Celebration•Reviewed on November 27, 2022•From Hanover, PA
Gus arrived early, was pleasant and ready to walk in the Christmas parade - even at 8am and in the drizzle! And he had a bit of a drive to get here, too! He walked our parade, to help celebrate our Retired Fire Commissioner Roth! He played the entire length of parade AND a few songs at Santa's Cabin. I would HIGHLY recommend Gus for your event!
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On that day, I played in the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Hanover, PA. I was the solo piper, and led the Grand Marshal, the retired Fire Commissioner. Fortunately, the rain held off. It was a short parade but there were hundreds of people lining the route. I played some Christmas carols as the parade was winding down, pending the arrival of Santa who would be greeting the children. This was a fun event.
Review by Stephen M.
Funeral•Reviewed on November 22, 2022•From White Haven, PA
Gus Person was simply amazing! His professionalism, passion and authenticity were powerful! He played at the graveside for our Scottish Father's internment. He was in full dress with our MacKenzie family tartan. He provided an awesome performance that moved everyone there and he honored the legacy of our Father, in more ways that these words can't describe. We picked 5 songs together and his Bag Piping was spell-binding and pitch perfect! We enthusiastically recommend him for any occasion! We thank God for Gus.
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I played at the rural Laurel Cemetery in White Haven, PA, for a Scottish gentleman. The family requested that I wear MacKenzie tartan. I played as the mourners were gathering, and then The Flowers of the Forest following the final prayers. As the family and guests were socializing, I played a number of Scottish traditional tunes.
Review by Grant A.
Church Service•Reviewed on November 22, 2022•From York, PA
Once again a truly Top Notch event with Gus. We have worked with Gus four times now and each time has been an wonderful experience. What I truly admire about working with Gus is her professionalism, his eye to detail, and his flexibility and willingness to adjust as needed. Looking forward to working with Gus again. If you're looking for a Piper and you are in Gus' area -- contact him!
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For the second time, I played at the annual Kirkin' Service at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in York, PA. As a living historian, I wore the historic 1930s Service Dress uniform of a piper in the Scots Guards. Besides, the Processional and Recessional, I played some piobaireachd during Communion: Colin Macrae of Invereenant's Lament. To my surprise and gratitude, I was inducted as the Honorary Parish Piper, and was presented with a blue sash and plaid brooch.
Review by Kaitlyn G.
Wedding Ceremony•Reviewed on November 13, 2022•From Blackwood, NJ
I cannot give Gus enough stars!! He was great with answering any questions I had, accommodating a slight time change, and is beyond friendly! Gus made the planning process so easy and we were so happy with how amazing he looked and preformed at our wedding ceremony! We could not recommend him enough, not a dry eye with our guests while he played! Absolutely beautiful
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Despite heavy rain on the previous day, the wedding of Jason and Kaitlyn was held in magnificent weather at the Valleybrook Country Club in Blackwood, Pennsylvania. I played both before and after the ceremony, and also for the Processional and Recessional. I wore Scottish full-dress in Royal Stewart tartan. A wonderful occasion!
Review by Kelly B.
Memorial Service•Reviewed on November 6, 2022•From York, PA
I have received comments from numerous parishioners and parish staff. Everyone said the event was perfect. Gus adds extreme value to our annual Blue Mass. Very professional. Extremely accommodating. Extremely talented. I certainly would recommend to a friend or business. We are extremely pleased with Gus Person.
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For the third time, I played at the Blue Mass, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, at the St. Joseph Parish Church in East York, PA. I played Abide with Me as a Processional, and Amazing Grace for the Processional. This was a very enjoyable and evocative experience.
Review by George G.
Funeral•Reviewed on October 26, 2022•From Myerstown, PA
Gus made the final goodbye to my stepfather a memorable one . I do not think there was a dry eye in the crowd. Everyone commented on how great Gus was playing the bagpipes. Highly recommend him . Thank You Gus !
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George hired me to play at the funeral of his step-father at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Myerstown, PA. The deceased was a Korean War and Army veteran. His large family and friends surrounded the gravesite. Full military honors were rendered by the Richland American Legion Post and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
Review by Erin Y.
Funeral•Reviewed on October 18, 2022•From Chambersburg, PA
Mr. Person was excellent to work with, he stayed in communication with me all throughout the process and I was happy to find someone willing to make the long trek to Chambersburg to make this families request of hearing Danny Boy played as tribute to the loved one a reality.
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I played at the interment of an Irish-American gentleman at the Parklawns Memorial Gardens in Chambersburg, PA. I played a number of Irish tunes as the funeral cortege arrived at the gravesite. Following the final prayers, I player O' Danny Boy, and marched off into the distance.
