Current Eastern United States Pipe Band Association Rankings.

Piping Grade IV Sr (745 pipers) Piobaireachd Only


Rank Name (Association ID) Branch Total Points

1 Lawrence Selden (80996) Southwest 68

2 David Madock (81751) Mid-Atlantic 58

2 John Daggett, Jr (80353) Northeast 58

4 Michael J. Capone (80492) Northeast 55

5 Robert W. O'Connor (81131) Mid-Atlantic 54

5 Robert Strother (80901) Ohio Valley 54

7 Andrew J Douglas (81558) Ohio Valley 48

7 Jack Barry (81545) Southern 48

9 Jerald Yaden (81439F) Southern 47

10 Daniel Cheuvront (81863) Northeast 46

10 Chris Benton (80880) Mid-Atlantic 46

12 Adriel Yaryan (80752) Southern 43

12 David McCrabb (80998) Mid-Atlantic 43

14 Josh Whitson (81393) Ohio Valley 36

15 Scott Solomons (80772) Metro 35

16 Timothy Stakem (80731) Mid-Atlantic 34

16 David McMath (81657) Northeast 34

18 Matthew Cornetto (80518) Metro 33

19 Peter Lockwood (80634) Northeast 32

19 James Lee (81942) Other 32







Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA) is the govering body of bagpiping in the 26 eastern states. Highland games are sanctioned by EUSPBA and have a representative at each game. Judges must pass strict standards of testing and have competed at the highest levels themselves. Most are world class. All in all, a pretty fun hobby. I've made a lot of new friends and enjoy traveling to the various highland games. Currently tied for 5th.



I had arthroscopic knee surgery on July 11 and missed the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in NC on July the 12. I would loved to have competed and hopefully placed to add more points, but I'm thankful my knee is pain free. I'm doing physical therapy now at Mountain River Physical Therapy. Great place. (A free commercial for Justin, Nikki, Jeff, Chris and everyone.)



My next competition is Ligonier Highland Games, near Pittsburgh, September 6. Very large venue and great fun. It is a full piobaireachd and I'll play Struan Robertson's Salute.

Duncan MacRae of Kintail's Lament

I played "Duncan MacRae of Kintail's Lament" for the first time in competition at the Kentucky Scottish Games. I learned this tune at The College of Piping and really love it. A very sad, mournful tune that has a lot of music and expression in it. It's in 4 parts with each part having it's own interpretation of grieving. Mourning, celebration, anger and reluctant acceptance must all be conveyed by the musical presentation. Piobaireachd has lots of lights and shadows that must be handled delicately. Duncan MacRae has no taorluath or crunluath variation, but "Colin MacRae of Invereenate's Lament", is a very similar tune with these varations. I was very pleased to receive 3rd place out of 14 competitors. You'll notice the judge is following the tune in the Piobaireachd Society book.

Grade 4 Practice Video

Grade 4 pipers practicing Bathgate Highland Gathering, Heights of Dargai, and Dr. Ross's 50th Return to the Argyllshire Gathering. These pipers are jr. high age and are darn good. They were undefeated as a Grade 5 band last year. Press the play button on the lower left side corner.

Lemon Lover Video

Yes, I know, this has nothing to do with bagpipes. This is my grandson, Big Will, eating a lemon. He really does love them. Press the play button.

Prince Edward Island Snow Storm Video

A nice typical day on the Prince Edward Island. : )

Grade 3 Band Practice Video

Grade 3 band practicing in the main hall. Drones are shut off and playing chanter only. The tune is a 2/4 march, Balmoral Highlanders. Scott MacAulay, College director, is seen in the foreground. Matt MacLaine, principal piping instructor, is front row right. Yes, that's a young lady behind Matt. Ally Walker is an outstanding solo piper also. Be sure to press the play button.

Murdo's Wedding and Flett from Flotta

Here's a couple of fun tunes. It wasn't all piobaireachd at the College. The tune Flett from Flotta has an interesting story behind it. Donald MacLeod, MBE, was a very prominent piper of old in the Scottish regiments. The regimental silver was on it's way down to London for a big "do" and Donald and another soldier were guarding the silver on a train. While sitting on the crates containing the silver, they played their chanters to while away the time. Donald said they should write a tune to pass the time and when the tune was finished they were looking for a title. He asked the big soldier what was his name and where was he from. The rest is (as they say) history. The tune was written after Donald observed the peculiar gait of Flett. The rhythm is supposed to reflect his awkward walking style. Helps with the phrasing of the tune if you think of it like that, too. Flett from Flotta is the second tune and I hope you enjoy it.