Traditional Scottish / Irish Bagpipes for; Weddings, Funerals & Special Events
Bagpiper for Weddings, Funerals, Golf Outings, Graduations, Parties & Special Events.
Playing bagpipes for over 40 years.
Bagpiper Francis Wallace is a professional musician with over 40 years of experience who provides traditional bagpipe music for significant life events.
What He Does
Francis specializes in solo bagpipe performances that create an atmosphere of distinct elegance and timeless tradition.
Why Hire Him?
Clients choose Francis Wallace for his extensive expertise and commitment to professional service.
Service Area
While long-celebrated in the Baltimore, MD area, Francis is now based in Spencer, TN. He travels to provide services across Tennessee, including: Chattanooga, , Hixon, Soddy Daisy, Cookeville, Crossville, McMinnville, Tullahoma, Manchester, Pikeville, Sparta, Woodbury, Spencer, Dunlap, Dayton, Smithville, Murfreesboro, Kingston, Winchester, Jasper, Altamont, Cleveland, Athens, Harriman, Ducktown, Sweetwater, Rockwood, Sunbright, Jamestown, Gallatin, Lebanon, Henderson, Algood, Livingston, Monterey, Baxter, Tennessee • Albany, Kentucky
We deliver exceptional results in everything we do, ensuring your satisfaction at every step.
Our experienced team brings skill and passion to every project, no matter the size.
Proven outcomes that speak for themselves and make a meaningful difference for your business.
Youtube Shorts:
St. Patrick Day Celebrations:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-RALDzJSlj4
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9LRXCKYwrSA
Emerald Tavern, St Patrick's Day
HMS Sutherland welcome to Port of Baltimore
Military Ceremonial Performances:
I have had the privilege of performing for a wide variety of distinguished military events, including Dining-Ins and Dining-Outs, Graduations, Honor ceremonies, and Retirements. My experience also extended to Weddings, Memorial services, and other special occasions across prominent military installations such as the U.S. Naval Academy, Fort Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground, 2nd Regiment Armory, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Annapolis National Cemetery, Baltimore National Cemetery, Maryland National Cemetery; as well as Marine Corps Base Quantico Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery, Navy Yard Naval Base in Washington, D.C., and the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Piping in Instructors, Special Guest's and Graduates Entrance and Departures
My fee for a Graduation is $300, time at venue over 2 hours and mileage will be considered. All pricing negotiable, please request a quote.
Hire the Chattanooga Pipe Band for graduations, parades, parties, corporate events, memorials, festivals, and private ceremonies. Available for full-band performances, solo pipers, and ensemble options—contact us to book. https://chattanoogapipeband.org/hire-us/
Make your sweetheart’s Birthday, Anniversary, or Valentine’s Day unforgettable with a surprise bagpipe performance at her workplace, favorite restaurant, or any special location you choose. I’ll help you create a heartfelt moment she’ll cherish forever. Typical Bagpiper‑gram rate: starting at $250 Flowers available at cost, and mileage considered. All pricing is negotiable, please request a quote.
www.youtube.com/@CelticBagpiper
https://www.youtube.com/@BaltimoreBagpiper
Create a truly memorable celebration with live music tailored just for you!
Ensembles can include:
Add a touch of elegance and excitement to every part of your day:
Let us help you design the perfect musical atmosphere—refined, radiant, and unforgettable.
Celtic Bagpiper – Francis Wallace
Add a powerful and unforgettable touch to your special occasion with the timeless sound of the bagpipes. Perfect for weddings, funerals, parties, and other memorable events.
Memorial Service at Stan & Joe’s – Annapolis, MD
The timeless sound of the bagpipes offers a powerful and moving tribute to honor loved ones. Amazing Grace is most often performed at the conclusion of a ceremony, providing a meaningful farewell at church services, gravesides, or memorial gatherings.
Funeral Bagpiper Services
At Cemetery: I begin playing as the procession arrives. Escort the coffin to the burial site and continue until everyone is gathered at graveside and the minister or priest is ready to begin.
At the conclusion of the ceremony service and any military honors, I often play Amazing Grace or another song the family prefers. When the immediate family is ready to leave the graveside, I play 10 to 15 minutes before departure. I march off playing and finishing in the distance.
