Al Gonzales
The RoyalPiper
The Finest in Piping for All Occasions
The Pipes are Calling.....
Make your next Occasion
an Event to Remember
Book The RoyalPiper today
Contact The RoyalPiper
email / royalpiper@aol.com
When only the Best will do,
the choice is simple....
The RoyalPiper
The RoyalPiper
A Full Time, Professional
Musician
The only American Piper
to have performed for
Queen Elizabeth II
My new CD, "Wedding Songs" is now available for your listening pleasure.
Hear me play and book with confidence.
Please click below
Ask The RoyalPiper
Answers to Your Questions
1. How long have you been performing?
I started playing the Pipes as a young boy nearly 35 years ago. In that time I have performed
at hundreds of events and have enjoyed every one.
2. Are you a full time musician?
I am proud to say that I am retired from the NYPD and music is my profession now. This allows me to give the maximum amount of attention and preparation to your event and I always return your calls promptly.
3. Did you really play for the Queen?
Yes. In 2003, I was honored to give a private performance for Her Majesty at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. I am the only American Piper ever to do so and you can read more about it on my
"BIO" page.
3. What is your usual attire?
For weddings, I wear traditional Highland attire which consists of a kilt, a formal tuxedo style
jacket with matching vest and black bowtie. Upon request, I can also appear in a military
style jacket and kilt with a tall feather bonnet hat. Either of these uniforms look wonderful in photos
and I take immense pride in my appearance.
4. Do you offer live sample performances?
I often invite a potential client to attend any of my performances that are listed on the "SHOWS" page of my website so they may see me perform live. I also have a CD which I will be delighted to send to you so that you may hear the quality of my performance in the comfort of your own home.
5. Why should I hire The RoyalPiper and not another Piper?
An excellent question. Perhaps you may have a friend who knows a Piper and he has been recommended to you. However, is that really enough knowledge about someone whom you have never heard perform before and is going to be a visible part of your wedding ceremony? After spending thousands of dollars preparing for your special day, why take a chance on someone who does this as a hobby on weekends?
That is why I always send a potential client a copy of my CD so they will know they have a competent musician for their wedding. Please consider the many years of experience and the professional quality of my performance and appearance. I invite you to view the positive reviews
that many of my previous clients have provided on my "GUESTBOOK" page. I am competitively priced and I treat every performance as if it were my own event. The RoyalPiper is well known throughout the Metro area as a competent and trustworthy musician who will add just the right touch to your event. References cheerfully provided.
6. My Wedding venue says that you must submit a copy of your Personal Liability Insurance to them if I want you to play there. Are you able to provide this?
YES. Due to the rising number of lawsuits, many Wedding venues are requiring all outside vendors such as DJ's, Caterers, Florists and Wedding Bands to carry their own insurance and to show proof of that insurance to them. The RoyalPiper will be pleased to provide the neccesary documentation to satisfy this requirement.
Wedding Tips and Advice
How should I best use a Piper at my Wedding?
I am often asked this question by couples who wish to add the Pipes
to their special day. Here are a few suggestions.
1. On the steps of the Church.
I will play a selection of tunes as your guests arrive and at the conclusion of the ceremony as your guests exit the church and await your departure. This is perhaps the most common performance
request I receive and it is very effective at pleasing your guests.
2. As part of the Wedding Ceremony.
Many couples are choosing to include the Pipes in the service itself, with excellent results. Here Comes the Bride, Trumpet Voluntary, Ode to Joy, Love Divine, Highland Cathedral and
The Irish Wedding Song are a few suggestions that work wonderfully.
Please visit my "MUSIC" page to hear samples for your consideration.
** Note. If you are considering this option, please consult with Clergy and receive permission
to have me perform at their church.
3. From the Church to the Reception
If the Church and Reception Hall are close by, many couples opt to have a parade with the RoyalPiper leading the guests thru the local streets to the delight of passersby.
4. At the Reception
You may want to consider a Grand Entrance by having the RoyalPiper play the couple into the reception during their introduction to the guests.
5. How early should I book The RoyalPiper?
As soon as you have decided to book, please don't delay. Many of the more popular times of the year book fast, so to avoid disappointment and future regret, early booking is always recommended.
Please click on the GIGMASTERS link below to proceed to my booking page.
6. If I book The RoyalPiper, are you the Piper who will show up at my wedding?
YES. Unlike some unscrupulous wedding service providers, I NEVER book a wedding and send someone else in my place. When you book The RoyalPiper, you get The RoyalPiper and you can rest assured that I will be the one performing.
