On Monday night, I played in my very first Irish music session at a local pub (Fiddler's Hearth in South Bend). My husband and I were there for dinner, and I wanted to just listen in. As we were leaving, we asked the leader to tell us a little more about the group that would be there, and foolishly let him know that I am a harpist. He asked how far away I was from my harp, and told me to come back right away!
Absolutely terrified, I joined the group a few minutes later with my new Blevins Celtic harp in tow. Poor Jeff just had to sit at the bar and drink Guiness all night while I tried to keep up with a group of stellar Irish musicians! I had really no idea what to expect. In my typical line of work, I never have to memorize harp music. So the only tunes I could play are the ones in my books - having sheet music is of course a cardinal sin in this session. But I've known for awhile that this is something I need to tackle - my new goal is one tune memorized per week.
I felt more comfortable when I was just able to play chords in the background like the guitarists and mandolin players. My music theory is quite good, so it's no problem to do that, as long as I know what key we're in! I finally figured out that if I watched the guitarist across from me, then I could see when the chord changes were coming, and I was able to anticipate them a little better myself.
This was certainly an 'out of my comfort zone' experience for me! But I know I want to go back, so I need to get memorizing. I'm sure Jeff won't mind a couple of Guinesses a week either!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Most Popular Bridal Processional Music
No song is more important to a bride than the one that plays when she comes down the aisle. I have played the harp for literally hundreds of weddings, and have compiled a list of the most popular pieces (no surprises there!) as well as some less familiar but equally beautiful options.
By far, "Bridal Chorus" from Lohengrin by Richard Wagner is the run-away favorite. Also known as "Here Comes the Bride," I perform this at approximately 45% of the weddings I play. Tradition is strong, and many brides want to walk down the aisle to the same song their mother and grandmother used.
Not far behind is "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel. Another wedding standard, this is also an extremely popular piece for the bridesmaids' entrance. This song accounts for about another 22% of my bridal processionals.
After the big two, not many songs are repeated from wedding to wedding. The only other ones that I have played for more than one ceremony are:
Hymne by Vangelis (0.07%)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (0.04%)
Trumpet Tune (0.02%)
Trumpet Voluntary (0.02%)
Can't Help Falling in Love (0.02%)
For brides that want something comletely different, many look to popular music and Broadway shows for inspiration. Some of these selections include:
Storybook Love from The Princess Bride
That Next Place
Wedding Processional from The Sound of Music
You are So Beautiful
The Prayer from Quest for Camelot
Love Can Build a Bridge
The Luckiest
The Rose
A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella
All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera
If you prefer classical music, but want something less familiar, a few pieces from past weddings include:
Pavane in the Style Renaissance by Paul Wachs
Gate at Kiev from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky
Hornpipe in G by Henry Purcell
There is really no limit except your imagination! Whether you prefer the traditional favorites, of have always envisioned walking down the aisle to a jazz standard or Celtic jig, just ask! Even if your selection is not listed in my repertoire (http://www.theclassicharpist.com/rep.html), I can learn just for your wedding. Some of my favorite pieces have come from brides' special requests. If you would like to hear these and more options for your wedding day music, please contact me (devon@theclassicharpist.com or 1-877-HARP-578).
By far, "Bridal Chorus" from Lohengrin by Richard Wagner is the run-away favorite. Also known as "Here Comes the Bride," I perform this at approximately 45% of the weddings I play. Tradition is strong, and many brides want to walk down the aisle to the same song their mother and grandmother used.
Not far behind is "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel. Another wedding standard, this is also an extremely popular piece for the bridesmaids' entrance. This song accounts for about another 22% of my bridal processionals.
After the big two, not many songs are repeated from wedding to wedding. The only other ones that I have played for more than one ceremony are:
Hymne by Vangelis (0.07%)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (0.04%)
Trumpet Tune (0.02%)
Trumpet Voluntary (0.02%)
Can't Help Falling in Love (0.02%)
For brides that want something comletely different, many look to popular music and Broadway shows for inspiration. Some of these selections include:
Storybook Love from The Princess Bride
That Next Place
Wedding Processional from The Sound of Music
You are So Beautiful
The Prayer from Quest for Camelot
Love Can Build a Bridge
The Luckiest
The Rose
A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella
All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera
If you prefer classical music, but want something less familiar, a few pieces from past weddings include:
Pavane in the Style Renaissance by Paul Wachs
Gate at Kiev from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky
Hornpipe in G by Henry Purcell
There is really no limit except your imagination! Whether you prefer the traditional favorites, of have always envisioned walking down the aisle to a jazz standard or Celtic jig, just ask! Even if your selection is not listed in my repertoire (http://www.theclassicharpist.com/rep.html), I can learn just for your wedding. Some of my favorite pieces have come from brides' special requests. If you would like to hear these and more options for your wedding day music, please contact me (devon@theclassicharpist.com or 1-877-HARP-578).