Review by Beth W.
Funeral•Reviewed on October 13, 2022•From Mercersburg, PA
Gus was the prefect way to honor my father at his funeral. Gus is extremely talented and has a wealth of song choices. He was very accommodating. So many people commented on how special it was to have Gus play at my dad's funeral. I would recommend him for any bag piper performance you need.
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Beth hired me to play at her father's Celebration of Life at the Irvine Memorial Chapel on the campus of the Mercersburg Academy, a prestigious secondary school in south-central Pennsylvania. Her father had been a teacher and dean of students at the school. At the end of the service, I played The Flowers of the Forest and Amazing Grace in the church. I slow marched onto the plaza in front of the chapel to play Anchors Aweigh, Shenandoah and Simple Gifts plus a host of Scottish tunes. This was a magnificent setting among perfect weather.
Review by Michele D.
Funeral•Reviewed on October 11, 2022•From Lititz, PA
It was a pleasure to work with Gus. The Cooper family appreciated his service so much! There was a special request which he was able to play at the end of the service. Funeral homes are often asked to "find" a bagpiper and we are grateful he was suggested to us. Thank you Gus! Hope to work with you in the future!
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The funeral home hired me to play at a funeral at the Lititz Moravian Church in the doentown area. I plsyed on the village green during the visitation hour, and then played Loch Lomond at the conclusion of the memorial service. I wore the Modern MacBeth tartan.
Review by Jordan H.
Community Event•Reviewed on September 25, 2022•From Hamburg, PA
Awesome performer! We'll experienced. Would like to use more of you for the next event with more pipers and drums.
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I was pleased to play at the Berks County First Responder Fair at the Cabela's Outdoor World in Hamburg, PA. I played the National Anthem during the opening ceremony, and then Amazing Grace. I also play the Military Set and a host of Scottish and Irish tunes. It was a great event for a worthy cause.
Review by Tim M.
Memorial Service•Reviewed on August 29, 2022•From Mount Joy, PA
Gus was very responsive from first contact and throughout the days leading up to Dad's memorial service. He kept his schedule flexible to support us as we finalized the details. He provided us a long list of songs to choose from his repertoire, allowing us to select our set list and sequence. He had several kilt options and was able to wear one that closely resembled our clan tartan. He arrived early, so we had no worries that he wouldn't be there on time. His playing abilities equaled anything I heard when I visited Scotland, and he brought several of our family members to tears. I highly recommend Gus and I send him our family's thanks. Tim Mc.
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Tim hired me to play at his father's Memorial Service at the Mary Mother of the Church in Mount Joy, PA. Following the Mass, I played a series of Scottish tunes selected by him from my Piping Repertoire. The entire family and friends were very appreciative.
Review by Joe M.
Event•Reviewed on July 23, 2022•From New Cumberland, PA
We had Mr. Gus Person to our home to play the bagpipes at our Open Championship party on 7/16/22. The Open was being played at St. Andrews in Scotland. We had an inkling from reading Gus’s reviews that he would be a good fit, and an interesting and fun addition (to our annual party centered around golf).
In speaking with Gus in the preparation stage, he was informative and engaged. He really took an interest in what we were doing and how he/we could make it an enjoyable experience for all. His passion for playing is evident and all of our guests loved the added touch. And he’s a fine gentleman as well! We’re looking forward to inviting him again to our home.
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I enthusiastically played for Joe and Beth's British Open party at their home. Their home was decorated in British motifs, and they had an impressive collection of whiskies which I was obliged to sample. The pipes were humming, and I played all of their Scottish tunes. I met many of their guests and enjoyed discussing Scotch and my pipes and piping experiences. Great party!
Review by Grant A.
Funeral•Reviewed on July 5, 2022•From York, PA
Gus Person joined us for a memorial service. As always Gus embodied the qualities that one needs for such a service - professionalism, care, and adaptability. . He worked with me prior to the service to explore the ways in which he could help elevate the memorial service to a level worth of a Campbell. His selection of tunes captured the spirit of the day and helped the family celebrate the life of their dearly departed. Gus played during the service at the church and at the grave. The final lament was very moving. As always, I cannot recommend Gus Person highly enough.
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Rev. Grant Ambrose engaged me to play at the funeral service and interment of a Scottish gentleman. He died in 2021, but the interment was delayed because of the COVID. I played The Flowers of the Forest at the Prospect Cemetery.
Review by Grant A.
