Pipers at weddings

[EagleJCS]

I agree with Destin Scot - a set of fireside pipes are a quieter alternative to the Great Highland pipes. A few other quieter alternatives: shuttle pipes (also played exactly like the GHB), Scottish smallpipes, Northumbrian smallpipes, or Uillean pipes (the last three are bellows-blown pipes, as opposed to mouth-blown).

[Meggers]

The piper that I am currently talking to was saying that the room having carpet and furniture will soak up some of the loud vibrational sound. He also said he'd use a lighter reed to tone it down a bit.

What do you guys think is a good cost for a piper for 30 minutes? He is driving to Milton, WI from Naperville, IL which is a good hike (a couple hours) and he is asking for $250 for 30 minutes of playing. Honestly, I find it pretty reasonable considering the driving that he has to do. Gas alone is going to cost him about $50. What do you guys think?

[piperdbh]

I think the cost is (forgive the pun) right on the money, considering the travelling he'll have to do.
I don't know if it's been mentioned in thsi thread before, but it would be nice of you to have a lockable room somewhere in the venue that's the same temaperature as the wedding location where he can tune, leave his 'pipes case, etc.

[EagleJCS]

I think $250 is a great fee (rates for Louisville Pipe Band soloists start at $150 for local gigs and go up from there).

The carpet and furniture (and the tree) may absorb some of the sound, but it would still be uncomfortably loud being in the same room with a set of Great Highland pipes (unless the room is the size of a small gym). Even then, no one will want to be standing closer than about 10' for long. There's a reason I wear earplugs when I practice indoors (and my largest room is a little over 10' x 20', with an 8' ceiling). I still recommend trying to find a piper with something quieter.

A smaller room for tuning/storage is a great plus, but often we pipers have to make do with what's offered.

[Meggers]

^good to know. I will ask him what he has.

[Lorna]

Also, if he has to stick around for any length of time, make sure there is something to eat and drink(a bottle of water might be nice). This would apply to any musicians hired. Often the "band" is forgotten/taken for granted. This small gesture will be greatly appreciated.

[Meggers]

Also, if he has to stick around for any length of time, make sure there is something to eat and drink. This would apply to any musicians hired. Often the "band" is forgotten/taken for granted. This small guesture will be greatly appreciated.

No! He has to play in the snow and cant have any food ;)

Definitely he will be invited to stay. I couldnt imagining asking him to leave right afterwards. He'd be welcomed as a guest.

[Lorna]

He'd be welcomed as a guest.

I have no doubt.

As the Mom of two pipers and wife to another, I have taken a keen interest in the care and feeding of pipers for more than a decade.

[Deirachel]

You'll want to make sure he's aware of your invitation to stay ahead of time. Because of the situation Lorna mentioned, many musicians assume they should leave as soon as possible to not intrude.

[Meggers]

You'll want to make sure he's aware of your invitation to stay ahead of time. Because of the situation Lorna mentioned, many musicians assume they should leave as soon as possible to not intrude.

Good to know

Man, that would feel so awkward being like "K, thanks for playing. See ya." Idk. To me, its just common courtesy to ask them to stay. I mean, I know you are paying them and all and thats technically all they really expect, but it would just be a nice thing to do to ask them to stay for dinner and cake. They are people, after all. People helping to make your day special.

Idk. I was the kid whose mom yelled at her if she ate in front of people who werent invited to eat. I never eat anything unless my friends have food or I at least offer. I couldnt let musicians sit around playing without being invited to share.