Washington Memorial Pipe Band

The Washington Memorial Pipe Band has been committed to providing the finest musical instruction for the Highland Bagpipe and Scottish Drumming for over 65 years. The band is known for it's collegial environment that fosters great music, great fun, and continuous learning in Scottish Highland Bag Pipe Music.

Band practice is held every Monday evening from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM at Mellon Hall on the campus of Valley Forge Military Academy, Wayne Pa. (click on this link for "Directions to VFMA"). Group lessons for beginners are held from 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM and are free of charge! Private lessons can be arranged for a nominal charge by our experienced instructors below:

Pipe Sergeant: Kenny Sutherland

The Piping instruction is under the direction of Pipe Sergeant Kenny Sutherland. Kenny just recently immigrated to the U.S. from Barhead, Scotland and is a highly acclaimed piper and teacher. He is a Grade I piper with the patience for beginners and the experience to help intermediate and advance pipers. He has toured with the Celtic/Caribbean fusion rock band Macumba throughout Europe, Russia, and South America. Kenny's traditional training mixed with cutting edge flair is a perfect blend to help pipers get the most fun out of their pipes!

Scottish Drumming Instructor: Mark Beecher

Mark Beecher has been teaching Percussion and Scottish Drumming since 1971. He has also performed all over the world as a master of the snare drum. From the grand stages of the Lincoln Center and the Kimmel Center, to the cozy sets of the Tin Angel and The Grape Street Pub here in Philadelphia. He started his career instructing percussion at Marple-Newtown High School in 1972 and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Drexel University. Mark joined Washington Memorial Pipe Band as the Drum Sergeant and Professional Drum Instructor in 2005. Mark enjoys teaching beginners as well as professional drummers and is always enthusiastic to help drummers in all forms of drumming, including the drum set. So every Monday night Mark's ready to help our Scottish snare drummers get crackin' and buzz the rolls! (link to mark beecher mbdrums@aol.com)

Copyright © 2008, Washington Memorial Pipe Band