Bay Area Bagpipes

Expect a high level of professionalism, immaculate quality of instrumental sound and emotionally-moving playing.

MATTHEW WELCH - BAGPIPER
3-TIME WORLD PIPE-BAND CHAMPION
AVAILABLE FOR EVENTS IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Matthew Welch is one of the the most professionally accomplished bagpipers in the USA. His performances on this regal and rare instrument make lasting and impactful experiences and memories. His entertaining performances at weddings create life-long memories, and his repertoire of laments impact somber acoustic epitaphs.
Bagpipes are ideal for the most joyous and solemn occasions.
BASED IN BENICIA, CALIFORNIA
“Welch found a path to something I never thought I’d hear: the bagpipe as a lyric instrument, capable of poetic expression as well as martial aggressiveness. Welch showed how its challenges — when faced with imagination, physical strength and mental concentration – can be transcended.”
— San Diego Union Tribune
“Thank you for an outstanding job! You were on time, professional and put out a stirring sound. You had everyone in tears as you walked out of that chapel. Thank you for doing what you do.”
— Pamela Jackson, from Napa
“It was such a beautiful send-off for my Mom; I could see her smiling ear to ear. This music is calling me back to Scotland!”
— Suzanne, from Benicia

ABOUT MATTHEW WELCH

Matthew Welch studied traditional Highland Bagpipe music with Gold Medalist masters such as James McIntosh M.B.E., Colin MacLellan, Mike Cusack, Jack Lee, Pipe Major Angus MacLellan, Andrew Wright and celebrated, repeat World-Champion Pipe Majors Terry Lee and Iain McLellan B.E.M. Dr. Welch was a member of one of the most internationally acclaimed bagpipe bands of the last two decades: the six-time World Champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, and played with the band for their World Pipe Band Championship wins of 1999 and 2001 in Glasgow. As Musical Director for the New York Metro Pipe Band, his unique way of teaching pipe music, musical ensemble cohesion and cultivating a bright, rich pipe corps sound helped steer NY Metro to their 2011 and 2012, 2014 wins at the World Pipe Band Championships, the North American Pipe Band Championships and the American Pipe Band Championships respectively. He is also in demand as a private bagpipe instructor. He has played all over the SF Bay Area since relocating to the East Bay in 2017.

Surprises usually require a hiding spot onsite ;)