Services
Bagpipes at a Funeral
Music is important part of any funeral service. The bagpipes have been commemorating the loss of loved ones with music at funeral services for hundreds of years. Many people associate bagpipes with funerals and this is because they powerfully touch our deepest emotions; the haunting voice of the bagpipe express feelings that words alone may fail to convey.
Funeral Mass
Before The MassWhen the funeral procession arrives, the piper takes up a position the rear door of the hearse. When the doors of the hearse open, the piper starts playing and leads the procession into the church.
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During The MassSome churches do not allow bagpipes to be played inside a church during the mass. If your church will allow it and it is your desire to have the pipes play limited, or amount of playing to just one or two tunes. The piper can play at any point during the mass but they often play near the end, after the benediction for example.
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After The MassThe piper plays as the casket is being carried out. The piper may lead the procession out of the church to the hearse. When the back door of the hearse is closed, the piper may continue to play until the hearse leaves and is out of site.
Note: If the piper is accompanying the funeral procession to the Internment, the piper will stop and proceed to the piper’s transportation. |
At the Internment
When the funeral procession arrives, the piper takes up a position the rear door of the hearse. When the doors of the hearse open, the piper starts playing and leads the procession into the graveside or into the internment location. Tunes used for this are often retreat marches such as the Green Hills of Tyrol or When the Battles Over. Another popular alternative is to play a favourite tune of the deceased or a tune that was meaningful to the deceased such as a regimental march is they were in the military.
At the conclusion of the service the piper can plays a lament or hymn such as Flowers of the Forest or Amazing Grace. Mourners often place flowers on the grave site.
At the conclusion of the service the piper can plays a lament or hymn such as Flowers of the Forest or Amazing Grace. Mourners often place flowers on the grave site.
Special Considerations
Music Choices
This is something that you will have to work out with each piper. The Piper will already have several sets of music that he or she will know and intend to play. The piper will know a great number of tunes, but be sure to ask if you have a special request. Give the piper a few weeks notice of the request to ensure the piper has ample time to find the music and learn it if required.
There are numerous tunes written specifically for the bagpipe for any occasion. The pipes have a narrow range of nine notes. As a result, most popular tunes cannot be played on this instrument.
Examples of bagpipe tunes:
This is something that you will have to work out with each piper. The Piper will already have several sets of music that he or she will know and intend to play. The piper will know a great number of tunes, but be sure to ask if you have a special request. Give the piper a few weeks notice of the request to ensure the piper has ample time to find the music and learn it if required.
There are numerous tunes written specifically for the bagpipe for any occasion. The pipes have a narrow range of nine notes. As a result, most popular tunes cannot be played on this instrument.
Examples of bagpipe tunes:
- Danny Boy
- Going Home
- Flowers of the Forest (military lament)
- The Skye Boat Song
- Dark Island
- Paddy's Green Shamrock Shores
- Flower of Scotland
- The Green Hills of Tyrol
- Scotland the Brave
Outdoor Performances
Please bear in mind that outdoor piping can sound less than optimal when temperatures low. The piper is usually able to compensate, however, special considerations may be warranted to insure a quality standard.
Please bear in mind that outdoor piping can sound less than optimal when temperatures low. The piper is usually able to compensate, however, special considerations may be warranted to insure a quality standard.