Pipe-Major Thomas Brown began playing the bagpipes at the age of ten under the tutelage of Alex Birkett in the small town of Kemptville, Ontario. At age twelve he joined the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Cadet Corps, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Graham A Brown, who was a piper in the Camerons during WWII and became Pipe Major from 1947 to 1952.
As a young piper Tom had a natural musical talent and wanted to progress and develop his piping skills. Alex Birkett recognized Tom’s ability and in short order suggested he go for higher level instruction from other more experienced teachers, leading Tom to study under Brian Williamson and eventually Colin MacLellan, in addition to cadet piping schools.
Thank you to Brian Williamson and many other contributors for writing this story and Graeme Ogilvie for editing!