South Bend Wedding Reception Music ~ Harpist at the Hilton Garden Inn

After a morning reception on the campus of Notre Dame, I played for the evening reception of another bride and groom who also got married at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart that day!  Jennifer & Patrick held their reception at the Gillespie Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Michelangelo's did an amazing job with the florals and decor, transforming the ballroom with purple linens, flowers, and uplighting.  The bride and groom even had a loveseat at their sweetheart table instead of banquet chairs!

I played for the cocktail hour, which was held in the lobby.  Along with displayed appetizers, there were passed hors d'oeuvers as well.  With the beautiful day, guests were even able to enjoy some time on the patio.  The lobby also featured a photo booth, bar, and a customized picture of the Notre Dame Basilica.

Jennifer requested that I play popular, Irish, Disney, and Broadway songs for her cocktail hour.  When I started "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from Spamalot, I even got some people whistling along! 

Other pieces I played included:

• Edelweiss from The Sound of Music
• All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera
• Allurement of Love
• Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King
• Memory from Cats
• When You Wish Upon a Star from Pinocchio
• Sheebeg and Sheemore
• Rainbow Connection from The Muppet Movie
• Hallelujah from Shrek
• Seasons of Love from Rent
• Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz

With the harp, you aren't just limited to classical music!  If you are looking for something unique and elegant to add to your wedding, visit my website ~ South Bend Wedding Harpist ~ for information on having harp music for your wedding ceremony or reception.  

Notre Dame Wedding ~ Reception Music at the South Dining Hall

On September 15th, I had the pleasure of providing the background music for the wedding brunch of Johanna & Angelo at the South Dining Hall on the campus of Notre Dame.  Their wedding ceremony was at 9:00 am at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and they treated their guests to an on-campus brunch prior to their evening reception.

It doesn't happen very often that I get to play for the wedding of another harpist ~ there just aren't that many of us around!  Johanna played the harp through college, and at the brunch, we found out that we had the same teacher!  She was a member of the Notre Dame band during her time at the university. 

Merry Me Events assisted with day-of coordination and also provided the beautiful flowers and decor.  When you are planning your Notre Dame wedding from out-of-state as Johanna did (all the way from California!), it's so helpful to have someone in town to take care of all the little details for you. 

The bride requested that I play all classical music through the meal, so I got to bring out some of my favorite harp pieces that I don't have the opportunity to play that often.  After the guests had left the dining hall to take the shuttles back to the hotel, Johanna's family encouraged her to play something for them.  I know there will be some great pictures of her sitting behind the harp, even if it had been awhile since she played! 

If you are planning a wedding at Notre Dame or St. Mary's, I'd love to work with you and provide the music for your ceremony or reception!  Visit my website ~ Notre Dame Wedding Music ~ for details, and contact me to check availability and request a quote.

Wedding at Tippecanoe Place ~ South Bend Wedding Ceremony Harpist

What's better than an outdoor wedding on a beautiful day?  How about an outdoor wedding with a cool chandelier hanging from a tree!  As you can see, Caitlin and Alexander had a really lovely setup for their ceremony on the grounds of Tippecanoe Place in South Bend, Indiana.

Caitlin and Alexander selected traditional wedding music for their ceremony.  They started with Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring for the entrance of the bridal party.  For Caitlin's entrance, Canon in D was played.  During the course of the ceremony, I played Sheep May Safely Graze for the unity sand blending.  When it was time for the bride and groom to be introduced for the first time as a married couple, the song chosen was Mendelssohn's Wedding March.

If you are planning a wedding in South Bend and are in need of music for your ceremony, please visit our website, Northern Indiana Wedding Harpist for more information.

Harpist in South Bend ~ Wedding Ceremony in the Oliver Mansion Gardens

Lauren and Andrew tied the knot at the Northern Indiana Center for History's Oliver Mansion Gardens this past Saturday.  The wedding was held on the lawn of the Oliver Mansion with the beautiful gazebo serving as the backdrop for the couple. 