Friday, October 27, 2006
October Weddings & Pictures
I've been very bad at getting things posted this past month, so this will be a long one! My most recent wedding was at Sergeant Means Park in Olympia Fields, IL. The room has GREAT acoustics, and the bride selected some very unique music for her ceremony. We started with "Moon River," and the bride's entrance was to Ben Folds' song "The Luckiest." The couple met at a Cubs game, and chose "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" as their recessional. I love it when a bride really uses the music to reflect her personality and favorite songs! So maybe I had a little too much fun with this picture and Photoshop....
On October 14th, I was up by Lake Michigan for what was supposed to be my l
ast outdoor wedding of the season. Unfortunately, it was a rather nasty day and the wedding was moved inside the inn. You always have to have a back up plan and consider the comfort of your guests. Your harpist will also thank you! They chose familiar classical pieces for their ceremony, including Schubert's "Ave Maria," "Bach's Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring," and Pachelbel's "Canon in D." We added the traditional fanfare (the same as "Here Comes the Bride") before beginning Canon, since that helps the guests know wheen to stand up and announces the entrance of the bride. I really beleive that you could play that fanfare anywhere and everybody would get out of their seats! I may be wrong, but I think this is the first time I've played underneath a mounted deer head.I had two weddings on October 7th. The first was a ceremony in Michigan City. I shared music duties with the wonderful church organist. It's always a pleasure when they really welcome me, as many organists can be a bit territorial when another musician is on their turf! The bride chose Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze" for the seating of the families, "Canon" for the bridesmaids, and the organist played "Jesu, Joy" for the bride's processional. During the ceremony, they requested that I play Godefroid's "Romance without Words" as a harp solo. They had a classic car from Rag Tops Auto Museum as their get-away ride. I had no idea that they hired out cars, and it made a great alternative to the standard white limo!
My second wedding was a ceremony and reception in Schererville. The couple chose traditional pieces for the ceremony, and we mixed up classical and popular selections for the cocktail hour. What I will never understand is why wedding photographers always take my picture while I'm tuning before the ceremony begins. It actually happened at both weddings on this day. So no, I do not really play standing up with a wrench in one hand! It's no wonder that there are so many figurines and paintings of harpists and harps in strange configurations. My mom gave me one where the harpist is sitting in front of the harp rather than behind it. Don't know why, but it drives me crazy!
So that's the run down for October (so far - one more ceremony on Saturday). November usually slows down as the traditional wedding season draws to a close, but this year it doesn't look that way. Good thing I like keeping busy!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Harp Stork!!!
My new harp arrived today!
It is a 36-string Blevins lever harp, and I got it for playing outdoor weddings (especially the ones on the beach that the larger pedal harps just can't get to). It's also going to be great for my students to use at their lessons. I've been wanting a large Celtic harp for awhile, and finally scraped together enough to buy one. I've had smaller lap harps, but this is a nice middle ground between those and my pedal harps.
It has a beautiful maple finish, with legs to match. I even got out the screwdriver myself to put them on. When I really want something, even I can be handy!
Right now, I'm patiently (sort of) waiting for the strings to keep pitch. They are loosened to prevent damage in transit, and take some time to readjust to being in tune. I can't wait to actually be able to play it! I know it will take some adjusting moving from pedals to levers, but I'm looking forward to giving it a go.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Harp + Harpist = Tourist attraction?
Last weekend was another two-wedding Saturday. Follow that up with a former classmate's homecoming recital, and you have a busy day!
My first wedding was a harp & violin duet gig with my friend Amanda. Although traffic was bad and her car almost got hit on the way, we made it with a couple of minutes to spare. Welcome Home wedding planners were coordinating the ceremony, and they always do a super job of making sure everything runs smoothly. We actually got the right cue to begin the music for the seating of the families! That's the only part of playing for weddings that still makes me nervous. Once things get started, it's no problem - I just worry that grandma will start down the aisle before anybody warns me that she's ready! We played Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Canon in D, and Trumpet Voluntary.
