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Here at ScotlandShop we love to celebrate our Scottish heritage, culture and traditions. Of course Bagpipes and Bagpiping are a very important part of Scottish tradition, and we are delighted to speak to pipers from all over the world, learn about the important role pipers play and of course the exciting events they take part in. Get in touch with your piping stories today.
Time to meet the pipers
Marco Kochwasser
Marco Kochwasser has been playing drums since an early age, but in pipe bands since 2004. It has been a passion of his since experiencing the Royal Military Tattoo in Edinburgh first hand. We caught up with Marco to get to know him a little bit better, and understand his passion behind being a Drum Major, and playing in the pipe bands.
I was lucky enough to experience “The Big Blaw“ at the top of the castle, and seeing that beautiful sunset was unforgettable.
When was the first time you played the drums and fell in love with the music?
The first time I played the drums was in 2001 as a child with a local band for carnival season. It is a traditional German celebration full of music and great fun during the winter. But the year I fell in love with the bagpipes and drums was 2004, watching the Edinburgh Tattoo on TV. The massed pipes and drums playing Black Bear down the Royal Mile really is something.
We can see you have been a part of many events; what performance has been your favorite to be part of so far?
I performed for King Charles when he visited Germany, and performed alongside Andre Rieu twice in Frankfurt and Cologne, but my favorite event would be “The Basel Tattoo “in Switzerland. I have been lucky enough to partake in this event from the very start since 2006. It has grown to be the second-largest Tattoo in the world. I have made many friendships across the globe and have seen some fantastic acts, and the musicality they bring out every year is always impressive.
You recently visited Edinburgh while the Tattoo was on; what was the highlight of your trip?
The highlight of my Edinburgh Trip is, without a doubt, attending The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. I was lucky enough to experience “The Big Blaw “ at the top of the castle and seeing that beautiful sunset was unforgettable. To watch many of my friends/colleagues from the Tattoo world perform at such a historic attraction is fantastic!
While in Edinburgh, you visited our shop and sat on our tartan throne; while in the shop, did you manage to find any tartan to take home with you?
Of course, many of my friends/colleagues have purchased from your store, and I was told it was a must-do during my visit. I managed to buy the District of Angus and Cameron of Lochiel Tartan. You have a vast range of Tartans that won't be the last time I visit.
Are you more of a kilt or trews man?
I am most definitely a kilt man when I'm in full dress for performances, but for gatherings and functions, I'm a trews man.
While you are based in Germany, we are curious if you have family ties to Scotland.
No, I do not have any family ties to Scotland.
We would love to know if you have a favorite tartan, and if so, which one?
I have so many favorites because each tartan has a special meaning to me at different times. They all represent a connection to a group, history, and memory. But the first tartan I ever wore was the Gordon Tartan. And the tartan I wear the most recently is Royal Stewart Tartan. Actually I like to wear the Angus District tartan for formal events. My band Clanpipers Frankfurt do have their own tartan. My guest band Baul Muluy Pipe Band is wearing the MacDonald of Clanranald Ancient tartan.
Seumas Coyne
Seumas Coyne started playing bagpipes at the age of 3 1/2 and became the youngest professional piper in the world at the age of 12. Seumas was taught by Jim Coyne, Angus Mackay, Jimmy McIntosh, Murray Henderson and Jack Lee. He is a long-standing member of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band in Vancouver, Canada and competes as a professional soloist at the highest levels around the world. He has taught many a successful piper and has students from around the world.
Seumas was just a punky kid that played his pipes, he did well and thought “well that was okay, what's next?” That was my mentality. When you're 40 years old, 30 years old, it's a little bit more personal. Playing in front of people was never a problem, I guess I was blessed with that too as a good trait. I never really got nervous. I didn't mind playing in public as a small kid. I wasn't playing with Hot Wheels and racing cars and train sets like most kids, and riding bikes and skateboards, though I did have a little of that in my life. That said it was really in the piping industry where my dad really wanted me to go. Now my dad never forced it on me, I did it because I wanted to do it. And it was, as I said, an excellent teaching.
My Dad's name was James Joseph Coyne. The Gaelic side of James is where he came up with the Seumas for his son, but he spelt it more the Scottish way than the Irish way. I never did have a chance to ask why so when I get up to the pearly gates we're probably going to ask him that question!
