Wedding•Reviewed on September 19, 2021•From Washington, DC
Gus was the perfect choice!! He went way above and beyond in every way. A true professional, and a master piper.
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I played at the wedding for Hilary and Colin at the Dahlgren Sacred Heart Chapel on the campus of Georgetown University in Washington, DC. This was followed by the Reception at the Dumbarton House. This upscale wedding was very enjoyable. I was even able to jam with two accomplished musicians during the cocktail hour.
Review by Kelly B.
Church Service•Reviewed on September 20, 2021•From York, PA
Our church held a Blue Mass on 9/11/2021. We felt a bagpipe player would add to the event. We used Gus Persons last year and without hesistation, hired him again for the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Gus is extremely pleasant and professional. He dresses in an extremely authentic manner. He played "Abide with me" to start the procession of honor guards and priests. He finished our celebration and the exiting of the honor guard and priests with "Amazing Grace." To quote a parishioner, the program was wonderful. I know Gus added a great deal in obtaining the wonderful rating received. We will be hiring him again next year. I highly recommend Gus Persons.
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It was a great honor and pleasure to participate in the annual Blue Mass at the St. Joseph Parish Church in East York. The parishoners were all very welcoming and as a former NYS public servant, I felt a great afinity with the other attendees.
Review by Keri M.
Memorial Service•Reviewed on September 14, 2021•From Lewisburg, PA
This is the 2nd year Gus has piped at our Correctional Workers Memorial service. He is very professional and a pleasure to work with. We look forward to having him perform at our future events!
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I was booked to play at the annual Memorial Service during the commemoration of Correction Worker's Week at the U.S. Penitentiary at Lewisburg, PA. The 30 Federal Corrections Officers, who have been killed in the line of duty since 1901, were honored. The service was conducted next to the former warden's residence next to the prison which has now been converted into a museum. The weather was that of a perfect late summer day. The lament sounded sweet wafting across the valley.
Review by Sharon K.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on August 20, 2021•From Downingtown, PA
Gus was very communicative and followed-up on all the details. He was awesome to work with and very reliable. As far as his performance, it was outstanding! He greeted the birthday person and then proceeded to tell us his story about why he plays and gave information on his pipes and cultural history. He was personable and very professional. I would highly recommend him to play the pipes at any event. Thank you, Gus! You were awesome! Everyone loved it!
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Sharon hired me to play at the birthday celebration for her boss at the company office. I played outside the conference room window, and then marched through the office to the conference room where all the staff were enjoying their lunch. I played a selection of popular Irish tunes, and also a request for The Flower of Scotland. The entire staff, and the board, were extremely welcoming and everyone was very hospitable. Sharon was great to work with.
Review by Mikayla H.
Lesson•Reviewed on August 10, 2021•From Harrisburg, PA
The first lesson went extremely well. Gus was prepared and knowledgeable with his instruction.
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Mikayla contacted me through The BASH to provide bagpipe lessons. She had last played pipes in her high school marching band. She wished to expand on that experience to improve her piping and learn more about the pipes. I enjoyed meeting her and providing my own knowledge and experience to her musical abilities.
Review by John S.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 11, 2021•From Harrisburg, PA
Gus' s performance was beautiful and song choices were perfect for our dads service. He would have loved it. Thank you very much!
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The funeral service for John's father was held at the Pavilion at the East Harrisburg Cemetery. I worked closely with the family on the selection of music and other details. I actually played a lot more tunes than I usually would at an average funeral. John's family was very appreciative. It was an honor to play at this WW II veteran who died at age 98.
Review by Will K.
Wedding Reception•Reviewed on July 11, 2021•From Philadelphia, PA
Gus is a true professional, a killer performer and a wildly skilled musician. It was absolute pleasure working with him to blow the roof of my sister’s wedding. His grand entrance shall live eternal in our family memory. Extremely easy to work with, flexible on the big day despite the stress, helped cultivate the perfect song list and looks damn good in a proper Scottish kilted tuxedo!
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I was pleased to play at the black-tie wedding for Will's sister at the Masonic Temple in downtown Philadelphia. I wore the formal Price Charlie jacket and waistcoat and Royal Stewart tartan. I played the entrance march for the presentation program for the cake-cutting. Will delivered a family-oriented toast. I then played a Medley. The guests were most impressed. The Temple was a magnificent venue, dominated in the ballroom by a huge bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin. Will was great to work with.
Review by Kristin B.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 2, 2021•From Philadelphia, PA
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Kristin booked me to play at the funeral of her father, a US Navy Vietnam War veteran. The funeral service was conducted at a church in Collegeville, followed by a long drive to the Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Philadelphia. I played traditional Irish tunes at the church. At the interment, I played Amazing Grace into the distance; followed by the Navy Hymn, The Flowers of the Forest, and other tunes.
