Book a Bagpiper | Weddings, Parties & Corporate Events (2023)

FAQs

How much should a bagpiper charge? ›

HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND ON A WEDDING BAGPIPER? Most pipers offer an hourly rate. The current average is between $150.00 and $200.00. One hour's worth is an unofficial minimum and includes at least one song performance, as well as the piper's travel time and costs.

The going rate for one bagpiper is anywhere between $200 to $350.

Brought to the United States over one hundred and fifty years ago by the Scottish immigrants, the bagpipe has become a symbol of mourning for fallen heroes, especially firefighters and policemen.

So how much will a set of used bagpipes cost? If we had to put a number on it, you should plan to spend anywhere from $600 USD for a used set of pipes, all the way to $8000 for a set of new or a vintage collectable full silver engraved pipes.

Find 15 of the best bagpipe players for hire only at Alive Network. Our pipers perform bagpipe music for weddings & events including Scottish pipe music from highland pipers ideally suited to weddings & civil ceremonies. They can also add something special to a ceilidh or burns night party.

Bagpipes, A Symbol of Scotland

But, whoever invented them, the Scots have pretty much made this instrument their own over the years. However, the Irish also lay claim to playing an instrument that is similar to the Scottish version. The national bagpipe of Ireland is as much a tradition as their Scottish counterparts.

Supposedly they are the only instrument that can be heard in Heaven. A piper and the sound of the bagpipes helps to direct departed souls towards Heaven's Gates. The walking away symbolizes the piper leading the departed to the Hereafter, yet stopping short of the Gate through which the piper cannot pass.

The pipes, which most Americans are familiar with, are the Scottish Highland Bagpipes.

With the prevalence of bagpipes at funerals, many people have become familiar with songs such as “Danny Boy” and “Amazing Grace” as the traditional tunes to play.

It's not the emotion behind the sound, it's the fact that they're loud. It's a feedback loop: One of the reasons people get sad is because of long, slow notes, but also because of the fact that it's used in these sad situations.

What country uses bagpipes the most? ›

The bagpipes have been close to the heart of Scotland for centuries. It is the country's national instrument, and a longstanding symbol of national pride and patriotism. But bagpipes are not only popular in Scotland.

For most of her reign, the Queen was roused by the sound of bagpipes played beneath her window – at all her residences around the country. The Piper to the Sovereign for decades acted as a personal alarm clock, playing for 15 minutes each morning, as well as on state occasions.

Over the years there has been many discussions if playing in a pipe band can lead to hearing damage or loss. With many tests done and surveys conducted one can conclude that members of a band could indeed sustain hearing damage.

New guidelines compiled by the Army Medical Directorate Environmental Health team say the bagpipe can cause hearing damage if played outside for more than 24 minutes a day.

The Great Highland Bagpipe is easily one of the most difficult instruments in the world. Apart from the complicated finger technique required to play, there are strict physical demands from the pipes in order to be able to play the instrument.

A pipe band is a musical ensemble consisting of pipers and drummers. The term pipes and drums, used by military pipe bands is also common.

The 'Piper's Dirk' is a form of the traditional Highland Dirk and is worn by pipers wearing the Full Highland Dress.

A good piper can simply assemble the bagpipe and perform straight away with minimal time spent tuning. This is only because the piper practices frequently and has the skill to setup and maintain the instrument properly.

Odrecillo: a small medieval bagpipe, with or without drones.

The playing of the Bagpipe was banned in Scotland after the uprising of 1745. They were classified as an instrument of war by the loyalist government. They were kept alive in secret. Anyone caught carrying pipes were punished, the same as any man that bore arms for Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Who first invented the bagpipes? ›

Some historians believe that bagpipes originate from ancient Egypt and were brought to Scotland by invading Roman Legions. Others maintain that the instrument was brought over the water by the colonising Scots tribes from Ireland.

Some people want funeral guests to wear bright colors to make it seem less like a somber affair and more like a celebration of life. Others might want people to wear the favorite color of the person who passed away.

Here's a brief history of the garment: The kilt has its roots in the traditional clothes worn by men in the Highlands around the 16th century and is a skirt-like piece with pleats. The kilt has later become associated with the Gaelic and Celtic cultures.

It is always easier to light up the upper half of the body and present the face under the best light. By covering the legs, funeral directors save time by spending lesser time lighting the lower portion of the body.

The first documented bagpipe is displayed on a Hittite slab at Eyuk, dating to 1,000 BC. In the Bible, book of Daniel 3:7 (see also Daniel 3:5,10,15) a musical instrument translated "bagpipe" was used by the ancient Babylonians sometime around 580 BC.

Queen Elizabeth II's funeral was concluded with music played by her bagpiper, Pipe Major Paul Burns.

Highland bagpipe music is written in the key of D major, where the C and F are sharp. Due to the lack of chromatic notes, to change key is also to change mode.

“My Way” by Frank Sinatra. “Time To Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli. “Over The Rainbow” by Eva Cassidy. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler.

“The Parting Glass" is a traditional Scottish song typically played during gatherings of friends and family.

