Quality bagpipes are made of African Blackwood, one of the hardest woods in the world. Outdoor Fun and Drive-In Movies at Quarry Park... Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals for Multigenerational... Quality Time in the Kitchen with Easy Apple Crisp. We visit her often, and have had to retell the story of grandpa’s death numerous times. This is an investment, one that will hold its value. Allander Pipers, Craigdhu Rd, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 7TN. Sometimes, if requested the funeral piper can play your loved one on their final journey as the curtains close. In the days following my grandpa’s death, my oldest sister and I, along with my aunt, helped my mom make all of the funeral arrangements. © 2014 by Michael Whinery The Professional Bagpiper. Not only does the song have a beautiful melody, but it also features lyrics that speak to all of us. Each of grandpa’s living children said a few words, and shared a few memories. What you wrote is beautiful, and made me cry. Jump ahead to these sections: Best Versions of ‘Amazing Grace’ for a Funeral; Best A Capella Versions of ‘Amazing Grace’ Best Bagpipe Versions of ‘Amazing Grace’ “Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound! Protect Endangered Animals with Barbara’s Wild... Recharge Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual Batteries at... Benefits of Pre-Planning Funeral Services, How to Decorate Your Kids Room for Christmas. There are some people who have their pipes fitted with silver. All rights reserved. That saved a wretch like me. How long does it take to learn the bagpipes? As with any instrument, it takes a lot of work to become proficient. u/PrinceOfNowhere. If you have a special tune that you would like to here at your event, let me know. edited 10 years ago. With regard to the music theory behind the bagpipes, it is pretty simple. Funeral maybe, but the bagpipe excels when ye are standin' with yer clan, preparin' ta make war. The bagpipes can have such an impact on the audience, whether it is a celebration or a more somber occasion. Even more than that, I think the funeral is mostly for the living. Material may not be duplicated, published or re-written without permission. "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang. Grief can be a powerful thing, but luckily grandma is blessed with many who love her, and her great grandchildren keep her smiling. Congratulations to Vicky and Daniel. We are not originally from Scotland and it was wonderful to have traditional music playing as we walked out from the ceremony. 7. When playing at a wedding, there are a lot of great marches to choose from, and yes, " Here Comes the Bride" is in my repertoire. As a bagpiper I play many gigs. Your tribute was touching and memorable. Not everyone was able to bring their kids, but it was still lovely to have them all here. For those who are religious, nothing could be worse than taking a highway to hell. 7. We visited the mortuary, the cemetery, the florist, and took care of the nitty gritty details. A very lovely tribute to grandpa. He is a real people person with a passion for piping and he provides a friendly, professional service’. All Rights Reserved, "Having Alan at our wedding made the event so special and provided beautiful music for our church yard wedding. I have fond memories of my grandparents coming over for Christmas dinner, and after we’d finish eating, I would play the piano for them. , the price is generally between $1200 to $2000 dollars. I don’t think we could have asked for a better way to say goodbye to grandpa’s body. It is the sealing of what has happened. In the last 8 years I’ve also lost a number of people very close to me in my family, including a sister, nephew and mother. My dad must be so proud of his beautiful send off. I was nervous that I would be too emotional to play the piano at my grandpa’s funeral, but I felt that it was something he would want. My brothers and several cousins were the pallbearers, which worked out perfectly. It is tradition to have bagpipes at a funeral for the Scottish and Irish folk. It seems that her dementia has gotten progressively worse without grandpa to keep her on track, and she gets very confused about where grandpa is. 0788 426 8086 info@allanderpipers.com, Allander Pipers, Craigdhu Rd, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 7TN | info@allanderpipers.com | +44(0)788 426 8086, Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Data Protection | Sitemap | Site Search, All Content Copyright © 2019. It is a way to let things sink in and a chance to say goodbye. Many of my students who really have the drive to learn are capable pipers with in one year. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Because my grandma was born in Scotland, bagpipes have always been a part of my family. Created by Meks. . This went on for years. I believe funerals are a way to gather loved ones together to remember the deceased in a way that would make them smile from above. to be precise St John's church, Ballachulish near Glencoe. This will certainly drive the price up, but the look and fell of a set of silver pipes is quite an experience. In March 2018 I was asked to play at the British Dental Awards at the Marriot Hotel in Glasgow City Centre. It’s the grand opening of their new MUGA (multi use games area). A funeral in Scotland in the 21 st century really differs very little than a funeral in most of the UK, or the US. My brother-in-law sang “I Stand All Amazed”, which I accompanied on the piano. ‘Alan is a highly professional musician who plays to the highest standard. It’s a mixed spring day on the shores of the beautiful Loch Lomond at the idyllic setting of Lodge on the Loch. Many thanks, Vicki. I have now experienced sending off two people whom I love dearly; my daughter, and now my grandpa. So, it’s a glorious day and I’m heading to Marr Hall, Erskine on the banks of the mighty River Clyde for the wedding of Sydnee and Fraser. We thought he would be proud to have his casket covered with the flag. It’s Friday evening and I’m heading out to Govan to Play with the Govan Schools and Community Pipe Band for the crowning of the Queen ceremony at the Govan fair. