PodBand PipeCast

EPISODE 105 - The New Massed Bands?

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

New massed bands music just dropped and let's just say, there’s a lot to unpack here. 💼 Listen as we work through our mixed feelings and end up a...

EPISODE 104 - Welcome Back

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's our first contest in two years and we are EXHAUSTED! 😴 Find out if it was as much fun as we remembered!Support us Patreon to see the video ver...

EPISODE 103 - We Missed You

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's 2022 and we're back at the Phoenix Highland Games after two years of a pandemic! There were so many things we all missed about the highland games...

EPISODE 102 - Rules Rule

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Great Highland Bagpipes are required… except when they’re not. 🤔 And tenor drums aren’t required… unless you want to win Best Bass Section....

EPISODE 101 - RSPB-YAY!

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Who else loves reading pipe band contest rules? 😇 In this episode we take a look at some interesting rules from the mother of all pipe band associa...

EPISODE 100 - 100 Things

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of our 100th episode, we're naming 100 pipe band things! 💯 Did your favorite things make the list? Or your least favorite? Only one way to...

EPISODE 99 - Hot Takes

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's our first episode of 2022 and it's coming in hot! 🔥 We're starting off the year with some controversial hot takes: wild opinions that may actu...

EPISODE 98 - Christmas Parking Lot Special

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Honk if you love the holidays! 🎄🕎🕯 This Christmas Parking Lot Special will be our last one of the year. Here we recap a Christmas concert our...

EPISODE 97 - THE COST IS CORRECT

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We celebrated our podcast's 2nd birthday with pipe band themed party games, starting with the Cost is Correct! 💰 Can you guess the typical amount o...

EPISODE 96 - Tournament of Tartans: Great 8

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's down to the final 8! Tune in to find out which tartan will be crowned our PodBand PipeCast favorite!Support us Patreon to see the video version o...

EPISODE 95 - Tournament of Tartans: Sweet 16

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever thought, "that's a pretty tartan, I wish our band wore that"? In this episode we build a bracket of 16 tartans that we think would be gr...

EPISODE 94 - It's A Wonderful (Bit)Life

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

BitLife is a game where you make decisions in a simulated life, so of course we had to choose to be a drummer! Unfortunately… Support us Patreon to ...

EPISODE 93 - Getting Physical: Part Two

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Licensed physical therapist Alex Randall evaluates a tenor drummer and bass drummer and provides simple stretches every piper and drummer can do to he...

EPISODE 92 - Getting Physical: Part One

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Is your playing posture hurting you? 🤕 Licensed physical therapist Alex Randall evaluates a piper and snare drummer and discusses ways to help make...

EPISODE 91 - The Wicker Man

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What better way to celebrate Halloween than watching a spooky Scottish movie? Warning: this one is rated R, probably mostly for that questionable kilt...

EPISODE 90 - Imports and Kilt Rentals

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Michael McClanathan discusses how his Arizona imports shop became one of North America's most popular rental stores for highlandwear. Support us Patre...

EPISODE 89 - Michael McClanathan

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Michael McClanathan discusses going from Motor City and playing in the Chrysler Pipe Band to being a piper for hire in Scottsdale.Support us Patreon t...

EPISODE 88 - Cut: Turnips for Dessert

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We have 30 minutes and a box of random Scottish foods. This is the third part of a three-part series where we cook a meal out of some odd, but familia...

EPISODE 87 - Cut: Lamb and Oats

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We have 30 minutes and a box of random Scottish foods. This is the second part of a three-part series where we cook a meal out of some odd, but famili...

EPISODE 86 - Cut: An Irn Bru Appetizer

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We have 30 minutes and a box of random Scottish foods. This is the first part of a three-part series where we cook a meal out of some odd, but familia...

EPISODE 85 - Baggage

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We have a non-pipe bander choose an instrument based solely off of its less-than-desirable qualities. There's a lot to unpack here. Support us Patreon...

EPISODE 84 - Trash Pipes

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We make bagpipes out of trash bags!Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https://www.patreon.com/PodBandPipeCastLike us on Face...

EPISODE 83 - Artificial Unintelligence

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We see if artificial intelligence can help us write a pipe band blog post, learn about some historic pipe band figures, and talk about how great our p...

EPISODE 82 - Pipe Band Top 10

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our top 10 pipe band things. But for both of us, so that's more like 20 things.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https://ww...

