Piping Talks

In conversation with David Henderson, Drum Sergeant of the Police Scotland & Federation Pipe Band. David is an accomplished snare drummer within the pipe band world. He has won every major drumming championship possible including 15 RSPBA major drumming titles, 2 World Championships, and 3 Champions of Champions titles. As well as holding a BA Honours Degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland specializing in Pipe Band Snare Drumming, David is also a full-time Drumming Instructor in schools across the central belt of Scotland, including current Novice A World Champions, North Lanarkshire Schools. We caught up on life, drumming, when to take breaks, how to write music, and what it's like leading a top grade 1 drum corps.

In conversation with drummer and percussionist, Adrian Mordaunt. A true musician who thinks about enhancing a musical performance. A native of Dublin, he’s now based in New York where he was a founding member of acclaimed Irish rock MrNorth, with whom he’s toured throughout the US and Europe. Aido’s also been known as a member of several pipe bands, most recently the New York Metro Pipe Band. Teaching, judging, leading a corps, touring, and more — we cover all aspects of his drumming career. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: 👉 ⁠https://pipingtalks.com ⁠Thanks for watching!

In conversation with Louise Bentley, Leading Drummer of the Grade 1 band Auckland & District from New Zealand. We chat about her drumming journey so far, making the move from New Zealand to Vancouver to play with SFUPB, attending the NZ Summer School, being a young leading drummer, and much much more. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: 👉 ⁠https://pipingtalks.com ⁠Thanks for watching!

In conversation with Elias Alexander, an independent bagpiper and one of a handful of musicians from the US who are at the forefront of creativity within contemporary Celtic music. We chat about piping history, how he sees Celtic music as a whole, creativity, busking in New Orleans, fiddle + bagpipe, and much much more. Inspiring to hear a different angle and approach to playing the bagpipes. Elias has composed for, led, and toured with several bands including Soulsha, an eight-piece Afro-Celtic Funk band, and The Bywater Band, an innovative Celtic ensemble. He also plays with other bands including Fàrsan, MAC, and Seven Nations, and has performed with greats of the Celtic world such as Alasdair Fraser, Carlos Nuñez, and Gillebride MacMillan. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: 👉 ⁠https://pipingtalks.com ⁠Thanks for watching!

In conversation with Stewart McKenzie, Pipe Major of the Grade 1 Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band of New Zealand. With over 20+ years as a Pipe Major, we chat about his journey into piping, the influence of his family, getting the PM role at a young age, pulling medleys together, and so much more. This was my first time talking to Stewart — the outcome was exactly what I wanted to promote with Piping Talks: a deeper understanding of the Pipe Major role both from a musical standpoint as well as the managerial aspect of it. Lots of great insights for aspiring PMs. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: Spotify 👉 ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2qvDl09..⁠. Apple Podcast 👉 ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..⁠. Website 👉 ⁠https://pipingtalks.com⁠ Facebook 👉 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pipingtalks/ ⁠Thanks for Listening!

In conversation with Alexander Scougall, bagpiper for the St. Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band — originally from Scotland and now based in Dublin, Ireland. We caught up on life, talked about how it all started, what it meant to be P/S of Boghall & Bathgate Pipe Band, teaching, moving around, and meeting new people through the pipe band community. There're talented individuals within the pipe band world, both musically and professionally — and I'm glad I got to chat with Alexander about managing both careers, the ups and downs, and the drive to keep going. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: Spotify 👉 ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2qvDl09..⁠. Apple Podcast 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..⁠. Website 👉 ⁠https://pipingtalks.com⁠ Facebook 👉 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pipingtalks/⁠ Thanks for listening!

In conversation with Steven 'Bassie' Roberts, bass drummer from South Queensferry, Edinburgh. We chat about picking up the bass couple of days before a major championship with Grade 2 Drambuie Kirkliston Pipe Band, to then play with his best mates at The Clan Gregor Society. His years with Shotts & Dykehead during some of the best years under Jim Kilpatrick MBE. How he focuses mostly on the bass drum when listening to a band, being challenged along the way, and pushing hard to win the Worlds. Inspiring conversation with one of the best at his craft while still being humble. A must for any bass drummer out there wanting to get more knowledge. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/2qvDl09... Apple Podcast 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Website 👉 https://pipingtalks.com Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/pipingtalks/ Thanks for listening!

In conversation with Olav Goud, Dutch drummer now based in Adelaide in Australia, and Lead Drummer of New Zealand Police Pipe Band. We catch up on life, growing up in Europe with the dream of moving to Scotland, making it into a Grade 1 drum corps, drumming styles, being a leading drummer, and much more. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/2qvDl09... Apple Podcast 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Website 👉 https://pipingtalks.com Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/pipingtalks/ Thanks for watching!

In conversation with Liam Kernaghan, accomplished bagpiper, pipe band judge, and politician from Dunedin, New Zealand. We chat about how he found out about piping in the first place, going up the ranks in the piping scene in New Zealand, making trips to Scotland, and much more. Solid conversation, a few jokes, and an all-around good time with someone I played with at Boghall and Bathgate back in 2012. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/2qvDl09... Apple Podcast 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Website 👉 https://pipingtalks.com Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/pipingtalks/ Thanks for listening!

In conversation with one of North America’s top pipe band players and educators, Doug Stronach. Originally from Scotland and now based just outside of Toronto, Ontario—Doug's pipe band journey is captivating. We chat about his introduction to pipe band drumming, moving across to Canada during his 20s, getting drum set lessons and exploring different rhythms, and teaching. Lots of insights on how to learn and evolve as a snare drummer. Make sure to check out his online group lessons running from October to May at www.dougstronach.com. ------------------------- Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 12:35 - Moving from Scotland to Canada 18:40 - Toronto Police Pipe Band Medley Approach 36:00 - Teaching 44:00 - Music Studio ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/2qvDl09... Apple Podcast 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Website 👉 https://pipingtalks.com Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/pipingtalks/ Thanks for listening!

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 Ross Miller. Originally from Linlithgow in Scotland, where he is the official Town Piper - Ross is an accomplished bagpiper for the Grade 1 Inveraray & District Pipe Band as well as a finalist in the 2019 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition. We chat about his introduction to piping, teaching music on an island, his musical inspiration and what is it like being part of a World Champion band as well as his time in Brittany playing Bagad Cap Caval. In 2021, Ross performed along with a group of pipers on the soundtrack of the OSCAR & BAFTA award winning film 'Dune'. Pretty cool eh!

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.