Oregon Piper Blog

I am getting somewhat accustomed to the layout at Willamette National Cemetery. For first times, it get can be a daunting task finding a small grave plot amongst thousands. Fortunately, it was my third or fourth performance in the last few months navigating the the twists and turns is becoming increasingly familiar.

The women who hired me was referred to me by the organizer of Marys Woods in Lake Oswego. The congregation and staff at Mari’s Woods enjoyed my playing enough for a future recommendation. I really appreciate referrals, it tells me my bagpiping in Portland is becoming more and more appreciated.

As is customary at most funerals, I opened with Amazing Grace, playing it through three times. Upon completion, the pastor made directed everyone where to meet for refreshments. As guests stood to leave, I played Green Hills of Tyrol and When the Battles O’er. two very traditional war marches.

As I walked to my car, I started thinking about my wool quilt and whether it was adequate protection against the forces of nature. My response, yes, as long as the wind factor is minimal.

Yesterday, I played at a funeral in Vancouver Washington. It was a cozy catholic school/church combination. I didn’t perform until the very end. After idling for 45 minutes in the back awaiting my que, I stepped forward from the back of the church and marched down the aisle playing Scotland the Brave. After arriving at the front state, I turned to the audience, acknowledged the crowd and continued playing until I finished the song. Without stopping my pipes, I quickly transitioned into Amazing Grace, which I played three times through (side note: because Amazing Grace is a 3 part tune, I always recommend playing it through three times).

Once finished, I cut my Portland bagpipes for a quick second, struck them back in and led the masses out with Green Hills of Tyrol/When the Battles O’er. Outside, I continued playing until all the guests had shuffled out.

It is sometimes especially hard playing for funerals because bagpipes is an instrument which provokes strong emotions (both joyous and somber). Normally, it is the Amazing Grace which causes people to tear up. I always receive this comment after playing.

After the early Portland bagpipe funeral performance, I headed to Vancouver Washington for another bagpipe funeral performance at the Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel. It was a very emotional ceremony, with crowds billowing out the doors. I don’t think the family anticipated so many guests.

My had two appearances. The first time I marched down the aisles of the chapel midway through the service. I marched in with Scotland the Brave, played in place until I finished my pipes and then went straight into Amazing Grace. After three times through, I cut my pipes.

After a slide show to close the service, I played some traditional tunes as people shuffled to the door. The tunes included Green Hills of Tyrol, When the Battle’s Over, Scotland the Brave and Mari’s Wedding.

The administrators of the Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel did an excellent job hosting the family and making the proper arrangements to get everything in place.

On Saturday, December 1st I warmed the cold wintery afternoon with my Portland bagpipes at St. Thomas Moore in NW Portland. It was the first time I had been inside the church. It is a quaint church with lots of rustic wood panels.

Normally at some point I march in the procession or march out the family. In this instance, I provided background music from the entry hall. After the priest gave his opening blessing, I played Amazing Grace as the family marched down the aisles, quiting as they found their seats.

After idling for a while, I played Scotland the Brave as the masses filed out. Scotland the Brave was played about 6 times over before everyone had filed out. Many people were throwing appreciative glances as they left the church. I wish I could have them thanked them verbally but that would have required me to cut my pipes.

Last Thursday afternoon, I played my Oregon Highland bagpipes at a church in Vancouver. I arrived early to tune my pipes and meet with the coordinator. I would open up with a series of traditional marches and slow airs. Because of my extensive list and my experience performing at funerals I had every selection ready in head.

After tuning, I stepped out on the stage and within minutes of tuning, the entire church was filled with friends and family members. My pipes were a little cold from the weather but quickly warmed up within 10 minutes of performing.

My finale came a short time later once the fine men in uniform approached the stage and began the flag folding ceremony. It was emotional. As I stood there playing “Amazing Grace” time about, I was thinking about all the fallen soldiers and how blessed I am to live in a fine patriotic country where the men and women of the three branches protect us day in and day out.

Thank you Daniel for inviting me to perform for your fathers memorial.