Program Highlight: Bagpipes

Pipe Dreams

Cadets master the music of the bagpipes.

The bagpipes have a long history

in the United States, dating back to the country’s birth when Scottish immigrants brought the instruments with them to the New World. Bagpipe music symbolizes respect and honor, and pipe bands encourage teamwork, confidence, discipline, friendship and a sense of pride in dress and appearance. The pipes emphasize tradition as well — all traits that are particularly fitting with MMA’s military education hallmarks.

“Pipers have been renowned throughout military history and have left an indelible mark,” says Pipe Major Brian Donaldson, MMA bagpipe instructor. “It is a great pleasure for me to see MMA cadets playing this unique instrument diligently and enjoying the experience.”

Cadets in the bagpipe course learn to master the art of playing the Great Highland bagpipe. First, cadets learn finger discipline by using a practice chanter, a double-reed woodwind instrument that mimics bagpipes but requires less blowing. They also learn theory of bagpipe music and how to read and write music into staff notation. Eventually, cadets progress onto the bagpipes. They begin by familiarizing themselves with the instrument, learning the blowing technique and how to maintain steady pressure throughout the air reservoir (bag). “Cadets tend to think that playing the bagpipes looks easier than it is, but it’s actually one of the most difficult instruments to master,” Donaldson says.

Learning a complex new skill along with nurturing character development are only a few of the benefits of bagpipe playing at MMA. The program offers additional opportunities for cadets as they progress into college. Their knowledge in bagpipes could qualify them for niche scholarships; several universities offer bagpipe studies, including Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Lyon College in northeast Arkansas and the University of California, Riverside.

Champion Supreme: Cadet Pipe Major Nelson

MMA Cadet Pipe Major Clayton Nelson ʼ22 has notched Champions Supreme wins in both Grade 3 Light Music and Grade 3 Piobaireachd, according to the tally of the 2021 Midwest Pipe Band Association season point standings released in November.