Alan's Solo Performances


Introduction

Alan plays many different kinds of bagpipes, several diatonic accordions, and numerous other wind and percussion instruments.

Alan began studying the music of the British Isles and Ireland soon after taking up the Highland bagpipe, and has now mastered a sizable tune repetoire played on a number of different folk instruments of these lands. The traditional music and instruments of continental Europe were also introduced early on to Alan from his many encounters with other folk musicians. Instruction with the greats of European traditional music both here and abroad has enabled Alan to master each instrument and musical style.

Alan's solo playing experience includes frequent performances at weddings, funerals, parties, dances, festivals, and corporate events. He has also appeared a number of times in theatre productions and on radio and television. Alan has been extensively involved in group instruction, workshops, lectures and demonstrations at schools, music camps and festivals. This page contains recent 'thank-you' notes and testimonials from some of Alan's many hundreds of clients.

If interested, Alan can supply and perform with other pipers and/or drummers, and can provide accompaniment for his or your Scottish Highland and/or Irish step dancers. Also see Alan's Group Performances Page.

Instruments and Musical Styles

Bagpipes

As well as the most familiar of bagpipes, the Scottish Great Highland bagpipe or piob mor, there are more than two-hundred others played around the world. Alan has collected, built, and learned to play a number of different European bagpipes including three Scottish, three English, seven French, one Galician (Spanish), one Flemish (Belgian), one Swedish and one Turkish (see Instrument Collection-Bagpipes). Many of Alan's bagpipes are somewhat similar in construction and function, but each one looks and sounds uniquely different.

A sizable repertoire of music uniquely linked to each individual piping tradition allows Alan to perform at length on one or more bagpipes associated with a particular ethnicity. And in addition to performances of a singular theme, Alan has on many occasions entertained audiences with his playing of many different bagpipes. This type of performance can take the form of a demonstration, recital, lecture or a combination of all of these. Note: There is no better instrument than the bagpipe for getting people's attention, and/or for leading them in a procession from one location to another.

See: Alan's European & American Music Repertoire Page for a list of the more well-known tunes that Alan plays on his Scottish Highland bagpipe.

Also see: The Wedding Tips Page, which gives detailed information on hiring Alan to play bagpipes at a wedding.

Accordions

Melodious, rhythmic, earthy and gay, ...what's a waltz or polka without an accordion? After nearly putting the bagpipe out of business in most of Europe during the last century, this product of the industrial revolution has taken folk music for it's own and is here to stay. It's sound can be heard literally around the world! Alan plays several different sizes and keys of the earliest version of the accordion family; known throughout continental Europe as the diatonic accordion, it is commonly called a melodian in Britain and Ireland, and a button-box in the U.S. (see Instrument Collection- Accordions).

In addition to demonstating different musical traditions, or entertaining at ethnic theme events, the accordion is very useful for accompanying sing-alongs such as Christmas caroling, and also special songs associated with annual events such as Happy Birthday and Auld Lang Syne.

See: Alan's European & American Music Repertoire Page for a list of the more well-known tunes that Alan plays on his accordion.

Misc. Wind & Percussion Instruments

Especially suited to Irish music, Alan plays several different sizes and keys of 'tin' or 'penny' whistles. Alan's other reed instruments include various forms of folk oboes, a Renaissance crumhorn, harmonicas and several types of mouth-blown reedpipes including the Welsh pibcorn. Percussion instruments in Alan's collection take the form of various stick and hand drums, as well as more unusual friction drums and the rarely seen Bearnaise string drum. (See Instrument Collection-Misc. Instruments).

Performances

Alan accordion
Centre France costume
Usually a performance by Alan involves his playing a specific instrument and style of music connected to a particular tradition, ie., the Highland pipes at a Scottish or Irish wedding. Or the instrument and music can be associated with a partiucular theme such as accordion polkas might be for Oktoberfest, or the singing and playing of Irish songs and tunes on Saint Patrick's Day. As well as playing the traditional music of each instrument, Alan usually makes his appearance in the colorful folk costume associated with the instrument and it's culture. Here you will find links to photos of Alan in a few of his different costumes:

Some suggested uses for Alan's many talents:

Recent Notable Public Performances


Help for the Musician

For events that take place outdoors:
-On hot days especially, it is essential that there be water or other liquid refreshment available to the musician.
-Shade on warm-to-hot sunny days, and shelter on inclimate days is a must for any performance lasting more than a few minutes. Note: Extremes in temperature (hot or cold) may necessitate a shorter than scheduled performance with likely no adjustment in the musician's fee.

For events that take place indoors:
-A separate tune-up room (for the bagpipes) located some distance from the performance area is helpful, and may even be a necessity.
-Liquid refreshment is necessary (especially for piping) for performances lasting more than a few minutes.
-A sturdy armless chair must be available for accordion playing.

When in doubt about any of the above, or if unforseen or changable conditions and/or situations occur, the client's sensitivity to the musician's comfort and needs will generally insure a cheerful demeanor and best possible performance.


Fees

Performance fees are based upon the type of event, and the number of hours engaged. There is a one hour minimum charge for the first hour, with additional hours charged at a lesser rate.

In addition to the performance fee, other fees may apply, such as:
-Alan's having to travel some distance to perform at your function. In such cases, a per-hour 'trip fee' is assessed in relation to the travel time involved and will be included in the total amount quoted. Parking fees and other expenses such as bridge tolls will also be factored-in.
-A "learning fee" may be applied if Alan is requested to learn tunes or music other than that of his usual reperoire.
-Performances on some major holidays and holiday weekends may be charged at a higher rate.


Booking Information

For booking information, or to request a free brochure and/or demo tape, contact Alan by email (use the 'Contact' button on the navigation table below, or go to Alan's 'Home' Page for address),
or
telephone Alan at: (650) 964-5279 (home), (650) 391-5546 (mobile)

 About Alan  Alan's Performing Groups  Services  Products  General Interest  Home  Contact


last update: 8/17/07