Bagpiper

Sean Kelly (Bagpiper)
 Based in Ireland.
  Category:  Traditional
  Fee: On application.
  Location availability
 Ireland / International.

Profile:

Sean Kelly was born in Dublin, Ireland and have been interested in music ever since. At an early age I learned to play the guitar, piano, tin whistle and harmonica. I set myself a goal of learning to play Amazing Grace on the bagpipes for my wedding, as a surprise for my bride, Sheila. The challenge was that I only had three months to do it. Luckily I met a Pipe Major who was willing to spend the time to teach me. The day of the wedding arrived. Sheila didn't know anything about the bagpipes. At the end of the meal I left the room got the bagpipes and walked back in playing, to my Bride's absolute "Amazement" - although it was not perfect it was enough to show my wife how much I love her - its paid huge dividends ever since!!!

Well after that, I had to carry on learning the pipes. I joined the Dublin Airport Pipe band and have since joined the St Laurence O'Toole St Josephs Pipe Band. I have played solo and with the bands at numerous events and in numerous locations including : Hawaii, Italy, Spain, Scotland, England, California and pretty much all over Ireland. I have also studied piping at the Centre of Piping in Glasgow.

Every event I play at, I treat as important as my own wedding and aim to play at my very best for that audience. I aim that my bagpipe playing gives that event a truly moving sense of occasion.

Bagpipes:
Bagpipes can help you create a very unique atmosphere on your Wedding day. Pipers have been entertaining guest at weddings, banquets and parties for centuries and pipe music brings a historical perspective to your special day.

There are three parts to a wedding where bagpipes are usually played - the Church/Registry Office, the Reception and the Bride and Grooms entrance to the meal.

The Church/Registry Office:
The unique sound of the bagpipes movingly announces the arrival of the bride as she is piped down the isle. Some nice slow aires are played at communion (if requested). The bride and groom begin the celebrations of their marriage by being piped with some lively tunes out of the Church. A couple of tunes are played outside the Church as your guests congratulate you.

The Reception:
Imagine arriving in style to your hotel with a piper playing to announce you. Imagine how all your guests will feel as a piper welcomes them to your wedding. As you and your guests enjoy the reception the bagpipes play in the background creating a memorable and unique atmosphere. And then ... the moment has arrived ... all your guests are in the dining room awaiting the Best Man to announce "Please be up standing for the Bride and Groom ...", you feel your heart beating ... the drones of the bagpipes sound ... the lively music takes off ... you enter the dining room ... everyone roars in appreciation and celebration ... you then know and feel ... this is One of the Best Moments of Your Life!

On the day I am very flexible to your needs and treat every wedding with the special uniqueness it deserves - I am committed to providing a Professional and Excellent Service and above all, I keep it very simple for you!

Pricing:

The price of each event varies depending on the event itself. What is included in the final price is travel expenses, amount of time required, full dress uniform and of course the playing. I believe you will find the pricing to be good value and that you will remember how the bagpipes moved you at your event long after you will remember the price! F

Ireland

I have also performed in Dundas Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland; Bellingham, Washington State, USA; New York, Hawaii, California, Peru, Spain, France, Italy, South Korea, Israel, Croatia and Bosnia Hertzgovnia.

It was also an honour to play for the American Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Richard Egan for the unvailing of a memorial for September 11th.

Testimonials -here is what some people who have hired me have said:

"just a note to thank you for helping make our wedding blessing really special. The bagpipes were magnificent and the native American flute magical. We will definitely recommend you to any of our friends and family - Yvonne & Christine married at St Kevins Church Glendalough, September 05"

"Walking into the reception while you piped us in was one of the best memorise of our wedding. Everyone spoke about how you played for them, they loved it! - Kathy & Houssem, married in Dublin July 2005

"You played so beautifully and everyone commented on it. Sean thank you so much again" - Imelda, Mother of the Bride, Glendalough Estate July 2005.