News  Lynn District Court Probation Officer provides musical welcome to new colleagues as member of Corps

David Muse is a founding member and the only Massachusetts Probation Service employee in the 10-member Massachusetts Corrections Officers Federated Union Pipes and Drums Band which opened the ceremony for the September 2025 Probation Officer Academy Class graduation.

PO Muse, who plays the bagpipes, said he enjoys “playing in” his new Probation Officer colleagues.

Mr. Muse recently shared his experience with the Corp which participates in ceremonies across the Commonwealth.

When did you pick up your first instrument?

DM: The bagpipes are really the first instrument I’ve learned to play. I started playing when we formed the band in 2014. Therefore, I’ve been playing for about 11 years. It’s something I had always wanted to do, so I took full advantage of practices and the knowledge that our instructor has to offer and I picked it up relatively quickly.

What is your favorite tune and what type of music do you like the most and what type of music provides the most inspiration for you?

DM: My favorite tune to play with the band is “The Parting Glass.”

I really don’t have a particular genre of music that I like. I listen to a bit of everything. I do gain lots of inspiration from the world’s competing pipe bands. I enjoy listening to higher grade bands and the music they play.

We just recently lost Aaron Gill, DOC Sergeant, to a motorcycle accident. He was a founding and irreplaceable member of the band. While no longer with us, he will always remain a part of the band.

How long have you worked for the Massachusetts Probation Service?

DM: I was previously a corrections officer with the DOC at MCI-Concord for about 15 years before I made the move to Probation and I’ve been with Probation for three years now.

I started playing while with the DOC in 2014 when the Massachusetts Correction Officer’s Federated Union decided to start a pipe/drum band. Since leaving the DOC and MCOFU for Probation, I have volunteered and been allowed to stay with the band as it is something I’m very proud to be a part of.

Your band has played for a number of MPS ceremonies and events. Where else can we see you perform?

DM: The band plays at a variety of events and functions, including memorial services and other public events. We play at MCOFU events and ceremonies as well as DOC events and ceremonies. We also play at various graduations, ceremonies and events for many agencies and groups as well.