JustPipes.org - Justin Howland

USS Highland Games- Costa Mesa, California

2008-05-27T20:49:00.001-07:00

I'm just back from the USS Highland Games in Costa Mesa, California. The weather both days was a bit questionable in the morning but cleared up and was quite promising by the time of the band contests. The results are: (click on the names below to watch performances of the contests)

Saturday- Medley
1st LA Scots
2nd Dowco Triumph Street
3rd James Coyne Memorial (grade II)
Drumming: Dowco Triumph Street

Sunday- MSR
1st Dowco Triumph Street
2nd LA Scots
3rd James Coyne Memorial
Drumming: Dowco Triumph Street

Other mentions are Scott Wood winning the grade I piobaireachd, and Lauren MacRitchie winning the open tenor contests. Both were competing for the first time in their grade, and play with Triumph Street.

P/M Colin Armstrong leading on the LA Scots, P/M David Hilder leading on Triumph Street, and Triumph Street after winning the MSR on Sunday.

Great Basin Branch- Awards Dinner

2008-04-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

I'm just back from the WUSPBA-Great Basin Branch awards dinner and here are the 2007 branch aggregate winners:

Individual Piping:

Grade I- Melissa Bautz
Grade II- Sean Fetherston
Grade III- Alex Morrill
Grade IV- Corrie Nichol

Individual Drumming:

Grade I Snare- William Gunn
Grade III Snare- Sean Gibson
Grade IV Snare- Dustin Gunn
Grade II Tenor- Meaghan Brown and Malarie Reddoor

Pipe Bands:

Grade IV- Henry's Fork Pipe Band
Grade III- Salt Lake Scots Pipe Band

Congratulations to the winners and best of luck in the upcoming competition season!

Salt Lake Scots Concert

2008-03-19T10:05:00.001-07:00

It's been a couple of years since I've heard the Salt Lake Scots play and was very pleasantly surprised. Jason Killpack has done a very good job with the pipe corps and BJ Gunn has maintained the standard he's always set for his drum corps. The band is playing the new 'Gael' chanter that was developed with the aid of Jim McGillivray-- it's a much lower pitch than most chanters being played-- and the drum corps are playing new Andante drums. I wasn't sure if I liked the sound of the chanters at first, but found it to be quite pleasant. The drone sound that comes out with an overall lower pitched instrument always seems more rich with more depth.
The Salt Lake Scots are playing well and I wish them the best of luck through the rest of the season and upcoming years. Here are a few pictures from the concert:

Site Updates

2008-03-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

There have been a few updates to the site:

The next piobaireachd session is now closed
Events have been added to the Events page- if you have an event that you'd like to have announced I'd be more than happy to post them on the site.

February-March '08 Group Piobaireachd Workshop

2008-01-13T14:39:00.001-08:00

*March-April Session Closed*

The first group piobaireachd workshop I've begun to teach is coming to a close at the end of this month, meaning the session for February and March is currently open. I will be taking feedback from those that were involved so that I can make the necessary improvements to how the session is being taught. The tune we will focus on is 'Lament for the Old Sword' and I will provide a score to the music and any other materials needed.

For more information please check the instruction page or feel free to contact me at any time.

Band Upgrades...

2007-12-30T20:35:00.000-08:00

"As of today, December 30th 2007, the BCPA board approved the recommendations from a panel of experts (both within the BCPA, PPBSO and the RSPBA) with a unanimous vote to promote the Dowco-Triumph Street Pipe Band to Grade One."

This promotion marks the 13th grade I pipe band in North America and second in British Columbia.

Every band looks forward to the day they get upgraded; it shows the culmination of a lot of hard work that has finally paid off and does wonders for morale. Congratulations to all recently upgraded bands throughout the piping community and to all who have accomplished the goals they've set out to conquer. The only direction to go is up; I hope everyone uses this time to look back on what's been overcome and look forward to what's to come next.

