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Bagpiper Stephen Holter
- Maricopa, AZ
- Bagpiper
- Travels up to 120 miles
- $225-$275
Overview
Winner of the 2022 World Online Piping & Drumming Championships in two categories, bagpiper Stephen Sutherland Holter is available for Weddings, Memorial Services, Parties, and Special Events in Phoenix and surrounding areas. Check with Stephen about piping for your events!
49 Reviews
Stephen was great. We reviewed what we wanted at each part of the ceremony and pipers toast and he nailed it.
He showed up early and was professional the entire time. Everyone loved the bagpipes and all the wonderful music.
We would highly recommend him for anyone’s future events.
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you so much, Erin! Thank you for having me be part of your big day! Such a beautiful venue and ceremony.
Stephen was so easy to communicate with and was so kind and professional. Beautiful piping.
Bagpiper, Funeral Music
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you, Kayellen. I appreciate your kindness.
It was our father's wishes to have a bagpiper play Amazing Grace at his military burial service. When we checked on YouTube for performers Stephen was the first one that came up and the same video our father had previously watched. We reached out to Stephen and he was nothing but professional and respectful. He was involved in the entire ceremony and knew exactly what to do and had perfect timing for each part. It was an honor to hear Stephen's performance and know our father would have loved it as well.
Our St Patrick's Day luncheon was a success & Stephen was a hit. They enjoyed his playing, but also his explanation's of history & his outfit, things we didn't know.
Bagpiper
Stephen performed at my work for St Patty's Day and did he perform! Staff absolutely loved it and raved about it, they have requested we do this annually! Stephen was awesome, early, great communicator and highly recommended. Thank you for sharing your passion!
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you, Daisy! I enjoyed getting to meet and perform for your staff. If I may of service in the future, please feel to reach out!
Overall Stephen was fantastic. He brought the house down everybody. I mean everybody really enjoyed this music and everything about what he did. One of the best bagpiper I ever heard.
Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment, Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Tim, you throw a GREAT party! I had such a great time performing for your guests. Absolutely a great gig. Thank you for taking the time to write your very kind review!
Outstanding
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you, Tom. Thank you for having me be part of your St. Patrick’s weekend festivities!
Stephen was wonderful! His performance brought our event to the next level and he was professional throughout the whole process.
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you so much, Leslie. That was a very grand event and it was a pleasure to be part of the evening.
Stephen was a wonderful addition to our celebration of life.
Bagpiper
Stephen performed beautifully for our family in an intimate setting. He was highly personable, professional and attuned to the people around him. He went out of his way to communicate and arrive very early, ensuring he was perfectly timed for a surprise entrance. Stephen was very skilled in his music, playing requests without prior notice as well as choosing songs to commemorate troops when he noticed a member of our family wearing a WWII hat; which we found very thoughtful. Beautiful music, total professionalism and a clear ability to connect with the audience and take it all in stride in an unorthodox environment. Recommended 100%.
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you, Kristin, for your kind and profoundly thoughtful comments. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of your family’s day. It means so much to me to be part of your vision for the day. Take care.
Mr. Holter played beautifully. My husband was very surprised as it was his Birthday gift from me, and our guest were delighted.
Stephen did a great job at my brother’s funeral,he played a beautiful amazing grace, that brought tears to many peoples eyes. Highly recommend him for any event!
Bagpiper
Stephen was the perfect person to end our celebration of life for my late husband. He played Amazing Grace at the conclusion and many tears were shed while he was playing. I was fortunate enough to see the entire room of friends and family touched by it. I endorse him 100%
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Jan,
Thank you for including me as part of the day to celebrate your husband’s life. From everybody who attended, you could see how much he touched people’s lives.
And thank you for taking the time to write your very kind review. Wishing you all the best.
