The 2027 Florida Pipe and Drum Academy is an all inclusive bagpiping and drumming school taught by world renowned instructors from Scotland, the United States, and Ireland.
This year’s Academy is being held at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center located in St John’s, Florida, just outside Jacksonville.
By Chris McKeown, Director
Located along the St John’s River, this beautiful venue offers breathtaking views and a peaceful campus – plus top notch lodging and dining, all included in your tuition.
After hours, you’ll have continued access to the instructors for evening workshops and fellowship around the fire pit. There is even a covered dock on the river where sessions can be held weather permitting. Come join us! Sign up here. Check out the Marywood Center here.
Dates: 2/21/27 (Sunday) at 4pm for check-in and 5:30pm for dinner and meet and greet. The address of the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center is 235 Marywood Dr, St Johns, FL 32259, USA.
The North East Florida Highland Games are on the Saturday (27/2/27) following the Academy, giving students a great opportunity to demonstrate their new found skills after a week of expert tuition. Games website here.
Classes are 2/22/27 to 2/26/27 (Mon-Fri) 9am to 5pm. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily. Breakfast only on the Friday. Lodging will only be available Sunday night through Friday morning this year.
Instruction available to all levels of students, pipes, snare, tenor, and bass, drum majors. Confirmed piping instructors are Robert Wallace, Barry Donaldson, Bill Caudill, Matt Pantaleoni and Jon Shell. Snare: Stephen Creighton; Tenor/Bass: Hannah Skinner; Drum Majors: Duane King.
Fees: $800 Day Student (includes tuition and all meals); $1300 Resident Student (includes tuition, meals, and double occupancy lodging); $600 Tag Along (Non participating individuals who are accompanying a student. Includes meals and lodging); $380 Solo room add-on. Rooms are double occupancy but if you desire your own, add this to your order.
Payment is via the website or save fees by sending a check by mail. Use coupon code Check2027 at checkout to send a check via mail payable to Florida Pipe and Drum Academy at PO Box 600050, Jacksonville, Florida 32260. Financing options available at checkout.
If the school is cancelled for any reason, refunds will be issued in full. Updates: Text @flbagpipe to 81010 and follow the school on Facebook at Florida Pipe and Drum Academy. Contact myself, Chris McKeown, at 904-334-5472 or FL.Pipeanddrumacademy@gmail.com.
