I play the Great Highland Bagpipes (also known as the Scottish bagpipes) in the Central Texas area. I've been playing since 1997, and have been a member of Austin's Capitol City Highlanders Pipes and Drums beginning in 1998. I've played every event imaginable over the years: funerals, weddings, golf tournaments, political events, school cultural days, Christmas events, St. Patrick's Day event, parades, bar promotions, birthday parties, private concerts and more. I've also competed in piping contests, and I am willing to travel for events. My goal is for the audience to enjoy every event.
Our community event was certainly enhanced by Mr. Shackelford's performance! Prompt, professional, great communicator and very personable! We would certainly recommend and reach back out in the future for other events!
Response from David Shackelford, Bagpiper:
Thank you so very much, it was a pleasure :)
Photos from this event
Highly recommend working with David. He was a class act, punctual, and very personable. We booked him for a bachelor party and everyone was talking about how much of a core memory it was and the highlight of the trip. No better way to wake the fellas up!
Thanks David!
Response from David Shackelford, Bagpiper:
Thank you Gus for the great review! It was a fun time. Good luck to you.
When we buried my mother in Wimberley at the little Episcopal Church, family and friends came from Houston and Dallas and Austin and everyone was blown away (pun intended) with David's playing of the bagpipes. We are Scottish and so it was very poignant but I know everyone was moved to hear the sad and meaningful bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace as he moved on the periphery of the mourners who were all without a dry eye. It is important to note that he was not on-time, he was early; the price was reasonable and the payment was super easy. I highly recommend hiring David Shackelford for any bagpipe occasion.
Price Range: Contact for rates
First and foremost, I have never missed a performance and have never been late.
Upon booking, I am happy to assist in music selection. Many planners and clients are unfamiliar with the pipes. I can offer suggestions on songs, and I am happy to meet with either the planner or client.
Depending on the event, I arrive 15 minutes - 1 hour before performance time to check in and tune up. Often at check in, some arrangements have changed; I'm happy to adapt to changing situations. Sometimes songs need to be added or cut. This is easily done, and I'm adept at playing impromptu.
At some events, such as funerals, the service may go longer than expected. I am almost always willing to extend the playing time within reason.
I wear full Highland regalia, including kilt and sporran. I have two kilts; one is a Black Watch kilt (navy and green), and the other is a Royal Stewart (red background, commonly seen at Christmas). The client can request which kilt they prefer; often at funerals I wear the more somber Black Watch, while the Royal Stewart is more festive.
Most importantly, I am committed to making the event go smoothly. Ask any questions you like; I'll do my best to answer.
I've played at almost every type of event imaginable. Recently I was guest soloist performer with Austin Symphony Orchestra, performing "Orkney Wedding and Sunrise. This was a great honor and privilege.
I have lived in Pflugerville, Texas (suburb of Austin) since 1994. I began playing the bagpipes in 1997 under the tutelage of Wade Harper of Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums in Austin and Anne Wemple (pipe major of Trinity School) of Midland, TX. I joined Austin's Capitol City Highlanders Pipes and Drums in 1998.
Besides many of the popular and traditional Scottish bagpipe songs, such as "Amazing Grace" and "Abide With Me," I also play non-traditional songs. Some of these include "The Eyes of Texas," "The Aggie War Hymn," all of the official songs of the US military (e.g. "Anchors Away"),"Taps," "Happy Birthday," and even "Hava Nagila." I also have a wide repertoire of Christmas songs. I strive to make each performance special to the occasion, so if there is a song requested by a client that can be played on the Scottish pipes, I'm happy to learn it. Just please keep in mind that the pipes only have 8 notes and no flats or sharps, so not all songs are adaptable to the pipes.
The wonderful thing about bagpipes is that they require no set up or additional equipment; they also can be heard for great distances without electronic amplification.
Dallas, TX 
Bagpiper
90 Verified Bookings Mike M. said “Five stars is not enough!! He was talented, professional, courteous and very helpful with his suggestions. My mother’s funeral would not have been the…”
Houston, TX
Bagpiper
66 Verified Bookings Michael M. C. said “Richard was Excellent! His presence added a touch of class to 20+ year golf tournament by piping in the sponsors and then piping as the first golfers…”
San Marcos, TX
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44 Verified Bookings Melonie . M. said “I am so glad I found Derek Young on Gigsalad. I reached out the day before my father’s graveside service. Derek responded promptly, requested a reasonable…”
Rogers, AR
Bagpiper
70 Verified Bookings Desiree A. W. said “I had Jon play at our wedding and he was wonderful the entire rime with guests being playful. The bagpipes were beautiful and he knew exactly how to tone…”
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