Review by Jeremy W.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 2, 2021•From Camp Hill, PA
As a final send off for my father i found it only fitting for him to have one of his favorite instruments played. We certainly where not disappointed. With our short notice and quick planning Gus pulled through for us and played some beautiful notes for a final send off and did not disappoint with his performance.
Side note, a week later i saw him playing at Celtic Fling at the PA Renfair. Excellent job there too!!
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A fellow piper referred me to Jeremy to play at his father's funeral at the Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill, PA. In an idyllic setting, surrounded by so many other veteran graves, I played as mourners were arriving. The casket, covered by an American flag, was strapped to the sidecar of a motorcycle. The cortege was escorted by a large motorcycle contingent. I played as the casket was conveyed to the grave. My performance also included a lament after Taps, and other appropriate tunes as people greeted each other after the service. There was an unusually large turn-out of friends, family and colleagues.
Review by Brian J.
Retirement Party•Reviewed on June 17, 2021•From Harrisburg, PA
Awesome
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I was hired to play at the retirement party for an Irish-American who was retiring after many years of faithful service to the state government. The party was held in McGrath's Pub in downtown Harrisburg, PA, close to the state capitol. I played a number of Irish sets, a Medley, and capped it off with Auld Lang Syne and Will Ye No Come Back Again. All the participants were very friendly and appreciative. I wore traditional Irish attire in Saffron Kilt and Plaid. The pub had an amazing beer selection.
Review by Elizabeth S.
Club Event•Reviewed on June 13, 2021•From Camp Hill, PA
Gus was absolutely amazing! He is an extremely talented bagpiper and our group loved to listen to him play. I hope more opportunities come up for me to hire him.
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I played at an International Event hosted by the Girl Scout Troop #10663 at the St. Joseph Catholic School in Camp Hill, PA. I played for the Highland Fling, danced by eleven 4th and 5th Graders, to "The Marquis of Huntley." Following the dancing, I gave a presentation on the Great Highland Bagpipe to the parents and grandparents who had gathered to watch the various programs, and then played a selection of other tunes. A most enjoyable evening.
Review by John F.
Funeral•Reviewed on May 24, 2021•From Burnham, PA
Gus Person provided an outstanding tribute during my Brothers funeral service! His professionalism and attention to detail was exemplary! Very personable and engaging! I would highly recommend using Gus Person for any detail that you may have where you want to have a piper. We gave my brother a Fireman’s funeral, and he provided that traditional fire service honor with his performance. Thank you Gus, for all you do!
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I played at the full-honors Fire Service funeral at Lewistown, PA, on 5/22/21. This was a very impressive tribute with a large gathering of service personnel, family and friends. The remains were transported in a fire department vehicle through a fire-ladder arch to the gravesite. It was my pleasure to play at the religious service and at the cemetery as well.
Review by Janine P.
Funeral•Reviewed on May 27, 2021•From McAdoo, PA
Working with Gus was as easy and professional as I could have imagined. He was punctual and incredibly talented, performing beautifully at my grandfather's funeral. We are so grateful for his services and for the wonderful memory he helped create. Thank you so much, Gus!
Review by Emily W.
Funeral•Reviewed on May 9, 2021•From York, PA
Gus was wonderful. He was very respectful and he played beautifully. All who attended was moved. I highly recommend his service to others!! You will not be disappointed.
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Emily hired me to play at the funeral of her grandmother in a country cemetery in York County, PA. It was a large gathering of family and friends. She conducted the religious interment service, and I played a selection of hymns and Scottish airs after Amazing Grace which concluded the final prayers.
Emily was very appreciative of my services.
Review by Kristine E.
Cocktail Party•Reviewed on May 10, 2021•From Tamaqua, PA
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I was hired to play during the cocktail hour of an event which honored the former principal of the Marian Catholic High School in Tamaqua, PA. The school gymnasium was being named after this worthy man. For over 30 minutes, I played a selection of Scottish and Irish tunes and hymns. I also chatted with a number of the guests who shared the Celtic heritage. My repertoire really got a work-out.
Review by Lawrence F.
Memorial Service•Reviewed on May 9, 2021•From Harrisburg, PA
He went with us.His timing was great.He was the best.
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At very short notice, I filled in for another piper at the AFL/CIO annual memorial celebration at the Laborer's Grove monument to honor workers who had died of injury or disease during the previous year. A large group, including many local leaders and politicians gathered at the site along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg. I played as the people were gathering, and then played Amazing Grace as a floral wreath was cast into the river. I was happy to oblige the organizers and a fellow piper.
Review by Dave K.
Veteran's Day Party•Reviewed on May 14, 2021•From York, PA
He was very professional, punctual , and friendly. The music was really nice and appropriate for Veterans day. All of the invited guests commented positively on Gus’s performance. We would definitely hire Gus again to perform.
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On a cold November morning, I played at the Veterans Day Event at the North York Rotary Club at the Out Side Country Club. I played before and after the breakfast and the formal presentation. The local Civil Air Patrol provided the color guard. It was great to wear my own Awards and Decorations in addition to the uniform of a piper in the 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders.
