About Our School
School for Scottish Performing Arts and Music
Our Mission
Keeping Scottish traditions alive on a modern stage
We are a Not-for-Profit corporation built to halt the steady decline of pipe bands in the Niagara Region. Thirty-five years ago, our region boasted 8 or more bands; today, we have only 3. We exist to reverse this trend by offering completely free bagpipe and drum instruction to youth ages 9 and up. We ensure there will always be pipers to play in the parade, play a bride and groom down the aisle, and honor our heritage.
The Grand Adventure
The School for Scottish Performing Arts & Music was founded to provide a much-needed, dedicated youth teaching program in St. Catharines. We believe in engaging young people with music as a powerful antidote to the "screen-gazer's dilemma." By building a strong Youth Pipe Band, we create an environment for students to exercise leadership skills and forge friendships that will last a lifetime.
THe Team
Award Winning Instructors
Peter A. Mackenzie
Director
The visionary behind SFSPAM, leading the initiative to bring free, world-class bagpipe and drum instruction to the youth of Niagara.
Drew Marshall
Lead Instructor
An award-winning musician dedicated to building the next generation of champions through discipline, technique, and camaraderie.
Jim Baker
Lead Instructor
Fostering youth leadership and musical excellence, ensuring the traditions of the pipe band thrive for decades to come.
Devon Saunders
Instructor
Dedicated to transforming youth curiosity into world-class skill, focusing on foundational technique and performance confidence.
Kelly Buckley
Instructor
Bringing years of competitive experience to the classroom, helping students master their instruments and build lifelong friendships.
Jim Rankin
Instructor
A vital part of our award-winning team, committed to preserving Scottish musical heritage and mentoring Niagara's youth.
Tim Murphy
Instructor
Specializing in dynamic performance and musicality, providing students with the tools to become strong, confident leaders.
Cameron Sinibaldi
Instructor
Focused on developing the next generation of pipers and drummers through engaging, community-driven education.
Caitlin Crichton
Instructor
Passionate about traditional Scottish arts and providing a supportive, disciplined environment for students to excel.
John McIntosh
Director
Bringing decades of tradition to the modern stage, ensuring every student has the opportunity to shine in our Youth Pipe Band.
Don Fraser
Director
Bringing decades of tradition to the modern stage, ensuring every student has the opportunity to shine in our Youth Pipe Band.
James Calder
Instructor
Dedicated to the SFSPAM mission: halting the decline of pipe bands and building a strong, lasting musical community in St. Catharines.
Behind the scenes, our administrative and pastoral teams ensure that every student and family feels supported from their first enquiry to their final performance.
Preserving Tradition. Building Champions.
We are a Not-for-Profit organization dedicated to teaching the youth of Niagara the bagpipes and drums. Through expert instruction and community support, we provide a lifelong antidote to the "screen-gazer's dilemma."
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