Piping Talks

In conversation with David Henderson, Drum Sergeant of the Police Scotland & Federation Pipe Band. David is an accomplished snare drummer within the pipe band world. He has won every major drumming championship possible including 15 RSPBA major drumming titles, 2 World Championships, and 3 Champions of Champions titles.

As well as holding a BA Honours Degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland specializing in Pipe Band Snare Drumming, David is also a full-time Drumming Instructor in schools across the central belt of Scotland, including current Novice A World Champions, North Lanarkshire Schools. 

We caught up on life, drumming, when to take breaks, how to write music, and what it's like leading a top grade 1 drum corps.

In conversation with drummer and percussionist, Adrian Mordaunt. A true musician who thinks about enhancing a musical performance. A native of Dublin, he’s now based in New York where he was a founding member of acclaimed Irish rock MrNorth, with whom he’s toured throughout the US and Europe. Aido’s also been known as a member of several pipe bands, most recently the New York Metro Pipe Band.

Teaching, judging, leading a corps, touring, and more — we cover all aspects of his drumming career.

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In conversation with Louise Bentley, Leading Drummer of the Grade 1 band Auckland & District from New Zealand. We chat about her drumming journey so far, making the move from New Zealand to Vancouver to play with SFUPB, attending the NZ Summer School, being a young leading drummer, and much much more.

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In conversation with Elias Alexander, an independent bagpiper and one of a handful of musicians from the US who are at the forefront of creativity within contemporary Celtic music. We chat about piping history, how he sees Celtic music as a whole, creativity, busking in New Orleans, fiddle + bagpipe, and much much more. Inspiring to hear a different angle and approach to playing the bagpipes.

Elias has composed for, led, and toured with several bands including Soulsha, an eight-piece Afro-Celtic Funk band, and The Bywater Band, an innovative Celtic ensemble. He also plays with other bands including Fàrsan, MAC, and Seven Nations, and has performed with greats of the Celtic world such as Alasdair Fraser, Carlos Nuñez, and Gillebride MacMillan.

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In conversation with Stewart McKenzie, Pipe Major of the Grade 1 Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band of New Zealand. With over 20+ years as a Pipe Major, we chat about his journey into piping, the influence of his family, getting the PM role at a young age, pulling medleys together, and so much more.

This was my first time talking to Stewart — the outcome was exactly what I wanted to promote with Piping Talks: a deeper understanding of the Pipe Major role both from a musical standpoint as well as the managerial aspect of it. Lots of great insights for aspiring PMs.

Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast:

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Apple Podcast 👉 ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..⁠.

Website 👉 ⁠https://pipingtalks.com⁠

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In conversation with Alexander Scougall, bagpiper for the St. Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band — originally from Scotland and now based in Dublin, Ireland. We caught up on life, talked about how it all started, what it meant to be P/S of Boghall & Bathgate Pipe Band, teaching, moving around, and meeting new people through the pipe band community.

There're talented individuals within the pipe band world, both musically and professionally — and I'm glad I got to chat with Alexander about managing both careers, the ups and downs, and the drive to keep going.

Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast:

Spotify 👉 ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2qvDl09..⁠.

Apple Podcast 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..⁠.

Website 👉 ⁠https://pipingtalks.com⁠

Facebook 👉 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pipingtalks/⁠

Thanks for listening!

In conversation with Steven 'Bassie' Roberts, bass drummer from South Queensferry, Edinburgh. We chat about picking up the bass couple of days before a major championship with Grade 2 Drambuie Kirkliston Pipe Band, to then play with his best mates at The Clan Gregor Society. His years with Shotts & Dykehead during some of the best years under Jim Kilpatrick MBE. How he focuses mostly on the bass drum when listening to a band, being challenged along the way, and pushing hard to win the Worlds.

Inspiring conversation with one of the best at his craft while still being humble. A must for any bass drummer out there wanting to get more knowledge.

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In conversation with Olav Goud, Dutch drummer now based in Adelaide in Australia, and Lead Drummer of New Zealand Police Pipe Band.

In conversation with Liam Kernaghan, accomplished bagpiper, pipe band judge, and politician from Dunedin, New Zealand.

We chat about how he found out about piping in the first place, going up the ranks in the piping scene in New Zealand, making trips to Scotland, and much more.

Solid conversation, a few jokes, and an all-around good time with someone I played with at Boghall and Bathgate back in 2012.

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In conversation with one of North America’s top pipe band players and educators, Doug Stronach. Originally from Scotland and now based just outside of Toronto, Ontario—Doug's pipe band journey is captivating.

We chat about his introduction to pipe band drumming, moving across to Canada during his 20s, getting drum set lessons and exploring different rhythms, and teaching.

Lots of insights on how to learn and evolve as a snare drummer. Make sure to check out his online group lessons running from October to May at www.dougstronach.com.

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