The ceremony began with me playing "King William's March" for the bridesmaids, the flower girl, and the ring bearer.  For Lauren's entrance, I played "Canon in D," a classic wedding piece and one of my favorites!  During the ceremony the couple took part in a unity sand ceremony, and the song selected for this time was "Hymne" by Vangelis.  When the couple was announced, the applause began, and the recessional piece, "Down by the Sally Gardens," accompanied them back down the aisle.

If you are planning a wedding at the Oliver Mansion Gardens, visit our website, South Bend Wedding Harpist for more information about having the harp, which is just right for this location, at your wedding!

South Bend Harp Player ~ Wedding Ceremony & Reception Music

Jody and Daniel came to South Bend from Lincoln, Nebraska, for the AYOP Baton Twirling Competition ~ and to get married!  They chose the Oliver Inn Bed & Breakfast as their ceremony venue, with the reception right next door at the historic Tippecanoe Place.

The bride, her matron of honor, and daughters all arrived at the Inn in a horse-drawn carriage.  One of her guests commented that it was just like being sent back in time to the Victorian period!  The song for the wedding party entrance was "The Prayer" from Quest for Camelot, and I played Pachelbel's "Canon in D" as Jody was escorted down the aisle by her daughters.

A family friend sang the Gershwin song "Our Love is Here to Stay" at the end of the ceremony, followed by "All My Loving" by the Beatles as the recessional.  After the postlude (which included "Ave Maria" at the special request of one of the guests), everyone walked next door to Tippecanoe Place.

The reception was held in the ballroom on the third floor of the mansion.  I played a variety of classical, popular, and Broadway songs (some of which inspired a sing-along!), including the groom's request of "Ashokan Farewell." 

Planning a wedding in South Bend?  If you visit my website ~ South Bend Wedding Musician ~ you'll find out more about having a harpist for your ceremony and reception.

Wedding Harpist in South Bend ~ Ceremony at Morris Park Country Club

Emily and Noah had planned an outdoor ceremony on the grounds of the Morris Park Country Club in South Bend, but for the second time in two days, the weather forced another move inside.  When I arrived, however, everything looked beautiful, and I set up the harp outside in the gazebo (so that's why all of the pictures in this post are outdoors - that and no time to take any once we moved!).  As you can see, it's one of the loveliest courses in the area.  Along with the videographers and soundman, I watched as the clouds started to come in and it began to drizzle.

A friend of the bride kept us updated on the contingency plans, and they were going to wait until 5:00 (when the ceremony was scheduled to begin) to make the final call on whether or not it would be moved in the club.  With it pouring rain - and lightning flashing - they didn't have much choice but to relocate everything into the ballroom.  Of course, that meant running across the golf course in the storm, pushing a 6-foot-tall harp! 

The entrance we were sent to in the club didn't connect to where the ballroom is, so it was back outside to bring the harp in the front doors.  By the time I was set up for the ceremony, I was soaked!  Fortunately, the harp has a waterproof cover, so it made it just fine.

The nine bridesmaids entered to "Canon in D" by Pachelbel.  Once they were in place, I switched to the traditional "Bridal Chorus" ("Here Comes the Bride") for Emily's processional.  As the couple performed a unity sand ceremony, I played "Ave Maria."  Emily had planned to arrive at the ceremony in a horse and carriage, but wasn't able to due to moving indoors.  As the newlyweds exited to "Trumpet Tune," the carriage was waiting at the front doors to take them on a quick drive around the neighborhood. 

Even when your plans don't go exactly as expected, I can typically adapt to any last-minute changes!  In South Bend, Notre Dame, and throughout Northern Indiana, I provide the music of the harp for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and other events.  On my website ~ South Bend Wedding Music ~ you'll find more information about music lists, sound clips, and performance venues.

