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

      Important moments in history are often memorialized in bagpipe tunes, sometime a jaunty march and to often an emotional dirge for someone lost. As a bagpiper, if can help to understand how to play pipe tunes by knowing the history behind it. Bagpipe music is very subjective on how it is stylized, which makes it very enjoyable as a musician. 
​      The Armistice of 1918 is an important part of world history and as such a WWI piper commemorated that time in a tune. G.S. McLennan, who is considered one of the top pipers period, served in the Great War with the Gordon Highlanders. He served gassing, and seeing things no one should be forced to. He wrote his famous 2/4 march shortly after the signing but debuted it in 1922 in Aberdeen, Scotland. I have quickly learned to love this tune and his style of writing music. I have learned this tune specifically of the time we are in.
​      I hope you go out and research tunes you enjoy and find some new information out about it. Don't take the title for granted as many tunes have alternate titles that shine a new light on its past. Sometime tunes where written for a competition, to memorialize a person or time and more than once it came out of a few too many drams of single malt. Knowing your history is important and if you'd like to learn more about G.S., visit this website his decedents created to honor him and teach others ​http://gsmclennan.co.uk/

      For the second time, you voted Joyful Noise Bagpiping, Tampa A-List's Best Ceremony Music! Thank you all for voting and for the kind words and exaltation as it reminds me the reason why I do this. Not the glory (there isn't any), definitely not the money, but because it is a way God uses me to be a blessing to so many in Tampa Bay (and the excuse to wear a kilt haha). I am humbled and grateful you took that time to vote and I hope to prove myself worthy and look forward to serving the community with my joyful noise.
      Those I serve are truly the greatest clients and as I continue to learn new tunes, I hope I can continue to add that Celtic tradition to your event! Few things are like the skirl of the pipes and I'm glad for more often than not, people enjoy my take on timeless tunes. 

      As a member of the Clan Gunn Society of North America (CGSNA) and avid participant in the tent at highland games in Florida, I've been asked many times what place it there for clans today? Well, most importantly its a way to preserve our culture and learn our history! You also gain new friends and family who share your interest and appreciation for Scottish arts and culture. Plus, you have the opportunity to be apart of the clan parades at highland games and group tours that many clans coordinate to visit Scotland.

      Your small yearly dues cover the cost of having a tent at games, administration costs, and displays to name a few but every officer position is a volunteer placement and they put much a good deal of their money and time into each event. As the Florida Branch Bagpiper for Clan Gunn, I volunteer my time to pipe events and it is a great benefit to have a shaded tent to rest and share in some good conversation! 
​      Next time you go to a games, stop by a tent and chat them up and if you don't know what clan you're from you can find great resources! As a dues paying member of CGSNA, I can without question speak of the benefits of it. My wife and I have made great friends, learned much, and even imparted some knowledge to others. A great honor for clans at highland games is to earn he clan of the year prize and be an honored clan at games. This year at the Dunedin Highland Games, Clan Gunn won Clan of the year and will be the honored clan next year at Dunedin! 
​      There are many highland games and celtic festivals around, so do some research and hit some up! It makes for a fun day and there are always many things to see and do. In a fast paced and ever changing society, I find a comfort in Scottish clan societies in the states as they ensure an important part of history isn't forgotten. Few places in the world haven't been affected by Scottish culture, near every former or current British colony has bagpipe bands, they brought there traditions and farming to the American Colonies, farmed and settle the Appalachian Mountains, and have served a vital part in the military.