David Barclay Memorial Indoor Competition

2007-12-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

I'm just back from the 1st Annual David Barclay Memorial Indoor Competition held today at the University of Utah and put on by the Utah Pipe Band. The judges were Scott Robertson (drumming) and Jack Cairney (piping) who are both former members of the Triumph Street Pipe Band from Vancouver, British Columbia. It was a very full day for the judges but everything ran very smoothly and with no troubles at all, at least from my perspective. All solo events moved seamlessly into each other with very few gaps in time and I don't think the schedule ever got behind, despite a large number of entrants. Both judges had time to give an open clinic/workshop for anyone interested in sitting in on it and I'm actually a bit disappointed I didn't get a chance to do so on the drumming clinic. All in all it was a great day full of piping and drumming. Here are a few pictures from the day:

In order- Morning snow on the University Campus, Jason Killpack (P/M Salt Lake Scots) competing his grade II events, Mike Postma (D/S Wasatch and District) competing his grade I events, Joe Yost (Utah Pipe Band) competing his grade IV events, Payson High School performing for critique.

Siubhal- A musical journey

2007-11-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

Recently there have been a lot of things I've listened to or that have just come up which have led me to wonder about the legitimacy of instruments and at what point an instrument becomes accepted as legitimate. Barnaby Brown brought to light a wonderful example on BBC pipeline a few weeks ago. He mentioned that in his teachings in one of the most recent sessions at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama not one person had ever heard of piobaireachd. This was even within one of the traditional/folk/world music classes! I've often times thought it's possible an instrument becomes legitimate when it is able to play certain types of music. It is not a matter of the actual instrument but stylistic preference perhaps. I would say it's possible the bagpipes are overlooked due to a certain amount of the limitations of range, dynamics, or versatility but I doubt that's entirely it. Perhaps it could have to do with cultural bias or discrepancy? Whatever the case may be, there are many well researched sources which lead me to believe the Great Highland Bagpipe is deserving of a position next to other instruments of varying repertoires.
Piobaireachd

One of the first things that comes to my mind is piobaireachd. Developed in the highlands of Scotland 100 years before the piano came about, this great music came out ahead of its time. It's said that piobaireachd is the "classical" form of piping in that the urlar (ground) sets out the theme of the tune in which the following variations expound upon in varying and differing ways, until reaching a form of the crunluath variation (crowning) which marks the culmination of the musical journey that is the tune itself. With extensive research being done by the likes of Barnaby Brown and Allan MacDonald, it starts to become apparent that piobaireachd has come a long way in its own development. It may have started as a "folk" genre and instrument, or may still be considered as such, but much like Urtiin duu (long song) of Mongolian musical tradition, piobaireachd has become a distinctive cultural identity that may be contemplative or exemplary. When examining these two musical traditions (Scottish and Mongolian) side by side, and especially with the influence and findings of the combined research of Barnaby Brown and Allan MacDonald, it seems obvious that there's a profound amount of musical and contemplative complexity within the music. At this point I think an instrument and it's music are just as worthy of merit as within the realm of classical or jazz music. Unless complexity and musical progression have nothing to do with becoming legitimate...?

Light Music

On the most recent Planet Pipe (3 Nov. 2007-which is still accessible through the program archives) a group called the Red Hot Chilli Pipers was featured. The music they play is mostly within the traditional Scottish repertoire but they also play music from Queen and Coldplay on a mixture of traditional Scottish instruments in addition to electric guitars, drum kit etc. The music the group plays is not necessarily new, in fact there are other groups similar to them doing similar things with the instrument, but they are bringing the bagpipe and traditional (and sometimes not so traditional) Scottish music into the mainstream, almost forcing people to examine and accept the instrument and music as legitimate. Though this "forcing" may have a negative connotation I believe it's a great thing that's being done. Just to pose a question: Why do singer/songwriters (i.e. Bob Dylan) receive acclaim amongst the majority of people and not those steeped within traditional music? If the answer is due to poetic lyrics I'd have to disagree and feel they're no more touching than others I've heard within other traditions. Using Bob Dylan as an example, I realize there is a certain amount of political and social influence but I still feel the same could be said, again, for other forms within varying musical traditions. There is, or was, certainly more exposure to his music and his singing and playing is perhaps less abrasive than the bagpipe, which I could see as an argument for one side over the other, but it is not significant enough for me. I wonder then if influence is what aids in artists, musicians in this case, receiving credibility from a wide audience or their fellow artists? If that is the case I don't see why people like the late Martyn Bennett aren't more widely known for their influence and putting Scottish music out into the mainstream or popular music scene. Recently Matisyahu, an Hassidic Orthodox Jewish Reggae/Hip Hop artist (he can be heard here), has become an advocate for Judaism whilst using popular music as a medium to get his message across, much like Martyn Bennett has for Scottish music and culture (especially with works like his album Glen Lyon).

