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Pipe Sgt. Rory McLean
- Westfield, MA
- Bagpiper
- Travels up to 60 miles
- Contact for rates
Overview
My name is Rory McLean and I am a bagpiper for hire. I have experience for many occasion including weddings, funerals, wakes, parties, military ceremonies, restaurants/pubs, and graduations. I have been playing for over 10 years and have performed events from casual to formal dress. Let me know how I can make your event stand out.
20 Reviews
Hired Rory for a funeral on what turned out to be a VERY cold and windy day, with real temps around 9 degrees. Would have understood if he backed out (who would want to be out in a kilt in that weather?), but he showed up on time and did an amazing job! Very professional -- looked great and sounded awesome, with a variety of songs that added a lot to the service. Highly recommended!
Bagpiper
I was not disappointed. He is very professional and respected the family at the funeral
Bagpiper
Really fantastic playing and presence. Entire wedding party loved the performance and drama. We are so grateful for his attention to detail and style
Bagpiper
Was very friendly, impressed all of the guests. Look forward to booking again
Celtic Music, Bagpiper
Absolutely wonderful!
Added drums and great entertainment. Many many thanks!
Highly recommended!
Celtic Music, Bagpiper
I would definitely book again.
Bagpiper
We booked Rory to play for a funeral at our church and it was beautiful and all that the family had hoped for. We were very pleased.
Bagpiper
Bagpiper
Could not have asked for more !! On time.. stayed beyond time agreed to accommodate us and was incedibly professional.
Bagpiper
Rory made our event a total success. Very professional and personable from start to finish. The music was amazing!
Bagpiper
Rory stood in the rain to play... He was amazing!
Bagpiper
I cannot say enough about how amazing Rory was. The bagpipes were the icing on the cake to our beloved father's funeral/memorial service. Our Dad LOVED the sound of the bagpipes. Upon booking Rory, he was prompt and thorough throughout all of our communications and truly understood the importance of our event. The day of he arrived early, sought me out of almost 100ppl, worked with us and the Marines we had there, listening to all our wants and needs. He is a gifted artist and played BEAUTIFULLY and majestically. He was respectful and an absolute gentleman as well.....many people told me how much they liked him. The second he started to play the tears were flowing from everyone. He played Danny Boy, the Marine Corps Hem and Amazing Grace. Even though the service only lasted 30min he continued to play, marching around the house to lead our guests to the party in the back yard. Thank you Rory, from the bottom of my heart for making the most difficult day of my life that much easier by doing your job so very well. I cannot tell you what it means to my family and I. I will be sure to recommend you to anyone in need of your services in the future. It was an absolute pleasure working with you.
Bagpiper
Photos from this event
Pipe Sgt Rory McLean, was prompt, professional, carried himself with great reserve. He played his pipes beautifully, and sent my Grandmother of to the heavens with the tunes she so loved.
Thank you sir.
Bagpiper
Sgt. McLean was a wonderful addition to our informal grave side service for our Mom. He was willing to do whatever was necessary to make things work for our specific needs. He was professional, gentle and sensitive given the circumstances. He was prompt. His playing was better than any pipers I have heard. Everyone commented positively.
Bagpiper
Response from Pipe Sgt. Rory McLean:
Thank you very much for the positive review Jane,
If you are ever in need of a bagpipe preference, weather it be solo, with drums, or an entire band, please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you again,
Rory
Rory was where he should have been, when he should have been and did a wonderful job. Our thanks to him. Our son and daughter-in-law had a wonderful wedding day.
Bagpiper
Rory did a great job at the Springfield College Graduate Commencement ceremony. We had to do some quick changes to bring the ceremony inside that morning, and Rory was quick to adjust to the new plan. We really enjoyed working with him!
Bagpiper
I am sorry it has taken me so long to write. I just wanted to let you know how impressed everyone was with your playing. I was so impressed with your professionalism, I was so happy with the sound of your playing, when I had contacted you I had no idea what to even ask you to play, all I had to do was to tell you it was for my moms funeral and you took it from there it was one less thing I had to deal with. I also must comment on the way you carried yourself, you were in a military type mode and never once lost your military bering, very respectful. I must not forget to mention the weather the day of the event it was 90 plus degrees in the shade sweat was coming out of your hat but you never showed even the least bit of discomfort on your face wow.