EPISODE 81 - Movie Pitches

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Listen as we pitch you a few of our ***100% ORIGINAL*** ideas for pipe band films.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https:/...

EPISODE 80 - Bagpiping Goats

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this "just for fun" episode we rescue some bagpiping goats as Spyro the Dragon. Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https:...

EPISODE 79 - Beat Saber

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https://www.patreon.com/PodBandPipeCastLike us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/PodBandP...

EPISODE 78 - Online Contest

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

WUSPBA Desert Branch Treasurer Erica Lue discusses lessons learned from hosting the branch's first online solo contest. Support us Patreon to see the ...

EPISODE 77 - Underwater Drumming

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dianne Nunez and Alex Lemoine continue the discussion about the filming of the Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band's pandemic project video.Support us Patreon t...

EPISODE 76 - Cowboys and Bagpipes

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dianne Nunez and Alex Lemoine discuss the filming of the Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band's pandemic project video. Support us Patreon to see the video vers...

EPISODE 75 - The Gael

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Conquest and Mike McKee discuss how they made the arrangement and audio track for the band's Gael pandemic project. Support us Patreon to see th...

EPISODE 74 - Finally, Some Answers

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We read Yahoo Answers posts about bagpipes, most of which are absolutely not helpful.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: http...

EPISODE 73 - Bagpipes In Media

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We review several portrayals of bagpipes in popular media and whether they follow negative stereotypes or if they are positive and encouraging. Suppor...

EPISODE 72 - Bagpipe Math

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Piper and math aficionado Alasdair Martin tackles an age-old question: “If bagpipes only have nine notes, how many different bagpipe tunes are possi...

EPISODE 71 - The Piper Mathematican

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Piper Alasdair Martin joins us to discuss how he got started piping, what keeps him motivated, and one unfortunate trip to Burbank. Support us Patreon...

EPISODE 70 - AI Pipe Band

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We asked artificial intelligence to narrate a highland games, a solo practice session, and a band rehearsal.Support us Patreon to see the video versio...

EPISODE 69 - Happy Accidents

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Famed American painter Bob Ross had a lot of good life advice, and some of it can be applied to pipe band. We share some inspiration from the Joy of P...

EPISODE 68 - Pipe Band Parenting

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cailey is going to be a mom! We reached out to our listeners for tips and advice about being a pipe band parent.Support us Patreon to see the video ve...

EPISODE 67 - Piping Society

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Angus Burke explains how the Piping Society got started and why it ended up being different (and even better) than he expected. Support us Patreon to ...

EPISODE 66 - Making a Piper

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Angus Burke discusses his piping career and the piping experiences he brought with him to the Bloomington Piping Society.Support us Patreon to see the...

EPISODE 65 - The Piping Teacher

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Len Wood discusses what he's learned after a long career of teaching piping. Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https://www....

EPISODE 64 - Len Wood

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Len Wood tells us about his piping career and the building years of the Phoenix Pipe Band.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode:...

EPISODE 63 - Back to Bass-ics

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rod Bain discusses his experiences teaching and what he likes about bass drumming.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https:/...

EPISODE 62 - BOOM BOOM

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rod Bain, bass drummer for Phoenix Pipe Band, discusses his career drumming for various bands in the western United States and what it was like perfor...

EPISODE 61 - We're All Set

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Drummer Todd Norris discusses how drum set drumming has influenced his pipe band snare drumming, and vice versa. Support us Patreon to see the video v...

EPISODE 60 - Big Bonnets and Broken Thumbs

26 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Snare drummer Todd Norris discusses his career and how a broken thumb led to him becoming a drum sergeant. Support us Patreon to see the video version...

EPISODE 59 - Get Disciplined

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We summarize some tips for getting disciplined and back on track with practicing. Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https:/...

EPISODE 58 - Too Much Dew

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Crew continues discussing improvements to pipe banding and the history of Mountain Dew. Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episod...

EPISODE 57 - Dew Ideas

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Crew discusses more ways to improve pipe banding. Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https://www.patreon.com/PodBandPipe...

EPISODE 56 - Pipe Bands 2021

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss ways to make pipe band events better, while tasting 14 different flavors of Mountain Dew. Happy New Year!Support us Patreon to see the vide...

