Amanda McGregor - Bagpiping for your Event

"To the making of a Piper goes 7 years and 7 generations before . Only then do they stand at the beginning of knowledge "......Since I was small , I have always loved the skirl of the bagpipes . As a little girl , my staunchly Scottish grandfather made sure that I understood and appreciated my heritage . For as long as I can remember , I have always felt a connection to the "pipes . Little did I know that 25 years later at the age of 31 I would begin learning how to play the ancient and majestic instrument that I loved so much .
As I began my study of the Great Highland Bagpipe and it's history , I realized that generations of my Scottish Clan , the Mac Gregors , were 'pipers to the most ancient kings of Scotland . Couple that with my Irish half , Clan Murray ,and I suppose that I was destined to be a bagpiper . I couldn't believe the connection I had with this art form . As I practiced , it seemed to calm me and clear my mind . I had played other instruments in the past. None however , had this kind of effect on my personal being . I have even recently discovered that my 3x Great Uncle William Grigor Sr was a piper in his own right. I like to think that sometimes if conditions are favorable , he walks with me as I continue our family’s legacy .
Now 22 years since beginning my studies , I have earned the rank of Pipe Sergeant of The Lion & Thistle Highlanders of Butler , Pa of which I am one of the founding members . I perform regularly on a professional basis for everything from Weddings to Funerals , to Birthdays and Anniversaries , to Festivals , Educational Presentations , and any other occasion you would like to “ tartan up!”
Ask anyone who plays the pipes WHY they play . Most likely , they wont be able to give you a definitive answer and truthfully , neither can I . Quite Simply I pipe because , I must . They call to me , speak to me , and are and always will be my saving grace .

In some instances , I will require that clearance for my appearance be obtained from the venue . Whether or not this will be needful will be determined on a case by case basis dependent upon the location of your event . Please understand that the Great Highland Bagpipes can be loud (dependent on where the performance will take place ), and have only two volumes...."ON" and "OFF". Higher ceilings and/ or larger rooms/halls are best suited though I often perform in regular sized spaces with no issue whatsoever. This can all be discussed in our communications with each other in order to achieve the optimum experience for all involved. Regarding outdoor performances , cover would be appreciated though not necessary, in the event of inclement weather. Outdoor performances in the deep winter would not be advisable as the temperature extremes can occasionally affect the mechanics of the pipes themselves due to the material of which the pipes are manufactured (african blackwood and cane). Again, let us discuss things and see what can be done.

How Long CAN , or SHOULD a piper play?
This answer will vary by the piper , and I am no different. Though we have a bag under our arm , it is best to remember that there is a human at the end of a blowstick providing air to said bag. Throughout my years I have found that anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes of piping is “just right” dependent on the type of event as a “little bit of bagpiper” goes a very long way and provides a very big and often unforgettable impact for those in attendance. This is always flexible by event and upon chatting , we will figure what amount is most suitable for your occasion .

Commendations
Official Piper , Honorific , The Order of Jerusalem - Relic Crusade ( when called upon , I pipe for official Order business wherever they may need me)

Pipe Sergeant, Lion & Thistle Highlanders , Butler PA ( founding member)

Official Piper for The Confederation of Union Generals of the Civil War (when called upon I have the honor of piping upon the battlefields of Gettysburg in an official capacity during the Battle Reenactment in July as well as Remembrance Day in November )

Ultimately
Quotes will be customized on an event by event basis at the starting rate stated and will be inclusive of my skills as a piper, duties requested of me at your event and travel . Private lessons are also available .