This is completely up to the family. Typically, I play a tune as the casket exits the hearse up until it enters the church. Then, again after the service when the casket exits the church up until the casket enters the hearse. Finally, I play again as the procession departs from in front of the church.

Occasionally, the family also requests bagpipes to be played at the cemetery. Here, I usually play the bagpipes at the gravesite as mourners place flowers on top of the casket. I have also played after the flowers are placed on top of the casket while walking off into the distance. These are only a few options and again, it is completely up to the family what they would like to have.

You can choose to have the bagpipes played at just the church, just the cemetery, or both. I’m happy to do whatever your family prefers.