"Leaving Lochboisdale" - an Air by John Wilson
KEVIN ANGUS - BAGPIPER & CELTIC INSTRUMENTALIST
Funeral BagpipesA Stirring Tribute ~ Always Respectful.It is an honor for me to serve as the bagpiper at a funeral.
Whether your loved one requested a favorite melody, you are harkening to your ancestry, honoring a veteran, or simply fulfilling a loving gesture, I am here to help you find solace with the stirring sounds of the bagpipes. |
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Choosing Music
Celtic Tunes ~ Scottish and Irish Songs ~ Hymns ~ Secular Melodies
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Played as guests arrive and exit your place of worship, or ushering the vessel to and from the sanctuary, the Great Highland Bagpipe evokes majesty for your loved one.
At the gravesite, the Great Highland Bagpipe played by a single bagpiper summons grace and remembrance as your honoree is laid to rest. The Scottish Small Pipes are a quieter option and are especially nice indoors during a service or outdoors with a smaller, more intimate gathering. There are many, many tunes, songs and melodies to choose from. The tunes you select will surely have meaning for you and will play a touching role in paying tribute to your loved one. I am happy to work with you to incorporate all that you need to make the ceremonies genuine and heartfelt. And, if you are unsure about making tune and instrument choices, I am here to help you select music for your ceremonies. |
Here are a few selections to consider:
- Flowers of the Forest - Sleep, Dearie, Sleep - Leaving Lochboisdale - Mist Covered Mountains - Amazing Grace - O, For a Closer Walk with God - I Need Thee Every Hour - Going Home (from Dvorak's Symphony #9) - Dawning of the Day - Oft in the Stilly Night - Taps |
Planning the Ceremonies for your Loved One.
Majestic and Graceful
We start with a free consultation.
- We will talk about the date, time, and location of your ceremonies.
- We will discuss how you would like the bagpipes incorporated into the service for your loved one.
- Before the ceremony as friends and family arrive
- Ushering the vessel into and out of the ceremony
- During the ceremony (as a meditation, as an interlude, during communion)
- After the ceremony as friends and family gather
- These can all be accommodated either at your place of worship, at the final resting place, or at a family gathering.
Veterans
- If your loved one was a veteran, please let me know. I am happy to work with honor guards and military personnel.
- There may be musical selections that you want to consider for your veteran including "Taps" and Service Hymns.
- We will talk about the date, time, and location of your ceremonies.
- We will discuss how you would like the bagpipes incorporated into the service for your loved one.
- Before the ceremony as friends and family arrive
- Ushering the vessel into and out of the ceremony
- During the ceremony (as a meditation, as an interlude, during communion)
- After the ceremony as friends and family gather
- These can all be accommodated either at your place of worship, at the final resting place, or at a family gathering.
Veterans
- If your loved one was a veteran, please let me know. I am happy to work with honor guards and military personnel.
- There may be musical selections that you want to consider for your veteran including "Taps" and Service Hymns.
the bagpiper's Regalia
Charcoal Gray Kilt with Jacket and Glengarry
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Ancient Angus Kilt with Gray Lapel Vest and Glengarry
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my arrival and coordination on the day
- You need not worry about the bagpiper the day of the ceremony.
- I will be onsite at least 30 minutes prior, will check in other ceremony participants (organist, officiants, cemetery personnel) and settle in to perform.
- I will be warmed up and fully tuned so the bagpipes are playing perfectly for the ceremony.
Other things to consider
- In-house Musicians
- I will work with all the musicians (e.g. organist, vocalists) to insure we are fully coordinated for the prelude, during the ceremony, and postlude.
- Additional Musicians
- I am happy to recommend additional musicians should you be interested:
- Bagpipes and Highland Drums
- Fiddle and Cello
- Guitar, Mandolin and Bouzouki
- I am happy to recommend additional musicians should you be interested:
- Inclement Weather
- If you a planning an outdoor event, we will discuss the options and restrictions based on rain, snow, and cold temperatures.
Service Fees
- All complete ceremonies (either at your place of worship or the cemetery) begin at $300.
- There are additional fees for time at more than one location.
- The complete Ceremony includes:
- Arrival Music.
- Music during the Ceremony (e.g. processional, meditation, recessional).
- Postlude Music.
- There may be additional fees for travel beyond 45 miles.
Kind words from wonderful family members.
Irish Funeral - January 2025
Mom would be so happy!
"Thank you, Kevin for playing the bagpipes at our mother's funeral. It was the perfect ending at the church - just the way she wanted it - with a cheerful Irish song on her way out. We have had so many friends and family tell us that it was exactly the way to pay a final tribute to Mom. We couldn't have asked for more."
