Bagpiper Joshua Agee

I've been doing gigs for over fifteen years now, and over this time the process has usually been the same:

1. Client and piper agree on a fee, exchange contact information, and establish time/place of the event. Music is also agreed upon if the client has preferences.
2. I arrive generally 15-30 minutes early for tune-up, usually in the parking lot of the venue, or a special predesignated room, if one is given to me.
3. Someone who serves as an MC or event director gives me a rundown of how the event is scheduled to run, and my turn in the schedule is specified to me.
4. Someone gives me a subtle cue to begin and/or stop playing.
5. I confirm with the director/client that my services are complete.

One thing for client(s) and audience to expect is that bagpipes are loud and are not capable of volume adjustment, so accommodation in this regard is important.

I have been playing bagpipes for over 18 years, and have been playing professionally just about as long. I have the most experience performing for funerals and weddings, but I have performed at events of all kinds.

Over the years I have been fortunate enough to receive top-notch instruction from some of the most influential authorities on piping. I have also served as an instructor for students of various levels, from beginner to intermediate. I am an active Grade 2 solo competitor and have competed in piping competitions throughout the western United States.

Up until recently I served as Pipe Major of the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office Pipe band for 7 years, and have also played with both the Grade 5 and the Grade 2 divisions of the Prince Charles Pipe Band from 2015 to 2018, the Grade 4 division of the Stewart Tartan Pipes & Drums (now the Silicon Valley Pipe Band) from (phone number hidden)5, the Grade 4 division of the Irish Pipers of SF from (phone number hidden)3, and the non-competitive Stuart Highlanders of Menlo Park from (phone number hidden)5. I even played with a Celtic Rock band, Frail Soul, from (phone number hidden)0.

I'd say I'm pretty low-maintenance as far as pipers/performers go. I don't really have any requirements or procedures that I expect clients to follow, such as invoices, cancellation fees, or deposits. I prefer to play bookings by ear and make the process of booking a piper as simple as possible for both parties. All I usually need from a prospective client is a time, place, and approval of my fee.