A group on campus is marching to the squeak of a different bagpipe and bringing Scottish tradition to campus. The Cyclone Highlanders began this year, and so far, the idea is noteworthy to at least a few ears.

“The number of pipers we have found so far is just amazing,” says President Brad Bonner, senior in philosophy. Even without advertising and just a few weeks under way, the infant club already has about 10 pipers interested, he says.

The first pipers to join are not the only ones enthused about the formation of the new club.

“We are really, really excited about getting to dance to [the pipers] playing live music,” says Katie Meyer, sophomore in linguistics and president of Scottish Country Dancers of ISU.

Meyer says Iowa State is one of the only campuses in Iowa to have Scottish Dancing. The dance group meets at 7:30 on Mondays in the Memorial Union.

The Cyclone Highlanders would like to begin working to get into tune with the current pipers, Bonner says. “After we get a foundation, then we will pair off the experienced players with the inexperienced.”

Bonner says he would like the group to be able to march in the Veishea parade in April. Another goal is to get a full band playing together. He says this involves adding drummers to the mix of pipers. Also, the club is looking for a Cyclone tartan, or unique set of plaid patterns on a cloth used in kilts.

Bonner says Iowa State is not the lone piper in the area, as the University of Iowa currently has a bagpipe club and there is a strong community group in Des Moines that performs. He says he would like to work with them in the future.

Michael Severin, freshman in veterinary medicine and club treasurer, says those interested in joining should consider buying a practice chanter – an instrument similar to a recorder – and begin learning the scales.

“It is nice learning the scales because there are only nine total notes [but] the finger movements are fast and the wind is constant,” Severin says.

It is often difficult to find a spot to practice because of the volume of the playing.

“You can’t go outside and just play a song, it draws a crowd,” Severin says. He says if he does play outside, cars slow down, people want to talk about the bagpipe and he feels as if he always has to perform.

Because he lives on campus, Severin says the best places he has found to practice are by Lake LaVerne and in Music Hall.

The sound produced by the bagpipes doesn’t appeal to everyone, says Victor Raymond, graduate student in sociology.

“Many love [the pipes] for the music, heritage and dance, while others think it sounds like a cat being strangled,” Raymond says.

Whatever the personal taste, the bagpipes have played their part in history.

“Most don’t realize almost every country in Europe and several countries outside have a form of the bagpipe,” he says. “The British made the bagpipes [popular] with the Scottish Regiments in the British Army.”

Raymond says the British suppressed the Scottish throughout history by banning the Scottish language and culture – including the wearing of kilts and bagpipe playing.

“After they were unbanned, the kilts and playing of the pipes symbolized Scottish unity,” Bonner says.

This authentic woodwind can cost up to $1,000; however, Severin says that he has more than paid for his pipes by playing at funerals, parades, birthday parties, weddings and conventions.

“I think people would be surprised about how popular it is,” he says.

The Cyclone Highlanders meet at 8:30 p.m. every Sunday in Room 233 of the Memorial Union.