Gus Person - Piper

It was an honor to play at the interment ceremony for David's brother, a USAF veteran at the Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. An Air Force Honor Guard folded the flag after I played a number of appropriate tunes including the Air Force Hymn.

Lisa engaged me to play at the interment of the ashes of her parents at the MT Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, MD. It was an extremely hot day, and the thunder and lightning heralded an impending thunderstorm. I played Amazing Grace, When Irish Eyes are Smiling and Abide with Me during the abbreviated service. It was very easy to work with Lisa who knew exactly what she wanted.

Franny engaged me to play at the wedding of her daughter and Chris at the Rolling Rails Lodge in Port Matilda, PA. I played outside the lodge during the cocktail hour prior to the wedding ceremony at the chapel. The weather was perfect, and the pipes were humming. This was an idyllic venue. I was pleased to support Frannie and her family.

Carolyn engaged me to play at her wedding to Joe at the Narberth Presbyterian Church in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The heavy rain prevented me from playing outside after the ceremony as guests were departing, but I played continuously in the vestibule with a selection of Irish tunes. I met a number of the family and friends who were all very complimentary.

Mr. Langley engaged me to play at the annual Memorial Day observance at St. John's United Church of Christ in Red Lion, PA. It was an honor to represent the Seaforth Highlanders of the Great War at this service, and to play the lament in memory of Sergeant Charles Mackenzie, killed in action at the battle of Arras in 1917.

Margie engaged me to play at a Celebration of Life in Mechanicsburg for a good friend who had passed away in January after a long-time chronic disease. I played a number of Irish tunes and the Navy Hymn to commemorate his military service.

To celebrate National Tartan Day at the McConnellsburg United Presbyterian Church, I was engaged to play at their worship service. I played outside the church as parishioners were arriving, and then played for the Offertory and the Postlude. I also presented a short talk on the bagpipes. I was dressed as a piper in the 2nd Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders in Mackenzie tartan.

Nicole engaged me to play at the Celebration of Life for a young man, a family friend, who had died too young. The event was held in a large factory building which had been converted to an event venue in Sunbury, PA. An unusually large group of family and friends attended. I played before the religious service.

Brain and I were engaged to perform at the Lancaster Dsy School for all the musical students and their parents. It was a most enjoyable and educational progrsm.

I was engaged to conduct a St. Patrick's Day program at the Legend at Silver Creek Assisted Living facility in Camp Hill. I performed on the Great Highland bagpipe and the Smallpipes. The large audi9ence was very enthusiastic and there were many questions. These programs are always very enjoyable.

Laura engaged me to play at the funeral of her mother at the First Church of God in Middletown. This is a huge church with high cathedral ceilings. The accoustics were fantastic.

Jacqueline engaged me to play at her wedding to John at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in State College, PA. This was a magnificent church and Jacqueline requested that I wear the full-dress uniform of a piper in the Black Watch. She was so happy that she danced to a reel after greeting her guests on the steps of the church.

An unusual event. Coleen hired me to play at the annual National Gordon Setter Convention at the Eisenhower Hotel and Convention Center in Gettysburg. I played twice: first for the introduction of three Rescue Dogs, and secondly, for the parade of competition dogs. The competitors and audience were very appreciative.

Martha hired me to play at her mother's memorial service at the Camp Hill Presbyterian Church. I played outside the Walnut St. entrance, and then played for both the Processional and Recessional. A great deal of planning went into this engagement. The large church was filled to capacity with family and friends. Martha gifted me with a very cultural remembrance.

It was a pleasure to play at the wedding of Samantha and Conor at the Historic Shady Lane Resort in Manchester. PA. The venue was idyllic, and I received many compliments from both family and guests. I played before the ceremony as guests were arriving, and then escorted the Bridal Couple down the aisle after their first introduction by the officiant.

I was honored to play at the Reception following the funeral of a 30-year Army and National Guard veteran at the Heritage Hills Resort in York, PA. The family asked .e to plsy Amazing Grace, The Flowers of the Forest and The Army Song. A splended but sad event.

I played at the Celebration of Life for Maryellen's brother at the Resurrection Cemetery in Harrisburg, PA. The celebration featured my own piping as family and friends arrived as well as many prayers and singing, and also an impromptu class for the children on the bagpipes and my piping experiences.

