(FAQs)
Basically we will play anywhere we are hired for. Photos of John
(Click Here) are of a corporate parade down the streets of
Manhattan! We have performed in a wide array of functions such
as, Memorial Services, Candlelight Vigils, Funerals, Birthday Parties,
Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions, Halfway to St. Patrick's Day
Parties and Pub Tours.
How are bagpipers used in Weddings & Receptions?
AT THE CHURCH:
We have found that most Roman Catholic Parishes do not allow a
bagpiper inside of the Church, so we usually have a single piper play
a safe distance from the main entrance. For most events, the
bagpiper will perform immediately following the ceremony, as the
Bride & Groom greet their guests leaving the church. This is a nice
touch as it provides background music as everyone patiently awaits
the last person to exit the Church. Believe it or not, this can take up to
30 minutes.
AT THE RECEPTION:
The most difficult decision about having us play at the reception is
timing. We can play during the cocktail hour or during the reception.
What we have found is that the cocktail hour works best. Having us
play in the beginning of the cocktail hour allows the bride and groom
to remain the focus of the festivities as the night goes on and provides
a rousing and robust start to the celebrations for the evening.
How long do you play for?
Until we get thirsty. Actually the event dictates how long the
performance is. In addition we gauge the crowd as we perform.
While bagpipes make a grand statement and are enjoyed by most, we
do not want to overstay our welcome. For receptions and parties we
normally perform about 20 minutes. While this may not seem long,
it tends to be approximately the right length of time.
How many bagpipers do I need?
How many can you afford? Again the event dictates the amount of
pipers necessary. We have found that for weddings and joyous
occasions, three bagpipers and one drummer provide the best sound
and presentation.
Do I have to hire all three of you, or can I just use one
piper?
While we prefer to play as a group of three, in the end the choice is
yours. We find that a single piper is appropriate for funeral and
memorial services. But for events such as birthday parties,
retirements and weddings the best arrangement is to have three
bagpipers and a single snare drummer. This makes for a great
presentation, a more bold sound and a wider selection of music
because you will be tapping into the repertoires of three pipers
instead of one.
What about drummers, are they available as well?
While us pipers do not like to admit this, drums do make a
performance much better. And knowing this we begrudgingly have a
snare drummer perform with us.
How far in advance should I book a bagpiper?
It should be at the top of your list. Well all right when you get around
to it. But we do have commitments that limit our availability. All
three of us have wives, children and full-time jobs (which we'd like to
keep). So time away from family and careers needs to be respectfully
planned in advance. But circumstances do arise where we are
needed in a days notice, and if this happens we will make every
attempt to accommodate your situation.
How much does it cost?
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot just pay us in beer. As we
mentioned before, we all have wives, children and full-time careers.
As for how much we charge it depends on what is required and where
it is. All we can say is that each event is special in its own way, and
our pricing follows the same methodology.
Can you get more bagpipers if requested?
Absolutely! Our primary commitment is to the Pipes & Drums of the
Ancient Order of Hibernians, Orange County, New York where
Tommy is the Pipe Major. The services of the band are available by
visiting their web page at www.aohpipeband.org
Are there certain songs that you play, and can you learn a
song for my event?
Yes, and it depends. We tend to cater our music to the event at hand.
For funerals we play solemn scores like Amazing Grace and Going
Home; at weddings we play traditional up-beat songs such as
Mairi's Wedding and the Rakes of Mallow. If there are members of
the audience who have served in the Military, we like playing the
Army, Navy and Marine Corps Hymn into God Bless America. As
for learning new tunes, we can meet this requirement given enough
notice and our ability to obtain sheet music for that song. (Note: We
have a selection of music, including the tunes mentioned above, on
our Songs page.)
What type of attire will be worn?
Normally its tank tops and Speedo's. Again we can discuss this.
Looking at our Photo pages you'll be able to see the main attire
includes: Kilt, spats (those white things on our feet), and a horsehair
sporran (the hairy thing hanging from our belt). For summer events
we would wear a black short-sleeve shirt; and in the winter months
we wear a jacket called a doublet and feather bonnet. John can be
seen in these smashing outfits on Page 2 of our photo gallery.
Do you have a performance reviews or recommendations?
Sure. In addition to the guestbook postings, Tommy's participation
at a wedding in NYC was critiqued on the website
www.weddingchannel.com. To read the review click here.
Do bagpipers need special arrangements?
John requires green M&M's on all flat surfaces, Chris & Tommy are
more reasonable. Normally we just need a place to warm up and if
you were really nice a few beverages to oil the pipes would be great.
Will you stay for a couple of drinks after you perform?
If you don't mind. Besides that's our favorite part of the job!
Why is it that almost every photo is of John?
We just don't know. Oddly enough, John is the only one that does not
own a digital camera!
Were you the good looking guys in the Loughran's TV
commercial?
As a matter of fact that was John & Tommy in their kilts enjoying a
nice Guinness.
