Suburban Highlanders
Carry on
Centuries-Old
Musical Traditions
The first Bagpipe Society in the U.S. was
established in Pittsburgh in 1899 — and
this ancient instrument has even found
its way into Upper St. Clair.
BY PAMELA PALONGUE
A
t first glance, we might not seem to have that much in
common with Scotland. There are no ancient castles here,
no heather-shrouded moors and no rocky cliffs overlooking
a restless sea. Still, the Scots who first settled in our area must have
seen some resemblance in the hilly terrain, the cool, sometimes
wet weather and the meandering rivers that slice through the
landscape.
But perhaps the strongest link to the land of the Picts is the
culture of bagpiping. The famous Black Watch Regiment of
Scotland (formed in 1725 of Highlanders to prevent fighting
amongst the clans) fought in the French and Indian War in our
area. And their pipers were there in battle with them, bringing
their unique and patriot-stirring music to what was then a remote
outpost of civilization. The first Bagpipe Society in the U.S. was
also established here in Pittsburgh in 1899. More recently, worldrenowned piper James H. McIntosh helped to establish a bagpipe
degree program at Carnegie Mellon University in 1985, which was
the first of its kind in the world.
This ancient instrument has even found its way into South
Hills. The MacDonald Pipe Band is based there and practices on a
weekly basis at the Bethel Presbyterian Church. Formed in 1966
by the members of the Carnegie Tech University Pipe Band, this
nonprofit organization encourages both new and experienced
pipers in the art and performs at several annual functions. They
have even been the opening act for Scottish rocker Rod Stewart
and performed for HRH Prince Charles!
They are likely to turn up at any local function involving Scottish
heritage, including the annual Ligonier Highland Games held in
September where men hurl telephone poles (known as the caber
toss) among several other events, with Scottish music, dance
and cuisine. They are frequent performers at Burns Dinners held
around January 25 of each year in honor of the legendary Scottish
poet Robert Burns. The dinners usually include poetry readings,
Scottish country dancing and lots of bagpipes.
46 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Upper St. Clair
Nick Hudson is an instructor with the
MacDonald Pipe Band, who gives private
lessons in person and via Skype.