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John Chalmers
- Oakville, CT
- Bagpiper
- Travels up to 60 miles
- Contact for rates
Overview
I have been playing bagpipes since I was 9 years old. I have competed in solo competitions and have won numerous awards in the eastern U.S and Canada. I presently teach individuals and bands, most of my students are competitive players. I am available to play for all occasions.
10 Reviews
I hired John to play at my son and daughter-n-laws wedding. Being I am of Scottish decent ( and also a Chalmers) I thought having a Bag Piper at the ceremony would be a wonderful way of adding a little heritage to a wonderful event. John answered all my questions and concerns right away. John suggestion to start playing as soon as the Bride and Groom were officially married and escort them to the cocktail hour ( as this is a Scottish tradition of "Good Luck") was a wonderful idea. We didn't tell our guests about having a Bag Piper being we wanted it to be a " WOW" moment and that is exactly what happened. John said he would be out of site as our guest arrived and while everyone was watching the ceremony on a beautiful golf course he was slowly making his way behind the guests . When the big moment arrived John started to play and yes it was a "WOW" moment. My guest were blown away. It made the wedding so magical. My son said it was better than he had ever thought, to be escorted with his new wife, (with that wonderful sound of Bag Pipes) as they begin their life as Husband and Wife . John I can't thank you enough for adding a little piece of my heritage and family name to a memorable and fairy tale wedding. It was a pleasure to meet you and meeting another " Chalmers " was special for me also. If you are looking for a wonderful Bag Piper for your next event do not hesitate to call John. (And you don't have to have the same last name.)
Bagpiper
Response from John Chalmers:
Hi Caryn, Thank you for the wonderful review! It was my pleasure to play at the wedding and to meet you and your entire family! The setting was beautiful. Wishing you and the family all the best, from one Chalmers to another, thanks again! John
We hired John to play at my mother in laws burial. Ida hit the night before. John called saying he couldn't make it out. This wonderful man talked his was thru the police barricade and showed up to play. The consumate professional. Beautiful music
Bagpiper
Response from John Chalmers:
Hi Amy, Thanks for the kind review. The service was beautiful and it was my pleasure to be a part of it. Thanks again and wishing you and your family all the best! John
I hired John in celebration of my husband’s 62nd birthday. He loves bagpipe music and considering this past and current year have been so difficult I thought it would be nice to bring a little surprise and joy to him and our family. John and I spoke on Tuesday for a Friday event. In the planning process, John was professional, courteous, patient, accommodating, and punctual. To surprise my husband, I asked John to start playing a block away beginning at my friend’s house to which he agreed. He arrived at the agreed time and was in touch with me as to when to begin. It was so much fun for the neighbors as they gathered socially distancing marching up the street behind him to our house! My husband was surprised!! John played the song list we had discussed and at the end, played and marched back to the start! He is highly skilled at his craft; plays the pipes beautifully. We had been watching the weather as it had rained most of the day and the sun came out just before John started to play. John made my husband’s birthday a day to remember. I highly recommend John for any function requiring bagpipes. I am so glad to have found him!
Bagpiper
Response from John Chalmers:
Hi Clare, Thanks so much for the review! I had a great time playing for you and your family (and the neighbors)! I'm happy that Mike was surprised and made his birthday special! Having the sun come out was a nice touch. Thanks again for having me play and wishing you and the family all the best! John
This was the second time our family hired John for a loved one's funeral. Due to the covid restrictions, John had to play outside and he maintained a proper distance. It was very cold and blustery, but like a trooper, John was there early and ready to play for us. We were again touched by his piping and everyone appreciated the beautiful sounds the pipes made as he played. We highly recommend John for any occasion. You won't be disappointed.
Bagpiper
Response from John Chalmers:
Hi Andrew, It was my pleasure to play for you and your family. Thank you for the kind review! Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday and new year! Thanks again, John
I hired John to play for my husband's birthday. John and the bagpipes were truly a special surprise as my husband's birthday took place in April 2020 - smack in the middle of COVID-19 stay-at-home quarantine. John was so kind and endearing. He showed up exactly on time and played wonderful music. The experience was heartwarming and uplifting, Our neighbors enjoyed the treat as well. I highly recommend John and look forward to hiring him for a future event.
Bagpiper
Response from John Chalmers:
Hi Gi, Thank you so much for the kind review! I had a wonderful time playing for you and your family(and neighbors)! Thanks again and all my best to everyone! John
John played at our mother's funeral and did a great job. His music was very authentic and soothing. He dressed well and had a very nice manner about him. He arrived on time and played the appropriate music for our solemn occasion. We highly recommend John for any event that would be enhanced with bagpipe music.
Bagpiper
Response from John Chalmers:
Hi Catherine, Thank you for the kind review! It was my pleasure to play for you and your family. The service was very nice and was happy to be a part of it. Thanks again! John Chalmers
We hired John as a surprise at a well-attended party. He cooperated with our requests, showed up EXACTLY when he said he would, and communicated clearly and professionally throughout the whole hiring process and the days and hours leading up to our party. I have quite a bit of experience with bagpipers, and you'll find none finer than John Chalmers.
Bagpiper
Response from John Chalmers:
Hi Sean, Thanks for the kind review! It was a pleasure to play at the party and to meet you and the great group of you're family and friends! Thank you again and wishing you all the best! John
I hired John to play pipes at my friend's wedding in Newtown, CT. John is a good sport as I had to hide him because we wanted him to be a surprise. The bride and groom loved being piped in and piped out of the church. John also piped while the church guests went through the reception line. Besides being a wonderfully nice man, he is an excellent player. He patiently waited while we took pictures of him in his regalia and while he was playing. Many of the guests commented on how touching it was and enjoyed his playing. I would highly recommend hiring John.
Bagpiper
Response from John Chalmers:
Hi Melinda, Thank you for your kind review! I had a wonderful time playing and it was a pleasure to meet you! Thank you for hiring me and hope you had a safe trip back. All the best, John
John is a wonderful and patient teacher who can take a student as far as they wish to go with their instrument. His knowledge and musicality is apparent in his teaching style. His reputation as a teacher is that of being among the best.
John is an amazing piper, his achievements show in the performance he gives. The professional services and appearance makes for a memorable event. His Piping style was exactly what we wanted.
Bagpiper