Pipers

Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE, MSc

Alastair Dunn (Pipe Sergeant)
Scott Barr
Andrew Carlisle
Emmett Conway
Kris Coyle
Robert Crozier
Graham Drummond
Mark Faloon
Michael Fitzhenry
James Gore
Jonathan Greenlees
Ross Hume
Stuart Irvine
Jonathan Lamberton
Ian Lyons
Donald MacPhee
Brian Martin
Conor McCallion
Alisdair McLaren
Ashley McMichael
David Middleton
John Reville
Glenn Ross
Mark Smyth
Scott Wallace
Kyle Warren
Matt Wilson

Drone Tuners/Sound Assistants

Frank Andrews
Scott Drummond
Lynsey McLaren

Snare Drummers

Drum Sergeant Keith Orr

Cameron Finlay
Ian Gillespie
Earl Glasgow
Aaron McCarten
Aaron McLean
Brendan Megoran
Gavin Noade
Terry Smyth
Geoff Wilson

Bass Section

Jordan Bailie
Andrew Elliot
Kyle Heaney
Glenn Higgins
Vicki Kane
Sarah McCullough
Sarah Moore
Chris Pollock

Drum Major

Drum Major Samantha Gordon

Richard lives in Comber, County Down. He has been Pipe Major of the band for the last twenty nine years, making history by leading FMM to become the most successful pipe band ever to come from Northern Ireland. Richard is one of the most respected pipers and pipe band leaders in the world, gaining an MBE from Her Majesty The Queen in 2004 for recognition of his services to pipe band music in Northern Ireland. Although Richard has always put the band first, he also managed to win 7 All Ireland Senior Solo Championships, eight Northern Ireland Piper of the Year titles, nine Ulster Senior Championships, as well as winning the Strachan in London, the Jig in Inverness and a number of other prizes at major solo competitions. Richard holds a Masters degree in Polymer Engineering and works as a Engineering Manager in Bombardier Aerospace.

Back to top

Alastair comes from Newtonards, County Down. He joined FMM in 1998 and was appointed Pipe Sergeant in 2005. Alastair is a multiple solo prize winner, having won the Gold Medal for Piobaireachd at both Oban and Inverness. Alastair’s wife Margaret is also a top piper, and together they live in Glasgow with their young son's Callum and Rory. Alastair is Managing Director for R. G. Hardie & Co Ltd.

Back to top

Scott is the latest in a long history of promising young pipers to play for FMM. Scott joined FMM in 2013, aged just 16, following 5 years with Ravara (where he won all the majors in Grade 2 except Cowal). He has been competing in the solo scene in Northern Ireland since he was 9 and has won both the Ulster and All Ireland solo titles for his age group.

Back to top

Andrew is originally from Ballygowan, County Down and joined FMM in 2003. He is one of the world’s leading soloists and has won numerous prizes including, the Gillies Cup for Piobaireachd at London, the A Grade Strathspey and Reel at Oban, the Senior Piobaireachd and overall at Cowal, the US Gold Medal for Piobaireachd and Light music, the MacCrimmon Trophie, and three All-Ireland titles. Andrew is Professor of Music and Director of Piping at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA. In just under three years, he has transformed the University Pipes and Drums into a successful Grade 3 band.

Back to top

Emmett comes from Cookstown, County Tyrone and previously played with the Ballinderry Bridge Pipe Band, where he won several championships in Grade 2 including the Worlds. Emmett works as an apprentice electrician, and is a budding young solo player, having taken many prizes in the juvenile grade and now in senior competitions in Scotland.

Back to top

Kris is from Ballyclare, County Antrim and has been a member of FMM since 2005. Kris previously played with the Monkstown Mossley Pipe Band, leading them as pipe major to win second place in the Juvenile Grade at the World Pipe Band Championships. Kris has featured in many solo prize lists in Ireland, and is engaged to fellow band member Sarah Moore.

Back to top

Robert lives in Melbourne, Australia and joined FMM in 2013. Robert has been a full-time piper with the Victoria Police Pipe Band since 1991, and was a member of the band during their golden-era in the 1990s, which culminated in their outstanding Worlds’ win in 1998. Robert has also played with the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band from Canada and the Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band. Robert is a hugely successful bagpipe drone reed maker and back home is a member of the Moorabbin City Pipe Band.

