“I am a piper. I play the
highland bagpipe for various functions
in the San
Antonio area. That’s me—the San Antonio Piper” |
Bagpipes are among the oldest musical
instruments. Even though there are many types of
bagpipes from different countries and each with a unique
design and sound, it is mainly the Great Highland
Bagpipe of Scotland that most associate as the bagpipe.
It is the pipe that plays a role in modern Gaelic
culture. It is often played at memorials and funerals,
both military and civilian for its plaintive sound. And
yet many social events (birthdays, weddings,
anniversaries) receive a lift by the sound of this
unique musical instrument.
 For nearly 20 years, I’ve been playing the Highland
pipes. I’ve attended many workshops throughout the
country and have attended the North American Academy of
Piping and Drumming www.naapd.org since 1992. During
this time I’ve performed and/or competed with Cross
Creek Pipes and Drums, Albuquerque and 4 Corners Pipes
and Drums, North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums
www.ntcpd.com ,
Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums
www.silverthistle.org , Black Bexar Pipe Band
www.blackbexar.com
(currently as pipe major).
Since retirement from the Air Force, I’ve had the
wonderful opportunity to play the pipes for a vast
variety of events and people here locally in San
Antonio. As an example, I’ve played for schools
www.sa-academy.org
, parades
www.harpandshamrock.org , church services
www.npcsa.org ,
local Highland Games
www.sahga.org , golf tournaments
www.canyonsprings.com , and obviously weddings
and funerals/memorials. One of the most memorable event
was to perform with the Chieftains
www.thechieftains.com But I’m most honored to
be able to join with the Dept of Veterans Affairs and
the National Cemetery of Fort Sam Houston
www.cem.va.gov/CEMs/nchp/ftsamhouston.asp to
honor all veterans as the piper at both Veterans Day and
Memorial Day ceremonies.
My time is most flexible and I am more than willing to
work with you for any event. I’m confident that I can
give you a professional performance. Although
traditional music is recommended, some contemporary
music can be adapted to the pipes, although the 9 note
scale limits much of the opportunity. I play MacLellan
bagpipes
www.highland-pipemaker.com made of cocobolo
presenting a warm and full sound, Sloan smallpipes
www.raysloan.com
and Walsh smallpipes
www.johnwalshgpipes.com
If you are interested in taking beginner piping lessons,
you will need to have a practice chanter and a tutorial
which I will either have available or direct you to a
local vendor who carries the appropriate items. And
realize that you don’t have to be Scottish, 6 feet tall,
and a guy to play the pipes!!!!
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