Basically bless my Mom and Dad they got me to where I am in life and teaching was a big part of it. Thanks to my father. My dad converted his garage into a beautiful school, it was really nice with coffees and teas on the go, and all the ornaments out there. I used to teach a lot of advanced students Grade one, Grade two players with Dad and he would teach the beginners as well. He flipped that around one Saturday morning; he said: Son, you're teaching the beginners and I say what? He said, yeah, you're going to teach a nice class of people. They're going to come at, you know, at 10am. I think in my head like hell I am. No, I'm not doing that, but he said: Well, there's two ways and you're going to do this either way, you go out and take care of the business. So you couldn’t question it, you were kicked out there to do it.
Dad was born in Ireland, Roscommon, but he was raised in Scotland around the Dumfries area and he worked in the railroad yards. Then the family moved to the United States in 1959 and Dad married the boss's daughter. That worked well! They were in the painting and contracting field and Dad worked with the boss and dated his daughter. Smart guy! And then he moved to California, trail blazed across California around 1961 and stayed because we got fed up with snow, and rain. We are all used to the European culture of all the different types of weathers and he said “I'm not stopping till I see sunshine”, and lo and behold, we went to California. Then they had me in 1966 and I was born in West LA down by the beaches. At that time it was very affordable to live in Los Angeles, and we took advantage of the housing market and it was really good. And then Dad was part of the beginning trails of the LA Scots in early 60s with Jimmy McCall and Calvin Biggar, and the likes of really good pipers that moved to California, years before my father and one of the founding members of the Los Angeles Scots back then. It was a big, big big thing for my dad to be around people that he could relate to. And then that's what cultivated the piping side for me eventually.
Dad was always playing his pipes. He was a penny contractor, his own business, so he was able to do what he wanted when he wanted, but he always had to play pipes and one day he just put his pipes down on the couch and went into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. I took advantage of picking up this thing and knowing what the hell it was. It's just drones and a bag and a blow sticking to it. So, age three and a half, I started striking it up the best I could to get a few notes out. Dad came out of the kitchen and dropped the cup on the floor and I thought oh my goodness, man, my dad's going to kick my ass, because that was a nice piece of china that he used to put his tea in. But no, he was shocked, he was happy, elated.
So that's when very slowly he got me into the piping side. Around four years old he sat me down and said; son, do you really want to play bagpipes? And I said, well, I'm not sure, dad, but I've seem to be enjoying it.
And I taught a very good band in Chicago, too, which expanded my schools there. There was a Pipe Band, Chicago Caledonian, and when I started there we had six pipers, two snares, a bass drummer and a tenor and we grew that to over an 80 and 90 members within three years. I travelled quite a bit at that time as I was going from New York to Chicago every month, then in my youth I was in Australia and had the opportunity to learn from Murray Henderson. He was a joy to listen to and one of my favourite Pipers.
I think the teaching side is pure enjoyment and summed up when my students say "I'm learning from him, he's crazy but I love him." Then it's entertaining for me to entertain others because I love entertaining. If I can put a smile on your face, I must be doing something right. If I can't do that, or I have to change and be politically correct then I'm done with teaching, I'm not going to do it. When I'm on the stage and playing, getting support from the audience and entertaining the judges then I'm doing something right.
Eric Albert
We were absolutely delighted to meet you at the CNY Scottish Games, what was your favourite part of the day? Honestly, I love arriving at the games in the early morning. Watching the hustle and bustle of the organizers and vendors as they make preparations for the day. It also helps me get my pipes acclimated for the solo competitions ahead.
How many members of Feadan Or do you have? Are you looking for more? Feadan Or has about 20-25 members and is always looking for more. I was a founding member back in 1995 together with Kevin Angus, Peter Cormack and Jim Morse. It is a premier band in Western New York and has a robust instructional program for new pipers and drummers.
What exciting events have you and the Band got planned for later this year? The band is playing at a number of events this year including the Jamestown Celtic Festival at Mayville, NY on August 24th and Edinboro Highland Games in Edinboro, PA September 7-9
Does the Band play in a specific tartan or can members choose which tartan they perform in? The band Tartan is Red Leslie. For my solo performances and competitions I generally wear weathered MacLeod or Isle of Skye.
Feadan Or has a grand repertoire of songs to choose from, how do you choose which ones you perform at events? The Pipe Major has primary responsibility for tune selections. It generally depends on the expected audience. If it is a community event where folks have little knowledge of pipe tunes, we might play some popular tunes like The Lion Sleeps Tonight or Amazing Grace, both quite well known. If its a crowd that is more familiar with pipe tunes, we have a number of more traditional slow airs, marches, strathspeys and reels that we might play.
