Bagpiper Hiring Guide
Bagpipers are a fantastic and very popular choice of entertainment for traditional weddings and many other types of events. Although most famous in Scotland, Bagpipers are popular across the World and can be found in Europe, Western Asia, Northern Africa, and other places. And originated back in the Middle East as far back as 4000 BC! If you are thinking of booking bagpipers but don’t know where to start, take a look at this list of tips and advice before you part with your money and book a bagpiper.
Bagpipes are great for:
• Funerals, Memorials, Celebration of Life Services, Graveside and Committal Services
• Wedding Ceremonies, Receptions, Engagements, Rehearsal Dinners, Elopements
• Birthdays, Anniversaries, Holidays, and other family celebrations
• Police and Fire Department Award Ceremonies, Graduations, Promotions and Retirement Parties
• Veterans, Patriotic, and Civic Events: Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Independence Day,
• Sporting Events: golf tournaments, ball games
• and more!
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
How To Choose A Piper
Choosing a piper for an event is a very important decision. There are no do-overs, second chances, or "mulligans." Before choosing a piper, please consider the following items that will enable you to make an informed decision.
Review the piper's experience:
Visit pipers' websites and compare music and piping skills: watch videos and listen to audio recordings
Review and compare music education and piping training
Appearance and presentation
Contact the piper by phone, text, or email; take note of:
Costs, deposits, payment options, rebooking and refund policy
Other Things To Consider
When planning an event with bagpipes, please consider the following:
Bagpipes can be very loud
The Scottish Great Highland Bagpipe and the Irish War Pipes are very powerful and loud musical instruments, and their sound can be heard over great distances. The piper has little control over the sound volume of these bagpipes. When played in enclosed areas or for a prolonged period of time, the sound of bagpipes can sometimes be overwhelming to some people. I do play other types of bagpipes that are quite suitable for indoor performances.
Physical demands on piper, weather conditions
Playing bagpipes can be quite physically demanding. Bagpipes are wind instruments that use reeds to produce sound. Reeds can be affected by many factors, including temperature, moisture, altitude, atmospheric pressure, and more. When planning an outdoor event, be mindful and considerate of the weather conditions where the piper will be playing the duration of the performance, and rest periods.
Bagpipes have an unique tuning
Bagpipes use a tuning system (temperament) that is somewhat different from other instruments; that is part of the allure and attraction of bagpipes. As a professional musician, I often perform with other musicians (organist, pianist, orchestra, or band), and with ample notice, I can modify my instruments to tune to the proper key and temperament.
Preparation before playing
Bagpipers get ready by doing an initial tuning of the pipes, then playing to warm up, and then fine-tuning to achieve the playing of overtone series that make the instrument come to life. Before arriving at any performance, I invest a considerable amount of time preparing my instrument to achieve the tuning, warm-up, and fine-tuning beforehand. When I have to travel to perform at a distant location, it is important to have a place to perform these preparatory steps without disturbing the guests. At times, pipers need to re-tune their instruments just before playing.
Ready To Book?
Booking a bagpiper for your event is a simple and straightforward process.
Please call or send this booking request form to get your performance scheduled on the calendar today.