Alex P. Stugis - Experienced Bagpiper
I started playing bagpipes while attending Niagara University in the year 2007. The first band I played/learned with was The Mackenzie Highlanders of Youngstown NY. I was extremely fortunate to begin my bagpiping career with this group as they made my initial experience positive and productive. Additional information on The Mackenzie Highlanders can be found at: http://macbagpipe.com/index.htm
2010 - Maxville ON - North American Championships
I was hooked! The more involved I became the more I wanted to improve. Approximately one year into playing, I decided to push myself to compete as a soloist. I connected with Ken Eller who was giving lessons at our local piping supply store - The British Shop. Ken is a world renowned adjudicator and teacher known for his time leading The Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band. I worked with Ken for eight years discussing music theory, learning both light music and Piobairched, and developing technique. Ken’s website is http://www.thecaptainscorner.com/
During those eight years, I worked with Ken, continued with the Mackenzie’s, and joined The Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band out of Niagara Falls, Ontario. Niagara was a competitive group that traveled and competed across Canada. We had great success throughout the years, our pinnacle achievement was taking 1st place at the North American Championships - Grade 4. I made some of my closest friendships through this group and will be forever grateful for that. Additional details on the Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band can be found on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/niagararegionalpolicepipeband/
In 2015, I departed from the Niagara Regional Pipe Band in order to take on the challenge of competing at a higher level with The Great Lakes Pipe Band from Cleveland Ohio, Grade 2. A few friends and I would travel to Cleveland bi-weekly and practice with the group. I had the privilege of performing at the Dublin Irish Fest, competing on the West Coast, and playing some fantastic music. Additional information on The Great Lakes Pipe Band can be found at: http://greatlakespipeband.org/
Since 2019 I have stepped back from playing with Pipe Bands to focus on growing my family. You can still see me competing solo at local events, playing weddings, practicing in parks, or opening for the Buffalo Bandits National Lacrosse Team.
Open for the Buffalo Bandits