How often do the band meet to practise and perform especially in the lead up to a big event? Feadan Or meets twice weekly. Tuesdays and Thursday evenings. The Tuesday is for full band with the Thursday practice geared towards the competitive unit.
What are the pieces that always get a good reaction from the crowd? Again, that will depend largely on the audience and setting. The community at large likes tunes they recognize; Those Endearing Young Charms, Skye Boat Song, Kumbya, When the Saints Go Marching In etc. Folks more familiar with the piping idiom might lean towards traditional marches or dance tunes like strathspeys and reels.
You of course are a very talented piper, when was the first time you picked up a pair of pipes and fell in love with the music? I fell in love with pipe music at a very early age, 7 or 8 years old. My family hails from South Uist in the Hebrides and I lean towards the traditional Piobaireachd or big music. When I was young, we lived near a young man, Joe Green, who meandered though the neighbourhood in the early mornings playing piobaireachd. Tunes like Lament for the Children, MacDougall’s Gathering and MacGregors Salute are top on my list. As far as talent, I owe it directly to the exceptional tutoring I’ve been blessed to receive over the years. Instructors like Donald Lindsay, Jim MacGillivray, Alastair Gillies and of course James McColl who recorded Lament for the Children in 1968. I never become tired of listening to that evocative tune and was so grateful to get that tune from James.
We have to know are you a Kilt or a trews man? And which tartan do you favour? Personally I favour the swing of the Kilt. I have quite a number of them and wear them quite frequently weather for a piping competition, mowing the lawn or hiking. I find the kilt to be very comfortable no matter what I’m doing.
What have you got planned for the next couple of years? Finally, on the band front, I’m chuffed to have been asked to lead a Pipe and Drum Corps of First Responders to the World Pipe Band Championships in two years. I have been instructing at two large Fire Department conferences for a number of years. The conferences, FDIC in Indianapolis and TNT in Texas attract Fire Fighters from all over the world. Many of these first responders are in local pipe bands in their home towns. We are excited to go to the worlds as a collective First Responder Pipe band and compete. More on that as plans develop. We’ll be setting up a Not For Profit to help get this project properly funded for travel and uniforms. Anyone interested in assisting can feel free to reach out to me.
You can find out more about Eric on his website
Greg McAllister
Greg has been playing the bagpipes for over 20 years and has been playing for the Rolling Drones for over 7 years. The Rolling Drones have been all over Europe and have recently played at the Washington Tattoo. The Rolling Drones take well known songs and bring them alive in true Scottish fashion with the help of the Bagpipes. The band are also available to book for weddings and other events, they are a great team that are sure to make your night memorable. As if Greg wasn't busy enough he also plays for the 'Inveraray & District' pipe band, and they have the proud title of two times world champions. Greg's passion has taken him to Germany, France, Italy, Slovakia, Belgium, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, not only to play but to teach.
I have a day job that allows me time for my passion of piping and I just love playing, teaching and learning from as many people as I can.
Rikki Evans
We were absolutely delighted to be able to ask World Record holder Rikki Evans some piping questions.
What advice would you give young, aspiring pipers who are wanting to perform professionally?
I would recommend competing in solo piping competitions as this helps develop a pipers fingers and makes them more confident when playing in front of others.
You are the holder of a Guinness world record for piping, you were awarded this after playing the pipes for 26 hours 5 minutes and 32 seconds. Very impressive, however what was the hardest part of this challenge?
The hardest part was at 2, 3, 4am when there were only a couple of people going around, hearing some saying they were heading off to bed for a few hours whilst I was still there playing my bagpipes.
I had a great team and my wife was so supportive, she barely had any sleep and assisted a lot with encouragements.
The preparation before the attempt was the hardest part aside from playing. I had to organise adjudicators, assistance, equipment, music and much more. It took 2 years to prepare from first approaching Guinness World Records to actually doing the attempt.
Would you ever try to beat your own record?
No, as I think my wife would kill me! I done her head in for over 2 years with it haha!
I may attempt to beat someone else’s record if they beat mine, but I'm happy with just holding the record for the time being.
Being a piper takes you all over the world, where has been your favourite place to visit and why?
In April 2002, just 7 months after the 9/11 attacks, I went over to New York with a group of pipers & drummers which included my mum, dad, brother, auntie & other band members to perform in the New York Tartan Day Parade. Given what happened 7 months prior, it was such a special Tartan Day Parade to be part.