Review by Quinn H.
Wedding Ceremony•Reviewed on October 2, 2021•From Strasburg, PA
Very friendly and accommodating! Made our dream wedding happen! So grateful for Gus Person!
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I played at Quinn's wedding at the Wesley United Methodist Church on Main Street in Strasburg, PA. I played for 20 minutes before the ceremony. Then I played The Brown Haired Maiden as part of the Processional; and Highland Laddie for the Recessional. During the Rose Petal portion of the wedding, I played The Parting Glass as the Bridal Couple were announced. It was great to work with Quinn and her mother.
Review by Jeremy A.
Community Event•Reviewed on September 20, 2021•From Carlisle, PA
Gus performed excellently. He was ready to perform early, his performance was flawless and added a terrific touch to our program.
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I was hired to play at the 9/11 20th-yr Commemoration of the terrorist attacks on America at the Army Heritage and Education Center at the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA. I played for 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony, and then played The Flowers of the Forest following military honors. You could have heard a pin drop! It was an honor to be invited to participate in this worthy ceremony.
Review by Michelle N.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 29, 2021•From Hanover, PA
Gus was very prompt and he did a spectacular job playing at my husband’s funeral. He made a very sad event joyful with his beautiful tunes and I would highly recommend him to anyone.
My sincere thanks to him.
Michelle Nicholl
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I played at the funeral of Michelle's husband at the St. Joseph Parish Church and also at the Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Hanover, PA, on 7/21/21. I played The Green Glens of Antrim in the church as the casket was being prepared for the funeral service. As the casket was being conveyed to the hearse, I played O' Danny Boy. At the cemetery I played as the casket was being conveyed to the gravesite, and then Amazing Grace after the folding of the American Flag and Taps. I was also able to play The Flowers of the Forest following the religious service. I wore the Modern MacBeth tartan kilt since the deceased had served in the District of Columbia Metropolitan PD.
Review by Brian J.
Private Party•Reviewed on July 12, 2021•From Paxinos, PA
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Brian hired me to play at the welcome-home party for a family member who had just returned from a 9-month deployment to Korea with the 1-64 Armor Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division. My arrival was a complete surprise to his family and guests. I marched in from the road after parking my car and played a number of sets, before breaking into The Army Song. Throughout the afternoon, I played a number of sets, including three Irish selections. This was a very enjoyable event. The guest of honor and I had plenty to talk about since he will return to his previous employment as a county probation officer.
Review by Tom B.
Memorial Service•Reviewed on June 1, 2021•From Myerstown, PA
Great guy, very professional.
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I participated in the annual Memorial Day event at the Myerstown, PA, VFW Post 6076. I played before the ceremony commenced; played Amazing Grace at the conclusion of the final prayer, and then played The Flowers of the Forest as a Postlude, The keynote address was delivered by Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Tom Buck who retired two years ago after 39 years of service. He and I shared a libation after the ceremony concluded. We had a lot of National Guard experiences to relate.
Review by Kelsey M.
Community Event•Reviewed on August 24, 2021•From Willow Street, PA
Gus did a great job balancing playing music and educating residents. He taught residents about parts of the instruments, history and more!
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I was hired to present a one-hour program on the Great Highland Bagpipe to an audience of over 200 Senior Citizens at the Willow Valley Lakes Retirement Community. I played selections of Irish and Scottish tunes and also played some piobaireachd. My commentary was well received and appreciated. A number of questions were fielded about my attire and piping experiences. I also played a number of tunes on my MacCallum Smallpipes. It was a pleasure to work with Kelsey, the program coordinator.
Review by sally l.
Funeral•Reviewed on February 15, 2022•From State College, PA
He played at my husband's funeral, he was very respectful of our needs and set the exact environment we hoped for.
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Sally hired me to play at the funeral of her husband, a military veteran and retired university professor. I played Going Home at the conclusion of the Mass in the magnificent Our Lady of Victory Church in State College, PA.
I played at the gravesite at the Boalsburg Cemetery in very cold and wintry weather. The ground was frozen solid.
Review by Janis S.
Funeral•Reviewed on February 14, 2022•From Lititz, PA
I contacted Gus by phone to request that he play Amazing Grace at my husband’s funeral as his casket was exiting the church and entering the hearse. Gus was very friendly, accommodating and professional beginning with my first contact with him. He arrived at the funeral promptly, played some songs as people entered the church then ended the service with Amazing Grace. This was my husband’s wish for his funeral and Gus did a superb job of fulfilling that wish. I admire his talent and am grateful to him for sharing his talent with us.
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Janis hired me to lay at the funeral service of her husband, a Lutheran minister, at the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lititz, PA. U played outside as people were gathering to pay their respects. There was a large gathering of mourners. I played in the churchyard which contained a number of graves of military veterans from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and the Civil War. The church was built in 1823. After the funeral service, I played as the casket was conveyed out of the church to the hearse to the strains of Amazing Grace.
