Jeffrey Baker
Piper/Band Manager


I started as a student with the GRPD near the end of 2004, receiving group instruction from the band (Pipe Major Mary Wallace), and receiving private lessons from Instructors Brian Erbe and Chance Bell.

The "master plan" was realized while in Scotland in the beautiful Edinburgh Castle years ago.  While taking in the sights, a single piper strolled about within the castle walls, letting his pipes ring out through the entire castle... I think that's what did it for me... My interest in the music started growing, and I eventually found myself back in Scotland year after year, enjoying the culture, the history, the beer, the people, the beer, the beer, and eventually decided to learn to play the bagpipes.

About three years later, I found my way back to the Highlands, playing my pipes atop the misty hills of Gairloch... A beautiful place with a breathtaking view of the sea, the Isle of Skye, and the mountains...

I just finished my second year competing with the band's Grade V competition squad.  We placed in all competitions and took first place in Williamsburg.

I'm starting to compete in solo competitions in my grade (grade IV), so that's all new for me... Exciting and challenging.

I hope to continue to study and learn, and continue to enjoy the fun and friendships found with the band over the past few years.

Still, I practice... I watch... I listen... and I learn.

The photo I've included above is of me playing at dusk at the Bay of the Back of the Ocean on Iona Island, Scotland.  It's the most peaceful and most beautiful place I've ever visited.

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