I played at the wedding of Ron and Christiane on a hilltp at the Eagle Rock Resort in the Poconos Mountains in Hazelton, PA. As the ceremony was concluding, the thunder and lightning began to ring the surrounding mountains. This was a Scottish-Filipino wedding which included features of both cultures. A most enjoyable event.

Daniel hired me to play at his wedding to Alexandra at Camp Puh'tok in Monkton, MD. This was a forested, mountain venue. I played as guests were arriving at the small outdoor auditorium, and then played for both the Processional and Recessional. The Groomsmen and the guests were very appreciative.

I was hired to play at the 90the Birthday Celebration of a gentleman in a renovated barn at the Millersville Bible Church in Lancaster County, PA. The celebrant and all the guests were suitably surprised. I played a selection of Scottish and Irish tunes and finished off with Amazing Grand and Highland Cathedral. This was a very enjoyable experience. The guests and the celebrant were very impressed with my performance.

I was hired to play at the wedding of Patrick and Beth in the Rotunda of the State Capitol in Harrisburg, PA, - certainly a magnificent venue. I played as the Bridal Couple descended the expansive staircase at the end of the ceremony. The couple had selected The Gael as a Recessional, plus a number of other traditional Scottish tunes. The acoustics were amazing.

Four members of the Regimental Pipes & Drums performed for the wedding of Patrick and Brittsny at the Star Barn at the Stone Gables Estate. The guests were amazed and the Guinness was excellent!

I played at the Robert Burns luncheon at the family home in Lemoyne, PA. I played as all the guests were arriving, and then throughout the ceremonies. It was strictly casual, so I kept to an "undress" uniform in MacKenzie tartan. A most successful event, and delicious haggis!

Jessica and Josh engaged me to play at a memorial celebration following the funeral service for a beloved uncle. I made an entrance from the roadway and played a number of sets in front of the larger family house. The welcome and appreciation from the family was heartwarming. They graciously invited me to share food and drink inside the home, and I got to chat with many of the members. This is the kind of engagement that makes piping worthwhile!

Judi hired me to play at the Celebration of Life for her late husband at the Dallastown Fire Station in York, PA. I was pleased to play as people were gathering, and then played Amazing Grace after the prayers. I also played later after the meal as people were socializing. The meal that was served had an Irish theme and the Shepherd's Pie was outstanding. It was great to work with Judi who was welcoming and accommodating.

I played at the Irish-themed wedding of Janay and Sean at the Linwood United Methodist Church in Marcus Hook, PA. I played as the guests and wedding parties were arriving; and then both for the Processional and Recessional (Let Erin Remember...the Days of Old).

Harley hired me to play at the memorial serice for a fellow alumnus of Bucknell University. This was a magnificent venue! At the conclusion, I played The Flowers of the Forest, and described its significance.

Trish hired me to play at her wedding with Joe at the Asa Packard Memorial Church on the campus of Lehigh University at Bethlehem, PA. It was a beautiful summer day, and the campus was packed with students readying for the beginning of the academic year. I played in the plaza outside the front doors before and after the wedding ceremony. An impressive event!

I played for the Convocation Ceremony at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. About 1,000 students of the Class of 2026 were in attendance at the event. I played at the conclusion of the ceremony as the staff and faculty and the students exited the auditorium and the center. A very impressive event!

I was pleased that the family was happy that I had played the Air Force song, and also Abide with Me and Amazing Grace, at the Silver Spring Cemetery in Lancaster, PA. The deceased had already been interred, and my performance came during a Memorial Service at the gravesite.

I played at the interment of the ashes of an Irish-American gentleman who died an untimely death overseas. The setting was a country cemetery in Wellsboro in northern Pennsylvania. Joan was very easy to work with and was very appreciative of my piping.

During the July 4th Festivities, I played a patriotic and military tribute in front of the Star Barn at the Stone Gables Estate. I received many compliments from the owner, staff and the public. This was my third performance at Stone Gables.

Lindsey hired me to play at her wedding to Trevor at the Drumore Estate in Pequea, Lancaster County. This is an idyllic venue. I played as guests were arriving for the ceremony, and then for the Recessional. Lindsey amd Trevor were great to work with. I totally enjoyed the event.

