Wedding Ceremony•Reviewed on August 26, 2018•From Harrisburg, PA
Gus is extremely talented with his craft and will be the talk of your event. He was very responsive and answered our questions quickly and effectively. I highly recommend hiring him as your bagpiper.
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Jason hired me to play at his wedding at a church in Harrisburg, PA. Per his wishes, I wore Irish summer attire and he picked what tunes to be played during the ceremony. I also played outside the church in the parking lot as guests were arriving. Many guests and neighborhood residents stopped by to talk to me about the pipes, my attire and piping experiences. This was a pleasurable experience and was I happy to hear many congratulatory expressions from the guests, plus Jason and his Bride Olivia.
Review by Josh S.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 25, 2018•From York, PA
We booked Gus to help pay tribute to a loved one. He was the best to say the least! He made our final goodbye absolutely beautiful. Working with him was easy! He suggested music and attire. Answered any and every question with ease. It was pouring rain and muddy this was no problem for Gus. It was touching and memorable. Our Uncle Paul was grand and this was a grand send off. We asked him to join us after. He was great and posed for pics, answered questions, made more awesome memories for our family. Couldn't have been better. 5 stars A+ 2 thumbs up. Thank you Gus for the memory!
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Josh hired me to play a tribute to his uncle at the family residence following the interment at the National Cemetery. It had been raining very heavily earlier. In a stroke of genius, Josh erected a tent/canopy to shelter me while I played. I did play "The Gael," "Flowers of the Forest" and "Going Home." The family were very surprised by my performance, and could not have been more appreciative and welcoming. It was a pleasure to join them afterwards for some refreshment and pose for some photos. I wore Ancient McConnell tartan.
Review by Meaghan C.
Wedding•Reviewed on September 10, 2018•From Lewisburg, PA
We are so happy we booked Gus to play the bagpipe at our wedding. He was so easy to work with, extremely professional, and overall very accommodating. The quality of his playing is outstanding and he is truly talented. Our guests, especially those from Ireland, were very impressed. Thank you Gus!!
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Meg hired me to play at her wedding to Christian at the Rooke Chapel on Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. Both members of the Bridal Couple are graduates. I wore summer traditional Irish attire. Christian's family are from a Scottish Border Clan. The other music in the chapel was especially impressive. I led the Groom, Groomsmen and family up to the chapel, and also played outside after the ceremony on this especially hot day.
Review by Holly E.
Community Event•Reviewed on July 9, 2018•From Harrisburg, PA
Gus was exceptional! He was very professional. I went in with no knowledge of bagpipes. I left with a better appreciation and understanding. I was thoroughly entertained and educated. I would invite him back in a heartbeat. Thank you so much for performing at The Library.
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I was hired to conduct a one-hour presentation on the bagpipes at a local library in Harrisburg, PA. This was a great opportunity to provide some education and piping entertainment for the library audience. I also played some Piobaireachd for people who had never heard any classical pipe music before; and some classic Irish tunes on the McCallum Smallpipes. I was made to feel very welcome both by the library staff and the appreciative patrons who attended. There were many thoughtful questions as well.
Review by Kasey H.
Wedding Ceremony•Reviewed on July 29, 2018•From Gettysburg, PA
Gus was wonderful! I am so glad he was able to play my wedding. No only is he amazingly talented, but he came to our rehearsal in order to have a full understanding of what was expected. He is the best!
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Kasey hired me to play at her wedding at the Lodges of Gettysburg, an impressive venue with a ceremony area alongside a lake. The guests were very friendly and interested in the pipes. I also appreciated the support of the lodge staff. Kasey also very kindly invited me to the cocktail hour and a fantastic dinner. It was a pleasure to work with her.
Review by Thomas M.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 9, 2018•From Gettysburg, PA
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Tom M. booked me to play at the funeral of his mother in the Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg, PA. For this Irish family, I played as the casket was being conveyed to the gravesite, and then "The Flowers of the Forest" following the priest's final prayers. As the mourners shared their reminiscences, I played "Amazing Grace."
I was happy to provide my services to add to the solemnity of the occasion.
Review by Gail S.