As we left the ceremony, the storm clouds started rolling in - lightening and everything. Of course, my second ceremony was to be outside! I had time to stop for some much-needed coffee and pulled up to Meyer's Castle. It was still raining, but they said there were no plans to move the ceremony - yet. So I unloaded everything but the harp and put all of the equipment under an awning to keep it dry. Fortunately, the storm didn't last more than half and hour, and the wedding was able to go ahead outside as planned.
I was set up behind the guests, close to the staircase the bride and her attendants descended. She had chosen this location so the photographer could get shots of her and her wedding party through the harp strings.
Because of the iffy weather, guests were slow to take their places for the ceremony to begin. No problem - I have HOURS of prelude music if I need it! During this time, guests lined up to stand right next to the harp, and have people take their picture with me. It was a lot of fun, and I just kept smiling (I hope - we'll see if anyone sends me copies)! I do this so often that times like that help remind me how unique my job is. I have harps in my living room and look at them every day - most people don't! It's a great feeling to bring such joy to people through my music, and introduce the harp and its music to people who have never seen or heard one before.
At the end of the ceremony, the had a dove release. I've seen a couple use two doves, but this was a whole flock! It was an amazing sight, and I'm sure the pictures will be spectacular. The music for this wedding included Canon in D, Bridal Chorus, and the Wedding March. The couple liked "harpy" music, so I was sure to put in lots of glissandos, especially during the bride's entrance.
So I dodged the weather bullet yet again - this has been a lucky summer! Just one more outdoor wedding to go....
My first wedding was a harp & violin duet gig with my friend Amanda. Although traffic was bad and her car almost got hit on the way, we made it with a couple of minutes to spare. Welcome Home wedding planners were coordinating the ceremony, and they always do a super job of making sure everything runs smoothly. We actually got the right cue to begin the music for the seating of the families! That's the only part of playing for weddings that still makes me nervous. Once things get started, it's no problem - I just worry that grandma will start down the aisle before anybody warns me that she's ready! We played Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Canon in D, and Trumpet Voluntary.
As we left the ceremony, the storm clouds started rolling in - lightening and everything. Of course, my second ceremony was to be outside! I had time to stop for some much-needed coffee and pulled up to Meyer's Castle. It was still raining, but they said there were no plans to move the ceremony - yet. So I unloaded everything but the harp and put all of the equipment under an awning to keep it dry. Fortunately, the storm didn't last more than half and hour, and the wedding was able to go ahead outside as planned.
I was set up behind the guests, close to the staircase the bride and her attendants descended. She had chosen this location so the photographer could get shots of her and her wedding party through the harp strings.
Because of the iffy weather, guests were slow to take their places for the ceremony to begin. No problem - I have HOURS of prelude music if I need it! During this time, guests lined up to stand right next to the harp, and have people take their picture with me. It was a lot of fun, and I just kept smiling (I hope - we'll see if anyone sends me copies)! I do this so often that times like that help remind me how unique my job is. I have harps in my living room and look at them every day - most people don't! It's a great feeling to bring such joy to people through my music, and introduce the harp and its music to people who have never seen or heard one before.
At the end of the ceremony, the had a dove release. I've seen a couple use two doves, but this was a whole flock! It was an amazing sight, and I'm sure the pictures will be spectacular. The music for this wedding included Canon in D, Bridal Chorus, and the Wedding March. The couple liked "harpy" music, so I was sure to put in lots of glissandos, especially during the bride's entrance.
So I dodged the weather bullet yet again - this has been a lucky summer! Just one more outdoor wedding to go....
Friday, September 29, 2006
Corporate Gigs
Although weddings are the "bread & butter" of my business, I occasionally make the foray into the corporate entertainment world. I have had two such gigs in the past couple of weeks, so I thought it was about time to cover them here!
On September 15th, I trekked to downtown Chicago to play for a party. Actually, I had no idea what kind of event it was, just knew that I was supposed to play all Celtic music. Turned out that it was an 80th birthday party for a judge on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals! The Republican candidates for Governor and Attorney General were there, as well as justices from the Illinois Supreme Court. The gig was lots of fun, and held in a law firm's office overlooking the Chicago River - right on Wacker Drive. It's not often that I get to break out my Celtic music binder, but the planners wanted to honor the Irish heritage of the judge. He commented several times how much he enjoyed the music, and how he recognized most of the tunes I played. Of course moving all of the harp equipment up from an underground parking garage, through a lobby with tight security, and onto the 28th floor of a highrise wasn't the easiest set-up I've done. Fortunately, I got there early (as always...I read lots of books waiting for events to begin) and had everything set up and ready to go before guests started to arrive. Driving downtown with a harp in the back of the car is never exactly stress-free, but the harp, car & I arrived safely back in South Bend late that night.
