Bagpiper Michael Gibbs/Heathen Highlanders
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Bagpiper
- 13 Verified Bookings
Blaine W. T. said “It was so touching to have a Scottish farewell for Uncle Bob. Everyone loved it thanks so much”
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For nearly 20 years, Patrick Downing has been performing at weddings, funerals and almost every function imaginable. It's this experience that has made Patrick one of the most sought-after bagpipers within the Pacific Northwest and abroad.
An active competitor and ranked soloist at the professional level, Patrick has won prizes across North America and internationally in Scotland. He has played both with six-time world champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band of Burnaby, BC and the Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band of Vancouver, BC.
When he's not playing or performing, Patrick proudly coaches the Bellingham Firefighters Pipes & Drums and gives weekly lessons to his private students.
Thank you for taking the time to perform bagpipes for Ian's memorial. I appreciate your time and attention to this ceremony. Ian was very proud of Scottish heritage and would be pleased to have you play him home.
Sincerely,
Lynette C
Patrick was wonderful. He is a very nice caring young man. My Mom was so happy with his performance and demeanor. He made the Celebration of my Dad's life so much more special by being there.
We booked the Northwest Piper to play at our wedding ceremony, and he did a fantastic job! He was very professional, friendly, and plays beautifully. We would definitely book him again, and recommend him to anyone else looking for a bagpiper!
Price Range: $200-$400
--Full highland attire including kilt (Cunningham modern tartan), sporran, ghillie brogues, hose, flashes, button-down dress shirt, tie, argyle jacket and glengarry.
--Professionally-ranked standards. Pipers compete as a way to rank his/her ability and are divided into grade levels 5,4,3,2,1 and professional, with professional being the highest playing standard a piper can reach. Be sure to ask, in which grade level does your perspective piper rank?
-- A perfect bagpipe, with consideration given to a well-tuned chanter and drones that harmonize in balance with the chanter. These are important considerations which make a big difference when performing for of an audience of any size.
For the curious types: I will play for your special event with my 1930s Robertson ebony bagpipes with my African Blackwood Naill solo chanter. The pitch will be sweet and modern with careful attention to tuning for both the major and minor scale.
-- Punctuality and courtesy at your special event. I always arrive 15 minutes early. Plans change and the last thing you need is a late performer.
DISCLAIMER: The bagpipes are loud. One solo bagpiper will register anywhere from 95-110 decibels--that's as loud as a motorcycle or a chainsaw. Unless your venue is a mega-theater, I will not need amplification.
REST EASY: I'm a professional. I will always perform with my audience's precious hearing in mind. The bagpipes are best suited for outdoor or semi-outdoor venues and are a lovely addition outside of a church, reception or graveside.
July 11, 2015 | Wedding Ceremony |
Some traditional standards/commonly requested pieces I can play at your event (I know many others, but this is a good starting point):
-Amazing Grace
-Going Home
-Highland Cathedral
-Danny Boy
-Scotland the Brave
-Rowan Tree
-Wings
-The Road to the Isles
-The Pibroch of Donald Dubh
-The Atholl Highlanders
-The Skye Boat Song
-Ode to Joy
-The Highland Wedding
-The Gold Wing
-The Old Wife in the Mill Dust
-The Mason's Apron
Blaine W. T. said “It was so touching to have a Scottish farewell for Uncle Bob. Everyone loved it thanks so much”
Laurie K. said “Honoring my fathers wishes for bagpipes at our final gathering for him, I did some research as I knew nothing about how to find a piper. After tossing…”
Wendy C. said “Bagpiper Bill was able to come play Amazing Grace for a friend’s memorial on very short notice. He was easy to work with, accommodating, and kind. Everyone…”
Anne C. said “Daniels performance was the highlight at our Celebration of Life! “ Amazing Grace” at sunset- the best way to say Aloha to a dear friend with Scottish…”