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.
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 can get
several calls to play a Saturday funeral. I have also received a call
the night before, and that works sometimes. Don't
wait to call. It's my cell phone and I have it with me all the time.
Chicago-land funeral costs range from $200.oo to $350.oo. Final
amount depends on travel time and if I'm playing one, two or three events.
One event could be only at the Funeral Home, or 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
August 13, 2004, 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 as 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 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.
For your funeral needs, call 312-749-3940