What do you think of when you hear the word ‘bagpipe’? Celebrations? Scotland? Funerals? The bagpipe is actually an instrument, originating from Scotland, that uses air reserves in a bag to generate sound as it is blown through a pipe.  Most bagpipes are played by blowing into the instrument, while using your hands to change notes.

Bagpipes also have at least one drone: a pipe that maintains a constant harmonizing note while the pipes are played. It often seems as if bagpiping, as a hobby, is often unrelated to the United States. Surprisingly, there is actually a bagpiper in the Seattle Prep community; Gerry Anderson ‘19. Gerry gave some personal insight on playing ‘the pipes’.

One might wonder how to enter the bagpiping community. When asked about his introduction to bagpiping, Anderson responded “I started playing in fourth grade, I started playing because I was inspired by my great uncle who also plays”.

He also stated that bagpiping is important to his heritage because his family originated from Scotland. Anderson detailed his practice schedule of “band practices twice a week” and “personal lessons twice a month”.

Anderson claims that the work is worth it because he likes the aspect of working hard. He claims that practicing leads to much better music and a satisfying feeling. He works during the school year to perform his bagpiping in the summer. Anderson describes that “There are both solo and band events” where they perform in front of a judge who evaluates them.

Aside from bagpiping, Anderson enjoys crew, listening to music, and hanging out with his friends. His and others’ diverse talents and interests showcase how diverse the Seattle Prep community is. Anderson is just one example of the true meaning of art: expressing ones self through a variety of forms of passion.