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Below is a list of suggestions for those interested in hiring a bagpiper for a funeral service. Please click here for more information about bagpipes at funeral services.
PAYMENT
Your Bagpiper's Fees
Hiring a bagpiper to play at a funeral or memorial service is perhaps one of the least expensive things you will do. However, bagpipers take the fee they charge very seriously, and it is one that has been determined over time by the national community of pipers. Though some may feel our prices to be unreasonalbe, we charge our particular fee for the following reasons. First, most of us have worked very hard to train to become a Scottish bagpiper, spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars and investing months and years of our time seeking tuition and attending workshops for the bagpipes. Second, we have invested a great deal of money purchasing our Scottish uniforms, consisting of a kilt, sporran and other accessories. If you are concerned that your bagpipers fees are a bit pricy, remember what he or she had to do to make your special occasion even more special. Please click here to see my schedule of prices.
"Paying the Piper"
The simplest way to remit payment to the bagpiper at a funeral or memorial service is to give it to the religious director or a family member contact enclosed in an envelope bearing the bagpiper's name. Not only is this discrete, but it also takes the pressure off members of the funeral party to remember to pay. I have been in the past given a thank you card with the payment enclosed in it. Not only is this a discrete way to pay the bagpiper, it is a much appreciated gesture the piper will remember.
Method of Payment
Most pipers, myself included, accept payment in the form of cash (which is commonly preferred) or personal check, though some may take Visa or MasterCard! Be sure to ask your bagpiper who to make the check payable to.
CHANGES
Program Changes
Please be sure to notify your bagpiper of any and all program changes, particularly the ones affecting him or her. Remember, should you decide to add a tune for your piper to play, this may increase the price.
Location Changes
Please be sure to notify your bagpiper of any and all location changes, particularly the ones affecting him or her. As above, should you decide to change locations, this may increase the price.
MISCELLANEOUS
Permission
Be sure to determine before hiring your bagpiper whether or not the church, funeral home, or any other location hosting your event will permit the pipes to be played. It does not happen often, but I have been hired to play at places that were later found to disallow the playing of bagpipes!
Volume of the Bagpipes
I am often asked by my clients if I can play the bagpipes softly diring a section of the wedding or while playing inside a certain location. However, the volume of the bagpipes, as a general rule, cannot be controlled. If you are concerned about the volume of the bagpipes at your special occasion, talk to your bagpiper and the director of the locaiton that is hosting your occasion about other options.
Attire
As afore-mentioned, your bagpiper will wear full formal Scottish regalia including kilt in the Morrison tartan, sporran, and evening jacket.
TO REQUEST A PIPER FOR A FUNERAL SERVICE, CLICK HERE!
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