Client Reviews & Testaments

Kendra Jorgensen All I have to say is WOW. Francis exceeded our expectations at our wedding. He was extremely responsive, professional, and easy to work with while planning. I also wanted drums for our ceremony, so he even reached out to a friend for us to make that happen. The quality and sound of his work was impeccable. They played as guests arrived and everyone had said they sounded amazing! If there is 1 thing I will remember forever about our ceremony it is the music while I was walking down the aisle. It had everyone in the church in tears!! The music was beautiful and I felt it with my heart. I can’t say enough good things about Francis and his friend Jon and their amazing talent. Just wow. I am forever grateful that Francis was recommended to me!

Kevin Gibbons-O'Neill Francis played at my father’s funeral and was fantastic. In a time of grief and sorrow, his music was enlightening & uplifting. The mood of the mass was set when we walked up and heard him playing. He coordinated with the music director and played a wonderful rendition of "Amazing Grace". Thank you for contributing to my father’s funeral, we are forever grateful and thank you from the bottom of our hearts

Katie Curran I was so happy to have Francis play at my wedding! There's nothing more beautiful than the sound of bagpipes playing in a church :) He was fantastic! Highly recommend him!

Scott Shelley Crawford Francis was highly recommended to me and my husband by our wedding coordinator, Kelly. We got married in a castle, so Bagpipes would be fitting not to mention, they are my favorite instrument. Francis arrived ahead of time, formally dressed in kilt etc, and was wonderful on the Bagpipes! It set the mood for the event. Our guests are still raving over it! I'd choose him again!

Colleen Freeman Francis played the bagpipes for my wedding last month and did a fantastic job. He is very kind and super easy to work with. Would recommend anyone searching for a bagpiper!

Tom Fitzgerald We cannot thank Francis enough for his effort and patience in working with us on our Father's funeral, and, for his willingness to collaborate with our Church's music director in the playing of the hymns. The dignity and loveliness of the Mass were uplifted by the presence of the pipes. Words can't do justice in explaining the pipes consoling power for our mother during the Mass and at the cemetery. We are still receiving comments about the funeral. Many of our Irish friends tell us they have never attended a more beautiful funeral on either side of the Atlantic. Francis played a great role in making this possible for us.

Cathy T. This is a long overdue review - Francis played at our wedding almost two years ago. He showed up early, played just as I'd asked, and his playing was one of my favorite parts of the day - at it was a big day! Just wanted folks to know he's quite well, and that my husband and I were very pleased with him. Don't hesitate to hire him. He's informal as far as contracts, etc. but really easy to work with and this was absolutely one of best hires of all the people we worked with on our wedding day. I still remember the music fondly :o) Thank you so much Francis!!

Jennifer Sension Great guy does a wonderful job he even went and learned how to play my husband and I song and it came out wonderful. Thanks so much Francis.

Amanda Millar Fran is an AMAZING bagpipe player! He played at our wedding earlier this month and had a fun idea of playing “Joyful, Joyful” with the violinists. It was awesome! My husband’s family came over from Scotland, and his beautiful playing and song choices made them feel right at home and was a special part to our ceremony. We had so many compliments. He is perfect for any occasion and so easy to work with!

Andrea Dunlap I had Francis play for my wedding - I got him via my wedding planner, and it was just as I thought - the wonderful music of bagpipes filtering through the air at the church and reception. Wonderful! I enjoy bagpipes and am part Scottish by heritage so the sound to me is amazing. My dad is also Scottish and loves England and Scotland and was recently very ill and, in the hospital, - instead of waiting for his funeral I thought it would be great to have the bagpiper come to the hospital and play for my dad's 80 th birthday. He came and played outside at a local church and then came inside and played for our party. My dad was so surprised and cried when the piper walked in. It was touching. I was so happy that chose to do it while my dad could truly enjoy it. My dad asked him lots of questions and totally enjoyed the mini concert. Francis was a wonderful player but also kind and very good at explaining the pipes and in dealing with people. I highly recommend utilizing him for whatever venue you might think that you would like this music! Don't box yourself in with just traditional weddings and funerals. Andrea Dunlap

Pete Raab I wanted a bagpiper for my daughter's wedding because my future family has a lot of Irish bloodlines. Francis was absolutely wonderful. Great to work with - he meets with you before the event to discuss what your wishes are for him to play. Our church organist had played with him previously and he even highly recommended Francis. Everyone at the reception gave me rav reviews about the "bag pipes". It will make our ceremony one remembered. If you want to add a unique element to your wedding ceremony or to any event for that matter - hire Francis - you will NOT be disappointed. Pete

