Cash Boost for St Thomas’s Episcopal Pipe Band Programme/ Stuart’s New Book in Hard Copy

Saint Thomas band 2018 G3 US champions and best drum corps

Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School Pipe Band teaching programme in Texas has a received a major boost following the donation of $500,000 (£360,000) from school benefactors.

STE will build a ‘world-class’ Scottish Arts Centre featuring practice rooms for piping and drumming, as well as a recording studio, thanks to the donation from Roy and Judith Shaw.

They have agreed to donate up to $500,000 in matching donations to help rebuild its campus damaged during Hurricane Harvey.

A spokeswoman for the school said: ‘The Shaws’ generosity will ensure that STE’s Scottish Arts Programme, a cherished and unique part of the life of the school, continues for future generations.

‘STE’s ‘Fulfilling the Promise’ capital campaign kicked off its public phase in 2019 following the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, when flood waters damaged more than 70% of the church and school’s facilities.

St Thomas’ Episcopal School semi-submerged in flood water in 2017

‘Damages included a flooded sanctuary and substantial damage to all lower and middle school buildings. With $8,500,000 already raised in ‘Fulfilling the Promise’ donations, Judith and Roy Shaw want to encourage others to give by matching all new campaign donations dollar for dollar from April 6 to April 30, 2021.’

‘I hope people will see the Shaws’ generosity as an incentive to give,’ said Headmaster and Gold Medallist piper Mike Cusack. ‘Their matching gift shows STE is a school worth investing in for the future.’

The St Thomas Juvenile band and their Alumni band have featured strongly at the World Pipe Band Championships over the years winning their grades on several occasions.


Captain Stuart Samson MBE: ‘I am happy to announce that the printed version of my digital book ‘The Parkgrove Collection’ is now available to order online. 

‘I have had many requests asking whether a physical book was in the pipeline and, although it was not my original intention to produce one, I have now gone down this line in order to accommodate those who prefer to have a hard copy. 

‘I am very pleased with the result and would say that it is something of a revelation to me that a high percentage of musicians seem to prefer a physical book.

‘It would be interesting to get an overall view on this in this digital age! Anyone wanting to grab a copy of ‘The Parkgrove Collection’ physical book can order it via this website link.’

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