Metro Atlanta Bagpiper - Occasional Music
Funeral Bagpiper
Music is integral to funeral services, and none is more evocative than
bagpipe music. The ancient tone of the instrument seems to give voice to the
mournful feelings inside of us and touch our deepest emotions where words
can fail to reach. Bagpipes are heard frequently at funerals of those with
Scottish, Irish or Celtic ancestry, of police and firefighters and those of
public officials. The music is so touching to all of us that I make sure I
am available to all who desire to hear it. One of the most common comments I hear when playing in
public is "I want a bagpiper to play Amazing Grace at my funeral."
Bagpipe Options at Funerals
Each funeral is as unique as the life of its celebrant. The role of
bagpipes is very traditional at a funeral, and certainly no bagpiper
provides music at a funeral without including Amazing Grace. The most common
practice is for the bagpipes to play graveside at the beginning and the end
of the ceremony. However, there are many other moments in a funeral service where
bagpipes are appropriate:
- At the church, bagpipes can lead the processional
and the recessional, play during communion or provide special music at
any time in the service. (Well tuned pipes are appropriate and beautiful
in all but the smallest chapels. In those cases, I'll often play just
outside the open doors.)
- Outside the church as mourners arrive or are
returning to their
vehicles
- At the graveside as the departed is escorted from
the hearse, after the minister's words or at the end. It is very
effective for the piper to play at the end and walk away from the
graveside, with the music fading away as mourners say their last
goodbyes.