Stories from the inner circle.
A few years ago, a well-known Pipe Major came forward and openly shared detailed insights into how (and why) he constructed a world-class medley the way he did after receiving heavy criticism online. In doing so, he pulled back the curtain and gave everyone a behind-the-scenes perspective into an often overlooked process. I remember being fascinated by the level of thinking and consideration that went into every aspect of every tune selected — it was fantastic.
I want to build this project with the same level of insights he provided in his response, featuring in-depth, curiosity-fueled conversations with guests who I find fascinating – Pipe Majors, Lead Drummers, and everyone in-between, from all competition Grades. I’ll dig into their processes, approaches, and challenges – from tune selection to the wider challenge of playing in a competitive pipe band. Each episode features one, single guest. The goal is to give anyone with an interest in pipe bands some high-level access to thoughts, perspectives, and stories from those responsible for providing us with exciting performances every year.
Piping Talks — as I call it, is “The real stories and thinking behind pipe bands and the people that make them”.
Listen on –
Chris Armstrong — Blair Porter — Jason Briscoe — Scott Birrell — Alex Gandy — David Shedden — Matt MacIsaac — Michael Mahoney
Chris Armstrong — Blair Porter — Jason Briscoe — Scott Birrell — Alex Gandy — David Shedden — Matt MacIsaac — Michael Mahoney
Gleren Meneghin
World Champion Snare Drummer Gleren Meneghin is originally from Brittany, France. He began drumming at the age of six and started learning through the Bagad Bro Kemperle band under the instruction of his dad, a recognised instructor in France. Gleren later progressed to play for Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band in Scotland, under Leading Drummer Gordon J. Brown and legendary MBE Tom Brown. During his 7 seasons with Boghall the drum corps achieved almost all drumming awards crowning them World Champions as well as the Champion of Champions title twice. A semi-finalist at the World Solos Drumming Championship, Gleren has also guested with bands in Australia and New Zealand.
Currently residing in New York City, Gleren was most recently Leading Drummer of the New York Metro Pipe Band and keeps a keen interest in the Pipe Band scene and the community.
Follow along as he discusses a broad range of topics with pipe band folks from various grades and backgrounds.