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 his work, they know
the difference a professional makes.
Funeral costs begin at $200.00. Final amount depends on time, travel,
gas prices
and if I'm playing several events, (Funeral Home, Church or Cemetery).
also see Chicago Prices.
Paul S. Palmer, bagpiper
Playing at the Funeral Mass for Bishop Edwin M. Conway
August 13, 2004, Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago, IL.
Familiar Bagpipe tunes:
-
Amazing Grace: Hymn, most popular
tune regardless of ethnic background.
-
O' For A Closer Walk With God: Hymn,
good for church or cemetery.
-
Scotland The Brave: Almost the
Scottish National Anthem, upbeat march.
-
Wings: Another familiar upbeat
Scottish march. (not Wind Beneath My Wings)
-
The Battle Is Over: Retreat and funeral tune, good as military
salute for veteran.
-
Cliffs Of Doneen: Irish, good at
Church, cemetery or graveside.
-
Londonderry Aire: or
Danny Boy: Very recognizable.
-
Minstrel Boy: Irish, recognizable,
good for Church, cemetery or wakes.
-
Dawning Of The Day: Irish Folk Tune, goes well with
Minstrel Boy.
-
Wear'n Of The Green: Irish, upbeat tune.
-
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling: Irish,
Lighter Tune.
-
Notre Dame Victory March: Popular with those from County Cook.
The Bagpipe can be played in any combination of the following.
-
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 as a salute. (playing off at the end, is called
"piping them home").
-
THE FUNERAL HOME, leading the deceased out or as a salute at the
wake.
-
MEMORIAL SERVICE, at funeral home, church, cemetery or location
special to the deceased.
Special Note. Most bagpipe tunes are written just for the bagpipe. Some songs can be adapted if they fit within the narrow range of 9
notes. All bagpipe music is memorized and unlike other instruments, a
bagpipe tune can't be taken from standard sheet music. This is why many
popular songs can't be played on the Bagpipe.
Sorry, you can't send your loved one Stairway to
Heaven! The good news is I make it my business to know the songs
people recognize in the bagpipe.
Winter Rules: I still play the pipes in the winter but with a few
adjustments and luckily most funeral events are inside.
A graveside service is probably out but everything else can be
done. The bagpipe changes very quickly in the cold weather or wind.
Meaning, they go out of tune, especially when you play outside. 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 for short spurts outside if you are
careful, stepping out of the Church to play in and out or receiving the
deceased outside the chapel at the cemetery. Keeping the bagpipe at an
even temperature is a good idea and a challenge anytime of the year but
more important in the winter months.