“We are a competition band that travels throughout the Southeast to Highland games, festivals and parades,” Auman said, elaborating on the band’s mission. “We are also a teaching band and invite all who are interested to contact us about learning to play the bagpipe or the drum. If you have always wanted to learn, we can teach you.”

He discussed the band’s tartan, and members demonstrated the various techniques used to play Scottish drums such as the snare, tenor and bass drum. Practice chanters and instructional books were available for purchase to use with a free lesson for anyone who wanted to try piping. Sticks and instructional books were also available with a free drumming lesson.

For several years, JPD has represented High Point University’s culture, as they play at every Commencement and Convocation. Two HPU professors are also JPD pipers, Dr. Stuart Davidson, adjunct professor for the mathematics department, and Dr. Oliver Stoutner, director of Business Fellows and assistant professor of management. Campus Chronicle spoke with both professors about their history with bagpiping, their membership with the band and what it all means to them.

Born and raised in Lockerbie, Scotland, Davidson began playing pipes in his early childhood. He, too, was one of the original members of JPD and recalls practicing in Auman’s basement. He is currently the Pipe Major of JPD’s Grade 4 band.

“I started playing the pipes in 1973 when I was 11 years old, but I gave it up in 1979 because I was a bit more into sport and thought I could make a go of it as a professional footballer,” said Davidson. “As it turned out, that never happened. I came to the U.S. to further my education and eventually started back piping in 1996. I have been playing ever since.”

His mother also played the pipes and competed in Highland Dancing when she was a young girl. “My parents thought I should be the one in the family to take it up…so I did,” said Davidson.

When asked what being a part of JPD means to him, Davidson said, “Playing with the band gives me a much-needed release from day-to-day work. It is a physical activity and one that we do with close friends. The sense of community and fellowship is strong in the band. It is a large part of my life.”

His happiest memories that involve playing his pipes, he recalled, are performing at the weddings of his band mates’ and their children.

Stoutner is a student of Davidson’s and has been playing the pipes for six months, although, he spent a year and a half practicing on a chanter. This is an essential step for learning embellishments and reading music before transitioning to the bagpipe. He has been playing in JPD’s Grade 5 competition band since October of this year.

“Making music with a group of committed friends is one of the most inspiring things anyone can do,” said Stoutner. “JPD provides a fun and supportive environment for newcomers and experienced players alike. That I get to share these moments with my eldest daughter makes them all the richer.”

One of his happiest memories of playing his pipes is when he participated in last month’s Scotland County Highland Games.

“It was my first time playing with the band,” Stoutner said. “Being a part of the opening massed bands ceremony where more than a hundred pipers and drummers, from bands all over the Southeast, form up and play Scotland the Brave, while all of the clans march in, is pretty special. The noise is incredible.”