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LUKE SMITH WITH TEACHER |
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Warren Raymond Hinson, NC - Drums |
Luke McKay Smith, AR - Piping |
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| Luke McKay Smith of
Rogers, Arkansas, recently attended the bagpipe summer camp of Lyon College
in Batesville, Arkansas to continue the historical tradition of Mackay
pipers. Instructing at the week long camp were Jimmy Bell of Lyon College
and renowned piper Angus John MacLellan of Bearsden, Scotland.
Angus John MacLellan was an integral part of the famed Glasgow-Strathclyde Police Pipe Band which he joined after accumulating a multitude of trophies as a solo bagpipe player. Glasgow is the world’s center of bagpiping and the Glasgow-Strathclyde Police Pipe Band won a total of 11 world championships during Angus John MacLelland’s tenure there. Luke McKay was privileged to receive daily instruction from such an accomplished player. After a week of intensive playing, the students gave a Thursday night concert in preparation for the Saturday competitions judged by their instructors. Luke won 3 first place ribbons playing “Amazing Grace” (which he adlibbed on the spot!), “St. Andrews Society of Charleston”, and “Dawning of the Day”. He also took home a second place ribbon for the playing of “The Haughs of Cromdale”. The grand total of his awarded points enabled him to win the overall division award for his level. Luke McKay is a Grade 5 beginning piper but has set a personal goal to become a Level 3 player by next year’s summer camp. His interest in bag pipes began in 2005 when he first began chanter practices with the Ozark Highlanders, a pipe band originating in Fayetteville, Arkansas. With a scholarship granted by Clan Mackay, he was able to take lessons and graduate to bagpipes within 6 months. The support from Clan Mackay to promote awareness of Scottish cultural heritage through this scholarship encouraged Luke to continue his piping career. Luke was congratulated by Angus John MacLellan for his achievements at this year’s Lyon College summer camp. Mr. MacLellan also commented that he knew quite a few Mackays personally and was glad Luke was carrying on the tradition of excellence for the historical pipers of Clan Mackay. |
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