The Collegian

Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Arts

Tulloch Ard, Hillsdale College's bagpipes and drums band, will perform Friday and Saturday in what band member and senior Abraham Armstrong said should be the group's best concert yet.

The group's annual concert will feature traditional garb, the Hilltop Highland dancers, and both old and new songs - or "tunes," as the pipers call them.

Junior Kevin Meyers, who plays the bagpipes, said they may even perform a rendition of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

The Tulloch Ard concerts have been popular in recent years. Armstrong said tickets for the past two concerts sold out about a week before the shows.

In addition to annual performances, Tulloch Ard practices together and hosts events throughout the semester.

Both community members and students play in the band. Most community members have many years experience playing Celtic music, but Meyers said many students, like himself, became interested while in college.

"It was at convocation freshman year," Meyers said. "A bagpipe piped as the professors walked up the stage. I turned to my dad and said, 'Wow! That's sweet! I want to learn how to play the bagpipes!'"

Armstrong said he was interested in the band, so he went to the open house and "registered right away."

Professor of Philosophy James Stephens, who plays bagpipes with the group, may not be able to perform this year due to his health. Stephens was diagnosed with throat cancer earlier this semester.

"A great deal of personality is lacking from the band," Meyers said. "Dr. Stephens will certainly be missed."

The Tulloch Ard and Highland Dancers performances are on Friday, March 28 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 29 at 8 p.m.
Both performances are in Markel Auditorium


Hillsdale College Collegian

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