Mr. Michael Saxer 

Mr. Michael Saxer has been playing bagpipes for over 12 years since his Freshman year of High School. He started learning at St. Anthony’s High School under the direction of Mr. Francis X. Riggio as part of the Celtic Friar Bagpipe Program. Starting sophomore year, he joined the ranks of the band and eventually rose to the rank of co-Pipe Major in his Senior year. 

In 2015, Mr. Saxer received a scholarship for bagpipes to attend Iona College (now University) and perform with the Iona College Pipe Band. In 2016 & 2017 he was elected to serve as the band’s manager. In 2016, Mr. Saxer started his competitive bagpiping career by joining the now-former, Empire Pipe Band at the Grade 3 level. 

In 2019 Mr. Saxer received his BA in Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In September of 2019, Mr. Saxer returned to St. Anthonys High School to teach their AP level Computer Science program as well as assist the band where his bagpiping journey began. In 2020 he was given the position of primary instructor of the Celtic Friars Pipe Band. 

Since 2021 Mr. Saxer has competed with the Grade 3 Roisin Pipe Band based out of East Islip, NY. 

Currently, Mr. Saxer serves as a member of the Mathematics Department teaching Computer Science, Engineering, and Algebra as well as a Director of Piping and Drumming for the Celtic Friars Bagpipe Program.