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Introduction by Pipe Major Roger Huth:
First of all, I am very pleased to have been included as a feature on ‘The House of Labhran’ web site. From a very young age, I have always felt a strong attraction to the Highland Bagpipe and I
could hardly wait to receive tuition and begin the tough progress from non player to having the great instrument on my shoulder and creating the sounds and music I have always enjoyed. I learned
the art from Jim Caution at the Waltham Forest Pipe Band from 1967 and then The Blue Bonnets City of London Pipe Band under Gordon Speirs.
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Scots Guards:
I joined Her Majesty’s Scots Guards in December 1976 and left in 1993
as Pipe Major attached to the Army Apprentice College Pipe Band in
Aldershot. I very much enjoyed being in the company of highly
professional soldiers and pipers for 17 years where I played for the
Queen at Her Birthday Parades and State Banquets and Changing the
Guard at Buckingham Palace. In 1982 I was attached to The Castle in
Edinburgh and performed as Lone Piper on the Tattoo there, as well as
being in the Regimental Recruiting Team and Instructor on the Army
Bagpipe Courses.
Solo Bagpipe Competitions:
To better my playing I spent three years touring Highland Games in
Scotland where I competed against formidable opponents. It was an
enormous thrill and sense of real achievement to be occasionally placed
ahead of them. I also competed with the 1st Bn Scots Guards and was
playing in the Band when we won the Grade 2 at the World’s with 100%
points on the sheet.
Public Engagements:
Since leaving the Armed Forces I have been asked to play at many
different engagements either as part of a Pipe Band, or a Group or solo.
I enjoy this aspect very much as it gives others the chance to hear the
Great Highland Bagpipe.
Weddings:
Every Wedding is different and a special day for all involved. Playing as
guests arrive at the Church, leading the Bride down the aisle, playing as
the happy couple leave the Church and during photographs, playing as
Bride and Groom and guests arrive at the Reception venue, leading
Bride and Groom to the Top Table are all services to peruse and
perhaps choose from.
Funerals:
These are some of the saddest occasions that we all at some time have
to go through. Play as the Hearse arrives and leaves the house. Lead
the Hearse to the door of the Church or Crematorium. Play as coffin is
borne into the Church or Crematorium. Play during Committal. Play as
Family leave after the service to view flowers. Play to the Graveside and
at the end play and walk away to allow the sound to fade. These are all
options that might be considered.
Formal Dinners:
Play as guests arrive. Play guests into Dining Room. Play and lead the
Top Table to their seats. Play set pieces during or after the different
Course to suit the occasion. Receive Quaich from principle guest when
finished.
Parties: Birthdays and Anniversaries are favourite times to bring on the
bagpipes to cheer and entertain and get the party swinging with songs
and dances.
Scottish Country Dancing:
I am often asked to play for Scottish Country Dancing by the London
Highland Club and also the Royal Scottish Dance Society of London. It
is a great honour to be trusted for such occasions.
Scottish Highland Dancing: I used to be in the Scots Guards Dancing
Team and this has always helped me for when I am asked to play for
dancing to get the timing right for the individual and for group dances. It
adds to the spectacle and excitement for everyone to include a
professional dancing team or solo dancer to their events.
New Year and Burns Nights:
January is a very busy time of year for bagpipers as many of us like to
see in the New Year to the sight and sound of the Highland Bagpiper,
and also to see the Haggis lead to the table by a Piper for the Address.
Care Homes and Schools:
I very much enjoy visiting Schools and also Homes for the Elderly as
both the young and the old seem to especially enjoy a bit of excitement
in their lives which a tune from me on the bagpipes in uniform can
provide.
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Uniform:
There are several orders of dress that can be chosen to suit an
occasion, from black jacket and tie to powder horn, dirk and feather
bonnet full No1 dress.
Reliability:
Roger likes to turn up to an event at least an hour before it is due to
begin for everyone’s peace of mind but especially mine. This gives
Roger a chance to recce the venue; test his pipes for tone and also to
get dressed in comfort.
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Price:
Prices generally range from £75 upwards to £195 depending on
distance to the venue and the amount of time and playing that is
required.
Average charge is £175
New Year though is £350 for the full evening.
Contact Roger for further details at:
ROGERHUTH@AOL.COM
TEL: 01252 325241
MOBILE: 07710 196614
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