Alexander Schiele
- by Skye K. Richendrfer
Congratulations to our friend and longtime Winter School participant, Alexander Schiele, on his triumphant success winning the US Junior solo piping Championship on Saturday, November 12th! The competition was held in Pittsburg, PA, and over the past few years, players from thePacific Northwest have fared extremely well in this competition (Joseph Stewart won it in 2010, with Alexander placing second).
According to this write up in Pipes and Drums, Alexander played “The Unjust Incarceration” for his Piobaireachd, and “93rd at Modder River, Caledonian Society of London, and The Grey Bob” for his MSR. Of note is the second place finisher was none other than Aaron Stone, from Auburn, Washington (another frequent Winter School attendee). Congrats to Aaron as well as his younger sister Amber, who placed 2nd in the Snare Drumming events in Pittsburg. We’re looking forward to seeing and hearing all of them back at Winter School this coming February!
The Schiele, Stone and Stewart families are among the most dedicated and committed folks I have ever met in this piping and drumming world. Traveling hours a week for lessons and band practices, to say nothing of the untold hours of practice—their collective dedication sure has paid off!
Our heartfelt congrats to Alexander, Aaron and Amber for what is obviously turning out to be a pretty great year for players whose names begin with “A!”
Here is a 3 minute video we took and put together last week starring Alexander Schiele; “The Artist formerly known as Alexander…”
Great little video and good to have it published. One day, that may be a very important look back “into the life ” of a high ranking well known player. Alexander has great positive attitude and good drive and determination. Plus, as one of those instructors who has worked with him in the past, I can say with fact, that he is a terrific young player and a very good student. Wish him lots of luck moving onward.
Bruce