Schedule of Events

WINTER STORM WEEKEND

January 15, 16, 17, 18, & 19, 2025 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday)

(Subject to Change)

Download programs and more

Competition Program

Concert Program

Competition Times

Campus Map 

Marriott Floor Plan

Workshop Curriculum and Classroom Materials

Schedule of Events

Registration and Check-in for Competitors and Students

Wednesday
Competitor check-in, pre-registered workshop check-in, and workshop on-site registration.
Marriott 2nd Floor
3:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Thursday
Competitor check-in, pre-registered workshop check-in, and workshop on-site registration.
Marriott 2nd Floor
7:30 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Friday
Competitor check-in, pre-registered workshop check-in, and workshop on-site registration.
Marriott 2nd Floor
7:30 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Saturday
Pre-registered workshop check-in, and workshop on-site registration.
Marriott 2nd Floor
7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Sales Desk will reopen at 6:00 P.M.

Sunday
Pre-registered workshop check-in, and workshop on-site registration.
Marriott 2nd Floor
8:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.

Competitions

    • Click for Order of Play – Subject to Change (At the event, Competitors must check with Stewards for updates; per the rules)
    • Spectator Tickets available online and at Marriott Hotel, 2nd floor. Pass not required for Thursday.
    • $30.00 pass allows spectator access to all of Friday’s piping and drumming competition events and the awards ceremony.

    All competitions will take place at the Marriott Hotel  Marriott Floor Plan

      Thursday

    North American Amateur Piobaireachd Championships

    Grade 3 – 8:00 A.M., Brookside, 1st Floor

    Grade 2 – 8:00 A.M., Seville Ballroom, 2nd Floor

    Grade 1 – 8:00 A.M., Grand Ballroom. 2nd Floor

    North American Amateur Ceol Beag Championships

              Grade 3 –  1:00 P.M., Brookside, 1st Floor

    Grade 2 –  2:00 P.M., Seville Ballroom, 2nd Floor

    Grade 1 –  2:00 P.M., Grand Ballroom. 2nd Floor

    Amateur Tenor Drumming Championship

              Plaza Terrace, 3rd Floor, 1:00 P.M.

    Amateur Bass Drumming Championship

              Plaza Terrace, 3rd Floor, 3:30 P.M.

    North American Amateur Drumming Championships

               All grades in Plaza Terrace, 3rd Floor

    Grade 3 – 8:00 A.M.

    Grade 2 – 9:30 A.M.

    Grade 1 – 10:30 A.M.

           
              Friday

  •           United States Silver Medal Piobaireachd

    Brookside, 1st Floor, 8:00 A.M.

    North American Silver Medal Ceol Beag Championship

              Seville Ballroom, 2nd Floor, 8:00 A.M.

    United States Gold Medal Piobaireachd Championship

              Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, 8:00 A.M.

    North American Gold Medal Ceol Beag Championship

    Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, 1:00 P.M.

    North American Gold Medal Drumming Championship

    Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, 5:00 P.M.

    Gold Medal Bass Drumming Championship

    Seville Ballroom, 2nd Floor, 1:00 P.M.

    Gold Medal Tenor Drumming Championship

    Plaza Terrace, 3rd Floor, 9:30 A.M.

  • Contest Awards Ceremony

    Friday

    8:30 P.M. (Approximate)
    Marriott Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor
    Free admission. Come early to grab a good seat.

    Enjoy the pub in the Grand Ballroom with food and drink available.

    Workshop
    Sponsored by Midwest Pipe Band Association

    Saturday & Sunday

    Workshop classes will be held in the various meeting spaces of the Winter Storm Hotel-Complex, Marriott Hotel and Simpson House.

    Curriculum and classroom locations will be detailed in the workshop packet.
    Campus Map 

    Venue Floor Plans

    Saturday

    Session 1 – 8:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
    Session 2 – 10:15 A.M. to 11:45 A.M.
    Lunch Break- 11:45 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
    Session 3 – 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M.
    Session 4 – 2:45 P.M. to 4:15 P.M.

    Sunday
    Session 5 – 9:00 A.M. to 10:45 A.M.

    Workshop Meals
    The Marriott has breakfast and buffet lunch specials available in the Restaurant. Plus, the Marriott will have food stands in the lobby area and on the 2nd Floor. Additionally, area restaurants are within walking distance.

    Winter Storm – The Pipes and Drums Concert

    Saturday

    LIMITED RESERVED CONCERT SEATING AVAILABLE – Winter Storm is pleased to announce that we have reserved seating for the Winter Storm concert available for purchase, on a limited basis.  For $70 you will enjoy the show from premium reserved seats and get a Winter Steam pint glass, too!  Only 100 reserved seats are available. Tickets will be held at WILL CALL. Purchase Tickets

    Note- Other than the limited reserve seating package, the concert is not open to the general public. With a pub-like atmosphere, general admission seating is AVAILABLE ONLY for Winter Storm students, competitors and their accompanists, family members, and associates.

    • Marriott Hotel – Country Club Plaza, Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor
    • 7:00 P.M. Approximately

    Winter Steam – The Big Party!

    Saturday

    Following the concert
    Marriott Hotel, 2nd Floor Grand Ball Room

    Serving Smithwick’s Irish Ale and Harp

    Bring your bagpipe or drum and play for cool swag, or enjoy a beverage and watch others play. Enter the Winter Steam Ceilidh Challenge.

    Purchase a Winter Steam souvenir pint glass. Enjoy unlimited refills (must be 21 to consume alcohol); purchase in advance online or at the door.