Stephen Holter
Mr. Holter had a very long drive and he arrived very early so as to be completely prepared for our Veterans Day Parade. He added a wonderful musical element to the parade. He even availed himself to assist elderly veterans up onto a trailer, that really touched me. I would recommend him for any type of event you're having. He was such a wonderful addition to the parade!
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you so very much for your kind words, Gail. It was both a pleasure and an honor for me to be able to do.
Stephen Holter was fabulous, thank you Stephen, you get a 10!!!!
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you so much, Mary. I appreciate that you took the time to share your kind thoughts. Wishing you all the best. Take care.
Stephen Holter
The guests loved it!!
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you so much, Alison! It was a pleasure meeting you and getting to perform for your parent’s’ anniversary!
Stephen Holter played Amazing Grace and Dixie for us at our Confederate Memorial Day celebration. Stephen did a great job and many people commented how it was so good.
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you, Ed. It was a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for having me be part of your event.
Stephen Holter was a great surprise for our St. Patrick's Day brunch guests! All of us truly enjoyed his playing and storytelling.
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you so much, Lisa. I enjoyed getting to meet your guests and getting to hear their stories as well. Everyone as very kind. Thank you!
Stephen
Our St Patrick’s Day party entertainment. Rave reviews. Engaging and excels at his craft. Bravo, Stephen! Thank you for sharing your passion.
Irish / Scottish Entertainment, Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Leanne, thank you so much for letting me be part of the celebration! It was an absolute pleasure getting to meet you all and to be part of the day!
Stephen was so nice, talented and charming. The bagpipe was a surprise for my mother's 75th, and Stephen truly made the event one to remember. He even interjected some stories...was a great time.
It was a wonderful addition to our school event and was a big hit with everyone!
Bagpiper
Mr. Holter did amazing job for my wedding... My guest were very impressed with his music and very professional manner.. I'm only sorry that I did not hear his whole muscially talents because I was getting dressed . He helped our outdoor waterfall wedding at Springwood Villa in Verona Pa. a Magical experience. I am only sorry that he has moved to Arizona... I would Highly recommend him in the future...
Thks again for the playing of amazing grace and participating in our special day..
Bagpiper
Stephen was awesome, early, great communication. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Bagpiper
Stephen was great came in full kit. Followed our general plan. Right tone of music at the moment. Very happy. Great surprise for my new Irish bride.
Irish / Scottish Entertainment, Bagpiper
Stephen arrived ahead of schedule and was ready to go. He lead our graduates in their procession to Severance Hall and sounded wonderful! I highly recommend.
Bagpiper
Stephen stepped in on very short notice and did an awesome job. I would highly recommend him.
We hired Stephen as a surprise for my father-in-laws 86th birthday. The look on his face when he walked in was priceless. He loves bagpipes and Stephen didn’t disappoint!! He played the songs we requested and many others. We loved that he engaged us in the history of his attire and talked about many fun and interesting facts! Would definitely recommend and use him again!! 5 stars! Thank you Stephen for making his birthday special!
Stephen was at the event much earlier than I ever thought he would be and the event started at 8:15 am! The temperature was below freezing and I wouldn't have been surprised to receive a call saying it was too cold but that never happened. We were luckily able to warm up a small barn enough to keep the pipes cozy enough for him to play the military medley and America the Beautiful. Stephen also drove over an hour to grace us with his musical skills, the man is a class act. 100% Thank you so much Stephen!
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Bruce, it was an honor to pipe for your event. Thank for setting up the heat because that made it all work! Wishing you all the best for any future such events!
I can’t thank him enough for making this one final wish for my dear friend a reality. Stephen went above and beyond, was professional, courteous and kind. Michael’s wife, family and friends are all very grateful. God bless you.
Bagpiper
Was very accommodating and was just what we were looking for!
Bagpiper
The idea that you were able to embrace the element of surprise my now husband was such an amazing gift to he and myself. Your music was so perfect!
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you so much for letting me be part of your special day Ryan. I’m so glad the surprise worked for your husband!