Andrea D. I had Francis play for my wedding - I got him via my wedding planner, and it was just as I thought - the wonderful music of bagpipes filtering through the air at the church and reception. Wonderful! I enjoy bagpipes and am part Scottish by heritage so the sound to me is amazing. My dad is also Scottish and loves England and Scotland and was recently very ill and, in the hospital, - instead of waiting for his funeral I thought it would be great to have the bagpiper come to the hospital and play for my dad's 80th birthday. He came and played outside at a local church and then came inside and played for our party. My dad was so surprised and cried when the piper walked in. It was touching. I was so happy that chose to do it while my dad could truly enjoy it. My dad asked him lots of questions and totally enjoyed the mini concert. Francis was a wonderful player but also kind and very good at explaining the pipes and in dealing with people. I highly recommend utilizing him for whatever venue you might think that you would like this music! Don't box yourself in with just traditional weddings and funerals. Andrea Dunlap

Brett Bujac We had Francis play his bagpipes prior to the beginning of the 4th Annual Arundel Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Run. He arrived on time and performed beautifully up until race start. He was a tremendous addition to our event, and I would highly recommend him for any event.

Beth Harbinso Fran was exceptional. He was able to join the organist for several songs as well and the combination was just beautiful. Professional, arrived early AND played perfectly.

Anna Hall Francis played at our Scottish wedding and was simply wonderful. He was very professional and delighted to work with. He knew exactly what would work best and was happy to advise us as well as accommodate any requests we had from him. He offered to do more than we had originally booked him for, and after playing, was very happy to pose for pictures and help us out in any way we needed him. He chatted to all our guests, and it felt as though he was part of our family! A few days later he sent us an email thanking us for allowing him to be part of our special day. Can't recommend Francis highly enough.

Jeffery Marshall Francis played for my son's wedding--a military wedding. He initially played during the cocktail hour between the wedding and the reception and then piped the wedding party through the saber arch into the receptions. We received many positive comments about his performance and the nice touch that it added to the wedding. Job well done! Brigadier General (Retired) Jeffery Marshall

Hannah H. I have this obsession with bagpipes. I love how they look and I love how they sound! My husband finds the sound annoying, but I can listen to a CD of songs played by Bagpipes all day long! :Francis Wallace is a Baltimore bagpipes - he performs for weddings (pre ceremony, processional, special music (if requested), recessional, receiving line, and at the reception)), funerals, military venues, parades, and numerous other events - he's been performing for over 30 years with bagpipe bands, for dancers, and as a soloist with other bagpipers as well as with other musicians. Francis Wallace performed for the Duke/Duchess, for the Naval Academy, with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, memorial service for the state of Maryland, as well as with the Police Emerald Society Pipe Band for the city of Baltimore. I was able to watch him and a few of other bagpipers play at a parade held in Baltimore - it was a dreary day, but the sound was so marvelous, and I could have stood there, listening to them play all day long! If you're into bagpipes and want Wallace to perform for you, check him out! 

Dave Gemmell My dad loved the "pipes"! One of his wishes was to have them played at his funeral. He passed recently and the "piper" community rallied and Fran was available. He played WONDERFULLY! He arrived before the ceremony and piped my dad both "in" and "out" of church, raced down to the cemetery, was there and piping when we arrived. The piping was just what my dad requested. Fran did not stop piping until all participants had left. This just made our day! On behalf of my family, Francis' performance was A+++ and we would recommend him to anyone, for any event. Francis, THANK YOU for the Gemmell family and friends!!!

Julia Schwende I cannot highly recommend Francis Wallace if you are looking for a bagpiper in the Baltimore area. Our wedding was Saturday, 9/7/13, at a small venue in Fells Point. We had only 37 guests including ourselves. We contacted him a few weeks prior (he also played for my husband's sister's wedding about 7 years ago, a much, much larger event). Mr. Wallace promptly got back to us and we went over what we were looking for. Because ours was a small event, the venue had noise concerns, so he was able to accommodate this with a smaller version of bagpipe. He arrived before the ceremony and played as our guests were seated then for the processional, at a point during the ceremony, the recessional and throughout the cocktail hour. All the guests I have spoken to have told me that the bagpipe music was a beautiful and memorable part of the event. Mr. Wallace is reliable, very accommodating and has a calm and unobtrusive presence. Best of luck with your plans!