Memorial service; Play 20 to 25 minutes prior to service and escort the coffin in if requested. Options include playing during the service, with the organist or other musicians, piping coffin out, and playing when the motorcade leaves or march off playing in the distance.
I am committed to fulfilling all final wishes and accommodating the direction of family members’ requirements.
Typical Charges for a Funeral / Memorial Service up to 1.5 hours is $3oo, mileage and extended time at the location will be considered. All pricing negotiable, please request a quote.
Bagpiper Francis Wallace is available to perform at funerals and memorial services across Middle Eastern TN.
CLIENT REVIEWS:
Kendra Jorgensen All I have to say is WOW. Francis exceeded our expectations at our wedding. He was extremely responsive, professional, and easy to work with while planning. I also wanted drums for our ceremony so he even reached out to a friend for us to make that happen. The quality and sound of his work was absolutely impeccable. They played as guests arrived and everyone had said they sounded amazing! If there is 1 thing I will remember forever about our ceremony it is the music while I was walking down the aisle. It had everyone in the church in tears!! The music was beautiful and I felt it with my heart. I cant say enough good things about Francis and his friend Jon and their amazing talent. Just wow. I am forever grateful that Francis was recommended to me!
Kevin Gibbons-O'Neill Francis played at my fathers funeral and was fantastic. In a time of grief and sorrow, his music was enlightening & uplifting. The mood of the mass was set when we walked up and heard him playing. He coordinated with the music director and played a wonderful rendition of "Amazing Grace". Thank you for contributing to my fathers funeral, we are forever grateful and thank you from the bottom of our hearts
Katie Curran I was so happy to have Francis play at my wedding! There's nothing more beautiful than the sound of bagpipes playing in a church :) He was fantastic! Highly recommend!
Scott Shelley Crawford Francis was highly recommended to me and my husband by our wedding coordinator, Kelly. We got married in a castle, so Bagpipes would be fitting not to mention, they are my favorite instrument. Francis arrived ahead of time, formally dressed in kilt etc, and was absolutely wonderful on the Bagpipes! It set the mood for the event. Our guests are still raving over it! I'd definitely choose him again!
Colleen Freeman Francis played the bagpipes for my wedding last month and did a fantastic job. He is very kind and super easy to work with. Definitely would recommend to anyone searching for a bagpiper!
Tom Fitzgerald We cannot thank Francis enough for his effort and patience in working with us on our Father's funeral, and also, for his willingness to collaborate with our Church's music director in the playing of the hymns. The dignity and loveliness of the Mass were uplifted by the presence of the pipes. Words can't do justice in explaining the pipes consoling power for our Mother during the Mass and at the cemetery. We are still receiving comments about the funeral. Many of our Irish friends tell us they have never attended a more beautiful funeral on either side of the Atlantic.Francis played a great role in making this possible for us.
Cathy T. This is a long overdue review - Francis played at our wedding almost two years ago. He showed up early, played just as I'd asked, and his playing was one of my favorite parts of the day - at it was a big day! Just wanted folks to know he's quite good, and that my husband and I were very pleased with him. Don't hesitate to hire him. He's pretty informal as far as contracts, etc. but really easy to work with and this was absolutely one of best hires of all the people we worked with on our wedding day. I still remember the music fondly :o) Thank you so much Francis!!
Jennifer Sension Great guy does a wonderful job he even went and learned how to play my husband and I song and it came out wonderful. He played 3 tunes and all 3 where beautiful. Thanks so much Francis.
Amanda Millar Fran is an AMAZING bagpipe player! He played at our wedding earlier this month and had a fun idea of playing “Joyful, Joyful” with the violinists. It was awesome! My husband’s family came over from Scotland and his beautiful playing and song choices made them feel right at home and was a special part to our ceremony. We had so many compliments. He is perfect for any occasion and so easy to work with!
