Christopher Schmitz, Bagpiper
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
Claire C.
September 19, 2025Awesome Act!
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
Karen G.
February 19, 2024Bagpiper Schmitz Top Notch
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
Kathy Q.
April 15, 2023Excellent
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
Angel D.
February 2, 2022Highly recommend
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
Louis S.
December 2, 2021Nice performance on short notice
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
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.
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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