Pipe Major Alan J. Harrison

"Piper for all Occasions"

  Tel: 01924 410822

I am based in West Yorkshire, England but willing to travel.

Bagpipes, bagpiper, piper, pipes.  

These are some of the words which describe my hobby and the instrument I play.

I have been playing the Scottish Great Highland bagpipes for over 40 years and have played at countless occasions, functions and celebrations such as - weddings, birthday parties, ladies nights, Burns nights, ceilidhs etc to  TV and radio, orchestral performances, international music and dance festivals, pipe band competitions in Britain, America, Canada and almost every European country.

Over the years I have played with a number of pipe bands including, City of Manchester, West Yorkshire Fire Service, Pontefract Caledonian and Champion of Champions - Clan Sutherland Pipe Band .  I am holder of an advanced certificate from the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association and have a full teachers certificate for the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.  I also play for Highland and Scottish Country dancing and teach piping at home.    

TUNES

  Few musical instruments stir the emotions more than the Scottish Highland pipes.  From atmospheric slow airs and laments to rousing quick marches and foot tapping reels, jigs and strathspeys. 

I have a very wide repertoire of tunes for the pipes and can advise you on selections from well known favourites to tunes with a special meaning for your occasion and for particular times during your function.  I will also endeavour to play special requests if suitable for the pipes.   

Based on experience, I will normally play selections of tunes of my own choosing to suit the situation and mood and will also position myself accordingly.  I have to admit to having brought a tear of joy and emotion to many an eye and to have set people dancing the next. 

The times when I play are quite flexible and can be as you would like and I am used to adapting to the situation at short notice.  Much of my time is taken in getting ready, travelling to and from the venue etc so once I am at the venue the times I play and the length of time I am there is fairly flexible dependant on other commitments.  I also have a set of miniature pipes which is a smaller and quieter version of the Highland pipe, suitable for intimate indoor situations or for playing along with other acoustic instruments such as guitars, whistles etc.

 I can come to see you (if not too far away) or let you know where I will be playing to chat about tunes and play through some selections.

MY PIPES

I have two sets of full Highland pipes. One set, which I bought in 1963 were made by the firm of James Robertson of Edinburgh in about 1940. They are half mounted in silver and ivory and are very steady. The other set I bought in 2004 and were made by R G Lawrie of Glasgow between 1903 to 1910. These are fully mounted in ivory (which was quite usual in those days). This is areally good set also. The pipe chanters I play are by William Sinclair of Edinburgh.I also have a minature set made by Pipe Major David (Blue) Mac Murchie of West Caulder.

All these makers are acknowleged in the piping fraternity as some of the best in the world.

I have three styles of highland dress -

                                                  

  Day dress. 

Equivalent to a lounge suit.  This is the "uniform" normally worn by pipers these days.  Comfortable and smart.

     

      Evening dress. 

Equivalent to morning dress or dinner jacket.  Ideal for dinners or more formal occasions.

          

  And for a little extra full No1 Uniform. 

This is the uniform worn on formal and ceremonial occasions 

 The background tartan is the one I normally wear, Murray of Atholl Ancient.
I can give you advice on Highland dress if you wish.

I am based in West Yorkshire, England but willing to travel within reason.  I will be pleased to advise and assist with your requirements.

For more information please me or telephone on 

01924 410822.

"Haste ye Back"

Some worthwhile sites to visit -

( I accept no responsibility for the content of other websites.)

      The Hunger Site                                                         Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association                        Highland Dress Hire

      Mencap                                                       Royal Scottish Country Dance Society                   

               Royal British  Legion                                  Thornhill Dancers          Thornhill Scottish Dancers                                             Gazetteer for Scotland

              Royal Lifeboats Institution                    Internet Guide to Scotland                             Undiscovered Scotland
 

 

 

Last update - March 2008 

Thanks for visiting

"that man to man the world o'er, shall brothers be for a' that"

AJH © 2007