Church Service•Reviewed on October 6, 2024•From York, PA
Gus is extremely professional, considerate and a pleasure to work with each year. I highly recommend him for any organization needing a skilled bagpipper.
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Once again, Kelly engaged me to play at the annual Blue Mass at the St. Joseph Parish Church in York, PA. This has always been a very favorite event for me considering my previous career in law enforcement. I wore the 19th Century Drill Order uniform of a piper in the Scots Guards.
Review by Tom F.
Funeral•Reviewed on October 4, 2024•From Marysville, PA
Great job!
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Tom engaged me to play at the funetal of a beloved mother and grandmother at the Perry Heights Cemetery in Marysville, a very rural resting place.
Review by JOHN B.
Community Event•Reviewed on September 30, 2024•From Bethlehem, PA
Gus did a great job supporting our Folds of Honor VIP event. Easy to work with and an exceptional bag piper. I plan to use him again for many events.
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John engaged me to play at a Folds of Honor charity fundraising event at the Saucon Valley Country Club. This foundation provides scholarships to the families of service personnel and First Responders. I played for the opening ceremony which included five skydivers and a flag-folding sequence. The ceremony was held on a magnificent golf fairway. It was a pleasure and honor to perform at this annual event.
Review by Jamey A.
Funeral•Reviewed on September 27, 2024•From Columbia, PA
Gus was great! We have booked him several times and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend GUs for his professionalism and talent.
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Once again, I supported the Clyde Kaft Funeral Home by playing at a local funeral at the Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens for a US Navy vetetan.
Review by Derek L.
Funeral•Reviewed on September 11, 2024•From Elizabethtown, PA
Gus was very professional from the time we talked about the performance to his early arrival to the quality sound he provided for the funeral service. I have used him in the past and will definitely use him again- highly recommend.
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Derek hired me to play at the interment of the ashes of a Welsh lady at the St. Mary's Cemetery in Hamburg, PA. On this beautiful day, I played before the interment service, most notably, "Land of MY Fathers."
Review by Maggie P.
Memorial Service•Reviewed on September 10, 2024•From Lewisburg, PA
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Once again, I was engaged to play at the annual Correctional Workers' Memorial Service at the United States Penitentiary at Lewisburg. This Federal prison is known as "The Big House."
Review by Eric L.
Church Service•Reviewed on September 4, 2024•From Washington Boro, PA
Again, this year, our annual outdoor Camp Meeting was uplifted with the selections and talents of Gus for our service. The congregation is always in anticipation of this event, looking forward to hearing his exceptional talent on the pipes. His professionalism and respect for the service is always appreciated. He was the subject of many accolades during the luncheon following. God willing, he will be with us again next year. Eric Laurie, Organist/Choirmaster, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Mountville, PA
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Once again, Eric engaged me to play at the annual Worship Service through the St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Mountville at the Central Manor in Washington Boro, PA. During the special music section, I played a March, Strathspey and Reel plus a Retreat March. For the past two years, this has been a very enjoyable church service and music experience.
Review by William W.
Event•Reviewed on September 4, 2024•From Mercersburg, PA
We have been fortunate to work with Gus multiple times and he does a fantastic job at our services. He is kind, prepared, and eager to assist. I would strongly recommend booking him for your event!
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For the second year, Rev. Whitmore hired me to play at the annual Convocation Ceremony, conducted at the Irvine Memorial Chapel on the grounds of the Mercersburg Academy. This is a prestigious secondary school which trains both American and international students. The weather could not have been better, both indoors and outdoors. After the ceremony, I played outside the front doors as the students, faculty and guests exited the church.
Review by Jonathan W.
Retirement Party•Reviewed on September 3, 2024•From Lewisberry, PA
Gus was an absolute pleasure to work with. He was responsive in the booking process and personalized our event to meet the occasion. Very happy we booked with Gus!!
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Jon engaged me and a colleague piper to play at the retirement party of his wife, a US Army Reserve major. This was a surprise for the retiree and all the guests. We each toasted the retiree with a dram of Macallan 15yr. Whisky. We played a number of sets, including the Army Song.
Review by William W.
