Piper performs for Veterans Day

Nothing stirs the martial blood with greater power and poignancy than the Highland pipes.

Piper Steve Allely provided that stirring sound at Sisters Middle School's Veterans Day assembly on Thursday, November 9. Allely played a Great Highland Bagpipe that was made in the 1890s - except for the chanter portion which is more modern. Allely's bagpipe commands quite a history in its own right, as it was played in the South African Boer War of 1899-1902.

Bagpipes have long been associated with war. Allely commented that the bagpipe is the only instrument that has ever been declared an instrument of war. Historically, pipers have led soldiers into battle.

As Allely played, his audience learned that The Great Highland Bagpipe has both shrill and graceful tones.

Originally, the instrument was intended to be played outdoors.

Throughout history, the bagpipe has inspired men both before and after conflict. Traditionally it has been played to mourn the fallen, as well as to honor the victor. This tradition has been modified through time; now the bagpipe is played at both funerals and weddings.

Allely regularly plays the pipes at area events. He is a member of Bend's three person band, "A Scottish Heart," that has performed traditional Scottish and Irish music since 1994.

During his performance on Thursday, Allely was garbed in an authentic World War I Seaforth Highlanders tunic that was loaned to him by the Eugene Highlanders Pipe Band; however, the kilt he wore was his own.