Playing Bagpipes at a Funeral
The bagpipe has been used to commemorate the loss of loved ones at funeral services since many centuries. This instrument is therefore associated with funerals by several people. The invigorating music of the bagpipe strikes a chord with our deepest emotions and provides an outlet to feelings that words may fail to express.
A bagpiper for funeral usually plays before, sometimes during but not often, and after the funeral mass.
Before the Mass
After the arrival of the funeral procession, the bagpiper for funeral positions himself at the rear door of the hearse. As soon as the doors of the hearse open, the piper commences the bagpiping while leading the procession into the church.
During the Mass
There are a few churches which prohibit the playing of professional bagpipes during the mass. If your church allows it and you too desire that the pipes be played, it is advised that you limit the amount of playing to just one or two tunes. Though the piper can play at any point during the mass, it has been seen that they often play near the end, after the benediction for example.
After the Mass
The bagpiper for funeral plays as the casket is being carried out. The procession may be led out of the church to the hearse by the piper. If the back door of the hearse happens to be closed, the bagpiper may continue to play till the hearse leaves and is out of sight.
At the Internment
As previously mentioned, upon arrival of the funeral procession, the piper positions himself at the rear door of the hearse. As soon as the doors of the hearse open, the piper begins to play and leads the procession into the graveside or the internment location.
Read the article about – A Brief History of Bagpipes
Dan is an accomplished bagpiper from the Greater Toronto Area. He has over 40 years of experience bagpiping for weddings, funerals and other events. If you would like him to bagpipe at the funeral of a loved one, please contact at 416 768 4993 or dan@gtabagpiper.com!!!
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