Yesterday, I was back near Chicago in the northern suburb of Long Grove, IL. I was hired by a country club there to provide harp music for their ladies' fall tea. They modeled the event after the High Tea at the Drake Hotel - so I got to pretend be one of the fancy harpists they have on staff there! (If you are ever looking for a wonderful way to relax after shopping downtown, head to the Drake any afternoon for tea & harp music - it can't be beat!) I had been at the country club once before for their Mother's Day brunch last May, and this was a much smaller and intimate group. They had the fireplace going (not next to the harp of course!) and served finger sandwiches, salads, scones & pastries. Several of the ladies commented that a tea would make a lovely alternative to the traditional bridesmaids' luncheon or bridal shower.
On September 15th, I trekked to downtown Chicago to play for a party. Actually, I had no idea what kind of event it was, just knew that I was supposed to play all Celtic music. Turned out that it was an 80th birthday party for a judge on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals! The Republican candidates for Governor and Attorney General were there, as well as justices from the Illinois Supreme Court. The gig was lots of fun, and held in a law firm's office overlooking the Chicago River - right on Wacker Drive. It's not often that I get to break out my Celtic music binder, but the planners wanted to honor the Irish heritage of the judge. He commented several times how much he enjoyed the music, and how he recognized most of the tunes I played. Of course moving all of the harp equipment up from an underground parking garage, through a lobby with tight security, and onto the 28th floor of a highrise wasn't the easiest set-up I've done. Fortunately, I got there early (as always...I read lots of books waiting for events to begin) and had everything set up and ready to go before guests started to arrive. Driving downtown with a harp in the back of the car is never exactly stress-free, but the harp, car & I arrived safely back in South Bend late that night.
Yesterday, I was back near Chicago in the northern suburb of Long Grove, IL. I was hired by a country club there to provide harp music for their ladies' fall tea. They modeled the event after the High Tea at the Drake Hotel - so I got to pretend be one of the fancy harpists they have on staff there! (If you are ever looking for a wonderful way to relax after shopping downtown, head to the Drake any afternoon for tea & harp music - it can't be beat!) I had been at the country club once before for their Mother's Day brunch last May, and this was a much smaller and intimate group. They had the fireplace going (not next to the harp of course!) and served finger sandwiches, salads, scones & pastries. Several of the ladies commented that a tea would make a lovely alternative to the traditional bridesmaids' luncheon or bridal shower.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Wedding Reception (Harp & Violin)
For a September weekend, this one was rather light! The only wedding I had was a one-hour reception on Saturday night. It was a harp and violin duet with a new violinist, and it went extremely well! The bride was a violinist herself, and she picked some unique and beautiful music for her cocktail hour, including:
Air from "Water Music" (Handel)
Arioso from "Cantata 156" (Bach)
Juliet's Waltz Song from "Romeo & Juliet" (Gounod)
Hornpipe from "Water Music" (Handel)
Nocturne from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (Mendelssohn)
Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod)
Fur Elise (Beethoven)
Fantasie-Impromptu in C# minor (Chopin)
Air on G from "Suite #3 in D Major" (Bach)
Minuet from "Quintet in E Major" (Boccherini)
Jupiter Theme from "The Planets" (Holst)
Despite a missing tuning key (the fear of every gigging harpist!) - my husband managed to tune the harp with a pair of vise grips he bought that night at Menards - the reception went off perfectly. The colors were rich autumn browns and golds, and they had a pair of live doves in the lobby of the banquet center. While the manager was briefing the staff before the guests arrived, she was sure to caution them not to release the birds or torment them! The favors were a toothbrush and toothpaste - the groom is a dentist. When it was time to cut the cake, the bride and groom went first, followed by their parents. It was a wonderful way to start off the reception by honoring the parents and their marriages. The couple and their families really made this an event to remember, and I was thrilled to be a part of it!
