Bud Bradford, Snare, Tenor, Bass Drums
Joined: 10/9/2023
- From Tulsa, OK
- I enjoy the music and camaraderie of a pipe and drum band.
- All percussion instruments, guitar and bugle (not very well) for 65+ years
- The band community.
- Living the good retirement life. Family is everything to me. The absolute best wife, two daughters, four grandchildren and two dogs. Pipe and drum bands have always felt like second families too.
Linda Charlton, Piper
Joined: 7/4/2018
- Born in Burmuda, live in Clermond
- I like piping. It's way easier to do when in a group.
- Piano since age 6, French horn since age 13, double bass since age 14, bagpipes off and on for about 20 years.
- Making music in a manner that is worlds away from what I do professionally --- yet still connected.
- I am a professional pianist (classical). Off season I do a whole lot of yard work.
Bob Cunningham, Piper
Joined: 4/8/2004
- From: Philadelphia area
- I played the pipes learned about this band
- Pipes seven years
- The look on people's faces when they hear the pipes
- Pickleball, golf, billiards, helping my wife and nothing
EIllen DeMattia, Tenor, Snare
Joined: 2/1/2021
- Born in Florida, moved to NC, moved back to FL
- Because my brother did and I really wanted to learn to flourish
- I play Tenor, Snare, Drum Kit, Ukulele, Piano (meh) and learning violin. I also sing.
- I love meeting people and performing
- When am I not performing?!? Oh. School, Jujitsu and swimming. Plus hanging out with my family and pets.
Jack DeMattia, Piper
Joined: 2/1/2021
- Born in Wilson, NC
- My parents liked hanging around the Pipe Band because they always have a lot of fun so I took one for the team
- Piano, Guitar, Otamatone, learning violin
- If I make a mistake, nobody knows it was me... except the person next to me
- College work, thinking about herpetology, playing piano, hanging out with my family,
Christina Khan, Pipe Sergeant, instructor
Joined: 8/2/2021
- From Akron, Ohio; live in Winter Park, FL
- The friendship, camaraderie, and music
- Bagpipes: 3 years, Guitar: 25 years
- The people you meet and the places you get to experience with the band. Plus there’s an indescribable joy in playing music you love with others.
- Spending time with my husband, working on humanitarian projects around the world, cooking something delicious, listening to Taylor Swift
Jerry Mericle, Piper
Joined: 8/7/2017
- From: Paulding Ohio; now Mount Dora
- I guess it can be said I am a founding member of the band.
- Past President, Piper and Competition Band
- Trumpet: 40 yrs; Bagpipes 24 years, Bugle and Guitar
- We have a tight knit group of people that are gathered for a common purpose.
- Spending time with my lovely wife, Marsha, family and new grandson; video games and guitar practice.
- I have been a law enforcement officer in three states for 38 years. I enjoy a good cigar, and whisky!
Matt Myrick, Snare
Joined: 10/1/2023
- Originally from Fairmount, IL
- I played drums in a rock band and thought I'd give it a try
- As a retired law enforcement officer, I enjoy playing Veteran and law enforcement events.
- When I'm not spending time with family, I work full-time as a project manager for Habitat for Humanity and also volunteer with the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
- Married to my wife, Jadawn, for 28 years. We have two adult children who live in the area.
Lori Platt, Piper
Joined: 7/18/2022
- Originally from Brandon FL
- I have a great love of bagpipe music and enjoy promoting my Scots/Irish heritage.
- The camaraderie of the band family and the challenge of exceeding my best is what makes it all worth while.
- I am also teaching myself the Jeffries, 30-button, Anglo Concertina- 8 months.
- I enjoy the band family and performing
- I work on illustrations for a children’s book, ancestry research, learning the Norwegian and watching ghost hunting shows.
- My husband and cats are very supportive!
Kevin Rowe, Pipe Sergeant
Joined: 8/16/2017
- Native Floridian
- When I worked Law Enforcement, I loved the sound of the bagpipes whenever I heard them at various ceremonies.
- Pipe Sargent, instructor, cheerleader
- Guitar, bass, accordion, bamboo flute - about 50 years I guess. Ukulele and dombek- 20 years.
- My favorite thing is playing in a large circle with a really big sound- it's magical!
- Yard work, taking care of 6 grandkids, fishing, pool parties, family time
- I am a semi-pro wedding singer, synagogue cantor and great cook!
Bonnie Prince Haggie
Joined: 8/2/2023
- Dual U.S. and Scotland Citizenship
- I was shown the way to Mount Dora to help guide this coterie in the quest of entertainment and frivolity.
- Some say I am the mascot while others insist I am a mythical being. I make the band look good!
- For as long as I have known, I play the spoons.
- The CMDPB has adopted, fed me, and even took me to Scotland. They have no idea I run the entire band from my iPhone. That’s a little secret just between us.