Rory was a delight to work with. He arrived an hour and a half early to ensure that he was at the right place, as well as warmed up for the event. He has a great repertoire of tunes, and brought my 80 year old Dad to tears with his rendition of "Danny Boy". I would highly recommend Rory to anyone who is looking to make an event more special with bagpipes. It was a surprise party, so the event was not easy to predict - he was very flexible and made suggestions that were wonderful - and helped the event flow well.
Bagpiper
I've known Rory McLean for many years now. Every time I hear him play, he blows other pipers out of the water! His notes and embellishments are dead on and his sound is remarkable and unique. Rory plays everything from hearty and lively Irish jigs to slow and soothing melodies. I couldn't recommend a better musician to play for any occasion!
Rory is an Outstanding piper, He played at our wedding and during the cocktail hour. He did a great job playing all night.
Booking Info
Price Range: Contact for rates
Gig Length: 30 - 500 minutes
Languages: English
Unions:
What to Expect
You should expect me to arrive early, play beautifully, and stay for as long as necessary. I am very flexible with any program or schedule that you already have in place. You may also ask for my advice to better help the flow or design of your event.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
About
The bagpipes are a tradition in my family, dating back to our time in Scotland. I am proud to carry on that tradition, having played the bagpipes myself for over a decade. I have performed a variety of events, including weddings, funerals, ceremonies, birthdays, parades, cultural festivals, and more.
I have also competed on the international stage, and participated in the Glasgow Highland World Championships, where my band placed 15th in the world. I am currently a member of the Holyoke Caledonians, and a former member of Glenmoriston Pipe Band, Stone of Destiny Pipes & Drums, and Celtic Thunder Pipes & Drums.
As a veteran of the United States Air Force, I understand the importance and solemnity of every formal event. Precision timing, appearance, and showmanship are all paramount to a performance, and I will ensure that those standards are met. Whether your event is a military funeral or a backyard birthday, I will deliver the utmost professionalism.
Additional Booking Notes
I come with all necessary equipment in order to perform for your event. I have dress to match a variety of events, from formal to informal.
Services Offered
Past Booked Events
| October 09, 2020 • 10:30pm - 11:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| August 01, 2020 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| August 01, 2020 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| July 18, 2020 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
| June 06, 2020 • 11:00am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| May 09, 2020 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| May 07, 2020 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Surprise |
| January 25, 2020 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Dinner Party |
| January 11, 2020 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| January 09, 2020 • 12:00pm - 12:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| October 26, 2019 • 2:00pm - 2:45pm | Reunion |
| October 19, 2019 • 11:30am - 1:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| September 28, 2019 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| June 21, 2019 • 5:30pm - 6:15pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| May 18, 2019 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| December 15, 2018 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| August 27, 2016 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| March 17, 2016 | Cultural Event |
| September 21, 2015 | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| September 06, 2015 | Wedding Ceremony |
| July 03, 2015 | Wedding Reception |
| November 09, 2014 | Church Service |
| September 26, 2014 | Church Service |
| August 16, 2014 | Funeral Service |
| May 17, 2014 | Graduation |
| March 24, 2013 | Birthday Party |
Set List
I can play a wide variety of music, from traditional jigs to military and formal. Here is a very small sampling of my most requested songs.
Traditional: Scotland the Brave, Wearing of the Green, Minstrel Boy, Amazing Grace, O'Beautiful
Formal: Maury's Wedding, Highland Cathedral, Battle of Waterloo, and the songs of all 5 branches of the US Military and Taps
Jigs: Itchy Fingers, Clumsy Lover, Irish Washer Woman, Sandy's New Chanter
By Request: Given ample notice, I am willing to learn songs by request. Please note that not all songs are possible given the single octave range of bagpipes, but I am available to discuss this with you.
Team
| Rory McLean | Bagpipe Sgt. |
Influences & Inspiration
Bagpiping has always been a very privileged tradition in my family and I hope to honor my dad, grandpa, and every one else in my ancestry.
Setup Requirements
None, I bring all equipment necessary for any preformance