Biography

Griffin Hall began playing bagpipes at the age of 12. Coming from a musical pair of parents, he was surrounded by music since birth. Fascinated by the power of the great highland bagpipe, he received his very first lessons with the Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes and Drums under Dorothy May. Quickly progressing ahead he moved onto instruction with Iain McKee who came from a long line of family pipers in the Kansas City area. After becoming a full-time member of St. Andrew's pipe band, Griffin moved on to receive instruction from Dr. Donald Mc Bride, a native from Scotland who happened to reside in Kansas City. Griffin's ability skyrocketed under Donald and still takes instruction as a professional competitor. From Griffin's first contest to his success in the US North American Championship, to his rise as a player in the Open grade, Donald has been there as a mentor in the artform of the bagpipes. Griffin has also received instruction and insight from several other renowned players such as Willie McCallum, Matt Kline, Tristan Wilson, Jim and John Higgins, and Pipe Major Brian Donaldson. 

​

In 2023, Griffin accepted an invitation from Pipe Major Iain Donaldson to join the Grade 1 City of Dunedin Pipe Band based in Dunedin Florida. After a season of stateside competing, Griffin made the ultimate journey with the band to the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow Scotland. His maiden voyage after 12 years of playing, Griffin remains an active player with the Dunedin Pipe Band striving for the highest level of musicianship in pipe bands today. 

​

In addition to the competitive venture, Griffin is also an active composer of music for the highland bagpipes. Composing his first tune at the age of 14, his music has been played all over the world from the aspiring solo piper to the highest level of competition at the World Pipe Band Championships. His compositions, arrangements, and harmonies are played by bands and groups all over the world. Griffin has several solo albums that include many of these original compositions but also adding the flavor of other instruments such as piano, guitar, whistles, drums, and various others. Writing for more than just the highland bagpipes, Griffin's creative outlet is certainly his growing YouTube channel and bodies of recorded work that are published across major streaming services. 

​

Receiving a degree in the Recording Arts and Audio Engineering from Johnson County Community College, Griffin puts his studio knowledge into his regular recordings and videos across the internet. Also producing media for several other local artists and regular involvement with the American Opera Studio, Griffin's sound design and studio recordings remain a focal point for his craft. 

​

Performing is an active part of Griffin's life. He is the Pipe Sergeant for the Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes and Drums and plays with the band across Kansas City for regular performances. As well as serving the regular in-town gigs, Griffin has also travelled across the country to play with other musical groups such as The Rogues and the American Opera Studio as well as guest performing with world famous groups like The Piano Guys, The Chieftains, The Elders, and The Red Hot Chili Pipers. Griffin also belongs to a local Irish/Scottish folk band called The Biscuit Boys which remains another creative outlet for his original compositions and arrangements. Remaining an active part of the Kansas City fabric, performance of live music is unquestionably enjoyable for Griffin. 

​

On the professional front, Griffin is acting manager at J.Higgins, Ltd. A highland-wear and bagpipe supply shop based in Kansas City and in business for over 40 years. Growing his appreciation and knowledge for highland dress, clan tartans, and history, Griffin aims to grow the business and maintain the long-lived legacy that Jim and John Higgins started in1983. This has only aided to becoming a good natured and knowledgeable custodian of the art of the highland bagpipe. 

​

Griffin's continued legacy is through his teaching. Soon after his first early involvements with the local pipe band, he became sought out for his quality and friendly instruction. Local pupils thrive through Griffin's regular instruction, but he also teaches remotely through online lessons and also travelling to workshops and clinics as an instructor. Griffin's students have had notable success in their respective pipe bands as well as the solo circuit, from teaching the bare beginner to actively competing musicians. Remaining an active role in the instruction for the St. Andrew's pipe band students, Griffin's studio continues to grow as a self sustaining entity that has travelled and performed for international audiences.

​

While piping and music are certainly the core of what fuels Griffin, he also enjoys cooking, travelling, camping, and hiking. He enjoys spending time with family and friends. Griffin's home base of Kansas City is full of opportunities, but he loves to experience new places, things, and grow his scope as a person. 

​