Community Event•Reviewed on July 5, 2018•From Elizabethtown, PA
Gus was able to accommodate our last minute guest of honor's tardiness. Would definitely have Gus again!!
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Gail S. hired me to play at the Opening Ceremony of the Star Barn in Elizabethtown, PA. The day was extremely warm and humid, and I wore summer full-dress in Royal Stewart tartan. I was asked to play before the arrival of the Guest of Honor and his wife, and this proved very stressful due to the weather. Fortunately, the pipes were going very well and I played a selection of Scottish and Irish tunes. After the Dedication Ceremony, I piped the crowd of visitors to the Star Barn for a celebratory dinner. It was an honor to perform at this important event for Lancaster County and Brittany's Hope.
Review by Joe D.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 3, 2018•From Media, PA
Gus was very easy to work with - he took the initiative in communicating with us and making helpful suggestions based on his experience. He was super professional and personable and, also, an excellent piper with a great repertoire.
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Joe D. hired me to play at his father's funeral in Media, PA. He asked me to play at the conclusion of the Mass at the Nativity BVM Parish Church. He specifically asked me to play "The Minstrel Boy" which his father had taught him many years ago. I played outside after the mourners exited the church, and they all stayed to hear me play. I also played "The Flowers of the Forest" and "The Green Glens of Antrim" which is a very haunting tune. Joe was very appreciative and hospitable. It was an honor to provide my remembrance for his father.
Review by William E.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on June 28, 2018•From Lancaster, PA
Gus was the best. Very willing to work with us and was very entertaining. Would recommend him highly.
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Bill E. hired me to play at his sister's Birthday Party at his residence. It was a real pleasure to play a variety of music for the entertainment of the guests, many of whom were musically inclined. Bill and his guests couldn't have been more hospitable, and his sister was very surprised and appreciative. I had a great time!
Review by Heather M.
Wedding•Reviewed on May 26, 2018•From Taneytown, MD
Gus was our piper for our wedding - what an amazing guy! Super friendly, professional, accommodating, punctual and his playing is wonderful. All of our guests loved his performance and he made our wedding extra special. Thanks Gus!!!
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Heather booked me to play at her wedding to Tim at the Antrim 1844 House in Taneytown, MD. This is a premier venue, perfect for an outdoor wedding. I played for about 15 minutes before the ceremony began. I played "The Skye Boat Song" as the Bridesmaids conducted their Processional, and then "Highland Cathedral" for the Bride and her father. The Recessional was "Scotland the Brave," followed by "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms." I wore the summer full dress of a piper in the Scots Guards. It was a pleasure to play at this engagement.
Review by Debra S.
Funeral•Reviewed on May 27, 2018•From Spring Grove, PA
Giving the highest recommendation for Gus, who played at my friend's funeral last week. He was courteous, professional, on time, accommodating, easy to work with, and played beautifully. His recommendations were helpful and the perfect pieces for the occasion. His playing brought comfort and a sense of peace. A friend recorded the lament and I've listened to it over and over as it is so incredibly beautiful. After the service, he played an incredible rendition of Amazing Grace and there was not a dry eye as he walked off and seemingly disappeared from the cemetery. It was so symbolic and meant the world to us. It was the perfect send off & we can't thank Gus enough.
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At short notice, Debra booked me to play at the funeral of a friend's father in Spring Grove, PA. Weather on the day was very dreary with intermittent rain. A sad day, but the overcast weather provided perfect acoustics for the pipes. I played as the cortege approached, and then "The Flowers of the Forest" as the casket was carried to the grave. After the interment service, I played "Amazing Grace" while moving off into the distance. The family and other mourners were very appreciative.
Review by Liza K.
Celebration•Reviewed on June 11, 2018•From Mount Joy, PA
We were very happy with Gus' performance and his Scottish regalia! He was quite pleasant to deal with. We will be calling upon him in the future.
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I was booked to play at the Donegal Society annual meeting in MT Joy, PA. I played for one hour before the meeting, and even played some classic Piobaireachd. This was an impressive venue at the Presbyterian Church which will celebrate its 300th anniversary in two years. After the meeting and program, I played "The Flowers of the Forest" at the Witness Tree Memorial. I was also invited for a delicious lunch with the other members after the program. I would be very happy to provide my services for this organization again.