South Bend Wedding Reception Music ~ Harpist at Notre Dame

Following their morning wedding ceremony at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Elizabeth and Dominic joined their guests across campus at the Morris Inn.  Their brunch reception was held under the tent in the Irish Courtyard, where the red flowers and decorations made it feel like Christmas in July!

Harp music greeted the guests as they arrived and throughout the luncheon.  Elizabeth had requested that I play classical, sacred, and Celtic music, along with songs from "The Sound of Music."  It suited them perfectly!  Many of the guests commented on how they recognized most of the pieces I played ~ from transcriptions of famous piano pieces to Irish folk songs. 

They used pre-recorded music run through the venue's sound system for the couple's first dance (to "Holy Family") and for the father-daughter and mother-son dances. 

The versatility of the harp is just right for a wedding reception where there won't be lots of dancing.  It can be both upbeat and soft, while playing lots of different styles of music that your guests will recognize.  To find out more about having a harpist for your reception, visit Notre Dame Wedding Harpist.  I'd love to work with you to customize the music for your wedding!

Tippecanoe Place Wedding ~ Reception Harp Music in South Bend

Harp music is not just for wedding ceremonies ~ you can bring the elegance and romance of the instrument into your reception as well!  Elizabeth and Brano celebrated their wedding at Tippecanoe Place in South Bend, Indiana.  The former Studebaker mansion, it has been converted into a fine dining restaurant that also hosts weddings and banquets.

As guests entered the lobby, they were greeted by harp music.  Elizabeth requested that I play a variety of music, encompassing the classical, popular, jazz, and Celtic genres.  Servers passed margaritas and appetizers, and the guests were able to tour the mansion at their leisure.  The wedding party was introduced as they descended the grand staircase into the lobby.  During toasts & speeches, the groom especially thanked members of his family who had come all the way from Croatia to be there for the wedding.  I continued playing through dinner service in the dining rooms on the main level. 

One of my favorite moments of the night was being approached by a bride whose wedding Jeff played for a couple of years ago ~ just upstairs in the 3rd floor ballroom!  It's wonderful to hear our clients' fond remembrances of their wedding music, and Jeff and I are so grateful to have been such an important part of the weddings of so many wonderful couples.

Planning a wedding reception?  Having a harpist is the perfect finishing touch!  Visit my website, South Bend Harpist, for more information and to contact me about pricing and availability.

South Bend Indiana Wedding Music ~ Harp, Violin & Cello Trio

In front of a packed house (they even had to set up extra chairs in the aisles, balcony & lobby!), Sarah and Ben were married at Immanuel United Methodist Church in South Bend, Indiana.  For their May 12th ceremony, they booked not only me as their harpist, but a trio of harp, violin & cello. 

Harp & violin is our most popular duet, and adding the cello gives the whole group a deeper and fuller sound.  Especially with a large guest list (this wedding was well over 300), an ensemble like this really makes an impact, and guarantees that, no matter how far back they are seated, all of your guests will be able to hear the music for your ceremony!

The trio played a half-hour prelude as guests arrived, and when we were given the cue that the family was lined up and ready to enter, we switched to Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" for their processional.  The bridal party followed to "Canon in D."

When Sarah booked with us, she was originally interested in having non-traditional music.  When it came time for her to make her selections, she changed her mind and opted for the famous "Here Comes the Bride."  It's important to choose musicians who are versatile and have a wide-ranging repertoire of options ~ you may change your mind several times throughout the planning process! 

The unity candle was lit to "Meditation" from Massenet's opera Thais.  This is one of my favorite pieces to play with a violinist, as the melody just soars!  The pairing of the harp with the sustaining string instruments works perfectly here.  A cousin of the groom played the organ and sang for the Lord's Prayer and communion.  The recessional was also traditional:  Mendelssohn's "Wedding March."  The newlyweds came back into the sanctuary after the recessional, and dismissed their guests individually as the trio continued postlude music. 

No matter how large or small your wedding, the harp (or a larger ensemble along with a harpist) can provide all of the music for your ceremony!  Visit my website ~ South Bend Wedding Music ~ for details.

