Emma MacPherson, playing the bagpipes since 1997, started with the Ogden Legion Pipe Band, eventually becoming their pipe major. She later joined the Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band (2007-2008), the Rocky Mountain Pipe Band (2008-2021), and is currently playing with the Calgary Police Service Pipe Band.
In 2017, Emma and the Rocky Mountain Pipe Band clinched the Grade 2 title at the Maxville Highland Games, securing the North American Champions title. Alongside her playing, Emma has been instructing with the youth band for over a decade and has been the co-Band Director since 2019. Emma is excited to continue contributing to the growth of Alberta bagpiping.
Kyle MacPherson, a former member of the Ogden Legion Pipe Band, was raised with bagpiping as a central part of his weekly routine. Learning from esteemed instructors in Alberta, he dedicated many weekends to playing solos and participating in band events at Highland Games. During his time with the band, Kyle was entrusted with instructing younger chanter and bagpipe students. Currently serving as one of two Band Directors, he brings valuable experience and expertise to the role.
Cam began playing the bagpipes in Selkirk, Man. in the fall of 1966, and has been enthusiastically involved with the instrument ever since. His own tuition under Pipe Major Neil Sutherland and Pipe Major Ian A. Conn was detailed, patient and positive; a teaching approach he strives to emulate. Cam has taught many successful young players over the years, serving several tenures with the Ogden Legion Pipe Band, the Edmonton Youth Pipe Band, private solo tuition, as well as numerous workshops and focus sessions with many other Pipe Bands.
Daniel Lidgren, a bagpipe veteran since 1995, stands as a seasoned bagpipe teacher with a wealth of experience. From contributing to pipe bands like Foothills Caledonia and Rocky Mountain to his solo endeavors, Daniel has honed his craft. Beyond his musical pursuits, he teaches pupils, imparting his knowledge of bagpiping. Whether performing at weddings, funerals, or events, Daniel’s influence is felt through his music and his dedication to sharing the art of bagpipe music. Explore the world of bagpipes with Daniel Lidgren at https://lidgrenbagpiper.com.
Reid Lucas has been immersed in the world of bagpipes for over two decades. Starting with the Ogden Legion Pipe Band in the late 80s, Reid traveled to Glasgow for competitions, including the World Pipe Band Championships. After a hiatus in 1992, he returned to piping with the Rocky Mountain Pipe Band in 2005, later joining the grade 1 Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band in 2009. Reid’s dedication led him to Scotland for the World Pipe Band Championships in 2009-2010.
Taking a brief hiatus from band play, Reid focused on solos, winning the provincial aggregate in grade 1 for two consecutive years. He rejoined the grade 2 Rocky Mountain Pipe Band in 2014, achieving success at various competitions, including the grade 2 North American Pipe Band Championships.
In 2016, Reid began teaching with the 78th Frasers Youth Squad, eventually becoming Chief Instructor in 2017-18. Under his leadership, the band flourished, consistently placing 1st or 2nd in competitions. Reid looks forward to continuing his passion for teaching with the Foothills Caledonia Youth Pipe Band.
Meghan Maxwell, a third-generation Calgary-based Bagpiper, began her bagpiping journey in 2008 under Patrick Napper’s guidance. Joining the Ogden Legion Pipe Band in 2010 with her brother Donny, they enjoyed seven successful seasons, achieving notable milestones such as 5th place in Grade 4B at the 2011 World Pipe Band Championships and 1st in Grade 4 at the 2013 North American Pipe Band Championships.
Transitioning to the Rocky Mountain Pipe Band in 2016, Meghan and Donny secured 1st place in Grade 2 at the 2017 North American Pipe Band Championships. Meghan, a top senior amateur player, also excelled in solo competitions across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and North America, with notable achievements at the Maxville Highland Games in Grades 3, 2, and 1.
Since 2020, Meghan has been sharing her expertise as a teacher within the organization, eagerly anticipating her students’ contributions to the local bagpipe scene. By day, she serves as a Physical Education Teacher and Coach at a Middle school in the Calgary Board of Education.
Sean Somers has established himself as one of the top professional pipers from the Canadian Prairies, gaining accolades as a leader, composer, bandsman, and soloist. Sean has been a consistent prize-winner in professional piping contests throughout North America and is the pipe-major of the Grade 2 Rocky Mountain Pipe Band. Sean is the former Principal Piping Instructor at the College of Piping (PEI), and has since continued to teach at workshops and at summer schools throughout North America. A multi-award-winning composer, Sean recently released his own book of bagpipe music entitled “The Out West Collection”. You can read a complete biography of Sean’s piping here.
Kathy has been our Director of Drumming since 2004. Originally from Nova Scotia, Kathy made her way west and played with the world-renowned Simon Fraser University pipe band from 1995 – 1998, then went on to play with the grade 2 Robert Malcolm Memorial pipe band from 1999-2002. She was lead drummer for her last 2 seasons with RMM II and finished second at the worlds in 2002. She was also a member of the Alberta Caledonia pipe band from 2003-2007.
Fraser began playing the drums in Scotland with Inverclyde Juvenile Pipe Band. In 2006 he moved to Canada and shortly after joined FCYPB then known as the Ogden Legion Pipe band where he competed with the band until 2015
With the band Fraser made three trips to the world championships in Glasgow and one trip to the North American Championships in Maxville Ontario. The band won the North American championship in 2013 following that up with a 6th place finish in 2014 at the Worlds in Glasgow.
Fraser has been teaching at the band since 2017.
Hailing from Maxville, Ontario, Trevor McKay is deeply rooted in Scottish heritage. His early years with the Glengarry Pipe Band were marked by significant achievements on the Ontario circuit, including a North American Championship drum corps title in 2004 and a World Pipe Band Championships drum corps second prize in Grade 2.
In his recent role, Trevor led the drum corps of the Rocky Mountain Pipe Band in Calgary, securing numerous prizes, including the North American Championship (2017) and consecutive Alberta Provincial Championships (2014-2018). With past experience in Grade 1 organizations like the 78th Highlanders (Halifax) and the Ottawa Police pipe bands, Trevor brings a wealth of expertise.
Beyond performance, Trevor is a dedicated instructor, having taught at the Glengarry School of Piping and Drumming, various cadet associations in Nova Scotia and Alberta, and recently joining the instructing staff at the Foothills Caledonia Youth Pipe Band Association. By day, he serves as the Controller for Calgary Economic Development in downtown Calgary.
