87th Cleveland Pipe Band

Michael Crawley has given the band so much in the way of his talent, patience in teaching, and passion for the music. Michael began drumming at the age of 9. After studying for one year with various local drummers, he quickly advanced while studying with Patty Ann Slagle (Western Reserve PB, Clan MacFarlane PB, Toronto Police PB, 78th Frasers PB). Later, he went on to refine his talent, studying under some the great Highland drummers of this generation, including Jim Kilpatrick, Reid Maxwell, Carl Lenny, Michael Hunter, and Jon Quigg.

Driven by his accomplishments thus far, love for his heritage, and much encouragement from his family, he quickly achieved success and international recognition as a lead drummer, writer, and soloist. Michael has led his drum corps to United States Championship awards in drumming for Grades 4, 3, and 2, as well as many other noteworthy achievements in the United States and Canada (including a trip to the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland while in Grade 3). Additionally, Michael helped the 78th Frasers (of Canada, Grade 1, under Michael Hunter) finish 6th at the 2001 Worlds.

While his drum corps continues to succeed in the circle year after year, his success doesn't stop there. After consistent victories in every grade of solo snare drumming, Michael currently competes in the Open/Professional category. Michael has also been playing the pipes since age 12. Largely self-taught, his fifteen years of playing the pipes has undoubtedly helped his drumming, writing, and ensemble work.

Michael believes firmly that the future of pipe bands lies in teaching new players. Michael has been teaching both drumming and piping to students of all ages and ability levels for several years, and he has taught workshops around the country. He is currently the Piping Instructor for the Grade 5 and continues to lead the Grade 2 Drum Corps to victory. "We have a group of hard-working and hard-playing members. To be a leader of such a group of people is an easy task." Michael Crawley is a board member of the Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio (SACSO), and the owner and operator of Crawley Bros. Highland Supply, an online retailer specializing in pipe band instruments and accessories.