Amazing Grace
Blessed Assurance
QB - Highland Cathedral
QB - Hornpipe
A first dance for the bride & groom. Courtesy of Taylor Rae Photography
Scottish Lowland Small Pipes for Charleston Highland Games
9/11 Ceremony on Daniel Island with Charleson Fire and Police Pipers
Original composition for the bride and groom at Belleek Castle, County Mayo, Ireland
St Patrick's Day Party and Pub Crawl
Playing for a wee fan at King Richard's Rennaissance Faire in Carver, MA
Playing for SEWE Sponsor Dinner (including Bill Murray)!
Playing Welsh music with the GT symphony orchestra
Wedding procession down King St (courtesy Jennings King Photography)
If you seek an accomplished piper in South Carolina with great attention to detail, look no further. I've been playing bagpipes since 2002 and am rated by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association as a Grade II player. I have performed for every type of event from ocean-side funerals to festivals attended by British royalty.
I tailor my uniform and musical selection to ensure a performance that adds to your event.
I am also available for lessons on the bagpipes; services as bugle player; educational/speaking engagements about Scotland and Ireland, bagpipes, and related Celtic traditions; or tastings of Scotch or Irish Whisky.
29 reviews
Gretchen C.
May 18, 2026It was amazing to have JD at our daughter’s wedding! After the ceremony he played and lead our guests to the cocktail hour. Everyone loved this special moment with the bagpipes!!! It was such a great memory to have him be a special part of the BIG day!!!
Hired as: Bagpiper
Quality Piping with JD Ingraham
Thanks for having me!
Steve Q.
January 21, 2024On time, everyone loved him, added so much to event
Hired as: Bagpiper, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Kay K.
October 30, 2023JD arrived on time, provided exactly what we had talked about and everyone asked if he could come back next year for our Reformation Sunday. We could not have been more pleased and are thankful we found him. He added much to our worship and the spirit of the day. Thank you!
Hired as: Bagpiper
Carol C.
August 21, 2023JD was punctual, worked with pianist on rendition of Amazing Grace and played following the service during a reception. He was kind and considerate to family and guests. His professional performance was appreciated adding to the celebration of life for my husband, Ira Cook.
Hired as: Bagpiper
Mandy F.
June 19, 2023JD is amazing! We hired him to give our family a private concert/educational session for Father’s Day. His musical performance was great! Beyond that he made it very entertaining and engaging with my family/audience by sharing fun facts & stories. He even handled it well when a tipsy stranger crashed the party! Very professional & punctual! This is the guy you want to hire! You will not regret it!
Hired as: Bagpiper
Quality Piping with JD Ingraham
I really enjoyed playing for y'all! Thanks for the kind review!
Price range: $200 and up
Languages: English, German, Spanish, Irish
Gig length: 15 - 90 minutes
I own three kilts and multiple uniforms, allowing me to customize my dress to match the event I'm playing for - everything from a barefoot barn fests to black tie ceremonies with VIPs.
I play traditional Celtic music to suit any mood, and am happy to to work with you to provide the best possible set list of tunes for your event. For smaller indoor events I can switch the Great Highland Bagpipe out for Scottish lowland pipes that are quieter.
If desired, I am comfortable discussing bagpipes, Celtic music, and related traditions in front of a large audience for educational and cultural events.
Note that bagpipes are notoriously finicky in variable weather, and in the case of inclement weather, I request extra accommodation.
For a bugle performance, I stick to basics such as "Taps", "Call to Post", or "The Star Spangled Banner".
If you're not sure what you'd like to hear, but you know you're interested in me at your event, I would suggest one of the following:
*Before events - My music is great for gathering folks around to signal the beginning of an event.
*Processionals and recessionals - Especially at weddings, bagpipes are useful to lead people into or out of an event.
*Special Music - If your event calls for moving music such as "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes, "Taps" on a bugle, or similar traditional melodies.
*Special Presentation - If your group would like to learn about the bagpipes, kilts, Celtic tradition, or whisky (or just have a traditional toast).
*Background Music - Bagpipes are loud, but in a sufficiently large space (such as a field or golf course) they can be delightful additions to the atmosphere. Music comes in sets of 20-30 minutes, or on and off for an hour.
*Afterwards - I often play pipes as I walk off into the distance for a nice effect.
A benefit of booking me is that I lead the Charleston Pipe Band, and as such can guarantee a backup bagpiper in the case of unforeseen circumstances. I have a network of roughly 30 fellow players and students in the greater Charleston region that can be called upon to stand in for me in case of emergency.
Booking rates depend on several factors, including travel time, wait time, and playing time, so please include the location, duration, and music expectations for your event.
I began piping in the wake of 9/11 after having seen many pipers performing on TV. At the time I also played trumpet, and I continued playing both instruments in the Knoxville, TN area for 5 years. I had opportunities to play both instruments with university music ensembles while in college. Over the course of my piping career I've become a very successful competitive player and I now serve as Pipe Major for the Charleston Pipe Band. I offer bugle services (taps, service hymns, etc) as a secondary addition to piping performances. I also offer Scotch or Irish whisky education, tastings, and toasts, if you would like a special addition to your celebration or gathering.
