Christopher Schmitz, Bagpiper

Christopher Schmitz, Bagpiper

Waterloo, IA

$200-500

Travels up to 200 miles

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Promotional video thumbnail 1 for Christopher Schmitz, Bagpiper

Gift of a Thistle & Mairi's Wedding

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Amazing Grace & I Have Decided

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private funeral

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Country Club wedding

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wedding at St Patricks Church in Nebraska

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Crash Boom Bang pub

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opening St Patty's at the Marquee in Sioux City IA

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packed pub: Work & Church Booze Parlor

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at Willmar Kandi Mall during the holidays

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playing at a festival

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surprise "happy birthday" performance at a corporate event

Overview

Have Bagpipes, will travel. I am a novelist and humor writer and I enjoy getting out and playing tunes for funerals, weddings, holidays, special events, etc. It is such a niche demand and pipers can be hard to find. Can dress according to event (Irish pub performance doesn't necessarily demand a full Prince Charlie getup while a funeral may be more formal).

I generally charge $200 plus travel expenses for an event. Funerals are rarely planned far in advance and I try to be available on short notice.

As an author I write primarily sci-fi, fantasy, and speculative fiction. I am also a public speaker and licensed minister.


Reviews

20 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Claire C.

Claire C.

September 19, 2025
Verified review

Christopher is easy to communicate with, on time (early), adaptable, and was a blast for what we had him involved with. Thank you so much, Christopher!

Hired as: Bagpiper


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Karen G.

Karen G.

February 19, 2024
Verified review

Our family hired bagpiper, Christopher Schmitz to perform at our mother's celebration of life in Prairieburg, Iowa on Saturday, Feb 3, 2023. It was a chilly day to say the least but Mr. Schmitz was not deterred. He provided a moving rendition of Amazing Grace as her casket was placed in the hearse to begin the 3 mile trip to Saint Joseph's Cemetery. Mr. Schmitz also provided music at the cemetery while we gathered to give our last farewell to mom. He performed her favorite song, O Danny Boy. There was not a dry eye at the cemetery. Everyone was amazed and moved by his music and traditional Scots Irish attire. His music and presence made for the perfect tribute to our mother and family. We are forever grateful !!! Thank you, Chris.

Hired as: Bagpiper


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Kathy Q.

Kathy Q.

April 15, 2023
Verified review

Showed up on time even after I gave him the wrong address. He was professional and friendly. I'm glad that we could fullfil my dad's wishes for a bagpiper at his burial. I would not have found him if not for your Gig salad. Thanks so much.

Hired as: Bagpiper


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Angel D.

Angel D.

February 2, 2022
Verified review

Thirty one years ago my husband told me on our first date that he wanted Amazing Grace on bagpipes at his funeral. He even bought a cd of a mix he liked. He passed unexpectedly from Covid at age 48 a few weeks ago. We displayed his kilt at the service because everyone knew that was important to him. I have the cd. but I searched to see if I could find something better.
I was shocked to find this site and stumbled across Chris. He was prompt, professional, courteous, and his playing was absolutely beautiful. He was flexible with the time slot I provided. He listened to my request and offered suggestions for things I was unsure of. He looked amazing in his kilt. Once he started playing I knew my Jason was looking down with the biggest grin on his face! Amazing Grace sounded stunning in person. Not a dry eye in the house once he started playing. I highly, highly recommend him.
Thank you Chris for helping me make my husband's lifelong dream come true.

Hired as: Bagpiper


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Louis S.

Louis S.

December 2, 2021
Verified review

Did a nice job on short notice and in cold, unpleasant temperatures. Performed in full dress with kilt even though it was not required for our small event. Your performance and travel to the event were much appreciated. Thank you for your assistance.

Hired as: Bagpiper

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Booking information

Price range: $200-500

Languages: English

Gig length: 30 - 90 minutes

What to expect

for bagpipe performances I typically play 3-5 songs as requested/chosen by clergy, family, or booking person. (about 2/3 of my performances are special religious services such as funerals, dedications, commemorations, holidays, etc.)

longer sets, larger musical arrangements can be put together as circumstances demand (usually holiday performances in public places arranged as song medleys).