In Manheim, PA, I played at the annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at the Veterans Park. As a prelude, I played a number of Military Service songs prior to the formal ceremony. I wore the historic uniform of a Black Watch piper in 1942 in North Africa. This was one of the best Memorial Day ceremonies that I have ever attended.

At the rural Christ Church in Beaver Springs, PA, I played at the Celebration of Life of Pastor Jim's mother. She had Celtic heritage and I played a selection of Scottish and Irish tunes prior to the service which led off with a rendition of Amazing Grace on the pipes.

I was pleased to play at the 70th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for an Irish-American couple at the historic stone Franklin House Tavern in Schaefferstown, PA. It is not often that one gets to celebrate such a milestone. I was able to play both the Great Highland Bagpipe and the Smallpipes. I played a number of requests and interspersed my tunes with some commentary about the pipes, my attire and piping experiences. I also enjoyed a delicious dinner.

I played at an assisted-living facility for retired Sisters at the St. Joseph's House next to the Basilica of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American saint in Emmitsburg, MD. The Sisters were so enthusiastic that I had a hard time leaving. I played a number of Irish tunes on the Great Highland Bagpipe and some additional tunes on the Smallpipes. I also spoke extensively about the pipes, my attire and piping experiences. This was a superbly enjoyable event.

Ann hired me to play at three thirst emporiums on this Saturday morning which started out with freezing rain and then changed to snow by 8:00 AM. Fortunately, the driving distances were short. I wore traditional Irish attire and played selections of Irish tunes for the guests to kick off the St. Patrick's Day season. I received great reactions from all the guests. Thanks for the terrific Review and the photo.

Cynthia hired me to play at the funeral of her uncle at a country cemetery in Montgomery, PA. Her uncle's widow was especially appreciative and couldn't have been kindlier. I played as the cortege approached the grave. Following the prayers, I played while moving off into the distance.

At the St. James' Episcopal Church in downtown Lancaster city, I provided bagpipe accompaniment for the St. Andrew's Day celebration. The event was held around the fountain in the Cloister area. I played before and after the ceremony. A large number of parishioners stayed to observe after the regular 10:30 AM service. Many of them were resplendent in Scottish tartans. A most enjoyable event.

Lisa booked me to play at the funeral of her father in the rural Union Cemetery in McConnellsburg, PA. The cemetery was located on a low knoll, surrounded on each side by the mountains. As her father was a U.S. Air Force veteran, I sent up the strains of "Here we go, Into the Wild Blue Yonder..." as the late afternoon sun began to set. The grave was marked by an impressive Celtic cross which dominated almost the entire cemetery. Lisa couldn't have been better to work with, and her family and friends were most appreciative.

Jay hired me to play at the 90th birthday celebration for his mother in Lititz, PA. The family gathered in his backyard with other friends. I played a wide selection of Irish tunes, interspersed with some commentary about the pipes, my attire and piping experiences. It was a wonderful event, and I got to meet a lot of very nice people.

I was pleased and honored to play at this corporate fundraising golf tournament to aid the Covenant House of Pennsylvania; a most worthy cause. I played for 45 minutes and received many positive comments. A great event!

I was very pleased to play at this Golf Outing which was held to raise funds for a very charitable event. I had just come from an earlier event at the Army War College. The weather was perfect and the many golfers who attended were very appreciative. I will be very happy to play at this event next year.

Sean hired me to play at a Golf Outing at the Highlands of Donegal Golf Course to raise funds to support prosthetic devices for young children. The outing was a remarkable success. I played before the opening ceremony and also during the "shotgun" which opened the tournament.

Melissa hired me to play at the funeral of a family member at the St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley in Summit Hill, PA. Following the church service, I played a wide range of Irish tunes to celebrate the family's Celtic heritage. Melissa was great to work with and she was very appreciative of my performance.

A very enjoyable event. It was worth the long drive into the country to play at this family gathering on Father's Day. The family audience were most appreciative. I played a wide selection of Scottish and Irish tunes. Besides Amazing Grace, I closed the program with Auld Lang Syne and Will Ye No Come Back Again.