Scottish Piper for Weddings; Birthdays; Memorials or Special Events
Very experienced bagpipe player. Have played in solo competitions and in several pipe bands. Played in several Tattoos: Canada; Edinburgh, Scotland; Basel, Switzerland & den Bosch in the Netherlands. Most events are done with formal dress as in my profile picture. Full dress with horse hair sporran, feather bonnet, plaid and white spats is also available at extra cost. All fees are based on location, travel time, time required at the event and type of dress. Tunes for all occasions can be played expertly. I prefer to discuss music prior to your event. A drummer can also be arranged if you wish to have both.
I work for a Dental Specialty College and every September we have a Convocation Ceremony in different parts of Canada - in 2024, it was held in Victoria, BC. I put the request out on Gig Salad and Piper Barney expressed his interest in for leading the procession and recession line. Piper Barny was extremely professional and thoroughly listened to the College's requests, played fantastically (without warming up), and even stayed with no hassle when speeches were going over time which resulted him staying longer than the contracted time. I highly recommend Piper Barny for any upcoming event and we will definitely contact him again for future convocation ceremonies in British Columbia.
Response from Piper Barney:
Thank you Leena. It was a pleasure working with you and I learned a lot about dental specialties.
Piperbarney
Piper Barney was the perfect addition to our wedding! He piped the beautiful bride down the aisle and piped us out! It was a beautiful performance and he even threw in some Aussie flair for the bride’s family!
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanks Stuart & for the tip. Enjoyed the wedding
Piper Barney was amazing! Would highly recommend him if you're looking for a piper!
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanx Cam. It was a great experience at the Castle
Barney was wonderful to have as our pre-ceremony and wedding processional music. His collection of highland tunes are wonderful and classic, which added exactly the Scottish flair we hoped for to the ceremony. He even learned the Jurassic park theme song as a special treat for my husband, which played as we exited the ceremony. Wonderful job and wonderful to work with. Thank you Barney!
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanx Erin. It was a wonderful experience at Craigflower Manor.
Photos from this event
We hired Piper Barney for our Mothers Roses & Noses Love Celebration which took place on a lovely local beach. From start to finish Bryon was so very kind, patient and helpful. He answered all our numerous questions, assisted in music choices and basically MC'd the event by letting us know what was coming up. This allowed us to prepare for the throwing of fresh roses & ashes into the ocean or where to stand to allow everyone to hold hands and sing. He arrived on time, was dressed resplendently in full formal uniform, played absolutely brilliantly and professionally and took all the stress out of planning. He was amazing!! We would definitely hire him again! He gets 10 out of 10 stars!!!
Response from Piper Barney:
Jane: I loved the event, and the pictures. I'm sure your Mom was very pleased. It was one that I will always remember.
Photos from this event
What an incredible experience we had working with Byron! We hired him to play a tune for our wedding ceremony exit, in honor of my Scottish born husband, and it truly elevated our whole day. When we first decided we wanted to have bagpipes at the wedding we met with Byron in the park and he played us a few selections to choose from, that moment in itself was pretty magical too. We then chose a song, connected him to our wedding planner, and then a few months later, Byron showed up on our wedding day and gave the most incredible performance done in such a professional and elegant manner. To anyone who loves the bagpipes and wants to make their event elegant and different from the rest, I would highly suggest Byron. Talented, kind, professional and all around wonderful! I'd give him ten stars if I could!
Response from Piper Barney:
Paget: it was a wonderful experience at the Empress in Victoria. Thank you.
****
Discreet, and attentive.
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanx Phyllis- beautiful day
Piper Barney did an excellent job playing at a recent wedding; the guests and bride & groom were enthralled by the music! It was a unique and lovely experience and we look forward to working with him again.
Response from Piper Barney:
thanx Emma - it was a great day and location at Cedar Haven in Sooke. Au Natural!
We had a great expirience with Piper Barney! Would definetly recommend
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanx Cara. The waters edge memorial with family was wonderful.
Perfect day and a perfect gentleman Barney.
The pipes added a great flavour to the my wife’s big birthday and of course it was coronation day
Great fun and a wonderful way to start the party
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanks Lorne: Great picture of your beautiful wife and piper in background. Loved the tiaras and the hats of all the ladies.
Photos from this event
Piper Barney was very pleasant to work with. I would recommend him.
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanx Fiona - it was a very nice setting at Turkey Point, and the rain held off.