Scottish Music compared with other "accepted" forms

What is the determining factor then? Why is the Great Highland Bagpipe still regarded as a folk instrument not capable or worthy of consideration within other genres of music? Why is it viewed as an intrusion if the bagpipe begins to "infiltrate" other musical forms? Is or should John Cage's piece for solo piano (4'33") be worth regarding with high esteem any more than a well known tune within some traditional form? Andrew Douglas played close to five minutes of drones on his first album, Expression, which was supposed to mark the same sort of "silence" as in Cages 4'33". If John Cage is regarded as a great composer whose influence carries much weight so should Andrew Douglas! Seaumus MacNeill wrote in Piobaireachd and Its Interpretation that Mendelssohn reportedly made a statement that the piobaireachd Lament for the Children contained one of the most beautiful melodies he had ever heard. Surely his opinion must mean something. Besides, it's a well known fact that famous composers, such as Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, etc. borrowed melodies from local folk traditions. They also had the benefit and availability of an entire orchestra. A melodic line may be great but will certainly be made better if it is orchestrated. Maybe that's what the bagpipes are missing, some sort of accompaniment other than percussive? But this is exactly what Martyn Bennett did with MacKay's Memoirs!

Isn't it about time we got past looking down on other instruments, traditions and cultures and started realizing how much potential there is out in the world? By respecting and taking into consideration other musical traditions we better ourselves as musicians and people. David Fanshawe wrote his African Sanctus with just this idea in mind, juxtoposing religious texts from Western and differing African traditions which resulted in a wonderful comparison of musical and cultural differences while never detracting or emphasizing one over the other.

First Piobaireachd Workshop- Oct. 1, 2007

2007-09-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

October 1, 2007 will mark the beginning of the new Piobaireachd Workshops I'm offering. The schedule is set, the class is full and I'm anxious to get started. This should be very exciting and a great way to interact with others while playing and learning about piobaireachd and its structure.

Stay tuned for information on how the class is progressing and keep checking back here and in the 'Instruction' section if interested in the next session beginning in February of 2008. Who knows, enough interest shown early on would be great potential for running two sessions simultaneously!

Piobaireachd and Its Interpretation...

2007-09-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

I've been having a great conversation with Marc Pehkonen on his blog site about piping in general, piobaireachd and the approach/merits of teaching and presenting the music we all love. Check it out here and get involved! It's always great to hear new and varied opinions plus it's fun to get others involved in discussion.

A little food for thought couldn't hurt, could it?

WUSPBA Great Basin Branch AGM

2007-09-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

I'm just back from the branch AGM where new officials were elected along with a few items discussed. All in all it was short, sweet and to the point. Congratulations to the new officers:

President- B.J. Gunn (Salt Lake Scots)
Vice President- Kerri Welton (Payson High School/Wasatch and District)
Secretary- Kylene Tanner (Wasatch and District)
Treasurer- Erin McMaster (Salt Lake Scots)

A big thanks goes also to Larry Erdmann for holding the post of Branch President for the last two years.

I left my heart in San Francisco...

2007-09-04T22:22:00.000-07:00

The Wasatch and District Pipe Band is just back from the final competition of the season, the Caledonian Club of San Francisco's Gathering and Games held in Pleasanton, California. The reason for the title referring to San Francisco is due to the fact that, after having been there once a month for two years, I haven't been back since earlier this year (the beginning of February to be exact). The city itself is incredibly dynamic and has left a great impression on me. I only spent a short time this trip due to the fact that Pleasanton is about 40 minutes Southeast of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge was closed for earthquake proofing during the weekend.

Getting to the competition: A good portion of the band got to the fairgrounds early Friday morning after driving all night in order to get there in time for the noon piobaireachd competition. Saturday and Sunday were mixed solo and band events and both days were hot (somewhere in the 100's). Saturday the band placed 3rd in QMM and Sunday placed 2nd in the timed medley. The drum corps came through again with a great finish of 2nd on Saturday and 1st on Sunday!

Here are some pictures taken from the weekend:

The famous Ghirardelli Square, The WDPB warming up before competition and Massed bands waiting to go on.