Back to top

Graham is from Bathgate, Scotland and his first season with FMM was 2010. However, Graham has long since been a fan, as his uncle Scott Drummond has been a member of the band since 1998. Graham previously played with the Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band and is making good headway on the solo scene, including winning the 2013 Duncan Johnstone Memorial competition. Graham is a student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Back to top

Mark is from Portadown, County Armagh and is a household name in the pipe band scene in Northern Ireland. Over the past three decades, Mark has been the successful pipe major of many bands, and involved in teaching pipers from across the country. Mark originally joined FMM in 1998 and with a few years off in the middle, rejoined the band again in 2007. He works for a forklift truck company.

Back to top

Mike is originally from Victoria, Canada. He joined FMM in 2004 from Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band whilst prior to that Mike was a member of the Clan MacBain Pipe Band. Mike is a well-known face on the solo scene in Scotland and now lives in Glasgow where he works as a graphic designer. Mike is engaged to Shotts drummer Alison Gilmour.

Back to top

James joined FMM in 2011. Originally from Bradford, England, James moved to Northern Ireland where he is pursuing a BA Honours degree in Modern History at Queen's University Belfast. James previously played with the Ballycoan Pipe Band and has featured in solo prize lists in Scotland and Ireland, including winning the Northern Ireland Piper of the Year in 2010. In addition to pipes, James also plays whistle and holds a Grade 8 certificate for Bass Guitar.

Back to top

Jonathan is from Lisburn, County Antrim, and is one of the most experienced and respected players in FMM. Jonathan joined FMM in 1995 and has won six World titles. Jonathan is well known on the solo circuit, having won a number of major prizes including the Dunvegan Medal (Skye) and the Strachan Memorial (London), as well as the All Ireland and Ulster senior titles. Jonathan is an accountant and now lives in Glasgow.

Back to top

Ross is another of the young pipers to join FMM this year. He previously played with Cullybackey and Monkstown Mossley and is an up and coming player on the solo scene having won the All Ireland Championship at Junior level as well as prizes in 'C' grade competitions in Scotland. Ross is studying Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Queen's University Belfast.

Back to top

Stuart is from Bangor, County Down. He has been a member of FMM since 2008 and he previously played with the Ballycoan Pipe Band, the Cleland Memorial and Dr Wright Memorial Pipe Band. In the lower grades, he gained two World titles with Dr Wright Memorial, and one with Ballycoan. Stuart is currently working in the hotel industry in Bangor.

Back to top

Jonathan is from Belfast. He joined FMM in 2009, having previously played with the Ballycoan Pipe Band. Jonathan is a budding soloist, having won the All-Ireland Championships at the junior level and Ulster Championships at the intermediate level. Jonathan recently moved to Glasgow and joins the ‘Scottish contingent’ in leaving at 5.30am to commute to Saturday band practices in Northern Ireland.

Back to top

Ian is originally from Banbridge, County Down, but now lives in Melbourne, Australia, His first season with FM was 2009 and he travels from Oz in the summer just to play with the band. Ian is currently a full-time piper with the Victoria Police Pipe Band. He has previously played with the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band, and before that the Pipes & Drums of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and Banbridge Pipe Band. Ian is currently Pipe Major of the Moorabbin City Pipe Band in Melbourne.  

Back to top

Donald is originally from Detroit, USA. He joined the band in 2006, having previously played with the ScottishPower Pipe Band. Donald is one of the top solo players in the world today, having won the Gold Medal for Piobaireachd in Inverness along with a long list prizes at the highest level. Donald is a successful bagpipe reedmaker and lives in Alexandria, Scotland, with his wife Christine.

Back to top

Brian is from Ballynahinch, County Down. He is the longest serving piper in FMM other than Richard Parkes himself, having joined 25 years ago in 1988, at the age of just 13. Brian served as the band’s Pipe Sergeant for several years and he is yet another winner of the All Ireland Solo Championships at senior level. Brian works in banking and he and wife Laura have a young son, Jack, and new baby girl Lottie.

