Bagpiper

Keith Andrew - Highland Piper

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About Keith

Current Covid restrictions still allow for me to play at funerals and certain other events. Please ask for more information.
Bagpiper
Thetford
Public liability insurance of £1 million
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Having served in the Royal Air Force for 14 years, I left the Military before beginning to learn to play the Bagpipes in 1993, with a 7-year abstinence due to a serious shoulder injury. I have played with a number of Bands and at various Military Tattoos and events around Europe and Scandinavia. I am Pipe Major to the Phoenix Pipes & Drums in Norfolk (UK) and Bandmaster to the Southern Highlanders Pipes & Drums which is an International Pipe Band. As well as the International events, one of our regular commitments is to play for the War Widows Association at the Cenotaph every Remembrance Weekend (Saturday) I am also the official Piper to the Canadian Embassy in London. Although based in East Anglia, I am often requested to play in all four corners of the UK, as well as abroad. Whatever the occasion, I am experienced in playing at many varied events and will discuss with you in detail to ensure my involvement in your event runs exactly how you would want it to. I have an extensive repertoire. Weddings Weddings are also an incredibly special moment where it is an absolute privilege for me to be a part. I am always pleased to discuss options with you with regard to playing and to the ceremonial effect that can be achieved on such a special day, with different tartans and doublets that could colour co-ordinate and further compliment any bride and groom. I am experienced in many styles of wedding, traditional, multi-cultural, 'pink' Military and later in life. I am therefore able to give helpful guidance without obligation, even before you book. Corporate events/Festive Boards Again, my experience in these areas is vast and can offer original ideas and approaches to corporate events, giving your business or organisation that 'edge' just when you need it. My Festive Board performances would please anyone's “Mother”! Funerals I take all of my piping commitments seriously, and none more so than when I am asked to play at a funeral. I have played for many different faiths, belief and cultures, and Military funerals. I feel that with only one opportunity to say goodbye to a loved one in this way, it is important for me to make sure that the final farewell to your loved one goes exactly how you want it. I believe it to be an honour when asked to play at such a special occasion and will commit as much time as is necessary for the planning, preparation, and other arrangements for my part in a funeral. Many clients have never organised a funeral before and are understandably under much emotional pressure whilst making the arrangements. I shall always spend as much time as you wish to discuss your plans, making suggestions if required and answering any questions you may have, just to make sure everything goes as you would wish on the day. I can help you with suggestions as to what tunes can be played, at what stage of the funeral and the significance of certain tunes. TV/Film work I am experienced on set and have worked with both TV and films and as well as a single Piper can provide a complete Massed Pipe Band should the need require. Most recently, I have appeared in 2 Bollywood productions, one being a multi-million-pound blockbuster “Housefull 4” released to screen in October 2019. With 'Royal Stewart,' 'Black Watch', 'Hebburn' and now 'Royal Air Force' tartans, Irish Saffron and various styles of Doublets, where appropriate, I can co-ordinate to the colour theme of your event. For less formal affairs, I can wear 'daywear' which comprises the kilt, worn with a 'Prince Charlie' Jacket and accessories. I have played twice for her Majesty the Queen in London, Prince Laurent in Belgium and various TV and film work including the Bollywood Blockbuster “Housefull 4”. However you can be assured that I will play for you with the same dedication, commitment and professionalism that I have for every previous performance.

Encore badges
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Average response time under 2 hours
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Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice
7th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 7 years
25 gigs
Pro: 25 bookings through Encore
Musicianship
Genres:
Military, Classical, Ceillidh, Traditional Scottish folk, Marching, Vintage, World music, Scottish music
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Funeral / Memorial service, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
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Other skills:
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Keith's Song list

2/4 Marches
3/4 Marches
4/4 Marches
6/8 Marches
79th Farewell to Gibraltar
9/8 Marches
A Hundred Pipers
A Man's a man
Amazing Grace
Andy's Lullaby
Atholl Highlanders
Auld Lang Syne
Battle of Waterloo
Battles O'er
Be still my soul (Finlandia – Sibelius)
Bloody Fields of Flanders
Bluebells of Scotland
Bonnie Dundee
Bonnie Lass of Fyvie
Castle Dangerous
Cock of the North
Corriechollies Welcome
Crags of Tumbledown Mountain
Farewell to Camraw
Flower of Scotland
Flowers of the Forest
Glendaruel Highlanders
Goin’ Home (Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 'From the New World' – more commonly known as ‘The Hovis Tune’)
Green Hills of Tyrol
Hector the Hero
Heights of Dargai
Highland Cathedral
Highland Laddie
Hymn for the sea (Titanic)
I see Mull (Land of my Youth)
Itchy Fingers
Leaving Port Askaig
Lochanside
Mhairi's Wedding
Morag of Dunvagen
Mull of Kintyre
Muss I Den
My Land
My love she's but a Lassie Yet
Ode to Joy
Oft in the stilly Night
Old Rustic Bridge
Orange & Blue
Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore
Prince Edward Island
Rowan Tree
Scotland the Brave
She Moved through the Fair
Skye Boat Song
Slow Marches/Airs
Steamboat
Teribus
The Barren Rocks of Aden
The Battle of the Somme
The Bells of Dunblane
The Black Bear
The Brown Haired Maiden
The Cockney Jocks
The Day Thou' Gavest
The Green Hills of Tyrol
The High Road to Gairloch
The last of the great Whales
The March of the Cameron Men
The Old Rustic Bridge
The Skye Boat Song
Wings
And many, many others
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Apart from the music and my dress, I believe it is the 'Pomp and Ceremony' I bring to any occasion. My Military, Piping and Civic experiences have prepared me in etiquette and formal protocol. Dependent on the event, I have found that involving the audience goes down especially well. I have countless pictures of newlywed Brides trying to play my Bagpipes!

