Testimonials

Testimonials

What our clients are saying

April 2022 (e-mail) – Birthday Celebrations
Hi Dave, Thank you again for playing yesterday and being so accommodating. Everything worked out so well and we appreciate your flexibility and willingness to stay a bit longer than you may have planned. My Dad appreciated your playing, loved the tunes you selected and the conversations with him and family. It made his day and ours as well. Again many thanks, E.

March 2022 (thank you card) – Funeral Service
Dave, Thank you so very much for coming to Indy to play the bagpipes for G’s Funeral Mass. It warms our hearts and I can see that smile on G’s face. God Bless You, The K. Family.

February 2022 (e-mail) – Funeral Service
Dear Dave, I wanted to thank you for paying at my Father’s Funeral today. My Mother told me my Father would have lied having the bagpipes at the Service. It truly added a special touch and helped me with my own personal grieving process. I would be so happy to serve as a reference or testimonial for you and your art, in the future. (info can be provided by Chicalba if needed) Thank you again for your care of me and my family. Adrianne Feeney Elbe

January 2022 (thank you card) – Funeral Service
Dave, Thank you so much for being here for my family. S.M.

January 2022 (Google online review) – Burns Supper
Dave is a very knowledgeable Scotsman. He is the real deal. G.L.

January 2022 (thank you card) – Funeral Service
Dave, Thank you so much for your part in our Mom’s Service. Mom, Dad and many family members attended the College of Wooster (Fighting Scots), which has a pipe band. So pipes are an integral part of our life. You certainly made this service special for us and everyone. Blessings, L.B., L.M., J.J. & L.G.

January 2022 (text) – Funeral Service
Thank you for today! I found it harder than anticipated. J. & M. were thrilled you were there and no doubt have relayed the encounter with J. (a former student of Dave’s). Over lunch the family was delighted with the bagpiping, especially ‘Happy Birthday’. I am ever grateful M.S.

January 2022 (letter) – Multiple Services with Pastor Joseph Mills (Westchester)
Dear Dave, I just wanted to send you a thank you for your excellent work in doing funerals. We have worked together many times, most recently at the funeral for Mr. C. at Hursen’s Funeral Home.

I work with many musicians. Most are good; some are polite. However, only a few are outstandingly professional and helpful. YOU are that kind of person. It is very clear that you care about people and doing the ‘extra’ helpful thing for people you serve.

If I am an example, how you work with Clergy is awesome! You take the time to ask questions, are willing to adapt to a situation as you see it, and see the Clergyperson as a colleague. If anyone ever wishes a recommendation please feel free to use me. (contact can be provided by Chicalba if needed)

Again, thank you ever so much for your excellent work. I personally see it as an example of faithful ministry.

With thanks and appreciation – Pastor Joseph E. Mills III (The Westchester Community Church, UCC)

December 2021 (e-mail) – Funeral Service
Dave, I just wanted to express again our family’s heartfelt gratitude for your wonderful gift of music this past weekend at D’s funeral. Everyone was so touched by your beautiful music and consummate professionalism. Thank you for helping us honor a life well lived. We are forever grateful. Blessings to you and yours in the coming year. A.J. & O’M. Family.

December 2021 (thank you card) – Funeral Service
Thank you for making today a beautiful tribute! The family of D.S.

November 2021 (e-mail) – Memorial Service
Good morning Dave, I just wanted to thank you again for your lovely contribution to the Life Celebration for our Dad Alex. In addition to your beautiful music on the bagpipes I cannot thank you enough for your kind words, song selection and sharing their meanings. You honored our Dad in a way that touched us deeply and I will forever be grateful to you for that. Kind regards, S.W.

November 2021 (thank you letter) – Burial for WWII Veteran, coming home to USA in 2021
Dear Mr. Johnston,

This letter comes on behalf of the W. family to express our deep appreciation for your beautiful music for our Uncle’s funeral this past October.

We were truly humbled by the amount of respect given to this brave young man. We are indebted to the U.S. Army and a score of other organizations for helping bring him home. When we first encountered the funeral director, Mike Rominski, he made it very clear that there would be a great deal of respect shown for F. Mike actually suggested we have a bagpiper as a nod to our Irish heritage. We are grateful he did. We had bagpipes at every other funeral in the family, but it would have slipped our minds as it was very different burying a twenty-year-old man after seventy-six years. Thank goodness Mike made the suggestion. The funeral would have been incomplete without your pibroch.