Notable in my history on the bagpipes would be: lessons with Pipe Major Sandy Jones (who played at JFK's funeral), opening for and playing with Gaelic Storm (the traditional Irish band from Titanic's "Party in 3rd Class"), ceremonial duties for VIP events including British Royals and members of the US Executive Branch, and leading "Amazing Grace" at the City of Charleston Vigil for the Emmanuel 9.
Bagpipes are extremely loud. I will probably not need a microphone, and you will want a room large enough that the sound level will not cause discomfort to the audience. The small pipes will need amplification for any venue larger than your average sized living room.
In preparation of a performance I may request room to warm up that is out of ear-shot of the audience - either several hundred yards away or in a moderately sound proof room, or both.
If you would like a traditional toast or tasting of whisky as part of your event, inquire for requirements.
Friday
Rehearsal Dinner
8:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Charleston, SC
Saturday
Parade
10:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday
Parade
All-day event
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Hilton Head Island, SC
Saturday
Parade
All-day event
Saturday
Scottish Festival
All-day event
Saturday
Memorial event
All-day event
Friday
Scottish festival
All-day event (Sat)
Friday
Performing arts event
All-day event (Sat)
Saturday
Scottish fest
All-day event
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
6:00pm - 6:30pm
•
North Charleston, SC
Saturday
Scottish fest
All-day event
Saturday
Wedding gig
All-day event
Saturday
Scottish festival
All-day event
Tuesday
St Patrick's Day 4
All-day event
Sunday
St Patrick's Day 3
All-day event
Saturday
St Patrick's Day 2
All-day event
Saturday
St Patrick's Day 1
All-day event
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
3:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Mount Pleasant, SC
Sunday
Worship Service
8:30am - 12:00pm
•
Beaufort, SC
Saturday
St Patrick's Day Events
All-day event
Friday
Scottish Festival
All-day event
Saturday
Burns Dinner
All-day event
Saturday
Burns Dinner
All-day event
Wednesday
Symphony Concerts
All-day event
Saturday
Christmas Parade
All-day event
Tuesday
Christmas Parade
All-day event
Sunday
Concert
All-day event
Friday
Scottish Fest
All-day event
Saturday
Scottish Fest
All-day event
Saturday
Scottish Fest
All-day event
Friday
Piobaireachd Event
All-day event
Saturday
Scottish Fest
All-day event
Monday
Funeral
11:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday
St Patrick's Day
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Saturday
St Patrick's Day
8:00am - 3:00pm
Tuesday
St Patrick's Day
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday
St Patrick's Day
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday
St Patrick's day
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday
Irish event
10:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:30pm - 6:30pm
•
North Charleston, SC
Saturday
Burns night
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday
Cultural Event
11:00am - 1:00pm
•
Bluffton, SC
Wednesday
Christmas Concert
All-day event
Friday
Christmas Parade
All-day event (Sat)
Saturday
Christmas Parade
All-day event
Saturday
Wedding Gig
All-day event
Saturday
Scottish Festival
All-day event
Friday
Scottish Fest
All-day event
Sunday
Worship Service
8:00am - 12:00pm
•
Beaufort, SC
Saturday
Scottish Festival
All-day event
Sunday
Rehearsal
All-day event
Saturday
Scottish Fest
All-day event
Saturday
Rugby Match
All-day event
Saturday
Concert
All-day event
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 11:15am
•
Bluffton, SC
Saturday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Dalzell, SC
Tuesday
Parade
All-day event
Wednesday
Parade
10:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday
Personal Occasion
7:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Edisto Island, SC
Saturday
Memorial Events
7:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday
Wedding
4:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday
Session
9:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday
Celebration of life & Wake
All-day event
Saturday
Scottish Festival
All-day event
Friday
Parade
All-day event
Sunday
Church Service
All-day event
Saturday
Private party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Gig
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Saturday
Wedding Gig
11:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday
Scottish Arts Classic
9:00am - 3:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Gig
4:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Renaissance Day
12:00pm - 2:30pm
Saturday
St Patrick's Day Events
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Friday
Event
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday
Pub Crawl
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Friday
St Patrick's Day Parade
8:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday
St Patrick's Day Parade
11:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday
St Patrick's Day Parade
10:30am - 4:00pm
Tuesday
Gig
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday
Gig
10:00am - 12:00pm
Friday
Gig
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday
Scottish Festival
All-day event
Saturday
Banquet
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:00pm - 5:45pm
•
Columbia, SC
Saturday
Scottish Festival
All-day event
Friday
Symphony Concert
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Thursday
Symphony Concert
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Wednesday
Symphony Concert
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Tuesday
Symphony Concert
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Charleston, SC
Tuesday
Wedding Ceremony
11:00am - 11:30am
•
Savannah, GA
Saturday
Wedding
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Sunday
Kirkin o th Tartan
9:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday
Wedding
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday
Scottish Festival
8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday
Coastal Carolina Fair Performance
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday
Scottish Festival
All-day event
Saturday
Wedding
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday
Scottish Festival
All-day event
Saturday
Opening Party
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
6:00pm - 6:15pm
•
Isle Of Palms, SC
Friday
Funeral
11:00am - 1:00pm
Friday
Funeral
9:00am - 11:00am
Monday
Funeral
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Columbia, SC
Saturday
Concert
3:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday
