Mackay family home page

Welcome to Bagpipe Service by

David Mackay

David Mackay has been playing bagpipes for over 30 years. He was taught by his father and Grandfather and many tunes have been handed down through generations in a traditional manner. He has played in countless rendezvous, re-enactments, weddings, funerals, school programs, and other parties and celebrations. He offers to share this love of bagpipes with others.

General descriptions of programs are as follows,but almost anything can be arranged to fit your own celebration or event.

Rendezvous,

History Re-enactments,

Fairs, Trade Shows

and Community Festivals

Nothing can compare to the sound of bagpipes. Outdoors or even indoors they create excitement and interest that is incomparable to anything else. Everyone is drawn to their sound and immediately get into the spirit of the event or special occasion. Even those who have never been close to bagpipes before just love to hear the sound. David has been playing bagpipes at events for over 10 years. He has played as part of groups, as a pipe Major, or most often, recently, as a single piper. He can be a mark of distinction to your event by playing on a schedule, as a random roaming piper, or as a signal for announcements and other special events. Nothing can draw attention and notoriety like a real bagpipes.

David has enjoyed explaining the bagpipes place in history and how they work to the curious guest or other participants. He also enjoys taking part with other re-enactors when possible. He has participated in events spanning the French and Indian war thru the Civil War because he enjoys historic camping, He, when appropriate, makes his campsite proper for the time line portrayed.

Funerals

One occasion that is most fulfilling to most bagpipers is playing at funeral ceremonies. Music is the universal communicator and it allows for a sense of closure. Many family members and friends of those that have passed have shared with me that the bagpipe music began their deepest emotions and precious memories could be touched and released.

Funerals or memorial services commonly have a bagpiper. The tune "Amazing Grace" has become famous on the bagpipes because of how beautiful it sounds. Slow aires, laments, and piobaireachds can also be played before, during, or after the service. The sound of the pipes as people leave the ceremony sets a peaceful and serene atmosphere. David will appear at a funeral wearing traditional military, formal, semi-formal or folk highland dress if requested.

A favorite has been to have a verse of “Amazing Grace” and then several times as the piper walks slowly away while playing.

Why Bagpipes?

Since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, many have asked about the reason the bagpipes were played for the fallen police and firefighters. The playing of the pipes at a wake or funeral is a centuries old tradition among the Scots, Irish and British, particularly the solo piper as you might have seen. British military units often had pipe bands and would salute their fallen comrades in this fashion. In the last century, because of the large number of Irish and Scots in both the Police Departments and Fire Brigades, when one of their own passed away they would bring a piper in honor of their fallen countrymen. The tradition has expanded to honor any officer or fireman killed in the line of duty

Weddings

Enhance the most significant day of a couple's life with the beautiful, romantic and enchanting music of the bagpipes. David will be happy to work closely with you in all of your personal musical requests customized to your unique vision and needs. He has participated in hundreds of wedding ceremonies throughout the Midwest and gladly shares his experiences with his clientele helping them to achieve exactly what they want.

Piping the bride and groom in with the "Highland Wedding" or entertaining the guests with pipes during the reception brings excitement to the occasion. Lively and uplifting tunes put the perfect finishing touches into a wedding as the piper marches the newly wedded couple out.

David has worked extensively with wedding planners and coordinators thus making your arrangements flow smoothly. David will perform at your wedding wearing traditional formal, semi-formal or folk highland dress, whatever fits your wedding's special theme.

		Birthdays and Parties Birthday parties can be extra special if there is a bagpiper player performing. It is a perfect present for English, Scottish, and Irish folk during their party. A piper could also be used for a surprise birthday party, with the bagpipe player piping when the unsuspecting birthday person walks in. I can play the tune "Happy Birthday" on the pipes if that is wished. At a party it is a nice touch to include a bagpiper. Instead of traditional dance music, or even complimentary to it, a bagpiper would bring a touch of fresh air.