We of the next generation never had the opportunity to meet him, but we heard our Parents, Grandmother’s and Uncle’s stories of him and know that he was well loved. Thank you for helping make this momentous occasion for our family even more beautiful.

We are very grateful. Sincerely the family of Sgt. F. W. W. (U.S. Army, WWII)

November 2021 (thank you card) – Memorial Service
Dear Dave, Thank you for making S.’s wish come through to have bagpipes at her Service! Sincerely The D. Family.

November 2021 (thank you card) – Veterans’ Day Service
Thank you Mr. Johnston from Pack 55, Cub Scouts at A. V. Elementary School.

October 2021 (e-mail) – Wedding Service
Hi Dave, Everyone has been raving about your music on Saturday! We have received so many wonderful compliments to send your way. Thank you SO MUCH for being part of our day! You helped me achieve my absolute dream Wedding! Bagpipes are so meaningful to me, my Mom, our heritage, and I could go on and on about how calming you were to me before I walked down the aisle. As soon as you gave me the cue, all my nerves of walking down the aisle floated away.

Thank you again for making the day perfect, K. & A.

October 2021 (thank you card) – Wedding rehearsal
Dave, Thank you for always making our important family events even more special. All the best, J. & T.

October 2021 (thank you card) – Wedding Service
Dave, thanks for sharing our special day with us! M. & C

October 2021 (thank you card) – Baptism Service
Dave, Thank you again for joining my family to celebrate one of life’s most important days! We appreciate you and your beautiful music and hope our paths continue to cross in the years ahead! Sincerely, B.G.

October 2021 (thank you card) – Wedding Service
Thank for Everything! K. & J.

September 2021 (thank you card & e-mail) – Memorial Service
Dave, Thank you so much for playing at my Husband’s Memorial Service today. He loved the bagpipes and always wanted them played at his funeral. You have made that wish come true.

Thank you Dave for your beautiful music at my Husband’s Service last Friday. It was the crowning moment of the day and one he would have loved. Thank you again. L.G.

September 2021 (Google online review & e-mail) – Funeral Service
(thank you so much Mr. H. for your kind words)
Chicalba Bagpiping, and Dave Johnston its manager, is a first-rate bagpiping company. Dave played at my Grandmother’s Funeral and he blew my whole family away. I was able to book him on extremely short notice and he got back to me the very next day. Five days later he was performing at the funeral. And Dave’s performance was impeccable. You can definitely tell he was a Double World Champion.

He played “Amazing Grace” and “Danny Boy”, two of my Grandma’s favorites, plus some others he thought would be appropriate.

He was at the Church before we got there and played as we walked in and as we exited when Mass ended. And he was waiting for us at the Cemetery for the last rites. When it was all over, he walked off into the distance and allowed the music to fade out, which I thought added a really nice touch to the Service. Not only that, but the funeral procession got split up on the way to the cemetery and half of the mourners were late to the graveside. Dave, unruffled by this hiccup, proceeded to improvise while waiting and played extra unplanned music without charging us a penny more.

But Dave’s professionalism shows in more than just his music. Perhaps what impressed me the most was the care and attention Dave put into preparing for the event. He e-mailed with me back and forth numerous times to communicate pricing info, to nail down the precise songs I wanted to be played, even giving me a choice on the particular venues I wanted him to attend (for us, Church and graveside only, not funeral home, which was an option). And a total of three times he confirmed the Church and Cemetery locations and times, making sure there was no room for error.

Last of all, Dave is very kind, empathetic, understanding, and patient as you are mourning, never rushing you and taking his time to make sure you understand completely what the process will look like. He’s totally transparent and he offers great suggestions if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.

Dave is a class act. I couldn’t more highly recommend his services. If I could give him higher than five (or ten) stars, I would. No matter the price you pay (and all the packages are reasonable), you will be getting more than you bargained for.
J.H. Jr.

September 2021 (thank you card) – Wedding Service
Dave, Thank You so much for being a part of our special day with your beautiful music. Today was absolutely perfect because of you. Sincerely, The S. Family.

