Dame Allan’s Latin teacher piping tradition alive

Andrew Lawrenson, head of Latin at Dame Allan’s Schools, is an accomplished player and maker of the Northumbrian smallpipes – England’s only native bagpipes with an unbroken playing tradition.

Originally from Scotland, Mr Lawrenson began learning the instrument after discovering a set of pipes belonging to his father.

Mr Lawrenson said: “It’s about immersion.

“Taking the time to understand a different system – whether that’s an ancient language or a traditional instrument -and learning to think with care and precision.”

Unlike the better-known Highland bagpipes, the Northumbrian smallpipes are bellows-blown rather than mouth-blown, producing a quieter, sweeter sound suited to indoor performance.

In addition to playing, Mr Lawrenson has taught himself the complex craft of making the pipes—a process involving woodwork, metalwork, and reed-making.

He now plays a set he built himself.

He said: “It’s intimidating, but I like understanding how things work.”

Mr Lawrenson is active within the Northumbrian piping community, serving as a committee member of the Northumbrian Pipers’ Society and is listed as a repairer and reed-maker.

He has also been invited to serve as deputy piper to the Duke of Northumberland, a ceremonial role with more than 200 years of history.

As deputy piper, he performs at Alnwick Castle and other official events.

At Dame Allan’s, Mr Lawrenson runs a co-curricular piping club where around six pupils are learning the instrument.

He describes Latin and piping as being more closely linked than they might appear.

Mr Lawrenson said: “You step into a society with very different values, one where slavery and capital punishment were the norm.”

That distance encourages pupils to reflect critically on their own world while developing sophisticated language skills, analytical thinking and close reading—qualities that translate well beyond the classroom.

He studied English Literature and Latin at Newcastle University, later training as a teacher in Glasgow.

His career has taken him to teaching positions in Aberdeen, St Andrews, and Hexham before he joined Dame Allan’s, where he is now in his third year as head of Latin.

Mr Lawrenson first became interested in Northumbrian piping during a resurgence, with a new generation of players – including Kathryn Tickell -recording and performing.

He began learning seriously under the guidance of experienced musicians, including Patricia Jennings, later Chair of the Northumbrian Pipers’ Society, and developed his skills through a mix of learning by ear, mentoring, and competition.

One pupil, Savile, has shown strong musical instincts and quick progress.