Pipe music for weddings ... FWD
Kenneth G. Gordon
> this newsgroup and am trying to learn as best I can.)
Negative perspiration, as they say.
> I am getting married in March and I would like to incorporate a touch of
> Scootish culture into the ceremony. Specifically, I would like to have a
> piper play at some point before or after.
>
> So, I have a few questions.
>
> 1) What role (if any) do the bagpipes play in Scottish wedding ceremonies?
I don't know what role they play traditionally, but pipes are commonly
played (here in the U.S. and Canada) at weddings, funerals, birthday
parties, etc. of people who have some form of Celtic ancestry.
>
> 2) What music do you suggest?
It sort of depends on the piper. Highland Wedding is commonly played.
Rabs Wedding (a very nice 6/8 march) is often played, as is Mairi's
Wedding, which is also a nice Scottish Country Dance. These are usually
played when the couple is marched out after the wedding. Something
slower like (perhaps) Tyree Bridal Song, or Morag of Dunvegan (as was
suggested here earlier) can be used for the processional. Hire a good
piper and ask him/her their suggestions.
> (Are there some traditional pieces that are
> always included in weddings, or is there perhaps some piece of music
> associated with Clan MacLeod that I should consider?)
There are several piobaireachd associated with clan MacLeod. Most of
these are probably better suited for a funeral or a clan gathering, but
certainly the ground (theme) for The MacLeod's Salute could be a good
choice. However, it would take a very competetent piper to even KNOW the
tune, let alone play it without a good 2 to 4 weeks notice. There are a
few 6/8 marchs; The MacLeod's March, MacLeod of Mull, and a slow
air named MacLeod's Oran Mor which might be good for the processional.
There is also a nice hornpipe (dance) named P/M Donald MacLeod.
>
> 3) Does this seem like a good idea,
Certainly! As one Canadian guest at a local wedding for which I played a
few years ago said, "It's nice a see a little CLASS at this wedding!!"
> or am I just bastardizing Scottish
> culture by trying to meld it onto an American wedding?
Hardly!! Good grief! What better way to emphasize and pass on to others
some aspects of your family culture. You ARE wearing your kilt, aren't you?
>
> I do not wish to offend;
You couldn't possibly do that here.
> I would just like a tasteful way to incorporate a
> little bit of my heritage into my wedding day.
Good luck, take care, and have a very memorable wedding day.
Kenneth G. Gordon