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Bagpipes can make a pleasant addition to your special day. Bagpipers have been a mainstay of funeral services in Britain and Amerrica for the purpose of expressing the appropriate feelings of the occasion. Those attending will be moved when they hear a bagpiper playing at the service or leading the procession. The best time to have a bagpiper play is really a personal choice, but following are several suggestions from past performances.
THE FUNERAL SERVICE
During the Service
Playing during the ceremony can be very effective. Typically, "Amazing Grace" or a similar hymn is played at some point during the service. Other tunes common for funeral services are "The Flowers of the Forest," "The Skye Boat Song," and "Sleep, Dearie, Sleep." Be aware that the piper must have a visual cue to play, preferably from the director. Please be sure that the church or funeral home permits the playing of bagpipes.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Processional (from Hearse to Graveside)
Perhaps one of the most regal uses of the bagpiper is leading the funeral party from hearse to graveside. Many tunes are appropriate for this from "Scotland the Brave" to "The Skye Boat Song."
During the Service
This is the most common time for bagpipers to play. Typically, after a few words are spoken by the coordinator and following the prayer, the bagpiper--from a distance--will play "Amazing Grace." At the second verse of the tune, he will slowly turn so as to fade the pipes away.
A Note of Interest ...
Once while playing a funeral I was told by a member of the family that when her father died a Scottish piper played "Amazing Grace" followed by a lively, jaunty tune. When asked why he did this, he responded that in Scotland, it is customary to play a happy tune to conclude a funeral service and send the recently deceased out and the family off with a happy melody.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Musical Preferences
Your bagpiper has an extensive repertoire that he can customize to accommodate any venue and any occasion. Though there is a great deal of music that bagpipers will know, ask if you have a special request.
Attire
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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