Weddings

I’ve played for countless weddings over many, many years and am fully prepared for whatever you may wish.

Here’s a rundown of what I’ve done for weddings over the years. You may not want or need all of this but you’ll get an idea of what’s available.

Arrival of Guests

During this time I usually play slower, more stately tunes to set the mood such as Highland Cathedral, Setting a Course for Lewis, The Skye Boat Song, etc.

Processional

Sometimes I play for the entire party from Grandparents through to the Bride herself. When I do this I can play a different tune for each group if required. Most often I play for the Bride alone. Good tunes for the processional include Bridal Waltz, Highland Cathedral, Amazing Grace, and many more.

Unity Candle

Often there’s some sort of specific ceremony during the main ceremony and I have played for them many times. Any of the more stately tunes work nicely here.

Recessional

This is the one time that I am almost always requested to play. I’ll usually lead the bride and groom up the aisle and out. Many times I’ll continue playing outside as people leave the ceremony or lead the rest of the guests off to cocktail hour as photos are taken. Great tunes for the recessional include Scotland the Brave, Strathcona Wedding March, The Highland Wedding, Wearing of the Green, and the like.

Cocktail Hour

Many couples ask me to play for the guests until the reception begins or while the bridal party is posing for photos. This is often a good time for the Smallpipes or Uilleann pipes as they are quieter and allow the guests to converse and mingle.

Reception

I’ve played many couples into their receptions to augment the announcements.

Memorial Services

During my many years as the main piper for the Los Angeles Police Department and the LA County Sheriffs I played for many services, both for retired officers and, all too often, for those lost in the line of duty. These services are very formal and highly emotional and there is no room for error. Having been through these as well as services for retired military I have the experience to respond competently and sensitively to any need you may have.

Gathering

I’m often asked to play as mourners arrive.

Service

I can play at the beginning, middle, or end of the service itself or any combination if you wish.

Interment

Most often I am asked to play at the interment only. I can play as people arrive, to begin the service, somewhere in the middle (during a flag folding or dove release for example) at the conclusion, and as the mourners leave.

Burials at Sea

I’ve played on many a ship from square sail schooners to the Baywatch rescue boat and have the sealegs for the job.

Tunes
Some of the most often requested tunes for memorial ceremonies include Amazing Grace, Going Home, Danny Boy, Lochaber No More, Flowers of the Forest, and many others.

Special Events

Parties, Piper-grams, corporate or civic events, whisky tastings, St. Patrick’s Day, Burns Night, ceilidhs, church services, marathons, just a few of the things I’ve been called to do-surprise me!

Instruction

Information coming soon.