September 2021 (thank you card) – Wedding Service
Thank you for coming and playing for our Wedding! Everyone loved it and you were one of the most popular parts of the Wedding!

September 2021 (e-mails) – 9-11 Service
Dave. You are the best. Thank you so much for playing. This service was so touching for so many people. Your contribution was so much appreciated. Thanks. I am so glad you are part of the Wheaton community. T.

Here, Here, T. Heartfelt thanks for shring your talent for the guests assembled this morning. Absolutely beautiful and personally moving. G.S.

September 2021 (e-mail) – Funeral Service
Dave, I just wanted to say thanks for setting up Joe to play at my Nephew’s Servcies. He did a great job and it made my sister and her family very happy to have him there. TJ always loved to hear the bagpipes so it was a wonderful way to send him off. B.

September 2021 (thank you card) – Wedding Service
Thank you for helping make our Wedding renewal special! K. & A. C.

August 2021 (thank you card) – Funeral Service
Dear Mr. Johnston. Thank you for sharing your talents as the bagpiper at the funeral of my Husband SV. I am sure it gave him much joy – as it did to our family and friends. Your gift was so appreciated. K.V. & Family.

August 2021 (thank you card) – Wedding Service
Dave, thank you so much for being our bagpiper! J.

August 2021 (Thank You Card) – Funeral Service
Dear Dave. Thank-you for your service that B. would have loved! N.W-W

August 2021 (Thank You E-mail) – Memorial Service
Hi Dave, many thanks for your music making yesterday. From the comments and praise heaped by those attending I declare the memorial, and especially your presence, to be a triumph. Best Regards, P.N.

July 2021 (Website Review) – Celebration of Life
Dave, I am deeply grateful that you were able to help me honor my Husband and his heritage at his Celebration of Life. Your piping was beautiful and exactly what I was wanting. Everyone loved it and you heard the cheers! Thank you. A.M.

July 2021 (Review & Text) – Celebration of Life
Hi Dave, I have been meaning to text you. Thank you for your beautiful contribution to S’s celebration of life last week. It was wonderful to hear you play the pipes and your professionalism was second to none. Thank you again. P.M.

July 2021 (Website Review) – Wedding Service
Hey Dave, we just wanted to say thank you again for piping at our Wedding. You are very professional, friendly, and talented. Everyone loved the music and it really made things special. Chicalba Bagpiping is worth every penny! Thanks again. Z.W.

June 2021 (Thank You Card) – Wedding Service
Dear Dave, Thank you so much for providing the music for McK & D’s wedding. B. & M. S.

June 2021 (Website Review) – Funeral Service
Dave played at the graveside for my twin sister. He was a shining light in what was a very difficult day for me and my family. After contacting Dave he responded promptly and was very familiar with both the funeral home handling the arrangements and the cemetery where the burial would take place. He walked through how things would work and encouraged me to send any songs we would like to hear him play. When my family arrived at the graveside it was a great comfort to see and hear Dave’s playing, as we exited the cars. He provided a beautiful send off for my sister and we are very grateful. Sincerely K. O’B.

June 2021 (Thank You Card) – Golf Event, American Cancer Society
Dave, Thank you for your continuous support of the Windy City Golf Open! We appreciate you coming out and being a part of our event. Thank You !! United against all cancers, K.G. (ACS)

June 2021 (Thank You E-mail) – Memorial Service
Dave, Thank you for your service. The music was outstanding and very meaningful for our family. And it was such a beautiful day. Really appreciate it and will reach out again for the next (hopefully happier) occasion. B.

May 2021 (Thank You Card) – Funeral Service
Thank you for your fine skills and help with our Mom’s funeral. We were very grateful! Blessings, B. & the entire G. Family.

May 2021 (Thank You Card) – Funeral Service
Dave, Thank you for playing at my Father’s burial. The pipes provided so much to the ceremony. All the best, B.

May 2021 (Thank You Card) – Funeral Service
Dave, Thank you for offering and sharing your gift with us today as we say goodbye to our Dad. Sincerely, the O’C. Family.

May 2021 (Thank You Card) – Funeral Service
Thank You, Dave The C. Family

April 2021 (Thank you card) – Funeral Service
Thank you for helping us with L’s burial today. We appreciate the beauty you can bring to such an occasion. The G. Family.

