I started playing highland bagpipes about 16 years ago. I express pride of my Scottish heritage through reciting a great variety of traditional and modern tunes composed for or formatted to the bagpipes. I am happy to play any event that someone might see fit to hire a bagpiper. I've played weddings, family reunions, bike races, graduations, funerals etc. I'm based in Colorado and I am willing to travel if we can negotiate fair compensation to do so.
Showed up two hours late
Could barely play due to a hurt hand
Couldn't keep up with band despite being told he could
Played 4-5 songs then left without saying goodbye. Texted me that he thought an Irish Goodbye was ok!
Messed up the lineup for the party- was supposed to play with step dancers but didn't show up on time
Smelled of cigarettes and did not look professional.
Took on a chance and regretted it with this one.
I run an graduate-level Writing for Children and Young Adults program, and when we lost the bagpiper for our graduation ceremony at the last minute, Isaac stepped in and performed for us! Not only did we have the graduates' friends, families, and educators in-person, we had a whole bunch of people streaming in over Zoom, too—so Isaac was kind enough to arrive early and make sure our tech set-up was performing adequately. He helped make the day incredibly special for our graduates, and we couldn't be more grateful. Excellent bagpiper, too—all around, Isaac's a true professional.
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
Thank you so much! I’m happy I could help make that day special for you guys!
He showed up early, was professional, and communicated well
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
Thank you Kyle!🙏 this means a lot
The whole experience with this individual can only be described as perfect. A compassionate and caring person who adapted to last minute changes. He acted professional and understanding with exemplary care of the situation. Thank you again for completely handling my father’s last wishes. Would recommend Watkins Highland piping to any and all in need of bagpiping.
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
Thank you so much Ed🙏🙏 . I’m glad to have helped in any way during such a challenging time!
I hired Issac for my wedding, and the whole time leading up to it he was professional and kept in contact.
Day of he was punctual and very accommodating to last minute changes in details.
Highly recommend!
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
Thank you so much🙏🙏. It was a beautiful wedding that I was honored to contribute to😁
Photos from this event
I hired Mr. Watkins to play bagpipes for a golf tournament. He was early, ready to play on time, stayed a bit late as needed to the full tournament group could experience the bagpipe addition and he was respectful to all. His performance was heard by more people not in the tournament than those who were and even days later, I still receive kudos from randoms. Finishing with Amazing Grace was a cherry on the top.
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
I was happy to play for this tournament! Thanks so much for your hospitality while I played🙏🙏
Good show! The music sounded grear and everyone enjoyed it. Thank you.
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
Thanks! It was my pleasure to be there🙏
Great Piper as we needed background music along with all the other things going on.
We will definitely use you again if you would have us .
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
It was my pleasure and I’d be happy to play again!!
Played 2 lovely songs and attendees enjoyed it.
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
I’m glad y’all enjoyed the tunes!
BEST BAGPIPER AWESOME
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
Thanks Maria🙏🏻
Isaac was easy to work and coordinate with. He did an excellent job of facilitating the bagpipe music during our memorial event. I would recommend his services.
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
Thanks Eric!🙏🏻
We all had a great time
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
I enjoyed playing for everyone and looking forward to returning next year I hope!
What beautiful moments between our two bars/restaurant. Thank you!
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
I’d gladly come back any time! Im happy you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing with us! Canon City will never be the same❤️❤️❤️
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
😁😁 it was my pleasure! Thanks for having me!
Photos from this event
Music was the highlight of my Mom's birthday
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
Thank you so much Doug! It was my pleasure to be there!
I booked with Isaac and he promptly answered to ask me about song selection. I listened to many different Bag pipe songs and I let him know that I wanted a beautiful slow Aire. He did not know the one that I wanted , but he offered to learn it. To me it is very stressful to learn a new song over night. He said that he knew a piece that was very similar. I hired him to play this Aire and Amazing Grace. I worked for a man for almost 30 years and the family decided to have a private ceremony next year. This was my tribute to Mr G.
I stood under the shade of a tree out in front of my beloved employers home with My 3 yr old Grand Daughter, my Ex Husband. The Handsome! Very Tall, Isaac stood with us.
He asked me if it was going to be alright to play. I told him play quieter. He said there is no volume control . Only one volume loud. I said let's wake the neighborhood. It was 10:30 am. The neighbors came out to see who was playing.
It immediately brought me to tears. The Song was perfect! He played Amazing Grace as the second song. Perfect more emotion and tears.
When he finished I asked him to play an Irish Drinking Song. He and I never discussed a 3 rd Song. My Mentor Friend and long time employer asked me not to cry for him. He said he lived a long , great life. He did indeed. He was a great man to me. During the happy drinking song. I danced with my Grand Daughter. The song was peppy and joyful !!!
Isaac and his talent sent my Irish Mr G into the next life with perfection. Thank you Isaac you are carrying on a Beautiful Celtic Tradition. Our Ancestors Eyes are Smiling. Mr G's Son came to the front door as soon as he heard the sound of the Bag Pipe. The Pied Piper of Pleasant Valley in Colorado Springs. Isaac you are special ! I could not have asked for more. It was Beautiful! Many many thanks again.
Response from Isaac Watkins Bagpiper:
It was an honor to play in remembrance of a man who sounds like he was an extremely great man.
Photos from this event
Price Range: $150 -$200 per hour depending on travel expenses
Languages: English
I will play for however much time my services are desired (within reason). I will do my best to accommodate any specific tune requests or other specific requests. I can and have played for any occasion you feel is complimented by the music of the great highland bagpipes!
I started playing highland bagpipes about 16 years ago. I express pride of my Scottish heritage through reciting a great variety of traditional and modern tunes composed for or formatted to the bagpipes.
If I'm playing indoors, I personally choose to wear earplugs because the pipes can and will damage to hearing if a person is subjected to it long enough or in a small enough proximity. Outdoor settings are preferred, but indoor settings are fine if the space is large enough. I Cannot do low ceilings indoors. Warm temperature is preferred for playing quality tunes, but it's not a requirement as long as it's warmer that 27 degrees F
>>MINIMUM<<<
(most requested) “Amazing grace” and many other slow airs, laments etc.
-4/4 marches
“Scotland the brave” etc
-3/4 marches
“ green hills of Tyrol” etc
-2/4 marches
“79th farewell to Gibraltar” etc.
6/8 marches
“Atholl highlander”s etc.
-Jigs
“ Banjo breakdown” etc.
-Hornpipes
“Clumsy lover” etc.
-Reels
Itchy fingers”” etc.
-Strathspeys
“Braes of Marr” etc.
And MANY more
I was first taught bagpiping at age 11 by Pipe Major Sam Swancutt who eventually ushered me into playing competitively with The Pikes Peak Highlanders. I was initially very influenced by the cumulative lessons from all the great pipers I had the privilege of being surrounded by at that time in my youth!
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