Jesse has been playing various musical instruments since he was five and began to learn the pipes in 2006. He attended the Coeur d’Alene Summer School of Piping and Drumming from 2007 until it closed in 2013, and the Mastery of Scottish Arts Winter School each year since 2009. He currently takes instruction from Murray Henderson out of Kirriemuir, Scotland. Jesse’s study on the pipes is currently focused on solo competition and the study of piobaireachd (the classical music of the Scottish bagpipes).
Jesse began playing for events in 2008 and has played for weddings, funerals, birthday parties and other special events in Great Falls and North-Central Montana. He has played for a number of Scottish themed church services in the area and also has performed at the Great Falls Farmers Market.
Jesse has been playing with the Great Falls Shrine Pipe Band since 2008 and currently holds the position of Pipe Sergeant for the band. He is also the instructor for the band and teaches the band members as well as beginner piping lessons. He holds weekly lessons for anyone wishing to learn to play the pipes (no Shrine membership is required, anyone is welcome to attend) and if you are interested please visit the band’s website (click here).
Jesse has been competing at various highland games since 2009 and is currently ranked as a Grade 1 player through the Saskatchewan Pipe Band Association. A listing of his competition results can be found here.
Jesse currently works in Great Falls and lives in a rural community outside of town with his family.