April 2021 (Thank You E-mail) – Wedding Service
Hello Dave, just wanted to thank you for your time and talent yesterday. It made our day even more special. Next Wedding I will be calling. J.

April 2021 (Thank You E-mail) – Funeral Service
You played the bagpipe for my Mom and Grandma’s burial this last weekend. I wasn’t able to catch you before you left. I just wanted to thank you for your beautiful playing. My Mom absolutely loved the bagpipes and had said on several occasions that she would want it at her funeral. I also appreciate your flexibility with timing that day. It meant a lot to have that music played as it would have made my Mom so happy. Thank you so much! Your playing was really beautiful and much appreciated. S.P.

April 2021 (Thank You Card) – Funeral Service
Dear Dave, Thank you so much for playing at C’s send off. She loved bagpipe music and would have enjoyed it. With sincere thanks, J & J McG.

February 2021 (Text) – Funeral Service
Hello! Just wanted to say the bagpipe music was awesome (Joe)! The perfect touch for my Irish Mom’s funeral.

January 2021 (Social Media Post & Text) – Wedding Service
Thank you much David for coming out on Saturday.  We really appreciated the grand spectacle.  Best wishes for 2021  J.M.

Hi Dave, just wanted to thank you so much from me and my family for making J & S’s wedding so special.  S’s Mom was very taken by you.  She thought you were great.  S.M.

December 2020 (Thank You Card) – Funeral Service
Dear Dave, thank you for providing such beautiful music for us today.  B.E.

November 2020 (Thank You Card) – Wedding Service
Dave, Thank you for celebrating our Wedding Day with us.  All the best, T.L & D.C.

November 2020 (Thank You Card) – Funeral Service
Thank you so much for playing today.  So thankful to the special addition to this day. K.C.

November 2020 (Thank You Text) – Wake & Funeral Services
David, thank you very much for being a part of my Dad’s wake and service.  You have no idea all the compliments I received for your awesome playing.  Thank you again.  D.G.

October 2020 (Thank You Card) – Wedding Service
Dave, we are deeply grateful for the musical talent you brought to our special day.  But even more so for the added touch of Scotland you contributed to our Ceremony.  You honored all our ancestors, and us.  Thank you R.K.

Yes, everything R said, plus I am so grateful for your flexibility in the planning process and your performance was exactly as we had pictured it!  Beautifully done and you were also so noble and respectable.  A fine Scotsman, thank you so very much.  A.K.

October 2020 (Thank You Text) – Birthday Parade
Joe did a wonderful job today making Mom’s Birthday celebration extra special.  Thanks so much for helping organize this milestone event!!  S.H.

September 2020 (Thank You Card) – Virtual Relay For Life Event
Dave, Thank you so much for your support of the virtual Relay For Life of Northern Lake County.  We greatly appreciate your enthusiasm sharing your videos and “Amazing Grace” with us.  Our Luminaria Ceremony was great and very meaningful thanks to your support.  Thanks.  M & The ELT.

September 2020 (Thank You Card) – Funeral Service
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  I will never forget how you went above and beyond during Dad’s funeral.  The sight of you playing in the rain as we left for the cemetery will for ever be in my mind.  The bow at the casket and you playing in the rain was a fitting tribute to a wonderful, strong and loving man.  My Father.  A.P.

September 2020 (Facebook Recommendation) – Wedding Service
M.R. recommends Chicalba Bagpiping Services:  “Surprised my Groom by hiring Dave to play for our backyard wedding.  He didn’t disappoint.  Highly recommend.

September 2020 (thank you text) – Funeral Service
Again, thank you.  You went above and beyond.  Also just wanted you to know that there were many compliments on your professionalism, your respect for the family, chapel and especially the deceased.  My Mom noticed it.  She and many also noticed how much you cared.  The tones brought them peace and was uplifting.  They and I thank you for this. A.

September 2020 (thank you e-mail) – Wedding Service
(Part 1) I wanted to take a minute to once again thank you for joining us on Sunday.  Your rendition of ‘Highland Cathedral’ was beautiful.  Family from around the country watching on Facebook thought it was the perfect and unique touch to a very special day.  I am glad we crossed paths and I look forward to recommending you to anyone that may be looking for a musician to play their event.  J.

