Champaign-Urbana Harpist ~ Holiday Party at the IHotel

For my first holiday music outing of the year, I played for the employees of Yahoo! at their December 1st party.  The event was held at the IHotel, right on the University of Illinois campus.

The attendees were serenaded by harp music, played with props in a photo booth, enjoyed dinner & drinks, and were entertained by a magician.  Their planning team put together an unforgettable night!

At holiday parties, I play a variety of seasonal music ranging from traditional Christmas carols to popular songs like "Frosty the Snowman."

If you'd like to add harp music to your company party, family gathering, or church service, please contact me!  You'll find more information on having a harpist at your event on my website:  Champaign-Urbana Harpist.  Happy holidays!

Crowne Plaza Wedding ~ Harpist in Springfield, Illinois

Black Friday is always better spent at a wedding than out shopping!  For the second year in a row, I've had  a ceremony booked for the Friday after Thanksgiving.  This year, it was for Jenna & Michael at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Illinois.  The black and gold of my Laurel Leaf lever harp fit in perfectly with the décor!

The intimate evening ceremony took place on the 12^th floor of the hotel, overlooking the lights of the city.  This was another wedding with a non-traditional wedding party (love them!) ~ this one had a groomswoman!  The attendants entered to “Canon in D” by Pachelbel.  The last person down the aisle was one of the groomsmen carrying his son, the ring bearer.

The bride’s processional was “Trumpet Tune.”  After the ceremony, the bride, groom, and their attendants exited to “Unchained Melody.”  The guests were ushered down the hall where they were able to celebrate with the newlyweds at their reception.

As a professional harpist, I provide music for wedding ceremonies and receptions throughout Central Illinois and beyond.  Visit my website ~ Illinois Wedding Harpist ~ for details on the romantic and elegant music of the harp in your wedding plans!

Harp Music for the Holiday Season

During the month of December, I always have more performances that are open to the public.  If you'd like a change to hear the harp in person, this is a wonderful opportunity!

If you need any more information about attending one of these events, please call me at 1-877-HARP-578 or send me an email.  I'd love to meet you and share some of my favorite Christmas, Hanukkah, and other seasonal music with you!

• December 2nd:  3:45 pm, First Congregational Church, St. Joseph, Michigan - free-will offering taken

• December 15th:  2:00-3:00 pm, Harris Branch Library, Granger, Indiana - free & open to the public

Private events in December:

• December 1st:  Holiday Party, Champaign, Illinois
• December 6th:  Holiday Party, Pontiac, Michigan
• December 8th:  Wedding Ceremony, St. Louis, Missouri
• December 11th:  Holiday Open House, Elkhart, Indiana
• December 12th:  Wedding Ceremony, Elkhart, Indiana
• December 13th:  Holiday Party, South Bend, Indiana
• December 16th:  Wedding Ceremony, Lisle, Illinois
• December 21st:  Wedding Ceremony, Chicago, Illinois
• December 28th:  Wedding Ceremony, Peoria, Illinois
• December 29th:  Wedding Ceremony, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

If you are interested in hiring me for a private event, please contact me or visit my website to find out about having a harpist for your family or company party!

Peoria Harpist ~ Bradley Orchestra at the Cathedral of St. Mary

Although most of my performing is for weddings and private events, I occasionally am able to play with an orchestra as well.  A couple of weeks ago, I joined the Bradley University Orchestra, Chorale, and Community Chorus for their performance of Brahms' German Requiem.

The harp only plays in three of the movements, but those parts are still important!  As you can see, I always have to get there before anyone else.  It takes awhile to acclimate the harp to the building, and to tune all 47 strings before other musicians arrive and begin to warm up. 

If you are looking for a professional harpist in Peoria for your wedding, party, or concert, please contact me!  You'll find additional information on my website as well:  Peoria Harpist.

Battle Creek Harpist ~ Wedding Ceremony & Reception Music

After having the first two weekends of November wedding-free, I was glad to be back behind the harp for Brittani and Evan's wedding!  They held both their ceremony and reception at the Potter's House Church in Battle Creek, Michigan.

