Funerals

As a piper I am often asked to play at funerals. Rarely is a sound so moving, or more fitting, as the moment when one hears Amazing Grace rolling through a cemetery.

A funeral is a very personal and emotional time for those of us left behind and the planning process for a service can be overwhelming. That being said, the time and place for utilizing the bagpipes is really a personal choice. Below are some common practices for your consideration:

Funeral Services

• Before the service the piper may play to announce the arrival of the hearse or lead the pallbearers procession into the church or funeral home.
• During the service is not as common, but sometimes the family will ask the piper to play a tune that holds special meaning to the family.
• At the end/after the service the piper may play as the pallbearers process to the hearse or lead the mourners as they exit the church or funeral home.

Gravesides

• The piper may escort the pallbearers from the hearse to the graveside.
• Often a piper is asked to play as the casket is lowered or as loved ones place flowers on the casket.
• As the mourners depart it is common for the piper to play a lament.

Suggested tunes:

• Going Home
• Amazing Grace
• The Flower of Scotland
• Highland Cathedral
• The Green Hills of Tyrol
• When the Battle is Over
• The Sands of Kuwait