(Part 2) The music was absolutely perfect!  It filled the sanctuary at just the right volume and it was heard across the internet with the perfect amount of echo.  It turned out to be a definite case of ‘less is more’.  You gave us a memory for a lifetime and we will always be grateful.  J.

August 2020 (thank you card) – Wedding Service
Thank you so much for playing at our Wedding.  We were thrilled to have you be a part of our day!  All the best E & K.

August 2020 (thank you card) – Funeral Service
Thank you for playing today! It means a lot to our family and I know Dad is enjoying the music. He walked me down the aisle on my wedding day with a bagpiper, so this means so much to me. Family of McC.

August 2020 (thank you card) – Funeral Service
A note of appreciation for your contribution at the Burial of my Aunt. The level of your musicianship and the level of your professionalism was of the highest standard. I will be proud to recommend you wherever I can. In the meantime – enclosed find something to lift a glass to my Aunt’s memory. J.

August 2020 (website review) – Wedding Service
When COVID cancelled my Daughter’s big wedding this past August they instead planned a small wedding at a flower shop in Chicago. They had not planned for music, so I surprised them with the bagpiping. The coincidence was my Daughter’s Fiancé has planned to have Dave play at their big wedding, so it was quite a surprise and pleasure for them to hear Scotland the Brave in that tiny flower shop at the end of their ceremony. Event their dog sat up straighter!
It was so beautiful and I so appreciate working with Dave from a distance (I was from out of town) to help with the surprise. Look forward to have you play at their big wedding in 2021!

July 2020 (website review) – Funeral Service
Greetings, Dave! Thank you SO very much for accepting the job!! I know it was hot and you were likely uncomfortable. I received videos and photos of the service from the Funeral Director. You were remarkable. ARE remarkable! Such a lovely addition to the service and an honor to the Mr. B. Your presence balanced the Navy presentation so well. How unfortunate, in these times, people cannot gather to properly honor a lost loved one. I am so grateful that you were able to be present. Thank you so very much. Most sincerely, K.

July 2020 (thank you letter) – Funeral Service
Thank you for coming and playing at my Father’s funeral. My family and I were looking forward to hearing you play and setting a beautiful tone for the day. Your music provided a lasting memory of the day and the NEW LIFE my parents will be entering. Our deepest gratitude, J. & Family.

June 2020 (website review) – Birthday Celebration
Just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful job you did on Saturday and helping make B.’s Birthday a bit more special. He was truly surprised and loved every moment. THANK YOU AGAIN!!! C.

June 2020 (thank you card) – Funeral Service
Thanks again David for playing for my Mother. R. Family.

June 2020 (thank you e-mail) – Fathers’ Day Celebration
M. & I enjoyed meeting you and were delighted with the event for my Father. Thank you for making this a memorable Fathers’ Day! C.

June 2020 (thank you card) – Wedding Service
We appreciate all of your flexibility and support.  Thank you so much for being here today and making our day even more joyous.  Best wishes!  J. & M.

May 2020 (thank you card) – General Thanks & Video Recording
This year I committed to writing at least one note of thanks each day.  Today is Memorial Day and I chose you.  First, thank you again for doing the video recently.  I got so many nice comments on it.  I really hope you get to play at our event in August.  I HOPE we have it.  Until then, stay safe.  So glad to know you and work with you. B.

April 2020 (thank you text) – Bagpipes in the Driveway, with Social Distancing
All reports were fantastic Dave. My Mom loved it, as I knew she would. Thank you so much! Maybe we can do this again when I fly back to Chicago and enjoy it next to my Mom. J.

April 2020 (thank you letter) – Birthday Video Message
Dave, thank you for helping me provide a fun Birthday surprise for B. It is a pleasure to work with a good neighbor. JN.

March 2020 (thank you card)
Our sincerest thank you for everything you do. TS.

February 2020 (thank you text)
Thank you so much Dave!! Everyone was so surprised and loved it. T.

February 2020 (thank you card)
Dave, thank you for playing and creating such beautiful music for our Dad’s party & Celebration of Life. T.

February 2020 (thank you e-mail)
Thank you so much for performing at Winston Campus Elementary Multicultural Night! I have received so much positive feedback already. Your performance was the perfect end to the night. I hope you will be willing to come back next year.

