My name is Philip Mason. I live in Kent, but commute daily to London where I head the Finance Department of a firm in the City. I have been playing the pipes since I was 12 years old. I was taught in the semi-military band, the London Irish Rifles in which I rose to Pipe-Corporal. The band is run by the Regimental Association, in which I am the Honorary Treasurer. I am now the Pipe Major of the Green Hackle Pipe Band which was formed in 2004.
I also feature on the latest CD from Amy MacDonald, This is the Life. The track is the Bonus Track, Caledonia, and the album reached No. 2 in the UK Charts!
I have played at events all over Europe. Some notable ones include:
The 1999 "Last" Royal Tournament where I was on every performance
The Scottish Tattoo at the Royal Albert Hall
The International Bankers Association Annual Dinner at the Guildhall
The Mayor of Lambeths Annual Charity Flight on the London Eye
Playing charity marathon "runner" Lloyd Scott over the finish line in his Diving Suit
The Lord Mayors Show
The Jack Dee Show (Pilot show)
The Royal Star and Garter Tattoo at Fort Nelson, Fareham
The Royal Variety Performance (alongside Julian Cleary)
The Combined Irish Regiments Parade on Whitehall
The Royal Military Police Association's Church Parade at the Tower of London
The Menin Gate daily Last Post Ceremony on no less than 8 occassions
Ypres (Ieper) Cathedral
Dinners for various organisations including: The Constable of the Tower of London, GrantRail Directors Christmas Dinner, the West London Irish Society, The London Regiment, The Chief of the General Staff, The Caeledonian Club, The Royal Air Force Club
Plus many other events including Funerals, Weddings and reunions.
In addition to playing in bands I am also the Honorary Piper to both the Royal Military Police Association and the Leinster Regiment's Association.
In February 2007 I was the first Piper to join the Concert Artiste's Association. I am also a member of the Musician's Union.
And it is not just the Pipes that I play. from the age of 4 I have been a keen pianist and also learnt to play the Pipe Organ, being first assistant to the organist and then co-organist at St Michaels and All Angels Church, Southfields. I am currently a Lodge Organist.