Experienced and respected bagpiper with more than 30 years of service. If you would like to honor a loved one with traditional bagpipe music at their funeral, please contact me for additional details.
5 reviews
Kevin
November 28, 2025During the entire process Nathan was keen to every detail, communicative and flexible. On the day of my aunt's funeral, the rain came which did not deter Nathan nor take away from the task. He performed in the rain at both the church and the cemetery with a heartfelt performance that left everyone appreciative. Upon thanking him in the rain, he said he came prepared for anything and with the rain it made it a "typical Scottish goodbye". You cannot go wrong booking Nathan for your needs, especially when the event needs to go smoothly despite any unknown factors.
Hired as: Bagpiper, Celtic Music
Susan W.
October 28, 2023My husband's aunt passed away and she had requested a piper play at the graveside ceremony. The funeral home had contacted Mr. Wilds and he was wonderful. He was playing softly when we arrived at the grave site and at the end of the ceremony he played "Going Home (Finlandia)" and then Amazing Grace, At the beginning of the 4th verse he turned and slowly made his way down the road while playing. The effect was very moving. Highly reccommend
Hired as: Bagpiper
Patty H.
May 21, 2023I spoke to Nathan in regards to playing at a celebration of life for my dad. He was professional and courteous. He was so accommodating to us. On time and even was so great when we put him off schedule a bit . His playing was spectacular and everyone at our gathering is still talking about him! Thank you Nathan! ❤️
Hired as: Bagpiper
Tim R.
May 13, 2021My father-in-law recently passed. The Memorial service was arrangenged by immediate family locally and from out-of-state. I am an in-law, after all arrangements were made, I asked my wife if a Bagpiper would be appropriate? We discussed and I did not take action. WELL, upon arrival at burial site, there standing was Nathan in full regalia... my wife had made the contact and arrangements. I was as shocked as the rest of the party.
To the punch... Nathan was more than professional. A gentleman and very, very good on 'the pipes.' Further discussion revealed that he competes and also competes in Scotland annually.
'The pipes' are part of my IRISH heritage and we discussed this... Nathan had an add age of the Irish/Scottish relationship.
Lastly, not a dry eye in the house... I would recommend Nathan unconditionally. A gentleman and a craftsman.
Tim Reichel (and family)
North Canton, OH
Hired as: Bagpiper
Jill G.
June 23, 2017Nathan is incredibly talented and easy to work with. He truly loves his craft, and this shows from the moment you start working with him to the moment he finishes playing on your big day. I received multiple compliments from my guests about the quality of music and truly enjoyed walking out in style behind Nathan. I highly recommend working with him because not only does he perform quality music, but he is easygoing and allows you to relax through this part of the wedding-planning process.
Hired as: Bagpiper, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Price range: $300-$500
Languages: English
Gig length: 5 - 15 minutes
I have been performing professionally for over 30 years. I wear traditional Scottish attire and will mark your occasion with a quality bagpipe performance.
Nathan has been playing the bagpipes since 1994 and competed in solo and pipe band competitions throughout the United States, Canada, Scotland, New Zealand, and Australia. Nathan has competed in top level (Grade One) pipe bands, including the Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band in Palmerston North, New Zealand and the City of Washington Pipe Band in Washington D.C. and is an active member of the Greater Midwest Pipe Band.
Nathan delivers quality performances at funerals and memorial services.
Funeral Bagpiper
The distinctive sound of bagpipes communicates and expresses the many deep emotions of losing a loved one. As you plan this time to remember and honor the life of someone close to you, I will gladly work with you and the funeral home/church to ensure that the bagpipes best complement your service.
- Suggestions of when to play -
If you have never heard a bagpiper at a funeral or memorial service, or if you unfamiliar with how the bagpipes are typically used, the following is a list of suggested times to play:
At a funeral, a piper may play:
- As the casket is carried into the church
- As part of the service
- As the casket is carried out of the church
- As the casket is carried to the burial site
- At the end of the interment service... a piper in the distance
At a memorial a piper may:
- Pipe the processional or prelude
- Play as part of the service
- Pipe the recessional or postlude
- INCLEMENT WEATHER -
It is important to note that there are occasions when I have the right to refuse to play outside do to extremes in weather.
I play traditional Scottish, Irish, and Celtic music.
I have had the privilege of competing in top level (Grade One) pipe bands, including the Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band in Palmerston North, New Zealand and the City of Washington Pipe Band in Washington D.C. I am currently competing with The Greater Midwest Pipe Band -- 2015 the Grade II North American Champion Band.
The bagpipes generally take 5-15 minutes to set-up, warm up, and tune.
Bagpiper