Uplifting funeral and memorial songs

If you want to raise everyone's spirits, play one of these uplifting memorial songs: “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner. “Always Look at the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

Do bagpipes smell? ›

The smell. New bagpipes smell strongly. This scent fades over time. Compared with the feeling while playing the gaida this inconvenience is acceptable.

With most students it takes perhaps 6 months to a year to learn how to produce the correct sound. This is why it is critical to start students blowing bagpipes early. The sooner they start, the sooner they learn.

Noun. An infection of the lungs among bagpipe players caused by fungi (mold) in bagpipes.

General Overview. The United States Corps of Cadets Pipes & Drums is a bagpipe and drum ensemble consisting of members of the United States Corps of Cadets. The band supports Corps of Cadets and Army activities year round and is the only active duty Pipe and Drum corps in the United States Army.

World Champion Piper Robert Watt from the small town of Maghera in Northern Ireland has achieved many of the greatest awards for solo piping and pipe band playing worldwide.

Bagpipes seem to have become associated with U.S. military, police, and firefighter memorial services on account of their connection with Scottish martial history. As early as the 14^th century, Scottish warriors used musical instruments—mostly horns—to intimidate their English adversaries.

It's also reported that the Queen liked to read a little in bed before turning in, which is proven to be a great aid in relaxing the mind before sleep.

Queen Elizabeth would often go to bed around 11pm – later than some might think. She'd then get eight and a half hours of sleep, with a waking time of 7.30am.

And according to the queen's longtime dresser, the monarch is responsible for much of her own iconic style. In her new book, The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe, Angela Kelly revealed that the queen does her own makeup almost everyday.

Our ears are the most important tool we have when playing the bagpipes. Many bagpipers never consider hearing protection. When I first started playing in the late 1980s, I didn't see a single person wearing earplugs of any kind. I just took this as the norm and never thought otherwise.

Are there female bagpipers? ›

Although I have been performing playing the bagpipes for over 38 years, almost every time I pipe at events, I am told that "it is the first time that I have seen a female piper." While there are many female pipers in pipe bands, there aren't many female pipers welcoming visitors to Scotland or performing at high- ...

Some pipers can converse or sing while playing. The bag which the bellows fill is clamped under the other elbow, which squeezes the bag to control the flow of air to the reeds (which make the notes). The air goes from the bag to the chanter, drones, and regulators. The chanter is played with the fingers like a flute.

Brought to the United States over one hundred and fifty years ago by the Scottish immigrants, the bagpipe has become a symbol of mourning for fallen heroes, especially firefighters and policemen.

The timbre of the Irish whistle or flute greatly compliments the highland pipes. Pipers who double as whistle players will often start with a tin whistle in the key of D. The highland pipes require whistles in E flat to blend the tuning. Both high and low E flat whistles would work.

Much like a car, your pipes will need a regular check up and cleaning of all the essential parts. If some of these items go untreated for a length of time, you may encounter problems with the functioning of different parts of your pipes. Use this guide to check your parts step by step.

Bagpipes, A Symbol of Scotland

But, whoever invented them, the Scots have pretty much made this instrument their own over the years. However, the Irish also lay claim to playing an instrument that is similar to the Scottish version. The national bagpipe of Ireland is as much a tradition as their Scottish counterparts.

I have been teaching the bagpipes for over 20 years, and I must say that actually teaching the bagpipes has certainly changed my mind on how old or young someone has to be to learn. My students have been as young as 5 years old and as old as 90. I now believe you are never too old to learn.

On average, professional bagpipers cost $200-$300 for a 30-minute performance. The price may vary depending on your location, travel distance, and the bagpiper's experience level. The details of the event may also affect the cost.

Pipers have been used at military and state funerals for centuries, but now Piping is becoming more of a common feature at everyday funerals. The Bagpipes add a special touch to any funeral providing sweet haunting melodies. The sound of the bagpipe is the perfect send off for your loved ones.

Is there only one bagpipe song? yes, it is true. Over 5 hundred years old, this instrument only has 9 notes and there is just one tune.

Why do police play bagpipes at funerals? ›

Many believe the sound of the bagpipes adds a sorrowful, yet dignified air to the funeral. Bagpipe bands are now standard for police and firefighters. On average, the bands have more than 60 uniformed playing members. They are traditionally known as Emerald Societies.

Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.

The bagpipe can play nine notes, from G to A; however, there are no sharps or flats, so there is no need for a key signature. 6.

Amazing Grace: Written in 1779 by the English Clergyman John Newton, this song is now one of the most frequently requested tunes played on the bagpipes.

tapping your foot, or walking/marching is a method of setting an even controlled tempo. Marching is a result of the influence of military heritage in piping. The British military encouraged highland regiments and these regiments naturally brought their music and musicians with them.

Pipe Major Paul Burns - who woke up Queen Elizabeth II on her final morning at Balmoral in Scotland and played a poignant lament at her funeral - played a tune in the gardens of King Charles' residence on Tuesday morning.

It's not the emotion behind the sound, it's the fact that they're loud. It's a feedback loop: One of the reasons people get sad is because of long, slow notes, but also because of the fact that it's used in these sad situations.

With the prevalence of bagpipes at funerals, many people have become familiar with songs such as “Danny Boy” and “Amazing Grace” as the traditional tunes to play.