Ohio Scottish Arts School

Come Join The “Magic”!  June 25—July 1, 2011  Our 33rd Year!

About Us

History

In June 2011 we will celebrate 33 years of preserving the arts and traditions of Scotland.

When the first Ohio Scottish Arts School was held in 1978, no one knew how far we would progress over the years. The first classes were held in dancing, drumming and piping. Fifty eight students attended that year. In 2010, 125 students from 21 states and Canada attended and took classes in dancing, harping, and piping. Classes were also offered in Highland Dance Teacher training.

These classes focus on basic skills, technique, theory and exposure to new material. This focus allows students to develop a strong foundation. Our instructors are top notch and well respected in their fields. They make themselves available to students during classes with individual attention and after class hours for informal discussion and advice. Each student is given an evaluation by their instructors to use at home as a tool for continued growth!

Class time is vigorous with two 3 hour sessions per day, but the evening also allows for informal learning. Students learn from each other in casual jams and instructors often join in these magical, musical moments. The talent that is reflected by these students and instructors is awe inspiring!

Students have an opportunity to experience other disciplines by visiting classes. Harpers have been known to sit in on a dancing class to get the rhythm just right, pipers play for the dancers. This helps all to appreciate and learn about the other arts represented at OSAS.

During this dynamic week one can observe student skills being improved, younger students helping older students with a difficult piece of music or students always playing their instruments or dancing. The commitment to their arts is amazing. It is incredible to be part of this week and students aged 10 to adult never seem to mind giving up a week of their summer to continue the arts and traditions of Scotland.

General Information

We are anticipating another exciting week filled with the usual schedule of classes in dancing, drumming, fiddling, harping and piping, as well as fun times and special activites.

Students

Participants must be 10 years of age or older by the day prior to the first day of OSAS.  The age requirement is in place to ensure that each student will be able to handle being away from home and get the most out of the classes. Adult students are encouraged to enroll. Students should have some knowledge of their particular art, but we encourage enrollment by people of all skill levels. Younger students are well supervised by a staff of counselors. Oberlin College campus security is available 24 hours a day.

Classes and Activities

Classes begin on Sunday morning and are held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. In the evenings students can enjoy various supervised athletic and social activities as time permits. An informal variety show is held on the last night and all are encouraged to participate.

Facilities

Dorms and Dining:

Rooms are provided by Oberlin College. Most rooms are doubles, but for an extra fee adults can request a single room as space permits. Meals are served in the Oberlin College dining hall. Three meals will be served on our full class days, with breakfast only on the last day. Juice breaks are provided each morning and afternoon during the class day.

Classrooms and Studios:

These facilities are well suited for the students needs. They are located within walking distance of the dorms and dining hall.

Arrival Information

Oberlin College is located in Oberlin, Ohio, just west of Cleveland. For an extra fee, registered students may stay in the Dorm on Friday evening. OSAS check-in begins Saturday afternoon with a Welcome Reception for all students, instructors and staff on Saturday evening.

Traveling By Car - Oberlin College is located in Oberlin, Ohio, just west of Cleveland. For an extra fee, ONLY registered students may stay in the Dorm on Friday evening. OSAS check-in begins Saturday afternoon with an Welcome Reception for all students, instructors and staff on Saturday evening.

Traveling By Air - Arriving by air you will be flying into Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Before you make airline reservations it is important to talk with Debbie Doty, President/Director.  To secure transportation to and from Oberlin College, you must arrive on the Friday PRIOR to OSAS between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and depart on the last day of OSAS after 3:00 p.m. (see the Registration Forms for the exact dates).

There is a charge each way for transportation to and from Oberlin College.

If you are unable to arrive/depart at these times, we cannot provide transportation to and from the Airport.

Ohio Scottish Games

The Ohio Scottish Games are held on the 4th Saturday in June each year at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington, Ohio.  Participation in the Games requires separate registration.  Registration for the Ohio Scottish Arts School does not automatically qualify the student to compete in the Games.

Transportation to the Games - We will have a shuttle available to take registered students from Oberlin College to the Ohio Scottish Games for an additional fee. The shuttle will leave in the morning in time for the competitions and return in the evening after the closing ceremonies.

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students

The OHIO SCOTTISH ARTS SCHOOL of The Scottish- American Cultural Society of Ohio, Inc. admits students of any race, color, age, sex, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarships and loan programs and athletic or other school administered programs.

2010 Instructors and Staff

First row:  Missy Gentry-OSAS Vice President/Dance Assistant,  Debbie Doty-OSAS President/Director, Joan Campbell-Counselor, Dani Speigel-Counselor, Cindy Pagano-Counselor, Mary Munro-Dance

Second row: Alison Plemmons-Dance, Cathy Caldwell-Dance Assistant, Debbie Wilshire-Counselor, Sara Gilchrist-Dance Assistant,  Ruth Pearce-Counselor

Third row: Elizabeth Coyle-Dance, Drew Duncan-Pipes Coordinator, Reay Mackay-Pipes, Amber Hildebrand-Photographer, Maeve Gilchrist-Harp, Allison Miller-Harp,  Pam Kilpatrick-OSAS VP/Registrar, Sue Richards-Harp Coordinator, Andrea Tronnes-Dance

Fourth row:  Stephen MacNeil-Pipes, Ken Gummerson-Counselor, Stan Needles-Counselor, Stuart Cassells-Pipes, Sheila Milne-Dance, Joy Tolev-Dance, Barry Conway-Pipes

Not Shown: Margaret Callander-Dance Coordinator

2010 Photos by

James Ely

Amber Hildebrand

Pam Kilpatrick

last update 13july10          All contents property of SACSO, Inc./OSAS ®, All Rights Reserved, Copyright © 1997-2010

Our Coordinators:

Margaret Callander, Highland Dancing

Andrew Duncan, Piping & Drumming

Sue Richards, Harping

The T-Bro’s and Thistle Sisters

First row:  Pam Kilpatrick, Amber Hildebrand

Second row: Ruth Pearce, Debbie Wilshire, Dani Speigel, Cindy Pagano

Third row: Ken Gummerson, Joan Campbell, Debbie Doty, Stan Needles