A talented piper who has dedicated his life to bagpipes. He has lived on 3 continents and is in demand as a teacher, judge and pipe reed maker.
What kind of pipes and chanter do you play?
Peter Henderson 2013 zoomorphic engraved silver with imitation ivory bagpipe and matching Henderson blackwood pipe chanter with the Melvin pipe chanter reed
Where do you hail from? Where do you live now?
Dundee, Scotland and now living in Batavia, Illinois USA.
Tell me about your piping career. When did you start? What bands have you played with?
At the age of 13 after I’d heard the pipes played at my Granny’s birthday party. I started playing at the competition level with the 6th/8th Boy’s Brigade Band of Dundee. Over the past 30 years he’s lived on 3 continents and competed with several Grade 1 bands, most notably the Victoria Police Pipe Band during their 1998 World Championship victory. Currently Adrian is playing with Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band.
What has been your proudest moment in piping so far?
Band – winning World Championships with Victoria Police PB.
Solo – winning B Grade Marches and took 2nd in the B Grade Strathspey & Reel at the Argyllshire Gathering on the same day.
Professionally – Watching a student turn lessons and practice into a great performance.
What has been your most stressful moment?
Before the birth of our son.
Who were you taught by?
Primarily by my father, Kenneth Melvin. Pipe Major Ian Duncan.
What do you do as a day job?
Teach and judging bagpipers and making the Melvin pipe chanter reed.
What other hobbies/pursuits/past times do you have?
My wife and family.
Where is the most interesting place your piping travels have taken you?
Tokyo, Japan.
What would your most perfect piping event be?
A third element to the World Championship being a 6/8 March contest.
