| A WEE BIT
ABOOT ME 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. (See photo below) 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 at the State of Iowa Golden Dome Awards ceremony, officiated by Governor Tom Vilsack and Lt. Governor Sally Pederson, then at last year's event hosted by Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge. 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. BAGPIPES AT WEDDINGS 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. BAGPIPES AT FUNERALS 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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