As their guests arrived, I played a variety of classical and sacred pieces.  For the entrance of grandparents and parents, they chose "Winter" from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.  The bridal party ~ including a precious ring bearer who stopped at the top of the aisle to take a picture ~ entered the sanctuary to Pachelbel's "Canon in D."  The church's organist played "Here Comes the Bride" for Brittani's processional.

During the ceremony, the pastor's wife and one of the groomsmen sang.  That is a wonderful way to include musical friends and family members in your wedding, without stressing them with providing all of the music for the service!  The recessional was "At Last."  Once the wedding party and families exited, they had recorded music ready to go as I moved the harp downstairs.

The reception of hors d'oeuvers and wedding cake was also enhanced with  harp music.  Again, the music was from the classical and sacred genres, and included:

• Cantique de Jean Racine
• His Eye is on the Sparrow
• Finlandia
• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
• Prelude in C
• The King of Love My Shepherd Is

If you are planning a wedding in Battle Creek, please contact me about providing harp music for your ceremony and reception!  Music options range from traditional to contemporary.  You'll find additional information on my website:  Battle Creek Wedding Harpist.

The Knot "Best of Weddings 2013" ~ Wedding Ceremony Harpist

I am thrilled to have been selected by The Knot as a winner of their Best of Weddings 2013 in the ceremony music category!

This award is given based on reviews from newly married couples.  You can read what they wrote about having harp music at their weddings on my Wedding Channel profile.  Big thanks to everyone who submitted a review ~ it is because of my wonderful brides and grooms that I received this honor!

Planning a wedding and looking for a harpist?  Visit my website ~ The Classic Harpist ~ and contact me for details and a quote!

Achievement in Music Piano Festival ~ South Bend Area Music Teachers Association

On Saturday, November 10th, over 100 piano students from throughout Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan participated in the Achievement in Music Festival held at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana.  This non-competitive adjudication involves taking a written and aural music theory test, playing scales & other keyboard skills, sightreading, and a performance for a judge of two prepared pieces, at least one of which is memorized. 

This was my first year serving on the committee that puts together the festival, and there is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes, along with everything the students and their teachers do to prepare their performances.

Three students from my piano studio participated this year. 

• Camille A
• Claire C
• Greta C

On their theory tests, there were two 100% and one 96%.  All three students received and "Excellent" rating ~ the highest available ~ on their repertoire performance.  I'm very proud of the extra work they put in preparing for the festival and for their achievements!

Northern Indiana Harpist ~ Catholic Wedding Music in Plymouth

I met with Kristen and her mother back in September so she could choose her wedding music.  She wasn't familiar with the titles of the pieces she liked, and it can be somewhat overwhelming to try and figure it out on your own!  During our consultation, she was able to hear several different options for each time during the ceremony that requires music, and choose the pieces she liked best.

Her wedding ceremony took place at the beautiful St. Michael's Catholic Church in Plymouth, Indiana, on the last Saturday of October.  With a large guest list (over 250 at the ceremony), we planned for a half-hour prelude as they arrived.  With that many people attending, it sometimes takes extra time to get everyone in and seated!  The prelude consisted of sacred and classical harp music.

Kristen assigned a friend to cue me when they were ready to begin.  Even more helpfully, the cantor stood next to me and gave me a "play-by-play" of the processional.  I could just keep my eyes on the music and strings, and not have to count the bridesmaids as they came down the aisle!

For the seating of families, Kristen chose "Pavane Style Renaissance" by Wachs.  The music for the entrance of the bridal party was "Canon in D" by Pachelbel.  The flower girl and ring bearer (who ran most of the way!) also came in to this piece.

The bride's processional was a sped-up version of "Hymne" by the Greek composer Vangelis.  One of the best things about live music is being able to adjust any piece you choose to be a little faster or slower ~ and I can always time the music to end as soon as you arrive at the altar.

During the service, I played while the cantor sang the responsorial psalm and the Alleluia.  The recessional was Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."  I continued upbeat postlude music as the bride and groom dismissed their guests.

Playing for weddings in Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and throughout the Midwest, I can provide the music for your entire wedding ceremony or Nuptial Mass.  Visit my website ~ Catholic Wedding Harp Music ~ for details!