Jamie Cruz Ferrera Bagpiper Francis piped at my wedding and was amazing. Having a bagpiper added an extra special touch to my wedding showing my family's Irish tradition. Not only did I enjoy his music, but my guests did too! I received so many compliments about him at reception. I highly recommend Baltimore Bagpiper Francis Wallace!!!

Robert Brittingham Kelly and I can’t thank you enough for the amazing job you did at our Wedding this past weekend. It was a huge hit with our guests, and it really added a special touch to the whole day. From the classic tunes to the specialty songs, we requested everything was perfect. Your skill and dedication to your craft is evident in your playing. We both highly recommend your services and will keep in touch with future events. Thanks again Francis. All the Best! Kelly & Bob Brittingham

Jessica When my father passed away recently, my mother looked at me and said "You have to find us a Wallace bag piper" and I didn't know that I was going to be able to find one. But lo and behold, I found Fran and he was able to be there for my family and send my father off properly. I am so thankful for Fran's flexibility on the dates, for going above and beyond driving from Baltimore to Quantico and for going rogue and playing more songs than we were supposed to at a national cemetery. Oh, and he can blow a mean bagpipe! Fran, next time it will be a happier occasion I promise. Pro libertate!

Renee P LOVED HIM!!!! Hired him for our wedding and it made it so special hearing his talent throughout the day and into the evening. People couldn't stop talking about him and how talented he is.Such a joy to work with. Very accommodating and gave suggestions. He was a joy to work with.

Bridget Roseman It was such a good decision to hire Francis Wallace for our wedding! The music was beautiful and happy, and the guests were so surprised as they left the church to hear him playing. It was a perfect way to end our wedding celebration, and he was so easy to work with.

Michele Wilt Fran was spectacular. I had asked him to play for both the Church Wedding as well as the reception. He was professional, timely, and was willing to work with us - down to the last detail. Excellent suggestions from Fran were incorporated into our day. Will definitely enlist his services in the future.

Mark Asher Francis was a real pro: very easy to work with, responsive, and worked well with the keyboardist. The wedding guests couldn't stop commenting on how much they enjoyed the pipers. When the bride was late making her appearance, he was able to wing it without missing a beat!

Letitia Warunek Francis Wallace is a superb bag piper. I asked him to play at my uncle's funeral. Even though I was from out of the Baltimore Area, he was easy to contact. Mr. Wallace played outside the church when family members and guests were arriving. He coordinated playing with the pianist inside the church and played at the cemetery until everyone left. My aunt, her grown children and guests had nothing but praise for Mr. Wallace. They loved it! They were amazed and in awe. Mr. Wallace was totally professional, understanding, respectful, and personalized the entire service. He made everything so easy during my family's time of sadness. I highly recommend him.

Patricia James Francis just played at my dad's memorial mass. What a wonderful addition to honor my dad. He was punctual, getting to the church 45 min. prior to the start. He played Amazing Grace with the organist, and it was just beautiful. He played 30 min. before the program started and played Oh Danny Boy as we exited. He was friendly, easy to talk to and responded to my emails in a timely fashion. I would suggest him for any function to add a little beautiful Irish music. Can you tell I love bagpipes?

Brae Nee Francis played at my June 20th wedding and he was fantastic!! I wanted to walk down the aisle to Scotland the Brave, and he did an amazing job (doing a slower version on the original)! I held it together all day until he started playing as my father and I walked down the aisle - had goosebumps (and tears) the whole way down. He couldn't have been nicer or easier to work with - highly recommend :)

Melville Wohluth I was surprised by my best man at our wedding with Francis Wallace playing bag pipes at the conclusion of his best man speech. It was amazing. My friends and I have a long-standing love for the song Dirty Old Town by the Pogues, and Francis Wallace played it very well. I don't think we sang the song that well, but having Francis playing made us sound much better, and it was one of my favorite memories from our wedding. I would recommend him to anyone wanting a bag piper at their event.

Rachel Naughton Beautiful tribute for my aunt, originally from Scotland, who passed away. Francis was prompt, professional and his talent is exceptional. I'm so glad that Francis was available to surprise the rest of my family and give my aunt the proper sendoff that she would have been so proud of.

Darryl Campbell Stratford University-Baltimore campus hosted its first local commencement ceremony on June 7th, 2014. We had the pleasure of having Mr. Francis Wallace play live bagpipe music outside the hall as family, friends, and loved ones entered. What a great day to have a commencement ceremony along with wonderful music filling the hall. We will see you next year Mr. Wallace!!