February 2020 (thank you note)
Thank you so much for helping make the day such a special one! The R. Family.

January 2020 (thank you e-mail)
Thanks for doing such an outstanding job at our Wedding Reception this past Saturday. You exceeded expectations on every level. PD.

January 2020 (thank you card)
Dave, thank you so much for volunteering your time at Stratford & Jay Stream’s Career Days! We appreciate your support of Junior Achievement. C.

December 2019 (thank you card)
Thank you again for making S.’s 60th Birthday party so memorable. MBK.

November 2019 (thank you card)
Thank you very much for such an honorable send off to our Hero. Love, the R. Family

November 2019 (thank you card)
Dave, thank you so much for sharing your talent with us all and delighting us at our Wedding. Please accept our gratitude, faithfully P. & A.

October 2019 (thank you card)
Dave, thank you kindly for making my Father’s Celebration of Life so special. He would have greatly appreciated your music. Sincerely, MA & SE.

October 2019 (thank you e-mail)
Dave, thank you kindly for performing at my Father’s Memorial on Saturday. At the Arrowhead Golf Club. You played wonderfully, and it was exactly what I had envisioned. Thank you for your guidance; the small pipes were perfect for the reception, and full pipes sounded amazing in the ballroom. My 2 year old Son, as well as myself and the other guests, enjoyed your skillful playing. I think it is exactly what my Dad would have wanted. I greatly appreciate your patience leading up to the Memorial with my many questions and e-mails. SE.

October 2019 (thank you card)
Dave, thank you for helping to make our Wedding Day so special. M. & L.

October 2019 (thank you card)
It has been nearly two months since we gathered to celebrate our friend and Brother Mac’s life. There has not been a day gone by that I don’t think about what a memorable event it was. Of course, it wouldn’t have been remotely the same without you! Thank you so much for helping me honor one (or more!) of Mac’s final requests. “My God” works in wonderfully miraculous ways. Thanks again, M.

October 2019 (Google My Business Review)
Dave and Chicalba Bagpiping came through at the very last minute for my Father’s burial. I can’t thank them enough for making my Father’s send-off special and meaningful. Exactly how he wanted it. CJ.

October 2019 (thank you text)
Dear Dave, Thank you for supporting the Kilted Classic. Your gift is appreciated by all of us at Caledonia Senior Living. Thank you for lifting our spirits. Sincerely, the Staff.

September 2019 (thank you text)
I spoke with you on Thursday regarding the bagpiper. Thank you so much for making it happen. Luke was great – he was prompt and awesome – my husband really enjoyed the surprise – made his Birthday even more memorable. Thanks again and I will definitely keep you all in mind for future occasions. E.

September 2019 (thank you card)
We cannot thank you enough. The ceremony was perfect. You are so special to not only us but the Church. A. (Zion Christian Church)

August 2019 (thank you card)
Thank you so very much for being here. J. was our Brother and this means a lot to us for you to be here, Love S.

August 2019 (thank you card)
Dear Dave, Thank you again for being part of our service today in placing our Mom in her final resting place. When we buried my Dad, 8 years ago, your music meant so much to our Mom – and I know that today she’s listening to your bagpipes with a smile of joy on her face. Thank you again. Sincerely L.

July 2019 (thank you e-mail & photo)
Thank you so much for your wonderful music at our wedding on July 13th. You are so very talented and we were so fortunate to have you, our wedding vision really came to life and everything was perfect.
We received so many compliments on your playing and you really made our day memorable and SO special. Thanks you again, R.

July 2019 (thank you e-mail)
I would like to express our gratitude and sincere thanks to you for piping at our Mom’s funeral. I know you are in the busy wedding season and the fact that you personally played and made this work for us is truly appreciated. You have a great energy and I can tell you truly fell deeply when piping. That is a true gift you have and I have to say, Mom welcomed those pipes to carry her spirit all the way to heaven … thank you for giving us that gift. I personally believe that music has the ability to travel in this world and beyond, and am grateful to have had your talent and loving disposition as the one who played for our Mom.

This makes two monumental occasions you have piped for us (my wedding in 2015) and we will always contact you in the future. The next time, I think we will make it for a happy time. Stay well and keep those pipes going! Thank you for being such a great comfort in happy and sad times. T. & Family.