Prompt, talented, kind & wonderful performance!!
Bagpiper
Stephen played as people were coming in for service and then Amazing Grace to end the service. My father always wanted a bagpiper to play Amazing Grace at his funeral. Stephen did a fantastic job and my father would have loved it.
Bagpiper
The Celebration of Life memorial service was for my husband, a Vietnam veteran who passed away in November. The service, delayed due to Corvid, was carefully planned and held at the Veterans Memorial site in our small Southwestern PA community. We decided to look for a bagpiper to play "Amazing Grace". Stephen had excellent reviews, ad we booked him one month before the June 12 service.
He provided easy access to open communication: we were in touch several times, including the day before the service. Working with the clergy, the military honor guard, and funeral director, Stephen was very flexible when there had to be a last minute program changes.
The service was on a bright sunny very warm summer day. It was as beautiful as I had imagined. But the final tribute to my husband, was provided by Stephen's flawless performance. He appeared from behind a beautiful evergreen shrub, walked around the memorial, then through the guests seating on his way up over the crest of a small hill. It was such a powerful and beautiful ending. The guests were stunned when he appeared, and in awe of his performance.
i could not have been happier and more satisfied. He did a beautiful and amazing performance.
I WOULD RECOMMEND STEPHEN HOLTER 100%
Bagpiper
10 star. ----Stephen Holter did much more than required. A true professional, compassionate, kind, and understanding Man. We were so Blessed, to have him at our service. He had no problems with last minute changes, do to weather conditions. I think He was a little shocked, of the crowd of Sober Bikers that He played for. He was very well accepted. I personally received multiple positive and pleasurable e-mails, in regards to his contribution to this memorial service. Thank you, Stephen. Prayerfully, Chaplain Gregory
Bagpiper
Stephen was a consummate professional. He was responsive and friendly in our communications, flexible in working out logistics, prompt (arrived early and was ready to go when we were ready), and gave a really outstanding performance with great stage presence, friendliness, humor and wit. Couldn’t ask for more!
Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment, Bagpiper
Stephen did a wonderful job playing at the funeral for my grandfather. It truly made the moment special and memorable for our family as we said goodbye. Stephen was flexible with the last minute changes and we really appreciated him playing during this time.
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you, Megan. It was an honor to be a part of his service. Thank you for your kindness as well. Take care.
Stephen Holter
Stephen was an almost dream come true! He was incredibly responsive and completely patient with my follow ups as I booked him for a surprise birthday gift to my mom. I live many states away from my mom and couldn’t be there in person - it was awesome to send another accomplished Piper in my place. She was absolute delighted! Stephen was the not only the consummate professional and incredible piper but friendly, full of awesome stories and anecdotes, and provided an exceptional experience. As soon as the rest of my family hears about this, they’ll be many more Stephen bookings in the future. Stephen was the perfect quarantine medicine we all needed - an experience we’ll remember as a family forever.
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you so much for your kindness, Piper. It was an absolute delight to get to pipe for your mom and your family. Wishing you all good health and happiness!
Stephen Holter
Stephen was available for our event last minute.
He was on time and extremely professional.
Asked all the right questions and cared about our needs.
He did an amazing job and helped my daughters dream of having a bagpiper at her ceremony come to pass.
I highly recommend Stephen and look forward to using him in the future.
Bagpiper
We have had Stephen play at 3 of our family weddings. He does a great job!
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you so much, Lori. It has been an absolute pleasure to pipe for you every time!
Thank you for your amazing musical talent on the bagpipes for my dad’s funeral. It made our event extra special. We appreciated your prompt arrival and professionalism as well. Superb!!
Stephen was absolutely amazing. Arrived early, asked exactly what we wanted and over delivered. Such a nice guy that really was passionate about the event. I was so impressed with this guy. In the future there is no one else but him I would even consider. Stephen, if you read this, thank you, we had so many positive comments about you and you made us so proud and the kids wedding such a memorable event. Thank you
Bob and Barb Tyler
Bagpiper
He was outstanding at our memorial event. The family was very pleased.
