Eric Ouellette, Professional Bagpiper

For weddings, I usually am asked to play at the service. Although, I would also be open to performing for a reception crowd as well, we just need to negotiate it! For the services, I will typically lead the bridesmaids and bride in with classic pastoral tunes such as The Highland Cathedral. This can be done by standing off to the side or leading in front down the aisle, whichever suits. Following the ceremony, the newly weds are led out with upbeat classics, such as Mari's Wedding or Scotland the Brave. I then typically will perform during the receiving line, showing some of the breadth of my repertoire while providing a nice backdrop for congratulations to be expressed to the bride and groom. Funerals will typically consist of playing at the service, graveside, or both. For graveside performances (more common), I lead typically lead folks in with slow pastoral tunes, some of which are staple funeral tunes to the pipes, like Flowers of the Forest. During the ceremony, Amazing Grace is played at the appropriate time, and at the end folks can be led off. The mood can be tailored to suit. Some people prefer more somber mood, some more upbeat. I can easily handle either. Beyond this, anything is negotiable, we just need to plan for it! I am adaptable, and can adjust to many situations on the fly without compromising my playing in the process.

I have been playing the bagpipes for since I was 9 years old, in 1998. I have had the benefit of quality instruction since my early tutelage-- a venture which has been both time-consuming and costly! But, as a result, I have been one of the top pipers in the US since the age of 16 when the fruits of my labor were realized and I was upgraded to the status of "professional" by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association. This is, worldwide, the highest grading that a piper can compete in.
Since being upgraded to the professional grade, I have taken prizes regularly in the United States, Canada and Scotland. In 2014, I took a first place in the B grade Strathspey and Reel event at the Argyllshire Gathering in Oban, Scotland. This is one of the most prestigious contests in the world, and in terms of competitive success, a significant milestone which only a few others in the United States can claim to have achieved. I have been able to confidently advertise that I am the highest quality bagpiper in Central New York not only because of my competitive success, but my professionalism in hired performances, and the satisfaction people find in my services.
When it comes to my pricing, I do my best to stay competitive. However, in my case you absolutely get what you pay for, and more! I am highly accomplished, and have only ever had satisfied customers over the past fifteen years. People often think that the difference between well- and poorly-played pipes is not noticeable. This is ABSOLUTELY not true! Many people are prepared to pay an arm and a leg to assure the aesthetics of their event are properly handled (flowers, decor, etc.). The musical atmosphere is just as important. I've seen too many examples on youtube of people performing publicly who have no business doing so. You only get married once; don't let a sub-par musician make it anything less spectacular than it should be! Although my fee may be slightly higher than others, I do this because I am distinguishable from the rest, and I will deliver a high quality performance. As with any instrument, musicianship is discernible, even if the tunes aren't recognizable pop classics. I am fully prepared to supply examples of my ability for quality assurance, and would love to work with you for your next event!
Thanks for your interest!

An important note: bagpipes are a loud instrument! This is never a serious problem in an outdoor setting, but if indoor venues are very small or intimate, the volume may be an important consideration and we should discuss solutions so that guests are not overwhelmed. Often times, a solution to any potential issue is fairly simple.