Wedding Harpist in Fort Wayne ~ Ceremony at Foster Park's Bridal Glen

Kate & Michael's ceremony was my last outdoor wedding of the year.  With the intense heat over the summer ~ and then the early fall chill ~ I'll be glad to retreat to climate-controlled churches and banquet centers for the next few months!  Fortunately, the weather was pleasant for their October 20th wedding in the Bridal Glen of Fort Wayne's Foster Park.

I played background music as guests arrived in the garden and found their seats.  Kate's bridesmaids & "bridesmen" entered to Bach's "Prelude in C."  I had a "bridesman" in my own wedding, so you know I love non-traditional wedding parties!  The bride's entrance music was Pachelbel's "Canon in D."

During the service, the couple combined green & black sand as part of their unity ceremony.  While they were doing this, I played "Your Song" by Elton John.  The recessional they chose is one of my personal favorites:  "Rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie!  

Whether you prefer the traditional wedding music, something completely unexpected, or a mix of both as Kate & Michael did, the harp can provide all of the music for your wedding ceremony!  Visit my website ~ Fort Wayne Wedding Music ~ for more information on having a harpist for your wedding.

Harpist for Bloomington Weddings ~ Ceremony & Reception at Ewing Manor

The great thing about being a professional harpist and providing ceremony music for the greatest day in a couple's life is that you get to work with some pretty amazing people and play in some pretty cool locations.  This past Saturday, I was fortunate to play in a location that is absolutely perfect for a wedding ceremony ~ Ewing Manor, in Bloomington, Illinois ~ and I played harp for a really cool and fun couple, Ashley and Travis.

Ashley and Travis had a fantastic ceremony.  For starters, they had Sara from So Chic Events help them coordinate everything.  Having worked with Sara on different occasions in the past, she definitely knows how to take the stress off of the bride when it comes to putting together an amazing wedding. 

As the guests began arriving in the gardens of Ewing Manor, they were greeted by a selection of classical and traditional harp music.  The selections included pieces such as "Arioso," "Prelude in C," and "Romance Without Words."

When it came time for the ceremony to start, the families came in first to "Winter" from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi.  The groomsmen and bridesmaids entered as couples and approached the altar to "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."  Ashley chose the traditional "Canon in D" for her walk down the aisle, and the couple picked "Fields of Gold" by Sting for their recessional.  While not a traditional recessional piece, it definitely fits and works well for the close of the ceremony!

The bride and groom also had their reception at Ewing Manor.  During the cocktail hour, the couple had me provide background music for their guests.  The music selection was a bit more modern, as the songs ranged from Shania Twain, to the Beatles, to Elvis, and more!

If you are looking for wedding or reception music for your central Illinois wedding ceremony, reception, or rehearsal dinner, visit our website, Bloomington Wedding Harpist for more information. 

Central Illinois Wedding Music ~ Harpist for a Ceremony at Panther Creek

Alice and Cory had a bit of luck on their side during their wedding ceremony at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, Illinois.  The weather was very "fall like" in the fact that the rain looked as if it was going to move in at any second.  But, instead of being windy and wet, the bride and groom only had to deal with it being windy!

The setup for the wedding at Panther Creek was right by the golf course and the clubhouse, which provided for a beautiful ceremony location.  With finely manicured greens serving as the backdrop of the ceremony, Alice and Cory had an amazing venue (even if one of the ushers had to politely ask for a neighbor to turn off a leaf blower!). 

Once the leaf blower stopped and the ceremony started, the families of the couple were seated to "Bless the Broken Road."  The bridesmaids and groomsmen entered the ceremony location to "Arioso."  With several children involved in the ceremony, the bride had requested a separate song for their processional.   Bach's "Prelude in C" worked out perfectly for the five children to walk to the front of the ceremony location.  Alice stayed with the traditional for her entrance by selecting "Canon in D," which is one of my favorite bridal entrance pieces to play.

When the bride and groom were announced for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Cory Leefers, I played their chosen recessional piece, "Trumpet Voluntary."  For their getaway, the bride and groom left the ceremony location in a horse drawn carriage!

For weddings in Springfield and throughout Central Illinois, harp music is a wonderful accompaniment for your ceremony and reception!  For more information about having a harpist for your wedding, visit my website:  Central Illinois Wedding Music.

