- Baltimore, MD
- Bagpiper
- $250-500
John MacMillen, Bagpiper
Overview
I play the bagpipes in band settings and solo performances. Tunes that I play are diverse in terms of Scottish, Irish, and American tunes. When performing I match highland atire with the occassion. I have a full dress kit, family tartan kilt, and a police memorial kit. I have been playing since December 2003 and pipe sergeant of the Jaffa Shriner's Highland Band. I have played high profile military, police, EMS, and civilian funerals. I also have experience playing for events like birthdays, weddings, or whatever is requested.
I appeared on stage with the Chieftains March 3, 2015.
Reviews
12 reviews
Chris T.
April 29, 2026Excellent experience with John
We hired John to play a couple tunes for my Dad's funeral service and we're extremely happy with how everything went. John was easy to talk to and made coordinating the event extremely worry free. I would not hesitate to hire John again or recommend his services.
Hired as: Bagpiper
Kenneth J.
October 28, 2025Bagpipe Send Off For Our Father
John showed up well in advance of the event and found me inside. We had a great conversation about my Father and found out they had woodworking in common.
My Dad was a World Class Carver of Ducks, Fish and Birds....Johns wood replicas of Aircraft, Helicopters and Machinery are a special form of Art. John played both songs we agreed on and they sounded lovely. After Amazing Grace there were not many dry eyes in our crowd.
Hired as: Bagpiper
Jorge J.
November 16, 2024Outstanding!
Well played. A most wonderful experience,
Hired as: Bagpiper
John MacMillen, Bagpiper
Thank you! I was a pleasure to meet you and your family.
Ilene V.
January 5, 2023The perfect ending
Played for my dad's funeral, everyone was moved and it was a moment both my parents would be smiling. Thank you John
Hired as: Bagpiper
John MacMillen, Bagpiper
Thank you. It means a lot to me as well.
Ilene V.
November 19, 2022Perfect ending
Not a dry eye, - Amazing Grace for my dad and mom for their graveside service, was perfect. Thank you John
Hired as: Bagpiper
John MacMillen, Bagpiper
THANK YOU!!
Booking information
Price range: $150-300 cash, check, or credit card
Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 90 minutes
What to expect
When I perform I always appear in highland attire. I have military dress, formal dress, and casual dress with a selection from 4 tartan kilts. I most generally wear my family tartan. I tune my pipes carefully sometimes using a very precise tuner for a great sound from my custom made MacLellan pipes. I have my music memorized and don't need any accommodations for that or any other issues.
About
I appreciate the importance of presenting as a professional. Preparation takes time because of the attire and tuning. I started to learn the pipes directly after my father's funeral where I was pretty much taken by the instrument. I am Scottish on both sides of my family. I have been playing instruments since I was 12 years-old beginning with the trumpet and later some stringed instruments. In 1994 I retired as a police sgt. and began college at age 50. I completed undergraduate studies in 2 years and graduate school in 3 years. In the past several years I have gone to Pittsburgh for week long learning sessions taught by Scotland's world champion pipers. I still continue to take lessons and perform.
Additional booking notes
The pipes do not need any sort of amplification. When played they emit about 104 decibels. Keeping the pipes in tune requires stable environments and to that end I have a moisture control system to maintain tuning.
Services offered
Past booked events
April 2026
26
Sunday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:00pm - 1:30pm
•
Emporium, PA
October 2025
25
Saturday
Personal Occasion
5:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Canton, PA
October 2024
26
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 11:15am
•
Alexandria, PA
May 2023
14
Sunday
Funeral/Memorial Service
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Morrisdale, PA
April 2023
29
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Trout Run, PA
November 2022
05
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
2:30pm - 2:45pm
•
Aaronsburg, PA
October 2022
23
Sunday
Religious Celebration
9:30pm - 11:00pm
•
Williamsport, PA
15
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Lewisburg, PA
June 2022
18
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 11:30am
•
Woodland, PA
December 2021
11
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
10:00am - 10:30am
•
Williamsport, PA
September 2021
12
Sunday
Religious Celebration
10:00am - 11:00am
•
Lock Haven, PA
August 2021
22
Sunday
Campus Event
7:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Lewisburg, PA
June 2021
18
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:30am - 12:00pm
•
Williamsport, PA
May 2021
08
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
5:00pm - 5:45pm
•
Williamsport, PA
September 2020
26
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 4:30pm
•
Curwensville, PA
January 2019
08
Tuesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 12:00pm
•
Williamsport, PA
September 2017
24
Sunday
Worship Service
9:30am - 10:00am
•
Mill Hall, PA
August 2017
15
Tuesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 12:00pm
•
Lewistown, PA
January 2016
09
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Blanchard, PA
September 2015
12
Saturday
Wedding Reception
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Tyrone, PA
July 2015
07
Tuesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 12:00pm
•
Belleville, PA
June 2015
20
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
2:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Montoursville, PA
May 2015
09
Saturday
Funeral Service
1:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Austin, PA
March 2015
14
Saturday
Private Party
7:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Lock Haven, PA
February 2015
27
Friday
Birthday Party
8:30pm - 8:45pm
•
Williamsport, PA
August 2014
30
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Driftwood, PA
09
Saturday
Funeral Service
9:00am - 10:30am
•
Williamsport, PA
May 2014
17
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
2:00pm - 2:45pm
•
Huntingdon, PA
October 2013
12
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 3:30pm
•
Philipsburg, PA
September 2013
28
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Elysburg, PA
Set list
Set are managed according to the event.
Report John MacMillen, Bagpiper
Bagpiper
Check out these featured profiles
- Philadelphia, PA
- Bagpiper
- $250-$1,500
- Elizabethtown, PA
- Bagpiper
- $200 - $375
- Port Colborne, ON
- Bagpiper
- Contact for rates