Garvie Border Pipes- For Sale

2007-09-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

This summer I purchased a set of border pipes from Nigel Richards that I simply don't have time to keep up. This is a beautiful set made of blackwood with boxwood mounts and gold plated slides. They are in the key of 'A' with an extended range chanter (high B, low F, and low E). They also have the typical bass and tenor drones but with a baritone drone in addition. This drone has its own stop going to it. The price I'm selling this set is $4700 which is less than what I paid. As I said, this is a beautiful set of pipes that needs to be played. Send inquiries to me at justpipes@gmail.com. Please serious inquiries only.

Website Improvements

2007-08-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

Now that everything else on this site is coming together it's time to start refining it. I've asked my friend Connary to help out with the design stuff (both logo and with the site). There are a lot of things still in the works so still many more changes are to come. Check back for frequent updates to the site.

The banner is taken from part of a photo I took while in Scotland in August of 2006. The picture is of one of the stained glass windows in St. Margaret's Chapel at Edinburgh Castle. It's the oldest surviving structure from the medieval castle, built by King David I and dedicated to his mother, Saint Margaret, who died in the castle in 1093. This chapel is extremely small and plain on the outside but is a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture in the interior.

Updated New-Group Piobaireachd Workshop!

2007-08-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

Updated information available on the 'Instruction' page as of 8/19/07

Recently there's been a great interest shown in piobaireachd within the state, which has been proven by Gordon Nichol (current president and founder of the Utah Piobaireachd Society). Slowly people, and not just pipers, are starting to appreciate it more than ever before. Based on this, and inquiries/encouragement I've gotten from some, I've decided to start offering group lessons. I know it may not be as effective to teach on this basis so rather than thinking of it as a group lesson it's best to look at it more along the lines of a workshop. Topics will be discussed in depth and strengthened by several examples. Such topics are:

structure
presentation
and the approach to understanding piobaireachd as a musical form.

Piobaireachd is not and no longer has to be a mystery. Once a good understanding of the above things are in place it's surprising how much more enjoyable piobaireachd will become.

Workshops will be held bi-monthly but details are still yet to be determined. Keep an eye out in the "Instruction" area for more information.

Maxville/Montreal '07

2007-08-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

Now that I've gotten a big portion of this site done I'm able to put up my first real 'post.'

Two weeks ago I travelled with the Wasatch and District Pipe Band to the North American Championships in Maxville, Ontario. In the years I've been involved with this group of people and the three years the band has been formed we have never made an accomplishment as great as this. For years I've listened to recordings of the top bands in the world, over and over I've hoped to have the chance to play in a major championship and finally it's been done!

The band stayed in Montreal which is about 1hr 15min from Maxville. Thursday we played in Old Quebec City at a festival going on there then did a bit of sight seeing. I must say, even though we were expecting humidity it took me by surprise. Due to the short tuning time, humidity, etc. it was a bit difficult to get a good sound before our first show and, in fact, the pipes didn't settle in until late Friday night. For soloists competition was held on Friday so we were all busy throughout the day. I don't remember the exact placings but the bands soloists did very well. When I get the exact placings I'll put them up. Saturday marked the moment of truth, everything we had been working on led up to this one morning. Time, money and a lot of hard work spent hopefully not to be wasted on a poor performance. (As an aside I first have to thank the Ulster-Scottish Pipe Band for playing host to us. They shared tents, chairs, water and made for a much more enjoyable trip.) As we were in the final tuning area the steward made it clear that we would be disqualified if we did not make our way to the line. Unfortunately I didn't know we had just been given fair warning and had not quite yet finished tuning one our guys drones. After we got done with the performance and had marched out of the competition arena there was a huge weight lifted. Even though I don't think I was ever stressed out about the competition I was incredibly relieved that we had finally accomplished such a great goal.

Speaking with the drum corps after the performance it was mentioned that it felt a little rough and even thought that the break down would work out that the drum score would be low (close to 7th place). Needless to say, I didn't listen to any of the bands once we were finished but made my way for the professional solos and a bite to eat. I missed all but the last two grade II bands but made sure not to miss any of the grade I's. I have to say that Toronto Police had a great medley selection. It was very enjoyable listening.

