Frequently Asked Questions

Shea's Performing Arts Center

FAQ's

Does the piper come to an event in highland attire? Yes. Anyone hired to play the bagpipes at a wedding, funeral or other event, should be dressed in proper highland attire for that particular event. This includes being clean shaven (or have a trimmed beard), having shined shoes (they should not be unkempt), wearing of the belt and sporran should not be sloppy, bagpipes should be tuned prior to the event and ready to perform. What does Highland Attire consist of? Generally, Highland Attire consists of a kilt, dress shirt, tie (depending on the type of shirt), vest (optional), jacket (formal or day wear), glengarry/balmoral headwear, sporran, belt, gillie brogues (shoes), hose (knee high socks for highland wear), flashes and optional sgain dubh (small knife). Depending on the type of event the piper is hired to do, he/she should be dressed accordingly. Why is there different rates among pipers? Great question! Rates among pipers vary because of many factors. How many years has the piper played? What is their level of playing proficiency? What do they think their time is worth? How far is the venue they will perform at? Are they dressed well (appearance)? How is their presentation? All of these questions factor in when hiring a piper. Rates between pipers can be as low as $150.00 or can be as high as $300.00+. So you must ask yourself, what is the quality/proficiency of the piper that I’m hiring? As the old saying goes… You get what you pay for! Do I need to pay the fee ahead of time or on the day of the performance? It depends on the piper. Some pipers only require the fee at the time of the performance. This can create a problem sometimes for the piper. If the client decides a week or two ahead of time they decided not to have a piper for their event, then the piper may have lost other work that may have come their way and turned down. Or, on the other hand, the piper may have found another gig that pays better or decides for some reason or another he/she no longer wants to do the job. For those reasons alone, some pipers require the fee ahead of time as a commitment not only from the client, but for the piper as well. It covers both parties involved. In that case, there should always be a written aggreement between both parties. What if I need a piper for a funeral service or surprise birthday party within the next two or three days and can’t pay ahead of time? In those cases, there isn’t time to send the fee in advance and in those instances, payment is received the day the service is provided. What happens if I pay the fee ahead of time and the piper becomes ill or incapacitated? In a case where the piper becomes ill or incapacitated and cannot perform on the day of the event, he/she should obtain another piper of equal or better playing proficiency for you, and transfer the advance fee to them on your behalf. If one cannot be found, the piper should return to you any advance payment made to them for the event.

Hiring A Piper Frequently Asked Questions… Does the piper come to an event in highland attire? Yes. Anyone hired to play the bagpipes at a wedding, funeral or other event, should be dressed in proper highland attire for that particular event. This includes being clean shaven (or have a trimmed beard), having shined shoes (they should not be unkempt), wearing of the belt and sporran should not be sloppy, bagpipes should be tuned prior to the event and ready to perform. What does Highland Attire consist of? Generally, Highland Attire consists of a kilt, dress shirt, tie (depending on the type of shirt), vest (optional), jacket (formal or day wear), glengarry/balmoral headwear, sporran, belt, gillie brogues (shoes), hose (knee high socks for highland wear), flashes and optional sgain dubh (small knife). Depending on the type of event the piper is hired to do, he/she should be dressed accordingly. Why is there different rates among pipers? Great question! Rates among pipers vary because of many factors. How many years has the piper played? What is their level of playing proficiency? What do they think their time is worth? How far is the venue they will perform at? Are they dressed well (appearance)? How is their presentation? All of these questions factor in when hiring a piper. Rates between pipers can be as low as $100.00 or can be as high as $300.00+. So you must ask yourself, what is the quality/proficiency of the piper that I’m hiring? As the old saying goes… You get what you pay for! Do I need to pay the fee ahead of time or on the day of the performance? It depends on the piper. Some pipers only require the fee at the time of the performance. This can create a problem sometimes for the piper. If the client decides a week or two ahead of time that they decided not to have a piper for their event, then the piper may have lost other work that may have come their way and turned down. Or, on the other hand, the piper may have found another gig that pays better or decides for some reason or another he/she no longer wants to do the job. For those reasons alone, some pipers require the fee ahead of time as a commitment not only from the client, but for the piper as well. It covers both parties involved. In that case, there should always be a written agreement between both parties. What if I need a piper for a funeral service or surprise birthday party within the next two or three days and can’t pay ahead of time? In those cases, there isn’t time to send the fee in advance and in those instances, payment is received the day the service is provided. What happens if I pay the fee ahead of time and the piper becomes ill or incapacitated? In a case where the piper becomes ill or incapacitated and cannot perform on the day of the event, he/she should obtain another piper of equal or better playing proficiency for you, and transfer the advance fee to them on your behalf. If one cannot be found, the piper should return to you any advance payment made to them for the event.