Meet Melissa Bautz
Honoring Tradition Through Decades of Experience
Melissa Bautz is a prize-winning bagpiper with decades of experience performing and competing across the United States, Canada, and Scotland. She has been playing the Great Highland Bagpipe since 1986 and is currently recognized as a Grade 1 piper by the Western United States Pipe Band Association (WUSPBA).
In addition to her performance career, Melissa has taught students ranging in age from 9 to 76 and recently led the Lander Pipe Band to the 2025 World Youth Pipe Band Championships in Scotland. She brings exceptional skill, professionalism, and a deep respect for tradition to every performance and lesson.
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Melissa’s Tartan
Melissa’s tartan is the Grant Tartan, chosen to reflect her family heritage and historical clan associations. The surname Pratt is recognized as a sept of Clan Grant, suggesting a potential ancestral connection through English roots in Yorkshire with possible Scottish lineage.