Hope Oaks

About Hope Oaks

Hope feels that being able to do what you love, and be a part of the special moments in the lives of others has enriched her life beyond imagination.

Most of her time piping is spent at weddings, funerals, and other special events. She does over 100 per year!

She performed Peter Maxwell Davies: "An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise" with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Ft. Wayne Philharmonic.

In 2013 she performed Disney's Pixar in Concert with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

She has competed at various sanctioned Highland Games in the United States, and is a competition medalist in solo events including Piobaireachd (classical bagpipe music).

Music Samples See References

History

Hope studied music from the age of 12, and funded part of her education via a music performance scholarship. She became interested in the bagpipe and started taking lessons in 1997.

Piping Education

1999 & 2001:
Graduate of the North American Academy of Piping, Valle Crucis, NC
Since 2004:
Graduate of the Ontario School of Piping at St. Andrew College in Toronto, Ontario
2005:
Graduate of Invermark College of Piping at Castleton College, Vermont
Currently a student of Bruce Gandy, Nova Scotia

Photo: Hope Oaks with Conductor Erik Oschner
performing with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

What People Say

"I wanted to thank you for adding to the beauty of my husband's funeral by playing your bagpipes. Many people told me they appreciated the wonderful music and I know my husband loved it because, as a firefighter, he had a special appreciation for bagpipe music. Thank you also for the very thoughtful card. The world is blessed by people like you."
Monique Mohler and Family
"I just wanted to tell you how beautiful your playing was at my Mom's funeral. Everyone was truly moved. Mom's day was perfect in every way. Thank you for your part in it."
With heartfelt gratitude, Brenda Barnhill
"Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement. Your beautiful music brought a depth of reverence to Wayne's graveside service and I am very grateful. May God bless you for your compassion and service to those who need strength and joy."
Gratefully, Mary Jo Levy
"Hi. You played at our wedding reception in Indianapolis on October 5th. Your performance was extraordinary…and a total, very pleasant surprise to me! I’ve heard nothing but highly favorable comments from all who were there. One’s wedding day should be memorable, and you’ve made mine even more so. Thanks. "
David J. Sholly - Colonel, Field Artillery: US Army (retired)
"Dear Hope, We wanted to thank you again for the beautiful piping at our wedding! We hope you had as much fun playing as everyone else had listening to you."
Best Wishes, Patrick & Alina Klein
"Mrs. Hope Oakes, bagpiper of Kokomo, IN was hired for committal services. By experience, she knew exactly what to do and the many fire departments present at the cemetary were pleased. It was beautiful and I encourage all of you to consider this service whenever possible."
Jim Todd - President, Indiana Funeral Directors Association
"Thank you for being a part of the celebration of life for our Mother. She would have agreed with the Irish touch. You play the pipes beautifully and your music is very moving. Thank you for participating."
Sincerely, Patty Snyder & Family
"Dear Hope, Words cannot express my gratitude, you are very, very talented. Many People commented on how wonderful the bagpipes were. Thank you so much."
Sincerely, Pat Martz
"Dear Hope, On behalf of the NC Law Enforcement Training Council, I am expressing our appreciation to you for your participation in our dedication. You made it a special event."
Thank you, Russell Ricks, President
"Hope, It made my day to hear you playing, it was beautiful."
Thank You, Bev and Branch Shepard
"Dear Hope, Having you there piping when we walked in was the "highlight" of our anniversary celebration."
Very Fondly, Heather and Milo Sekulich
"Dear Hope, Thank you for the wonderful bagpipe music you played at Karen's funeral. As our family and friends listened to you play it truly moved our hearts."
Thank You and God Bless, Kay Faucett
"Dear Hope, Your bagpipe playing was the highlight of the evening. It was so beautiful it brought tears to our eyes. Thank you for sharing your talent."
Kathy and John Harbaugh
"Dear Hope, Your Music and your presence helped us honor my Grandfather's life. Thank you. As we told you, he really would have liked it."
Kindest Regards, Nalani Alexander
"This is just a line to thank you for your beautiful piping in my Father's memory. Your kindness and your artistry were greatly appreciated by my family and I."
Steve Nicewanger

History

Piping Education

"I just wanted to tell you how beautiful your playing was at my Mom's funeral. Everyone was truly moved. Mom's day was perfect in every way. Thank you for your part in it."

"Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement. Your beautiful music brought a depth of reverence to Wayne's graveside service and I am very grateful. May God bless you for your compassion and service to those who need strength and joy."

"Dear Hope, We wanted to thank you again for the beautiful piping at our wedding! We hope you had as much fun playing as everyone else had listening to you."

"Mrs. Hope Oakes, bagpiper of Kokomo, IN was hired for committal services. By experience, she knew exactly what to do and the many fire departments present at the cemetary were pleased. It was beautiful and I encourage all of you to consider this service whenever possible."

"Thank you for being a part of the celebration of life for our Mother. She would have agreed with the Irish touch. You play the pipes beautifully and your music is very moving. Thank you for participating."

"Dear Hope, Words cannot express my gratitude, you are very, very talented. Many People commented on how wonderful the bagpipes were. Thank you so much."

"Dear Hope, On behalf of the NC Law Enforcement Training Council, I am expressing our appreciation to you for your participation in our dedication. You made it a special event."

"Hope, It made my day to hear you playing, it was beautiful."

"Dear Hope, Having you there piping when we walked in was the "highlight" of our anniversary celebration."

"Dear Hope, Thank you for the wonderful bagpipe music you played at Karen's funeral. As our family and friends listened to you play it truly moved our hearts."

"Dear Hope, Your bagpipe playing was the highlight of the evening. It was so beautiful it brought tears to our eyes. Thank you for sharing your talent."

"Dear Hope, Your Music and your presence helped us honor my Grandfather's life. Thank you. As we told you, he really would have liked it."

"This is just a line to thank you for your beautiful piping in my Father's memory. Your kindness and your artistry were greatly appreciated by my family and I."

765-452-0178