“It’s so much fun to be able to learn something new, to pick up something you have always wanted to do.”

If you live in the Jasper Point neighborhood, you might know Forrest Plesko as a family man, local attorney or perhaps a musician. Lately, there is a chance you have heard a new sound. Driven by a childhood dream that resurfaced during a trip to Scotland, Forrest has taken on the challenge of learning how to play the bagpipes.

The Plesko family has called Castle Pines their home since 2017. Living near Daniels Park, Forrest and his wife, Meghan, fell in love with the area’s large lots, mature trees and the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience. “It is a really good fit for us,” said Forrest. “We have a great community and nice neighbors.”

Forrest and Meghan met at the University of Minnesota, graduating and marrying in 2004 before moving to Colorado in 2006. A graduate of the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law, Forrest began his career as a litigator and has transitioned to in-house counsel within the energy sector. He now serves as assistant general counsel for a major multi-state utility company.

Music has always been in Forrest’s blood. His father was a drummer and Forrest has been singing and playing guitar in bands since high school. One of his most cherished musical chapters was forming the Two Forrest Trio alongside his late father, Forrest Lance Plesko. Locally, neighbors might remember Forrest from his solo acoustic shows at The Berg Haus (today, Pines Bar & Grill), which he booked by pitching his demos directly to the owners.

As a 10-year-old growing up in Superior, Wisconsin, Forrest dreamed of playing the bagpipes, but the instrument was impossible to find. The dream resurfaced 30 years later during a 2023 family trip to Scotland. While visiting a factory in Girvan, Forrest convinced a hesitant bagpipe maker to build him a custom set on the spot. “I had to twist his arm a little bit,” Forrest laughed. “He made me a cup of tea while I waited.”

Forrest has been navigating the learning curve of the instrument. Between online lessons and daily practice, Forrest is working hard to master the intricate grace notes (the short notes played before the melody note), although he can already proudly play favorites like “Amazing Grace” and “Scotland the Brave.” He hopes to volunteer to play the pipes at veteran events in the future.

“It’s so much fun to be able to learn something new, to pick up something you have always wanted to do,” said Forrest.

When he is not practicing law or piping, you will likely find Forrest with Meghan and their two children, Alexander (14) and Leah (8). The family is always on the go, whether it is skiing, hiking, riding dirt bikes or planning their next travel adventures. “We love to travel and have been to 20 countries,” Forrest concluded. “Being able to see new things and have those experiences as a family, we really enjoy it.”

 

 

By Liane Davis; photos courtesy of the Plesko family