Air from "Water Music" (Handel)
Arioso from "Cantata 156" (Bach)
Juliet's Waltz Song from "Romeo & Juliet" (Gounod)
Hornpipe from "Water Music" (Handel)
Nocturne from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (Mendelssohn)
Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod)
Fur Elise (Beethoven)
Fantasie-Impromptu in C# minor (Chopin)
Air on G from "Suite #3 in D Major" (Bach)
Minuet from "Quintet in E Major" (Boccherini)
Jupiter Theme from "The Planets" (Holst)
Despite a missing tuning key (the fear of every gigging harpist!) - my husband managed to tune the harp with a pair of vise grips he bought that night at Menards - the reception went off perfectly. The colors were rich autumn browns and golds, and they had a pair of live doves in the lobby of the banquet center. While the manager was briefing the staff before the guests arrived, she was sure to caution them not to release the birds or torment them! The favors were a toothbrush and toothpaste - the groom is a dentist. When it was time to cut the cake, the bride and groom went first, followed by their parents. It was a wonderful way to start off the reception by honoring the parents and their marriages. The couple and their families really made this an event to remember, and I was thrilled to be a part of it!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
A Three-Wedding Weekend
What a weekend! Three wedding ceremonies & several students crammed into just a couple of days. What can I say - I love to stay busy!
On Friday, I played for a wedding in a small country church. The late mother of the groom was a harpist, so the bride's family hired me in her memory. It was a beautiful ceremony officiated by the father of the bride. The music included:
First Arabesque (Debussy)
Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Bridal Chorus (Wagner)
All I Ask of You (Webber)
Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke)
After teaching a lesson after the ceremony and getting back to South Bend around 11pm, I was back on the road to Northwest Indiana early Saturday morning. My first wedding of the day just booked about a week ago - so it is never too late to check and see if I have your date available! The weather was gorgeous for an outdoor morning wedding. It took place at the hall where I had my wedding reception, so it was fun to go back and see everyone there that had to deal with me when I was a bride! The music for this ceremony was also very traditional: Bridal Chorus & Trumpet Voluntary.
Between my two Saturday weddings, I had the pleasure of teaching a harp lesson. I spent the rest of the afternoon in Valparaiso, leerily watching the sky fill with grey clouds. Of course, my evening wedding was outside!
I set up at Coffee Creek with my waterproof harp cover within arm's reach. Fortunately, the weather held for the ceremony! The amphitheatre is a stunning location for a cerem
ony with the geyser-like fountain in the background, but it can be very windy - one of those places where I'm afraid to ever take my hands off the harp! It also requires that I use amplification because the wind carries the sound away from your guests. The colors were perfect for a Fall day - dark brown, orange, and yellow. The music the couple selected:
All I Ask of You (Webber)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)
Bridal Chorus (Wagner)
Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
Throughout the ceremony, I played light glissandos that fit in perfectly with the outdoor setting - it sounds like musical wind!
On Friday, I played for a wedding in a small country church. The late mother of the groom was a harpist, so the bride's family hired me in her memory. It was a beautiful ceremony officiated by the father of the bride. The music included:
First Arabesque (Debussy)
Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Bridal Chorus (Wagner)
All I Ask of You (Webber)
Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke)
After teaching a lesson after the ceremony and getting back to South Bend around 11pm, I was back on the road to Northwest Indiana early Saturday morning. My first wedding of the day just booked about a week ago - so it is never too late to check and see if I have your date available! The weather was gorgeous for an outdoor morning wedding. It took place at the hall where I had my wedding reception, so it was fun to go back and see everyone there that had to deal with me when I was a bride! The music for this ceremony was also very traditional: Bridal Chorus & Trumpet Voluntary.
Between my two Saturday weddings, I had the pleasure of teaching a harp lesson. I spent the rest of the afternoon in Valparaiso, leerily watching the sky fill with grey clouds. Of course, my evening wedding was outside!
I set up at Coffee Creek with my waterproof harp cover within arm's reach. Fortunately, the weather held for the ceremony! The amphitheatre is a stunning location for a cerem
ony with the geyser-like fountain in the background, but it can be very windy - one of those places where I'm afraid to ever take my hands off the harp! It also requires that I use amplification because the wind carries the sound away from your guests. The colors were perfect for a Fall day - dark brown, orange, and yellow. The music the couple selected:All I Ask of You (Webber)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)
Bridal Chorus (Wagner)
Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
Throughout the ceremony, I played light glissandos that fit in perfectly with the outdoor setting - it sounds like musical wind!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Choosing Your Wedding Ceremony Music
One of the questions I receive most often from brides is "How do I pick my music?" All of the brides with whom I work meet with me to go over their ceremony logistics and hear a wide variety of pieces that are appropriate for the wedding. When you pick out your songs, there are several elements of your ceremony that will require music:
1. Prelude. This is the background music that is played while your guests are arriving prior to the beginning of your ceremony. You do not need to select all of the pieces to be played during this time, but you can give your musicians ideas of the types of music you would like to have played (or the types to avoid). I have played a prelude that was all songs from Disney movies, another one that was all John Denver music, and many that chose traditional classical melodies. If your wedding location does not allow popular music during the ceremony itself, it may be possible to include your favorites here.