Piper Barney came to my home on Mother's Day. My Mum, Dad and Mother-In-Law were all here. My mum cried tears of joy the whole time Piper Barney played. This was such an amazing experience for everyone, even the neighbours were out recording and enjoying this with us.
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanks Nessa. I really enjoyed playing for the Moms and the neighbours.
Piper Barney is an excellent piper and we would recommend him for any future event.
Response from Piper Barney:
thank you Gloria
My family and I hired Piper Barney for my Mom’s interment. He was an amazing bagpiper and a super nice fellow. He played an assortment of Scottish ballads that both him and our family had chosen for Mom’s service. Piper Barney is well worth having play privately and he would be so great for many different functions. We are so happy we chose Piper Barney. Thank you so much for your talent & experience. You brought our family great joy and sentimental memories playing the Scottish ballads you played. Thank you from our entire family.
Response from Piper Barney:
Thank you very much Sandy. It was a lovely memorial service. Many of the memories expressed reminded me of my own mother.
Piper Barney played beautifully. He played our song choices and selected another song to complement the occasion. Piper Barney was professional, friendly, arrived early and was completely prepared to support the celebration of life. I highly recommend Piper Barney.
Response from Piper Barney:
Thank you Alanna. It was a pleasure.
This was truly a wonderful surprise for my Mom’s 70th birthday!
Piper Barney was very easy to deal with, responsive, and played beautifully! I would highly recommend to bagpipe lovers! Thank you again!
Response from Piper Barney:
Taya: thanx for the Review. I was a delight to meet your Mom and Ted. I could tell your Mom was very surprised and appreciative of your thoughtfullness. You & Ted were very generous. Thank you.
Wonderful experience! Very easy and straight forward to book Piper Barney. The surprise bagpiper made my Mom's Birthday special!
Thank you!
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanks Tegan: It was great to see that this was a total surprise for your Mom and that she enjoyed it. The sun came out too, just in time. Thanks also for the generous tip.
Piper Barney was the best surprise for our Dads 90th birthday! Dad was thrilled! Piper Barney was fantastic. So organized, kind and not to mention a knock out player. He arrived on time and was so easy to coordinate with. Thank you so much! You made our Dads birthday something special.
Response from Piper Barney:
Sarah: thanx for your kind comments. I really enjoyed seeing your Dad tap his foot to the music and chatting briefly with him. What a guy! With a foot of snow today (Feb 13, 2021) in Victoria, your Dad & family lucked out on the weather yesterday.
Both Barney and Colin were absolutely amazing! I don't think I've heard a better piper and they made our Robert Burns night truly memorable - everyone had a smashing night.
Thank you gents, you're true professionals and I couldn't recommend you enough.
Kind regards,
Morgan Watson
Director
Bartholomew's Public House
Response from Piper Barney:
Morgan: thanx for the review. It was a blast. We really enjoyed participating.
Photos from this event
We had a great time with Byron for my partner's 75th birthday. Due to Covid, we had Byron play in our cul de sac with our neighbors at the end of the driveway. We had champagne and cake and what a great celebration it was! Would definitely hire him again!
Response from Piper Barney:
thanx Tas. Jeremy looked resplendent in his formal kilted outfit. Good to see the friends and neighbours too.
Hiring Barney was a Covid friendly way of celebrating my husband‘s birthday. Barney is a talented performer And well worth the money.
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanks Anne. I enjoyed the early morning outing at the Oak Bay Marina.
Our family retained Piper Barney to perform for our grandmother’s 90th birthday as an outdoor concert at her senior’s residence. Piper Barney was courteous and easy to communicate with in the days leading up to the concert and was prompt in his replies. The birthday girl, Scottish by heritage, was delighted by the song selections and of course the quality piping. It will be a memory she will hold close to her heart for years to come. Thank you Piper Barney for making our grandmother’s 90th even more special. We too cherish this time that has put a smile on her face. We would not hesitate to hire Piper Barney again! ☺️
Response from Piper Barney:
Briar: thank you for your kind reply. It was a pleasure to meet your Mom, Colleen, and others. I love to see folks sing along with some of the tunes. Grandma was great. Thanks to the gent who gave me a tip for a "dram".
Byron was excellent. He arrived right on time in full dress. He's an excellent musician and played a number of well-known pipe tunes. Made for a memorable event for us.
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanks Tony. Good to meet you all and recognize some common history.
Piper Barney played the bagpipes for my parents. I knew it would make them happy as it has been hard not to see them due to Covid. They can not stop talking about how wonderful the experience was for them!
