Services:
Established:	2002
Employees:	2
Accepts:

 

Cherished Ceremonies	I HAD AN OCCASION TO SEARCH FOR A BAGPIPER AND THIS IS THE ONLY ONE THAT SEEMED PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS, I ENDORSE THIS VENDOR
GENEVIEVE CREATIVE	If you're looking for a bagpiper for an upcoming event in the state of Florida, we highly recommend the experienced and award winning HUGH THE BAGPIPER. They have performed in a wide variety of venues and events over the years... and they would love to be of service to your event as well. Visit them at www.hughthebagpiper.com for more details.
TampaBayDJ.com	What can I say about Hugh ... well, this guy is absolutely amazing for starters! My September 6th bride, Layla, and I were talking about 10 days before her wedding and she asks, "do you know a bagpiper? My Dustin loves the pipes and we're going to Ireland for our honeymoon, and he would just DIE of surprise if you can help me pull this off!". I found Hugh, called and asked if he would drive to Plant City from Cape Coral FL to play for less than an hour, and he said "sure!" Hugh arrived on time (early), dressed to the max, and upon my cue he started playing and walking into the reception. Everyone turned to see what the commotion was, because you can't hide a bagpiper .. and I thought Dustin was going to faint from shock and surprise. Hugh was incredible! He played a short set and then came back for a finale. He took Dustin's musical request, played it flawlessly, and then gave Dustin a quick pipe lesson. This was audience interaction at it's best, and Dustin actually played and held a note for about 30 seconds. Hugh created a "piping monster" that evening and the joy this man brought to Layla, Dustin and everyone that evening will be remembered for a lifetime! Need a GREAT Bagpiper? Visit hughthebagpiper.com and tell him Chuck from TampaBayDJ.com referred you!
Tampa Wedding Minister and Florida Beach Weddings	Do you need a Bagpipper, well look no further, Hugh is here to bring the pipes to you.
Mikes Music of Florida	Excellent service, and great staff. I would use this business for any of your events!
A Night To Remember DJ Entertainment	Very good at what he does...A must for traditional ceremonies.
Center for Family Enrichment, Inc.	Elegant and beautiful the sound of Bagpipes. I want to encourage you to this wonderful and great sound of HUGH THE BAGPIPER. You will remember this for the rest of your life. I highly recommend HUGH THE BAGPIPER and have a special and great experience. Rev. Tom, The Center For Family Enrichment, Inc. Odessa, Florida 33556
Abba Photography	I always enjoy Hugh's performance, professional appearance and great smile. Of course he plays a great bagpipe too.

How many members are in your group? I usually perform as a soloist, but adding another piper for a duet adds a wonderful harmony with the tunes we play. If a larger ensemble is requested, we can provide a mini or full band with scottish drummers. Our drummers are competition quality, and play snare, tenor, and bass drums.

What is your usual attire? This depends if the venue is indoors or outside. Glengary (hat), black vest, white dress shirt and tie, black Argyl jacket, Irish or Scottish Tartan kilt (all my kilts are 100% wool - and very heavy!), sporran, belt with a large silver buckle, piper's socks, flashes, Sgian Dubh, and our shoes (called Ghillie Brogues).

Do you offer live sample performances? I do have live recordings of several tunes are on my website (www.hughthebagpiper.com). These are just a few tunes from my repertoire, I have many other tunes I can play. We can review particular tunes you would like me to play, I will be adding more samples to my website with other pipers so you can hear how the harmonies sound.

How much time do you usually need for setup? I like to arrive 30 minutes prior to a scheduled performance. This is just to make sure I know where to be and if there are any last minute changes.

How much space do you usually require? Very little space is required. I can stand off to the side and play for arriving guests and/or lead the bride up the aisle. You might prefer to hear the pipes in the distance to give an elegant celtic ambiance.

Do you charge for travel expenses? If yes, how much do you charge? There are no travel fees for local performances within the Sarasota area. I frequently travel all over the state of Florida performing at various events. Travel fees are very reasonable and depend on distance. Please contact me for a price quote for your event.

Additional Questions and Answers

TIP
There are two volumes on bagpipes, LOUD or OFF, there isn’t any volume control.   If you prefer bagpipe music to sound quieter, I am happy to stand at a distance and play.

TIP
If you would like to request a special tune for your day, let’s make sure it works out on the pipes.  Also, please give me time to learn any new requests.  I have a large repertoire, if you aren’t sure which tunes you would like, I will be happy to help you make music selections appropriate for your event.

TIP
Bagpipes are sensitive to temperature.  Once the pipes are "tuned in" they will play nicely.  Changing locations such as a warm outside venue to an air conditioned ballroom may sometimes cause the pipes to change pitch.  A place away from your guests to quickly and discreetly retune will take care of this.

TIP
When should a piper play?  Anytime you want!  Piper’s often play outside for arriving guests, pipe the bride up or down the aisle, or as photos are being taken.  The reception is also a great time as these tunes are usually more festive and played at an upbeat tempo.  It’s your event and I am available to help you make musical decisions.  Please contact me for more details.

TIP
Sometimes a piper is requested to lead a group from one location to another.  If there are closed doors on the route, please have someone available to hold open the doors as I play through them.  Pipers can’t play the pipes and open doors at the same time.


DID YOU KNOW????

►  Bagpipes are one of the oldest instruments in the world.

►  Bagpipes are made from Blackwood.  If you dropped a piece of Blackwood in water, it would sink.

►  Scottish bagpipes are special ordered and handcrafted.  It takes months to receive a set from the time they are ordered.

►  Kilts are made from 8 yards of wool fabric.  They are custom tailored and sewn together by hand and can take months to receive once an order is placed.  Kiltmakers are usually located in Scotland or Canada.

►  Competition pipers have to march in step with a full band, play their chanter, blow the bag constantly, play the tunes perfectly with no mistakes, and avoid tripping on cords, rocks, kids, and anything else in road or field.  Oh! and look good doing it too!  All this is done in front of 4 judges walking around while taking notes during the presentation.

►  Generations ago, each family in Scotland had their own tartan they wore that represented their family clan.  During a Scottish wedding, the groom would present his bride with a piece of his tartan.  The bride would pin it on her blouse to show she was becoming a member of his clan.