2. Seating of the families. This is an optional selection played during the seating of parents, grandparents, and other guests of honor. If you do not select a specific piece for this time, prelude music will continue through this time up until the bridal processional is ready to begin.
3. Bridesmaids' processional. Once the families are seated, the music for the bridesmaids' entrance typically begins. The most traditional choice is Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel. However, any piece at a good walking tempo can be used. This music continues until the last bridesmaid (usually the maid/matron of honor) or the child attendants have reached the front.
4. Bridal processional. A fanfare announces the arrival of the bride. Richard Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" (also known as "Here Comes the Bride") is traditional. If you are being married in a Catholic, Lutheran, or Episcopalian church, check with your priest or pastor before selecting this piece, as it is not allowed in some houses of worship. This can really be a place to use your imagination, and select a song that has special meaning to you and your fiance.
5. Ceremony music (optional). This may include lighting of the unity candle, communion, congregational hymns, service music (Catholic and Episcopalian Masses), or instrumental solos. Be sure to have an outline of your ceremony before you meet with your musicians to select ceremony music. That way, you will know how many pieces you will need during the ceremony itself.
6. Recessional. After you have been announced as husband and wife to your guests, the recessional begins and the bridal party files out. Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" is traditional, but again, this is not allowed in some churches. Always check with the person who will be performing your ceremony before deciding on specific pieces of music. This piece should be uptempo and joyous.
7. Postlude. The upbeat character of the recessional should carry over to the postlude music that is played as your guests exit the ceremony site. As with the prelude, you do not have to select specific songs for this time.
That's it! Although selecting your wedding music may seem like a daunting task, professional musicians can help you wade through the vast amount of music that is available, and help you choose songs that fit your vision of your wedding day. Ceremony music should always be customized to reflect the couple and their unique tastes. Whether you prefer the traditional wedding pieces, Broadway love songs, Celtic tunes, or jazz standards, make sure that the musicians you select can accommodate your requests. I am always happy to answer questions or offer guidance for brides planning their ceremony music. Email: devon@theclassicharpist.com.
1. Prelude. This is the background music that is played while your guests are arriving prior to the beginning of your ceremony. You do not need to select all of the pieces to be played during this time, but you can give your musicians ideas of the types of music you would like to have played (or the types to avoid). I have played a prelude that was all songs from Disney movies, another one that was all John Denver music, and many that chose traditional classical melodies. If your wedding location does not allow popular music during the ceremony itself, it may be possible to include your favorites here.
2. Seating of the families. This is an optional selection played during the seating of parents, grandparents, and other guests of honor. If you do not select a specific piece for this time, prelude music will continue through this time up until the bridal processional is ready to begin.
3. Bridesmaids' processional. Once the families are seated, the music for the bridesmaids' entrance typically begins. The most traditional choice is Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel. However, any piece at a good walking tempo can be used. This music continues until the last bridesmaid (usually the maid/matron of honor) or the child attendants have reached the front.
4. Bridal processional. A fanfare announces the arrival of the bride. Richard Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" (also known as "Here Comes the Bride") is traditional. If you are being married in a Catholic, Lutheran, or Episcopalian church, check with your priest or pastor before selecting this piece, as it is not allowed in some houses of worship. This can really be a place to use your imagination, and select a song that has special meaning to you and your fiance.
5. Ceremony music (optional). This may include lighting of the unity candle, communion, congregational hymns, service music (Catholic and Episcopalian Masses), or instrumental solos. Be sure to have an outline of your ceremony before you meet with your musicians to select ceremony music. That way, you will know how many pieces you will need during the ceremony itself.
6. Recessional. After you have been announced as husband and wife to your guests, the recessional begins and the bridal party files out. Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" is traditional, but again, this is not allowed in some churches. Always check with the person who will be performing your ceremony before deciding on specific pieces of music. This piece should be uptempo and joyous.
7. Postlude. The upbeat character of the recessional should carry over to the postlude music that is played as your guests exit the ceremony site. As with the prelude, you do not have to select specific songs for this time.
