Cristopher Rodriguez Wins Winter Storm Grade 2 Piobaireachd Championship

Cristopher Rodriguez was awarded the North American Amateur Piobaireachd Championship Grade 2 award on Friday, January 17th, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri.  There were 15 registrants for the competition, with 11 actually competing.  He played the tune Lament for Mary McLeod for judges Michael Grey and Andrew Douglas.  The award was announced by Bob Worrall, and presented by MHAF president Mark Fullington and Glenfiddich bagpipe champion Callum Beaumont.  He also received a Tone Protector prize.  In 2nd place was Luke Ashton and 3rd place was Chaz Stuart.

After Winter Storm, Cristopher Rodriguez will continue his studies of piobaireachd, and has applied for the 2025 Jimmy McIntosh Piobaireachd scholarship. He is actively pursuing becoming a Grade 1 soloist in the EUSPBA.

Cristopher Rodriguez, aside from solo competing, also professionally plays bagpipes for a living at his company NYC Bagpipes.  He plays for the St. Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band from Kearney, NJ, including the Grade 3 competition band.  He also teaches bagpipe students online and in person.  His website is https://www.nycbagpipes.com/.

Published: January 20th, 2025

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