Jon K. Shell

• Ben Pollard - Bagpipes
• Gordon Warburton - Bagpipes
• Will Clark - Bagpipes
• Brenden Abernathy - Bagpipes
• Andrew Warburton - Bagpipes
• Raymond Swinton - Snare Drum
• Zoe Shell - Tenor Drum

As a former EUSPBA Champion of Champions in grades 2 and 1, Jon Shell has piped for celebrities such as Rod Stewart, Mrs. Bing Crosby, Kathy Lee Gifford, Bob Hope, Michael Jordan, Pat Boone, Jose Ferrar, Elizabeth Taylor and John Warner among others. The Biltmore House, Pinehurst, Spoleto and the Bing Crosby Golf Tournament are among the places he has performed in addition to two World's Fairs. He has appeared on national television on the Turner South Network on Liars and Legends, Portrait of America and other programs.

Jon started piping in 1977 at age 12 with Timmy Krintz and Harvey Ritch, both members, at the time, with the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders.

He received instruction from Sandy Jones and John MacFayden at the North American Academy of Piping. He also was taught by Duncan MacFayden, Hamilton Workman, Captain John A. MacLellan, Ed Krintz and Roddy MacDonald.

He has won piping contests in EUSPBA sanctioned games throughout the east coast, in grade 2 and 1, as both the Champion of Champions and runner up for several years running. Jon has won major events including the MacCrimmon Quaich and countless Piper of the Day trophies. Jon won a full scholarship to Belhaven College for his piping and currently plays with the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders, who just won the 2011 Champion of Champions Grade 4 Pipe Band in the EUSPBA.

Jon also helped lead the Grandfather band to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships, where the band won their qualifier in in piping in 2010. While the band didn't win the final, the band went on to place among the top 11 in the World in gr 4.

He currently teaches piping at the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming during the summer and teaches middle school science at Keenburg Elementary School.

• Amazing Grace
• Highland Cathedral
• Traditional Marches, Strathpeys, Reels, Jigs, Hornpipes

Anniversaries, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Halloween Parties, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• Jon Shell was very prompt and professional. His musical abilities were superior and he was a greatly enjoyed by all the wedding party and guest. The bride and groom were especially thrilled. I highly recommend him for your special occasion too. Sincerely, Nancy Dixon -- Nancy D, Highlands, NC, 5/21/2011
• Jon Shell brought magic to our Daughter's Wedding! He is a true gentleman and talented Piper. He was reliable and open to all of our requests. I loved his sounds as they filled the air with happiness and joy! Thank you Jon!! -- Rhonda G, Lexington, KY, 9/24/2011
• Jon was wonderful! He was professional dependable! He led our guests from the church to the reception and, I was told, passersby stopped and took photographs! Thank you Jon for adding to our joyful celebration! -- Nancy G, Greenville, SC, 10/22/2011
• Jon Shell is not only a personable fellow but a professional musucian as well. He enhanced our Robert Burns Birthday Supper celebration considerably, bringing talent, good humor and wonderful music to our event. He arrived early and graciously stayed long after our contract time. The Scottish Heritage Society of the Blue Ridge wholeheartedly recommends Jon K. Shell for any event desiring a superb piper. -- Tom S, Mt Airy, NC, 1/28/2012

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• Gordon Warburton — Marion, North Carolina