You are very busy with events and performances, to ensure you are ready, how many hours a week do you practise?
Not enough! I say that because I work shifts at my full time work, I have a 4 year old daughter and my wife works long shifts as a carer so getting time to just get my pipes isn’t or practice chanter is a struggle. I compete with Deeside Caledonia Pipe Band and we practice twice a week so I do get a good couple of hours each night on my pipes.
How many sets of Bagpipes do you own? And do you have a favourite?
I own 3 sets of Highland Bagpipes & 2 small pipes. I have a set of Naills which I use as my pipe band pipes. I have a set of McCallum Acetyl Bagpipes I use for weddings and set of Pettigrew Bagpipes which sit in a box as spare.
I have a set of shuttle small pipes and another set of small pipes my wife bought me around 8 years ago.
You have lots of different kilts and outfits on your website but of course we would love to know if you have a favourite tartan or a kilt with special meaning?
I have 2 favourite kilts which at the moment don’t fit me.. I blame Covid but hopefully I will get back into them soon and will manage to post some amazing pictures wearing them.
I have my own family Evans tartan which is a lovely Welsh tartan and I also have the Stewart Black which I wore when I first joined Grampian Police Pipe Band. This kilt with number 1’s is really nice.
It was amazing to get to know Rikki a bit more, he also shared his links to some big name celebrities!
Piping with Celebrities!
Throughout my career in Piping I have played for various celebrities but May this year was filled with a couple of big names. My company was approached to provide entertainment for guests arriving at Trump International Scotland and we learnt it was in fact Former USA President Donald Trump. A few weeks later along with my company and Deeside Caledonia Pipe Band, we performed on stage with Andre Rieu in Aberdeen, which was amazing given it was a home performance with a big name.
Ross Ainslie
You began your piping career as part of the Perth and District Pipe Band, what was your motivation for joining a band?
I started learning chanter with Norrie Sinclair in Perth when I was 8, then had a brief time with Perth & District, but to be honest I was mad for football at that point and wasn’t really too into the pipes so had a year off. When I was about 10 I thought I should go back to it and Norrie encouraged me to join the vale of atholl in pitlochry where Gordon Duncan was the pipe major of the novice juvenile band. After hearing Gordon’s album ‘Just for Seamus’ my world changed from wanting to play football to wanting to play the pipes with other instruments.
Before playing in the pipe band how long had you been playing the pipes for?
Probably about a year.
You also compose music too, which is a very challenging role, what do you use as your inspiration for your new pieces?
Writing music is my favourite part of being a musician. It’s where I’m happiest. Inspiration is a funny thing to explain, things just seem to show up unexpectedly. I’ve learnt over the years that if it’s a struggle to get ideas together then I just leave it, but if somethings happening then I have to make time to get all the ideas down before they're lost.
We were delighted to see you have been nominated and won many awards, what has been your proudest accomplishment since playing the pipes so far?
I’m proud of all the recordings I’ve done so far. Playing with Zakir Hussain in Battersea park in London in 2012 for the Olympics was an amazing experience. There were some unbelievable gigs we did with Treacherous Orchestra over the years, playing at the BBC Radio 2 Festival in a Day in Hyde Park in 2013 was a particular highlight. Myself and Ali Hutton won Best Duo in the Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2017 which was a great achievement for us both. That’s all I can think of at the moment but there’s definitely loads more!
In 2015 you won Composer of the Year, what pieces of music had you composed that year to be awarded such a great honour?
I made an album called ‘Remembering’ that year, it was a commission from Celtic Connections in a series called ‘New Voices’. The festival ask 3 musicians every year to write music that is something different to what they normally do, so for me writing songs was as far away from what I do as possible so I gave that a shot. We recorded the album live in TPot studios in Dunning which is near to where I was brought up and it is still one of my favourite times in a recording studio. There was an amazing vibe that week and just by chance an Australian film maker had arrived in the studio to do a ‘work away’ thing so he filmed the process. It’s on YouTube, check it out. https://youtu.be/-vZSuyC3rEw
We always love to know. Are you a kilt or trews man and why?
I’d definitely be a kilt guy but I very rarely wear one these days not since I was in the pipe band when I was a teenager.
You were part of Outlander Season 5, can you talk more about your experience?
The first episode of season 5 was a wedding scene and they wanted a piper, so I was asked to do it. It was filmed out in Callander where they had built a set house next to the river. It was a very long day a lot of re setting of cameras, lots of hanging about, but a good thing to be involved in.
