Ben Montross Bagpiping - Vermont Bagpiper

05/17/2025

Back for another graduation at Vermont Law and Graduate School. I have only missed 2 since I graduated in 2007. It’s officially piping season 2025!

03/17/2023

I am psyched to be lacing up the ghillie brogues later today and head to Dirt Church Brewing Co. for some St. Patrick’s day fun (and bagpiping). Vermont is not always in the mood for St. Patrick’s day…today’s weather may be a good reason why…but I am looking forward to it!

06/14/2020

Today is my grandmother’s 90 birthday. I enjoyed playing for her and her neighbors at the nursing home.

05/07/2020

What a crazy time! Unfortunately it looks like a lot of events and highland games have been cancelled, justifiably so. Because of the lack of in-person events, I entered the World Online Pipe & Drum championships. Below is the link to my “MSR”, March, Strathspey, and Reel. I got some great comments from the judges and progressed quite a bit in the process. It’s not perfect...my fingers lock when they know they’re being recorded, but here you go. Also, welcome to my living room!

March: Major Manson at Clachantrushal Strathspey: Shepherd's Crook Reel: Alick Cameron, Champion Piper

08/18/2018

It's the biggest day of the bagpiping calendar: World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. If you're near a computer (and awake at this hour), check out the BBC's livestream.

The finals of the Grade 1 and Grade 2 competitions, plus the march past and finally the winning announcements

11/23/2017

Last weekend was the George Sherriff Memorial Invitational Competition in Hamilton, Ontario. It was a great trip, and I ended up 5th overall and won the Piobaireachd event. I was awarded a great trophy and exciting new bagpipe chanter. Now to take a few days off before I start preparing for next year!

10/09/2017

It has been a long and rewarding competition season this year...and it's not over yet! I've been to/through 15 states this spring/summer upon last count and have planned a trip to Scotland with everything wrapping up with the George Sherriff Memorial Invitational next month. Here's a great shot from the Nicol-Brown Invitational last weekend.

Ben Montross competing at the Nicol-Brown Contest. October 7, 2017.
Photo by Steve Porter

05/20/2017

Wow. It's a great day for my 10th reunion at VLS (it rained my graduation day). It's an honor to come back and play each year and support the alma mater.

04/08/2017

Wow. If you haven't heard of Lincoln Hilton, you need to. What an inspiration!

12/09/2016

The temperature is dropping, the snow is lightly falling, and I'm getting into the holiday spirit today! Breaking out the long underwear (shirt at least) and getting ready for Santa Night in Burlington/Williston tonight! Stop by one of the "rooftops" and help donate to a bunch of great causes.

Since 1998 Santa Night Burlington has been helping organizations, people and animals in need throughout the greater Chittenden County area. Our reach continues to grow year after year. Here are some of the organizations that have helped us find a need and make a difference.

10/25/2016

I was honored to be asked to be a part of this celebration. The strength that the families have exhibited is impressive to say the least. While I may be a transplant to the area, I am proud to be a part of this community.

Thousands are expected to gather Monday night at Harwood Union High School to celebrate the lives of 5 teens who were killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 89.