Few sounds honour a life like the bagpipes. A lone piper playing Amazing Grace as a loved one is farewelled is one of the most moving traditions there is: a mark of respect, remembrance and celebration of a life well lived.
My name is Damian Hodgetts, Damo the Piper, and I have piped at many funerals, memorials and graveside services across Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty. I understand that these occasions call for sensitivity, reliability and quiet professionalism, and I'll work with you, your celebrant or your funeral director to make the piping seamless, so you can focus on your family.
Enquire About a Funeral BookingAmazing Grace is by far the most requested tune, and for good reason. Other beautiful and fitting choices include Going Home, Abide with Me, Flowers of the Forest, The Dark Island and Highland Cathedral. If there was a tune your loved one held dear, let me know. If it suits the pipes, I'll do my best to play it for them.
Funerals are usually arranged within only a few days, so please don't hesitate to get in touch even at short notice. I will always do my best to be there. For urgent enquiries, phoning is quickest: 07 242 4468 or 021 143 0496.
I'm happy to liaise directly with your funeral director or celebrant to fit the piping into the order of service, arriving early, dressed in full highland dress, tuned and ready well before mourners arrive. I regularly play at chapels, churches, crematoriums and cemeteries throughout Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Te Puke, Katikati, Whakatane, Rotorua and the wider Bay of Plenty.
Yes. I understand the timeframes involved and will do everything I can to accommodate your date. Please phone for the fastest response.
It depends on the location and what you'd like played. Get in touch with the service details and I'll reply promptly with a quote.
Yes. It's common for me to pipe the casket out of the chapel and then play again at the graveside. The pipes carry beautifully outdoors with no amplification needed.
Not necessarily. Most arrangements are comfortably made by phone or email, or through your funeral director.
A sense of my playing and tone. Every funeral performance is quieter in spirit and tailored to the family's wishes.
Iconic Aussie anthem reimagined on the bagpipes at a live performance
@damothepiper
Leading the Te Puke Sikh community parade with traditional bagpipe music
@damothepiper
For more videos, follow me on TikTok @damothepiper