Concert•Reviewed on July 5, 2022•From York, PA
Working with Gus Person is always an absolute pleasure. Gus offered a concert for our "Candlelight Concert and Compline Series". Gus was well prepared and adaptable -- we were planning to be outside, but due to the weather, we moved the venue inside. Gus is a wonderful public speaker, very talented piper, and gracious. I cannot recommend Gus highly enough.
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Rev. Grant Ambrose invited me to perform at a Candlelight Concert at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in York. We moved into the Sanctuary because of the inclement weather. I played a selection of Scottish tunes on the Great Highland Bagpipe, and some Irish tunes on the Smallpipes. A most enjoyable experience.
Review by Clare C.
Wedding•Reviewed on June 27, 2022•From Glen Mills, PA
Gus Person was a phenomenal addition to our daughter’s wedding. He was professional, a pleasure to work with, and provided great suggestions for appropriate songs from his vast repertoire. Gus was a surprise for our 127 guests and was the most wonderful pronouncement that cocktail hour was ending. He (and the bride and groom) then led all of the guests from the outdoor cocktail hour to the reception with the most moving performance.
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Clare hired me to play at the wedding of her daughter at The Inn of Grace Winery on an expansive estate in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. The estate was previously owned by the Kelly Family. I played at the conclusion of the cocktail hour to alert them that it was time to move to the barn for the Reception. I led the procession and played at the door to the barn while playing a selection of favorite Scottish tunes. The venue was idyllic, and the weather couldn't have been better.
Review by Earl P.
Wedding Ceremony•Reviewed on June 27, 2022•From Bethlehem, PA
Piper Gus Person was very easy to work with and was very responsive to communication when he played for my wedding. He was able to work with my requests from his repertoire and also make suggestions for songs that would fit well.
I also appreciated his use of the small pipes, so we could have the bagpipe sound indoors without the sound being too loud.
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Earl hired me to play at his wedding to Mary Ellen at the Lehigh Church of the Brethren in Bethlehem, PA. He was unusual as a client in that he knew exactly what tunes he had chosen to be played for the Prelude, Processional and Recessional. I also played a selection of Scottish tunes before the ceremony as guests were arriving, and after the service as guests were moving next door to the Reception. Earl was great to work with and I met many of the guests and family members.
Review by Gibby P.
Funeral•Reviewed on June 13, 2022•From Camp Hill, PA
Once again, Gus was awesome and fulfilled the specific requests of a family in need. As a funeral director, I appreciate the fact that he's reliable, punctual and easy to communicate with leading up to the event. His attire and professionalism at the gravesite were, and always have been, spot-on. If you need a talented bagpiper you can count on, I would certainly recommend Mr. Person.
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I was hired at the last minute by the Parthemore Funeral Home to play at the funeral interment of a gentleman in the Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill, PA. As the family and friends were gathering, I played a selection of slow airs at the gravesite. After the final prayers, I played Amazing Grace off into the distance. Supporting this funeral home has become a very pleasurable experience.
Review by Gibby P.
Funeral•Reviewed on April 14, 2022•From Camp Hill, PA
Gus is talented, punctual and professional. He kept in contact with me leading up to the funeral, making sure the family's requests were honored and that the idea he had in his head would work at this particular cemetery. As a funeral director, it gives me peace of mind when he's involved. It is evident that he cares about the families we serve as well, and that is an intangible component that we feel is an added bonus. I would recommend Gus to anyone and everyone, and we will continue to request his services in the future.
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The Parthemore Funeral Home hired me to play at the funeral of a married couple at the Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill who had died within three days of each other. Both were Army veterans. As the caskets were conveyed to the grave, I played the Army Song and a selection of slow airs. The family also requested that Amazing Grace be played following the final prayers. I wore military-style attire in Cameron tartan.
Review by Heidi S.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on April 14, 2022•From Middletown, PA
Gus did a wonderful job playing at my husband's 50th Birthday. He played, talked about the bagpipes and how they work, and about the type of dress he was wearing. The guests enjoyed it very much. Definitely recommend him fir your event.
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I played at the 50th Birthday Party in Middletown for an ardent Irish-American. A large group of family and friends gathered at the Event Place. My program lasted about 40 minutes. I played the Great Highland Bagpipe and the Smallpipes and interspersed them with commentary on the pipes, my attire and piping experiences. This was a wonderful experience, and the audience was quite responsive.
Review by Ed C.
Funeral•Reviewed on April 3, 2022•From Palmyra, NJ
He was a consumate professional from initial contact through the day of the service. He was flexible in carrying out our wishes and the performance was excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to use him again.
