BAGPIPE PLAYER FOR FUNERAL HOW TO
BAGPIPE PLAYER FOR FUNERAL PLUS

Playing At the Cemeteryīefore the Service Begins – The amount of time that the piper plays before a service usually depends on whether the service takes place at a chapel or mausoleum, or just at the grave site. Additionally, a piper can stand nearby the entrance of a reception if it follows the service. If there is no casket, or if the family desires this instead, the piper can play near the door as the mourners leave. Bagpipes can also be played ensemble with a pipe-organ or as a prelude to a choral.Īt the end of the Service – If a casket is present, the piper can again lead the pall-bearers and casket back down the aisle and out the door of the church to the waiting hearse, and continue playing as the casket is being loaded. Additionally, the piper can meet a hearse, if appropriate and start the processional of the service and lead the pall-bearers and casket either to the front door of the service or in through the congregants.ĭuring the Service – Bagpipe music can be used throughout the service as the family desires. The following provides some suggestions based on the location.īefore the Service – A bagpiper can be used very effectively as mourners arrive to create an air of solemnity and reflection, particularly if mourners are expected to arrive within a fairly short period of time (for instance, 15-20 minutes before a service begins). There is great flexibility depending on the desires of the family. Any other location for a wake, remembrance, or scattering ceremony.Play at the end of the service as the mourners leave.įamilies typically have a bagpiper play at one or more of the following locales.Play during the lowering of the casket, placing of the urn, or the closing of the curtain for a cremation service.If flowers are provided to the mourners, the piper often plays while the flowers are being placed.Play one or more selections at some point during the graveside, cremation, or scattering service.Meet the hearse and pipe the poll-bearers and casket to the grave site or scattering site.Play near the grave site or outside the mausoleum or chapel as the mourners arrive.Play outside the church or hall as the mourners leave.Pipe the pall-bearers and casket out of the church or hall and back to the hearse.Play one or more selections at some point during the service.Meet the hearse and pipe the pall-bearers and casket into the hall or church.In maximizing the services of a bagpiper at a funeral service, memorial, wake, or celebration of life a few main factors should be consideredĪs a brief synopsis, the following are quick suggestions for incorporating bagpipes into a service or other remembrance.Ī more detailed description of each of the major factors follows. The following is a brief guide but by no means the limit of how and when you can use the pipes. In my time in Houston and Texas as a bagpiper I am often asked for advice on when and how the pipes can be used in a funeral service or remembrance.

BAGPIPE PLAYER FOR FUNERAL HOW TO

In 2019, I was part of the massed bands for the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and in 2022, at the Basel Tattoo.Bagpipers in Funeral Services A brief guide on how to incorporate a bagpiper in your remembrances

BAGPIPE PLAYER FOR FUNERAL PLUS

The bands provided entertainment at variety shows, local fairs, parades, highland games and competitions in both countries, plus in the U.S., Belgium, France, Switzerland, Scotland and Ireland. As a band member, I have had the honour of playing for Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate) when they toured Ottawa and for the Governor General at several events. I have played with competitive and show Pipe Bands in both Australia and Canada at many types of events.

Bagpipe player for funeral