Brian Widelitz, Bagpiper Bagpiper from Perkasie, PA

I have had the privilege of travelling the world learning and playing bagpipes. Having started over 40 years ago in Portland, Oregon, I worked at Hugh MacPherson Bagpipes, Ltd. Edinburgh as an apprentice bagpipe turner, taking piping lessons from the late Pipe Major George Stoddart. On returning to the United States, I played with a number of area bands, becoming Pipe Major of the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band, the band of which I am now instructor. In 1990, I left to join the Lehigh Valley Pipe Band as they pushed to championship status in Grade 3 competition. When the band moved to Grade 2, I became Pipe Major of the Grade 4 band. I later became Pipe Major of The Cameron Highlanders of Philadelphia, leading the band to championship status in Grade 4 competition and moving to Grade 3. During that time I was also a successful solo competitor, having had tuition from some of the great players in the in the region and the world, including Scot Walker and Murray Henderson. I have opened or played for many great Celtic performers including Silly Wizard and The Chieftains as well as having been a featured performer at the Philadelphia Folk Festival and the Appalachian Celtic Festival at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, I maintain a full book of weddings, funerals and ceremonies, having been the piper for Philadelphia University for over 25 years. I am able to bring stateliness, dignity and fun to any performance situation.