bagpipes4hire.com
Paul S. Palmer, Bagpiper
312-749-3940
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Funeral Information
For over 25 years, Paul S. Palmer has played the bagpipes at many
important funeral events in the Chicago, Illinois area. His
professionalism is known throughout the Midwest. Ask your funeral
director, chances are, Paul S. Palmer is already familiar to them. They
know my work, they know
the difference a professional makes. When
only the Best will do.
Please call if you have any questions about my services. I'm glad to
answer any questions you have about using a bagpiper. If you never hired a
bagpiper before, I'll explain all your options, what is a good use of the
bagpipe and what is not. I also handle all the coordination behind the
scenes with the other funeral professionals. If you are unfamiliar with
bagpipe music, I can make all the music choices for you. You can afford to
hire the best.
Because of the short lead time to arrange for my services, it's
important to call me as soon as you know the funeral details. I often
get several calls for the same day. I have also received a call the night
before, sometimes it works out. Don't
wait to call.
Chicago-land funeral costs start at $200. Final
amount depends on travel distance and if I'm playing one, two or three events.
One event could be only at the Funeral Home or only the Church or
just the Cemetery.
Example: The Full Package, in
the Chicago-land area, leading your loved one out of the
funeral home, in
and out of the church and at
the cemetery is $350.
For a list of familiar bagpipe music for funerals go to
Bagpipe Tunes.
Paul S. Palmer, Professional Bagpiper
Playing at the Funeral Mass for Bishop Edwin M. Conway
Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago, IL.
The Bagpipe can be played in any combination of the following.
-
THE FUNERAL HOME, leading the deceased out or as a salute at the
wake.
-
THE CHURCH, piping into and out of the Church or part of the
service.
-
THE CEMETERY, processing to the grave or chapel and after the
ceremony playing a salute. (playing off at the end, is called
"piping them home").
-
MEMORIAL SERVICE, at funeral home, church, cemetery or location
special to the deceased.
What difference does a professional make?
It's more than just playing a tune on the pipes any decent piper can
do that. It's what happens behind the scenes that makes all the
difference. For instance, you arrive early to coordinate with all the
principals involved in the service. The funeral director, the music
people at the church, the clergy and the military, all need to be
informed and on the same page. Not everyone has worked with a bagpiper
before and it's my job to consult with them and apprise them of how I
compliment the service. This is especially important when playing at the
church. I'm coming into their house and need to respect and work with
their rules. I have worked with the best in the funeral industry and
learned from the best, that's why I'm good at what I do. When you make
arrangements for a cherished loved one you expect all the professionals
to work seamlessly together.
Winter Rules:
I play funerals all year around. Winter time calls for a few adjustments
to keep the bagpipe playing, and most funeral events start or end
indoors.
A graveside service is probably a bad idea but everything else can be
done. Why? The bagpipe changes very quickly in the cold weather and wind.
Meaning, they go out of tune. Keeping the bagpipe at an even temperature
is a challenge anytime of the year but more important in the winter
months. Not only
does it sound like you are choking a cat but you can crack the
instrument when it's near freezing. Plus and probably most important,
my knees get cold!
You can play the instrument outside for short spurts, leading out of
the funeral home, stepping out of the Church to play in and out or
receiving the deceased outside the chapel at the cemetery. You just
can't stand outside in the cold and expect the instrument to play.
For all your funeral needs, call 312-749-3940