Claddagh Pipe Band Members
Members:
Pipe Major
Joe Smolinski
Joe founded the band in May 2010. Previously he has played with Bergen Irish PB, Kenmure PB, Clan Na Vale PB, and the West Milford Highlander PB. He is currently a bagpipe instructor for the West Milford Board of Ed. and a Middle School Teacher. His favorite pipe tune is "the Hills of Kesh." When not listening to pipe music he enjoys bluegrass and old country.
Drum Seargent
Sam Lauritano
Sam joined the band in 2017. He is a former lead drummer from the West Milford Highlander band, currently studying Music Education. He also works as an instructor for the Highlander Band program. In his free time Sam enjoys gaming and is a classic car enthusiast.
Pipe Sergeant
Kristy Smolinski
Kristy is a founding member of the band. Previously she has played with Bergen Irish PB and the West Milford Highlander PB. Kristy is a bagpipe instructor for the West Milford Board of Ed. and a Board of Education Secretary. Her favorite pipe tune is "The Pumpkin's Fancy.' Other than pipe tunes, Kristy is a proud "Swiftie," Taylor Swift enthusiast. In her free time she likes to craft and spend time with her two children and family.
Drum Corporal
Alexis Silverman
Alexis joined the band in 2014 on tenor and is known to also dabble in the snare corps. She is a middle school band director in Fairlawn, NJ. Her favorite pipe tunes is "The Wayfaring Stranger." When she is not listening to pipe music she enjoys Pop Punk and Punk Rock.
Quarter Master Piper Mick Burgess
"I don't joke."
Mick is a founding member of the band. Previously he has played with Bergen Irish PB and the Rockland County AOH PB. Mick is the one responsible for making sure we all look our best for performances. Mick's favorite pipe tune is "Killaloe," and when he is not listening to pipe music he enjoys Irish Folk and 80 New Wave. When he's not piping, Mick enjoys Living History Recreations.
Bass Corporal
Dan Willever
Dan joined the band in 2011 as our Drum Major but picked up the bass when the band was in need and never put it down. Previously he was Drum Major for the Gettysburg College Marching Band and DM of the West Milford Highlander Band. Dan is currently a history teacher. In his spare time he enjoys long walks with his dog, Savannah and spending time with family and friends.
Piper
Danielle "Danny" Dreyer
Danny joined Claddagh at the start of the 2015 season. She is currently student. In addition to her piping Danny plays guitar, saxophone and clarinet.
Snare Drummer Conrad Bender
Conrad joined the band in 2013 mid-season. He is a former drummer of the West Milford Highlander PB. Conrad is currently studying History at Passaic County Community College. In his spare time Conrad enjoys Revloutionary War Reenacting.
Colour Sergeant Krist Brembt
Krist is a founding member of the band. He is also the Claddagh Band Union Leader. Previously he has played with the West Milford Highlander PB. Krist works for the NJ Park Service. In his spare time he enjoys Civil War Reenacting.
Tenor Drummer
Kat Schutte
Kat joined the band in 2019. She is a former member of the WM Highlander Pipes & Drums. She is currently a student. Kat enjoys spending time with friends and the equestrian arts.
Piper
Keith Williams
Keith is our only official part-time member. Previously he has played with the West Milford Highlander PB. Keith has a degree in music performance/education with a concentration in Tuba. He currently works as a software developer.
Snare Drummer
Hannah Beekman
Hannah joined the band in 2017. She is a former member of the WM Highlander Pipes & Drums.
Piper
Sarah Schoenfeld
Sarah joined in the Winter of 2014. Sarah is a former pipe major of the WM Highlander Band. Her favorite pipe tune is "Gemmel's Ramble." When she is not listening to pipe music she enjoys post hardcore music. In her time outside the circle she enjoys Mexican food and antiquing.
Snare Drummer
Chris O'Mahoney
Chris joined the band in 2022. He is the current lead drummer for the WM Highlander Pipes & Drums. Chris currently a student and in his spare time he enjoys playing and restoring drum sets!
Piper
Raquel Mea
Raquel joined the band in 2017. She is a former Pipe Major of the WM Highlander Pipes & Drums. She is currently a quality control technician and scientist, reporting to the NY office of Cannabis Management.
Tenor Drummer/
Christina Connor
Christina joined us as a first time drummer in 2022. Previously she had been involved helping out with color guard duties but made the switch to become more involved with the performing ensemble. She is also a performing member in the Glen Rock Pops Orchestra and a Librarian.
Piper
"Wee" Allen Magie
Allen is currently a student. He joined the band in 2018 and will be joining the ranks of our competition band in 2022. His Favorite pipe tunes are
"Lisa's Tune" and "Molly Connell." In his free time he enjoys good Italian food as well as playing golf and ice hockey.
Bass Drum
Sean Hosbilt
Sean is a founding member of the band. He started as a custom made bass for another band out in NYC but has come to us by way of good fortune. In addition to his drumming, Sean is a renowned Olympic Swimmer and will represent the nation of Ghana in the next summer games!
Piper
Diane Heffernan
Diane is a middle school teacher. She has been studying with Keith Williams for some time and is ready to enter into the competition circle.
Piper
Julia Dan
Julia joined the band in 2021. She is currently a full time student and member of her college marching band.
Piper
Bobby "Boo Boo"
Piper
Haley Steele
Haley joined Claddagh at the start of the 2013 season. She is currently serving in the United States Army.
Piper
Joey Hric
Joey joined Claddagh at the start of the 2013 season. He is a former Pipe Corporal of the West Milford Highlander Pipes & Drums.
Piper
Evan Lemay
Bobby joined Claddagh at the start of the 2013 season. He is a former Pipe Sergeant of the West Milford Highlander Pipes & Drums.
Evan is a former Pipe Sergeant of the West Milford Highlander Band. He is currently a member of United States Marine Corps.