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Show SOUTHERN UTAH STATE COLLEGE, CEDAR CITY , (Us 'T; i - 'ir'ssynr U I PAGE 7 V i jk A TAJ' lV MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990 THE THUNDERBIRD , j 'VSSST Sf 'I1 r 5 ir i 1 j 0 "h'i jt : Jf i Pipe major Don Smith dons full Scottish regalia b ' "', - S, t-- , SUSCs bagpipe band has performed throughout the nation and has non accords in Scottish heritage clan SU bagpipers are a close-kn- it The 13'im.ember band BY NATALIE is held together by COOMBS Although the bagpipes are still classified as a weapon m England, SUSCs pipers look on the instrument as a trusted friend. The clans love for the pipes has caused them to go to great lengths to ensure the bands survival. It takes a lot of dedication, a lot of work and a lot of our own money too. We all enjoy it, or we wouldnt be doing it, said George Harmon, a two-yeveteran piper. The pipe program itself is relatively young. Instructor David Nyman and President Gerald R. Sherratt started the pipe program about six years preceeded SUSCs annual ago, the band start-u- p Highland Games festival, a celebration of Cedar Were a tight group but theres always room for one more, said Pipe Major Don Smith. Citys Scottish heritage and the largest such event in Utah, according to Pipe Major Don Smith. When the program began, pipers played in conjunction with the Scarlet and Black ceremonial band, which Smith said was modeled after the Queens Guard in England. The Scarlet and Black disintegrated about a year ago following the reassignment of Nyman, the bands leader, to director of conferences and workshops; however, the pipe band members held together and have been playing and competing on their own since then. While Smith said the band hopes to receive more support from the college m the future, its members are still paying for the bulk of their trips, uniforms, and instruments. The bagpipes are imported from Scotland at a cost of about $800 each, and Smith estimates the cost of an uniform to be about $3,000. Band members, to avoid the expense of their purchasing uniforms, have hand-mad- e costumes with the help of Smiths mother Smith said a jacket and kilt combination requires about 120 hours of labor The band now consists of not only bagpipers and drummers but aho highland dancers who travel with them to compete in highland festivals festnals a dedication and love for piping held throughout the country. SUSC's pipe band took third place in their division at the last festival they attended in Tucson, Ariz Theyre really breaking a lot of stereotypes. For as long as these guys have been playing, they shouldnt be winning anything, said Smith. SUSCs band is usually one of the youngest in the competitions it participates in the age of other bands members is about 30, he added. Smith said women are also beginning to take a large part m the program. Fifty years ago, women were excluded from participation in traditional Scottish celebrations; however, Smith said times are changing and SUSCs band reflects the metamorphosis, the band is nearly half female. In addition to competing throughout the country, the band has been featured twice in United Kingdom magazine and performs for schools and special interest groups. The 13 pipers and drummers make up a close-knclan, and call themselves a family. Coming to practice is like going home. Were all comfortable with each other and it gives everyone a place to belong, said Smith. In fact, to interest people in the group, members jokingly tout, Everyone will like you. Youll have friends. Band members describe the group as a safe haven. The main thing I look forward to in a day is practice, said piper Keith Robinson. Joining the pipe band is also a way to increase according to pipe band drummer Geoff Anderson. Its an activity and were gaming experience as well as friendships. A lot thats learned m pipe band will benefit members throughout their lives. The group holds a two-hopractice session class each day. Members assert that the three credit hours offered for the class should be divided up as one credit of music, one of Scottish history and one of P.E. because you work up more of a sweat playing the bagpipes than running laps. said Smith. Smith said the class is open to anyone. Were a tight group but theres always room for one more Although band members need not be of Scottish descent, many people are and just dont know it. Most of the bands current members have traced their familv roots, at least in part, back to Scotland, however, one member of the band, Don Francisco, claims no such descent Band members call him McFnsco anyway. k it extra-curricul- 1 - |