Joseph Sommers

• Margaret Sommers, daughter - Photographer

I would like to introduce myself, and offer my services. I am a very good bagpiper, who has played for many funerals, weddings, and special events. I learned to play the pipes as a child, with the Kilties in Stevens Point in the 60s. When I came to Milwaukee for work in the 80s I honed my skills by playing for the Milwaukee & District and Billy Mitchell bands for over a dozen years. These were years of playing as a group in parades, shows, and competitions. I enjoyed the challenge of competition both solo and as a band. My love is to play solo. I have played in the wilderness of the Minnesota Quetico, at fly-ins in Canada, for scouting events, around State Parks at dusk, in Scotland (including the Glencoe Mountains, often considered one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in Scotland, just above Clachaig Inn), and at many family gatherings. I play because I enjoy it, and because people love to hear me play. My pipes are strong and clear, with an even tone, and evoke strong emotions in those who hear them. Pipes make a happy event like a wedding even more joyful and an event like a funeral all the more dignified and honorable.

• Amazing Grace
• Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering
• Balmoral
• Caubeen Trimmed with Blue
• Cock O' The North
• Colonel MacLeod
• Flower of Scotland
• Happy Birthday
• Highland Cathedral
• Highland Laddie
• Loudon's Bonny Woods and Braes
• Mairi's Wedding
• Molly Connell
• O'er the Bows to Ballindalloch
• Scarce O'Tatties
• Scotland the Brave Corporate Event
• Taps
• The Billy Mitchell Scottish
• The Caledonian Canal
• The Wedding March Video
• Troy's Wedding - Chicago
• Wadi Akarit - Arrival of the Bride
• Wearing of the Green
• When the Battle's Over
• Wings Before Wedding

Anniversaries, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Cocktail Parties, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Halloween Parties, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Reunions, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• Mr. Sommers was wonderfully accommodating and the hit of the day for our Blessing of Our Vows. Words cannot express how thankful I am or the level of appreciation we have for Joe and his great talent. -- Michelle F, Lisle, IL, 11/11/2011
• Superb. Thanks for everything! -- Reginald H, Milwaukee, WI, 1/23/2012
• We hired Joseph to play for our wedding. He played the bridal party and bridal procession and also the recession. Joseph was absolutely wonderful in every way. Everyone including myself was very impressed with his performance. He even stayed after his performace to take a few photos with us. He was very helpful and professional. I would definately recommend him!! -- Nicole O, Rockford, IL, 2/11/2012
• Joesph made our day special!! He plays the bag pipes beautifully. He played longer than I anticipated which was a wonderful surprise. I couldn't be happier! -- Nadine M, Kenosha, WI, 2/25/2012
• He didn't hit some of the notes. -- Mike C, Milwaukee, WI, 3/31/2012
• We had Joseph play the recessional for our wedding ceremony as a surprise to all of our guests/bridal party. Joseph did a fantastic job keeping his presence under wraps until the very end and by the gasps we heard as Joseph began playing, our surprise worked! We had lots of feedback at the reception and in the couple of days since the wedding and everyone was impressed. Even my new mother-in-law who is a former music teacher was thrilled and I was slightly concerned she would react negatively because she was not involved in this decision. She thought I could not have chosen a better piper than Joseph, that he "played very well and even 'looked the part'". -- Anne H, Wilmette, IL, 3/31/2012
• Joseph was a wonderful addition to our wedding. He is a talented performer and was very responsive in email and phone conference. I would definitely recommend him to a friend wanting bagpipes at their wedding. -- Beth E, Appleton, WI, 4/21/2012
• Joseph Simners really made the day special. Very professional, very talented, and loads of fun. Our guest were delighted. We would Definetely refer him to others! -- Susan M, Milwaukee, WI, 4/28/2012
• Joseph Sommers did a fabulous job at our wedding and reception! The chapel was very small in northern Wisconsin in the woods, and the addition of a bagpiper was the icing on a perfect wedding day! He then played at our reception and the guests loved it. Jospeh did a great job and I would recommend him to anyone who wants to add a special touch to their special day. Thanks Mr. Sommers! -- Candice C, Luck, WI, 5/12/2012
• Just amazing, so many compliments, such a wonderful send off for a Scotsman!!!!!!!!! -- Marybeth F, Lake Mills, WI, 11/7/2011
• Joseph was excellent! He was very prompt with e-mails making sure every detail for my proposal to my now fiance were taken care of. Joseph even helped give me some ideas to best surprise her. He was very professional and very talented. The look on her face when he started playing was priceless! Can't wait to book this guy for our wedding! -- Rob N, Chicago, IL, 11/5/2011
• Joe was the BEST! He accommodated all our requests (even last minute ones) and went on without a hitch! The entire crowed was WOWed by him and he was the main feature of our daily blog for the event! I would highly recommend him for any function you may have! -- Monica A, Oak Brook, IL, 10/28/2011
• Joe played during our wedding ceremony and did a phenomenal job! We had some special requests as we were surprising a family member with his performance and he was so accomodating! I would recommend Joe in a heartbeat! -- Molly M, Johnson Creek, WI, 9/24/2011
• Joseph was great! I had nothing but great remarks from our wedding guests!! He was amazing! -- Holly C, Montello, WI, 9/4/2011
• Joe was exceptionally accommodating and detail-oriented. He was available at every turn to answer my questions, and offered valuable suggestions in finalizing the arrangements for his playing at my mother's memorial. I received very positive feedback from friends and family who attended. Simply put, his presence "made the ceremony." I would highly recommend him to anyone inquiring. -- Mary M, Milwaukee, WI, 7/6/2011
• Joseph was early and was so accomadating. He is extremely talented and played many different selections. Many of our guests commented on how much they enjoyed listening to him. He looked great and really went out of his way in helping to make our daughter's wedding so wonderful.I would defiitely recommend Joseph to anyone who is looking for a bagpiper-terrific guy!!!! -- Mary D, Lake Forest, IL, 6/4/2011
• Joe was professional at all times and is an excellent piper. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Our guests were highly impressed and will talk about our event for years. Our event started a bit late due to some late arrivals to the party and Joe was patient and waited for the last few guests. If you are in need of a piper for your event you should consider Joe Sommers, Excellent Job. Thanks Joe! -- Steve E, Racine, WI, 8/15/2010

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