As an author or public speaker I am available for all manner of shenanigans or topics; message me with questions.

About

Christopher D. Schmitz is a speaker and minister of +15 years as well as an author of Christian fiction and nonfiction.

Contact for music/event/outreach booking or look him up on the internet to find out more about his writing and books.

Additional booking notes

Great Highland Bagpipes are LOUD. If your venue is an enclosed space you should be aware of this fact.

Services offered

Past booked events

September 2025

18

Thursday

Corporate Event

6:00pm - 6:15pm

Waukee, IA

May 2025

28

Wednesday

Funeral/Memorial Service

10:30am - 12:00pm

Iowa City, IA

07

Wednesday

Birthday Party

7:30pm - 7:45pm

Iowa City, IA

March 2025

09

Sunday

Birthday Party

5:30pm - 5:45pm

Rochester, MN

July 2024

18

Thursday

Personal Occasion

7:30am - 8:15am

Ankeny, IA

February 2024

03

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

11:30am - 12:30pm

Prairieburg, IA

June 2023

08

Thursday

Funeral/Memorial Service

3:00pm - 3:15pm

Dayton, IA

01

Thursday

Funeral/Memorial Service

11:00am - 12:00pm

Mankato, MN

May 2023

10

Wednesday

Funeral/Memorial Service

10:30am - 10:45am

Waterloo, IA

March 2023

25

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

1:30pm - 1:45pm

Ayrshire, IA

February 2023

04

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

12:00pm - 12:15pm

Decorah, IA

November 2022

10

Thursday

Corporate Event

9:30am - 9:45am

West Des Moines, IA

April 2022

02

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

3:00pm - 4:00pm

Collegeville, MN

January 2022

29

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

12:00pm - 12:30pm

Elma, IA

November 2021

18

Thursday

Funeral/Memorial Service

1:30pm - 2:00pm

Hartley, IA

11

Thursday

Funeral/Memorial Service

11:30am - 11:45am

Mankato, MN

September 2021

03

Friday

Wedding Ceremony

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Round Lake, MN

July 2021

24

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

1:00pm - 2:30pm

Montevideo, MN

June 2021

26

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:00pm - 3:00pm

Redwood Falls, MN

March 2021

17

Wednesday

Christmas Party

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Rochester, MN

October 2020

02

Friday

Personal Occasion

12:00pm - 12:15pm

Eden Prairie, MN

August 2020

01

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

6:00pm - 6:30pm

Underwood, MN

June 2020

06

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

4:30pm - 4:45pm

Sioux Falls, SD

April 2020

28

Tuesday

Funeral/Memorial Service

3:30pm - 4:00pm

Lakeville, MN

February 2020

01

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

12:00pm - 12:30pm

St Peter, MN

July 2019

13

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

4:00pm - 4:45pm

Dellwood, MN

June 2019

22

Saturday

Reunion

12:00pm - 2:00pm

Correctionville, IA

03

Monday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:30pm - 3:00pm

Mankato, MN

01

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:30pm - 2:45pm

Sioux City, IA

February 2019

02

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

1:00pm - 1:45pm

Bemidji, MN

July 2018

20

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

9:30am - 12:00pm

Le Roy, MN

April 2018

21

Saturday

Religious Celebration

5:00am - 6:00am

Brookings, SD

March 2018

17

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

2:00pm - 2:15pm

Jackson, NE

January 2018

05

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

1:30pm - 1:45pm

Spicer, MN

Set list

I can do the usual songs (many in high demand include Amazing Grace, Danny Boy, Skye Boat Song, Going Home, Canticle of Turning/Star of the County Down, Gift of a Thistle [from Braveheart], Happy Birthday, Rowan Tree, Balmoral, and others.)

I can often learn a song I don't know with advance notice.

note, I play solo but do not play piobaireachd

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