Joe Harmon

Only a highly qualified and trained piper can deliver proper sound, expression, and execution of the bagpipe and melody. As a seasoned piper, Joe Harmon, has the ability to strike a moving and resonating chord in all those bidding a final farewell or celebrating a joyous occasion. Joe is able to help guide families through the process of when, where and what a piper should play. This ensures that you spend less time planning and more time focusing on what is most important – the celebration of a life.

Biography

I am a native of Grand Rapids with strong Irish and Scottish roots. My Irish ancestors emigrated from County Wicklow, and my Scottish ancestors hailed from the MacDougall and MacMillan clans. I started learning to play the bagpipes when I was 14 years old from a wonderful retired couple in West Michigan. They not only taught me to play at a high level, but with passion and purpose. I have competed in multiple solo and band competitions at the Grade III and II levels around the nation, including the U.S. Open and North American Pipe band Championships in Canada. I have also played at numerous weddings, funerals, charitable events, and parties.

Why do I call myself the "Glendaloch Bagpiper"? Back in the late 90's I learned to play the bagpipes from the late Pipe Major Alan Wilson. It was Alan and his wife, Dorothy, that helped form the Glendaloch Pipe Band. Glendalough, pronounced Glendaloch, is a valley in Couny Wicklow, Ireland. It's name literally means "The glen between two lakes." Alan thought this was a perfect name for a Michigan pipe band since the state is surrounded by fresh water lakes. My five years spent with this band were some of the best times in my life. The band had numerous accomplishments including placements at the U.S. Open, North American Championships, and the Chicago Highland Games. I'm the Glendaloch Piper because I cherish the people and the band that made me the bagpiper I am today.

I wear the traditional highland attire and bring my own bagpipes. I don't require much in setup, but having a separate area to double check my pipes is ideal. Many factors can impact the sound of a bagpipe including temperature and level of moisture. Having a separate area to take a couple of minutes to make sure the pipes are finely tuned will ensure the best sound.