Harpist in Glen Arbor, Michigan ~ Wedding at the Homestead Resort

Originally, this was supposed to be one of Jeff's weddings, but I had a last-minute cancellation, so I decided to accompany him.  When I spoke to Carrie, the bride, earlier in the year, she let me know that the harp had to be taken to the ceremony site either by golf cart or chair lift.  I had to see this happen!

Carrie and Steve are from the Chicago area, but chose to get married in Glen Arbor, Michigan, at the Homestead Resort.  Northern Michigan is beautiful in the fall, and makes a perfect location for a close-to-home destination wedding.  The venue was beautifully decorated, with lanterns as part of the centerpieces, and a rustic styled wedding cake on a bark-covered cake stand.

Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate for the ceremony to take place on top of Bay Mountain, and it was moved inside Camp Firefly, where the reception was also taking place.  Even though I didn't get to take a harp up a chair lift, it was good that both of us were here for this wedding.  With the logistics of getting the ceremony and reception in the same room, there wasn't much space for the harp!

We had to set up across the room on the dance floor, where I could only see the middle of the aisle.  To time the music appropriately, I need to be able to see when the bridesmaids and bride enter, and also when they arrive at the front.  With the set-up, this just wasn't possible. 

Fortunately, we worked it out so I would do the actual playing for the wedding, and Jeff would be set up where I could see him, and he could see the processionals.  From where he sat, he was able to signal me for music changes. 

The guests arriving were able to enjoy harp music as they found their seats.  The bridal party was brought to the lodge in a shuttle, and the five bridesmaids came down the aisle to "Canon in D" by Pachelbel.  Carrie went for the traditional "Here Comes the Bride" for her processional.  The recessional was the Beatles' hit "All You Need is Love."

After the ceremony, guests began the cocktail hour on the patio as the reception hall was re-set for dinner.  It was cold and rainy, so the staff from the Homestead Resort made sure it was done quickly so everyone could get back indoors!  When it was set, the guests came back in the banquet room, and I played through the remainder of the cocktail hour, entertaining with popular songs ranging from the 1970's through the present. 

For weddings in Northern Michigan, please contact me about providing harp music for your ceremony and reception.  You'll find more information on my website:  Northern Michigan Wedding Harpist.  I'd love to work with you and personalize the music for your big day!

Cleveland Wedding Harpist ~ Ceremony at the Western Reserve Historical Society

Rochele and Nickolas were married in the Hanna Courtyard of the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland, Ohio.  I was thrilled to be their harpist at the Friday afternoon wedding ceremony.  The museum even had a display of wedding dresses in the room just before guests went out into the courtyard!

The gardens were absolutely beautiful, even though it was a bit chilly!  The guests were able to wait inside where it was warm until just before the ceremony began.  I was set up behind the guests, at the top of the steps, so it was very easy to get cues from the pastor's wife (who was lining up the processional) and to be able to see as everyone arrived at the front of the ceremony site.  Timing the music is so much easier when I don't end up sitting behind a "wall of groomsmen"!

During the prelude, I played harp arrangements of pieces from Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber.  For the family processional, Rochele requested "Canon in D" by Pachelbel.

The bridesmaids were escorted by the groomsmen down the aisle (especially a good idea as there were uneven steps involved, and they weren't especially easy to navigate in high heels!).  As they took their places at the front, I played "Trumpet Voluntary."

Just before the bride's entrance, a boy carrying a "Here Comes the Bride" sign came down the aisle.  When I transitioned to the bride's processional, the theme from Disney's Beauty and the Beast, it brought tears to the eyes of the father of the bride.  Music has a way of bringing up good memories and emotions ~ especially on your wedding day!

The couple had intended on lighting a unity candle, but the windy conditions made that impossible.  Just before the pronouncement, they surprised their mothers by presenting them each with a rose.  As we had to skip over the unity candle, I played the piece they had chosen for it ~ "In My Life" by The Beatles ~ as they greeted their parents.

After this, they came back up the aisle to "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve.  Not something you'd necessarily expect to hear on a harp, but it worked well!  I included other pieces from Phantom of the Opera in the postlude, and filled in with additional pieces from Broadway musicals.

If you are looking for a Cleveland harpist for your wedding, please visit my website:  Cleveland Wedding Harpist.  I'd love to work with you and customize beautiful music for your ceremony!