Michael McGee
Bagpiper in Phoenix, Arizona
Why hire Michael McGee?
Solo Irish Bagpiper available for Rebellions, Uprisings or other celebrations (weddings, funerals, parades, parties, etc.)
I Pipe mostly in Arizona, though regional travel is possible. Perhaps some still, starry, desert evening you've heard me pipe on the soft, warm night air of the vast desert? You'll know it's me by the sparing use of ornamentation. I love the harmonics and will not "guild the lilly". As long as the drones and chanter fill your heart with mirth and joy, the ruckus raised will be your own reward! Believe me when I tell you that nothing raises a ruckus like a stand of bagpipes.
Inspirational and wonderful performance!
It was a pleasure working with Mike McGee for American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. I would highly recommend him to all my family and friends. He was an amazing addition to our Luminaria Ceremony by playing and walking on the track while the participants were observing a moment of silence and remembering those they lost to cancer. Participants told me that his performance during the ceremony was very inspirational and what a wonderful addition he made to the Luminaria ceremony. He was wonderful to work with. We appreciate his willingness at such a last minute notice. We hope to have his participation in the years to come.
Hired by: Christy Q.
- Expertise
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Priced Fairly
- Adaptability
Organization: American Cancer Society- Relay for life
Event Date: April 21st, 2012
Event: Fund Raiser in Mesa, Arizona
Services provided: Bagpiper
Unverified
Michael McGee ... wonderful!
Michael,
My family & I would like to thank you for your performance at my Mom's funeral. Your music was just beautiful. I especially appreciated that you were there on time, even before me! From the first time we spoke on the phone, to the day of her service, I felt confident you do well for us. And you did.
At the reception following, I heard many positive comments about your music & can't thank you enough for being a part of this celebration of my Mom's life. Mary Helen would've been proud.
Again, I thank you.
Maureen Lund
Hired by: Maureen F. L.
- Expertise
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Priced Fairly
- Adaptability
Event Date: April 14th, 2012
Event: Funeral Service in Phoenix, Arizona
Services provided: Bagpiper
Unverified
About
I learned to pipe deep in the ancient forests of the Coastal Redwoods. My tunes echoed through the majestic forests and deep glens, both by Summer moonlight and in Winter's misty shroud, only to be taken in by the ancient trees. It was a place of such beauty that my pipes could not help but absorb the magic. And now you know an even greater secret. You can never be a Piper if there is no poetry in your soul.
Now I live in the Great Southwestern Desert, as my Little Brother says "midway between sunrise over the haunted Superstition Mts. and sunset over the desolate White Tank range. For the "less poetic" that would be Phoenix, Arizona.
Perhaps some still, starry, desert evening you've heard my piping on the soft, warm night air of the vast desert? You'll know it's me, by the sparing use of ornamentation, I love the harmonics and simply refuse to guild the Lilly.
How would I describe my music? “High Plains Celtic”, straight from the Colorado Plateau. No accompaniment, absolute minimum of ornamentation, coloration, or grace noting, and no vocals. Just the haunting sound of a single stand of pipes, slowly, relentlessly, drawing you deeper and deeper into the swirling harmonics of this magnificent instrument.
Pipes, as you might hear them on the winds of the high mesa, or perhaps some Saturday, off in the distance, piping the departed. Pipes, heard in the distance, carried on the wind.
What to Expect
Typical Gig Duration: 30 - 60 minutes
Additional Notes:
The bagpipe is the ultimate expression of the old adage that "Less is More". They have a loud and commanding presence and used even slightly to excess will detract from any ceremony.
By way of example, the single most moving use I have experienced was at friend's graveside service. When all was finished (at a signal from the director I am sure) a piper stepped into view. He piped Amazing Grace to each of the four winds. On the fifth verse he marched slowly off to the East, piping my friend home. It was the most moving service I have ever seen, and the principle reason I do what I do.
At the other extreme was a service where the piper piped numerous times in the chapel, piped the deceased to the hearse, from the hearse to the graveside, and piped at graveside. All anyone could remember about the service was the piper! It was a grand performance, but a very poor ceremony.
CDs For Sale
St. Patty's Medley
My singles on CD Baby
Experience
2006: 40 gigs
2007: 41 gigs
2008: 43 gigs
2009: 48 gigs
2010: 61 gigs
Available for Your
Anniversary Party, Bar/Lounge, Fair, Festival, Fund Raiser, Funeral Service, Grand Opening, Parade, Private Party, Wedding Ceremony
Services Provided:
Sign this Guestbook