Back to top

Conor is from Cookstown, County Tyrone. He joined FMM in 2009, and he previously played with the Ballinderry Bridge Pipe Band, where we won the World Championships in Grade 2 along with several other major titles. Conor has had early solo success, having won several prizes at the juvenile level both in Ireland and in Scotland, and was named Young Player of the Year 2005. Conor is studying Building Surveying at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown.

Back to top

Alisdair hails from Perth, Australia. His first season with FMM was 2009, having been a member of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band and Pipe Major of the Western Australia Police Pipe Band before that. Alisdair is the Director of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland and is based at The National Piping Centre in Glasgow. He is married to fellow piper Lynsey McLaren.

Back to top

Ashley is from Antrim. He has been a member of FMM since 2005, and previously played with the Ballydonghy and Ravara pipe bands. Ashley is a successful solo player, including winning the Northern Ireland Piper of the Year, and the Ulster and All-Ireland Solo Championship at the Senior level. Ashley is one of FMM’s front rank pipers and has the unenviable task of standing next to Richard!

Back to top

David is from Londonderry. He has been a member of FMM since 2002, having played previously with the McNeillstown Pipe Band. He is a former winner of the Northern Ireland Pipe of the Year competition and also is a player of the lowland pipes. David works as a secondary school chemistry teacher and commutes to band practice from his home in County Donegal.

Back to top

John lives in Leixlip, County Kildare. He has been a member of the band since 2003, having played previously with the St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band for many years. John is a previous winner of the Northern Ireland Piper of the Year contest. He recently completed his MBA from Dublin City University and works as Operations Manager for Irish Rail. John has is a busy father with three young children.

Back to top

Glenn joined FMM in 2011. He is one of the band’s Scottish players, travelling from his home in Kingsmuir, Forfar. Glenn previously played with the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band for five years, and before that with the Drambuie Kirkliston Pipe Band in Grade 2 where he won every major championship including the Grade 2 World title in 2005. Glenn lifted several solo prizes at the juvenile level, including winning the Juvenile March Strathspey & Reel at the Northern Meeting. Glenn is a qualified joiner.

Back to top

Mark is from Dromara, County Down. He is the third longest serving piper in the band, having joined 19 years ago in 1991. As a result he is one of the few members to win all 6 World titles with FMM. His daughter Courtney has now taken up the torch and is a piper in the Upper Crossgare Pipe Band, which Mark played with previous to FMM. Mark is the Director of a construction company.

Back to top

Scott hails from Banbridge and joined FMM in 2012. He previously played with Drumlough Pipe Band, Ballycoan Pipe Band, and St Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band. As a member of St. Laurence O'Toole, Scott won the Grade 1 European and World Pipe Band Championships in 2010. Scott now lives in Perth, Australia where he works for Western Australia Police. He now makes the 15,000km commute (one-way) for band practices during the 2013 season.

Back to top

Kyle is from Helensburgh, Scotland and joined FMM in 2011. He was previously Pipe Sergeant of Lomond & Clyde Pipe Band, Pipe Major of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland and recently a member of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. In 2009, he competed with Bagad Cap Caval winning the Breton Championships at the Lorient Festival. Kyle graduated with a first class honours degree from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 2010 and recently released a book of his own compositions entitled ‘Tunez’.

Back to top

Matt is from Edinburgh, Scotland. 2013 is Matt’s 11th season with the band, having joined in 2003 after leaving the George Watson’s College Pipe Band where he was Pipe Major. Matt spent five years living in Northern Ireland while studying before returning to Edinburgh where he is now piping instructor at Dollar Academy.

Back to top

Keith lives in Londonderry and has been leading drummer of FMM since 2003. He has been a successful leading drummer for decades, previously leading the McNeilstown Pipe Band and the Graham Memorial Pipe Band, winning the March, Strathspey & Reel section at the World Pipe Band Championships amongst other titles. As a soloist, Keith is a senior All Ireland Solo Drumming Champion, a World Solo Drumming Championships finalist, and as leading drummer of FMM has led the band to win 30 major championships including five World Championships titles. Keith has been central to FMM’s success over the last decade and is one half of the partnership that is the band’s successful leadership.