~ Pat C. (Rochester, NY)
"Thank you, Kevin for playing the bagpipes at our mother's funeral. It was the perfect ending at the church - just the way she wanted it - with a cheerful Irish song on her way out. We have had so many friends and family tell us that it was exactly the way to pay a final tribute to Mom. We couldn't have asked for more."
~ Pat C. (Rochester, NY)
Irish Funeral for a Navy Veteran - January 2025
Wonderful experience!
"Kevin was so gracious and professional! The initial person backed out due to illness the day before the event. I contacted Kevin and he was willing to make the 2 hr 50 minute drive each way to perform at my Uncle's Funeral. He arrived promptly, played "Danny Boy" for the family at the final viewing, then escorted my Uncle's casket down the aisle while paying "Amazing Grace". My parents let me know after the fact that Kevin even played some bonus songs in the church after the military salute had been performed outside. This was such a nice unexpected addition! All this on a day which start out at five below, a very cold day. His playing was excellent and it was such a wonderful send off for my Uncle. I highly recommend Kevin.
~ Kelly B. (Emporium, PA)
"Kevin was so gracious and professional! The initial person backed out due to illness the day before the event. I contacted Kevin and he was willing to make the 2 hr 50 minute drive each way to perform at my Uncle's Funeral. He arrived promptly, played "Danny Boy" for the family at the final viewing, then escorted my Uncle's casket down the aisle while paying "Amazing Grace". My parents let me know after the fact that Kevin even played some bonus songs in the church after the military salute had been performed outside. This was such a nice unexpected addition! All this on a day which start out at five below, a very cold day. His playing was excellent and it was such a wonderful send off for my Uncle. I highly recommend Kevin.
~ Kelly B. (Emporium, PA)
Autumn Funeral - October 2024
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"My mom passed away unexpectedly, and I wanted bagpipes played at her funeral. I reached out to Kevin and he immediately got back to me. He was so kind and compassionate as I was making funeral arrangements. He gave me suggestions as to what he could do, provided his website to see songs etc. Kevin spent time on the phone with me to make sure I was happy with what we planned. He provided music both inside and outside the church and at the cemetery. He was fantastic when I asked for some last minute changes.
I have had so many people say what an amazing job he did and I completely agree. Kevin helped create a beautiful funeral. Such a kind, compassionate and professional man. Thank you!!!!" ~ Pamela S. (Penn Yan, NY) |
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Graveside Ceremony - September 2024
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"Thank you, Kevin. We truly appreciated you today!"
~ Angelica R. (Tampa, FL) |
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Graveside Service - August 2024
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"Your playing (the pipes and smallpipes) was beautiful and, I believe, just what my mom would have wanted. I appreciate your professional, respectful, and kind demeanor."
~ Alicia S. (Spencerport, NY) |
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Scottish Highlands Memorial - August 2024
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Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
"Kevin was a perfect gentleman. His musical talent is of the highest quality. His piping at the memorial service was a beautiful compliment to a loving tribute to my husband who was of Scot Highlander ancestry." ~ Catherine R. (Elmira, NY) |
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Funeral & Committal Ceremony - August 2024
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Exceptional!
"Presence, talent, compassion ... and a true gentleman. I'm forever grateful for the tribute you performed for my father. God Bless." ~ Joseph D. (Webster, NY) |
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Memorial Service - July 2024
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Powerful and respectful.
"Kevin was a beautiful touch to our ceremony. Very respectful. The timing of his music was apt to the occasion and brought great meaning to our memorial service conclusion." ~ Bruce M. (Clinton, NY) |
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Funeral & Internment - June 2024
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One more wonderful moment today ...
Our friend, Kevin Angus, played at the back of the church and again at the end of the graveside service until the last of the guests had driven away. It was an unexpectedly emotional moment. " ~ Ellen F. (Rochester, NY) |
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Navy Veteran Memorial Service - May 2024
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"(Your playing) was an absolutely beautiful ending to a wonderful ceremony. I know (Dad) was smiling down - so happy!!. Thank you so much. Your part (of the ceremony) may have been small, but the impact was huge. ~ Heather M. (Scottsville, NY) |
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Funeral & Dedication
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"Kevin played the bagpipes at both my father and brother-in-law's funerals. It was touching to have the pipes played for them. Kevin is an extremely talented piper - don't hesitate to hire him." ~ Vera C. (Perry, NY) |
Photo: B. Angus
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Bagpiper for Hire
Rochester, Canandaigua, Syracuse,
Finger Lakes, Genesee Valley, Western New York & beyond.
Rochester, Canandaigua, Syracuse,
Finger Lakes, Genesee Valley, Western New York & beyond.