WILL SHROPSHIRE
Senior, Rockville High School
SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Will Shropshire of Rockville loves all things music, but he’s especially passionate about Scotland’s national instrument.
Will became fascinated by bagpipes at age 3, when he attended a concert during the National Capital Area Scottish Festival at Rockville High School. He began taking lessons at age 11 and has played in dozens of competitions, winning numerous awards. As a sophomore, he earned the highest ranking for amateur bagpipers from the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association.
He’s now in his second year as the pipe major of the pipe band at Rockville High School, the only Montgomery County public high school to boast such a band. And he plays every spring at the Scottish festival that sparked his interest.
“Will has pushed himself beyond where the average kid his age would,” says Maureen Connor, a Schenectady, New York, piping teacher who has judged him in competitions.
Will’s love of music extends beyond the bagpipe. He’s played the violin since fourth grade and plays in his school’s orchestra. He joined the marching and pep bands during his freshman year and learned the snare drum. He also composes, including pieces for his school ensembles.
Will’s teachers turn to him to fill leadership roles, from marching band percussion captain to teaching beginning pipers. “Playing the bagpipes and wearing a kilt can be a tough hurdle with teenage boys,” says Paula Glendinning, an instructor for Rockville’s pipe band who has also taught Will privately for five years. “But for William, it’s just part of what he does. That takes strength of character.”
A student in the International Baccalaureate program with a 3.95 GPA, Will plans to pursue music composition in college and to continue playing bagpipes.
“I really like the community that’s attached to competitive bagpiping,” Will says. “I’ve made some of my closest friends. It’s not just within my own age group. It’s a multigenerational thing.”
All Photos by Michael Ventura
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