EPISODE 55 - Once Upon a Pipe Band

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Once upon a time, there was a pipe band...Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https://www.patreon.com/PodBandPipeCastLike us ...

EPISODE 54 - 40 Years Later

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Hossack, Pipe Major of the Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band, discusses lessons learned over the past 40 years of band history. Happy anniversary, MCPB!...

EPISODE 53 - Pipey

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We interview Chris Hossack, Pipe Major of the Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band, about his piping career, from learning piping in Ontario, Canada to starting ...

EPISODE 52 - Ummm, Actually...

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For our one year birthday episode we gathered some of our PodBand PipeCast super fans to play a pipe band and podcast trivia game.Support us Patreon t...

EPISODE 51 - Just Do It

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Just do it! Tune in to this week's episode for some tough love and other ways to get motivated… or should we say, disciplined!Support us Patreon to ...

EPISODE 50 - More Than Grading

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Balchuck, WUSPBA Music Board Adjudication Chair, discusses some other duties of the Music Board, aside from grading.Support us Patreon to see the...

EPISODE 49 - Decision Time

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Balchuck, WUSPBA Music Board Adjudication Chair, explains how some of the board's decisions get made and truths he wish people knew.Support us Pa...

EPISODE 48 - The Music Board

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Balchuck, esteemed piper and WUSPBA Adjudication Chair,explains what the Music Board does.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this epi...

EPISODE 47 - A Pipe Band Halloween

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Halloween! We tell spooky pipe band ghost stories while carving pumpkins and turnips. Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episod...

EPISODE 46 - What's Cooking?

19 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We cook up some tea time treats while discussing some similarities between pipe band and baking. Support us Patreon to see the video version of this e...

EPISODE 45 - The Languages of Appreciation

12 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss how we used to show appreciation for our bandmates and some ways we can keep the appreciation going now. Remember: not everyone appreciates...

EPISODE 44 - Down In Flames

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the thrilling conclusion to our three-part Fiasco story, we find out just how wrong a highland games can go. Support us Patreon to see the video ve...

EPISODE 43 - Scotch Eggs And Beer

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the first act of our Fiasco adventure, the four friends we met last episode hope to discover all the highland games has to offer. Support us Patreo...

EPISODE 42 - What A Fiasco

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The first in a multi-part story about four people at a highland games… some of which are up to no good.Support us Patreon to see the video version o...

EPISODE 41 - Corps Values

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Henningsen discusses how he leverages his musical experience and his nonprofit organization Corps Values Music Heritage to share the values of...

EPISODE 40 - In Someone Else's Shoes

31 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for more historical fun as Michael Henningsen describes more about the historical figures he portrays. Support us Patreon to see the video ver...

EPISODE 39 - Bringing History To Life

24 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we talk with Michael Henningsen about his experiences portraying the stories of historical figures.Support us Patreon to see the video vers...

EPISODE 38 - Sporrans And More

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We continue our discussion about the "original" form of highland dress.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https://www.patreo...

EPISODE 37 - The Little Kilt, A History

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We explore the history of what we wear, starting with kilts. Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https://www.patreon.com/PodB...

EPISODE 36 - Striking A Chord

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Piper Mike McKee gives us about a five-foot depth of a bottomless sea of music knowledge.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: ...

EPISODE 35 - The Key (Signature) To Success

27 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Experienced piper and prolific musician Mike McKee discusses key signatures and how they apply to pipe band music.Support us Patreon to see the video ...

EPISODE 32 - How To Make A Podcast

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our producer/editor Alex Lemoine discusses how we went about starting our podcast and whether more people in the pipe band world should do the same.Su...

EPISODE 31 - An Alternative to D.C.I.

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Snare drummers Robert Shepard and Dylan Anderson discuss what it was like for them to make the switch from American drumline to Scottish drumming, and...

EPISODE 30 - A Van Full of Drummers

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Robert Shepard and Dylan Anderson discuss what it was like getting into the pipe band scene when all they knew was American high school marching band ...

EPISODE 29 - One Band To Rule Them All

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sean Cahill (President and Pipe Major) and Matt Cottini (Drum Major and Board Member) discuss how the Arizona Fire Service Pipe Band was started and w...

EPISODE 28 - Playing With Fire(Fighters)

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk with Sean Cahill and Matt Cottini of the Arizona Fire Service Pipe Band about what it’s like to be in a fire service pipe band.Find them on ...

