Funeral and memorial bagpiper
Highland bagpipes for funerals, memorials, graveside services, and celebrations of life — offered with care, clarity, and respect for the family and the moment.
InquireBagpipes for remembrance
Zach Alley provides Highland bagpipe performance for funeral services, memorial gatherings, graveside placements, celebrations of life, processions, and both intimate family gatherings and larger public memorials.
Families and funeral directors can discuss the desired role for the bagpipes — whether a brief presence at a key moment or music woven through several parts of the service.
How bagpipes may fit the service
Bagpipes may accompany arrival or entrance, processional moments, closing music, or graveside placement. In some settings, playing at a short distance can create a measured, dignified presence.
Indoor and outdoor acoustics differ, and each service can be planned individually with you or the event coordinator so timing and placement feel appropriate. I have performed on stages with orchestras and from the roof of a house during a graduation party. We will discuss what is most appropriate for your event.
A measured musical presence
Zach’s experience includes performances ranging from a large university 9/11 parade and memorial to intimate memorial celebrations attended only by immediate family.
That range matters for funeral and memorial work: the same instrument can serve a public remembrance or a quiet family gathering, with preparation matched to the setting. For the fuller musical background, see About on the homepage.
What families and directors can expect
- Clear communication about date, location, and the role you have in mind for the bagpipes — or a conversation to find that role together.
- Coordination with the funeral director, officiant, family representative, or event coordinator on timing and placement.
- A respectful, prepared musical presence suited to large public memorials or intimate immediate-family gatherings.
Service area
Zach serves the Denver metro area, Boulder County, and nearby Front Range communities, including Thornton, Northglenn, Westminster, Broomfield, Arvada, Golden, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, and Longmont.
Mountain and other destination events are considered when scheduling and travel allow. Please send an inquiry if you are unsure about your location.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Graveside placement is a common request. Timing and position can be planned with the funeral director or family so the music supports the service without disrupting other elements.
Both are possible. Indoor volume and outdoor weather or acoustics are discussed during planning so the presentation fits the venue.
Yes. Zach works with funeral directors, officiants, family representatives, etc., on programming, timing, entrance or exit cues, and where to stand or process.
Intimate memorials and immediate-family celebrations are part of Zach’s experience. The musical role can be kept brief and restrained when that is what the family wants.
Musical selections can be discussed during planning. Share any preferences or traditions that matter to the family, and options can be considered together.
Feel free to reach out with or without details. Sometimes clarity comes through conversation. If you have it, share the date, location, type of service, and the role you envision for the bagpipes.
Yes. Bagpipes can be a meaningful part of many services, but not every gathering. If another direction would serve the moment better, I will say so plainly.
Get in touch
Inquire about a funeral or memorial
Share the date, location, type of service, and how you would like the bagpipes to be part of it. Zach will follow up to discuss details.