About the Portland Metro YOUTH Pipe Band
Many of the players in the senior band began their piping and drumming careers in youth bands and appreciate the need for strong programs for young pipers and drummers to grow their musical skills. With this goal in mind, the PMPB began its instructional program in October of 2008.
Now in its second year, the instructional program has attracted players age 8 to 18 from throughout the Portland/Vancouver area. These talented youth represent the next generation of pipers and drummers as they gain valuable playing and band competition experience. And with mentorship and future band opportunities provided by the senior band, they will be able to extend their band careers into their adulthood.
The youth band is under the direction of Chief Piping Instructor, Mark Tomasetti.
Mark started piping at the age of 9. He was a founding member of the Willamette Valley Pipe Band, and has participated with the Abbottsford Police Pipe Band and Maple Ridge. He was an instructor for the Sir James McDonald Pipe Band between 1993 and 2003. Mark is a high school teacher by day, and teaches pipes by night. In addition to his youth band leadership, Mark is the Pipe Major for the Portland Metro Pipe Band, married and the father of two young girls.
The Chief Drumming Instructor is Ted McKnight. Ted is a prize winning soloist and pipe band drummer. He was introduced to drumming at the age of 7 and began his competitive drumming career at 12. He participated with the Kells Band until the formation of the SJMPB. He went on to play with the Grade 1 LA Scots before returning Portland to join the PMPB. Ted owns his own business and lives in Beaverton with this wife and young son.
The youth band welcomes students of all levels and introductory instruction is available to learn to play the bagpipes or Scottish snare or tenor drum.
For information about learning to play the bagpipes or drums, contact the band manager at:
portlandmetroyouthpipeband@gmail.comor call Stuart Ramsay at 503-805-6763