Wedding
10:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:30pm - 5:45pm
•
Bluffton, SC
Saturday
Scottish festival
All-day event
Thursday
Funeral/Memorial Service
7:00pm - 7:45pm
•
Summerville, SC
Saturday
Wedding
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday
Wedding
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Friday
Private event
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday
St Patrick's Day event
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Thursday
St Patrick's Day event
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Thursday
St Patrick's Day event
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Thursday
St Patrick's Day event
8:00am - 11:00am
Sunday
St Patrick's Day event
11:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday
Private event
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Saturday
St Patrick's Day event
11:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday
Scottish festival
All-day event
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 4:15pm
•
Charleston, SC
Sunday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Summerville, SC
Saturday
Birthday Party
4:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Rembert, SC
Wednesday
Memorial Event
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Friday
Christmas Event
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunday
Christmas Parade
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Saturday
Celtic Music Day
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Friday
Thanksgiving Service
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday
Trad Session
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 11:00am
Saturday
Banquet
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday
Birthday
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:00pm - 12:30pm
•
Lexington, SC
Saturday
Scottish Festival
All-day event
Sunday
Coastal Carolina Fair
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday
Private Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Thursday
Wedding Gig
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Sunday
Wedding Reception
7:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Charleston, SC
Saturday
Scottish Festival
All-day event
Saturday
Scottish Festival
All-day event
Sunday
Public Event
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Charleston, SC
Friday
1/2 way to Paddy's Day
All-day event
Saturday
9/11 Gig
8:00am - 11:00am
Friday
Personal Occasion
7:30am - 8:30am
•
Moncks Corner, SC
Saturday
Wedding Engagement
10:00am - 10:15am
•
Darlington, SC
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Charleston, SC
Saturday
Wedding Gig
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday
Public Event
9:00am - 11:00am
Friday
Private Party
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Wedding Gig
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Sunday
Public Event
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Saturday
Private Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Gig
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Tuesday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 6:15pm
•
Charleston, SC
Sunday
Pub Gig
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday
Pub Gig
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday
Product Promotion
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Savannah, GA
Saturday
Personal Occasion
4:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Savannah, GA
Wednesday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 6:45pm
•
Charleston, SC
Saturday
Scottish Fest
All-day event
Tuesday
St Patrick's Day Parades
8:00am - 11:00am
Sunday
St Patrick's Event
8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday
St Patrick's Event
11:00am - 2:00pm
Saturday
Scottish Fest
All-day event
Sunday
Irish Fest
1:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday
Wedding
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday
Celtic Music Day
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday
Private Event
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday
Wedding
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Wednesday
Birthday Party
7:30pm - 7:45pm
•
Mount Pleasant, SC
Saturday
Scottish Festival
12:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday
Scottish Festival
12:00am - 5:00pm
Monday
Ireland
12:00pm - 12:00pm
Sunday
King Richard's Faire
10:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday
King Richard's Faire
10:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday
Wedding
12:00am - 11:00pm
Friday
Unavailable
12:00pm - 12:00pm
Tuesday
Irish Night
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:00pm - 5:45pm
•
Charleston, SC
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Saturday
Scottish Festival
10:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
4:00pm - 4:15pm
•
Beaufort, SC
Thursday
Parade
9:00am - 11:00am
•
Bluffton, SC
Saturday
Wedding
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Friday
Parade
10:00am - 12:00pm
Tuesday
Charleston 9 Memorial
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Wedding
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Monday
Funeral/Memorial Service
8:00am - 4:00pm
•
Columbia, SC
Saturday
Scottish Festival
12:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday
Scottish Festival
12:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday
Scottish Festival
10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday
Workshop
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday
Private Party
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday
Workshop
10:00am - 4:00pm
Friday
Workshop
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday
Special Event
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Amazing Grace, Flowers of the Forest, Highland Cathedral, Scotland the Brave, Auld Lang Syne, Mairi's Wedding, Highland Wedding, Blessed Assurance, How Great Thou Art, assorted hornpipes and jigs, assorted strathspeys and reels, assorted marches, assorted slow airs, piobaireachd, Rocky Top, Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech, Happy Birthday.
I play traditional Irish and Scottish music, as well as a small selection of hymns. I will not play most patriotic tunes or modern music on the bagpipes. The majority of Pop, Rock, and Country music is impossible to play, due to scale and dynamic limitations of the Great Highland Bagpipes.
On bugle, I stick to the traditional stuff - hymns, bugle calls, and patriotic tunes.
My whisky tasting and toasting is heavily influenced by The Scotch Whisky Man of Fife, Scotland.
Microphone or amplification is recommended if I am playing lowland small pipes.
Bagpiper