NYPBS TEAM

David Shedden - NYPBS Producer

David is a piper, performer, and educator from Glasgow, working at the forefront of Scotland’s traditional music scene. Best known for his work with the band Assynt, his music is rooted in the Highland piping tradition while exploring new and contemporary approaches to traditional music. With Assynt, David has toured extensively and released two studio albums: Road to the North (2018) and Where From Here (2023).

David began his piping journey with lessons at The National Piping Centre before going on to study with the legendary Donald MacPherson. Influenced from a young age by his father, a Gold Medallist piper, he was immersed in the competitive solo piping world early on. He quickly rose through the ranks and won the Duncan Johnstone Memorial Competition on his first attempt, earning qualification for the Silver Medal. Although his focus has since shifted towards performance, recording, arranging, and creative collaboration, the discipline and musical grounding of competitive piping continue to shape his work today.

David has also performed at the highest level of pipe bands with ScottishPower Pipe Band, Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band, and the all-star Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band. These experiences continue to inform his approach to ensemble performance, musical leadership, and the development of the NYPBS programme.

A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, David achieved a First Class Honours degree in Traditional Music, becoming the only piper in his year to receive the institution’s highest award.

As an alumnus of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, David brings a long-standing passion for the programme to his work with NYPBS. He is committed to creating inspiring musical experiences for young people and continually developing the programme to support the next generation of pipe band musicians.

NYPBS TRAINEE TUTORS

Our Trainee tutor programme is now entering its fourth year and it has been incredibly well-received. This structured training and work experience is targeted towards recent music graduates, current music students or those with a strong foundation in music and ability to play and an interest in working with young people. Each trainee gains real-world professional development opportunities throughout the year.

Find out more about our Trainee Tutor Programme here

Anna Smart

Anna began learning the pipes at six in Fife with Inverkeithing High School Pipe Band and, after moving to New Zealand at ten, continued her studies with the City of Sails Pipe Band and solo tutor Brian Switalla.

At 16, she spent a formative summer in Vancouver with the Grade 1 Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, competing at the World Championships in Scotland and teaching at summer schools.

Passionate about sharing piping with wider audiences, Anna inspires the next generation, particularly women, and was named a 2025 Brand Ambassador for Piping Live!. She has performed with Rollin’ Drones, The Laurettes, and Drums n’ Roses, and spent two years at G1 Reeds learning the craft of reed making and bagpipe making.

Max Millichip

Max Millichip began playing tenor drum in his school band while in Primary 6, before moving on to Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band for his first competitive season. He later spent a season with the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band.

After relocating to Glasgow to study Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Glasgow, he joined Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band.

Teaching with the Youth Band this year has been a privilege for Max. Seeing everything come together for the concert stands as a testament to the hard work and commitment of the participants, and he is confident it will place them in a strong position for wherever their pipe band journeys take them next.

Camron MacPhail is a dedicated piper currently studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he continues to develop his musicianship at an advanced level. He has a strong passion for the distinctive sound and tradition of the Great Highland Bagpipe, with a particular affinity for the 2/4 march.

He performs in Grade 1 with Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band, where he is constantly refining his technique and ensemble skills at the highest standard.

Camron is committed to widening access to piping and supporting the next generation of players. Through his involvement with NYPBS he has focused on making high-quality piping education more accessible. Through both performance and advocacy, he aims to contribute meaningfully to the future and reach of the piping tradition.

Camron MacPhail

Every year, our programme connects young people with industry topping mentors and collaborators.