Shenandoah Piper

I had a very good experience from start to finish.
Russ arrived on time and played beautifully. He interacted with various people at the event and was well received. I received many compliments on Russ’s playing.

Russ was a delight to work with and was in close communication throughout the planning process to ensure all went smoothly. He helped in surprising some friends on their elopement, and they were so happy to have him there. Would absolutely recommend Russ for anyone looking for a piper in the Shenandoah area!

Russ was most helpful with a short notice funeral at an outdoor chapel. He was flexible as the family worked with travel from the Pacific, a hurricane and other variables. His music and suggestions were terrific and patient. Very personable and professional. Thanks.

Russ was perfect for our event. Absolutely recommend him.

We had our event at an isolated private cabin in the middle of winter. As the event start time got closer we drove out to meet our guests and found Russ trudging in his kilt in the snow as someone had locked the gate to the community. Since there was no cell service, he was so determined to make the event he faced the treacherous wilderness of West Virginia mountains in wintery down pour in full highland attire to make sure he was there on time.

When we finally got everything set up, he offered some great advice to the event and felt like a family member we’d known for years. Russ’s bagpipe skills were all we’d hope for and more, but it was his personality and eagerness to make our event perfect where he truly shined. As a musician myself there are certain qualities I look for when hiring performers and Russ passes every test with flying colors.

Russ was hired to be a featured instrumentalist for two of the songs for our major production that we repeated 6 times over 2 days for thousands of people as well as live online broadcast. He was very responsive to messages and direction, extremely positive, professional, and showed up early and well prepared for rehearsals and the productions. We would highly recommend him!!

An nth hour decision, I sought a bagpiper for the 50th anniversary of our County's volunteer rescue squad awards dinner. While all other event details were in place, finding a piper within a reasonable distance, during the busy holiday season, seemed an impossible task. After literally stumbling upon GigSalad, Shenandoah Piper appeared and our dialogue began. In short order, we set on date, time, fee and a rough outline of the evening's program and where he would interject his piping magic.

The relationship between bagpipes (which are Scottish, not Irish) and first responders began well over 100 years ago. While Irish immigrants were "not good enough" for traditional business work they were welcome to sign up for the dangerous jobs of police and fire, which no one wanted. And, sign up they did. They also died in those jobs, bringing their funeral rituals to a very scrappy America - including the playing of the pipes for their fallen. What could be more traditional or significant to celebrate the roots of rescue in the US, let alone our teeny-tiny county?

Dressed in his kilt, Russ brought fine musicianship and suggested appropriate tunes for the different points of our event. His playing caused us to pause and remember, to give thanks, and carry on. He piped the guests into the venue, calling the event to begin, and later, played Amazing Grace perfectly after the moment of silence for those in our corps who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I can say there was not a dry eye in the room.

Shenandoah Piper brought warmth and professionalism to our gig. I found him affable, approachable, flexible (thank goodness, for some of the event changed course a bit and he rolled with it, beautifully). He was cordial to our guests and we could not have had a better experience or musician.

Just wish I had more opportunities to hire him! I have shared his information with many since our party and will continue to sing his praises. Thank you, Russ! Continued success to you!

D. Jennifer Dawson
VP, BoD
GCRS

He played As a surprise for a church service. It was great, he touched base with me prior to the event, was very punctual and performed amazing. Highly recommended.

Russ showed up early, was professional, easy to work with and customer friendly. He was a great addition to our daughter’s wedding ceremony. We could not be more pleased. Such talent. Thank you Russ for making our day even more special.

Russ was easy to work with in helping plan the funeral service and was a touching addition to our mother in law’s funeral. That Scottish lassie would have been smiling.