Prelude
This is played while the guests arrive
and usually starts 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
The mood of the music is usually light and melodic. Special requests
are welcome for the prelude. Some couples leave this portion of music
to the musicians' discretion.
The Seating of the Mothers
While the
mothers are escorted down the aisle, special music is played. A cue
is needed for the musicians when the mothers are ready to be escorted.
Traditional pieces are Ave Marie, Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring or Pachelbel
Cannon.
Processional for the Attendants
After the seating of the mothers,
the processional for the attendants is played. The musicians will
need to know what the cue is before this begins. Often the processional
simply begins after the seating of the mothers and no cue is needed.
The musicians also need to know how many attendants there are. Traditional
pieces are Pachelbel Cannon or Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.
Processional
for the Bride
This begins immediately after the last attendant has
processed. Separate music is traditionally played for the bride but
some prefer to have the same music as the attendants. Of course, the
traditional piece for the bride is theBridal March by Wagner, known
as "Here Comes the Bride." Many other pieces can be performed such
as Trumpet Voluntary by Clarke, Ode to Joy by Beethoven or a movement
from Water Music by Handel.
Pieces During the Service or Ceremony
Depending
on the religious status of the ceremony, music can be played as an
interlude between the readings, during the lighting of the unity candle
or during communion. Some pieces appropriate for the service are those
by Bach, Handel, Haydn, Beethoven or Mozart or any other pieces or
songs you want. A vocalist could also sing the Lord's Prayer with
string accompaniment at the appropriate time during the service.
Recessional
for the Entire Wedding Party
Often the music performed is of a faster
tempo than the processional and is very jubilant in nature. Common
pieces are Ode to Joy by Beethoven, Mendelssohn's Bridal March, Spring
from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi or Rondeau by Mouret. The musicians
will need to know what the cue is to begin.
Postlude
This is played
while the guests leave the sanctuary and is typically 10 minutes.
Some couples have special requests though often the music is left
to the discretion of the musicians.
Wedding Receptions or Corporate
Events
In addition to the wedding ceremony, the Great Lakes Chamber
Players can also perform for your wedding reception or corporate
event, including annual meetings, award dinners, product promotions,
fundraising banquets, building dedications, holiday parties, and store
openings. We also perform for private holiday parties and functions.
Although each event is unique, all involve similar planning issues.
Ensemble Selection
The ensemble you choose will be partially determined
by the amount of guests present. As a general rule, we recommend a
minimum of one musician for every 35 to 50 guests. This will maintain
a proper balance between the music and conversation. Keep in mind
that this figure is an estimation as the proper balance also depends
upon which instruments are playing. A brass quintet is much louder
than a string quartet, for example. The atmosphere is also a factor.
For a dinner of 35-100 guests a harp/flute, harp/violin, cello/flute
or cello/violin duet would be perfect. On the other hand, a grand
opening event attracting several hundred guests could be highlighted
with a brass quintet.
Repertoire Selection
At most receptions we perform
light classical music interspersed with some popular selections (jazz,
show tunes, Broadway). Please let us know if you have any special
requests. If the reception is honoring a particular person from another
country, we could perform music of his or her nationality.
Indoor
Events
It is important to take traffic flow into account when planning
the setup and location of the musicians. Plan on each musician needing
4' x 4' of floor space. Place the musicians at opposite ends of the
room from a bar or food stations. Allow ten feet between the closest
table and the musicians, leaving room for the serving staff to move
freely around the tables.
Outdoor Events
The main factors in playing
outdoors are sound projection and protecting the instruments from
the elements. The musicians need to play in shaded areas and, if possible,
out of the wind. To prevent damage to their instruments, most musicians
cannot play in weather below 60 degrees. Placing the musicians on
or next to a hard surface, such as a patio or against a wall helps
in sound projection. Raising the musicians up on a platform can also
help the sound.
Other Considerations
The dress code for the Peach State Chamber Players is concert attire; black tuxedo and black pants
suit. Sometimes electrical requirements are necessary for amplification
and lighting. The Peach State Chamber Players is happy to assist you
with any questions you may have.