Whilst your repertoire is substantial, we are curious to know what you are currently working on?
I recently released an album called ‘Diad’ with my pal Tim Edey, but I’ve been writing a new solo album for about a year on and off. It’s getting close to finishing and I’ve got a lot of it guide recorded, I’m trying to score the whole thing, even bass parts. There’s quite a lot of string parts on the album, I’ve been writing them on the keyboard but I need to get it all written on Sibelius and understand how it works, so that is big learning curve. I’m hoping to get it recorded in the autumn and maybe out early 2024.
We have to ask, do you have a favourite tartan? If so, which one?
I’ve always liked the Muted Macnaughton tartan, the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band had it when I was a member they’ve changed to the Murray of Atholl now.
You are going to be part of Piping Live! 2023, what are you most looking forward to at this event?
I’ve got a recital on 17th August playing Gordon Duncan’s pipes, Gordon was a great friend and the biggest inspiration in my musical life. I’ve not seen his pipes for a long time so it’s a huge honour to get a shot of the pipes for this gig, so thanks to Ian Duncan for allowing me to play them. I’ve also got a gig with my old pal Ali Hutton on 20th August, the last day of the festival, which should be a good one. We’re sharing the gig with Jarlath Henderson who I’ve made 2 albums with when we were younger. He's a phenomenal Uilleann piper, hopefully we will join forces and play some of our older music.
Jane MacRae
You are an amazing asset to the Banchory Pipe Band, how did you join the band and become pipe major? About three years ago I was chatting with Jamie Burnett of Leys and Don Black, the Pipe Major of Banchory Pipe Band. The Band had dwindled to a couple of pipers and two drummers through people leaving and a great deal of misinformation. Don also had some youngsters learning but needed help for personal reasons. I agreed to help but, due to family tragedy, Don moved away from the area which left me to try and build the band again. Eventually the Pipe Band small committee decided to appoint me Pipe Major and we now have a solid core band and several adult and child learners for both Piping and Drumming.
What age were you when you first played the bagpipes? In fact, I have been playing for less than 4 years but being taught by the greatest piper in the world, Stuart Liddell MBE, has been incredibly motivating and rewarding. Having Stuart as a teacher has certainly created some unique events, the most memorable being the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Stuart wrote the official tune for the QPJ and I named it Diu Regnare. He also wrote the Official tune for the Coronation of King Charles III, Amor Terrae Nostrae.
You have been part of many events and celebrations, which one has been your favourite or a highlight of your piping career? Recently I was presented with the drone banner, as personal piper to James Burnett of Leys, at Crathes Castle and played for the Lord Lyon and the Burnett Gathering at Aboyne Highland Games.
How many times do you practise your pipes to ensure you are ready to perform? Piping is a very physical activity and as such needs continual practice to improve. I rarely miss a day and spend an hour on the practice chanter and at least 45 minutes on the pipes. I’m fortunate as a Maths lecturer in that the Principal, Iona Reed, allows me to practise whenever I have a break and the sound reverberates all around the school. It has motivated several children and one teacher to take up the Pipes.
The Banchory and District Pipe Band have a very distinct logo, could you tell us what it represents? Banchory Pipe Band has a generous benefactor in James Burnett of Leys. We wear the Burnett tartan Kilts and the badge on our Glengarry’s. The badge has the three leaves and the horn depicting the Forestry that was prevalent in the area 700 years ago when Robert the Bruce gave the charter to the Burnetts of Leys and the Irvines of Drum and the Horn depicting the hunting.
Of course you are a MacRae, do you wear the MacRae tartan while performing, and what does being part of the clan mean to you? For solo Piping I tend to wear the MacRae tartan as I would on Clan events at Eilean Donan castle.
What advice would you give people who want to learn the bagpipes or joining a Pipe Band?Covid has changed many things in the Piping world and, unfortunately, the grass roots are suffering. Many Pipe Bands are disbanding through lack of numbers or are unable to complete fixtures through illnesses. The sole creator of Braemar Media, Dale Johnson and myself, have with the help of a generous sponsor, created, ‘Piping for the Future’. The aim is to encourage school children to take up the Pipes and Drums and swell the numbers in the Pipe Bands. We are fortunate to have Neil Selbie, Stuart Liddell, McCallum Bagpipes, Royal Celtic Society and others endorsing our efforts.
Discover more about the Banchory Pipe Band today.
Julie Brinklow
You started piping at age 11, what made you take it up and was it something you loved from the start?