Back to top

Cameron is from Dundonald, County Down, and joined FMM in 2011. Cameron’s previous bands include the Dr Wright Memorial and Ballycoan Pipe Bands, the later of which he made his Grade 1 debut with at the young age of 12! Cameron was taught by Brendan Megoran, Gavin Noade, Freddie Noade, and his father. As a soloist, he has won prizes at the Juvenile level, including being named Under 14 and Under 16 All-Ireland champion.

Back to top

Ian Gillespie is from Londonderry and has been a member of FMM since 2005. Ian previously played with the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, winning the drumming at the World Championships in 2000. He has been tutored by Andy Scullion, Gary Corkin and Keith Orr. 

Back to top

Earl is from Magherfelt, County Londonderry. He has been a member of FMM since 1994 and has played under Gordon, Andy and Keith as leading drummers. Earl is one of the main men behind the scenes of FMM, working as band Chairman to help with the organisation and management of the band. Earl is a senior partner with a company in the technology industry.

Back to top

Aaron is from Newtownards, County Down. He joined FMM in 2010, having been the leading drummer of the Ravara Pipe Band from 1997 to 2009 where he led the band to win several championships in Grade 2, including the Worlds. Aaron is a well known soloist, having won the Ulster and All Ireland Championships at Junior and Intermediate level, and the All Ireland Championships at Senior level. Abroad, Aaron has been a finalist at the World Solo Drumming Championships 6 times in the last 8 years with an 8th place in 2011 his best result to date.

Back to top

Aaron is from Ballymoney, County Antrim and joined FMM in 2008 having previously played with the Finvoy and Cullybackey Pipe Bands. He has received tuition from Steven McWhirter Ian Lawson and Keith Orr. Aaron has won the Worlds in both Grade 3A and Grade 2 and has now become a frequent prize winner at solo drumming contests in Northern Ireland and Scotland. He is 2-time Kingdom Thistle senior drumming champion and was a World Solo Drumming finalist in 2012.

Back to top

Brendan is from Drumaness, County Down and joined FMM in 2012.  Brendan is a familiar face on the pipe band scene, having previously played with the Frank Rainey Memorial, Leapoughs, the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC and most recently was leading drummer of the Ballycoan Pipe Band. As a soloist, Brendan is a regular prize winner at home and has been a finalist at the World Solo Drumming Championships on several occasions. As a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC, he has also won every major drumming prize including the drumming at the World Championships in 2000.  When Brendan’s not playing or teaching drumming, he is busy with his wife and four children and is a keen Manchester United fan.

Back to top

Gavin is from Ballynahinch, County Down and has been a drummer in FMM since 2003. A successful soloist, Gavin is a past winner of the World Solo Drumming Championships in the under 18 category and thereafter has been in the final of the World Solo Drumming Championships at the adult level in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009.  Gavin is a graduate and works in the banking sector.

Back to top

Terry is from Drumsnade and now lives in Carryduff, County Antrim.  Terry joined FMM in 2010, and before that he spent his whole pipe band career with the Frank Rainey Memorial Pipe Band, where he spent many years as the band’s leading drummer. Terry is a tutor at the Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School and also plays kit drum and guitar. He holds a BA in Business Studies and works as a Business Systems Analyst for an IT company in Belfast.

Back to top

Geoff is from Ballymena, County Antrim and has been a member of FMM since 2003. Geoff has played for Keith Orr for over 25 years, playing for him with the McNeilstown Pipe Band and the Graham Memorial before joining FMM. Geoff has a Masters degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and is now an Engineering Director.

Back to top

Jordan is from Newtonards, County Down. Jordan is the band’s youngest member, and has been playing with the band since 2009.  Jordan previously played with the Dr Wright Memorial Pipe Band and is a student of the Northern Ireland School of Piping & Drumming. 

Back to top

Andrew is from Toronto, Ontario, Canada and will compete with the band for the first time in 2013. Andrew joined his first grade 1 band at age 13, and has won every major prize both in band and solo competitions in Ontario. Along with being Canadian, United States, and North American Champion, Andrew is also a 4 time MHAF Gold Medal winner, in both bass and tenor drumming. Andrew is the owner of Ace Percussion, the only company to offer fully customizable tenor drum mallets.

