Portland Metro Pipe Band – Band Member Profile

Name: Bruce Riggs

Piper or Drummer? Drummer/Percussion

When did you begin playing pipes or drums:
According to my parents, age 6. I don’t think I got serious though until age 11 when I joined my first Drum and Bugle Corps.

Provide some info about your piping/drumming background, musical influences, and other bands you’ve played with:
I started in grade school playing trumpet for about 3 days then switched to the snare drum. Was a band geek all through grade school, Junior High, and High school. Was a strong rudimental drummer in Drum and Bugle Corps until graduating High school. Joined the US Marine Corps in 1983 and was a member of the US Marine Corps band for 11 years. Didn’t play much at all after 1996 until moving to Portland in 2000 and joined the Clan Macleay Pipeband and realized playing Scottish style drumming is nothing like playing rudimental drumming. After 5 years being in the CMPB to include being their Drum Sgt. I joined the Portland Police Pipeband for one season. When Joe Hewitt told me at the Portland games that I should try out for the “Mighty Metro” I jumped at the chance. I have played side drum with this band since its second year of existence and have recently become the bands Drum Major.

High point(s) of your band and/or solo career, including awards or trips:
Too many to mention from the Marine band. With the pipeband side of it, my highlights are playing with the caliber of players in this band. I guess I could say being a grade IV drummer in a grade II band. Being in Pipeband with my best friend Scott. And knowing Joe for as long as I had the privilege. Best trip up to now was of course Montreal.

Funniest band moment(s):
Anything regarding Mullaney, and anytime Ted tries getting into Canada. Nothing regarding me of course. And also standing across the circle from Tomasetti and seeing how large his eyes can really get at the Shamrock run.

Misc. facts about you:
I use to have long hair. And it covered the top of my head too!