Highland
bagpipe music expresses strong feelings, ranging from joy to sorrow. In recognition of this, bagpipes have long
been
associated with many aspects of Celtic life, including gatherings for
the
commemoration of birth, marriage, and the end of life.
In Scotland the pipes have been used to mark
the passing of kings, clan chiefs, as well as members of the clans. You
may wish
to incorporate the traditional bagpipe music as part of the memorial to
a loved
one.
Appropriate opportunities
for use of bagpipe music
include the following:
- Playing for the wake or
visitation.
- Playing outside as
friends gather
for the funeral or memorial service.
- Preceding the casket down
the aisle
as it is brought into the service.
- Providing part of the
special
religious or traditional music during the service.
- Preceding the casket as
it is
removed at the end of the service.
- Playing outside as
friends are
leaving the service.
- Playing at the graveside
as
friends are gathering.
- Playing at the end of the graveside service as friends are departing.
You and those helping to arrange the service may determine when you feel bagpipe music most appropriate for the service and for the size of the facilities. For instance, in Arlington National Cemetery, the administrators usually request that bagpipe music be played only at the conclusion of the graveside service. The bagpipes have only one level of volume and may be overpowering in a small chapel. In such cases, the piper may play in the entrance way or just outside the chapel. I would welcome the opportunity to work with you to adapt the bagpipe music to your needs. Some churches do not allow the playing of pipes in the sanctuary; some allow piping only in the narthex at the start and end of the service.
Click Here to look at and listen to a list of suggested tunes for funeral services.
Click Here for more information on Piping for Military Services
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