We have participated in the Invictus Games on 2 different occasion.  The first was in Europe, where we played in Dusseldorf, but traveled to Amsterdam, Cologne, Ypres, and Berlin.  We had a really great time and saw a lot of Europe in just a few days.
We took the opportunity then to be part of the massive band for Invictus 2025 in Vancouver, where the opening ceremonies saw 333 pipers and drummers open the show, which also included Chris Martin and Katy Perry.  
2027 sees Invictus taking place in Birmingham, England in July, and we are going to be part of the games with a big show and a stay in London - and we welcome you to have a look at the information on the pipe band website for details on how to join in as a piper, drummer, or guest.  It's all very exciting and fun!

I think it's important to mark events - no matter the size - because the opportunity might not come your way again.  If you need help, let me know.  Done lots, more to come!

Yesterday would have been Her Majesty's 99th birthday.  I met her in 1997, and later had the chance to take the pipe band to Balmoral Castle on 5 different occasions, extending the invitation to 700 other people.  That, my friend, is wonderful, as was she.

Our second annual Tartan Day show and reception at Beechwood Cemetery was a terrific success.  With music, tremendous poetry and tons of interesting history, there was something for everyone, and lots to enjoy.  Thanks everyone for coming out to support the pipe band.

It was a full house at Centrepointe Theatre in Nepean, Ontario, as the Red Hot Chilli Pipers kicked off their sold out tour of Ontario.  We are pleased to have been invited by our friend Tyler Fry - that's him in the middle - to join the band, and bring along some great dancers.  So, we did.  And are we glad we did!  Be sure to give them a listen - they're just terrific entertainers and musicians.  And they're our friends!  That's pretty cool.

The cool, modern Scottish rock band the Red Hot Chilli Pipers are coming to Ottawa to play on April 1.  One of their members, tenor drummer Tyler Fry, called to invite us to join them onstage for a few tunes.  This is a terrific opportunity, and I am grateful for friendships like this.  Enjoy the video of their work below. Or come see us!  That'll be great too!

I come up with ideas for sharing our music all the time.  This was a great one.  Invictus Canada, with a pipe band of 333.  What a time we had in Vancouver, and England is next, in 2027.  Let's go!

Planning events is something that I truly enjoy.  I get an idea, get a plan, and get to work and with the people in the band and in my circle of friends, sometimes the most excellent results come to be.  This December, we hosted a party to not only mark a holiday time, but it served as a successful fundraiser for the trip to the Invictus Games in Vancouver in February.  We had such terrific music and dance, a silent auction that was very helpful, and friends that filled the room with kindness and appreciation.  It was a great day to end this year, and we are looking forward to the next year with lots of fun and adventures.  All the best to you!

Alexander Fettes(1845-1921)Alexander Fettes was born in Laurencekirk and raised in Old Machar, Aberdeen. He was a stone mason by trade and served as pipe major of the Aberdeen Highlanders from about 1865-1879.
Afterwards he emigrated to South Africa and made a prominent life for himself there. He was Pipe Major of the Port Elizabeth Pipe Band and was several times mayor of Port Elizabeth.  He had a great influence on piping in South Africa and died there in 1921.
His composing claim to fame is “Glendaruel Highlanders,” which he composed when he was pipe major of the Aberdeen Volunteers. The young John MacDougall Gillies and his brother were an up-and-coming pipers in the band and their family had roots in Glendaruel area.

I looked this up when a student asked who the Glendaruel Highlanders were.  It was so nice to read this together, and get a better idea of a great tune composer.    Always learning.

The more you know....

I got to play for a pretty lovely wedding yesterday.  I met people who knew my dad and my brother, and that was just the best.  
​Share your music.  People will love you for it.

If you're lucky, you get the chance to work with terrific people.  We are so happy that our friends at Deacon Brodie's Pub and Moosehead have created a partnership that provides support of our upcoming travel, and a cool beer naming - Pipers Choice - that will go a long way in helping us achieve our goals.  Come out and try a pint, enjoy some music, and help us celebrate Canada Day 2024 in Ottawa!

Our new patron, HIs Excellency Whit Fraser.  A great and warm welcoming gentleman.

The wonderful people at Beechwood Cemetery decided to help us get to Scotland by organizing a fundraiser and helping us raise money for travel.  It's partners like this that help opportunities happen, and happen for many.

At this time of year, you might be looking for a gift for yourself or someone on your list that's a piper or wants to start learning.
If that's something of interest to you, check out my school on the Patreon platform at www.patreon.com where you will join people from all over the world that have all decided to take their piping to new highland heights!
There are so many videos and lessons, and many more to come - and you can be part of a community that cares, learns, and gives back.  And that's a great gift!

We played in a Christmas parade this past weekend.  The community came out in droves, the weather was kind, and we just were so glad to be there.   Wishing you all the best this holiday season!

Every year the Dominion Tavern in Ottawa's Byward Market hosts a Remembrance Day Fundraiser to help veterans in our community. This year they chose our pipe band as their chosen charity, and we received some great support to help our plans for the Invictus Games. It's great to have friends like this!

I got to play the Lament at the Calabogie Legion for Remembrance Day alongside our friends in the Renfrew Highland Pipes & Drums.  They were tremendous.

I partnered up with a filmmaker during the pandemic to make a video across Ottawa in honour of Remembrance Day.  I hope you enjoy it.

I get to play with rock bands.  And then we talk about going to big shows.  And that is awesome.  Glastonbury 2024 - now that would be superb!

It's so nice to be asked to pipe at highland dance contests of any size.  Small, big, outdoor, indoor, it's all the same - all important in someone else's life and a culmination of a lot of preparation and work that you are hired to support.  
So, you get ready by reviewing your tunes and getting the pipes all ready to be played throughout the day - the same tunes for each dance, but different tempos - all set by the judging panel watching very closely and listening to you play. 
It's not easy but it is very rewarding.  I am very good at chasing the sound and making sure the dance pieces are well presented.
​Always learning, every day.