Meet Stanley Fontenot of Houston Bagpiper in South of Houston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stanley Fontenot.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started learning to play the bagpipes on February 13, 1997, at the age of 21. A burning fire was lit inside of me when I saw a pipe band play at Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, TX on December 8th, 1996. From that point on, I was determined to do what it took to learn to play the pipes, even if it meant having to drive 250 miles one way to have a lesson.

I searched on the internet for information on taking lessons. I found a teacher in Houston and supplies to start learning.

On February 13th, 1997 was when I started taking lessons and continued throughout the year.

After 10 months, I started to play for events in Houston and surrounding areas. I began teaching the bagpipe in 1998 and continue to this day.

I had no idea that taking up this hobby would turn into a way for me to make a living.

I have been playing for over 20 years now and have played for numerous event over the years. I have played for weddings in Columbia, South America, Mexico, Houston and surrounding areas.

Graduations, ceremonies, festivals, funerals, tournaments are some of the events I regularly play for.

My greatest passion I have is to tell others about what Jesus has done in my life. I travel internationally to do this very thing. I always travel with my bagpipes and play them for people where ever I go.

This is a beautiful thing! Most places I travel people have never seen or heard of the pipes. When I play for people, it gives me an opportunity to share with people how God has gifted us with different talents and or abilities. I use my talent to bless people and speak the word of God to people.

I love what I do! It has been a huge blessing to play for families over the years.

I will continue to play pipes for families and continue traveling overseas, sharing this gift of music as long as the Lord allows.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being a professional bagpiper has not always been easy. People often ask: Are the bagpipes hard to maintain?
My response is no, but you do need to check your instrument to make sure that it is properly working. The bag on the instrument and wear out. Unfortunately, this has happened on a few gigs over the years. I have to check the bag on my pipes regularly because I have had them leak so much air they were not playable. I have had this happen right before a gig.

Because of this, I now carry two sets of pipes on every gig in case I have a malfunction on my primary instrument.

In a pinch, I have used duct tape to help seal up my bag. Yes, this did work well and got me through a gig one morning.

For me, cold weather is very difficult to play in. My hands don’t move and can even hurt after a few minutes. Fortunately, the winters in the Houston area don’t last long, so I only have to deal with this occasionally.
Rain or shine, when I get a phone call to play for an event, I am there. I have been caught in heavy rains playing pipes for funeral services. I have a set of plastic bagpipes I use in inclement weather.

On the rare occasion, I have to work with people who are difficult to work with.

Getting to a gig early is my biggest priority when I get called for a gig. The family or company has an expectation
that I will be there when I say.

Even leaving two or more hours for a gig, I have shown up just in time for the gig.

Thankfully these types of challenges don’t happen all the time, but they do happen.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Houston Bagpiper is my company name.  I specialize providing professional bagpipes for events. These events include: graduations, weddings, funerals, ceremonies, parties, tournaments, engagement parties, and the list goes on.

My company is known for providing quality professional bagpiping services.

My company makes the families or companies the priority and strives to meet their requests.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was an overweight, broken, and physically abused by an alcoholic.

Early on, I was an outcast and didn’t fit in with other people. I was someone on the sidelines. I wanted to be accepted but was not. It was not until I saw Jesus as the one who was able to forgive my sins that my life changed.

Now, because of Jesus in my life, I am no longer the person I was. I have an outgoing personality. I enjoy meeting people and hearing about their lives.

My interest include: cloning carnivorous plants, hiking, in-line skating, and serving the Lord on Mission trips.

Pricing:

• On average I charge $250.00 to play for a gig. This price can vary depending on the length of the drive involved.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2935 Calder Dr #64
• Website: www.houstonbagpiper.com
• Phone: 281-728-2587
• Email: piper@houstonbagpiper.com
• Facebook: Houston Bagpiper

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