Highland Piping Faculty

Rene´ has recently begun to compile a collection of tunes. While the majority of tunes will be his, the collection will include pieces by other well-known composers. The Iron Horse Collection of Bagpipe Music is scheduled for publication later this year.

The majority of Rene´'s background in Ceol Mor has come from Piobaireachd Society President, Andrew Wright. He has also been fortunate to receive instruction in the big and light music from Donald MacLeod, R. G. Hardie, Donald Morrison, John Wilson, Sir James Campbell of Kilberry and Evan Macrae, amongst others. He credits Jamie Troy Sr. with the musical and philosophical underpinnings of his knowledge of pipe music, playing technique and sound production.

In his competitive career, Rene´ has won several prizes for big and little music. He hopes to win a few more before "calling it a day".

Rene´ Cusson

A school teacher by profession, Rene´
(R P F) Cusson from Nanaimo, BC, on Vancouver Island, is in regular and popular demand as a piping teacher, recitalist, adjudicator, dance piper and composer. He has many years of experience in teaching, organising and heading piping workshops throughout Canada and the USA. In addition to teaching in Nanaimo, he travels extensively to teach bands and workshops throughout western provinces and states. As a student of Jamie Troy Sr., Rene´was a founding member of the City of Victoria Pipe Band. He is also an alumnus of the Simon Fraser University Band.

Rene´ is also a folk musician who sings, plays whistles and pipes. Together, he and his wife make up the duo, Ravenrock. Rene´ has performed with a variety of other musicians including fiddler, Wendy MacIsaac and folk icon, Eileen McGann. Rene´ had the good fortune to participate as a musician on Eileen McGann's Juno-nominated, 2002 album, Beyond the Storm.

Presently in his music career, Rene´ is perhaps best known for his compositions. The first of many to gain international acclaim from the piping and Celtic music community was Bruce Gandy's Farewell to the Iron Horse (Gandy, Book 1). This has been one of the most popular 6/8 marches since it was published in 1989. It has been widely recorded by pipe bands, soloists, and Celtic groups. Whether at the the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland or a gathering in South Africa or New Zealand, its unmistakable, haunting, powerful phrases captivate listeners.

Ali Hutton

Originally from Methven in Perthshire, multi-instrumentalist Ali Hutton specialises in pipes, whistles and guitar. He began to play pipes at the age of seven and joined the World famous Vale of Atholl Pipe band where he received tuition and guidance from the late, great Gordon Duncan. Over the years he worked his way through all three grades of the Vale. Beginning in the Novice Juvenile he worked his way to Grade One Where he played alongside his heroes, Ian and Gordon Duncan. He also achieved a successful solo career winning medals at Cowal, the National Mod and at the Junior Scottish Championships. He also studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow where he first experienced the vibrant traditional music scene that exisited in the city.

Visit www.oldblinddogs.co.uk for more information.

Ken Eller

Champion piper, world-renowned pipe major, teacher and RSPBA adjudicator, Ken Eller is also known as "The Captain". In his 40 year piping career at the Grade 1 level he has been 15 times a winner of the North American Pipe Band Championships with two bands: the 78th Fraser Highlanders and the Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band. He is now retired from active competition and has expanded his involvement in instruction.

Ken writes:"It is my intent to be of service not only to students who participate in my workshops but also help the long distance piper needing special assistance. I have been a member of the Piper's and Pipe Band Society of Ontario (PPBSO) since 1962 and am also a member of the Eastern US Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA). In 1984/85 I was admitted to the panel of Adjudicators for both of these organizations. Most recently (2005), I have fulfilled the requirements for and been accepted by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) to their panel as an international adjudicator. In March, 2004 my profile and life experience with the world of pipe music was the featured cover story in The Piper and Drummer magazine. It summarizes a lifetime of accomplishment in the piping field, almost 40 years of teaching, learning and competing at the highest level."

Alan Walters

Alan Walters is a full-time piping professional from Vancouver, B.C. He currently instructs, competes, and pipes for Highland Dancers.

Alan has released a Scottish Small Pipe C.D. for competitive dancers entitled "Strictly Time". He is also well known throughout Canada and the United States for his judging and the many workshops and seminars he delivers.

As a former member of Muirhead and Sons Pipe Band in Scotland, and as past Pipe Major of Triumph Street Pipe Band, Alan has worked with some of the best piping talent.

Graham Davidson

Born in Scotland a long, long time ago, and moved to Canada at an early age. Graham started Piping at the age of six, he then joined the White Hackle Pipe Band. Five years and 10 instructors later Graham joined the Seaforth Highlanders Cadet Pipe Band of Canada. He was the youngest person ever to join the Cadets. This is when Graham met Ed Esson MBE. Ed started Graham down the right path and introduced him to Donald Macleod MBE at the Nelson School of Piping. In the mid 70's, Graham left the Seaforth Highlanders to join the Triumph Street Pipe Band under the direction of Hal Senyk. Triumph Street went overseas to compete at the World Championships and in 1979 Triumph Street placed fifth; the Drum Corps won the World Drum Corps Championships. This was the first time a major award left Scotland in the Grade 1 contest.

Graham later joined and became the Pipe Major of the Maple Ridge Legion Pipe Band. In two years the Band went from a humble Grade 3, to winning prizes in Grade 2. Graham is now the Band Manager and Instructor for the White Spot Pipe Band. This Band takes on beginners from 8 to 14. Members may play till they are 18. Three times Finalist at the BC Piper’s Association Knockout competition, Graham has 10 students and is an Instructor at Coeur d' Alene School of Piping and Drumming. Graham is an International Teacher, Judge and Recitalist. Graham is now taking on a new task of forming a new Grade 3 Pipe Band. This involves fund raising for uniforms, new members, practice area and music. So if anyone out there has a spare million… Married for 20+ years and the father of three sons'.

The journey continues…

Visit Graham's Website here.

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