Studio Recital ~ Harp & Piano Lessons in South Bend

Every Spring, all of my harp & piano students prepare to perform in a formal studio recital.  This year, it took place on April 27th at the Evangelical Covenant Church in South Bend, Indiana. 

Several families had other commitments that night (other performances & a couple of church confirmations), so a few students are missing from our group picture!

The pieces performed included (with students' names in parentheses following the title and composer's name):

• Turkey Talk; Kevin Costley (Anna B.)
• Zoo on Saturday; Mary Leaf (Rylie W.)
• Beginner's Waltz; Laurie Riley (Jaedyn H.)
• Mischievous Monkeys; Elizabeth Greenleaf (Yarden K.)
• Waltz in Fa Majeur; W.A. Mozart (Alyson D.)
• Prelude in D Minor; Elizabeth Greenleaf (Mark B.)
• Little Cloud; Kevin Costley (Claire C.)
• Gymnopedie No. 1; Erik Satie (Camille A.)
• Asturiana from 12 Spanish Dances, Op. 5; Enrique Granados (Camille A.)
• Outplanet: The Final Battle; Edwin McLean (Joseph D.)
• The Enchantment; Edwin McLean (Hadas K.)
• Navajo Legend; Kevin Olson (Lara C.)
• Oh, So Blue!; Christopher Goldston (Emma H.)

Following the recital, awards were given to students who participated in last fall's Achievement in Music festival and who won the Music Passport prizes in the studio.  Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a reception in the lobby with made-to-order coffee beverages from the American Espresso Company's coffee cart.  We've had them for several recitals, and it's always a hit with students and parents!

For more information about lessons, visit:

Harp:  http://www.theclassicharpist.com/html/harp.html
Piano:  http://www.theclassicharpist.com/html/piano.html

South Bend Harpist ~ Christmas Music at German Township Library

After I played for an event last April at the main branch of the St. Joseph County library, the director of the German Township branch booked me for a holiday concert for her patrons.  It was a lovely Thursday evening to play for the people browsing the books and relaxing listening to harp music.

I played a variety of traditional and contemporary Christmas songs, and took a few requests from the audience that gathered (including "Pretty Paper" by Willie Nelson!).

Throughout South Bend and Northern Indiana, I am available as a harpist for holiday events, parties, and concerts.  For more information, call 1-877-HARP-578 or visit my website ~ South Bend Harpist.  Happy holidays!
 

South Bend Harp Player ~ Open House Music

When you want to create an elegant atmosphere, the harp is the perfect choice to provide the background music for your event!  A law firm was holding a holiday open house for its clients, and hired me to be their harpist for the evening.

The event was held on the top floor of the Key Bank building in downtown South Bend.  The views over the city and Notre Dame campus were beautiful, and it was even better to watch the sun setting!  As the guests gathered and enjoyed cocktails and an hors d'oeuvre buffet, I played a variety of seasonal favorites.  With the harp, it's easy to go from "Silent Night" to "Silver Bells."

A holiday gathering is never complete without hearing everyone's favorite Christmas pieces.  I am available for holiday events and weddings anywhere in the Midwest, and would love to work with you and make yours one to remember!  Visit my website, The Classic Harpist, for information on including harp music in your plans.  Happy Holidays!

Notre Dame Harpist ~ Corporate Reception Music

Thinking about entertainment for your clients or an employee party?  The harp can be a perfect fit for many functions.  This past week, I had the opportunity to provide background music for a client reception at the Joyce Center on the campus of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

The event was to thank the clients of Indiana Trust and gave the employees a chance to mingle and interact with their customers.  The harp provided a perfect background for the event, as I played a great mix of classical, Celtic, and popular pieces.  The range of selections included pieces from Bach and Handel to the Beatles and Sting.

If you are interested in having the harp for your next event, visit our website, South Bend Harpist.  With the holidays around the corner, dates are filling quickly.  Contact us soon to reserve Devon, me, or both of us as the harpist for your event!