Community Event•Reviewed on August 27, 2024•From Mercersburg, PA
We continue to work with Gus anytime we need a bagpiper for an event. He is dependable, kind and responsive to our needs. Would strongly recommend working with him if you are looking for a bagpiper!
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Will engaged me to play at the baccalaurete service at the Irvine Memorial Chapel at Mercersburg Academy for the class of 2024. I played for the Processional and Recessional, and also played as graduates and guests exited the chapel.
Review by Emily H.
Corporate Function•Reviewed on August 27, 2024•From Lewisburg, PA
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Emily engaged me to play at the annual Convocation Ceremony at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. The ceremony inaugurated the 2024-25 academic year to welcome the Freshman class of 2028. Following the indoor ceremony, I led the procession of the faculty and the new students to the Quadrangle where a candle lighting ceremony was conducted. This is a most impressive event.
Review by Erin Y.
Funeral•Reviewed on August 22, 2024•From Camp Hill, PA
This is now the second service that Gus has assisted me with and once again he was wonderful, from coordinating service times with me, showing up and being prepared well in advance and just having a cheerful demeanor and easy to work with. He is my go to when I have a family who requests a bagpiper.
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Erin, of the Neill Funeral Home, engaged me to play at the funeral at the Rolling Green Cemetery of a ladyin who was born in Scotland in 1925. She came to America with her husband after WW II. For many years, she worked as a secretary for Dr. Jonas Salk.
Review by Ashley M.
Funeral•Reviewed on August 19, 2024•From Camp Hill, PA
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Ashley of the Parthemore Funeral Home, engaged me to play at the funeral of a WW II Merchant Marine veteran at the Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill, PA.
Review by David J.
Funeral•Reviewed on August 3, 2024•From Lewistown, PA
Gus was amazing! A professional and superb bagpiper. He was extremely thorough, arrived early and clearly communicated with me for the service and what I wanted from the bagpiper selections. I would recommend him to anyone looking for his skill sets. The added touch of the uniforms and different bagpipe selections were the best!
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David engaged me to play at the funeral service for his mother at the St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Lewistown, PA. I played a number of Irish tunes on the Smallpipes during a Prelude. After the service (although in a heavy rain) I played the immediate family outside to the Memorial Garden for the interment of the ashes. I played O'Neill's March and The Boys of Wexford.
Review by John A.
Convention•Reviewed on July 31, 2024•From Harrisburg, PA
Gus was amazing!! He arrived earlier and meticulously walked through the entire event to make sure there would be no mistakes. He was professional, friendly and played several amazing bag piper sets for the conference. Gus’s demeanor, dress and outstanding performance provided for a memorable opening ceremony for all in attendance. Thank you Gus!!
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Brian and I were engaged to play at the opening ceremony of the Pennsylvania School Resource Officers' Annual Convention in Harrisburg. The organizers provided a substantial breakfast before we played a number of sets and then played for the impressive ceremony.
Review by Andrew P.
Community Event•Reviewed on July 29, 2024•From Camp Hill, PA
Gustav and his team of pipers were very good! Will definitely invite them back to our annual event in 2025!
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Two members of the Regimental Pipes & Drums and I played at the annual Regimental Dinner of 1st BN 108th Field Artillery Regiment, PAARNG, at the Penn-Harris Convention Center in Camp Hill. We played as guests were arriving, and then played during the opening ceremony, closing with the Army Song. A very enjoyable evening.
Review by Robert P.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 23, 2024•From Camp Hill, PA
Gus was great!
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Robert engaged me to play at the funeral of his mother at the Camp Hill United Methodist Church. I played outside the church as mourners were arriving. At the conclusion of the service, I played a Postlude which included Highland Cathedral to honor the sheer size and magnificence of the Sanctuary.
Review by Pam M.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 18, 2024•From Emmitsburg, MD
Gus was prompt, professional, personable, informative and kind. He knew all the songs I requested be played and gave some background information about them as well.
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On an incredibly hot day, I played at the funeral of a former police officer at the Mountain Valley Cemetery in Emmitsburg, MD. Pam and I planned extensively, including all the music. This interment was conducted with that of a cousin who was buried nearby thereafter.
Review by Jamey A.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 16, 2024•From Columbia, PA
Gus is the best!!!
