A sophomore with an off-killer major.

• Position: O&A - Interview - Brief article

Nick Hudson, 19, knows how to please a crowd with church hymns and AC/DC covers. But the nation's only bagpipe major, a sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, especially loves playing traditional Scottish music. Upfront talked to Hudson, who grew up in Cleveland and started bagpiping at 13, about what draws him to it.

Why the bagpipes?

Originally, it was the sound. It's distinctive, something completely different. Now I like playing the music--the Scottish jigs, reels, and marches, stuff like that. I also like the competitions. It's kind of like a sport, playing against other people.

What's the most challenging part?

Everyone struggles with different things. It can be physically demanding for some. Others struggle with finger dexterity. I...