11 January 2005

To Those Who Love Music,

Our children are looking forward to attending the Monterey Bay School of Piping with the Monterey Celtic Arts Academy next June. This workshop will give them the opportunity to learn from the best pipers in the world, in addition to our local talent.

One of the reasons we participate in the Highland Games or the Academy, is so the historical traditions won't be entirely lost to the popular trends. The bagpipe is a difficult instrument to learn, requiring years of practice, training, and effort by both the student and teacher. The kids can't just go down to Guitar World or hang out with their friends in the garage to accomplish this music. Good teachers are few and far between. Michel d' Avenas is one, and we hope you will help us bring the others to Monterey.

We've all heard the bagpipe jokes, but the truth is, people respond to the sound in a positive way. When we are at a parade, festival, wedding, opening event, or the celebration of a life that has lived and now ended, the sound of the pipes say something. They speak to everyone, not just those of Celtic ancestry.

Please help our group provide this music education to our community, and through the next generation, the world.

Thank you,

[ name withheld ]

January 11, 2005

To Whom It May Concern:

The Monterey Celtic Arts Academy has requested my endorsement of its objectives and of the need for community support of its efforts. It gives me great pleasure to do so.

By way of further introduction, may I say that I have been sensitive to the Celtic culture by a forty year participation in the playing of the Great Highland Bagpipe; in the course of which I have come to know several of the principals of the Academy and for whom I have great regard. I am a past president of the Scottish Society of the Monterey Peninsula. Also, for many years, I was registrar and correspondent for the California Summer School of Piping, under the aegis of the College of Piping, Glasgow, Scotland.

Although being American-born of Scotch-Irish descent, I came to realize only by participation in the above activities, the full scope and the value of the Celtic heritage, and how it enhances our nation's multicultural society. I further have observed the very positive benefit to young people who have taken up the disciplines of Celtic music, be it vocally, in performing on various instruments, or in participating in the dance forms. The increasing appeal of the Monterey Scottish-Irish Games every year and the excursions of our local devotees of Celtic culture, bring our community into greater social exchange with others worldwide.

An examination of the goals of the Monterey Celtic Arts Academy shows a well defined presentation of educational opportunities in Celtic heritage for persons of all ages, particularly the young. The credentials, reputation and dedication of the principals of the Academy to these philosophies soundly ensure the success of their efforts.

I earnestly encourage any and all forms of support that can be given to the Monterey Academy of Celtic Arts.

Yours aye,

Charles B. MacGlashan, M.D.

Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival

January 11, 2005

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to recommend the funding of the Monterey Bay School of Piping that will be launched by the Monterey Celtic Arts Academy in 2005. This new week-long music school will provide instruction by internationally known bagpipe teachers to bagpipe students at all levels. Monterey County has enjoyed a rich tradition of Celtic culture that win be enl1anced by the establishment of the school. There are many weddings, golf tournaments. and special events in our area that include bagpipers so it is important that there is a continuous source available. Students who acquire good bagpiping skills can earn money as musicians for a wide variety of events. As a musician and a member of a pipe band, they also learn teamwork, self-esteem, leadership, and more.

I am very familiar with the Monterey Celtic Arts Academy and the individuals involved in launching the Monterey Bay School of Piping. 1 was the Event Coordinator of the Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Festival for the past 37 years, and past President of The Scottish Society of the Monterey Peninsula. I was also a past Drum Major and member of the Monterey Bay Pipe Band (originally the First Salinas Valley Highlanders). My son has taken bagpipe lessons from Pipe Major Michel d' Avenas, the Director of the Monterey Bay School of Piping, and has been a member of the Monterey Bay Pipe Band, as well.

I strongly recommend that your organization help make the Monterey Bay School of Piping a reality in Monterey County. Thank you for your support of this important project.

Roddy Mackay
Event Director
Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival