Piping at a National Cemetery is very different from a traditional cemetery, and as a piper who has performed at hundreds of services throughout Florida I can attest to that. There are 9 National Cemeteries in Florida (Barrancas (Pensacola), Bay Pines, Cape Canaveral, Florida (Bushnell), Jacksonville, Sarasota, South Florida (Lake Worth), St. Augustine, and Tallahassee. I have had the honor to pipe for Veterans and fallen servicemembers in Bay Pines, Bushnell, and Sarasota. The services have a maximum window  of 30 minutes and they tend to run very much on time, at least at the locations I have performed. 

      Now you might ask how is it different at Bay Pines, Bushnell or Sarasota versus any other cemetery. First there is a different respect and procedure at National Cemeteries, as it should be, and so being punctual is not good enough, you must be early as a piper. I arrive at least 30 minutes early, know how every branch does their ceremony and I know how the VFW and USMCL do their ceremonies. Every piper starts somewhere but at a veteran service is not where you want someone with little experience piping your loved ones final tune. 

      In addition to all that, I lower my prices for Veteran and Veteran Spouses services as a way to pay respect for what they have done for us. Also, I do not charge for fallen servicemember services as stated on my homepage. There is not much leeway for military services and I'm happy to explain in detail what I have found to be the best way to have bagpipes at those services. I do hope when that time eventually comes, you will consider me to be your piper for these services. It is a true honor for me, which I to not take lightly. An important item is to make sure you let me know your loved one served or they are a spouse of a servicemember, I do not require paperwork to confirm that status. This also applies to allied nations as I have performed for foreign veteran services.

​      For those I have piped for and those I will, thank you for allowing me to be a unique and special part of your life!

St. Patrick's weekend is always a busy time for any piper worth his/her salt. Over the years I've played more locations than I want to think about, but one thing I feel needs to be resaid is etiquette when around those in kilts. Kilts are an important part of our culture and an expectation as a performer!

Seems simple but it's called a kilt, not a skirt. Enough said haha

You can play a lot of fun tunes on pipes, and  Synyrd is not on the list. AC/DC is though

There are many reasons you shouldn't ask but most importantly it's inappropriate.  You also might get an answer you weren't prepared for,

Seriously don't, again its not just inappropriate its also called sexual assault. I know that's very blunt but no man could do that to a women, so why is it ok for everyone to do that to us? Also I'm married

We love sharing our culture and explaining the history of it and how it started in our lives. With it being such a unique instrument you'd be surprised all the history on how it has affected people in times of joy, sorrow, anger, grief, and surprise!

I can't speak for everyone but I do my best not to eat before playing and during gigs as it causes more maintenance afterwards. I also just drink water for the same reason, so please don't be offended if we don't partake of your tasty treats. Believe me it's not personal, it just creates a lot for work for us to keep the instrument in top playing condition. I do accept haggis to-go :)

We wouldn't be out playing if no one enjoyed it, so keep on enjoying it! Ask for tunes and see if you can stump a piper with some old ballad. I always enjoy playing more, when the people are enjoying it

     Piping full time came about after I was married and my wife encouraged me to live the musicians dream and play full time. Not an easy nor financially stable position but a fulfilling one in deed! Now it has been 8 years, hundreds of events, and thousands of tunes played with some accolades here and there.
     Thank you for trusting me to be your piper for marriages, birthdays, surprise engagements, retirement parties, and of course funerals. It's been an honor to perform for so many veterans honoring their sacrifice of service to our country with a few tunes. I hope to be of service to you and hope you will continue to trust me with your most special of events!

Thank you!

I joined St. Andrew's Pipe Band of Tampa Bay in 2004 as a snare drummer. This band has always had a special place in my heart as I imagine all do for the band they "cut their teeth" with. After being a member for several years, I left due to some creative differences. Fast forward and now in 2018, I have rejoined St. Andrew's as a bagpiper! There is something special about piping with a band and there isn't another band in the area I would join that is strictly a show band.

     So what is a show band? its a band that does not compete and strictly does parades, events, kirkings, etc. Basically any event other than a competition, they doe exhibits at highland games, and the perk to this kind of band to me is the less stress of the situation. Every member goes and does their best, and they only compete against themselves and how they played previously. I left the competition circuit a while ago and doubt I will return but who knows. I look forward to learning some new tunes, gleaming some knowledge from pipers with decades of experience, and jus being apart of a band again.

      For those out there looking to play but not compete come on out and give a try. Snowbirds or yearlong residents, there is always a welcome play for you! Visit the band's website and be sure to check the calendar for practice dates (they actually update the calendar)! For those who remember how St. Andrew's use to sound, they have grown tremendously and I wouldn't waste my time if I didn't see the great progress this group has made and is working on making. Some fun and challenging tunes and of course the old classics!

www.standrewsband.com