized event!