I had a strong desire to learn the pipes because when I was born my sister Elaine was already playing! It didn’t dawn on me that I would be allowed to learn too, and one day I plucked up the courage to say I wanted to learn and that was that! I started the following week.
How did you become Pipe Major and what has been your proudest achievement while in the role?
I am currently in my second Pipe Majorship (if that’s a name!). Back in the 90s I lived in Stonehaven and I was elected the Pipe Major of the Grade 4 band. I hadn’t done it before but we worked away steadily behind the scenes for around 18 months before entering some competitions which we won. The band were upgraded to Grade 3 and we also had success there.
I then went on to play with Grampian Police Pipe Band in Grade 2 & 1 before I started tutoring at Portlethen & District. I was asked to become Pipe Major in 2011 which I did when the band was in Grade 4B. I would say my proudest achievement(s) has been the steady climb of the band each year through the Grades. We are currently a top Grade 2 band and I am very proud of the journey we have taken.
Does Portlethen & District Pipe Band play in a specific tartan? When you play at your Thistle Piping events, do you wear a different tartan?
The band wear the “Portlethen & District” tartan. We were in a position where we needed to replace all of the old kilts so we decided that a new tartan would be great, but still incorporating the existing band colours. I designed the tartan which I really love - I’d wear it all the time but I like to reserve it for the band. My own personal kilt collection for my business is pretty extensive. I have 13 kilts at present.
Thistle Piping was established in 1999 - please tell us why you set up the business and what you focus on now? How many pipers and drummers are part of the business?
It amuses me to tell people that I started my business “last century”! A lot has changed - when I started Thistle Piping there wasn’t such a thing as “pipers for hire” on a commercial level. The internet was still young, there was no social media or wedding fayres like nowadays. I recognised that there was a place for a commercial piper and also for tuition and so I started Thistle Piping. I marvel these days at how quickly newcomers can establish themselves with the aid of social media - it’s quite incredible!
My focus these days is on bringing a very personal service and for it to be extra special. Any old piper can claim to be the “biggest” or have the most bookings, but I think the couples that come to me aren’t interested in that type of hype. This is a couple's most special day and I do my utmost to help them plan exactly what they would like from me and from their music choices to create their perfect day. Each couple gets the same exceptional level of service that Thistle Piping has the reputation for providing.
I have a main team of 3 pipers (myself, Shivvy and Corry), but I have several other regular pipers for the busy periods of the year. I also have my Pipe Band - all of whom I would absolutely trust to pipe at events should there be the demand. On the drumming side I have my good friend Steph who enjoys coming to play, and several other drummers who represent the business. All in all though there are probably 12 pipers and 4 drummers as well as Robbie on Guitar and maybe a few extra hidden talents in the team that might feature in a post or 2 soon.
What exciting events have you got planned for this year?
It's our 25th Anniversary this year (2024) and I have decided to raise funds for Macmillan. This decision comes around a year after I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself, and after extensive surgery and treatment I am now through the other side of it thankfully. It’s a very humbling experience, and rather than throw a big party that’s all about me - I would much rather make it about everyone else who is going through what I did and give something back. So - events are under planning at the moment and I will be releasing news about my Justgiving page soon!
Please tell us about being a Finalist in the 10th Scottish Wedding Awards 2023 and being the Winner of Best Piper at the 2024 Confetti Wedding Awards, that must have been wonderful!
Confetti Awards finalist 2023 and Confetti Awards Winner 2024, plus Scottish Wedding Awards winner 2023 and 2024 …. this is hot off the press since the awards dinner was just LAST WEEK! Obviously I’m thrilled about these awards, there has been a lot happening over the last 12 months. Somehow though, I managed to get through it all with a smile on my face and couples were clearly still voting. This really blows my mind.
I only recently revealed my story on social media and I’ve had so many lovely emails from couples whose weddings I piped at who had no idea about my illness - it means a lot to me to know that they voted for me because of my contribution to their special day and not out of sympathy and makes me feel very proud.
You were appointed Official Piper to the Lord Provost of Aberdeen in 2022, how has that been and does it keep you busy?
Without a doubt my proudest moment to have this appointment. I am very passionate about being an Aberdonian and have a strong feeling of Aberdeen being “home”. So far I’ve had some wonderful opportunities and have piped for Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III and HM Queen Camilla. I have composed a pipe tune for a very special cause in Aberdeen City and welcomed the Gothenburg Greats to Pittodrie Stadium where they were presented with the Freedom of the City. I have also welcomed VIPs from all over the world as the LPs official piper. I don’t pipe at all the events as the LP has a very busy calendar and this isn’t practical, however, certain events that are appropriate deserve a wee spot of bagpipes.