July 2019 (thank you e-mail)
We just had to let you know that your performance with the bagpipes added so much to the service for our loved one. I really did not like bagpipes but your talent and the way that the music flowed was really awesome. Thank you very much. The C. Family.

June 2019 (thank you letter & photo)
Dave, THANK YOU for being a vital part of the 2019 Relay for Life. I cannot thank you enough for your time and commitment at the Relay. We always enjoy your presence as you are truly the highlight at the Luminaria Ceremony. I am proud to have your support and know that working together we will truly Finish the Fight. Look forward to seeing you again next year. Thank you for providing your time, your talents and your heart at the 2019 Relay for Life. M.

June 2019 (thank you card)
Thank you for sharing your talent with us at this difficult time in our lives. The M. Family.

June 2019 (thank you card)
Dave, on June 29th you played for the graveside service for my wife (at Wheaton Cemetery). My request was for Amazing Grace and you played that in such a beautiful, respectful manner. You even played additional music.
I want to thank you again for sharing your exceptional talent and helping to honor my wife with your music. Years ago my wife told me that when the time comes she would want Amazing Grace to be played on bagpipe at her funeral. I am grateful that you agreed to do that for her – I have never heard that song played in such a magnificent way! Your work that day meant a lot to me and our family – and was a great honor to my wife. God’s Blessings to you always. With sincerest gratitude, G.

May 2019 (thank you card)
Thank you for your contribution to our Father’s Memorial Service, from the H. Family.

May 2019 (thank you card)
Dave, thank you for your Ministry at Springbrook today. J. (Springbrook Community Church, Plainfield)

May 2019 (thank you card)
Dave, may kindness return to you in the same beautiful way that it was given. P.

April 2019 (Facebook, Yelp & E-mail – plus gift after the day)
I would like to introduce you to a most incredible man and musician. Dave Johnston of Chicalba Bagpiping Services. He played the most beautiful pipes as friends and family entered, and later left the Church on Saturday for my nephew’s services. He played Amazing Grace once in the Church. Something about the sound of those pipes. Not a dry eye anywhere. Then at the cemetery he played as people arrived and walked toward the gravesite. Again, he played Amazing Grace as my nephew, my little brother, was lowered below. He walked off into the distance and the pipes faded. But he didn’t leave. He stood there and waited until each and every vehicle left. He was the last man standing. Such an incredible person. Prior to Saturday I told him the possibility of bad weather, and he wrote me back, “S, the pipes are no stranger to inclement weather.” S.

April 2019 (website review form)
Thank you Luke for sharing your incredible talent at my Dad’s funeral. You brought some beauty to a difficult day. I think the fact that, out of all the tartans you could have worn, you unknowingly chose the plaid my sister, cousins and I wore all through grade school was a sign that Dad appreciated you as well and made us all smile. J.

March 2019 (thank you letter)
I cannot thank you enough. I know our Dad would have loved the send-off. The families will ever be thankful for your talents. I apologize for not seeing you at the end yesterday, but it allowed me to personally thank you this way. M.

March 2019 (e-mail – from venue)
Thank you again for everything on Saturday!! You were of course amazing and everyone from our staff, management, and all of the hotel guests absolutely loved your performances. It’s always a pleasure to work with you and we look forward to next year! Best, E.

March 2019 (thank you card)
Dear Dave, Thank you so much for performing at the Emerald Evening event! I heard so many wonderful comments about how fun it was to be welcomed by festive music. I really appreciate you helping to support our cause that is so close to my heart. Thanks again, D.

February 2019 (thank you card)
Thank you for making Mom’s funeral special. It’s greatly appreciated.

February 2019 (thank you card)
Thank you for enriching our day as we honored my Husband’s life. His Scottish heritage, love of bagpipes, and the beautiful song – Amazing Grace. Blessings to you, B.

January 2019 (e-mail – from venue)
Thank you for your lovely music and note, Dave! It was a pleasure working with you, and I will certainly recommend your services to others. All the best for a wonderful 2019. S.

All reviews received before those shown have been removed from this website section, but they are still stored and available if requested. We thank everyone who has taken time to write or pass us a review. It is so greatly appreciated.

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