Pipers at Funerals - Some Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I arrange for a Piper to play at a funeral ... ?
  2. What will the Piper Play ... ?
  3. Are the Pipes allowed in Church... ?
  4. Can a Piper play at a wake ... ?
  5. What will the piper wear ... ?
  6. When is ... ?

How do I arrange for a Piper to Play at a funeral ... ?

Please contact us here.

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What will the Piper play ... ?       

Our Pipers know literally hundreds of traditional piping and other tunes and not matter how long we are required to play will never run out of material.  Please do not hesitate to request a particular tune.  Our Pipers are very highly experienced and will let you know if the piece you are requesting can be played on the pipes.

On the other hand, don't worry if you are not familiar with the titles of tunes which might be requested;  our pipers will always know what is appropriate to play, and if you tell us something about your deceased friend or relative we can also pick out something special.  Tell us, for example, if they are their forbears came from Ireland, and even, if you know which county or province - we'll have music from that part of the country (or let us know if they were Scottish, or Italian, or Jewish.... we've done it all!)

Let us know, also, if the person served in the Armed Forces, and which branch;  we know each one's traditional hymn, song or march.  We are also expert at working with Honor Guards provided by uniformed police, fire and rescue services at the funerals of their deceased brothers, sisters and veterans.

We are deeply steeped in the Celtic piping heritage, and particularly in the Irish piping tradition.  Those genres happen to include a large number of "laments" and "airs" which are very appropriate for funerals.  This is something which distinguishes our Pipers from some less experienced or professional ones you might have heard in the past.  Some of them may not have known more that one tune appropriate to a funeral - perhaps "Amazing Grace".  That's a lovely hymn that has become a bit of a "tradition" at funerals in this country and we can and will play it - but, as you can see, we are capable of doing much more as well.

Tune suggestions
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Are the Pipes allowed in Church ... ?

[This is the answer to the question.]

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Can a Piper play at a wake ... ?

Yes, indeed.  Please let us know if you would like a Piper to play at the wake.  The Piper will speak with the funeral director who will facilitate this.  If the deceased person belonged to an fraternal organization, (especially an Irish one such as the Ancient Order of Hibernians), or a volunteer fire department or lodge, the Piper can lead the members of the  group into the room to perform their wake service.

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What will the Piper wear ... ?

The Piper will wear a traditional piping costume, consisting of a kilt, jacket, plaid (shawl), etc.  The Piper will wear a an Irish style solid coloured kilt or a Scottish style tartan kilt, at your option.

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Can a Piper at the burial ... ?

You may arrange for the Piper to play at the burial.  Usually the piper will play at a distance as people arrive and leave their cars to approach the grave, will wait in silence as the graveside ceremony is held, and will play again as the ceremony ends, walking slowly away, thus allowing the Piping fading away into the distance.

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Please contact us:

If you would like to discuss having a piper play at
a funeral or other event, please provide your
contact information and some details about the funeral or event below.

Name
Details
E-mail
Phone