My name is Sandy MacDonell and I am a full time professional bagpiper. Born in Inverness I was initially taught by my father but soon received instruction from a number of well known players, including my main tutor and good friend John MacDougall. A world class player in his day, he is now an equally distinguished piping judge. John still helps me from time to time by passing on his extensive knowledge of piobaireachd.
I began my playing career at the age of eight following a short but fraught relationship with the piano. My brothers soon followed and when the world of television stepped in to help us - it broke down, our parents realised how much we were practising and didn't replace it - the foundation of our piping careers was born.
I owe much to my parents who went without to foster our musical talent. I look back with some sympathy at my mother as she tried to watch television in our small cottage, while three brothers practiced the bagpipes in various parts of the house.
My foundation in piping was very much along the solo competition scene and this grounding and discipline is reflected in the quality and style of my playing.
My public performances started early, playing at school concerts throughout primary, my first wedding at twelve, I was soon playing regular engagements. I joined the Badenoch and Strathspey Pipe Band when I was fourteen under PM Iain Fraser and learnt a lot about piping, by the time I was sixteen I was setting-up the band and playing for highland dancers in front of large audiences at the then bustling Aviemore Centre.
Over the years I have played at countless events, I have been honoured to play regularly for Clan Donald, The Royal British Legion and The Highland Field Craft Association who's members trained in Glenfeshie during WWII.
Today I spend a lot of time teaching, I have retired from my previous profession and have taken the opportunity to make a living from something I really enjoy. For a hobby I play with the local Badenoch and Strathspey Pipe Band where I am Pipe Sergeant.
My Border and Scottish Small Pipes are very much second instruments although I have played them for a number of years. They are beautiful instruments, as distinct from each other as they are from the Highland Pipe. They are now becoming much more popular and are particularly suited to small or quiet venues.