Review by Wendy D.
Lesson•Reviewed on November 20, 2018•From Elizabethtown, PA
I requested a special session with Gus to learn more about the bag pipe as part of my bucket list and couldn’t have been more pleased! I learned and experienced so much in only an hour! I have nothing but good to say about my experience with Gus and recommend him highly.
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I was able to present an orientation at my home for Wendy to demonstrate and perform on the Great Highland Bagpipe and Smallpipes. She could not have been more appreciative. I talked about my own piping history and briefed her on their construction and operation. By the end of the hour, she was able to play the nine-note scale on the Practice Chanter.
Review by Ryan M.
Community Event•Reviewed on June 8, 2019•From Lancaster, PA
Gus is fantastic. Thank you!!
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Ryan booked me to play at an annual Billy Flynn Golf Tournament at the Lancaster Country Club. This is an early morning event featuring four foursomes; with all experienced golfers. I greatly enjoy playing this event which recalls Scotland as the home of golf. A great Gig!
Review by Anne O.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on May 26, 2019•From Lancaster, PA
Gus is easy to work with, very professional and responsive to all my requests. Very well turned out in immaculate Scottish attire and a very fine musician.
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Anne hired Brian and I to play at the birthday party for her husband at their home in Lancaster City. The approach roads to the house were all lined with American flags on this Memorial Day weekend. We played a number of times during our two-hour stay. The guests were all very appreciative, and Anne treated us like kings. We played a lot of the band repertoire and also many of my own favorite tunes. This Gig was a great deal of fun.
Review by Kristen F.
Celebration•Reviewed on May 23, 2019•From Lewisburg, PA
Gus was wonderful!! He showed up with plenty of time to go over when he would play. Very professional! I would highly recommend him for any event you have planned!!
Thank you!!!
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Kristen booked me to play at the annual Memorial Service to honor Federal employees killed in the line of duty during Correction Officers' Week at the U.S. Penitentiary ("The Big House") at Lewisburg, PA. I played "The Flowers of the Forest" following the placement of the wreath. After the service, I had a long conversation with Warden Ebbets who loves the pipes. He asked me to play a few more tunes which I was happy to do. It was a long drive from home, but an honor and pleasure to perform at this moving service.
Review by Elin M.
Funeral•Reviewed on May 2, 2019•From Hazleton, PA
Gus was great!
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Elin booked me to play at the funeral of her father-in-law at St. Gabriel's R.C. Church in Hazelton, PA. The early morning weather was cold and raw so I played in the church before the service. I was able to play outside on the steps as the mourners exited the church following the final prayers. It was a long drive from Lancaster County, but I was happy to be of service.
Review by Jennifer W.
Funeral•Reviewed on May 1, 2019•From Elizabethtown, PA
Gus far exceeded our expectations! His music was such an enhancement to our funeral service. He was professional, on time ( actually early!), and perfectly dressed in traditional garb. His talent on the pipes was exceptional. He played our requests as well as some of his own selections. Everyone agreed his music added greatly to the service. Highly recommend- we will use him again in the future! Thank you!
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Jennifer booked me to play at her Aunt's funeral in MT Tunnel Cemetery in Elizabethtown where I currently reside. The gravesite service was held on a hilltop in breezy, but sunny weather. I played before and after the service. Before the service I played a selection of airs, followed by "Amazing Grace" and "Going Home" as the mourners gathered for remembrances. Jennifer and her family could not have been more cordial and appreciative.
Review by Craig B.
Saint Patrick's Day Party•Reviewed on March 10, 2019•From Lititz, PA
Gus was perfect!! Kind, talented, and very accommodating!! I highly recommend Gus to anyone looking for a great piper!!
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Craig booked me to play at a pre-St. Patrick's Day party for a couple changing houses in the neighborhood of Lititz, PA. I arrived that evening after a long day at the Scranton Parade, and had to work on the pipes to get them going again after considerable playing that afternoon. This was a huge gathering with loads of locals and relatives who were very enthusiastic and welcoming. I played on the backyard patio complete with a fire pit. Everyone actually came outside in the cold to hear me play. Parties don't get any better than this!
