Why Pay the Piper
When a piper shows up at your event he or she is wearing a traditional Scottish uniform worth approximately $2000. Pipers are responsible for purchasing and maintaining their own instrument which also comes at a high price. Consider, also, that it takes years of practice to become a piper with the expertise to play at your function. The piper has to travel to your location and needs approximately 1 hour to acclimatize and tune up the pipes. We usually request a $150 honorarium plus mileage where applicable.
Piper Preparation
If you have a specific tune you would like to hear make sure to ask when you hire the piper. Pipers play from memory and not from written music. They cannot always play the tune you have in mind. You may need to provide an area away from the performance for warming up. Remember…the pipes are outside instruments and they are LOUD. Volume cannot be adjusted. If your event is indoors consider the size of the area where the piper will perform. Because the pipes are loud most people are able to listen comfortably for 10 to 20 minutes. Keep in mind that bagpipes can easily startle animals.
Booking
The whole band or a mini band is available for private performances. Please call for rates and availability.
To book a member of the Men of Vision Pipes and Drums of Cochrane please email manager Leslie Deans at info@cochranepipeband.ca or call 403.932.7446.