Students breathe life back into Weston-McEwen High School tradition

The applause was thunderous as the Weston-McEwen High School pipes and drums band left the gymnasium floor after their performance Friday night, Feb. 3. The three-song set marked a return to performing after a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director Rob McIntyre had reassembled the band.

Thirty-two players, including McIntyre on bagpipes, lined the school’s hallway as the final minute of the first half of the TigerScots boys’ game ticked down. Several non-band students in the gym kept them posted with shouts of "35 seconds" and the like.

McIntyre gave the students a final few words of encouragement and instruction, and when the clock hit double zeros, the court was cleared. Then, with the drummers in the lead striking up a strong cadence, the band made their way to center court.

The first number was a dance tune featuring six members of the band doing a Scottish dance. Next, a performance of the traditional hymn "Amazing Grace".

The finale was "Scotland the Brave," and as the band turned to play their way out of the gym, the large crowd stood cheering and applauding.