You can follow and connect with Julie from Thistle Piping on Facebook and Instagram. Visit Julie's Justgiving page here.
Zephan Knichel
How did you first get into piping and were there any fellow pipers in the family or any musicians that inspired you?
It was very much a series of coincidences that led me to become a bagpiper. There were no pipers in my family at all, nor were any of us of Scottish descent. I joined Air Cadets when I was a teenager with three friends from school. The Air Cadet Squadron I belonged to had a Pipe Band and one of my friends suggested we give it a try. I started on the snare drum for the first year and was abysmal at it. The next year I decided to switch to learning bagpipes. Within a few months of learning the pipes I got connected to a very talented teacher for private lessons and the rest was history.
What was the very first Pipe Band you became involved with and how did that come about?
My first band was the 570 RCACS Air Cadet Pipe Band. As a teenager I played with the Edmonton Boys Pipe band, who won 1st at the World Championships in the Novice Juvenile category in 2002. I also attended Vimy Ridge Academy for High School which had a Pipe Band program. I was so fully immersed in piping during my teenage years that I made the jump to the grade one Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band within four years of starting on the practice chanter. I was a member of Alberta Caledonia for ten years and am now in my tenth season with the world-renowned Simon Fraser University Pipe Band.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being part of the Band?
Playing with a pipe band is always a rewarding experience. In fact, every band I have played with has made me a much better player. Alberta Caledonia was an incredibly fun band who pushed musical boundaries. I learned a heck of a lot playing with them. Now that I am in the SFU Pipe Band, I am still learning more and more each year. I think that is the great part about being a musician. There is always more to learn and room to grow. Not to mention fun to be had! We have some younger players in the SFU Pipe Band that I taught when they played in our youth band. I am a full-time bagpipe teacher and one of the most rewarding things to me is to help a young player develop.
You also do a lot of Solo Piping? What is the difference and do you prefer one or the other?
I do not know if I prefer one over the other. I really love both! Band and solo piping have elements that are more restrictive than the other, and elements that are more open to creativity and expression. Playing in band means committing the musical style of the band and the tunes selected by the band leaders. However, with more musicians, the music can become more complex and interesting due to heightened rhythmic dynamics, harmonic content, and collaborative musical arrangement. In solos a player can choose music that best suits their abilities and stylistic taste. As such, musical expression and style varies quite a bit more than in a band setting.
Do you have to be extra specially good to be a solo piper?
In short, there are many different levels at which a solo piper can compete. To compete in the Open category in North America, or in the Major solo events in Scotland, yes, a piper must be especially good. That should not discourage up and coming players from entering the world of solo piping competitions. Playing solos is one of the best ways for a musician to hone their skills and gain valuable practice performing under pressure. There are solo competitions for pipers of every level all over North America. Even raw beginners!
Is the uniform different?
The uniform is pretty much the same for band competitions and solo competitions. A band does all dress the same and might have more of a utilitarian approach to their unform choice. Whereas a soloist has the option to add a bit of flair to their uniform should that suit their taste. You see a lot more dramatic uniform choices in the solo scene. More fur sporrans, Balmoral hats, brightly colored and tartan hose etc. One key difference is that at some major solo piping competitions competitors are made to wear a jacket while competing. Despite the fact the competitions are held indoors in a well heated environment. Someone should really invent a light weight Jacket designed for the solo-piper that does not restrict their range of motion and that does not displace the pipe bag under their arm. The perfect design would be a Jacket that feels the same while piping as it would if a person was wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt.
What tartans have you worn with your various bands and do you have a favourite?
I have worn the Red Erskine, The Ancient Caledonian, The Isle of Skye, The Ancient MacLeod of Harris, The Royal Canadian Airforce Tartan, The Maple Leaf Tartan, The Monmouth College Tartan, and the Simon Fraser University Tartan. My solo kilt is the Ancient MacNeil of Barra. It is hard to pick a favorite!
Do you have a lucky kilt to play in?
I think my solo kilt, the Ancient MacNeil of Barra, or my current band kilt, the Simon Fraser University Tartan would be the lucky ones.
You are doing the triple playing in Oban, Inverness and London Seumas told us – can you tell us how this competition works, how you qualify, what you play and all the details!
