Vera Hamilton - Event Bagpiper

Every performance is as different as the people who book me, from funerals to weddings, family parties to educational. While every event is different, what always remains the same across all my performances is my attention to detail, communication with my clients, and the professionalism I bring.

When you book me you can expect to work out the finer details of exactly what you would like, from the tunes played to when they are played, where you want me in relation to the audience, etc. I show up 15 minutes early in case there are any last minute changes or requests. When I arrive I am fully dressed in my traditional Scottish attire, ready to play. I am courteous and cordial to all guests and take the time to talk with anyone who would like to speak with me before and after the performance. I have a wealth of information about the Scottish uniform and the bagpipes and love to share my knowledge with anyone who is interested.

Bagpipes ...you can never have too many...
I offer 2 types of bagpipes for your event: the Great Highland Warpipes and the Walsh Shuttle Pipes. The Great Highland Warpipes are the common Scottish bagpipe you see in parades, at funerals, and at other celebrations. On a clear day, they can be heard miles away. These pipes stir the soul and embolden the warrior before battle, command reverence and respect at funerals, comfort and heal the broken, honor to those in service, and are a registered instrument of war. Their sound is crisp, clear, and loud.​ The Walsh Shuttle Pipes are smaller and have a rich, warm, mellow tone. These pipes are perfect for smaller intimate settings. They still offer a huge impact like the highland pipes but are not overpowering. These bagpipes are approved for playing in LDS chapels.

Bagpipes can take every occasion to the next level, bringing importance and making every kind of celebration special and memorable. Here are some events perfect for a piper:

Funerals, Life Celebrations, Memorial Services ...in honor and memory of those who have passed...
Bagpipes have a profound healing effect on those in mourning. The Scots believed the sound of the bagpipe call forth the family that has already passed on and leads them to the funeral service where they collect the soul of the recently departed and take them to heaven. They are a beautiful way to pay tribute to the life of a loved one. It is always an honor when I'm asked to play in remembrance and celebration of the recently departed. I offer a large tune selection for funerals, from traditional laments to church hymns to slow marches and more. I do everything I can to accommodate special song requests and will offer solutions if the requested song can't be played on the bagpipe. My Walsh Shuttle Pipes are one of the few instruments approved for playing in LDS chapels, which allows me to lead the casket into the chapel at the start of the service and lead them back out. I have even played a selection of tunes as part of the funeral service. The rich, warm tone of these pipes is perfect for a chapel or indoor funeral service setting. Some tunes I recommend for funerals: Amazing Grace, Abide With Me, Danny Boy, Flower of Scotland, Going Home, Highland Cathedral, Loch Lomond, Mist Covered Mountains, Nearer My God to Thee, Oh My Father

Military ...in honor of those who serve...
Bagpipes are a great way to add time-honored tradition to important military ceremonies, celebrations, banquets, award nights, and dinners. Military tunes: America the Beautiful, Airforce, Anchors Away, Army, God Bless America, Marine Corps

Weddings ...in celebration of a new life together...
Make your wedding unforgettable to more than just you and your spouse by having a bagpiper there to kick off the celebration! Whether it's having the piper pipe in the wedding procession and lead the bride and her escort down the aisle, or it's music to dance to during the reception, there are many ways to include bagpipes in your magical night. Are you a "Go big or go home!" sort of couple? I have access to an entire pipe band that can come entertain, delight, and make a big impact on the night. I have lots of awesome wedding traditions to share and suggest if you are looking for a Scottish/Irish/Celtic themed wedding. I am also a graphic artist and can create one of a kind wedding announcements and invitations for you, as well as unique table toppers and a clan wedding plaque. Let me help you with the details! Some tunes I recommend for weddings: Highland Cathedral, Skye Boat Song, Clumsy Lover, Scotland the Brave

Parties ...celebrating the life in a big way...
Birthdays, family get-togethers, life milestones, accomplishments, and just for fun, bagpipes will delight and entertain the entire crowd and make the celebration to a whole new level of special! Great party tunes: Happy Birthday, Scotland the Brave, Minstrel Boy, 42nd Highlander's March

​Uniforms ...traditional Scottish Bagpiper attire...
I have 3 different kilts on hand: Hamilton Grey (grey and black plaid), Forsyth Modern (rich green and blue with yellow and red accents), and solid black. I have access to Blackwatch (dark green and blue) and Royal Stewart (red with yellow, white, green, and blue accents). If you prefer a different tartan, please let me know and I will do everything possible to acquire it for your event. If you would like a custom tartan with the specific colors you have in mind, I'll work with you to create it. You'll have your own unique tartan commemorating your special event! Besides the kilt, I have the full uniform, from the military style hat (glengarry) to the leather wingtip shoes.​

Educational Presentations ...the history of the pipes...
The bagpipe and the Scottish uniform have a rich history. Let me come present them to your class and teach your students about the pipes, show how they work, discuss tuning and playing technique, discuss the uniform and the function of the kilt, sporran, and other items a piper would have on them. I guarantee it will be educational, fun, and very memorable for the students! Perfect for students of all ages!​

I am the official Hamilton Clan Piper for Utah and Colorado, and I've been playing bagpipes since 1996. I have a passion for the instrument and its history. The bagpipe provides a powerful and unique sound that stirs the soul and emboldens the spirit. Playing the bagpipe is very therapeutic and I love playing.

When I was in 2nd grade my parents requested that I learn an instrument. They wanted me to start playing once I started 3rd grade. I told them I wanted to play the bagpipe. They said no, I was too little, they didn't know where to find me lessons, and the bagpipe was certainly too pricey. So I settled on learning the flute. As luck would have it, the high school I would be going to had a bagpipe band, so when I was in 8th grade I once again expressed my desire to learn the bagpipe. A bagpipe class was going to be offered at my school starting the next year. My parents once again said no, they couldn't afford a set of bagpipes for me. So my grandfather stepped in and told me if I learned how to play the bagpipe, he would front me the money for my first set. I was delighted! I bought a practice chanter and started learning right away. By the time 9th grade started, I could play several songs. A few months later my grandfather made good on his promise and bought me my first set of bagpipes. I paid him back over the course of the next year. It was the beginning of my bagpiping journey.

Over the years I've been in several pipe bands and have competed with them at the highland games. Currently, I'm part of Garden Valley Pipe Band, located in the Orem Utah area.

Since the bagpipe is plenty loud, I don't require any sort of sound systems such as microphones and speakers. I am really good at figuring out the best place to stand in relation to the audience. If you have a specific vision in mind of exactly how you want me to make an entrance or where you want me standing, or how you want me to exit, I will be more than happy to accommodate you and work out the details.