MUSICAL LEADERSHIP OF THE Suncoast United Pipes and Drums

New Pipe Major 04/05/2025

Sean has been a piper for about 30 years and a bagpipe instructor for 20. He grew up in NY with most of his piping career  playing with the Roisin Dubh Pipe Band from East Islip NY.  Sean was fortunate to receive great instruction over the years and has always sought to share what he's learned with others. Recently Sean has been a highly valued instructor, tuner, and instrument technician for the pipers of Suncoast United Pipes and Drums.  With Sean at the helm, the band will continue to grow and succeed, not to mention the  fun and laughs

 along the way.  

"Looking ahead; I've been given the opportunity to lead Suncoast as Pipe Major which I have enthusiastically accepted. I hope to continue the competitive success of the band as well as develop new musical ideas to push the boundaries of what a pipe

 band can be and do." 

  - Pipe Major Sean Buchta

"Lead By Example"

Shawn is the founding Pipe Major of the Suncoast United Pipes & Drums circa November 2022--April 05, 2025. 

Shawn's leadership from day one was that of strength, respect, team building, the promotion of skill, and the 

pusher of FUN!!

Shawn began his piping career as an adult late bloomer piper around 2008. 

Shawn was mentored by the late and great Pipe Major Bruce Burt and other legendary piping instructors at various workshops and band camps.

Shawn set the bar HIGH for future pipers, Pipe Majors, and band leaders. 

Shawn continues to Lea d the team he built beside the Pipe Major as our  

 Pipe Sergeant. .

Hurly has been in the Scottish Drumming arena since 1983 as a snare drummer with the original  78th Fraser Highlanders of Rome, NY.  This award winning band achieved the title of Eastern United States Pipe Band Champions for 8 consecutive years. This lit the fire for his competitive streak to say the least.

Early years instruction by instructors Rick Omerra, Larry Willis, Tom Foot, The Ohio Scottish Arts school,  and other great Scottish drumming Instructors.  After moving to FL in  1991, he  served as Lead Tip for City of Dunedin, Tampa Bay Pipes and Drums and finally the Suncoast United Pipers & Drums.

Hurly believes that while keeping it technical you MUST keep it fun!

Liz  assists the Lead Drummer with  corps training,  

and  newbie instruction. Liz has been drumming for over

10 years is an amazing drummer. Her go to and

 "Let's Drum" attitude is infections to

others in the corps.