South Bend Harpist ~ Bendix Woods Wedding Ceremony

This past Saturday's wedding for Dawn and Richard at Bendix Woods Park in St. Joseph County, Indiana was in a perfect spot on a perfectly beautiful day. The wedding ceremony was located at the Glen Bauer Pavilion area of the park. 

The maid of honor and the best man entered the wedding area to Canon in D.  The bride came down the aisle to Only Time.  During the wedding, the couple took part in a unity sand ceremony.  While the bride and groom were pouring the sand, I played All I Ask of You.  For the bride and groom's exit, Spring, First Movement was played.

While the couple stood at the back of the seating area to greet wedding guests, I played a variety of classical and popular postlude music such as Trumpet Tune, King William's March, Time to Say Goodbye, and Fields of Gold.

If you would like information about having harp music at your Bendix Woods Wedding Ceremony, please visit our website, South Bend Wedding Harpist.

Northern Indiana Wedding Music ~ Harpist in South Bend

What a beautiful afternoon for a wedding!  With all of the rain and heat we've had this summer, it was a pleasure to have an outdoor ceremony that could actually go ahead as planned!  I've played for several weddings at Blue Heron on the Blackthorn Golf Course.  New this time was the pergola on the lawn that is surrounded by flowers and provides a centralized backdrop for the couple's vows.

The bridesmaids, all wearing short azalea-colored dresses and carrying blue & purple bouquets, entered to "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera.  The bride's processional was the traditional "Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride)."  They went with pop music for the recessional - the Beatles' song "All My Loving."

In South Bend and throughout Northern Indiana, I love playing the harp for weddings!  Visit my website, South Bend Wedding Music, for more information on including a harpist in your wedding plans.

Studio Chamber Music Recital

Each summer, I have my students expand their studies to include not only solo literature, but also collaborating with other musicians to play in duets and ensembles.  On August 14th, we hosted our third Studio Chamber Music Recital, and it took place at Merriman's Playhouse in South Bend, Indiana.

Students worked hard all summer to prepare their pieces, because I kept telling them that when you play with another musician, you have to know your part better than you've ever known your solos!  Performing with another person is a unique challenge, and something that I believe is a fundamental skill for all musicians to possess.

I created duets, trios, and quartets from students in my studio, their families, and friends.  The program included:

• Marching in the Snow (Anna B., student/teacher piano duet)
• Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair (Ginny M. & Alyson D., harps)

• Robot Dance (Rylie W., student/teacher piano duet)

• Prairie Song (Mark B. & Anna B., brother/sister piano duet)

• Wildwood Flower (Yarden K. & Emma H., student piano duet)

• The Dreamland Tree (Megan B., student/teacher piano duet)
• Stormy Sea (Alyse C. & Mark B., student piano duet)

• Celtic Charm (Claire C. & Joseph D., student piano duet)

• Cuckoo Waltz (Emma H. & Yarden K., student piano duet)
• Berceuse (Mary Kathleen A. & Camille A., sisters piano & cello duet)

• Fire Dance (Megan B., student/teacher piano duet)
• Mountain Wildflowers (Joseph D. & Alyson D., brother/sister harp & piano duet)

• Lazy Afternoon in Dallas (Camille A. & Hadas K., student piano duet)
• Trio in F Major, Op. 159, No. 3 (Megan B., violin; Gabby M., cello; Jacy S., piano)

• 3-Point Play (Mark B. & Alyse C., student piano duet)
• Flower Duet from Lakme (Jacy S., student/teacher piano duet)
• Balloon Pop Polka (Hadas K., Yarden K., Emma H., Camille A., piano quartet)

After the recital was over, everyone enjoyed made-to-order ice cream sundaes!

I offer piano & harp lessons to students of all ages and levels in my home studio in South Bend.  Visit the lesson pages of my website for more details:

Piano Lessons in South Bend

Harp Lessons in South Bend