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Bringing Gaelic culture to present-day life through music.
Pipe Sgt. Rick Ewing performs with the City of Tulsa Pipes and Drums at a May graduation ceremony. Ewing is also parks and recreation director for the City of Muskogee.
“Why are you wearing a skirt?"
This is the most common question Bill Tetrick receives from students when his organization, City of Tulsa Pipes and Drums, visits their schools.
“We have to explain to them that it’s not a skirt; it’s a kilt, and in certain cultures a lot of people wear them,” he says.
Existing continuously since 1976 but extending as far back as World War II, City of Tulsa Pipes and Drums consists of 15-20 pipers and drummers ranging in age from 12 to 73.
The group aims “to engage and enhance the Scottish and Celtic music landscape by playing the Great Highland Pipes and Drumming,” according to its website, www.cotpd.org. Performing both traditional and contemporary arrangements, the group’s Scottish sound is unmistakable.
“With bagpipes, there are only two volumes: loud and not playing,” Tetrick says.
The organization performs at a variety of venues, including graduations, parades, military events and, of course, the Tulsa Scottish Club. They have also participated in numerous competitions not only in Oklahoma but also in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Texas. Some members have even won individual piping and drumming competitions.
Even with all the performances and awards, Tetrick insists that the most important part of the organization’s mission is visiting schools.
“We try to bring the Gaelic culture to present-day life through music,” he says. “It’s really the purpose for the existence of the group.”
The group performs for students, speaks to them about Scottish life and answers questions.
“It widens their experience of music and other cultures,” Tetrich says.
Membership in City of Tulsa Pipes and Drums is open to anyone and lessons are available for both young and old.
“We will take anyone who is interested and you do not have to be of Scottish descent,” Tetrick says.
To request a school visit or membership information, visit www.cotpd.org or e-mail tulsapipesanddrums@yahoo.com.