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Various Military Tattoos around the World Numerous Local arenas The Mall (Patrons Lunch for Her Majesty The Queen) Kensington Palace Canadian Embassy London Canadian Ambassadors Residence Goldsmiths Hall Merchant Taylors Hall Drapers Hall The Cenotaph, Whitehall (Annually)

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

This is a difficult one to answer, as from a Piping perspective, there are many Pipers who offer different skills and advice that can influence others. Pipers also learn from one another. For raw talent, however I would say "The Red hot Chilli Pipers" who are not only excellent Pipers & Drummers they are also world class champions in their music.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Played for Her Majesty The Queen At the Canadian High Comm. Trafalgar Square. Played again for Her Majesty as my Band lead the Parade at her Birthday celebrations. A clip of this was shown on Her Majesty's Christmas message 2016. Played for Prince Laurent of Belgium. War Widows Parade every year at the Cenotaph London Played in Bollywood film "Housefull 4".

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

Thats really not a problem as sometimes things will be beyond your control. I always allow a certain amount of time either side of your booking to allow for the unexpected, but it would always be helpful for you to contact me straight away, especially if I am coming from a distance.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Short answer - No. This is not something I am able to do. This is actually a blessing as my music tastes are so diverse! However should you wish, I can provide other Pipers/Drummers to give your event some extra "WOW" for more information please ask.

How much time do you need to set up?

This is dependent on the event. For example, for aWedding I will arrive fully dressed and tuned up wherever possible. Likewise for a funeral I will arrive fully dressed and tuned up. If the event is a corporate or surprise event or other circumstances prevent me to turn up fully dressed, then I would need at least half an hour to get dressed and tuned up.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

Yes. The sound of the bagpipes are emotive and the tunes are often selected for their significance. I am always pleased to discuss tune choices and options with you, and to also advise on the historical relevance of tunes, so that you know what is being played and what it means. (You can then show off to friends with your new-found knowledge!!)

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes. I come completely self-sufficient, complete with pop-up changing room if needed. The most I am likely to request from you is drinking water. Pipers shrivel up like old prunes when dehydrated and are not a pretty sight!

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

The answer is both yes and no. Presuming that I dont already know it, I can learn any tune that has been written for the bagpipes (with a few days notice). HOWEVER, the bagpipes have a range of 9 notes (one octave) so more complex tunes such as modern pop, classical music etc. cannot be transposed/arranged for the pipes. You can always ask and we can try.

Keith's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£160
Up to 1 hour£185
Up to 2 hours£225
Up to 3 hours£225
Keith
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5 out of 5
32 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

Keith's Reviews

From Encore customers:

KR
Karen R
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

Fantastic

Reply from Keith
1 year ago

Thank you Karen.

ML
Martin H
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

Keiths playing was absolutely fantastic. I had a virtual performance and linked it through my tv, it was as if Keith was stood in the room with us. The performance was arranged for my terminally ill mother and Keiths empathy and compassion were totally outstanding. Very highly recommended.

AL
Amanda L
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

Fantastic, Keith was sympathetic, kind and a brilliant Piper. Would highly recommend. Thank you Keith.

MD
Mary D
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

Excellent! Keith stayed longer than we asked him to and did a super job. Highly recommended.

Read all 31 reviews

From other customers:

AM
Anna M
2 years ago, for a Virtual event in
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5 out of 5

We booked Keith for a birthday surprise, a friend of mine, Sandy who is from Glasgow. Keith set up a zoom call, had an amazing backdrop, played three tunes on the bagpipes. It was truly fabulous! I would recommend Keith to anyone, he was in touch on the day to confirm all the details, went through the songs with us, a truly lovely man. Cannot recommend him enough. 5 stars 🌟 for a wonderful zoom call that was very professional. Thank you Keith xx

W
Wendy, N
7 years ago

Hi Keith, Just to say many thanks for making our New Year's Eve party such a success last night. You were a total hit! Happy New Year! Best wishes,

Read all 15 reviews

From other musicians:

16 January 2017

I have worked with Keith on many occasions throughout my Piping career. This has included local fetes to Military Tattoos abroad and even Ceremonial occasions, the most memorable one being leading the Parade at the Queens Birthday Patrons Lunch. Not only does Keith have a large portfolio and many years experience, he always presents himself professionally and has fantastic communication. he is a pleasure to work with.