“Will the bagpipes be too loud indoors?”
This is a common concern for people considering the pipes for a wedding ceremony, indoor party, memorial service, etc.. The answer is: No, the pipes are almost never too loud indoors. The only time they might be is in a very small, confined indoor space with no carpeting and loud acoustics – Ex: A very small wooden church. When the pipes are being played indoors, they are usually meant to make a strong statement (Ex: Wedding Processional and Recessional), and the pipes are perfect for that!
I have played for thousands of events over many years, and only two or three times out of all of those was an indoor venue not appropriate for the pipes – in which case I played the pipes either in an adjoining room, or outside with the door open. So not to worry, it’s virtually guaranteed that the pipes will be fine for your indoor space. I have played the pipes in people’s living rooms at parties, and people a few feet away were fine with the sound. (It is said in Scotland that the pipes can be heard for 5 miles on an open field…But the carpeting and furniture in a living room can completely absorb the sound!)
“Are the bagpipes Irish or Scottish?”
Answer: They are both! The bagpipes were actually in Ireland first – According to historical records, they were used to play the hymns in the early churches there. Eventually, the pipes came to be an important part of Scottish culture and national identity, but there are world-class pipers and pipe bands in Ireland today that are on a par with the best in Scotland. Also, different versions of the bagpipes have been played all over the world for millennium – There are African sculptures of bagpipes dating back 6,000 years.
“How are the bagpipes usually used for a wedding?” [See also Weddings]
The short answer is that there is no “usual” – You can use the pipes any way you want for a wedding. Here are some common ways they can be used:
-Before the ceremony, outside, as guests are arriving
-For the Processional up the aisle in the beginning
-For the Recessional back down the aisle at the end
-During the receiving line
-As the couple exits the church
-Leading the guests from the ceremony to the cocktail, if it is close to the ceremony area
-As guests arrive for the Cocktail Hour
-During the CocktailHour (here the Irish whistle can alternate with the pipes, if desired)
-During the Reception Dinner: as the couple enters, as they have their first dance, etc..
“What music do you recommend for the wedding ceremony?”
This is up to you – Do you prefer Irish or Scottish? Marches or dances? Upbeat or stately? Traditional pipe music or more modern music? For a first wedding, many brides like “Here Comes the Bride”, which sounds great on the pipes. Other suggestions for the Processional in the beginning are “Highland Cathedral”, which is very stately, or “Ode to Joy”. For the bridal party, I recommend “Highland Cathedral”, “Mara’s Wedding” or “Minstrel Boy”. For the Recessional at the end I recommend “Scotland the Brave” and/or “Hornpipe and Jig”. The choice of tunes is not as critical for when guests are arriving or for the receiving line afterwards, since they are more “background music” then. And I am happy to take special requests – I have played everything at weddings, from classical to Punk and Rock ‘n Roll!
[See also Weddings, Repertoire, and Audio]
“How are the bagpipes usually used for a funeral?” [See also Funerals]
The pipes can be played at the church and/or the cemetery. At the church, the pipes usually play briefly as the casket is carried in, and again at the end as the casket is brought out and as everyone exits the church. At the cemetery, the pipes usually play briefly as everyone walks to the gravesite, and again at the end of the service. The choice of tunes is up to you, but the most commonly requested are “Amazing Grace” and “Danny Boy”. Other popular Irish choices are “Going Home”, “Tura Lura” (Irish Lullaby), and “When Irish Eyes are Smiling”. There are many other beautiful songs and slow airs (Irish, Scottish, military, etc..) that can be played. It is also possible to play the Irish whistle (flute) in addition to the pipes.
“How long have you been playing the pipes?”
Answer: 25 years
“What key are the pipes in?”
Answer: Bb / Eb (but written in A)
(See also “Note to Composers” in Studio Work)
“Can you play all kinds of music - rock, pop, jazz, classical, movie themes?”
Answer: YES, BUT….the pipes only have 9 notes, so not all melodies “fit” on the pipes, although usually at least a part of a melody can be played. However, it is important to be aware that your favorite song may not be so recognizable when played on the pipes! Suggestion: The Irish whistle can often play songs that don’t work on the pipes.
