Both the traditional welcome and send-off for Houghton students is a march around the quad, led by someone dressed in formal Scottish “Highlander” attire and playing the bagpipes. Starting in 2014, the leader has been an actual Houghton student, who has now won an award for his art. On October 8, Andrew Hutton ’18 was named the overall winner of the Nicol-Brown amateur invitational in Albany, New York. According to their official website, this invitational provides top amateur pipers with a prestigious competition, and sets a standard by which to judge their piping. The competition is considered one of the top two amateur competitions in North America, as well as one of the top overall competitions in the world.
Hutton began playing the bagpipes when he was ten years old. He started with the Paris Port Dover Pipe band near his hometown, and has expanded his experience since. “I began competing in solo and band competitions when I was twelve. A major highlight for me was going to the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland when I was twelve years old,” he said. “I also played in the Basel International Tattoo and Festival in Switzerland, as well as at funerals and memorials for special relatives and friends.”
These opportunities have been the product of Hutton’s discipline and dedication to bagpiping, as well as the intentional support he has behind him. “Without my instructors, Ed Neigh and Bruce Gandy, and my parents, I would not have been able to reach the level that I am at now.”
The Hutton family has not only fully supported him along the way, but has also played a major role in how Hutton began the art of piping. “My great-great grandparents are originally from Scotland,” he said. “My cousin played the bagpipe and encouraged my older brother to take up the pipes. My older brother eventually inspired me to play.” Hutton’s grandmother, Ruth (Fancher) Hutton, graduated from Houghton in 1943, and his grandfather graduated in 1957. Hutton’s great-grandfather was one of the four Fanchers for whom the Houghton building was named.
Hutton’s bagpiping journey has not only brought him success, but also many lessons and friendships along the way. “I’ve learned that hard work and dedication eventually pays off,” he said. “I’ve made a lot of lasting friendships that have developed over the years as a result of piping. I love bagpiping because of the intricacy and meaning of the music.”
Houghton has utilized Hutton’s gift of bagpiping for school events, and will continue to utilize his gift in future events. “Houghton students, faculty, and staff have been very appreciative every time I have played for a school event and I am happy to do more,” he said.
Hutton has served Houghton College and also the families within the community with his gift. Kristin and Souly Sanasith are one of these families. “Andrew has invested in our family and has endearingly earned the nick-name ‘Bagpipes’ from each of our four children,” Mrs. Sanasith said. “We continue to be impressed by Andrew’s strong faith, diligent work ethic, and continued engagement with our family.”
She added that Hutton has even taken on the role of teacher in their household. He meets with their son Carson weekly to teach him bagpiping. Mrs. Sanasith continued, “Souly and I love having students our children can look up to, and Andrew continues to bless each member of our family. We are so proud of his accomplishments and are thrilled to have him in our family’s life.”
Hutton’s gift of bagpiping is not just a hobby. He considers his role as a calling. He anticipates future opportunities where he will not only gain more recognition for his gift, but where he may further his calling by helping others along the way. “I will definitely continue to play for weddings, funerals, and special events. I will continue to compete in solo competitions at the professional level in North America and Scotland. I also will continue to teach and pass not the legacy I have been given.”