ABOUT ME
Pipes are my passion
The Great Highland Bagpipes, although just one of over 100 kinds of bagpipes, is the best known type of bagpipes in the world. I first became acquainted with the Highland pipes as a child growing up in a small town that featured a bagpipe band. The skirl of the pipes were thrilling to me. It got into my bones and into my soul. Years later, I took the step to learn to play them myself.
I have now been playing bagpipes for over a dozen years, first in the Washington DC area where I studied with Grade 1 piper and City of Alexandria Pipe Major, John Sprague, then in Honolulu for the past ten years, initially playing with the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii under Piper Major Dan Quinn, followed by piping as a solo piper and currently with the Isle of Maui Pipe Band. Over that time, I have performed as a solo piper for many events including weddings, church services, funerals, memorial services, and birthdays. I have even piped for ash scatterings on board a sailboat at sea and on an outrigger canoe! In 2022, I was honored to lead a small ensemble in piping for Queen Elizabeth's 75th Jubilee Celebration at 'Iolani Palace.
I am available for piping events of all types: parties, weddings, memorials, church services, etc. My attire includes the Black Watch tartan kilt, Prince Charlie jacket, Glengarry (hat), sporan (pouch) and ghillie brogues (shoes). My repertoire includes over 100 tunes and I will consider requests of new tunes as well, although one must realize the Great Highland Bagpipes, being one of the older Western musical instruments, is only built to play 9 notes. So, not every musical piece fits well on the Highland pipes.
My performance experience is backed by extensive musical education and training. I hold an MA and PhD in Music and have performed in other professional musical capacities for over 30 years. As a result, I am also well suited to teach beginning pipers, which I find very fulfilling.
I hope you find the sound of the pipes as moving as I do. Please consider reaching out to me if you are interested in the bagpipes or in my piping services.
