By: Jamie Kosten, Contributor
After spending some time at Canisius, you are likely to encounter the “bagpipe guy” playing in the quad or other areas on campus. The pipes are well known throughout Canisius, but how much is known about the “bagpipe guy” himself? Who is the man that serenades the quad with the beautiful sound of pipes?
Well, his name is William Monk, and he is a junior at Canisius. William started playing the bagpipes in his sophomore year of high school. His fascination with this instrument sparked when he saw a pipe band playing at a local firehouse and asked them where he could learn to play. William began to learn to play highland bagpipes and hasn’t looked back since.
Part of William’s inspiration to play came from the pride he has in his Celtic heritage, specifically Ireland.
“My grandfather’s side of the family came from Cork during the famine and my Grandmother’s side came from County Clare,” he said. William even has some family members that fought for Irish independence in the Irish Civil War. To William, playing the bagpipes is a way that he can connect with his roots.
“My freshman year, I played here, in the quad. Once in a while when it's nice out I bounce around different parts of the campus, such as the quad, outside science hall, and by Montante,” said William.
With the bagpipes being such a unique and identifiable instrument and passion, he started to get more and more attention from the Canisius community. William was eventually approached by Canisius event coordinators and was asked to play the bagpipes at school events. William plays the pipes for the 9/11 memorial ceremony at Canisius, the Mass of the Holy Spirit, award ceremonies and even leads the faculty procession at graduation.
Currently, William plays for a local pipe and drum band called The Mackenzie Highlanders. His favorite tunes to play are the Scottish tune Cutting Bracken, and the Irish tune The Foggy Dew. So, the next time you see him playing the pipes around campus, know that he is not just the “bagpipe guy,” but a talented musician with a fascinating story and passion for sharing his musical talents and Celtic culture.
As he says, “The reason why I play at Canisius is because it adds something unique to the experience of the campus, and as far as I know, I'm the only college student Piper in Buffalo. And if that claim is true, that would be incredible. Bagpiping in itself gives me pride not only in my heritage, but in Canisius for allowing me to continue to participate in all types of events; it means a lot to me. And if the University wants me to continue, or possibly if some clubs want me to participate in their activities, I can assure you I will never stop being the GriffPiper.”
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