Bagpiping By Van

NORTH CAROLINA BAGPIPER

I live in Fayetteville, North Carolina and am available to play the pipes and entertain at any event or occasion such as weddings, funerals, parties, golf tournaments, conventions, school assemblies, Eagle Scout Courts of Honor and any Corporate event.

I love to play my bagpipes. When I’m not busy with my family, you will find me playing my pipes. Along with my solo piping, I play with the Cross Creek Pipes & Drums pipe band.

In 2008 and again in 2010, my talents were put to use as I was asked to serve as the Pipe Major (band leader) of the Nauvoo Pageant Pipe Band for the historical Nauvoo Pageant that takes place each year in the city of Nauvoo, Illinois.

I BELIEVE THAT NOTHING SPARKS EMOTIONS AT A WEDDING LIKE A BAGPIPER DRESSED IN FULL HIGHLAND REGALIA!

I will perform at your wedding wearing traditional formal, semi-formal or folk Highland dress, whatever fits your wedding's special theme. You may select your tunes from a large variety of stirring music, or trust me to select the perfect music for you.

The most requested service for the Wedding Piper is the “Piping In and Piping Out” of the Bride and Groom and the Wedding Party. Often, the Bride and Groom requests me to play outside the church before and after the wedding ceremony. Sometimes they also request tunes to be played during the ceremony inside the church, during the processional, recessional, or candle lighting.

ONE OF THE OCCASIONS THAT I AM FULFILLED PLAYING MY BAGPIPE MUSIC IS AT FUNERAL CEREMONIES.

Music is the universal communicator and it allows for a sense of closure. Many family members and friends of those that have passed have expressed gratitude to me for providing the music that gave them comfort during that time of deep sorrow.
I am available for graveside, church, home or any other locations for funeral services. I also play at wakes, memorial services, and services of all religious and spiritual practices.

 One of the most requested and meaningful tunes I perform is Amazing Grace. I also have a great variety of other music suitable for all religions and ethnic groups to make each memorial service unique. And of course, I will come professionally dressed in the traditional formal kilt.

I CAN ADD EXCITEMENT TO YOUR SON’S EAGLE COURT OF HONOR!

Your son has worked hard to earn the prestigious Eagle Scout award and his Court of Honor should be special. Imagine the surprise of your guests as a piper appears dressed in traditional Scottish attire, playing American and Scottish tunes. Imagine the excitement as the Color Guard is piped in with a medley of patriotic tunes.

You no longer have to imagine how exciting it would be. I am available to create that excitement for you and for your son on his special day.

Following the presentation of the Eagle award, I will continue to entertain your guests with patriotic tunes from America, Scotland and Ireland. Bagpipe background music will add to the excitement of the reception or dinner party you have provided for your son.

YOU CAN LEARN TO PLAY THE GREAT HIGHLAND BAGPIPE.

Along with playing the bagpipe, I also teach those who want to learn to play. Now you can learn to play the unique and very popular musical instrument that few people in the world can play! You don’t need a set of bagpipes to start learning to play! All beginning lessons will take place on a “practice chanter” and a free lesson book is included.

I will guide you through the start up process and help you choose the proper Practice Chanter and even advise you when it comes time to purchase your own set of pipes.

I am a very patient instructor and I work equally well with both children and adults. You can start learning to play the pipes at any age, but the earlier you start, the better. Ten would be perfect but you’re never too old to start. I have taught students as young as six years old and as “young at heart” as 71 years old!

You will immediately begin playing the practice chanter and based on your ability, you will soon start playing the Great Highland Bagpipe. When you learn to play at a sufficient level, I will help you join, and play with a local bagpipe band! In the past few years that I have been actively teaching the bagpipe, 16 of my students have successfully played with the Las Vegas Pipe Band. You also can join that special group of pipers.

Individual 50-minute lessons are only $25. Most students choose one lesson a week but for those wanting to start playing the pipes in a shorter time, several lessons a week can be arranged. The choice is yours.