Why Bagpipes?

When we gather to mark the end of one season and the beginning of another, we are drawn into something weightier than a ceremony—something rooted in centuries of tradition and deeply aligned with our mission. At Covenant, Commencement is not merely an academic milestone. It is a commissioning. One of the most stirring elements of this moment is the sound of the bagpipes leading our graduates forward.

Why bagpipes? What do they mean? And why have we chosen this sound, this symbol, to mark such a profound moment?

At Covenant Classical Christian School, when we celebrate Commencement, we do so in light of our mission—to train students as disciples, scholars, and citizens who think deeply, live courageously, and serve faithfully. One of the traditions that marks this moment is the sound of bagpipes—a tradition both striking and symbolic.

Historically, the bagpipes have called warriors to battle, sounding over the clamor with a tone that stirred courage and signaled resolve. They led troops forward—not from behind, but from the front—serving as a bold and fearless call to advance. In the same way, our graduates are called forward into the world as faithful ambassadors of Christ, equipped for spiritual battle. They carry not earthly weapons, but the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (We’ll address the gifting of the sword and shield in another blog.) The solemn beauty of the pipes reminds us that what lies ahead may be challenging, but it is worthy. It evokes the courage needed to live with conviction and to serve with joy.

The bagpipes do more than mark a moment—they remind us who we are, and what we are called to do. As the music plays, we do not merely celebrate the end of a season; we send forth students equipped to think deeply, live courageously, and serve faithfully, for the glory of God.

Patsy Hinton

Line upon line, for the glory of God