Review by Calvin W.
Funeral•Reviewed on March 3, 2019•From Camp Hill, PA
Gus did a great job . He did every thing asked of him . Very professional.
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Calvin booked me to play at the funeral at a very modern church in Camp Hill, PA, of an Ancient Order of Hibernian colleague. I wore Irish full-dress with cloak, and played predominately Irish tunes before and after the service. It was too cold to play outside so I played in the hallway off the Narthex. The deceased's family was very kind and welcoming and it was an honor to play for them.
Review by Deborah T.
Funeral•Reviewed on January 1, 2019•From Annville, PA
Words cannot express our gratitude to Gus for his performance at my brother in laws funeral. It was New Year’s Eve and pouring rain yet he was so gracious in being willing to play and it added a touch of dignity and respect that helped some of the void of the day.It was very meaningful for Gus to play as he performed at my father’s funeral at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery just last year. My brother in law met Gus then. There is no one that could have done what he has done for our family at the worst times of our life- he is kind, compassionate, respectful and the ultimate professional. His music is exceptional.
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Deborah asked me to play at the funeral of her brother-in-law who I actually met one year ago at her father's funeral at Fort Indiantown National Cemetery. Although it was a rainy day, I was able to play as the casket was being moved into the Interment Shelter, and then "The Flowers of the Forest" as the National Flag was being ceremonially folded. I closed out the service by playing "Amazing Grace," and moving off into the distance as the music faded away. Deborah and her family have always been exceptionally appreciative.
Review by Ann S.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on December 17, 2018•From Elizabethtown, PA
Gus was great to work with! He is very keen on detail and was very patient with me while I was working out all of the details of the event. He performed exactly how I envisioned and did a fantastic job! I highly recommend him!
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Ann and her family and friends celebrated her mother's birthday party in the Main Barn on the Ironstone Ranch in Elizabethtown, PA. This was the third time that I've played on that property. Because of the family preference, I wore a Saffron Kilt and played a selection of Irish tunes to open the celebration upon the guest of honor's arrival. Ann was great to work with and her musician filled me in on a lot of the different aspects of the Ranch.
Review by Kimberly W.
Wedding•Reviewed on December 19, 2018•From Lancaster, PA
Gus did a truly amazing job performing for our wedding. He was so easy to work with and just seemed like a very kind person. My now-husband is Scottish, and given the all of the Scottish guests, it was so important to have some traditional elements. His traditional Scottish dress, repertoire, and talent was an incredible highlight of the day.
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Kemberly booked me to play at her wedding at the Cork Factory Hotel in Lancaster, PA. Her husband, Chris is Scottish, and the Groom and all the groomsmen were dressed in Highland attire, as were many of the male guests. I played on the balcony before the wedding ceremony, and was dressed as a piper in the 1st Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. One of the highlights of the day was enjoying a "wee dram" with the Groomsmen prior to the ceremony. This was an excellent event, and the pipes couldn't have sounded any better!
Review by Douglas W.
Funeral•Reviewed on April 21, 2019•From York, PA
Thank you Gus , for making our day better by bagpipes !
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Doug booked me to play at the funeral of his mother on a hillside in Mount Rose Cemetery in York, PA. The sun came out prior to the service after a morning of heavy rain and overcast skies. The ceremony included a religious service by a local pastor and remembrances by family and friends. I played as the urn was carried to the gravesite and then "The Flowers of the Forest" following the final prayers. I also played "Amazing Grace" as the mourners gathered after the service ended. I hoped that my performance had added to the solemnity and uplifting of the service.
Review by Frank D.
Funeral•Reviewed on February 17, 2019•From Lancaster, PA
Gus was a joy to work with. Professional and a solid player.
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Frank D., the church organist, booked me to play at the funeral of Howard E. at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. I played "The 74th Slow March" for the Processional, and "The Flowers of the Forest" as a lament at the conclusion of the funeral ceremony. He provided a room in which to warm-up and tune-up. The acoustics within the church were fantastic. I received a number of appreciative thanks for my playing.
