In recent years, the sound of a hymn played on the Great Highland Bagpipe has become associated with funeral services for a loved one. Perhaps it is the ancient, non-western scale of the instrument, or the soulful and haunting sounds that it makes. But for whatever the reason, many people want to have bagpipes played at a funeral service.How many times have you seen coverage on the evening news of a funeral for a fireman or policeman who have given their life in the performance of their duties, you can usually hear a piper in the background playing Amazing Grace.
Suggestions for the Funeral Service
- The Great Highland Bagpipe can be played outside as mourners arrive.
- Scottish shuttle pipes or Smallpipes can be played inside the Chapel or Church. These pipes provide a quiet and intimate sound, and create a beautiful tone for the service.
- Play as the family enters.
- Play as the casket is brought in.
- At any point in the service, the piper could play a special hymn, or tune on either kind of pipes. The piper could be in the same room, or off in the distance (or outside) if preferred.
- The pipes can be played as the casket is carried out of the chapel.
Graveside
- Bagpipes can be played as the funeral procession arrives, during the graveside service, or after the service is over and friends and family are leaving.
- If the terrain permits, it is quite effective for the piper to be at a distance and out of sight, when the tune is started. Then move slowly move towards the graveside before the hymn is completed. If the piper is out of sight, then someone will need to give the cue when to begin playing.
Rates for these services vary with location and length of performance, please contact me for details.
