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Pipe Major Norwood BayBridge, nominated and elected at Edinburgh in 2007 as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, Scotland, (founded: 1780); is an integral part of a distinctly Military Piping Heritage. This military piping heritage can be directly traced back to the renowned Scottish Pipe Major Willie Ross; a distinguished and world-famous military piper who initially fought in the Boer War (the Tweede Vryheidsoorlog; or, "Second War of Liberation") on the Eastern Cape Frontier of Southern Africa. Remarkably, Pipe Major Ross was undoubtedly one of the greatest pipers that Scotland has ever produced. Born in 1878 in Glenstrathfarrar in the Scottish Highlands to Alick Ross and Mary Collie; Willie was one of a family of 3 sons and 3 daughters. William (right) enlisted in the Scots Guards in 1896 and saw service in both the Boer War (1899 ~ 1902); and, the Great War (1914 -1918). He was promoted to Pipe Major of the 2nd Battalion in 1905. (As a unique historical note: his brother, Alick, was to become Pipe Major of the 1st Battalion.) William was invalided out of the army in 1919, suffering from an acute rheumatic disorder following a hard life in the trenches. In 1920 he became Director of the Army School of Bagpipe Music and took his office and residence in Edinburgh Castle. His record in competitive piping was unique: Gold Medal Iverness 1904; Gold Medal Oban 1907; Open Piobaireachd winner in 1907, 1912, and 1928. Winner of The Clasp in 1905, 1906, 1907, 1910, 1912, 1919, 1928 and 1931. As the former winner of the March, Strathspey and Reel at Oban and Inverness, he was champion 11 times. Many regarded Willie Ross as the world's greatest piper; a brilliant player, teacher and composer. He published 5 books of pipe music, which are used all over the world. As the Director of the Army School of Bagpipe Music, Pipe Major Ross personally tutored many piping students at Edinburgh Castle, including: Tom Coulson; a piper with the Essex Scottish 4th Brigade in 1942. Tom Coulson, went on to become a WWII Canadian Combat Piper; and, Pipe Major with the 2nd Battalion, Essex Scottish. Prior to the Second World War, Pipe Major Coulson had initially studied the bagpipes under the tutelage of Norman Fraser, a Canadian Army Veteran who served in WWI. After joining the Canadian Army, Tom (right) studied under Pipe Major Bobby Stoker, a Gold Medalist Army piper from Calgary, Alberta. Tom was later selected to attend the Army School of Bagpipe Music in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he then studied under the legendary Pipe Major Willie Ross. In 1953, Pipe Major Coulson was selected to represent his Regiment, the 2nd Battalion, Essex Scottish, at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. (One member of every Regiment in the British Commonwealth was chosen to form a"Regiment of Honor".) Following his retirement from the Canadian Army as a Warrant Officer and Pipe Major, Tom Coulson became Pipe Major of the MacKenzie Highlanders of Des Moines, Iowa. While there, Pipe Major Coulson personally trained Ron Husted; a United States Navy veteran, to play the bagpipes. Ron (right) went on to become Pipe Sergeant of the MacKenzie Highlanders Pipe & Drum Corps. Notably, Ron is the official piper of Clan Uisdean, whose members descend from Chief Hugh MacDonald, Lord of the Isles; and, of which his own last name derives. Ron is also a member of Clan Maxwell; and, the third generation of his line of Maxwell’s to be born on American soil. Ron was with the Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes & Drums for the September 11, 2002, Memorial Service at Taylor Stadium in Des Moines. Ron also piped in Waterloo in 2007 when the MacKenzie Highlanders led Iowa’s 133rd Infantry in their Return Ceremony from Iraq (following a record-setting two years of active deployment). This was featured in the CBS 60 Minutes documentary entitled: "Fathers, Sons & Brothers". Ron is a member of the Scottish American Military Society; as well as a Member of the Royal Order of Scotland. For the past 6 years Ron has been the Official Piper for the annual State of Iowa Golden Dome Awards Ceremony held at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. Over the years Ron has piped at numerous firefighter, peace officer, and military memorials; piped our troops into their deployments; as well as piping their return ceremonies. Ron has piped in scores of parades, weddings, funerals, and special events throughout central Iowa. Pipe Sergeant Ron Husted taught Norwood BayBridge the traditional art of Highland piping in the cultural spirit and tenor of historically outstanding, award winning, military pipers; as were his own predecessors. Norwood (right) carries on that distinct, martial privilege and honor. Pipe Major BayBridge is a United States Air Force veteran, who served with the Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam War. He is presently Regional Commander of the Scottish American Military Society. Piping Now, after years of performing, composing and teaching; Pipe Major Norwood BayBridge, FSA Scot, is, remarkably, one who most people know as a popular and accomplished piping soloist; a recognized and established piper who serves distinctly in times of celebration or sorrow. Pipe Major BayBridge plays classic and much-loved celebration and memorial melodies; as well as dynamic military tunes of glory on the Great Highland Bagpipes. His published works on early Scottish music were recognized; and, he was subsequently nominated and elected as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, Scotland, at Edinburgh in 2007. He has solo-piped all across the United States; including for the Opening Ceremonies of the Traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall; and, in public concert with the Minot Symphony Orchestra. He was the Official Piper for the 2009 South Dakota State Fair; and, is the Founding Pipe Major of the award-winning Aberdeen Fire & Rescue Pipes & Drums. He is currently Pipe Major of the South Dakota Highlanders Pipe & Drum. His charming, easy-going (yet well-disciplined) character, beautiful style and amazingly stunning, period-specific uniforms create the enhanced, perfect atmosphere and ambiance at: Wedding; Anniversaries; Receptions; Funerals; Memorials; Commemorations; Patriotic Observances; Reunions; Official Dinners Conventions; Fund Drives; and, High-Impact Public Relations Outreach Events. Composing Pipe Major BayBridge has composed many popular bagpipe tunes that are played internationally. These include: "Robert's March" "Fanfare for Bagpipes and Drums" "Veterans March of Honor" "Fantasia March" "Aberdeen March" "Wedding in the Glen" Pipe Major BayBridge may be contacted whenever your organizational plans require a high-impact, original bagpipe and drum tune that will immediately identify your organization; and, what your organization stands for. It is easier to remember significant highlights and events from generation to generation through the medium of a pipe & drum march. That option leverages and magnifies the efforts and hard work it takes to make a lasting impact and impression in the decades and centuries to come. Teaching Should a person wish to become an accomplished player of the Highland bagpipes, Pipe Major BayBridge teaches privately, on a one-on-one basis, as well as in group setting. Pipe Major BayBridge also extends the extremely versatile option of learning to play the Great Highland Bagpipes through the medium of the internet. He enjoys conducting basic through advanced workshops, as well as hosting hands-on programs throughout the United States. You may be interested to know that Pipe Major BayBridge has all the qualities you, particularly, would want in an insightful teacher. He's kind, patient, encouraging; and, has a gentle way of explaining and demonstrating flourishing techniques that makes even the most shy student feel at ease. He teaches the adult beginner as well as more advanced students. He meets each student at his or her own level in order to gain all the skills and confidence required to develop and perform as a successful piper. Students advance through individual, one-on-one instruction in a private setting and weekly group lessons. In the group lessons, students learn how to play together, refining their techniques and expressions, which enable them to branch out and play for special occasions in their communities. Pipe Major BayBridge arranges many such events, including public performances, private observance and prominent patriotic ceremonies throughout the United States. Call Pipe Major BayBridge to discuss what's important for you. It's easy to do. |
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