Funeral Masses
Before the Mass - It is customary for the pipes to play for a few minutes outside the church just before the Mass, as the casket or urn is being carried in. If the family is following behind the casket, the pipes continue to play until everyone is inside the church. The pipes usually play “Amazing Grace” at this point, but the choice of music is up to the family.
After the Mass – The pipes play outside the church as the casket is carried out and placed in the hearse. The piper then plays a few traditional tunes on the pipes as the family and friends all exit from the church and gather outside.
Funeral Services (General)
Same options as Memorial Services (below).
Graveside Services
Before – When all have arrived at the cemetery, the pipes play as everyone walks to the gravesite.
After – The pipes play a few tunes at the close of the service. If flowers are being placed on the grave at the end of the service, the pipes can play at that point.
Note: The Irish whistle (flute) can also be played before and/or after the graveside service, in addition to or instead of the bagpipes. See Irish whistle (below).
Memorial Services
The pipes can be played before, during and/or after a memorial service. They can be played briefly inside before or after the service, or for longer periods outside as guests arrive and/or depart.
Note: The Irish whistle (flute) can also be played before, during and/or after the service.
See Irish whistle (below).
Military Services
The pipes can be played before and/or after the flag is presented and “Taps” is played.
“Taps” can also be played on the bagpipes.
The Irish Whistle (aka “penny whistle” or “tin whistle”)
The Irish whistle is a small, sweet flute which can be perfect for playing slow, gentle melodies. Traditional Irish and Scottish songs such as “Danny Boy”, “Tura Lura”, “When Irish Eyes are Smiling”, “Wild Mountain Thyme”, “Loch Lomond”, etc., sound beautiful on the whistle. The flute can be a soft, intimate contrast to the loud pipes, and also greatly increases the tune choices: There are many songs which don’t “fit” on the notes of the bagpipes, but which can easily be played on the whistle. Also, Scottish bands now use the whistle, so it is no longer considered just an “Irish” instrument. (See Videos and Audio samples.)
