I am a bagpiper.
Since my first lesson in 1988, this powerful instrument has been a large part of every stage of my life. As a solo competitor, pipe band member and professional performer, I have been afforded the opportunities to travel around the world and compete with and for the best bagpipers the culture has to offer. I am a charter member of the Portland Metro Pipe Band of Portland, Oregon, which is currently preparing to enter it's third season after a very successful 2nd place overall finish in 2008. Before moving to Tacoma in 2007, I was a piping instructor for the Sir James MacDonald Pipe band; a competitive youth band also located in Portland. As a beginning piper I spent 8 years in the Sir James program, learning and improving, serving as Pipe Major during my last two seasons. It was exciting to return to help foster the program which made me who I am today.
Through my experiences I have learned the most important element in any art form is to enjoy it and to share it (and it's not bad if you get paid to do it). I feel I am at my happiest when playing for someone who enjoys the music and hears more than just an instrument. When the bagpipes are played they speak of thousands of years of history and pride from around the world, generations of family memories, and create a moment where anyone within reach will stop and not soon forget that day.
Please contact me at 360.624.6376 or send an e-mail to tacomabagpiper@gmail.com and we can work out a plan that fits into your event. From a single tune to hours of playing, from one piper to a full bagpipe band, the bagpipes and your occasion will be a good match.