Then came massed bands...the results were in. I thought we had a decent chance of placing within the top six and, lo and behold, ended up taking 4th with our drum corps placing 2nd!

The next day, at the Montreal Highland Games, our soloists had an equally successful day and so did the band. All bands were crowded into the same area so hearing some of the bands tune up was a bit disconcerting. The Dartmouth and District Pipe Band had a very strong pipe corps with tight unison and great tone (all kids too!). As the grade IV was tuning up we were debating whether they were in fact the grade IV or not. As the results were announced that afternoon and upon hearing Dartmouth placing 2nd overall I thought there was no chance of us even getting into the final list, especially based on what I heard earlier. It was then announced, "...and in first place with best drum corps and best bass section, the Wasatch and District Pipe Band." We must have cheered the most out of any other band there.

The pictures are of me competing my piobaireachd (judge: Rob Crabtree), the WDPB at the line in Maxville, and me waiting for the final band results in Montreal.

Cheers!

Piping Radio

2007-08-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

About

2007-08-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

Contact

Email Address: justpipes@gmail.com
Website: http://www.justpipes.org/

Biography

I've been playing the bagpipes for so long some think I have no other interests outside of bagpiping...not true. I used to be very active within sports; I played baseball, basketball, wrestled, mountain/road bike, played competitive soccer for years and even had a short-very short- stint with the University of Utah Rugby team.

But besides all of the above I currently am involved a great deal within the piping community, locally and more recently nationally. When I'm not piping, however, I'm usually reading, involved with some other sort of music activity, working on something school related or just enjoying myself and life in any way possible. As I said, music and literature are huge to me. In fact, I considered, and still do occasionally, pursuing a degree in Comparative Literature or something in the field of Linguistics. But even during my long period of indecision I've always fallen back on something science related. I'm currently pursuing a degree in Biology at the University of Utah and then am hoping to move onto a higher degree within Medical Research. I've determined that whatever my decision is in terms of career choice a must is that I make some sort of significant and hopefully measurable difference.

There are too many difficulties in the world, why create others?

Testimonials

2007-08-14T19:44:00.001-07:00

Justin is an excellent student who has a wonderful grasp of the various
aspects inherent with playing a bagpipe at a very high level. This includes
musicality, technique, bagpipe tone and tuning, music theory to name a few.

-John Cairns, P/S 78th Fraser Highlanders, Double Gold medallist

As an instructor:

I have worked with Justin as a student for about two years and am constantly impressed by the knowledge he contains. I love the unique way in which he presents the music; he is continually learning new techniques and passing them onto me. I know that Justin is always working to improve his passion and it shows through his teaching. I appreciate the patience Justin has with me. He has helped me to develop my tuning skills and has shown me how to pick apart a tune to improve on the very basics of bagpiping. I appreciate Justin as an instructor and a friend.

-Kim Brown

I've been taking lessons from Justin for 3-4 years. Aside from being an excellent piper Justin is a good instructor. He has been very patient with me even though I'm sure there were times when he didn't know if I would ever be able to learn and his knowledge of piping seems to be never-ending. His enthusiasm for piping is also something that makes me want to keep trying to learn. Most important in my opinion is the fact that Justin is a very nice guy and very pleasant to be around. I really enjoy my weekly lessons with him.

-Kevin Newman

I must say that Justin is one of the few local pipers that I will pause what I'm doing just to hear him play. The time and devotion he has put into his craft clearly sounds in his pipes.I am probably his oldest student, but his patients and persistence to play properly has helped me to achieve a level of playing that has gone beyond my expectations. I would highly recommend Justin as an instructor and as a performer.

-Douglas Hunter

More coming soon...

Places of Interest

2007-08-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Piping Blogs (for/by pipers):

The Brickman Blog

Bruce Gandy Music- Bruce Gandy- Former member of the 78th Fraser Highlanders, current member of 78th Highlanders Halifax, and one of the world's top competitors, composers, performers, and sought after instructors.

The Captain's Corner- Ken Eller- Former member of the 78th Fraser Highlanders and, now, well travelled instructor

Colby Forbush- Colby is a student of mine who is available for hire.

Dunaber Music- Mike Grey- Former member of 78th Fraser Highlanders and world class soloist and teacher.

Heathen Highlanders- Group of local guys who go out and have a good time. They're also available for hire for private functions.

