Padriac Allen - Bagpiper

An Arizona native and third-generation descendant of Irish immigrants. Padriac’s introduction to the bagpipes was obscure, to say the least. During the televised funeral procession of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, in 2004, a young Padriac watched perplexingly as a sole musician, adorned with a military-style parade jacket, an ornate tartaned kilt, and matching sash, struck up a loud and unique-looking instrument. He watched as the musician led the pallbearers and casket to its final resting place. This was the moment that Padriac knew he wanted to learn to play the great highland bagpipe

At the age of 10, he began taking lessons from Pipe Major Leonard Wood. At the request of Pipe Major Wood, Padriac joined the Phoenix Pipe Band and began his performative career, participating in a plethora of concerts, parades, and Celtic festivals. Over the next 8 years, Padriac honed his musical craft earning himself invitations to perform across the state as both part of groups and as an individual, including a role as the designated piper for events such as the Annual Arizona Colleen Pageant.

In 2006, Padriac entered into his first individual competition and was accepted into the Phoenix Pipe Band’s competitive lineup later that same year. He continued competing with Phoenix until 2010 when the band took a hiatus. During this time Padriac assisted in the foundation of the Hugh O’Conner Memorial Pipe Band (HOCMPB) out of Tucson, Arizona. Padriac competed with the HOCMPB across the Western United States in both band and solo events. In 2013, he stepped away from his musical journey to serve as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy.

After 6 years of service involving 2 overseas deployments, Padriac received an honorable separation from the Navy and began his pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Biola University. During the same time, he returned to piping with the Hugh O’Conner Memorial Pipe Band as they made plans to enter the competitive field once again. This time setting their eyes on the All Ireland Championships. In June of 2023, Padriac traveled with the band to Belfast, Ireland, and competed in the Championship at the grade 4A level. The band finished in 10th place overall and managed to take home the award for best bass drum section.

Padriac continues to practice with HOCMPB and performs as a solo musician in the LA area, offering services for a wide range of events. “It doesn’t matter where you go, everyone gets excited when they hear bagpipes. Sharing the music I grew up learning and loving, is an opportunity that always excites me.”