Eli Clemens
Bagpiper and Celtic Woodwind Musician
Washington, DC | Maryland | Virginia
Photo: Marshall Arts Photography
My Story
Two decades of piping, rooted in the tradition.
I am not Scottish by birth, but the bagpipes have shaped my life. I started piping at age six, and twenty five years later I am still learning new tunes, and enjoy offering events the unique ambience that only a bagpipe can bring.
I am based in Washington, DC, and available throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the broader Mid-Atlantic, especially for weekend and evening engagements. If I am not able to make your event, I am happy to help connect you with another local piper in the area.
Training and Competition
From the competition circle to the session table.
I was taught by the great piper Iain MacHarg, and have been a member of Catamount Pipe Band, Loch Raven Pipes and Drums, and City of Washington Pipe Band. I have been a finalist three times at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. In 2011, I reached Grade II, the second-highest solo amateur level in the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association.
I have performed in the United States, Scotland, Canada, and China. Beyond the Highland pipes, I also play the Scottish smallpipes, border pipes, Irish flute, the whistle, and uilleann pipes. I frequently perform at traditional sessions in the area with other local musicians.
Marching into Glasgow Green in competition with the Catamount Pipe Band at the World Pipe Band Championships, 2013. Photo: Capture the Event.
From the Beginning
Started Young
I always loved the sound of the bagpipe after hearing bagpipe bands in parades, and so at age six I joined a local pipe band.
Gallery
Performances and Moments
A look at recent gigs, competitions, and performances at home and abroad.
Services
Music for Every Occasion
Indoor or outdoor, intimate or ceremonial, I work with you to choose the right tunes, instruments, and arrangement for your event.
Weddings
Ceremonies, receptions, cocktail hour, or a memorable grand entrance.
Funerals, Memorials, and Life Celebrations
"Amazing Grace" and other respectful selections for graveside, service, or life celebration.
Corporate Events
Galas, receptions, retirement parties, ribbon-cuttings, and entertainment for other corporate events.
Processions
St. Patrick's Day, Tartan Day, Burns Night, and other holiday celebrations and outdoor processions.
Parties
Surprise entrances, background festive music, and "Happy Birthday" arranged for the pipes.
Indoor and Outdoor
I can bring the right setup for any event, whether for formal halls, churches, gardens, beaches, or mountainsides.
Custom Ensembles
Cèilidh bands, fiddle and pipes, pipes and drum, or larger ensembles assembled for your event.
Lessons
Virtual lessons for beginner and intermediate students on the Great Highland Bagpipes and bellows-blown pipes.
Instruments
What I Play
Different events call for different sounds. I play a variety of Celtic woodwind instruments at different tones and volumes for the right fit.
Great Highland Bagpipe
The traditional outdoor instrument with a bold and ceremonial sound. The pipes are around 120 decibels at close range, carrying across for large outdoor events or resonating through the acoustics of a large indoor space.
Pipes by The Wee Piper.
Scottish Smallpipes
A quieter, more mellow, bellows-blown cousin of the Highland pipes. Ideal for indoor receptions, cocktail hours, churches, and any space where conversation should still be possible alongside the music.
Smallpipes by Tidy Cottage Smallpipes.
Border Pipes
A louder relative of the Scottish smallpipes that keeps the high-pitched Highland sound, but pulls back from the full 120-decibel intensity. Great for indoor venues that want presence without overwhelming the room.
Border pipes by EJ Jones.
Irish Flute
A simple-system wooden flute with a warm, woody tone that sits beautifully inside Irish traditional music. I can also perform on the uilleann pipes, pennywhistle, and low whistle.
Flute by Olwell Flutes.
Looking for other instruments as well? I can assemble local musicians for a cèilidh band, a small ensemble, a fiddle-and-bagpipe duet, or a pipe-and-drum combo, tailored to your event and budget. Please mention what you have in mind when you get in touch.
Repertoire
Tunes I Can Perform
This is a sample of tunes I can perform. If you do not see a particular tune you are looking for, please ask. I am always happy to learn new ones.
Traditional Scottish
- Auld Lang Syne
- Highland Cathedral
- Loch Lomond
- Scotland the Brave
- The Parting Glass
- The Skye Boat Song
Hymns
- A Gift to be Simple
- Amazing Grace
- O' Thou Fount of Every Blessing
- Ode to Joy
- St. Clement
- The King of Love My Shepherd Is
Traditional Irish
- Danny Boy
- Dawning of the Day
- Let Erin Remember
- The Fields of Athenry
- The Minstrel Boy
- The South Wind
Custom Arrangements
- Adaptations from other traditions
- Custom first-dance arrangements
- Happy Birthday
- Pop songs adapted for pipes
- By request, see Pricing for details
Recordings
Have a Listen
Recordings across the instruments and traditions I play.
Scotland the Brave | Wings
Abide With Me
The South Wind | Jig of Beer
Crossing the Minch | Rebel Without Applause
If Ever You Were Mine | The Silver
MacCrimmon's Sweetheart
Dalnahassaig
Reviews
What Clients Have Said
Eli was a delight to work with. Timely responses when coordinating via email, punctual arrival, and he played exactly what we asked as our guests entered the venue. Everyone loved the special touch it added, with some even stopping to photograph and video him as they passed. We would 100% recommend Eli to anyone seeking a professional, friendly, and talented bagpiper for their event.
Cyrus and KaitlynWedding · Washington, DCWe asked Eli to come and pipe at our event in DC, and his skill at playing one of the most difficult musical instruments was first class. And being a Scotsman myself, it was hugely impressive.
Greg S.Corporate Event · Washington, DCEli's rousing music has become an essential part of our Burns Supper celebrations. After two years, we consider him a tradition at our annual event. Eli takes the time to tailor his music to the event he is supporting. He has a great sense of when to be out front and when to be in the background. His musicianship and versatility are extraordinary. He is great to work with.
Jim B.Burns Supper · Chevy Chase, MDIf you are looking for a professional, responsive and extremely talented bagpiper or Celtic woodwinds musician, Eli Clemens is absolutely the right choice. He is an exceptionally accomplished young musician who brings great talent, professionalism, and most importantly, beautiful music to every performance. I only need explain what I am after and Eli does the rest. His vast repertoire allows him to tailor the music to the purpose of the event, and I have never been disappointed with the music he has chosen to play. In addition, when Eli shows up in his Highland dress, he looks impeccable and carries himself with dignity. I highly recommend Eli Clemens, without reservation.
Patricia F.Funeral and School Event · Kingsville, MDPricing
What to Expect
My rates are in line with professional pipers in the DMV and Mid-Atlantic area. Every event is different, so I provide personalized quotes based on your request. The best first step is always a quick email, and I will get back to you promptly with a quote tailored to your event. Here are a few things that factor into pricing:
Travel
Events within a reasonable radius of Washington, DC are included in my base rate. Additional fees apply to cover travel costs for gigs further away.
Custom Arrangements
I am happy to learn and arrange tunes outside my standard repertoire, including adaptations from other traditions or pop songs, for an additional fee and with sufficient notice.
Duration and Ensemble
Solo piping, extended sets, and cèilidh band bookings are all quoted individually based on event length and the musicians involved.
If I cannot make your event, especially during weekdays or if I am already booked, I am happy to help you find another professional piper in the area. Just reach out and I will connect you with a recommended colleague.
Contact
Tell Me About Your Event
Tell me about what you are planning and I will get back to you with availability and a quote.
Get in Touch
Based in Washington, DC. Available throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the broader Mid-Atlantic, especially on weekends and evenings.