Article: A passion for piping: Wes Loder, leader of the Hawk Mountain Highlanders, has been playing the bagpipes since 1977 and teaching others to play for about 20 years. He says the popularity of such groups is on the rise.

Byline: Bruce R. Posten

Jul. 21--AT THE INDEPENDENCE Day parade in Wyomissing, the sharp and shrill-toned notes of bagpipers in the Hawk Mountain Highlanders could be heard for blocks before viewers caught a glimpse of marchers' dressed in balmorals (Scottish brimless caps), green shirts, tartan kilts and white spats with black shoes.

A parade crowd often will rustle with excitement at the sound and then the sight of pipers and drummers as they get closer and louder.

After awhile, it's impossible to hear the rustle; the hubbub is drowned out.

"No one is indifferent to the bagpipe," said 61-year-old Wes Loder of Deer Lake, Schuylkill ...

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