Michael McGee
Bagpiper in Phoenix, AZ
Why hire Michael McGee?
Solo Irish Bagpiper available for Rebellions, Uprisings or other celebrations (weddings, funerals, parades, parties, etc.)
Perhaps some still, starry, desert evening you've heard me 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 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.
Wonderful Performance
Just wrapped up a long day after laying my Mother to rest. As family and friends gathered for dinner, the talk of the service was "the bagpipes." So please let me take a moment to Thank You - Mr. McGee, for playing so beautifully today. You were nothing short of outstanding. Your professionalism & promptness did not go unnoticed and I appreciated your suggestions as to when to play the songs. You have a great talent, and, on behalf of my family, I thank you for sharing it.
Response from Michael McGee:
Thank you Ms Macias,
You are too kind. Again, my condolences on your loss.
Warmest regards,
Michael Neal McGee
Hired by: Stefanie M.
- Expertise
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Priced Fairly
- Adaptability
Event Date: May 14th, 2013
Event: Funeral Service in Glendale, Arizona
Services provided: Bagpiper, Funeral Music
Wonderful Performance!
Michael McGee gave a wonderful witty bagpipe performance at my Mother's 80th birthday party. He took requests and played them well. Our family was very happy with the event and our mother was thrilled.
Response from Michael McGee:
Erik, Laurie and Michael,
Thank you so much! The pleasure was all mine, it was a warm and wonderful gathering.
Warmest Regards,
Michael McGee
Review by: Michael Z.
Event Date: July 14th, 2012
Event: Birthday Party in Gilbert, Arizona
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 a 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. He marched slowly off to the East, piping my friend home to the tune Highland Cathedral. 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.
Set/Song/Sequence List:
Highland march set
Irish march set
American March set
Hymn set
Aires set
Christmas set
Pub Set
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, Fundraiser, Funeral Service, Grand Opening, Parade, Private Party, Wedding Ceremony
Services Provided:
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