Yorkshire Piper
SO you want to hire a bagpipe player?
My name is Mark Jamieson and I’ve been playing bagpipes for longer than I care to remember. I suppose I could start going on about all the sense of pomp and ceremony the bagpipes will bring to your special day. I could also say that there’s nothing quite like the bagpipes to “stir the blood”. I could go on and on about it……., but I won’t as you already know all this. Why else would you be here? I would think you’re looking for a bagpiper to play at a wedding, party or something like that and you’re wondering who’s available and how much will they cost.
Hiring a proficient bagpiper for your special occasion can be a daunting task. Bagpipes, when played by a competent piper are in a class of their own and add a truly unique ambiance to any event. Bagpipes played badly however sound like several stray cats having a significant difference of opinion whilst trapped inside a dustbin!! It pays dividends to check out potential bagpipers for your wedding, party or other special event before you consider paying good money for an awful performance!!!
Some feedback I've received over the years
I have attended many events where I've been told "I wish we found you earlier! We had a different piper at our last function and he was awful." I'll repeat what I said on my front page, there is nothing worse than a set of poorly maintained bagpipes being played by an inexperienced or poorly taught performer. Apart from damaging the reputation of the bagpipes, to take money for for doing it really does take the biscuit!
"Hi Mark,
Just thought I would drop you a quick email to say thank you for playing on our wedding day on Sunday. It felt amazing when you played as I walked up the church path. Pipes always make me emotional as they remind me of home and you took me home on my day.
Andy and I were so happy you played a pipers toast at our reception, it added something extra special to our day that we will always remember. Many of our guests have commented how good you were. They were surprised we found such a good Scottish piper in Yorkshire. Thank you so much for making our day extra memorable."
Just thought I would drop you a quick email to say thank you for playing on our wedding day on Sunday. It felt amazing when you played as I walked up the church path. Pipes always make me emotional as they remind me of home and you took me home on my day.
Andy and I were so happy you played a pipers toast at our reception, it added something extra special to our day that we will always remember. Many of our guests have commented how good you were. They were surprised we found such a good Scottish piper in Yorkshire. Thank you so much for making our day extra memorable."
Mr & mrs Carr
Just a quick note to say Thank You so much for your amazing services on our wedding day. Not only were you able to attend at such short notice (next day) you were willing to travel to Spalding, Lincs. My wife and I hold you in the highest of regards, making our day that extra special. We cant wait to receive our wedding DVD to re live the day. I will and already have recommended you to others as you was nothing but excellent. So once again Thank You and also cheers for the shot of whisky during the pipers toast it slipped down a treat. Take care and all the best. Kindest of Regards Mr & Mrs Tyrie"
Mr & Mrs Tyrie
Bagpipe Tunes you can choose from
Tunes are grouped into below by general theme but please don’t let this restrict your choice. Their main purpose is to set your mind at rest that you are not hiring a donkey to perform at your event. If you have specific tune that you want, let me know and I’ll put it onto this page for you to listen to.
Tunes are saved in mp3 format and by clicking on the title, they should play in Windows Media Player or your alternative preferred piece of software. If they don’t open straight away, right click the link and select “Save target as” to your desktop. You can then open them from within your media player.
Some of the bagpipe tunes below were recorded using a Fagerstrom Technopipe, others such as Scotland the Brave is played on my actual bagpipes. The Technopipe is an electronic set of bagpipes and I use them as they allow for easier recording. They also give a reasonable representation of the Great Highland Bagpipe. Obviously, I use real highland bagpipes on the day so the tunes will sound even better live.
I often use the Fagerstrom to warm up my fingers before a function so if you see me sitting in a corner tapping my fingers on what looks like a stick with earphones, I’m practicing. I may even let you have a go as they don’t involve any blowing or bag squeezing to get a tune. For those doubters amongst you, other than using a fade at both ends, the files have not been altered in any way. They are a pretty accurate representation of my playing capabilities and style.