Sean begins the third generation in a family of pipers. One of the most experienced performers and instructors on the east coast, he also teaches Scottish snare, tenor, and bass drum, and writes drum scores for bands in Grades V and IV. Sean is available to perform at your event, or to instruct bands and individuals.
Points of interest
Performance:
- Entertains primarily in Western PA
- Plays frequently for weddings, funerals, festivals, and other events
- Began performing professionally at 12
- Won his first major championship at 14
- Placed in professional competition in Scotland at 17
- At 17, led the first under-18 American band to achieve finalist status in the Novice division of the World Pipe Band Championships, Glasgow, Scotland
- Currently competes with the Great Lakes Grade II Pipe Band, Cleveland, OH
Teaching:
- Teaches in Edinboro, PA
- One of the youngest people in the world to teach at the College of Piping, Glasgow, Scotland
- Instructor under the Bluebonnet School of Scottish Bagpiping and Drumming
- Currently tutors several members of the Edinboro University of PA Pipe Band
- Takes students between the ages of seven,
and dead. - Bagpipe instructor for over a decade, is currently pursuing a BAME at Edinboro University of PA, with a focus in the bagpipes.
In addition to appreciating his proficiency in playing the pipes, I was impressed with his flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. He worked extremely well with the other musicians during the service, complementing them rather than dominating them.
—The Rev. James A. Forrest, St. David’s Church, Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh
I recommend Sean highly, as a piper, a musician and a valued associate.
Sean, you did a fantastic job. I’ve worked with a number of bagpipers over the 27 years that I’ve photographed weddings, and you stand head and shoulders above them all. Best wishes to you in the future.
—Eric Felack, chief photographer, Valley News Dispatch, Tarentum, PA
In 2005 I had the privilege of teaching at Patrick Regan's bagpipe summer camp in Pittsburgh, PA. I was picked up from the airport along with the school's senior instructor, double Gold Medallist Angus John MacLellan. On the way to Patrick's home, Angus J. whispered over to me: 'His son Sean is an excellent player. He should go over to Scotland and compete.' As a competing piper myself I could have been intimidated by this, but during the following days I got to know Sean as more than just an amazingly gifted piper: I witnessed his teaching skills in the support and encouragement he gave to others.
—Martin Kessler, Braemar Gold Medalist 2003
During the evening recitals I realized that Sean inherited more than teaching talents from his father: Not only is he a born piper and natural teacher, he is also an exceptional musician and entertainer. While I do agree that Sean 'should go over to Scotland and compete', his pupils and audiences are not the only persons who will profit from every minute that he doesn't.
His fellow competitors will as well.