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I played at the funeral of a deceased firefighter in Palmyra, NJ, at the local Fire Station. I began playing as the unit firefighters paid their final respects. I closed the service with Amazing Grace after the Last Call, and then played for 20 minutes as the mourners began to disperse. A large contingent of Red Knights, a firefighter motorcycle club were present.
Review by Pam D.
Funeral•Reviewed on March 28, 2022•From Mechanicsburg, PA
I couldn’t picture anyone better. He was patient, as things didn’t go exactly as planned. Very personable and shared history about the music and bagpipes. Was good with the young and old. Gus was the real deal.
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At the Armitage Club in Mechanicsburg, PA, I played at the Celebration of Life for an unfortunate COVID victim. He was a diehard Steelers and Penguins fan. I played a selection of tunes prior to the service, and then played Amazing Grace after the initial prayer. I enjoyed speaking with many of the family and guests who were all very friendly. Pam asked me to wear full-dress in Royal Stewart tartan. She was great to work with.
Review by Julia F.
Celebration•Reviewed on February 20, 2022•From Carlisle, PA
We were referred to Gus for our Burns Night dinner and thankfully I reserved his talent months in advance! Gus made our Burns Night! He was exceptional!! His timeliness on communication and scheduling was excellent. Although we had to change dates, he changed his personal plans to accommodate our event. He attended our rehearsals and went above and beyond to make Burns Night an unforgettable evening. Saving the best for last, his music was phenomenal. He captivated us all with his talent and character gusto! We will never forget this evening and will refer Gus always. Many thanks! Slainte!
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I was honored to play at a Robert Burns Dinner at the former Officers Club at the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA. This was a premier event which required a great deal of organization and work. The venue was idyllic. Julia and her husband and staff were terrific to work with. I played a number of times during the evening and the pipes were humming. I even delivered a toast in Gaelic to the President of the United States. The evening also featured other talent by a number of other attendees. It couldn't have gone better. Certainly, the best Burns Night event that I've ever attended.
Review by Thomas G.
Funeral•Reviewed on December 23, 2021•From Milton, PA
This was the second opportunity I had to hire Piper Person, and as with the first, I am greatly pleased. Gus is a fine Piper and a Traditionalist in the Art. His demeanor and professional talent rates the highest in my years of securing Pipers for Law Enforcement Memorials. I cannot thank him, nor recommend him enough.
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Chief G. of the Selinsgrove PD hired me to play at the funeral of a USMC veteran and police department retiree at the Christ Wesleyan Church in Milton, PA. The funeral service was conducted indoors in the church. The full-honors portion was conducted outdoors by the front entrance. It was an honor to play at this evocative service, honoring a victim of the COVID pandemic, although the outdoor conditions were very cold and extremely windy.
Review by Grant A.
Church Service•Reviewed on November 24, 2021•From York, PA
Gus joined us (St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, York, PA) for a "Blessing of the Families" service (our adaptation of a "Blessin' o' the Tartans". Gus was 5-star across the board. His communication prior the service helpful and timely. He truly has a gift for performing and engaging attendees. His talent -- excellent. We were so glad to have Gus with us and look forward to having him with us again in the future. Slainte!
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A colleague clergyman referred me to play at a KIrkin' of the Tartans ceremony at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in suburban York, I did quite a bit of piping: Processional and Recessional; a medley during the Offertory; and two hymns during Holy Communion. I also played in the Great Hall after the service, and even played some Piobaireachd for one of the parishioners. I met a number of very nice people who were very appreciative. I've already been invited back for next year.
Review by Ed G.
Wedding Ceremony•Reviewed on December 17, 2019•From Bryn Athyn, PA
Gus was outstanding as a performer at my daughter’s wedding and reception! He led the recessional inside the cathedral, with the bride and groom following him down the aisle. He then played from the top of a castle/tower as wedding guests walked below. (They were thrilled!) Then he piped the bride and groom into the reception. His performance and demeanor were exceptional at all three of these venues. We needed to coordinate things well ahead of time, and he was extremely easy to work with. He was also very happy to chat with the wedding guests during cocktail hour and pose for photos with them. Gus is a true professional, and I hope to hire him again. Thanks, Gus!
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This was one of the most memorable engagements that I have ever played - and I have played quite a few! The venue was fantastic. It included a Gothic cathedral, a Scottish manor house and clock tower, and an impressive lodge which hosted the Reception. Everyone I dealt with, including the staff and the guests were extremely welcoming and appreciative; including Veronica who chatted with me at length about Scottish history. The acoustics in the cathedral were incredible. The Bride had requested that I play "Highland Laddie" and "Cock o' the North." Piping in the clock tower was certainly a challenge as the wind played havoc with my full plaid and pipe banner.