Hindsight- West Coast Kilts

It's Devin

Matthew Newsome- Member of the International Guild of Tartan Scholars, curator of the Scottish Tartans Museum.

The Piper's Ghost- DeAnn Goodman is the P/M of the Utah Pipe Band and now author of this book!

Piping Girl

Piper Pride-Marc Pehkonen- Member of the Wasatch and District Pipe Band who has an online presence.

Pipes/Drums- Blogpipe

Pipey's Corner

Weetootwaag's Podcast

Zen Traveler

Piping Related:

Bagpipe Solutions by John Cairns- Double gold medallist and P/S of the 78th.

Bobdunsire.com- Bagpipe Web- Over 3000 piping related sites.

Bobdunsire.com- Forums- A great resource for discussing piping the world over.

CNatural Music- Andrew Douglas- Young piper with SFU who writes very innovative music.

Garvie Bagpipes- Maker of Border Pipes (he made mine)

Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust- Memorial Fund for one of the most influential and innovative contemporary pipers there has ever been.

Martyn Bennett- Another innovative piper who died far too young. Mix of electronic and traditional forms of music.

Pipes/Drums- Up to date piping news run independently by Andrew Berthoff of Toronto, ON.

Roddy MacLeod MBE- Piobaireachd- Home to one of the world's top pipers and instructors, who is the Principal of the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, Scotland and former P/M of Scottish Power Pipe Band. This site is worth visiting just to look at how nicely it's put together.

The Salt Lake Piping Club- Home to some fine Irish Piping (Uilleann) right in our own state!

Willie McCallum Piping- One of the world's most successful solo competitors and co-developer of the McC (squared) solo chanter.

Other Places to Visit:

B Chronicles- My sister's blog with great photos, and updates from Germany

Connary Fagen- Composer, Graphic Designer- He's the reason this site looks the way it does.

Nuprin Diaries- German Edition- Ryan's blog with updates from his and Amanda's German adventures!

SLC-Gut- This is to my sister's business homepage. You know you want to...

Yost Laboratory- Member of the Utah Pipe Band, professor and researcher at the University of Utah, and Director of this lab.

Pipe Band Links

2007-08-14T19:43:00.001-07:00

Pipe Bands-Local:

Ben Lomond High School Bagpipe Corps - Ogden, Utah

Galloway Highlanders - Roy, Utah

Henry's Fork Pipe Band - Rexburg, Idaho

J.T. Dunnie Pipe Band/Salt Lake Scots Pipe Band - Salt Lake City, Utah

Payson High School Pipe Band - Payson, Utah

Scarlet & Black Pipe Band - Cedar City, Utah

Utah Pipe Band - Bountiful, Utah

Wasatch & District Pipe Band - Bountiful, Utah

White Peaks Centennial Pipe Band - Payson, Utah

Pipe Bands- Other:

Bagad Kemper - France (Bagad Du)

Prince Charles Pipe Band - San Francisco, California

Scottish Lion-78th Fraser Highlanders - Toronto, Canada

Simon Fraser University Pipe Band - Vancouver, Canada

Triumph Street Pipe Band - Vancouver, Canada

Ulster Scottish Pipe Band - Devon, Pennsylvania

Picture of the Month

2007-08-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

These pictures are just chosen at random and are not necessarily piping related. I hope you enjoy!

This was taken on a recent trip to B.C. for a practice with Triumph St. This is a nature reserve in North Delta, called Burns Bog.

Performance

2007-08-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

I'm available to play at any type of private or corporate function. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary or even if it's a large group, the bagpipes can contribute greatly no matter the occasion or mood.

Weddings:

I'm available to:

Play while guests arrive
Pipe the bride down the aisle
Play the newly wed couple out
Play for a time during the reception.

Whatever the choice I'm able to make an enjoyable experience while not taking the focus from the bride and groom.

Funerals:

Many people are accustomed to the idea of having the bagpipes played at a funeral. Traditionally the bagpipes have been played for all types of occasions in order to show respect for the deceased. I'm available to:

Play before and/or after the service has begun
Play during the service
Play the casket to and/or at the graveside

Special Occasions:

I have an extensive repertoire and am able to match whatever the mood fits. I'm available for:

Birthday Parties
Recitals
Corporate functions
Other- any other function you may think of!

