![]() ![]() There were lots of emotions and tears of happiness - the bagpipe is just such a romantic, dramatic, incredible sound. Michael was flexible and stayed on into our cocktail hour to play a few requests from my dad. The bagpipes were a surprise for my dad (who is Scottish) and his tears of joy and the pictures of his reaction were priceless! He did not disappoint from our first call! He was very responsive, helpful with suggestions of tunes, was very flexible and self sufficient (we only really had a day-of coordinator and I put the two of them in touch to coordinate with one another - I hadn't even seen the venue before and couldn't really tell him where to meet us or where he'd be performing - but he went with the flow!). I'd booked a bagpiper for our original wedding in CA, and when we decided to do something small in Park City, based on my research online Michael was the best in the area. Michael was seriously amazing - don't wait to book him! We planned a last minute wedding in Covid. The entire day was tender, but the thing everyone is still talking about today is the bagpipes at the gravesite. I highly recommend Michael Gibbs! Thank you, Michael, for your gift to my family. But even more than that, he was simply a superb, gifted musician who knows how to tune into the emotions of the moment. He was responsive in coordinating meeting time, he arrived to the gravesite well before any of us, he stayed for the entire ceremony, he was dressed in beautiful Celtic attire, and it was clear he loves the bagpipes. In conclusion, logistically, Michael was great to work with. It was an exemplification of his innate ability to understand and translate the complexities of grief and love into his music, touching each person present with his heartfelt performance. Michael’s performance was not just a demonstration of his remarkable musical talents. It was a symbol of transition, a moving musical metaphor that encapsulated our collective experience of saying goodbye, and allowed a space for reflection and closure. To conclude the service, Michael played the final song while walking away from the gravesite. This simple act of communication showed his deep understanding and respect for his art, and it added a level of meaning and connectivity that was beyond our expectations. His knowledge and eloquence were impressive, weaving an insightful narrative that enhanced the impact of the ensuing melody. He not only played the song but also took the time to explain its Celtic symbolism. The highlight, however, was his introduction and rendition of the song 'Moments of Crossing'. Each note seemed to vibrate with the unique love of each individual, intertwining the personal with the universal, creating an intimate, collective mourning experience that was incredibly moving. The playing of 'Danny Boy' as each family member placed a rose on the casket was a touching gesture that lent the entire event an air of deep personal respect and reverence. Michael's skillful command of the bagpipes made each note speak volumes, telling a story of love, of grace, and of solace, adding an element of profound emotional depth to this poignant moment. The words of the song may have been absent, but the melody was all we needed. When the casket was being carried by pallbearers, Michael played 'Amazing Grace'. His rendition was a moving overture that tenderly held our raw emotions, setting the dignifying tone of the day. We arrived with heavy hearts and were immediately greeted by the beautiful melody of his bagpipes as we exited our cars. ![]() ![]() Our encounter with Michael was under the somber circumstance of a memorial service. A piper who possesses not only the technical skills necessary to elicit the soul-stirring power of the bagpipes but also the sensitivity and empathy required to elevate such a performance beyond mere melody, turning it into a poignant symbol of remembrance and respect. Michael is, without a doubt, a master of his craft. Keep going strong! Your talent shines in an area needed and desired from veterans to simple family requests. He is your man! Michael, I can't thank you enough for all you do for us at McDougal Funeral Home for the families we serve. Serving pretty much anywhere you request him to be. Always reliable and arrives early to the funeral or graveside services. I can't think of a better gentleman for the job. I grew up learning about funeral service and how important it is to many families to have a professional bagpiper. Being employed with McDougal Funeral Home since a young age. Many years later we have stayed connected professionally and personally. Over time I was educated that he plays professionally at events. Something I have always admired and enjoyed listening to, due to my Scottish heritage. Getting to know him in his personal life. We met when working for the same company years back. ![]()
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