Eastern United States Pipe Band Association EUSPBA
It’s with profound sadness that the EUSPBA Executive Committee announces the passing of long-time judge, Music Board member, piping teacher, school and games organizer, but most importantly friend, Pipe Major Sandy Jones.
Born in Idaho in 1938, Sandy took to the pipes at an early age. Joining the United Sates Air Force, he served with the USAF Pipe Band holding the position of Pipe Major for eight years.
Along with John MacFadyen, Sandy founded the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming in Valle Crucis, NC in 1970. The school will be opening its door to students this summer for the 53rd time. After his retirement from the Air Force, Sandy took on the position of piping director at the Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, a position he held until 2003. After his Citadel time, Sandy continued to be active as a piping teacher and adjudicator throughout North America. In 2017, he was invited to Blair Castle, Scotland to receive the prestigious Balvenie Medal for service to piping, the only native American to ever receive the award.
The EUSPBA extends its heart-felt condolences to Sandy’s wife Dorcas, his three daughters, his grandchildren, and friends in the piping world far too numerous to mention. Rest in Peace my Friend.
