Using bagpipes for an evocative and memorable
wedding ceremony:
First let me say congratulations on your upcoming wedding,
and thanks for
considering the tradition, thrill and spectacle of using bagpipes
for your wedding ceremony music.
Having a piper for your wedding is a tradition that dates
back to the Middle Ages when they were considered the most
popular instrument throughout Europe and the Isles. One reason
for their popularity at weddings and other celebrations is
that by hiring just one musician you could get enough sound
for all to enjoy (no amplification required). For that reason
bagpipes are also ideal for outdoor ceremonies.
I regard being asked to perform at a wedding as an invitation
to a sacred space. Each wedding I attend is an opportunity
for me to uphold hundreds of years of social, musical and
family traditions.
Here's what I usually do for a wedding;
Fifteen minutes before your ceremony I begin playing to
entertain your guests as they arrive and take their seats.
Traditionally this was to "wake up the town" and
let them know something special was about to take place (and
to bless the space). The tunes I play are some of the most
popular and familiar (I have over 55 tunes committed to memory).
When the bridal party is ready for the processional I stop
and move to the back of the congregation (this creates a nice
dramatic pause and directs your guest's attention). For the
processionals sometimes I play a separate tune for the bride's
maids and then a special tune for the bride. (I like the tradition
of the piper preceding the bride and her escort.) Here I choose
nice melodic tunes that are easy to walk to such as "Skye
Boat Song" or "Morag of Dunvegan".
During the service I sometimes play an anthem like "Amazing
Grace", "Ode to Joy" or "Mull of Kintyre",
often as a gesture to those who have passed away and could
not be at the wedding.
At the end of the service, after the officiant introduces
you to the congregation as husband and wife I begin playing
a bright tune for the recessional (usually "Mari's Wedding"
or "Highland Wedding") and follow you through the
congregation. Usually at the doors you'll stop and receive
your guests and I'll stand a little ways off and continue
playing till the last guest. Here I like to play lively tunes
like a traditional wedding dance with the unromantic title
of "Stumpie".
Then it's time for photos and I'll wait to announce the
your arrival at the reception with the same tune I used for
the recessional.
I require a $100 non-refundable deposit to book the date.
The remaining fee is due on completion and your satisfaction
is guaranteed.
Consider this, for over 200 years a Cummings has performed
the duties of wedding bagpiper - aye! we've got it right!
|
