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Event Planning Considerations
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Many people in the process of planning an event decide to hire a piper, drummer, mini-band or pipe band to provide musical
entertainment or atmosphere. The highland uniforms and unique sound of the instruments can add a great deal of colour and
flavour to your event. But there are some important factors to consider.
Bagpipes and drums are loud instruments
best suited to playing out-of-doors. Their volume cannot be adjusted like other instruments. You should consider the size
of the event area, how many people are in the space, the nearness of performers to the audience, and availability of quiet
areas, especially when planning indoor events.
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The haunting sounds and high pitch of the bagpipes can stir up powerful emotions in people. Most people can comfortably
listen to a fifteen to twenty minute performance. Some people may be frightened or bothered by the volume or high pitch. Some
animals, particularly horses, dogs and cats may become agitated by the high pitch and behave unusually. Pipers
and drummers require a place near the performance area with similar environmental conditions to tune up and settle the instruments
prior to performing. Keep this in mind, particularly when planning events where the presence of the performers is supposed
to be a surprise. For events with long periods of time between playing, the instruments can change and may need to be re-tuned
between performances. Single bagpipers are ideal for leading processions at weddings and funerals
or small indoor events. Pipe bands are great for larger areas and performances.
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Charity Events
The Courtenay Legion Pipe Band is a not-for-profit organization. The pipe band performs for many community events, other
charitable organization functions, military and Legion events free of charge in the interests of serving the community as
ambassadors of goodwill. Individual pipers and drummers from the band may perform for these kinds of events in the same manner.
Private Event Honorariums
Pipers and drummers are accomplished musicians who have invested years in training and practice to master these difficult
instruments. Unlike other musicians, pipers and drummers do not carry written music for performances. They play hundreds of
tunes, harmonies and variations, all from memory. The highland uniforms and instruments are expensive to acquire and maintain.
To perform at an event, the musicians take hours to get properly dressed, transport themselves to the event, and properly
settle and tune their instruments before the performance. Honorariums paid should reflect all these factors. If
you are looking for individual pipers or drummers for your private function, you should consider an honorarium of $75 per
performer as a minimum. Honorariums will be negotiated with the individual musician(s) taking into account your requirements
for type and length of performance. If you want to hire a mini-band or the entire pipe band for
your event, you should consider a minimum donation to the band of at least $250, depending upon your requirements for length
and type of performance.
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