An Evening In Conversation with Terry Tully.

We are delighted to have Terry Tully join us for the first night in our series of conversations.

Terry Tully’s name is highly renowned in the world of bagpipes and pipe bands. His accomplishments both as a solo player and as Pipe Major of the world-famous St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band are known worldwide.

The evening will give an insight into Terry's outstanding piping career and will also delve into areas such as band structure, ensemble sound, band management and leadership, getting the most out of practice, and much much more.

Terry first became interested in the pipes around 1964 from listening to his father Tommy Tully. He then picked up a chanter and followed in the footsteps of his paternal grandfather, father, and mother who were all pipers.
In 1966, at the age of 10, Terry joined the St. Joseph’s Pipe Band from Clondalkin, and at the end of 1973, he joined St. Laurence O’Toole, who were then competing in Grade 3 under the leadership of his father, Tommy.
In 1980, Terry was appointed Pipe Sergeant and became the man in charge of the band’s sound.

On a visit to Brittany with the band in 1983, he met another force within the pipe band world, Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band’s young Richard Parkes. The two future solo champions established an immediate rapport, and this year saw Terry delve back into solo piping, finishing 3rd in the junior section of the All Ireland in 1983.

The following year was a difficult one as his father Tommy died just as the band was beginning to make important strides. Two weeks later Terry led the band as Pipe Major to victory in a local contest. He has never looked back.

To date, Terry has published five collections of bagpipe music, which include notable compositions such as Tommy Tully’s Air, and The Pumpkin’s Fancy among many others. Perhaps Terry’s most lasting musical achievement to date has been his adaptations of and remarkable ability to play traditional Irish tunes on the Highland bagpipe.
His skills have earned him renown, awards and such honours as performing with The Chieftains in Carnegie Hall in New York along with performing on three of their albums.

Under Terry’s leadership, the mighty O'Toole's continued their rise in Grade 1, frequently placing in the top six at the Major Championships and culminating with winning the holy grail – The World Pipe Band Championships in 2010 which coincidently happened in the 100th anniversary of the band's formation.
Terry retired as P/M in 2013 and stepped back into the ranks where he now helps out with tune selection, arrangements and tuning.

His son Alen, another well-renowned piper and composer took on the role as Pipe Major continuing the family line.
Terry also gives his time towards judging, recitals and band workshops throughout the World.

Currently Terry is the President of the Irish Pipe Band Association and working hard to keep the tradition of piping and drumming alive in Ireland.

This event is taking place primarily for Australian audience but open for anyone if interested.

Taking place on March 07th 2025 @7:30pm

Time zone in Hobart TAS (GMT+11)

Any queries - [email protected]

We hope you look forward to joining us for what is going to be an enjoyable and insightful evening.

Host or Publisher David Doyle