Although the bagpipe is not a well-known instrument, playing it is a rich tradition at Union – one that has been passed down over the years.
Because it is not one of the most popular instruments played in America, few students have had the opportunity to play it at events and around campus.
Allen Bradley, freshman undecided major, has taken on this role.
“I have been playing the bagpipes for five years now,” Bradley said. “My first performance at Union was towards the middle of the fall when I got to play the men’s soccer team out onto the field.”
Bradley said he first started playing the pipes after being inspired by the film “Braveheart.” The Tennessee Scots Pipe Band told him they would give him free lessons if he promised to play with them.
The bagpipe is a loud instrument and takes a lot of energy to play. Therefore, bagpipers sometimes have to get creative with where they can practice.
The pipes can be disruptive if not played in the right place and at the right time.
“They are very loud so I can only play in large rooms or outside, and they are very tiring,” Bradley said. “I usually play at night, typically around 9 to 9:30. This is partially because playing is rather strenuous, and the cooler weather of night is more relaxing.”
Before Bradley started playing on campus, Doug Martin, who graduated a few years back, and Christian Wallen, who graduated in 2012 with a bachelor of science in chemistry, were both known for playing the bagpipes on campus.
“I was dubbed ‘Union Bagpiper’ by a fellow student during our freshman year, when I was trying to practice outside the Heritage Complex and attracted a larger crowd than I anticipated,” Wallen said. “I also enjoyed playing out in (the) pine grove on the far side of the chapel.
“Not many people would be around, usually just the cross-country runners, who would usually wave as they ran past.”
Bradley wanted to continue to have a reason to play after high school.
“Another school I was looking at had a small pipe and drum corps, and I asked if I could do something similar at Union,” Bradley said. “The school responded affirmatively and created the piping position for me.”
Bradley also has considered starting a bagpiping band on campus. One of the downsides is that few people play the instrument, and it takes about a year and a half to learn the basics.
“Not many people have the chance to hear real piping, and I love to play for people and share the music, history, and tradition of Scottish piping,” Wallen said. “It was great to have so many people that enjoyed hearing and learning about something I really loved.