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. If it is playable on the bagpipes, it will be ready for your special day. What a beautiful family you have. He added a real touch of Scotland to our event and I’m sure it’s not just the community council that will be looking forward to having him back in our village again. None of us ever played, but they just kind of ring in our blood when we hear them. It is always a challenge to deal with all of the important stuff after a loved one passes away. Sending a loved ones to the other side is a very emotional thing, and one that I seem to know all too well. What ye have ta understand aboot the bagpipes is that th're perfect for when you have some english dogs ta kill. It is quite sad. My cousin’s husband plays the bagpipes so it seemed very fitting that he should play at grandpa’s funeral; not only for grandpa, but for grandma as well. Hugs! The service was beautiful, and all went well. With the casket now bare, each of the pallbearers and great grandchildren took a flower from one of the arrangements, and placed it on top. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A magnificent venue for a Wedding Reception, The Lodge on the Loch on the banks of Loch Lomond. 3. If feels a part of us. It varies on how far the drive and how long the performance is. Naturally I said yes so, ALLANDER PIPERS was on the road up north. Today I visited St. Mary’s primary school in Maryhill, Glasgow. I had been asked to play the pipes for the arrival of their V.I.P. Copyright © 2014. I think my mom was grateful to have us girls around for these hard parts. Because grandpa died on Christmas, it just seemed very fitting that I should play the piano for him at his funeral. Yes and no. When the service was over, the men from the funeral home folded up the American flag and presented it to my grandma. You just want to mourn or be with loved ones, but the important things won’t take care of themselves. This song might be a favorite for family celebrations, but it doesn’t have any place at a funeral. I headed down to the Brig a Doon Hotel in Ayr for the wedding of Laura and Chris. Despite a 6 month delay due to COVID, Alan was flexible, professional and was relaxed on the day.". This must have been so hard for you to write, but probably also a little bit freeing too. Alan, If ever you see a set of pipes for sale with a price range of $200 to $500, you are likely looking at a set that is not even worth that amount. guest but had been sworn to secrecy as to who it was. r/bagpipes: A community for pipers, drummers, students, and enthusiasts of the great highland bagpipe . I'm glad to say that I'm back in one of my favourite area's of Scotland, Lochaber! Autumn is in full glow. You’re such a support to me, as are all my children. I haven’t lost anyone close to me yet, but I know it’s just a matter of time. New laws, regulations, convenience; better health measures and standards (and their own particular resultant regulations) have altered things in a mighty way. I especially like the bagpipes, what a splendid addition! Aye, lad. A post about my grandpa’s funeral is one that I have been meaning to write for a while, but the time just never seemed right. What would I do without ya? Long story short, this instrument is one that anyone can play if they have the time and drive to practice. r/bagpipes. In my post, “A Death On Christmas“, I shared my experience of holding my grandpa’s hand as he took his last breaths on this earth. Anyway, beautiful funeral and beautiful post. So the strange times continue and this is only my second wedding this year and it’s now the start of September! Grandma, who is 93, is struggling quite a bit with living life without her partner of 71 years. Press J to jump to the feed. There is no sense in wasting you money on bagpipes that are cheaply made. Not everyone was able to bring their kids, but it was still lovely to have them all here. Powered by WordPress. Posted by. Please send all inquiries to, Help to End Domestic Violence and Financial Abuse. it was very moving and everyone commented on how lovely it was. That depends on the nature of the event. Hi Alan, thank you so much for a beautiful tribute to my brother everyone was making lovely comments about your piping thank you so much. You can see from the photos that she was very moved, which in turn touched all of us in attendance. When I play at a funeral, Amazing Grace on the bagpipes is the most common request. With proper care of the instrument, these bagpipes are sure to be something that can be passed down through the generations. Each of my siblings came out for my grandpa’s funeral, which was a real treat; especially since we had the funeral on New Year’s Eve. All photography and written text on this site are Copyright of Clever Housewife © 2012-2013, unless otherwise noted. It took me about eight months to be competent enough to perform at an event. . When you call, be sure to give me a sense of what impact you are hoping to have with the bagpipes and we will work together to make sure that it has the desired effect. What does a bagpiper usually play at an event? And yes, I could not have done all that needed to be done without “my people” there. Though we can all appreciate this rock classic, most people like to think the best of their loved ones after they die. We really enjoyed having Allander Pipers play at our wedding! When I play at a funeral, Amazing Grace on the bagpipes is the most common request. In full regalia, he led the pallbearers to the gravesite just like a traditional Scottish or Irish funeral.