About Michael D. Gibbs

About Michael D. Gibbs

Welcome to my blog, here is a little bit about me...

I learned to play the bagpipes over 23 years ago. As a student, I couldn’t put my practice chanter down. All I wanted to do was play the bagpipes. As I advanced in the bagpipe band, I quickly became a lead piper and a bagpipe instructor. I began teaching students at a young age and have continued to teach those who want to learn how to play the bagpipes. I competed and performed with the Salt Lake Scots Bagpipe Band for many years before departing from them. Since then, I have played with many local bands, as well as the L.A. Scots Pipe Band in California. I am rostered with the Utah Pipe Band currently. In 2005 along with bagpipers Ian White and Dave Glad, I organized Utah's first mercenary free-lance group of professional bagpipers, The Heathen Highlanders. With 8 members, we perform at all types of events from bar shows to corporate conventions. I have been called upon to play the bagpipes at just about every sort of event. I've performed for government officials, heads of state, religious leaders, law enforcement, fire departments, veteran associations, The Knights Templar’s, The Olympic Bid Committee and athletes at the Olympic village in 2002, numerous Irish and Scottish dance academies, The Utah Scottish Association, over 950 funerals, 500+ weddings, countless parades, many golf tournaments, including The Utah Open Golf Tournament, and endless family reunions, farewells and homecomings. I’ve organized and produced major concerts for bagpipe bands and Celtic dance groups. I have played in Utah's only premier Celtic rock band, Swagger. With all of my experience playing the Great Highland Bagpipes and Walsh Shuttle Pipes, and now the new electronic Red Pipes, I’ve learned that what is most important is that the audience receive a performance tailor made for them. From birthdays to funerals and everything in between, the performance must be just right for each individual event. Please contact me and let me make your event memorable.
Michael D Gibbs
801-244-4463
pipermdg@msn.com