Piping Talks

In conversation with Grade 1 City of Dunedin Leading Drummer, Eric MacNeill. Originally from New York state and now based in Florida, Eric’s pipe band journey is captivating.

We chat about his introduction to pipe band drumming, being a lead drummer at a young age, getting lessons on the phone from J. Reid Maxwell, and the challenges when leading a drum corps.

Lots of insights on running a corps vs being a core member, and how to navigate personalities.

In conversation with bagpiper Eilidh MacDonald. Originally from Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada—Eilidh grew up in a family of musicians. She’s now based in Glasgow where she is a member of the Grade 1 Scottish Power Pipe Band.

We chat about her piping career so far, growing up in a family with pipers and drummers, how she approaches piping and science, and how bagpiping influenced her professional career.

In conversation with 11 times and current World Solos Drumming Champion, Steven McWhirter. Originally from Northern Ireland but now based in Scotland, Steven is the Leading Drummer of the Grade 1 Inveraray & District Pipe Band.

We chat about his drum corps how he approaches writing music. Getting a call from J. Reid Maxwell and joining Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, as well as how he prepares for the World Solos every year.

You’ll hear lots of insights about leading and managing a drum section and stories about how Inveraray went from Juvenile to Grade 1 in only a few years.

In conversation with Bruce Gandy, one of the most talented composers and pipers in the world. You've most likely heard some of his tunes and thought it was traditional. Based out of Nova Scotia in Canada, Bruce discussed with us his piping journey from Victoria to Ontario, his charity to help the piping community, and how the world-famous Journey to Skye from 78th Live in Ireland came to life as well as how it felt playing it on stage. Fascinating to hear.

In conversation with Matt Welch, an American bagpiper and composer. Based out of sunny California, Matt talks to us about his days in Vancouver during his bachelor's in music at Simon Fraser University, getting into SFU Pipe Band, how he started exploring elements of free jazz and experimental music with the bagpipes, discussing medleys composition, piobaireachd, his book, and much more

In conversation with Jake Jørgensen, Leading Drummer of The Scottish Power Pipe Band. Originally from Denmark, Jake’s story is inspirational — having made the move to Scotland at an early age to become one of the best pipe band drummers in the world.

Now living just outside of Edinburgh, Jake chats with us about his introduction to pipe band drumming, joining Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band under Jim Kilpatrick MBE, taking over a new role as Leading Drummer, and his approach to writing scores.

In conversation with Matt MacIsaac — A Toronto-based musician equally talented at bagpipes, whistles, banjo, percussion, and guitar. Matt speaks with us about touring with Natalie MacMaster’s band, how he loves listening to harmonies in medleys, and his project playing tunes in 25/16 time signature (esp. Smelling Fresh!).

In conversation with bagpiper Andrea Boyd from Canada. After spending a decade in Scotland playing for top bands, Andrea now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario where she’s Pipe Major of the Ottawa Highlanders.

Andrea chats with us about the years in Glasgow, how she joined Boghall & Bathgate Pipe Band and then St. Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band, her involvement in the Ontario Piping Community, and her new role as a Pipe Major. 

In conversation with Alex Gandy, Pipe Major of the Grade 1 band 78th Highlanders Halifax Citadel, based out of Nova Scotia, Canada. A successful piper, Alex chats with us about his family’s influence, the FMM years in Glasgow, being a Pipe Major at an early age, and how he put together his band’s last medley. Our longest episode so far, don’t be surprised to hear from him again.