2018 to present: The Silicon Valley Pipe Band
The Stewart Tartan and Dunvegan pipe bands recently merged to form the Silicon Valley Pipe Band. Some of the best pipers and drummers from the Bay area and central California have joined since. We have Grade 3, Grade 4, and performance bands. I play with the Grade 3 band. We won prizes from our first contest in February, 2019. The music is challenging and exciting. I’m playing with old friends and making new ones in this excellent group.
2012 to present: The Piedmont Highlanders
The Piedmont Highlanders is an excellent performance marching band based in the East Bay. Unlike bands I have worked with during past years, this band does not enter contests. Under the leadership of Pipe Major Ellison Dunlap and Pipe Sergreant Matt Anderson, this is the perfect band for introducing my students to the piping community and all the associated fun!
2006 to 2012: Bushmills San Francisco Irish Pipers
A Grade 3 competition band (and a grade 4 unit as well). The band won many prizes in contests around California during those years.
2002 to 2008: The Monterey Bay Pipe Band
Under the musical direction of Pipe Major Michel d’Avenas, The Monterey Bay Pipe Band was a consistent prize winner in Western United States Pipe Band contests. We were 1st in our grade in 2002 and 2003.
1999 to 2006: The Central Coast Pipes and Drums
Currently under the direction of Pipe Major Paul Dunn, the Central Coast Pipes and Drums is a great street and bar band. This band is well-known and loved in the San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria areas. I led this band from 2002 – 2003.
1966 to 1977: The Walter B Trueman-7UP Pipe Band
Headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA,. Pipe major Bill Swanson, Drum Major Adam Martin, Drum Sergeant Harry Moore. This is the band that taught me to play pipes. My first gig was the Santa Barbara Christmas parade in 1967. I stayed with this band throughout my teen years and early 20s.
Instructors, present and past: Ian Whitelaw, Michel d’Avenas, John Partanen, Jay Close, Jim Buchanan, the late Fred Baxter
If you are seeking a professional bagpiper for hire in the San Francisco Bay Area and anywhere else in Northern California, we invite you to call Fred Payne Champion Bagpiper at: 510-926-9579.