Andrea Dunlap I had Francis play for my wedding - I got him via my wedding planner and it was just as I thought - the wonderful music of bagpipes filtering through the air at the church and reception. Wonderful! I enjoy bagpipes and am part Scottish by heritage so the sound to me is amazing. My dad is also Scottish and loves England and Scotland and was recently very ill and in the hospital - instead of waiting for his funeral I thought it would be great to have the bagpiper come to the hospital and play for my dad's 80 th birthday. He came and played outside at a local church and then came inside and played for our party. My dad, was so surprised and cried when the piper walked in. It was touching. I was so happy that choose to do it while my dad could truly enjoy it. My dad asked him lots of questions and totally enjoyed the mini concert. Francis was a wonderful player but also kind and very good at explaining the pipes and in dealing with people. I highly recommend utilizing him for whatever venue you might think that you would like this music! Don't box yourself in with just traditional weddings and funerals.Andrea Dunlap
Pete Raab I wanted a bagpiper for my daughter's wedding because my future family has a lot of Irish bloodline. Francis was absolutely wonderful. Great to work with - he meets with you before the event to discuss what your wishes are for him to play. Our church organist had played with him previously and he even highly recommended Francis. Everyone at the reception gave me rav reviews about the "bag pipes". It will make our ceremony one to be remembered. If you want to add a unique element to your wedding ceremony or to any event for that matter - hire Francis - you will NOT be disappointed. Pete
Andrea D. I had Francis play for my wedding - I got him via my wedding planner and it was just as I thought - the wonderful music of bagpipes filtering through the air at the church and reception. Wonderful! I enjoy bagpipes and am part Scottish by heritage so the sound to me is amazing. My dad is also Scottish and loves England and Scotland and was recently very ill and in the hospital - instead of waiting for his funeral I thought it would be great to have the bagpiper come to the hospital and play for my dad's 80 th birthday. He came and played outside at a local church and then came inside and played for our party. My dad, was so surprised and cried when the piper walked in. It was touching. I was so happy that choose to do it while my dad could truly enjoy it. My dad asked him lots of questions and totally enjoyed the mini concert. Francis was a wonderful player but also kind and very good at explaining the pipes and in dealing with people. I highly recommend utilizing him for whatever venue you might think that you would like this music! Don't box yourself in with just traditional weddings and funerals. Andrea Dunlap
Brett Bujac We had Francis play his bagpipes prior to the beginning of the 4th Annual Arundel Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Run. He arrived on time and performed beautifully up until race start. He was a tremendous addition to our event and I would highly recommend him for any event.
Beth Harbinso Fran was exceptional. He was able to join the organist for several songs as well and the combination was just beautiful. Professional, arrived early AND played perfectly.
Anna Hall Francis played at our Scottish wedding and was simply wonderful. He was very professional and a delight to work with. He knew exactly what would work best and was happy to advise us as well as accommodate any requests we had of him. He offered to do more than we had originally booked him for, and after playing, was very happy to pose for pictures and help us out in any way we needed him. He chatted to all our guests and it felt as though he was part of our family! A few days later he sent us an email thanking us for allowing him to be part of our special day. Can't recommend Francis highly enough.
Jeffery Marshall Francis played for my son's wedding--a military wedding. He initially played during the cocktail hour between the wedding and the reception and then piped the wedding party through the saber arch into the receptions. We received many positive comments about his performance and the nice touch that it added to the wedding. Job well done! Brigadier General (Retired) Jeffery Marshall
CLIENT REVIEWS:
Hannah H. have this obsession with bagpipes. I love how they look and I love how they sound! My husband finds the sound pretty annoying, but I can listen to a CD of songs played by bagpipes all day long! :Francis Wallace is a Baltimore bagpipist - he performs for weddings (pre ceremony, processional, special music (if requested), recessional, receiving line, and at the reception)), funerals, military venues, parades, and numerous other events - he's been performing for over 30 years with bagpipe bands, for dancers, and as a soloist with other bagpipers as well as with other musicians. Francis Wallace has performed for the Duke/Duchess, for the Naval Academy, with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, memorial service for the state of Maryland, as well as with the Police Emerald Society Pipe Band for the city of Baltimore. I was able to watch him and a few of other bagpipers play at a parade held in Baltimore - it was a dreary day, but the sound was so marvelous and I could have stood there, listening to them play all day long! If you're into bagpipes and want Wallace to perform for you, check him out!
