It’s possible one might have heard renditions of Christmas songs being played with bagpipes in downtown Farmville the afternoon of Dec. 8.

These songs were performed by grandfather-grandson duo Jeff “Boompah” Christman and Charlie Gallion.

The two stood in front of the Main Street Plaza, attracting a small crowd as they played.

A hat lay in front of them. Christman encouraged people to put money in the hat, saying that it was for Charlie’s college fund.

Christman said Charlie, 12, was interested in going to Longwood University, his mother having been a graduate of the class of 2003.

Christman said Charlie has a “math brain,” and would probably look to study something similar when he got into college.

Charlie, who’s from Virginia Beach, was visiting family in town for a Christmas party. Christman and Charlie have played the bagpipes together for years. And Charlie is no stranger to an audience, currently playing for Tidewater Pipes & Drums, a band based in Norfolk that plays in competitions throughout the state.

Charles Gallion, Charlie’s father, said Charlie has been playing the bagpipes for just over a year. Charles said his son has been learning with what he called “training bagpipes” since he was 8.

Charles said Charlie and Christman shared a common love of music. Describing it as “a bonding type thing,” Charles said Christman “plays multiple instruments and has taught Charlie the basics in drumming and guitar as well.”

Christman has ties to Farmville, he said. He is related to Harvey Buddy Whitaker, a former longtime town council member who lived on High Street.