Duncan McCall Pipe Band
Duncan McCall Pipe Band (DMPB) is a traditional Scottish-style bagpipe band based in Pensacola from 2004 until 2014. The main goal of the band members was to become better pipers and drummers and to continue to search for the “True Celtic Idiom”. We worked towards achieving these goals by competing in Southern United States Pipe Band Association (SUSPBA) band competitions and performing concerts at a high level of play. During the 10 years of competing, DMPB received 13 First Place and 8 Second Place trophies in competition throughout Florida and at the Stone Mountain Games in Atlanta, Georgia. One of our many crowning achievements was winning the Grade 4 competition at Stone Mountain against 11 other bands in 2008.
Beyond the competitions, the band achieve their goals at every level of play. In additional to performing many concerts and appearances at various festivals and highland games, the DMPB performed with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia Gulf Coast in Destin Florida, at the Evening in Old Seville Square, played several times with the full orchestra and choral group at the University of Mobile Christmas Spectacular, and performed with The Chieftains as part of their “Scottish/Celtic Contentions” tour in 2009. DMPB was also the host band for the Tallahassee Highland Games for 3 years in a row.
The Beginnings McGuire’s Irish Pub Pipe Band in Pensacola is a very popular and long-lasting part of Pensacola’s history and character. But, in the early 2000’s the band was not interested in competitions. So, six members of the band (Steven Bicknell, Michael Duncan, Sean O’Toole, William Fletcher, Michael Paige, and Mike Palumbo) discussed the idea of forming a band that fit their goals as bagpipers. After some discussion around the campfire at the Stone Mountain Highland Games in 2003, Michael Duncan and Steven Bicknell came up with a plan–Michael’s company, Duncan McCall Advertising, would sponsor the band and Steven, serving as Pipe Major, would lead, teach and mold the members into a premier competition band. On June 2, 2004, the six members were joined by Chris King, Michael Whinery, Henry Ray, Justin Stoghill, Jared Rowe, Alan Bradley and Michael Leonard, and the Duncan McCall Pipe Band was inaugurated. During the next couple of years, we were joined by Brian Doyle, Tom Kennedy, Benjamin Stock dale, and Ryan Morrison. As with any pipe band, many musicians came, played and moved on during the bands existence. At one time, we had as many as 20 pipers and drummers playing at the top of their level.
Music CD One of the highlights of our tenure as a band was the music CD we produced in 2009. After 5 years of practice, competitions, winning awards and performing at the highest level, the members felt it was time to get our music on a CD for others to hear. Our drummer, Mike Palumbo agreed to produce it. So, we all met sound engineer Greg Klimetz for a long two days of recording at Hillcrest Baptist Church. We had a great time. It was a good feeling to bring everything we’ve learned to this one point. The CD received great reviews and was considered a success. Hear our CD on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Bya4YOLNU-U
Scottish Celtic Connection Concert Another highlight was the concert we gave in 2009. We wanted to give our friends, family and the community to hear us play. We rented the Pensacola Little Theater and gave a concert. We shared the stage with the Celtic band, Mithril and the Drake School of Irish Dance. Luke McCoy was the MC. Much of the concert can be heard here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE1B34C2E8BC57F6C