Dave Gemmell My dad loved the "pipes"! One of his wishes was to have them played at his funeral. He passed recently and the "piper" community rallied and Fran was available.He played WONDERFULLY! He arrived before the ceremony and piped my dad both "in" and "out" of church, raced down to the cemetary, was there and piping when we arrived. The piping was just what my dad requested. Fran did not stop piping until all participants had left..This just made our day! On behalf of my family, Francis' performance was A+++ and we would recommend him to anyone, for any event. Francis, THANK YOU from the Gemmell family and friends!!!
Julia Schwende I cannot more highly recommend Francis Wallace if you are looking for a bagpiper in the Baltimore area. Our wedding was Saturday, 9/7/13, at a small venue in Fells Point. We had only 37 guests including ourselves. We contacted him a few of weeks prior (he also played for my husband's sister's wedding about 7 years ago, a much, much larger event). Mr. Wallace promptly got back to us and we went over what we were looking for. Because ours was a small event, the venue had noise concerns so he was able to accommodate this with a smaller version of bagpipe. He arrived before the ceremony and played as our guests were seated then for the processional, at a point during the ceremony, the recessional and throughout the cocktail hour. All of the guests I have spoken to have told me that the bagpipe music was a beautiful and memorable part of the event. Mr. Wallace is reliable, very accommodating and has a calm and unobtrusive presence. Best of luck with your plans!
Jamie Cruz Ferrera Bagpiper Francis piped at my wedding and was amazing. Having a bagpiper added an extra special touch to my wedding showing my family's Irish tradition. Not only did I enjoy his music but my guests did too! I received so many compliments about him at my reception. I highly recommend Baltimore Bagpiper Francis Wallace!!!
Robert Brittingham Kelly and I can’t thank you enough for the amazing job you did at our Wedding this past weekend. It was a huge hit with our guests and it really added a special touch to the whole day. From the classic tunes to the specialty songs we requested everything was perfect. Your skill and dedication to your craft is evident in your playing. We both highly recommend your services and will keep in touch for future events. Thanks again Francis. All the Best! Kelly & Bob Brittingham
Jessica When my father passed away recently, my mother looked at me and said "You have to find us a Wallace bag piper" and I didn't know that I was going to be able to find one. But lo and behold, I found Fran and he was able to be there for my family and send my father off properly. I am so thankful for Fran's flexibility on the dates, for going above and beyond driving from Baltimore to Quantico and for going rogue and playing more songs than we were supposed to at a national cemetery. Oh, and he can blow a mean bagpipe!Fran, next time it will be a happier occasion I promise. Pro libertate!
Renee P LOVED HIM!!!! Hired him for our wedding and it made it so special hearing his talent throughout the day and into the evening. People couldn't stop talking about him and how talented he is.Such a joy to work with. Very accommodating and gave suggestions.He was a joy to work with.
Bridget Roseman It was such a good decision to hire Francis Wallace for our wedding! The music was beautiful and happy, and the guests were so surprised as they left the church to hear him playing. It was a perfect way to end our wedding celebration and he was so easy to work with.
Michele Wilt Fran was spectacular. I had asked him to play for both the Church Wedding as well as the Reception. He was professional, timely, and was willing to work with us - down to the last detail. Excellent suggestions from Fran were incorporated into our day. Will definitely enlist his services in the future.
· Mark Asher Francis was a real pro: very easy to work with, responsive, and worked well with the keyboardist. The wedding guests couldn't stop commenting on how much they enjoyed the pipers. When the bride was late making her appearance he was able to wing it without missing a beat!
· Letitia Warunek Francis Wallace is a superb bag piper. I asked him to play at my uncle's funeral. Even though I was from out of the Baltimore Area, he was easy to contact. Mr. Wallace played outside the church when family members and guests were arriving. He coordinated playing with the pianist inside the church, and played at the cemetery until everyone left. My aunt, her grown children and guests had nothing but praises for Mr. Wallace. They loved it! They were amazed and in awe. Mr. Wallace was totally professional, understanding, respectful, and personalized the entire service. He made everything so easy during my family's time of sadness. I highly recommend him.
