Bagpipers and Drumers

**Sir Jason MacGregor** · 23rd April 08, 05:26 PM

My Fiancee and I hired a bagpiper for our wedding ceremony but were thinking about hiring a drummer for the reception to march us in along with the bagpiper. Any thoughts if this would be a good idea?

**Ryan Ross** · 23rd April 08, 05:32 PM

It's a great idea. Fly me over there and I'd be happy to do it!

**Gary Krueger** · 23rd April 08, 06:19 PM

I can say that it would be a great surprise for the drummer.

Go for it. It's a great idea. I would love to have a drummer with me when doing a wedding...equal pay certainly.

**JerseyLawyer** · 23rd April 08, 06:21 PM

It's a fine idea.

Though the drummer is going to have to play on the rim if he doesn't want to drown out the piper, if there's only one of each. ;)

**Ryan Ross** · 23rd April 08, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by JerseyLawyer

It's a fine idea.

Though the drummer is going to have to play on the rim if he doesn't want to drown out the piper, if there's only one of each. ;)

Eh, if you use small sticks and really control your velosity/stick heights, you'll be ok... you need good low-end chops for that job, though.

**JS Sanders** · 23rd April 08, 07:12 PM

This is a non-starter assuming both musicians are competent.

I regularly play wedding gigs with my drummer and the worst it ever sounded was wonderful.

As long as your hired piper doesn't have a head-bangin', goodtime rock'n roller for an accompanying percussionist, the drummer'll be fully aware how to control his drumhead and compliment the pipes.

You've got lotsa other things to worry about - this isn't one of them.

Slainte yall,
steve

**fluter** · 24th April 08, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by Ryan Ross

Eh, if you use small sticks and really control your velosity/stick heights, you'll be ok... you need good low-end chops for that job, though.

Oh, you mean that the drummer has to be a musician. That's always a good arrangment.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 23rd April 08, 06:32 PM

Don't they also use drummers at executions?

**beloitpiper** · 23rd April 08, 07:13 PM

I've never heard of it being done before, but sure, why not? Although, two or three pipers with one drummer might be better, but that would be expensive.

**Iain Robb** · 24th April 08, 03:46 AM

I think it's a fine idea. One off-beat (excuse the pun) thing to consider: Most folks are probably thinking of a snare drummer (the rat-a-tat-tat folks). But a tenor drummer might add not only a beat, but if you used a swing tenor, some flair as well.

Oh, what the heck -- it's your money -- why not a whole pipe band?