At a sad time, Amazing Grace, Danny Boy, or The Flowers of the Forest on the Great Highland Bagpipe can be the perfect note to commemorate a lost family member or friend.
A lament after a moment of silence. Or a slow march to bring in the family, or lead everyone out afterwards. Amazing Grace during a celebration of life and maybe a few traditional tunes to bring back fond memories of happier times.
I am often contacted by people with bagpipes somewhere in their lives. Their mother, father or grandparents played pipe music on records, tapes or cd’s, or they’ve watched pipe bands marching past them and experienced that strong emotion that bagpipes evoke. Everyone has a great story. It’s nice to play the pipes for these families when they’re saying goodbye to a loved one.
“I want to thank you very much for your playing at my parents tribute. We appreciated it very much and many said you played the best pipes they had ever heard. My father would have been over the moon if he was there.” Carole Thacker, Sept. 2016
I play pipe tunes such as Amazing Grace, Danny Boy, The Dark Isles, Auld Lang Syne , Lord Lovat’s Lament, Westering Home or Paul McCartney’s ‘Mull of Kintyre’. There are many other great pipe tunes. The piper can play in the distance as guests arrive at the church or venue, or lead in the family to start the event. Often a Scottish lament is played in memory of the departed following a moment of silence. This is the time for Amazing Grace, Flowers of the Forest or many other great laments or airs.
“We have hired Mike to play aboard our yacht for Committal at Sea services. He is professional, respectful, and personable, but most importantly he is a talented piper who I would recommend without hesitation.”
Valerie Martell, Director of Operations – Martin Brothers Funeral Services
“Just a quick note to tell you how special you made our celebration of life for William Wallace. You brought the house to tears especially playing Amazing Grace. I am forever grateful. Thank you.” Sheila Wallace, Nov. 2016
Contact me at 778-838-6366 to discuss how a piper can impact your special occasion.
