For as
long as I can remember I have always loved the sound of bagpipes, then in
1979 when I was still but just a lad of 30 my big chance came.
I was Introduced to Thomas S. Coulson, a World War II piper with the Essex
- Scottish Regiment of Canada. Tom took me under his wing and patiently
passed on his years of experience and his love of the pipes to me, for
which I will forever be grateful. This journey has brought me untold
enjoyment, taken me places I otherwise would have never been and
introduced me to many interesting people.
I am honored to be
the official piper of Clan Uisdean USA (Oosh-dn) of which my own name
derives. I am also a member of Clan Maxwell USA and the Scottish American
Military Society. I played with the Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes &
Drums of Central Iowa for the September 11 memorial service at Sec Taylor
Stadium. For the past four years, I have played for the State of
Iowa Golden Dome Awards ceremony, which Governor Vilsack & Lt. Governor
Sally Pederson officiated. I had the privelege to be in the
Salisbury House weddings & events brochures as a prefered vendor.
Over the years I have piped at numerous firefighter, peace officer, and
military memorials, as well as parades, weddings, funerals, and special
occasions throughout central Iowa.
Having a
bagpiper at a wedding is a way for the bride and/or groom to celebrate,
honor, and connect with their Celtic roots or just to do something
different. Many people ask how and when to use the bagpipes for the
wedding ceremony. In my experience, the bagpipes can play at four
basic times. BEFORE THE WEDDING STARTS - 10 to 15 minutes before the
ceremony begins is appropriate for what is called prelude music.
Prelude music sets the mood of the ceremony and acts as a background that
sets the stage for the wedding itself (can be inside or outside as guests
arrive). PROCESSIONAL - Occasionally the bride or the groom will
wish to walk up the aisle with the bagpiper leading them in. DURING
THE WEDDING - As a solo or to accompany lighting the unity candle.
RECESSIONAL - almost always the bagpiper leads the newlyweds back down the
aisle. I would recommend that if you wish to incorporate the
instrument at all, reserving the bagpipe for the end of the service always
gives the most dramatic results, especially if the guests and family
members have no idea a bagpiper is present.
The
bagpipe is not only associated with joyous occasions, but solemn ones as
well. Memorial services across the nation pay tribute to our
country's veterans, firefighters, peace officers, and our civilian loved
ones in a way like no other when the distant sounds of Amazing Grace are
heard. In addition to military memorial services, a piper is quite
often found playing at funeral services, either at the memorial itself or
at the graveside. There is probably no more dramatic and effective
way to conclude a service of a loved one.
Please call or
e-mail Ron for pricing. No deposit required. Payment due at event.
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