Who We Are

Barry Gray, President of NSWPBA, with over 50 years of piping experience. A highly accomplished piper, he has competed at the highest levels in Scotland, including with renowned bands like Dysart & Dundonald and the New Zealand Police Pipe Band. A multiple NSW Open Solo Champion, he's also performed internationally and is a respected adjudicator and instructor. His extensive career includes performances with music legends like Sir Paul McCartney and appearances in Australian films. He's a life member of multiple pipe bands and has received numerous awards, including a "LEGEND" medal from the MacLean Highland Gathering. Most recently, he performed with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes & Drums in 2023.

Angus Sevil, Vice President of NSWPBA, began his piping career with the Scots College Pipes and Drums in the mid-1980s. He played with the Sydney University Regiment Pipes and Drums for four years. Currently, he is a member of the Tamworth Highland Society Pipe Band, where he has served as Pipe Corporal and Pipe Sergeant. He has a strong connection to youth piping, having served as President of the Scots College Pipes and Drums Association. Notable moments in his career include playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1983 and winning the 2017 Aberdeen Highland Games with Tamworth. He plays a set of Stuart Liddell, Duncan MacRae Reproduction Pipes.

Joy McKenzie, Vice President of NSWPBA, began piping at age 11 with Goulburn Pipes and Drums. She later joined Hastings Pipes and Drums, where she currently serves as Pipe Major, having previously held the role of Pipe Sergeant. She has also performed with the NSW Highlanders, including competing at the World Pipe Band Championships. Joy is a dedicated solo performer and passionate about teaching, instructing in three local schools and fostering the next generation of pipers.

John McIntyre, Treasurer of NSWPBA, began piping at age 15 in Armidale. He has played with various bands throughout NSW, including Lakemba, Tumbarumba, and Epping/Castle Hill/North Ryde RSL Pipe Bands. He remains a member of the Armidale Caledonian Society Pipe Band and the NSW Highlanders, with a recent highlight being participation in the 2024 World Championships in Glasgow. His current focus is supporting the NSWPBA and providing assistance to the broader pipe band community, particularly in regional areas.

Heidi Lyon, Secretary of NSWPBA, is a Manning Valley native. While new to the pipe band world herself, she has been deeply involved since 2021, supporting her children's participation in Manning Valley Pipes and Drums. Her son, a piper, and daughter, a snare drummer, are also members of the NSW Highlanders and recently competed in the 2024 World Pipe Band Championships.