Bagpiping a family affair

VERNON — Bagpipes have quite an illusive past history. Known as an instrument of battle, bagpipes were thought to be used in ancient Egypt.
According to Celtic Life.com, they may have been an instrument used by the Roman infantry. Some say perhaps they originated in Scotland. Others say that bagpipes came from Ireland. Whatever their heritage, bagpipes will always reflect the Celtic influence and the wild nature of the Highlands.
With St. Patrick’s Day looming keen and green, the spotlight is on the McCann family of Vernon. Father A.J. has been a bagpiper since age 13. Following in dad’s footsteps are high school freshman Alex, who plays bagpipes for two years as well as other instruments like the piano, cello and trumpet. Number two son Matthew plays a smaller bagpipe version but promises to adhere to a one hour per day practice schedule and has high hopes of playing the indicate version as his dad and brother. All three McCanns are members of the CuChullain Pipe Band which was formed by Michael J. Smith in 1977 and is the first pipe band ever established in Morris County. The name CuChullain is actually an Irish mythological hero. Currently, the band contains 15 pipers and nine drummers and have adopted the ancient hunting MacFarlane tartan as their kilt pattern.
“When you’re a piper, you’re among the few,” said A.J.
Both boys agree that bagpiping is a challenge, but it’s great fun as they participate in parades, concerts and other civic events.
On Sunday March 3, A.J. Alex and Matthew journeyed to Belmar, accompanied by friends and neighbors Sawyer and Chance as banner holders, for a St. Patrick’s Day parade. On the McCanns’ upcoming roster are parades in Morristown, Hackettstown and East Stroudsburg, PA. The CuChullain Band will also play with the Chieftains at the Morristown Performing Arts Center.
For the McCanns, it’s a busy time of the year but they stand tall, wear the McFarlane tartan and produce those beautiful, haunting bagpipe sounds.
For further information on the bagpipe band, visit cupipeband.com.