Performance
A Piper can be used in similar ways across a wide variety
of events. These uses fall into a few categories.
1 - Prelude - The pipes are great for gathering music 15-20 minutes prior to an
event.
2 - Processionals - The pipes are used to lead folks from one place to
another.
3 - Special Featured Music - A tune used to focus a group's attention for a special moment,
often a special request.
4 - Background Music - Pipes can create a unique atmosphere, usually in sets of 20-30
minutes, or on and off for an hour.
5 - Recessionals - The pipes lead folks back at the
conclusion.
6 - Postlude - The pipes provide background music as folks mingle and disperse. Hearing the
pipes playing into the distance for the postlude has a nice effect.
Weddings
I am very flexible and can accomodate most requests. In general, there are a few key momments that are good to feature the bagpipes.
- Outdoor prelude music can set the tone as guests arrive.
- The Pipes offer a strong sense of introduction if used for the processional of groomsmen, bridesmaids, parents, and especially the bride. Organ accompaniment is easy to arrange
- Special music during the ceremony can have a powerful impact. Communion, or other symbolic events are often suitable places.
- Using the Bagpipes to escort the newly pronounced couple out of the ceremony gives an exceptional peak to the wedding crescendo.
- Afterward, the Pipes can continue to play as guests mingle and travel to the reception.
- At the reception, the guests can enter to the sound of the Pipes, and the couple can be escorted into the party.
Funerals
The Bagpipes have long been associated with memorial services. I know all of the standard tunes and am familiar with military, mason, police and fire funeral services. There are some common ways the bagpipes can be integrated and are a variations on the following.
- Outdoor prelude music can set the tone as guests arrive.
- Special music during the service can have a powerful impact.
- The Pipes can play as guests exit or move to the grave.
- The Pipes can play as guest arrive to the graveside.
- Special music at the graveside, such as Amazing Grace, offers a momment of rememberance.
- The Pipes can continue afterward to provide appropriate atmosphere.
Special Events
The Bagpipes are also appropriate in a wide array of other events.
- Family Reunions
- Business Promotions
- Birthdays
- Festivals
- Golf Events
- Benefits
- Parades
- Memorials
- Holidays
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