Bagpiper living in Perkasie, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Brian Widelitz began piping in 1973 in Portland, Oregon. His passion for the instrument led him to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he apprenticed briefly as a bagpipe maker and studied under P/M George Stoddard.After returning to the U.S., he joined the MacGregor Pipe Band and later the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band, becoming Pipe Major in 1980. During this time, he studied with noted pipers including Murray Henderson, Scot Walker, Jimmy MacIntosh, MBE, Alasdair Gillies, and P/M Iain Morrison.Brian also served as Pipe Major of the Lehigh Valley Pipe Band and the Cameron Highlanders of Philadelphia, leading the latter from Grade 4 to Grade 3 competition.Read full biography.
Photo by Paul Gottlieb
Services
Bagpipe Lessons from a 40-Year Expert
Brian has taught lessons on the Great Highland Bagpipe for forty years. He views the instrument as a classical instrument for which the correct rudiments and fundamentals are key to successful playing. As such he is an excellent teacher for anyone who wants to begin playing the bagpipe.
Instrument Setup and Maintenance
In addition, because of his experience, Brian is able to setup the instrument to fit any size and shape piper, so they are able to play with comfort and ease, the key to good playing. And Brian is able to address any maintenance issues you may have with your instrument.
Bagpipe Performances for Any Occasion
Brian also offers performances for weddings, concerts, festivals, and other events, bringing the sound of the bagpipes to any occasion.
Bagpipe Lessons from a 40-Year Expert
Brian has taught lessons on the Great Highland Bagpipe for forty years. He views the instrument as a classical instrument for which the correct rudiments and fundamentals are key to successful playing. As such he is an excellent teacher for anyone who wants to begin playing the bagpipe.
Instrument Setup and Maintenance
In addition, because of his experience, Brian is able to setup the instrument to fit any size and shape piper, so they are able to play with comfort and ease, the key to good playing. And Brian is able to address any maintenance issues you may have with your instrument.
Bagpipe Performances for Any Occasion
Brian also offers performances for weddings, concerts, festivals, and other events, bringing the sound of the bagpipes to any occasion.
Media
Contact
Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the Great Highland Bagpipe, a player looking to refine your technique, or someone needing expert setup or maintenance, Brian is here to help. With over forty years of teaching and hands-on experience, he offers personalized instruction, instrument fitting, and repair services to ensure every piper can play with comfort and confidence. Get in touch today!
Book me directly or through The Bash.
Phone: 215-534-1068
Email: [email protected]
Biography
Photo by Paul Gottlieb
Early Years and Bagpipe Apprenticeship
Brian began playing the bagpipes in the early 1970s in Portland, Oregon. His first teacher was a street musician, sparking a lifelong passion for the instrument. Eager to learn more, Brian applied for a position as an apprentice turner (bagpipe maker) at the shop of Hugh MacPherson, Ltd. in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was accepted. While in Edinburgh, he took lessons from the late Pipe Major George Stoddart, further refining his skills.After a period of playing and touring with a folk music group in France, Brian returned to the Philadelphia area, where his family lived. Soon after, he joined the MacGregor Pipe Band of Bucks County. From there, he became part of the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band, contributing to its early competitive efforts. In 1980, Brian was appointed Pipe Major of the band, leading them to several top-10 finishes in Grade 4 pipe band competitions.
Lehigh Valley Pipe Band and Band Leadership
In 1990, Brian began playing with the Lehigh Valley Pipe Band under the leadership of his former teacher, Scot Walker. The band was quickly upgraded to Grade 3 status, achieving remarkable success by winning every contest in its second year and sweeping the piping at the North American Pipe Band Championships in Maxville, Ontario. Later, the band was promoted to Grade 2, but due to personal constraints, Brian was unable to compete with the Grade 2 band.Instead, he was asked to form and lead a Grade 4 band for Lehigh Valley, which also achieved several notable victories. After a year away from band playing, Brian joined the Cameron Highlanders of Philadelphia Pipe Band, becoming Pipe Major in his second year. He strengthened the band, earning Grade 3 status and winning first place in its initial Grade 3 contest.
Continued Band Involvement and Solo Career
After taking a few years off from band playing, Brian was invited to perform with the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band during The Chieftains’ Fiftieth Anniversary Tour in Philadelphia. He later joined the band as an instructor, sharing his expertise with upcoming pipers.Beyond bands, Brian maintained a solo career for twenty-five years. During this time, he studied with some of the top pipers locally and internationally, including Scot Walker, Murray Henderson, the late James McIntosh, MBE, Pipe Major Iain Morrison, and the late Alastair Gillies. His extensive solo experience has shaped him into a highly respected and accomplished bagpiper.
Performances and Collaborations
Brian has performed at numerous concert venues, showcasing his bagpipe mastery to wide audiences. He has opened for or played alongside renowned artists such as The Chieftains, Silly Wizard, and Magical Strings. Additionally, he performed with Carlos Nunez at Bethlehem Musikfest, further highlighting his versatility and prominence as a performer in the bagpipe and folk music community.
Photo by Paul Gottlieb
Early Years and Bagpipe Apprenticeship
Brian began playing the bagpipes in the early 1970s in Portland, Oregon. His first teacher was a street musician, sparking a lifelong passion for the instrument. Eager to learn more, Brian applied for a position as an apprentice turner (bagpipe maker) at the shop of Hugh MacPherson, Ltd. in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was accepted. While in Edinburgh, he took lessons from the late Pipe Major George Stoddart, further refining his skills.After a period of playing and touring with a folk music group in France, Brian returned to the Philadelphia area, where his family lived. Soon after, he joined the MacGregor Pipe Band of Bucks County. From there, he became part of the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band, contributing to its early competitive efforts. In 1980, Brian was appointed Pipe Major of the band, leading them to several top-10 finishes in Grade 4 pipe band competitions.
Lehigh Valley Pipe Band and Band Leadership
In 1990, Brian began playing with the Lehigh Valley Pipe Band under the leadership of his former teacher, Scot Walker. The band was quickly upgraded to Grade 3 status, achieving remarkable success by winning every contest in its second year and sweeping the piping at the North American Pipe Band Championships in Maxville, Ontario. Later, the band was promoted to Grade 2, but due to personal constraints, Brian was unable to compete with the Grade 2 band.Instead, he was asked to form and lead a Grade 4 band for Lehigh Valley, which also achieved several notable victories. After a year away from band playing, Brian joined the Cameron Highlanders of Philadelphia Pipe Band, becoming Pipe Major in his second year. He strengthened the band, earning Grade 3 status and winning first place in its initial Grade 3 contest.
Continued Band Involvement and Solo Career
After taking a few years off from band playing, Brian was invited to perform with the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band during The Chieftains’ Fiftieth Anniversary Tour in Philadelphia. He later joined the band as an instructor, sharing his expertise with upcoming pipers.Beyond bands, Brian maintained a solo career for twenty-five years. During this time, he studied with some of the top pipers locally and internationally, including Scot Walker, Murray Henderson, the late James McIntosh, MBE, Pipe Major Iain Morrison, and the late Alastair Gillies. His extensive solo experience has shaped him into a highly respected and accomplished bagpiper.
Performances and Collaborations
Brian has performed at numerous concert venues, showcasing his bagpipe mastery to wide audiences. He has opened for or played alongside renowned artists such as The Chieftains, Silly Wizard, and Magical Strings. Additionally, he performed with Carlos Nunez at Bethlehem Musikfest, further highlighting his versatility and prominence as a performer in the bagpipe and folk music community.
