Mike came to the band in 2008 after a decade on the scene in South Carolina , first with the Citadel Pipe Band and then the Charleston Police Pipe Band. His passion for snare drumming, and pipe bands in general, was evident in the very many miles he traveled to contests over the past decade, as well as in his un-ceasing efforts to improve his playing through workshops and lessons -- right through this Winter’s “Snowmageddon”-hammered Delco Workshop in Baltimore, the weekend before he passed.

One of the City of Washington' s original mottos was derived from the wording emblazoned on its cap badge during its formative years as the Denny and Dunipace Pipe Band - “Steadfast and Sure” – words that truly describe Mike’s approach to his involvement with the band. To be fully accurate though, the words “good humored and driven” should be added, in that Mike’s humor and dogged determination, in the face of his toughest challenge, were really remarkable qualities - qualities that lightened up more than a few corps practices. We were very happy to have Mike on board, and very gratified that, in us, he found both a creative outlet and something outside himself to focus on over the past year. We extend heartfelt condolences to his family in Northern Virginia, and his extended pipe band and workplace families in South Carolina . You can read more about Mike’s life and times at: http://www.avdawn.com/2010/02/in-memoriam.html