Bagpiper
Stephen was the perfect complement to an extraordinary wedding held at a 250-year-old family Homestead from the American Revolutionary War soldier in beautiful Western PA. Blending Celtic and early American traditions, he performed magically standing at the top of the original silo announcing the arrival of the bride on a team of horses and buggy through a beautiful half a mile long private lane to the ceremony. He played with life, skill and passion! He is the greatest kind of professional artist - his music transcends a single moment into life-memory while quietly playing his bagpipes exquisitely. The 160 wedding guests all felt they were taken back to another place in time. He was a joy to work with - can’t say enough about him. He’s the best!
Bagpiper
Amazing piper! Used him when I was married 10 years ago!! Same quality and professionalism! Very friendly!
Stephen Holter made our daughters wedding day truly exceptional! His talent was only surpassed by his professionalism! The music was fantastic, and using Gigsalad was incredibly easy!
We would recommend Stephen to anyone who would like to add bagpipes to their event!
Bagpiper
Response from Bagpiper Stephen Holter:
Thank you so much for letting me be part of her special day! It was both a pleasure and an honor. Take care!
Stephen Holter
Easy to work with and everything was perfect!
Bagpiper
Stephen played beutifully for my mom's memorial mass.Thank you everyone loved it.
Bagpiper
Stephen just played at my daughters wedding. He was so professional, but very sweet. He helped us decide on music and what was the best thing you do. Would highly recommend him
Bagpiper
Booking Info
Price Range: $225-$275
Languages: English
About
Stephen Sutherland Holter grew up enjoying the piping performances of his cousins, founding members of the San Antonio Pipes and Drums. Now, with over 25 years experience as a piper, Stephen enjoys returning to Texas annually to perform with his family at the Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio.
Previously a member of the North Coast Pipe Band, based in Cleveland, Ohio, Stephen has been a member of several competitive pipe bands. In addition to participating in award-winning pipe-band performances, Stephen has also been a medalist in solo piping competitions in the U.S. and Canada.
Some of the highlights of Stephen’s piping career include performing a solo on-stage with The Chieftans at the Palace Theatre in Playhouse Square and opening for a Rod Stewart concert. Recent performances include collaborations with the Piano Guys as well as performing in the Tournament of Roses Parade and Disney New Year’s Parade. In addition, Stephen has performed numerous promotional events for Bailey's Irish Cream, Guinness and for George Killian himself. Stephen also has extensive experience piping for a variety of special events including weddings, parties, funerals, golf outings, and St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Services Offered
Upcoming Booked Events
January 25, 2025 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | House Party |
Past Booked Events
October 18, 2024 • 3:30pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 24, 2024 • 3:00pm - 3:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 06, 2024 • 9:00am - 9:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
August 30, 2024 • 1:30pm - 2:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
August 04, 2024 • 11:30am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 19, 2024 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 17, 2024 • 12:30pm - 12:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
April 05, 2024 • 7:00am - 7:15am | Nonprofit Event |
March 17, 2024 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Cocktail Party |
March 17, 2024 • 3:30pm - 4:00pm | House Party |
March 17, 2024 • 1:00pm - 2:30pm | Holiday Party |
March 16, 2024 • 7:30pm - 7:45pm | Dinner Party |
March 16, 2024 • 6:30pm - 6:45pm | Fundraiser |
March 15, 2024 • 11:30am - 12:00pm | Corporate Event |
March 14, 2024 • 2:00pm - 2:45pm | Retirement Community Event |
February 04, 2024 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
December 24, 2023 • 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Surprise |
December 08, 2023 • 8:00pm - 8:15pm | Corporate Event |
November 25, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
November 24, 2023 • 5:00pm - 5:30pm | Worship Service |
November 18, 2023 • 3:00pm - 3:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
November 17, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
November 11, 2023 • 9:00am - 10:00am | Parade |
October 28, 2023 • 11:30am - 12:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
