Pipes, Drums, and Knowing Our Worth

A Friendly Reminder About Value, Service, and Respect for the Music

A recent social media post sparked far more conversation than expected:

“Wait… you expect to be paid to march in our parade? What about the exposure?!” Yeah. No. Appreciate the invite though.

What followed surprised even us. The response was overwhelming. Messages poured in. Many came from event organizers, municipalities, and community leaders asking an honest and reasonable question: What are your rates?

It felt like a good moment to explain how we approach performances, pricing, partnerships, and purpose.

Our First Priority: Service

Wake and District Pipe Band maintains a firm and unwavering principle. We never charge to perform at a line-of-duty funeral. This commitment extends across agencies, jurisdictions, and circumstances.

Beyond funerals, we regularly support public safety and military events at no cost whenever resources allow. Memorials, remembrances, and civic observances align directly with our mission and remain acts of service rather than transactions.

Community responsibility always comes before revenue.

A Common Misunderstanding Across Creative Professions

Situations like ours occur across nearly every skilled trade and creative profession.

Musicians. Painters. Chefs. Hairstylists. Craftspeople of every kind.

There exists a persistent assumption across society that creative or service-oriented work should cost less simply because passion exists. Passion, however, does not replace experience, training, or overhead.

Few people challenge an electrician quoting $1,000 for a repair.Few hesitate when a plumber explains labor and materials.

When a chef quotes $1,000 for a catered buffet, many immediately search for a cheaper option. Years of training, long hours, and creative skill somehow become negotiable.

Meanwhile, during holidays and public celebrations, chefs, servers, bartenders, musicians, and performers work tirelessly while others enjoy moments made possible by their labor.

Experience carries value. Skill carries value. Creative ability carries value.

A Real-World Example

On one occasion, a parade committee contacted our band with an offer to participate.

They generously offered to discount their parade fee. Their proposal involved charging the band $100 to perform for their audience.

We declined the invitation.

Not out of spite or arrogance, but out of principle. Professional musicians do not pay for the privilege of providing professional services.

Understanding Performance Costs

Pipes and drums involve meaningful investment.

Kilts routinely exceed $500 per person. Drums often surpass $1,000 each. Instruments require constant maintenance. Members absorb fuel costs, parking fees, rehearsal travel, and time commitments year-round.

According to the PNC Christmas Price Index, the cost of the Twelve Days of Christmas now exceeds $51,000, reflecting continued inflation across nearly every category.

Even within holiday folklore, musicians command premium value:

🎶 Eleven Pipers Piping — approximately $3,800

🥁 Twelve Drummers Drumming — approximately $4,100

Music drives atmosphere, ceremony, and emotion. Music remains central, not supplemental. We are not background noise.

Our Standard Engagement Structure

For transparency, Wake and District typically follows these guidelines:

• Mini-band engagements Two to three pipers with snare, tenor, and bass drum$500

• Full band parades or public events Starting at $1,000

Travel requirements may involve rental vehicles, lodging, and per diem arrangements. All details receive advance discussion.

Sponsorship and Partnership Options

In select cases, we pursue alternative solutions.

For certain parades or large-scale events, we have secured sponsors to offset performance costs. Sponsors receive visible recognition through banners, tasteful drum markings, acknowledgements, and social media coverage with event photography.

This approach supports organizers, provides value to sponsors, and sustains our ability to perform responsibly.

Nonprofit Status and Financial Reality

Wake and District operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, similar to many groups seeking our services.

Nonprofit status does not eliminate cost. Nonprofit status does not eliminate responsibility.

Every decision must balance mission, sustainability, and respect for our members.

Respecting Our Members First

We love sharing music and tradition. We value partnerships and community engagement. We remain flexible whenever mission and circumstance align.

At the same time, responsibility to our members remains paramount. Their time, resources, and commitment deserve professional consideration.

Sometimes the right answer involves service without cost. Sometimes the responsible answer involves saying no. Both reflect professionalism.

Exposure remains appreciated. Respect remains essential .Skilled musicians know their worth — and operate accordingly.