Bagpipes for a Funeral
There are no words to comfort the loss of a loved one.
Bagpipes are a moving musical tribute that helps you say farewell.
It is my honor and privilege to be a part of every service I attend. I am here to help in any way I can.
Planning the Service
I’m here to help. If you don’t already have an idea in mind, I can offer suggestions for using bagpipes for:
Funeral Services
Burial Services
Wakes, Showings
Celebrations of Life
Get in touch, and I can walk you through everything in five minutes. Consultations are free.
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The sound of the bagpipes can stir the soul and provide a powerful and warming comfort. Not many instruments can envelop you with their sound or fill the outdoors like the bagpipes; and all without amps or power.
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Check out my music samples to hear some fitting tunes for funerals.
The classics are:
"Amazing Grace" - traditionally played at the end of a service.
"Going Home" - traditionally played as the casket or urn moves from the hearse to the final resting place.
"Danny Boy" - a favorite to be played whenever you desire.
I have lots more tunes to recommend and am happy to take requests and learn new ones for your ceremony.
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The pipes provide a final farewell that words cannot convey. Instead of silence being the final sound at the ceremony, the sound of the pipes can accompany you and your family as you bid farewell.
At the Ceremony
On the day of the service, I’ll coordinate with other funeral professionals to ensure everything runs smoothly.
I always arrive early to settle in, warm up the pipes, and greet you in person.
***I can welcome your guests with music outside before the service at no extra charge.***
Once the service starts, don’t stress about the piper.
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Being welcomed to a service with bagpipes is better than street sounds or silence.
I love to play tunes for guests as they arrive and will do so whenever you request. I have plenty of tunes that are appropriate for welcoming guests to a funeral service.
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“Highland Cathedral,” “Dawning of the Day,” or “The Skye Boat” are suggested to begin a service.
Ceremony favorites include: “Ave Maria,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Danny Boy.” I also know many different hymns that are quite powerful on the bagpipe.
“Amazing Grace” traditionally ends a service but can be played whenever you wish.
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Once the service has ended. I usually play some tunes outside as everyone prepares to leave for the next location. I play tunes appropriate to the occasion and am happy to take requests.
Final Farewell
One of my great privileges as a piper is to play at the final farewell.
If you’re having burial services, the sound of the pipes can greet you and the procession as you arrive and gather at the cemetery. (Check out the video below.)
Traditionally, the piper plays “Amazing Grace” to end the service. I’m happy to offer alternatives and to honor the desires of your loved ones.
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I will arrive to the cemetery before the funeral proecssion and be waiting for you as you arrive. I play slower marches and Celtic aires to provide some music for you and your guests that fits the occasion.
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There’s nothing quite like “Amazing Grace” on the pipes. It is one of my most requested songs and for good reason. You cannot go wrong with this powerful and haunting hymn. Hear a recording of “Amazing Grace” on my music page.
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I frequently work with honor guards of the armed services for military burials and honors. All military branch tunes are available to be played, and "Going Home" is traditionally played as the urn or casket moves from the hearse to the final resting place.
Additionally, while playing on a bugle is preferred, "Taps" can be played on the bagpipes.
Funeral Prices and Packages
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No matter which package or service you choose:
Planning Your Event
If you don’t have an idea in mind, I love creating unique ways to add bagpipes to events. Consultations are free.
Uniform/Dress
I will be dressed in full highland gear appropriate for your ceremony.
Arrival
I arrive at least 30 minutes before I’m supposed to perform. This allows me time to meet you, settle in, and, most importantly, warm up the pipes!
At the Event
Don’t stress about the piper. I work with other funeral professionals to make sure everything runs according to plan.
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The package includes:
Music outside to welcome guests.
Ceremony music
Postlude music as guests depart.
Everything can be customized to your needs
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The package includes:
Music outside to welcome guests.
Ceremony music
Postlude music as guests depart.
Everything can be customized to your needs
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I will be available for you and your family for both the funeral and burial services. I can play as much or as little as you like in that time.
Get in touch, and we can create a plan that works best for you.
Bagpipes are my purpose.
Hear about my passion right from my clients:
