ANDOVER — Frank Rowe remembers growing up attending all of the gigs his father and grandfather played in as members of the Campbell Highlanders.

Forty-three years later, Rowe is pipe major of the traditional bagpipe and drum band based in Andover.

The band, which started in 1978, is named for Morris Campbell, who taught bagpipe lessons in Andover for years. His son, Bruce, is still with the 13-member troupe.

Rowe was born in Lynn, of Scottish and Irish descent. He works for Conte and Sons Funeral Homes in North Andover.

— Yadira Betances

Who taught you how to play the bagpipes?

My grandfather Alfred E., who had come from Scotland. Although he was strict about me learning, what I remember most were the stories he told me about his childhood in Scotland. I never got tired of listening to them.

Where did you get the bagpipes you now play?

The pipes belonged to my grandfather, and when he stopped playing, he gave them to my father, Alfred, who in turn gave them to me. The pipes and a plain simple gold ring my great-grandfather gave to my father are probably the two most meaningful things in the world (to me). I feel a continuous connection to them through both.

What is a pipe major, and how do you feel about your role?

I'm the one who calls what tune we're going to play. I don't consider myself a great pipe player. I'm moderate. For me, carrying on the tradition is the most important part.

What types of events does the band participate in?

We do parades, weddings, funerals. My favorite is the Boxford Memorial Day parade because it's a small town parade and marchers stop at the cemetery and the Girls and Boy Scouts place flowers on the graves.

Is there a connection between your job at the funeral home and playing the bagpipes?

The pipes are an extension of a wedding or a funeral. You can't really separate the two.

Is it difficult to control your emotions at certain events?

When I'm playing, I turn off my emotions. For me, it's more the occasion than the tune of the pipes. I played the pipes at my mother's funeral and it was the easiest one I did, until it was over. I did a solo, then my brother Robert joined me.

What's the highlight of playing with the Campbell Highlanders?

My wife and I always wanted to go on the Constitution as it does its turnaround, and we played there several years ago. That was amazing. We were on it a second time when the captain retired and his replacement was installed. We took my father-in-law, who was a Pearl Harbor survivor. It was a highlight for me to be there.

What would a St. Patrick's Day parade be without bagpipes?

There would be No St. Patrick's parade without them. They are known in Scotland and in Ireland, and there has always been a strong connection between both countries because we are a very close Celtic family.

Why are the bagpipes such a popular instrument?

People either love it or hate it. Those who like it do because it evokes some emotional attachment.