That's it! Although selecting your wedding music may seem like a daunting task, professional musicians can help you wade through the vast amount of music that is available, and help you choose songs that fit your vision of your wedding day. Ceremony music should always be customized to reflect the couple and their unique tastes. Whether you prefer the traditional wedding pieces, Broadway love songs, Celtic tunes, or jazz standards, make sure that the musicians you select can accommodate your requests. I am always happy to answer questions or offer guidance for brides planning their ceremony music. Email: devon@theclassicharpist.com.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
New teaching job!
I just got hired today to teach private voice lessons at the largest high school in South Bend!
I begin next week, and it looks like I'll have about 12 students to start out. They will be mostly 9th and 10th graders, and about half are from the mens' chorus. My music library is a little lacking in the tenor and bass sections (wonder why), so I spent part of the morning at one of the local music stores buying way too much stuff.
The school has a great & well-funded fine arts department, with three choir directors and 300 students involved in the choirs they offer.
Only downside - my day will start at 7:15 AM!!! I thought I became a musician so I could sleep til noon and play all night.
But really, I couldn't be more excited about this! Along with the private students I am already teaching, I'll have 20 harp & voice students now. This is just the sort of gig I've always wanted - teaching, but not having to put up with all of the garbage that comes along with an ed degree or working directly for a school district.
I begin next week, and it looks like I'll have about 12 students to start out. They will be mostly 9th and 10th graders, and about half are from the mens' chorus. My music library is a little lacking in the tenor and bass sections (wonder why), so I spent part of the morning at one of the local music stores buying way too much stuff.
The school has a great & well-funded fine arts department, with three choir directors and 300 students involved in the choirs they offer.
Only downside - my day will start at 7:15 AM!!! I thought I became a musician so I could sleep til noon and play all night.
But really, I couldn't be more excited about this! Along with the private students I am already teaching, I'll have 20 harp & voice students now. This is just the sort of gig I've always wanted - teaching, but not having to put up with all of the garbage that comes along with an ed degree or working directly for a school district.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Navarro Wedding
It was a long day for a short gig - 11 hours gone from home, and we only played for 2 of those hours! I was in Frankenmuth several years ago, and had almost forgotten what a cute town it is. We will definitely plan on a return trip soon!
This wedding was especially fun because I got to share it with a great friend of mine from college. She works in Ann Arbor, so it worked out perfectly for her to play violin for the ceremony. We had a wonderful time catching up on all the gossip and news of other friends from our days together at Valparaiso University. It's so easy to perform with musicians you know so well. Even though we had never done a wedding together before, all of the music came together perfectly! The ceremony selections included:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Canon in D
Bridal Chorus
Air on the G String
Wedding March
Very traditional, and lovely! I also played for the first hour of the reception with just harp - that was a mix of popular songs and classical pieces. Congratulations to the newlyweds!
This wedding was especially fun because I got to share it with a great friend of mine from college. She works in Ann Arbor, so it worked out perfectly for her to play violin for the ceremony. We had a wonderful time catching up on all the gossip and news of other friends from our days together at Valparaiso University. It's so easy to perform with musicians you know so well. Even though we had never done a wedding together before, all of the music came together perfectly! The ceremony selections included:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Canon in D
Bridal Chorus
Air on the G String
Wedding March
Very traditional, and lovely! I also played for the first hour of the reception with just harp - that was a mix of popular songs and classical pieces. Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
The Best Students
I have them! My students constantly amaze me with their dedication and progress. I know how lucky I am that I look forward to each and every student. They ALL practice and come to their lessons prepared and ready to work. A teacher's dream! Still not sure why I deserve this (just ask some of MY former teachers!), but it makes me extremely proud to see what they are able to accomplish.
Just last night, one of my adult students bowled me over with a song she has been working on from Bernstein's "Candide." Normally rather reserved, she truly became the Old Woman in my studio. My piano accompaniment, although never stellar, became even worse because I was having such a good time listening to her!
So what makes a good student? Obviously, you need to spend time outside of lessons practicing. There is only so much that can be accomplished in a short meeting once a week. It is the student's responsibility to take what the teacher has shown you, and keep working to apply it throughout your personal practice time. Consistency and repetition is key.
You need to make a commitment to your study. That not only includes regular practice time, but also making lessons a priority in your daily schedule. It won't always be fun and games, but the rewards are worth the time and energy invested in your study. Be accountable to yourself. Set goals, and reward yourself once you have achieved them.