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanks very much Tracy. Enjoyed doing the gig. Everyone seemed to be in the Scots/Christmas spirit.
Piper Barney was fantastic. He was professional, prompt, looked fantastic, and played a beautiful set for the audience. He wasn't phased by the Covid protocols - the strange concert outside the window with the audience inside, and I think his bagpipes survived the wind and rain! Since it was mid-December, Piper Barney threw in some Christmas carols, Happy Birthday (of course!) and finished with Auld Lang Syne. We could see my Scottish mother singing along. It was a very special event! Thanks again, Byron.
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanks Christina: I enjoyed watching your Mom sing the words to Auld Lang Syne and seeing quite a few other residents enjoying themselves in the background.
I was very grateful for Piper Barney's responsiveness and flexibility as I sorted out logistics for my dad's 80th birthday, in light of covid, weather, and family availability. The day of the event he arrived and began exactly on time, which permitted me to see my dad's reaction on Zoom when he heard the bagpipes. He played a variety of tunes, including ones my dad requested which was appreciated. Thanks so much for helping me make my dad's birthday special!
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanks for your comments Patricia. I enjoyed meeting your parents and playing for them, and a few neighbours too. The beautiful, sunny, Victoria day sure helped as well.
Byron was fantastic and made the day for the birthday boy who turned 80. Easy to deal with, prompt and looked great.
Thank you Piper Barney
Your review
Response from Piper Barney:
thanx Brian
Piper Barney was such a great addition to our event. A wonderful
musician with a friendly and lively personality. Very happy with his services.
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanks Caroline. Good to meet you. I enjoyed playing for the event. Say hi to Russel for me.
Piper Barnard was wonderful! He plays the pipes like no other. He showed up in full attire played some of the most beautiful music and really made the wedding a special event!
Thank you so much!
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanks for the review Greg. Just opened the envelope you gave me. Very generous. I enjoyed playing for the gathering.
Piper Barney was prompt, reliable, courteous and played beautifully. He put on a great performance and everyone loved the music and enjoyed his company. The children were delighted that he took the time to talk with them, answer their questions and explain how the pipes worked. It was a very pleasant experience for all of us.
Response from Piper Barney:
thanx Norman. I enjoyed meeting the clan. Send me a picture sometime to piperbarney@gmail.com
Byron
I hired Piper Barney as a birthday surprise for my wife. He arrived exactly on time, resplendent in Scottish garb. We enjoyed chatting with him about his very special pipes, then settled down for his performance--he on our terrace, we on our driveway (some neighbours joined us). His playing was beautiful. We totally enjoyed the experience. We warmly recommend him!
Response from Piper Barney:
Thank you very much Harald. I enjoyed helping you celebrate.
Photos from this event
We booked Piper Barney to provide entertainment for my fathers 90th birthday celebration. He was very understanding of the special circumstances and guidelines in our world now. Piper Barney played a couple of songs to start and then asked for requests, playing to a delighted crowd of bagpipe enthusiasts. The whole seniors complex was excited to hear him play. Piper Barney did not disappoint in any way. A class act from start to finish!
Piper Barney was the perfect Birthday Surprise! In these difficult times, Piper Barney delivered an entertaining and absolutely enjoyable performance. Very professional. I highly recommend Piper Barney for any event.
Response from Piper Barney:
thanks very much Devorah. Really enjoyed the event.
Piper Barney is friendly , humorous and very accommodating. He put the nervous graduating students at ease with his affable manner. Would highly recommend him for all occasions !
Response from Piper Barney:
Thanks Edward. I enjoyed the gig and talking to your excited students. You have a great program. Look forward to helping you again in future.
Price Range: $250 & up depending on details
Gig Length: 30 - 90 minutes
Languages: English
I will contact you by phone and rehearse the plan for the event with you prior to the event taking place. I will arrange to meet you or a representative at the designated location about 15 minutes prior to the starting time you have requested. I will usually be dressed as shown in my Profile picture, which is Formal Dress. Full Dress (with feather bonnet, plaid, spats, & horse hair sporran) is an option but rarely requested due to additional cost.