EPISODE 27 - Going Solo

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Piper Elijah Woodward discusses solo competitions and why he made (an attempt at) his 2020 return to solo piping.Support us Patreon to see the video v...

EPISODE 26 - The Dance Piper

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to piper Elijah Woodward about what he's learned after 15+ years of piping for dance competitions.Support us Patreon to see the video version ...

EPISODE 25 - Nacho Average Games Food

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We sample some of the culinary delicacies we found at our local highland games.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https://ww...

EPISODE 24 - Grade School

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Drumming and ensemble judge Ed Best discusses the five grades of pipe bands and what he expects to hear from each one.Support us Patreon to see the vi...

EPISODE 23 - Behind The Clipboard

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Drumming and ensemble judge Ed Best takes us behind the clipboard and lets us in on what pipe band judges really want to hear.Support us Patreon to se...

EPISODE 22 - The Dream Team

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We interview members of the Mesa Caledonian Grade 5 competition unit after their first ever competition.Support us Patreon to see the video version of...

EPISODE 21 - Emphasis vs. Duration

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ed Best discusses what pipers really need to know about drumming, and how that can help your band improve overall ensemble.Support us Patreon to see t...

EPISODE 20 - The Best Drummer

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ed Best of Scottish Drum Lessons joins us to discuss his career and some of the things he has to correct time and time again.Support us Patreon to see...

EPISODE 19 - Pipe Band Hijinks

31 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In celebration of April Fool's Day (and because we all need a good laugh) we're bringing you some of Mesa Caledonian's most infamous pranks, as told b...

EPISODE 18 - Pipe Band Family Feud

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Piper Family and the Drummer Family go head to head in a game of Pipe Band Family Feud.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode...

EPISODE 17 - Reed Between The Lines

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen Megarity of Megarity Reeds discusses his career, what got him into reedmaking, and how he does what he does.Support us Patreon to see the vide...

EPISODE 16 - Comfy Shoes

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss tips for how to survive a highland games.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: https://www.patreon.com/PodBandPipeCa...

EPISODE 15 - The Crew

03 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The crew of the podcast takes over and gives an outsider's view of what it's like entering the pipe band world.Support us Patreon to see the video ver...

EPISODE 14 - Don't Fight The Judge

25 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We read some rules for WUSPBA contests and we promise that's more fun than it sounds.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this episode: http...

EPISODE 13 - Beware The Snare

18 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

EPISODE 13 - Beware The SnareDrum Sergeant Cody Nunez shows us a snare drum and lets us in on some little known drumming secrets.Support us Patreon to...

EPISODE 12 - The Making of a Drum Sergeant

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cody Nunez discusses his first year as drum sergeant and the difference between being a member of the corps and a lead drummer. Support us Patreon to ...

EPISODE 11: Posts, 'Grams, Memes, and More

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the differences between Facebook and Instagram and how we use both to promote our pipe band.Support us Patreon to see the video version of ...

EPISODE 10 - WUSPBWHAT?

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Erica Lue, Treasurer for the Western United States Pipe Band Association Desert Branch, talks to us about what a pipe band association is and what it’...

EPISODE 9 - Put One Foot In Front Of The Other

21 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk marching and drill with Drum Major Kevin Conquest, and get the inside scoop on his experience performing in the 2019 Royal Edinburgh Military ...

EPISODE 8 - What The Heck Is A Drum Major?

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Drum Major Kevin Conquest tells us about his career and the role of drum majors in the pipe band.Support us Patreon to see the video version of this e...

EPISODE 7 - A Bagpipe Family Tree

07 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We took a field trip to the Musical Instrument Museum to view their collection of bagpipes and see what makes them all unique.Support us Patreon to se...

EPISODE 6 - Idioms...Idioms Everywhere

31 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What is an idiom, and why does it matter? Piper Foster Burton gives us the inside scoop, and some advice for people who may be wanting to learn to pla...

Episode 5 - How Does That Make Noise?

24 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Piper Foster Burton breaks down the differences between bagpipes and other instruments, and gives us a tour of his bagpipes and how they work.Support ...

Episode 4 - A Toast to Tenors

17 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Raise a glass with us and find out why you should care about the most ignored members of the pipe band. Tenor drummers everywhere: this one's for you....