Youth Piping & Drumming Faculty
Youth Piping & Drumming are led by an all-volunteer faculty team drawn from Siren City Pipe Band membership, and offer years of experience playing and teaching.
Chaz Stuart is the Pipe Sergeant of the 3rd place Grade 3 American Championship, Siren City Pipe Band, as well as an active prize winning competitor in the Grade 2 Eastern United States Pipe Band Association solo circuit. Chaz now sits as Director of Education Programs for Siren City Pipe Band, after designing the curriculum from inception. His expertise comes from formal classical training, in which he holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Shenandoah University, and a Master of Music in Composition from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. Chaz’s devotion to music can be found in every aspect of his life, including his career in Norfolk’s performing arts scene. Chaz sees that students are properly trained in basic music theory all the way to their first practice in the circle with City of Norfolk Pipe Band.
Andrew West is the primary drum instructor for the Youth Education Program, and is the Drum Sergeant of Siren City Pipe Band as drum sergeant. A passionate multi-instrumentalist and accomplished snare drummer who competes in grade 2, he instructs the City of Norfolk Pipe Band Drum Corps.
Ian Strawser is member of Siren City Pipe Band’s leadership and supports City of Norfolk Pipe Band through piping instruction. Passionate about education, he originally served as CONPB’s Pipe Major, and acts as a mentor to the program’s student leaders.
Mark Harris is a member of the Siren City Pipe Band snare corps, and assists in the training of new snare drummers.
Liam Nunes is the Pipe Major of the 3rd place Grade 3 American Pipe Band Championship, Siren City Pipe Band. Liam draws experience from a decade of competing with the world renowned Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band, where he won the World Pipe Band Championships in grade 3A, as well as top six finishes in grade 2 at numerous major championships throughout the United Kingdom. He supports City of Norfolk Pipe Band with a firm passion for the growth and modernization of the art.