Bagpiping For All Occassions

About

After being injured at my job as a Firefighter for the Scranton Fire Department in 1999, I found myself with a lot of spare time during my recuperation.Instead of wasting all this spare time I decided to take up my life long dream of learning to play the bagpipes. Little did I know that the injury would be permanent and that Piping would become my new profession.
I was introduced to the pipes and instructed by Pipe Major Thomas Nolan Pipe Major of the Greater Scranton Black Diamonds Pipe Band and former Pipe Major of Amityville American Legion Highland Pipe Band. William Hetherson current Pipe Major of the band also helped me in my instruction along with some private lessons from well known Open Grade and professional piper John Bottomley.
After 14 months of lessons and a lot of practice I auditioned for the band. I passed the audition and became a full member of the Greater Scranton Black Diamonds Pipe Band in February of 2001. I picked up all of the band tunes and added in a few of my own in the next 2 months.
About 2 months later I was asked by a long time member of the band if I would be interested in piping solo at a funeral. This began my career as a professional piper. In the following months I was to find out that my injury was permanent and that I would have to find a new line of work. Piping answered my needs. The one funeral lead to another, then another. Then I started getting asked to do weddings. Weddings turned into Wedding Receptions, receptions into, Anniversaries, Birthday parties, Graduations, Award Dinners, Dedications, Parades,etc. Today I travel all over the northeastern,southeastern and central parts of PA, and many points in NY and NJ.
In 2002 I became a member of the EUSPBA and I was asked to become the Tuning Corporal for the Greater Scranton Black Diamonds Pipe Band. A position which I held for 3 years. In 2003 I became the Pipe Instructor for the band and still remain there in that capacity. I am also the current Treasurer for the band.
I consider myself to be one of the lucky few. After all, how many people get paid for what they love to do. Play the pipes and bring happiness and special meaning into other peoples lives.

Personnel

Jim Sweeney: NEPABagpiper

What to Expect

Typical Gig Duration: 15 - 120 minutes

I play a mixture of Irish, Scottish and American tunes.
At Dedications, Memorials, etc. I play Patriotic tunes or Hymns whichever is appropriate.
At Weddings I can play before, during or after the ceremony. The processional for the Bridesmaids and Bride. The recessional for the Bridal Party and the Couple. Or any combination of the above.
At Funerals I can Play the deceased into and out of the church or to and from the chapel or gravesite. During the service, at the Funeral home, or any combination of the above.
I also can speak about Bagpipes and their history.

Additional Notes:
I currently play a set of David Naill DN6 Bagpipes. I use a McCallum chanter,Kinnaird Drone reeds and Duncan Souter Chanter reeds. I also use a Ross bag and canister system and have a back up set of Ross Drone reeds.

Set/Song/Sequence List:
Wearin' O' The Green, Minstrel Boy, O' Donald Abu, Cock Of The North, Balmoral, Going Home, Scots Wha Hae, Green Hills Of Tyrol, Battle Is Over, Robin Adair,The Rowan Tree, The Badge Of Scotland, No Awa' Tae Bide Awa', Bonnie Charlie, Scotland The Brave, Kelly The Boy From Killane, Let Erin Remember, Rakes Of Mallow, Itchy Fingers, Wild Rover, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Notre Dame Fight Song, Garryowen, St Patrick's Day In The Morning, God Bless America, My Country Tis of Thee, Over There, Marine Corp's Hymn, Anchors Away, Caissons Go Rolling Along, Sempre Paratus, The Wild Blue Yonder, ,Bonnie Dundee, Atholl Highlanders,Bridal March Amazing Grace,Green Green Grass Of Home, Holy Holy Holy, Abide With Me, The Flowers Of The Forest, Highland Cathedral, Wings,Bluebells Of Scotland, Mairi's Wedding,, Wrap The Green Flag Around Me Boys, Sean South Of Garryowen, The Wexford Boys,Cari's Dance, Loch Ronnach, Loudon's Bonnie Woods And Braes, Orange And Blue, A Nation Once Again, Bonnie Blue Flag, British Grenadiers, Yankee Doodle, Grand Old Flag, Yankee Doodle Dandy, America the Beautiful, Happy Birthday, Galway Bay, Cockney Jocks, Bonnie Lass Of Fife, Skye Boat Song, Flowers Of Scotland, The Dark Island, Murdo's wedding,The High Road To Gairloch, Teribus,All through The Night, Jimmy Findlader, Days Of Kerry Dancing, O Danny Boy, Ode to Joy, Auld Lang Syne, When The Saints Go Marching In, For He's a Jolly Good Fellow, Several Christmas Songs.

Experience

2006: 163 gigs
2007: 172 gigs
2008: 185 gigs
2009: 178 gigs
2010: 182 gigs
2011: 192 gigs
2012: 21 gigs (so far)

Available for Your

Anniversary Party, Awards Night, Bachelorette Party, Bar/Lounge, Birthday Party, Christmas Party, Church Service, Convention, Corporate Event, Ethnic Celebration, Festival, Fund Raiser, Funeral Service, Graduation, Grand Opening, Holiday Party, Luncheon/Tea, Parade, Private Party, Sporting Event, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Reception

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