I have worked with Gus on several occasions and he is my first choice for a bagpiper! This time, he made himself available as there was an initial scheduling conflict. Everything was great and I will continue to reach out for his highly recommended bagpiping skills.
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Jamey Avrett of the Clyde Kraft Funeral Home, reached out to me to play at the funeral of a Welsh-American gentleman at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Columbia, PA. On an exceedingly warm day, I played as the casket was conveyed to the grave from the hearse, and then played Amazing Grace into the distance.
Review by Peter P.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 16, 2024•From Annville, PA
Gus, as a consummate professional, helped us out on a last-minute notice. he never wavered and was able to satisfy the needs of a veteran at the national Cemetery. I have never known such a caring and determined individual with the talent of Gus. I only know him though funeral services, but feel as if he is one of the kindest and most professional people I have ever met. ( not to mention his amazing skills and abilities.) It is always a pleasure to engage Gus whenever the need arises. He is my very first contact when a bagpiper is required. Thank you, Gus.
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It has been a pleasure over the last few years to support the Rohland Funeral Home in providing bagpipe support at funerals. I received an early morning call from Peter Pyles to play at the funeral of a US Air Force veteran at the Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. It was an exceedingly hot day, but I was able to fulfill my responsibilities to play as the family and friends were gathering at the Interment Shelter, and to play Amazing Grace at the conclusion of the final prayers.
Review by James E.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 9, 2024•From Newport, PA
His special touch of fading away was an awesome effect!
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James engaged me to play at the funeral of a personal friend, and president of a National Motorcycle Club. The interment was held at the Newport Cemetery along the Juniata River. The numerous motorcycle engines drowned out the pipes as the many mourners were gathering.
Review by Brian C.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on July 7, 2024•From Lewisburg, PA
Gus exceeded all expectations! His skills and knowledge of every piece he played added to the experience. My dad was overjoyed to have such a talented piper add so much to his milestone birthday celebration. Gus communicated with me throughout the planning process, giving me a lengthy list of Celtic music to select from, as well as a variety of Scottish dress to choose from (tough to pick the right one for a 95° afternoon. I highly recommend and can only hope that those who attend my yet-to-be confirmed funeral will appreciate the experience as much as I will. Oh, wait a min...) ????????
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Brian engaged me to play at the 90th Birthday Party for his Scottish American father. It was held under a magnificent arbor at a residence in Lewisburg, PA. The entire family was very appreciative. Too bad, the excessive heat really affected me.
Review by Gregor M.
Wedding•Reviewed on July 6, 2024•From Canonsburg, PA
Gus recently performed at our wedding in Pennsylvania. My wife and I wanted to incorporate some Scottish elements, including bagpipes, into our celebrations as a nod to my Scottish background. It was important, though, that the bagpipes were played by an experienced bagpiper with a strong familiarity with the instrument. Ultimately, Gus exceeded all expectations we had. Every aspect of Gus's involvement - from his professionalism, to his performance, to his presence outside the church - was outstanding, and he truly elevated the sense of occasion, with many friends and family members later commenting that his performance was a highlight of the ceremony.
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Gregor and Paige engaged me to play at their church wedding in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. I wore the No. 3 Dress uniform of a piper in 2nd BN, Seaforth Highlanders. It was an especially hot day and fortunately, I was able to drink plenty of water and refresh myself in the AC. The Bridal Couple were especially appreciative of my performance.
Review by Serena H.
Community Event•Reviewed on June 3, 2024•From Lititz, PA
Gus was fantastic! We cannot wait to have him back with us again next school year.
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For the third year, I was engaged to play at the commencement activities at the Linden Hall College Preparatory School for Girls in Lititz, PA. I played outside the Moravian Church, and then led the Faculty, Staff and the Graduates from the Dixon Chapel for the graduation ceremony. There was a large gathering of family and friends who recorded every minute of the proceedings.
Review by Michele G.
Memorial Service•Reviewed on May 27, 2024•From Annville, PA
Gus performed beautifully for my father’s memorial service. His Communication was top-notch made this whole experience so easy for me. I highly recommend him.!
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Michele engaged me to play at her USMC veteran father's interment at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. This is always an evocative experience.
