"Music is God's gift to man; the only art of Heaven given to earth and the only art of earth we take to Heaven."
From traditional hymns to stirring laments, the pipes add a beautiful musical element to any service.
As music is the universal communicator, the sound of the pipes is tremendously distinct and can evoke strong emotions. For hundreds of years pipers have performed at funerals for heads of state, royalty, veterans and beloved family members.
Adam specializes in funeral services and would be privileged to honor the memory of your loved one through music. His extensive experience and repertoire award him the ability to personalize his services to best suit your wishes. If you have never used a bagpiper for a funeral service, or are unfamiliar with the practices of pipers at funerals, the following format is most suitable.
- Piper performs outside as the funeral procession arrives at church, as the casket or urn is taken into church and guests enter, or simply as a prelude while guests arrive (if not coming in procession.)
- Piper performs as casket or urn is taken to hearse and as guests exit.
- Piper performs as guests gather at the cemetery.
- Piper performs a final farewell tune, usually 'Amazing Grace' after the graveside benediction. Other tunes are also available for this if 'Amazing Grace' is not desired.
Of course every service is completely customizable, so any combination of the above is perfectly acceptable.
“Hi Adam, I just wanted to thank you for playing at my father’s burial service last week. It was a little tricky as they were sealing the vault and lowering it, as I’m sure they don’t often do that in front of the whole family, but you played the whole time and it sounded great. I think my father would have been very happy. We really appreciated your professionalism on such a difficult day. Thank you again.”
“I wanted to thank you again for the last minute request to play at my mother in laws funeral on August 6, 2013 in Rochester, NH. The job was well done and exceeded all my expectations. Thank you again for your fine service. The best part of the funeral was when you played Amazing Grace the second time and walked off in the distance. I received so many compliments on your talent. God Bless.”
“Dear Mr Holdaway-
The family of Mr. Daigle want to thank you for playing the bagpipes at his funeral service at St Matthias Parish in Marlborough, MA. Our Dad loved the bagpipes and having them played at his service was extremely touching. Again thank you so much.”
“I wanted to thank you so much for playing at my mom’s Funeral back in April at Holy Family in Concord.
You did a beautiful job as you did back in March 2011 for my Dad.”
“My mother and I want to thank you for the lovely job you did playing at my father’s funeral a couple of weeks ago. My father loved the bagpipes. His favorite song, Danny Boy, that you played after the service was perfect.”
“Thank you for making my father’s funeral yesterday so memorable and beautiful. My family really appreciated having you perform at the church and cemetery. We will remember it forever. It was a very difficult day for us, but truly a great send off for my father. Thank you again!”
“What an amazing job you did! You were professional, approachable, friendly, impeccably dressed for the occasion, more than on time, and most of all - your talent was outstanding! My family and I listened to your demo on-line, which was great, but to hear you in person does not even compare. Thank you for making our special day extraordinary! We will definitely hire you again and recommend you to our friends.”
“I wanted to thank you for the great job you did at my dad’s memorial service. Everyone thought you were excellent. Not that I get a lot of people asking me for pipers, but I will certainly give your name if anyone asks. Thanks again.”
“Just had to thank you for your performance on Sunday. While I am no expert on pipe music, I have cousins who are. Each one came to me and asked about you saying that the music was exceptional. They were all very impressed and my daughter was beyond excited to have you there. Thanks again. You helped to make the day perfect.”
“Bagpiper Adam is simply the best.
Not only is his music amazing, he is also very kind and very professional. He arrived before our set time to meet at my mother’s burial and was already playing. My sister Cheryl,who gets lost in her own backyard, said she heard the bagpipes and followed the sound to our mom’s gravesite. Adam was very attentive to the program and a simple nod of my head to him from a distance was all he needed to know when it was time to play. We have already requested that he play for my mom again on her birthday next year.”