Pricing:

Pricing is subject to change based on these factors:

Total amount of time required to play (this includes tune up/performance time)
Travel time
Type of function requested

Please contact me for any further questions on pricing.

Events

2007-08-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

Where I'll be in 2008:

16 March: St. Patricks Day Fundraiser, Golden Spike Pub, 3224 St. John’s Street, Port Moody, British Columbia-$20 incl. dinner (DTSPB)
19-20 April: Las Vegas Highland Games- Las Vegas, Nevada (WDPB & Solo) WDPB (III)- 2nd Medley & MSR: Solo (I)- 2nd HJ, 4th MSR
24-25 May: USS Highland Games- Costa Mesa, California (DTSPB & Solo) DTSPB (I)- 2nd Medley, 1st MSR
13-14 June: Utah Highland Games- Thanksgiving Point, Electric Park (WDPB & Solo)
28 June: BC Highland Games- Coquitlam, B.C. (DTSPB & Solo)
12 July: Skagit Valley Highland Games- Mt. Vernon, Washington (DTSPB & Solo)
19 July: Portland Highland Games- Gresham, Oregon (DTSPB & Solo)
26-27 July: Pacific Northwest Highland Games- Enum Claw, Washington (DTSPB & Solo)
31 July: "B in the Park" at Confederation Park, Ottawa, Ontario (DTSPB)
1-2 August: Glengarry Highland Games- Maxville, Ontario (DTSPB)
30-31 August: Caledonia Club of San Francisco Gathering and Games- Pleasanton, California (WDPB & Solo)

Instruction

2007-08-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

I have been playing the bagpipes since about 1994-the exact year I don't recall. I began my initial instruction from David Barclay in Bountiful, Utah and was a long time member of the Utah Pipe Band grade III. I also received instruction from Jori Chisholm (member of Simon Fraser University Pipe Band) for about two years via web-cam and microphone. For a short time I became the P/M of Utah Pipe Band grade IV, which was one of the most difficult things I've done within pipe bands. Since then, I've gone on to become one of the founding members of the Wasatch and District Pipe Band, was the Chairman of the Music Committee for 3 years, and am now the band's instructor and a contributing member of the Music Committee. For a two year period I was a member of the Prince Charles Pipe Band (grade I) based in San Francisco, California, and In the fall of 2007 joined the Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band of Vancouver, Canada. I receive my tuition from the P/S of the Scottish Lion-78th Fraser Highlanders and double gold medallist-the 11th person to have ever won both gold medals in the same year and the only one from outside of Scotland- John Cairns and compete at the grade I level.

Private Lessons:

I teach beginning-intermediate pipers so long as there's a strong interest and willingness to work. I currently have limited availability to teach but am willing to take on new students who are serious about learning to play.

Group Piobaireachd Workshops:

*CLOSED- Too Long in this Condition 1 Oct. '07- 21 Jan. '08*

*CLOSED- Lament for the Old Sword 3 Mar. '08- 28 Apr. '08*

With the rising interest in piobaireachd by the global piping community and more recently within the local community I've decided to start teaching piobaireachd in group lessons. The great thing about this is, no previous experience with piobaireachd is needed. I teach the:

structure
presentation
and the approach to understanding piobaireachd as a musical form.

Classes will be taught in 8 1-week sessions starting at 6:30 pm on Monday nights, and will be capped off at 5 students per session. This means there will be 8 lessons each lasting from 1-1 1/2 hours. Tunes will be picked by me before each session starts and announced in this section of the website along with the session dates. Once the class is full I will announce this on the main page and send out a learning schedule to those in the class via email.

Please keep checking back for more information in order to stay updated on classes!

Band Workshops:

My experience in pipe bands and pipe band leadership has given me a strong foundation in setting up and teaching bands. I have gained extensive guidance from many top level bandsmen and pipers. I'm available for:

Setting up a pipe section (quality and stability of the instrument)
Music Selection (construction of sets, transitioning, writing harmonies)
Improving technique and unison playing of pipe section

Cost:

For private instruction I teach from my home and charge $20/hour lesson.
Group Piobaireachd- $15/class paid at the beginning of each month ($10/class for private students doing the class additionally).
Prices for band workshops are subject to change based on: travel time & each day of teaching

Any further inquiries please don't hesitate to contact me.