About Vendor
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BACKGROUND:
I am a piper with 20 years experience. I played with McGuire's Pipe and Drums Band in Pensacola, Fl for the first 15 of those years (Photos #14&15) prior to moving to Fredericksburg, VA. Throughout my years as a member of McGuire's Pipe and Drums and now, as an independent piper in Fredericksburg, I have played at numerous graduations, retirements, birthdays, commemorations, celebrations, celebrations, and festivities, as well as over 200 weddings and somewhat more than 180 funerals.
In addition to being a piper, I am also a "Santa Claus" and have served as the "National Santa Claus" and piped in President's Park in The Ellipse in Washington, D.C. (Photo #13).
My Santa profile with GigMasters may be found at the GigMasters' Category: SANTA CLAUS in FREDERICKSBURG, VA under SANTA JACK ARTHUR & MRS. C
As to my credentials below, I am a retired naval officer and naval aviator.
TUNES/PERFORMANCE:
As indicated in the "Song List" button above, I play numerous Scottish, sacred, secular, and festive tunes as well as numerous more recognizable "American" tunes and would be glad to invite your input or assist you in selecting the tunes you would like to hear to ensure you have exactly the music that you would wish from a piper. When desired in performance, such as birthday parties or St. Patricks Day celebrations, I introduce not only the tune's name, but also a bit of history behind various tunes and add a few ethnic jokes (of course, as I am Scottish, the jokes also tend to be Scottish). Additionally, as has been requested several times, I also "roast" the various members of the party (with loving and tender remembrances of their past).
ATTIRE:
I have a number of attires. In the order of the photographs, they are:
First: My Full Dress; kilt, double breasted tunic, piper's plaid, feather bonnet, dirk, and horse hair sporran (Photos #2-5). I normally have an "up-charge" of $50. 00 for this uniform except for full honor military funerals. When I wear this attire for military funerals, I also wear the flag of the military branch of the deceased on my bass drone, as shown in photos #2,3,5,6,&7.
Second: My "Prince Charlie" attire (Photos #6 thru #9) which I also wear for formal occasions (weddings, funerals, birthday parties, etc.). For weddings, I wear ribbons of the colors of the bride on my bass drone.
Third&Fourth: Two short sleeved shirt "military" uniforms (Photos #10 and #11-12) which I use, when requested, for less formal occasions.
Fifth: Not shown, is a "Peasant Piper" attire with peasant shirt and deer skin boots which I have worn for beach weddings.
Of course, there is always my Santa attire (Photos #13), but that may not always be appropriate... Just sayin'
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
When requested, I am able to provide a videographer to record both your event and my playing.
For military funerals where no bugler is provided, I also play "Taps" on the ceremonial bugle.
J.R. Arthur LCdr, USN, (Ret)
Services
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Reviews
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Review by Margaret B.
Funeral•Reviewed on May 13, 2022•From Culpeper, VA
Commander Arthur exceeded all of our expectations. On relatively short notice, we were looking for a piper for a funeral at one of the national cemeteries. He responded promptly, provided complete information and options, accommodated all of our special requests, understood the unique features of a military service, both having participated in so many and having served himself. He took his role seriously, contributed meaningfully to our event, and honored our loved one. We are grateful for his participation in our event.
Review by Erick B.
Wedding•Reviewed on March 26, 2022•From Mechanicsville, VA
Having J.R. be the Piper at our wedding was absolutely perfect! We could not have asked for a better person! I will be hiring him again for future events. His talent, ability, and knowledge far exceeding our expectations. I grew up listening to the pipes, and he definitely could be march for Royal Scottish Pipe Band; even the number one pipe band in the world "Strathclyde Police Pipe Band." On top of it all he is a US Veteran like I am so that connection we share and our heritage truly brought everything together. I can't recommend him enough, and THANK YOU MY BROTHER for playing for us!!
Review by Aileen C.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on July 6, 2021•From Rockville, MD
J.R. Arthur was absolutely perfect for my mother's 85th birthday party. He walked down the street from the neighbors house as we all sat outside piping his way to the front of the house where we sat gathered. He played songs I requested that were my mom's favorites, and mixed the playing up with entertaining stories and poems too. And a more perfect distinguished looking piper would be hard to find. He was very organized and got back to me about every question I had. I would definitely recommend him.
Awards & Badges
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Song List
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- Many Secular Scottish/Irish Tunes | Bagpipes
- Many Popular Sacred/Church Tunes | Bagpipes
- Many Popular Wedding Tunes | Bagpipes
- Many Irish Tunes | Bagpipes
- Many Scottish Funerary Tunes | Bagpipes
- Taps | Bugle
Calendar
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• : Booked Events
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Date Selected: 5/17/2022
Booked Events
: The Bash Verified Bookings
Upcoming Events
May 20, 2022 • Private Party
November 12, 2022 • Wedding Ceremony
Past Events
May 14, 2022 • Celebration
May 14, 2022 • Funeral
May 13, 2022 • Funeral
April 16, 2022 • Private Party
April 4, 2022 • Funeral
March 26, 2022 • Wedding
December 4, 2021 • Celebration
October 15, 2021 • Funeral
October 14, 2021 • Funeral
October 1, 2021 • Wedding Ceremony
September 29, 2021 • Event
September 1, 2021 • Funeral
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