I am playing at the Argyllshire Gathering in Oban and the Northern Meeting in Inverness. London might be in the cards but I have not committed to that event yet. It is in November so I still have time to make plans. Open level pipers from all over the world apply to compete at Oban and Inverness. Those who are accepted must have a strong competitive track record. Pipers applying to play for their first time would aim to compete in the Silver Medal events for Piobaireachd and the “B” grade events for light music. Above those are the Gold Medal events for Piobaireachd and the “A” grade events for light music. There is also a Premier grade for former winners of the Gold Medals and “A” grade light music events. I have had prizes in the Silver Medal Piobaireachd and “B” grade light music events, but I have yet to win an event. Winning an event would promote me into the Gold Medal or “A” grade light music category. On the other hand, if several years were to go by without any major competitive success it is not uncommon for players to be downgraded.
You were born in Canada, now live in Washington and now you’re coming over to Scotland to play. Do you love all 3 places equally or what’s the best thing about each?
I really love the Pacific Northwest. Both British Columbia and Washington State are quite similar. Oceans, mountains, and a decent amount of rain throughout the winter. But, not a lot of snow. I grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. Where it is winter for about seven months of the year and road construction for the other five months. I still love Edmonton but the winters and the dry climate were not good for bagpiping. Scotland has the perfect climate for the pipes and the landscapes found in Scotland might be the most beautiful on the planet. Bring your raincoat and brolly though! One other thing I absolutely love about Scotland is the soup. That country has a very strong soup game. It seems that every wee pub or restaurant has top notch soup. My all-time favorite Scottish soup must be Cullen Skink. The name might turn you off, but trust me, it is heaven in a bowl.
What other amazing journeys has piping taken you on?
There have been a lot! I have travelled all over North America for piping. I love going to California for the Costa Mesa and Pleasanton Highland Games. Super fun, great weather, and awesome people. I have been over to Scotland too many times to count and I love it each and every time (it is why I keep going back). The one event I have only done once that I would love to do again is the Lorient Interceltic Festival in France. I went over with the Viscount Park Pipe Band from Edmonton in 2014. It was mind-blowing how much great music was going on all-day every-day for that entire week. We spent some time in Paris and I also got to travel around Brittany and Normandy with a friend from college. Mont Saint Michel was probably the coolest place I have ever been in my life. Speaking of college, if it were not for piping, I likely would not have gotten a degree. Nor would I have met my wife, Samantha. I went to Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois and earned a BA majoring in Business Administration. I received a full tuition talent scholarship for Bagpiping to attend Monmouth. I led the collegiate pipe band as Pipe Major my senior year.
What would you say to encourage anyone thinking of taking up the pipes?
Get a good instructor immediately. Be kind to yourself over the first few years of learning. You are essentially a toddler trying to learn how to walk. Have realistic expectations regarding your development and know that it is going to be a lot of hard work. Make your successes memorable and let go of moments of failure (there will be a lot of them!). Finally, remember that as a new beginner you are an ambassador for the instrument. The Bagpipes are not a novelty act. It is not like juggling. They are a musical instrument. A musical instrument unlike any other. They are very powerful, can stir emotions and even bring a tear to an eye when played well. They can also be absolutely repulsive to hear if somebody is playing poorly on an out of tune instrument. The bagpipes seem to be an instrument that the public either absolutely loves or absolutely hates. The reason they are hated is because some people don’t learn how to play them and tune them properly. They go out into the world with a “look what I can do” attitude and proceed to destroy the reputation of our artform. Just because you can kind of sort of play the pipes, does not mean you should go out into public and show the world. That said, you do not have to be a master before you play in public. Every new piper needs a good teacher who can help them develop the fundamental skills needed to protect or even enhance the reputation of our instrument. A simple melody on a well tuned instrument will do just that. Bottom line: Get a good teacher!
Being so passionate about Piping, are there any other aspects of Scottish Culture & Tradition you love too?
Scottish humor, the music, the art, the landscape, and of course the soup. I am not a big fan of Haggis though. Sorry!
Do you want to find out more about the Bagpipes? Discover the history and importance of Bagpipes in Scotland on our page.
Piping Live! Festival
Discover the fantastic 'Piping Live!' For one exclusive week of the year many talented pipers and musicians gather from across the globe and celebrate the beautiful art of traditional Scottish music in Glasgow. Join Emily as as she talks with Findlay MacDonald, the artistic director of 'The National Piping Centre' to discover the history of the festival.
