James Dyson

Piping

James started learning pipes in 2008 at the age of 11 taking solo lessons through the Halifax Citadel music school. He joined the 78th Highlanders youth band and began competing in 2010 with the band and as a soloist. Under the instruction of Alex Gandy, he progressed quickly through the competitive ranks joining the 78th Highlanders Grade 1 band in 2013, the band winning the North American Championships in 2014. As a soloist, he advanced from Grade 5 to open-professional in 2016 at age 18. He has traveled across North America and Scotland competing in solo competitions with some of the most notable prizes being the Nicol-Brown MSR Targe & Chalice for Piobaireachd, and several first-place finishes at highland games locally and in Scotland.

Throughout his piping career he has enjoyed tutoring amateur pipers in solo lessons and volunteering with amateur pipe bands such as 8-Wing Shearwater, Kennebecasis Valley Firefighters, and the 78th Highlander’s youth band. He enjoys pushing others to succeed and improve their piping by passing on his knowledge of the instrument.

James was introduced to Cape Breton music in 2016 and has since developed a passion for the language, dance, and music culture. He is an avid supporter of square dances, ceilidhs, and concerts in Halifax and Cape Breton and has enjoyed performing in events such as Celtic Colours and Féis an Eilein.

James lives in Dartmouth, NS and is a Mechanical Engineer with Emera Newfoundland & Labrador. He is currently a member of the Cape Breton University Pipe Band.
March Break Youth Session 2