Having played the Highland Bagpipes for twenty years in numerous settings, I know how powerful their music can be for any of life's most important moments. Bagpipes have been used as a traditional musical accompaniment in life's transitions for centuries. Whether marching an army into battle, a couple down an aisle, ushering a soul into the next world, or any other of life's transitions, the pipes never cease to add a powerful and emotional musical element to any occasion.
Let me work with you to plan a powerful event. I play both the Highland Bagpipe and Scottish Smallpipes, the latter of which is excellent for small indoor settings and also blends well with other musicians.
17 reviews
Shane R.
April 25, 2026Russell rounded out our team for a charity golf event by piping us into the tournament then playing the teams off as we started.
Pre-event communication and coordination was smooth.
At the event he made sure we had the music and experience we wanted.
Already working on booking him for next year!
Highly recommended.
Hired as: Bagpiper
Shenandoah Piper
Thank you, Shane! What a great group of folks. I had a great time and look forward to putting something together again for next year.
Kris T.
March 18, 2026We hired Russ for our St. Patrick's Day Celebration. He was very communicative, professional, and talented. He arrived early and prepared and adapted his performance to meet the needs of the space and event. Our members loved it! We will definitely be hiring him again!
Hired as: Bagpiper
Shenandoah Piper
Thanks, Kris! Awesome place, fabulous people, excellent event. I look forward to participating in future endeavors!
Mary S. T.
January 3, 2025The piper came on time and played for my husband's grave service. It was very special to me and brought back many memories. It was expensive, but the memories will last forever!
Hired as: Bagpiper
Heather A.
December 9, 2024The performance was beautiful.
Hired as: Bagpiper
Shenandoah Piper
Thank you, Heather! It was fabulous to meet you and your family and, most of all, to be a part of an important moment.
Merry Christmas to you all,
Russ
Andrea B.
December 30, 2022What a trouper Russ was for our Wedding last weekend! Zero degrees and working on generator power! Russ showed up extra early for us to welcome our guests. He was prepared with both sets of pipes and ready to play anywhere as we had to make many last minute changes due to the weather and power issues.
He is a must if you want wonderful pipes music! All loved his Christmas Carols- especially me who was the bride! I was able to hear the carols upstairs whiles the guests were arriving!
5 🌟!
Hired as: Bagpiper
Shenandoah Piper
Thank you so much, Andrea! I hope you both are having a blissful start to your marriage. Thank you for researching options and taking a chance on me. I thoroughly enjoyed playing for your wedding and the last minute dynamism due to the weather just added an element of excitement to the entire event.
I hope you'll keep my in mind in the future!
All the best,
Russ
Price range: $250 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 300 minutes
For most any event where a bagpiper is required, the public expects to see the piper properly arrayed in kilt and associated attire. I will not disappoint. I wear the Galbraith Clan tartan and can dress formally for weddings or less formally for other events where a shirt and tie might not be preferred.
I have 20 years of experience on the bagpipes. Those years include playing with the North Coast Pipe Band, the College of Wooster's "Scot Pipers", and numerous solo gigs such as weddings, funerals/graveside services, fundraisers, parties, university commencement ceremonies, and much more.
I am also able to provide music for events that might require a quieter touch through the playing of Scottish Smallpipes set in the keys of A and D. Just let me know what you desire and I will work with you to make it happen.
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 4:00pm
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Middleburg, VA
Friday
Personal Occasion
12:30pm - 1:00pm
•
Winchester, VA
Tuesday
Holiday Party
5:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Fairfax, VA
Thursday
Restaurant/Bar Event
6:30pm - 10:00pm
•
Vienna, VA
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:30pm - 2:00pm
•
Staunton, VA
Monday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00pm - 11:30pm
•
Harrisonburg, VA
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Stuarts Draft, VA
Friday
Cocktail Party
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Afton, VA
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 4:30pm
•
Huntly, VA
Sunday
Funeral/Memorial Service
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Bluemont, VA
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:30pm - 1:00pm
•
Mount Jackson, VA
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
9:00am - 9:30am
•
Front Royal, VA
Tuesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 11:30am
•
Harrisonburg, VA
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
10:30am - 10:45am
•
Winchester, VA
Sunday
House Party
3:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Romney, WV
Sunday
Woodstock Burns' Night
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Sunday
Worship Service
3:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Stafford, VA
Sunday
Religious Celebration
10:30am - 11:00am
•
Inwood, WV
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 4:45pm
•
Fairfax, VA
Friday
Fireside with Smallpipes
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:00pm - 12:45pm
•
Front Royal, VA
Saturday
Wedding
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday
Garth Newel Music Center Fundraiser
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Saturday
Fairhill Scottish Games
9:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday
Schoolhouse Nine Golf Course Event
9:00am - 11:00am
Saturday
Southern Maryland Highland Festival
9:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday
Funeral - McMullen Funeral Home, Singers Glen, VA
2:30pm - 3:00pm
None required
Bagpiper
