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Here is a list of different events at which I have played. I have tried
to answer the most common questions that are asked when I book an event.
At what types of occasions have you played?
Weddings, Funerals, Golf Tournaments, Birthday Parties, Church Events,
Schools, Anniversary Parties, Business Conferences, St. Patrick’s
Day Gigs
Pricing of gigs:
How much does it cost to have a piper play?
The fee for a piper is based on how long the piper is needed and how far
the piper has to travel. The initial fee will be based on a 1-hour minimum
of the piper’s time, which may exceed the actual playing time. Traveling
expenses will be included in the initial hour. A fee per half hour will
be charged for the client who chooses to have a piper for a longer time.
The pricing for funerals can be a little different from what is mentioned
above.
Call for a quote.
What type of payment do you accept?
Cash or check is accepted only.
Making a booking:
When booking a gig a signed contract and a nonrefundable deposit of $50.00
is required. Click on the bookings tab for more information.
Weddings
When does the piper play?
I always ask: Do you have anything in mind? If you do, lets do it!
What is normally played at a wedding?
Keep in mind the tunes that are mentioned below are only suggestions and
other tunes can be played if one does not like the sound of the tunes.
There are many times when a piper plays to greet people at the door prior
to the start of the wedding. A medley of tunes is usually played for the
guests.
Many of the tunes that I play can be played for any part of the wedding.
I often interchange them depending on what the Bride, Groom or even mother
in law likes. I sometimes use the same tunes for different parts of the
wedding ceremony. These are tunes I have played for weddings and have
found they add the right touch to a beautiful ceremony.
Processional: A wide variety of music can be played on
the pipes from traditional Scottish airs to the sound of beautiful hymns
that soar in the air, penetrating even the hardest of hearts. Scottish
music like Lord Lovett’s Lament, Sui Gann, and Scots wa hae, can
be played in a medley along with Ode to Joy, I love You Lord, and even
Amazing Grace to start the beginning of the bridal entry.
Mothers and Grandmothers being seated: Can be the same
as above. Some people have just had me play Amazing Grace as they were
being seated
Bride and
Bride’s Maids: I will include these together because the
music can be interchangeable.
Traditional music like the Bridal March and Trumpet Voluntary can be played
as the bride/bride’s maids walk down the aisle. For a nontraditional
wedding, the bride may process to the sound of Highland Cathedral. Highland
Cathedral is very powerful with the accompaniment of a pipe organ. I do
have the music score available if desired.
I have played music for the groom to enter as well.
Unity Candle: A beautiful hymn or a slow Scottish Air
is appropriate.
Recessional: I often recommend a piper walking down the
aisle, greeting the bride and groom, and then leading them back down the
aisle. Scotland the Brave or the Bridal March both works well for the
exiting of the B&G. Some people like a jig played or even Marie’s
Wedding for the ending of the celebration.
As People Leave: The piper can play for the guests as
they leave. I usually keep this very upbeat unless told otherwise
.
Reception: A surprise to the bride, groom or family members
could be to lead them into the reception area without them knowing a piper
is going to be there. Playing as the guests and wedding party enter adds
a beautiful touch as well.
These are the most common questions that are asked about what music is
played at a wedding and at what point during and after the ceremony the
piper plays. Any other ideas are welcomed.
Funerals:
Where does the piper play during a funeral service?
The piper can play at the church, graveside, or both.
Is there and extra charge to play at the church and the graveside?
Yes, I charge extra for the drive time that it takes to go from one place
to another.
How much extra?
That will depend on how far the graveside will be from the church.
What does the piper play at a funeral?
The piper can play for the funeral service at any time a person likes.
Because the Highland Bagpipes have only 9 notes, some hymns or other music
cannot be played nicely on the pipes. I have recorded some hymns that
sound beautiful on the pipes and may be appropriate for a funeral.
Most commonly a piper plays Amazing Grace at the closing of the graveside
service. Leading the casket up to the lowering device, or just playing
as the casket comes up, adds a special touch to the service.
Schools:
Do you play for schools or Church functions?
Playing the pipes for students is a great way to introduce them to the
history of the pipes, how they work and the different types of tunes that
can be played. I offer a hands-on, interactive presentation that will
give learners the opportunity to see, hear and touch an ancient instrument
that touches the heart and soul (Suitable for small groups of 24 or less).
I have marched up and down aisles in school while the students line the
hallways to hear the pipes for St Patrick’s Day.
Assemblies: For school assemblies I usually introduce myself to the students
and tell them how I started playing the pipes. I play various types of
music and them discuss where the tunes are commonly played. If time permits
I will ask the students if they have any questions about the pipes and
the clothing that I wear (This is very suitable to large groups of students.)
Type of Music
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