Back to top

Kyle joined FMM in 2013. He started playing the tenor drum with the Canadian Armed Forces and joined his first competition band in 2006. In 2007 he joined the 78th Fraser Highlanders and in his first season one the Best Drum Corps and Best Bass Section titles at the Worlds. Kyle has also been a member of the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band. He was the winner of 2011 MHAF Winter Storm Gold Medal and is also 3-time American Champion, 3-time North American Champion and 4-time Canadian Champion for solo tenor drumming.

Back to top

Glenn is from Ballyclare, County Antrim and currently lives in Belfast. He joined FMM in 2009, having previously played with the Major Sinclair Memorial, Ballydonaghy Caledonia, Monkstown Mossely, West Midlands Police and Seven Towers Pipe Band, where the band won the British, Scottish, Ulster and European Championships in Grade 2.

Back to top

Vicky joined FMM in 2011. From Magherafelt, County Londonderry, she previously played with the Quinn Memorial Pipe and the Ballycoan Pipe Band. Vicky is a dental nurse in the Gentle Touch Dental Studio in Magherafelt, and teaches tenor drumming for various bands when she’s not working, practicing and competing.

Back to top

Sarah is from Banbridge, County Down and has been a member of FMM since 2006. Sarah previously played with the Banbridge Pipe Band. She is a keen athlete and coaches dance, netball and Leprechaun Rugby, and recently completed her training to become a Physical Education teacher.

Back to top

Sarah joined FMM in 2011, having previously played with Ravara, North Belfast and Monkstown Mossley pipe bands. With Ravara she won several major championships, including the 2010 World Pipe Band Championship at the Grade 2 level. When she’s not tenor drumming, Sarah studies History at Queen's University, Belfast.  Anyone local to Ballyclare, County Antrim, might also recognise Sarah as the 2010 Ballyclare May Fair Queen, but unfortunately for any admirers, she is already engaged to fellow band member Kris Coyle!

Back to top

Chris is from Castledawson, County Londonderry. Chris joined as a tenor drummer in 2006, and took over as bass drummer in 2007. His previous bands include Monkstown Mossley, McNeillstown and West Midlands Police Pipe Band. Chris is a Young People’s Co-ordinator for a national charity.

Back to top

Samantha is from Banbridge, Co. Down, and joined FMM in 2011.  Her previous bands include Moneygore, Banbridge, Bleary & District, and Geoghegan Memorial Pipe Band.  At the junior and juvenile levels, Samantha has won the Ulster, All-Ireland, British, and European Championships, and in 2010 became Juvenile World Champion.  She has also won the Champion of Champions awards at the Juvenile level both in Northern Ireland and in Scotland.  Samantha is a student and has a keen interest in playing netball and hockey, and supporting Ulster Rugby and Manchester United.

Back to top

Frank comes from Ballymena, County Antrim and has acted as the band’s drone tuner since 2002. Frank is a well known face on the Northern Ireland pipe band scene, having been Pipe Major of the McNeillstown Pipe Band for 30 years, 20 of which were spent in Grade 1. Frank is appreciated in the band not just for his good ear and apt ability at tuning drones, but for being one of a select few who can act as a calming influence on Richard when the pressure is on!

Back to top

Scott comes from Bathgate, Scotland. A well known name to many, Scott won the Silver Medal for Piobaireachd and the 'A' March in Inverness. He was one of FMM’s front rank pipers from 1998 to 2007, having won every major championship including four World titles during that period. Scott has a reputation in the band for always producing a superb bagpipe, not to mention a good laugh and the band is lucky to have him helping with tuning drones.

Back to top

Lynsey comes from Comber, Co. Down, and played with FMM from 2004 to 2009, winning every major championship during this time including the Worlds. Lynsey recently joined the Cullen Pipe Band, but she still helps FMM behind the scenes by tuning drones at the overseas Glasgow practices. Lynsey is a graduate of St. Andrews University and is married to FMM band member Alisdair McLaren, and now lives in Glasgow where she is working as a Corporate Banker.

Back to top