Patricia James Francis just played at my dad's memorial mass. What a wonderful addition to honor my dad. He was punctual, getting to the church 45 min. prior to the start. He played Amazing Grace with the organist and it was just beautiful. He played 30 min. before the program started and played Oh Danny Boy as we exited. He was friendly, easy to talk to and responded to my emails in a timely fashion. I would suggest him for any function to add a little beautiful Irish music. Can you tell I love the bagpipes?
Brae Nee Francis played at my June 20th wedding and he was fantastic!! I wanted to walk down the aisle to Scotland the Brave and he did an amazing job (doing a slower version on the original)! I held it together all day until he started playing as my father and I walked down the aisle - had goosebumps (and tears) the whole way down. He couldn't have been nicer or easier to work with - highly recommend :)
Melville Wohluth I was surprised by my best man at our wedding with Francis Wallace playing bag pipes at the conclusion of his best man speech. It was amazing. My friends and I have a long standing love for the song Dirty Old Town by the Pogues, and Francis Wallace played it very well. I don't think we sang the song that well, but having Francis playing made us sound much better, and it was one of my favorite memories from our wedding. I would definitely recommend him to anyone wanting a bag piper at their event.
Rachel Naughton Beautiful tribute for my aunt, originally from Scotland, who passed away. Francis was prompt, professional and his talent is exceptional. I'm so glad that Francis was available to surprise the rest of my family and give my aunt the proper send off that she would have been so proud of.
Darryl Campbell Stratford University-Baltimore campus hosted its first local commencement ceremony on June 7th 2014. We had the pleasure of have Mr. Francis Wallace play live bagpipe music outside the hall as family, friends, and love ones entered. What a great day to have a commencement ceremony and along with wonderful music filling the hall. We will see you next year Mr. Wallace!!
Francis Wallace is an accomplished musician and has provided Bagpiper services to many of our families when requested.
Francis has always been available, and present, in the most inclement weather, to provide the music selections where and when a family desires, helping them arrange a service that is meaningful to them during their time of loss.
Michael J. Ruck, Sr.
President
Ruck Funeral Home, Inc.
1050 York Rd
Towson, Maryland 21204
(410) 823-1700
The bagpipe adds a dignified touch to the funeral ceremony, whether it is at church, funeral home or graveside.
Francis Wallac will accommodate the families request and provide an exceptional service.
I would highly recommend him to anyone interested in retaining the services of an excellent bagpiper.
Heather Hayes-Davidson
The Johnson Funeral Home P.A>
8521 Loch Raven Blvd
Towson, MD 21286
(410)668-2300
Funeral services are as unique and personal as the individual who has passed and family that they are honoring. Over many years Evans Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services - Bel Air has been able to offer a bagpiper at funerals, thanks to Francis Wallace. Francis is dedicated to providing dignity and personalization at funeral services. Mr. Wallace is a trusted and talented bagpiper that tailors the selections that he plays to reflect the life that has been lived. Mr. Wallace is always dressed in traditional Celtic attire, and is willing to play at the funeral chapel and at the cemetery for families. We truly value the relationship our funeral chapel has with Mr. Wallace,
and the ability to better serve our families with his assistance.
Jeffrey R. Testerman, L.E.F.D
Evans Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services
8800 Harford Road
Parkville, MD 21234
Bagpipe music has been a request by many families during the loss of a loved one. There is something about the traditional sound of the pipes being played during the funeral ceremony. For some time now, Francis Wallace has been providing quality, flexible service to our client families. Whether it has been at the graveside, church or at one of our funeral homes, Francis has offered a wide range of selections to help make the service meaningful. Regardless of the request, Francis has worked with the families to cater his service to their needs.
Howard McComas IV, President
McComas Funeral Home
1317 Cokesbury Road
Abingdon, MD 21009
(410)676-4600
Whether you choose a traditional funeral, cremation or celebration of life service; adding a bagpiper will bring peace and closure.
We highly recommend Francis Wallace’s professionalism and personalized caring services that he provides to each family we serve.
Francis offers his bagpipe services at our funeral home, church or graveside. He can accommodate any request to suit your family’s needs.
We thank Francis for his dedication and for adding value to our services.
Thomas D. Fletcher III
Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Services, P.A.
254 East Main Street
Westminster, MD 21157
(410)848-7575