For a wedding, funeral, or other special event, I will play as directed for the time requested. This could be for 15-20 minutes as guests for a wedding arrive; it could be for 1 tune like Amazing Grace at a funeral or gravesite; it could be playing in Head Table guests at a special dinner or whatever. You tell me and I will do it. My basic fee is $200 for a gig that is within 10 km of Victoria City Hall and requires me to be there for up to 45 minutes. The fee includes time to prepare for an event, travel time and a cut that I must give Gig Salad for the use of their booking service. Additional costs are based on location, travel time, playing time, and time required to remain at an event between playing times. We can discuss that. Payment is due ahead of time either on Gig Salad or when I show up for the event, ready to play. I prefer Gig Salad booking and payment but people can also pay me when I show up for the event or give me an Interac e-transfer. I usually play solo but have played with other groups as well. Example, the Chieftains in the Royal Theatre in Victoria, BC. If you would like to include a drummer, this can be arranged. I would be pleased to discuss your event needs with you. I do appreciate receiving a review after I complete an event.
My name is Byron Barnard and most bagpipers know me as Barney in the Victoria, BC piping community. I currently play with The Victoria Police Pipe Band as well as the Canadian Scottish Regimental Pipe Band in Victoria, BC. I am well known within the piping community in Victoria and very familiar with tunes for weddings, memorials and other special events. I play bagpipes expertly and I show up well dressed in formal Scottish attire. You will not be disappointed. Check out my reviews.
As my wife and I spend the winter season in Arizona, I will probably not be available in the Victoria, BC area from Nov 1 thru mid April of the following year. I would be very happy to play for any events in the Mesa, AZ area, however. My Arizona number is (phone number hidden). Cheers
| September 28, 2024 • 4:30pm - 6:30pm | Graduation |
| September 01, 2024 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| August 31, 2024 • 4:00pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| July 20, 2024 • 5:30pm - 5:45pm | Wedding Reception |
| June 22, 2024 • 5:30pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| May 25, 2024 • 2:30pm - 4:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| May 21, 2024 • 1:00pm - 1:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| May 12, 2024 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| May 11, 2024 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| September 16, 2023 • 3:00pm - 3:45pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| July 27, 2023 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| July 08, 2023 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| June 24, 2023 • 5:00pm - 5:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| June 02, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Graduation |
| May 06, 2023 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Birthday Party |
| April 19, 2023 • 1:00pm - 1:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| June 17, 2022 • 1:30pm - 2:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| May 28, 2022 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| May 08, 2022 • 11:00am - 11:15am | Surprise |
| September 27, 2021 • 1:00pm - 1:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| July 30, 2021 • 11:30am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| June 21, 2021 • 4:30pm - 4:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| March 19, 2021 • 3:30pm - 3:45pm | Birthday Party |
| March 05, 2021 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| February 22, 2021 • 1:00pm - 1:30pm | Birthday Party |
| February 12, 2021 • 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Birthday Party |
| January 25, 2021 • 5:00pm - 5:30pm | Holiday Party |
| January 23, 2021 • 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Birthday Party |
| January 19, 2021 • 10:00am - 10:15am | Birthday Party |
| January 17, 2021 • 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Birthday Party |
| January 17, 2021 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Birthday Party |
| December 25, 2020 • 11:30am - 12:00pm | Surprise |
| December 16, 2020 • 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Birthday Party |
| December 07, 2020 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Birthday Party |
| September 28, 2020 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Birthday Party |
| September 27, 2020 • 12:30pm - 12:45pm | Birthday Party |
| September 26, 2020 • 7:00pm - 7:15pm | Nonprofit Event |
| September 12, 2020 • 5:30pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| August 26, 2020 • 4:30pm - 4:45pm | Birthday Party |
| July 20, 2020 • 11:00am - 11:15am | Birthday Party |
| May 23, 2020 • 12:00pm - 12:15pm | Birthday Party |
| April 30, 2020 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Birthday Party |
| September 28, 2019 • 5:00pm - 5:15pm | Graduation |
| August 17, 2019 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Mill Bay Wedding |
| August 09, 2019 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Olympic View Golf Course |
| August 08, 2019 • 11:00am - 1:00pm | City of Victoria |
I can play a variety of well known Highland Bagpipe tunes but some of the more typical tunes include the following:
Funerals: Amazing Grace, Highland Cathedral, Abide With Me, Going Home, Nearer My God to Thee, Flowers of the Forest or other short laments/hymns
Weddings: Scotland the Brave, Mary's Wedding, Highland Cathedral, Road to the Isles, Oh Danny Boy, Loch Lomond, Morrison Ave., Back to Donegal and a variety of 6/8 or 2/4 tunes, jigs etc.
Special Events: playing in a head table with Bonnie Dundee, Atholl Highlanders, Highland Laddie, Scotland the Brave; Birthdays: playing a medley of tunes and ending with Happy Birthday etc.
none required
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