Monterey Celtic Arts Academy To Hold “Bagpipe Nights” On July 15

June 29, 2003, Monterey, CA - The Monterey Celtic Arts Academy (MCAA) will hold its third monthly Bagpipe Nights at the Music Building at York School at 9501 York Road from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on July 15, the third Tuesday night of the month (Take highway 1 south or north to highway 68 east to York Road which is at a stoplight, turn left, go up the hill, go right into York School parking lot, music building is on the right side of parking lot.) During July’s free event, award-winning bagpipe teacher, Michel d’Avenas, who is also the Pipe Major for the Monterey Bay Pipe Band, will do bagpipe demonstrations, perform some classic bagpipe tunes, describe the parts of the bagpipe, allow people to try to play the bagpipe and chanter, and discuss how easy it is to learn how to play the bagpipes. Bagpipe Nights are designed to introduce both young and older people to the rich tradition of the bagpipes in an informal setting. For more information or to RSVP for Bagpipe Nights, please contact Wendy Brickman at (831) 633-4444.

The Monterey Celtic Arts Academy is a non-profit organization that was established in 1998 to enrich the lives of residents and young students in the Monterey community by offering them educational opportunities related to Celtic arts through the use of workshops, exhibitions, lectures, classes and performances. They have funds available to help young musicians (under age 18) to offset the costs of the bagpipe and traveling costs to competitions.

One of MCAA’s goals is to assist young students, ages 7 to 17, to learn how to play the Great Highland Scottish Bagpipe and Drums. They encourage young students to play in the local band for community events and also to compete at Scottish Highland Games, locally, and throughout the United States and Scotland. Learning how to play music can help youth develop coordination and a sense of confidence while learning how to play this unique musical instrument. In addition, bagpipers are paid for performances at weddings, funerals, parties, and other events.

Michel d’Avenas is the Pipe Major (or music leader) of the Monterey Bay Pipe Band. Michel is an award-winning bagpiper who has taught bagpiping locally for over 30 years to hundreds of youth and adults of all ages, from age 4 to age 86. To learn the bagpipe, pupils start by mastering a Practice Chanter which has only 9 notes, and is an instrument that is similar to a pennywhistle or recorder. It’s easy to play, inexpensive, portable and quiet. The pupils who practice a half hour to an hour a day soon can play a wide variety of tunes.