Very few of us regularly hire a bagpiper for an event. Because most of us haven’t done this, you are bound to have questions. On this page I’ve tried to answer most of those questions. If you still have a question, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email at jkellypiper@gmail.com.
Q: What can I expect if I hire you to play bagpipes at my event?
A: You can expect that I will treat your event as a professional obligation. Communication will be prompt and clear. I will work with you and any venue/event manager to ensure that there is a bagpiping program that will enhance your event. I will arrive at the event well ahead of time to be certain that the pipes and I are warmed up and prepared to play.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a bagpiper?
A: My basic rate is $250 for a 1-hour event with 30 minutes or less travel time from Americus. Cost will be higher for longer events or more travel time. More detail on pricing is available on my “Services and Rates” page.
Q: What do I actually get if I pay for a 1-hour event?
A: Mostly people are not looking for a one hour bagpipe recital. The time frame refers to how long the piper is present at the event. The bagpipes are not good background music. Usually for a funeral or wedding there will be 3-5 tunes that add to the event. I’ll work with you to select tunes and points in the program for those tunes that will enhance your event.
Q: What if I really want a 1-hour bagpipe recital?
A: Please let me know and we can discuss it. I can understand that, for example, you might be hosting a party where you would want a piper to play for an extended period of time. Please recognize that the bagpipes are a physically demanding instrument. I can’t play for one hour continuously. I can play for 10-15 minutes with very brief pauses between tunes and then rest for a couple of minutes and resume playing. If that’s the performance you are looking for the fee would be the same.
Q: What tunes can you play?
A: I’m constantly working to learn new tunes. You can hear many of my favorite tunes on my YouTube channel. If there’s a tune you’d like to hear and you don’t see a video of it, please ask. I’m always adding tunes to my repertoire.
Q: Can I request other tunes?
A: Of course! I’ll be glad to discuss any tune you might like to hear for your event. I can’t promise that I’ll play any tune requested, but I’ll seriously consider the request. Not every tune can be played on the bagpipes. If it is a tune that can be played on the bagpipes and the event is scheduled at least six weeks in advance, I’ll see if I can learn the tune (I probably can). Please understand that not every tune can be adapted to the bagpipes.
Q: How will the piper be dressed?
A: I will wear formal piping attire: kilt, hose, ghillie brogues (shoes), dress shirt, tie, vest, and jacket. My favorite kilt is in my clan (MacGregor) tartan, which is mostly bright red. I realize that this may not be most appropriate for more sober events and I have a kilt in Black Watch tartan which is much more subdued dark green/black.
Q: I’m planning an outdoor event. What happens if the weather is bad?
A: Excluding life threatening weather, if the event is proceeding I will be there and play.
Q: Can you play the bagpipes indoors?
A: The bagpipes produce a robust sound and cannot be played quietly. In a large auditorium with high ceilings the bagpipes will sound great. I’ll be glad to work with the minister/venue manager to ensure that the location is appropriate. Small indoor rooms may not be appropriate for the pipes, but I’ll be glad to figure out a reasonable option.
If you hire me for your event, I will work with you to present a program that you and your guests will enjoy. I will treat you and your event professionally and do everything I can to provide the best possible experience. I look forward to meeting with you and assisting with your event.
Cheers,
J. Kelly McCoy
jkellypiper@gmail.com
YouTube Channel