August 04, 2023 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 01, 2023 • 6:00am - 8:00am | Grand Opening |
June 09, 2023 • 11:00am - 11:15am | Anniversary Party |
June 03, 2023 • 7:00am - 7:15am | Surprise |
April 22, 2023 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
April 08, 2023 • 4:00pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
March 25, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
March 17, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Dinner Party |
March 17, 2023 • 12:00pm - 12:15pm | House Party |
January 08, 2023 • 5:00pm - 5:30pm | Birthday Party |
December 22, 2022 • 4:30pm - 5:15pm | Wedding Ceremony |
November 10, 2022 • 7:30am - 8:30am | Nonprofit Event |
November 05, 2022 • 11:00am - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
October 29, 2022 • 2:30pm - 2:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
August 18, 2022 • 8:30pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
June 26, 2022 • 1:30pm - 3:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 04, 2022 • 12:30pm - 1:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 21, 2022 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Wedding Reception |
May 15, 2022 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Graduation |
May 14, 2022 • 2:00pm - 2:45pm | Wedding Ceremony |
February 05, 2022 • 7:30pm - 7:45pm | Concert |
January 26, 2022 • 7:00pm - 7:30pm | Birthday Party |
January 22, 2022 • 3:00pm - 3:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
November 06, 2021 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
November 06, 2021 • 8:00am - 8:15am | Fundraiser |
October 09, 2021 • 3:30pm - 4:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 25, 2021 • 4:30pm - 6:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 22, 2021 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 18, 2021 • 7:00pm - 7:45pm | Birthday Party |
August 21, 2021 • 4:30pm - 5:15pm | Wedding Ceremony |
August 07, 2021 • 4:30pm - 5:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 24, 2021 • 12:30pm - 4:30pm | Birthday Party |
July 18, 2021 • 11:00am - 3:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 19, 2021 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 13, 2021 • 8:30am - 9:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 12, 2021 • 2:30pm - 3:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 12, 2021 • 10:00am - 10:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 05, 2021 • 10:30am - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
March 20, 2021 • 2:00pm - 2:15pm | Birthday Party |
March 18, 2021 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Cocktail Party |
March 11, 2021 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Product Promotion |
January 23, 2021 • 11:00am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
November 21, 2020 • 9:30am - 10:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
October 31, 2020 • 1:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
October 24, 2020 • 2:30pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
October 10, 2020 • 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Birthday Party |
October 01, 2020 • 3:00pm - 3:15pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 13, 2020 • 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Reception |
September 12, 2020 • 8:30pm - 9:00pm | House Party |
September 05, 2020 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 11, 2020 • 12:30pm - 12:45pm | Worship Service |
July 03, 2020 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 27, 2020 • 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 21, 2019 • 2:30pm - 2:45pm | Wedding Reception |
July 12, 2019 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Anniversary Party |
March 30, 2019 • 5:00pm - 5:15pm | Birthday Party |
November 10, 2018 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 28, 2018 • 5:00pm - 5:45pm | Wedding Ceremony |
October 13, 2017 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 25, 2017 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
May 27, 2017 • 10:30am - 10:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
January 14, 2017 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 14, 2016 | Wedding Ceremony |
March 13, 2016 | Birthday (Adult) |
June 06, 2015 | Bachelorette Party |
December 04, 2014 | Funeral Service |
October 19, 2013 | Funeral Service |
August 31, 2013 | Wedding Ceremony |
March 16, 2013 | Luncheon/Tea |
Testimonials
Stephen did a wonderful job with our wedding. He listened to our ideas of what we wanted and fulfilled the request fully. I would recommend his piping services to my family or friends.
-Doug J, 8/29/2009, Wedding, Valencia, PA
– Doug J.