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Les' journey into the world of music began when he was a young child playing the accordion and piano. Several years after
he began playing the accordion, he found another musical love ... the trumpet.
As a student at Johnston City High School, located in rural Southern Illinois, Les became a standout trumpeter, playing
with the Marching Indians and at numerous high school and civic events. Les' musicianship and talent on the trumpet earned
him the prestigious John Phillips Sousa Award his senior year.
After high school, Les played first trumpet in the University of Missouri at Rolla Marching & Symphonic Band and had
the good fortune of traveling to the World's Fair in New York City to play during the summer of 1965.
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| Piping a wedding in Westlake Village, California |
When Les was 21, his father bought him his first guitar, a 12-string Martin, which Les still plays today. An accomplished
vocalist as well, he can often be found picking out a tune, performing in public venues, or just singing along with family
and friends. He is currently working on a small collection of old folk tunes with his son that he hopes to release on CD in
the near future.
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| Piping a wedding in Westlake Village, California |
Les' love of old Irish, Scottish, and English music led him naturally into a love affair with the bagpipes. A lifelong learner,
Les bought his first set of pipes at age 40. As with his other musical endeavors, he quickly mastered. Within 18 months,
he was voted in as Pipe Major for the City of Glendale's Grade Four Competition Pipe Band, a position in which he served,
off an on, for a total of six years. Having left the competition scene, Les is currently the official piper for the Los Angeles
chapter of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. He continues to play professionally, sharing his talents at weddings, funerals,
and other special events.
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| Piping a wedding in Pacific Palisades |
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| Les with his friend, actress/singer Cheryl Carter. |
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| Piping a wedding in Baltimore, Maryland |
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