In my voice studio, I have a ten-level system in place. Each level requires the student to meet certain requirements to advance to the next level. Once each level has been completed, I give a music-related reward to the student. It is just a small token of my appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Not only have they learned songs, but they have also studied music theory, music history, practiced their sightreading, developed their aural skills, and learned the rules of diction for a foreign language. Quite an accomplishment! Each level gets progressively more difficult, and the rewards get larger and more desirable. I am working on setting up a similar system for my harp students - I get to see them today!
Just last night, one of my adult students bowled me over with a song she has been working on from Bernstein's "Candide." Normally rather reserved, she truly became the Old Woman in my studio. My piano accompaniment, although never stellar, became even worse because I was having such a good time listening to her!
So what makes a good student? Obviously, you need to spend time outside of lessons practicing. There is only so much that can be accomplished in a short meeting once a week. It is the student's responsibility to take what the teacher has shown you, and keep working to apply it throughout your personal practice time. Consistency and repetition is key.
You need to make a commitment to your study. That not only includes regular practice time, but also making lessons a priority in your daily schedule. It won't always be fun and games, but the rewards are worth the time and energy invested in your study. Be accountable to yourself. Set goals, and reward yourself once you have achieved them.
In my voice studio, I have a ten-level system in place. Each level requires the student to meet certain requirements to advance to the next level. Once each level has been completed, I give a music-related reward to the student. It is just a small token of my appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Not only have they learned songs, but they have also studied music theory, music history, practiced their sightreading, developed their aural skills, and learned the rules of diction for a foreign language. Quite an accomplishment! Each level gets progressively more difficult, and the rewards get larger and more desirable. I am working on setting up a similar system for my harp students - I get to see them today!
Monday, August 28, 2006
New Music Viewer
I'm very excited about a purchase I made today! I have had my eye on a Music Pad Pro for several months, but the $1200 price tag was just too hard to swallow. This weekend, my husband was browsing the Woodwind Brasswind sale flyer, and saw it marked down to $499!
It is similar to a flat laptop computer, and it will be able to store all of my sheet music. I can customize play lists for each gig I play, have any song available at the touch of a button, save lots of trees by avoiding copying songs multiple times for different gigs, and best of all - no pages to blow away at windy outdoor ceremonies! This will make it much easier to handle guest requests at wedding receptions, and it will look much nicer than having a huge binder full of music sitting on my music stand.
I am really looking forward to figuring out how this thing works. I'll probably have to invest in a document scanner too, but hopefully this will all be worth the initial hassle. My goal is to have it ready to go by September 8th and 9th for my two weddings next weekend.
It is similar to a flat laptop computer, and it will be able to store all of my sheet music. I can customize play lists for each gig I play, have any song available at the touch of a button, save lots of trees by avoiding copying songs multiple times for different gigs, and best of all - no pages to blow away at windy outdoor ceremonies! This will make it much easier to handle guest requests at wedding receptions, and it will look much nicer than having a huge binder full of music sitting on my music stand.
I am really looking forward to figuring out how this thing works. I'll probably have to invest in a document scanner too, but hopefully this will all be worth the initial hassle. My goal is to have it ready to go by September 8th and 9th for my two weddings next weekend.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Cains/Hardin Wedding
This afternoon I had the pleasure of playing for another beautiful wedding at the International Friendship Gardens in Michigan City, Indiana. The thunderstorms held off - just a few raindrops, and everyone (including the harp) stayed dry underneath the canopy over the ceremony gardens. It's not the easiest location to access while schlepping a 90-pound, 6-foot tall piece of musical furniture! But my husband, and harp roadie extraordinaire, does all of the heavy lifting so I can still look pretty when it's time to play. Today's music included:
Aria from "Rinaldo" by G. F. Handel
Ave Maria by F. Schubert
Canon in D by J. Pachelbel
Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts
Wedding March from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by F. Mendelssohn
Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Hardin!
Aria from "Rinaldo" by G. F. Handel
Ave Maria by F. Schubert
Canon in D by J. Pachelbel
Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts
Wedding March from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by F. Mendelssohn
Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Hardin!
Friday, August 25, 2006
Introduction
I'm a full-time professional harpist performing for weddings and other events throughout the Midwest. This space will be used to post pictures of weddings at which I have performend, tips for brides-to-be on their ceremony and reception music, general thoughts on music, and whatever else comes to mind. To learn more about me and what I do, you can visit my website at http://www.theclassicharpist.com. More soon!
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