"THE MUSIC IN MY HEART I BORE, LONG AFTER IT WAS HEARD NO MORE." (Wordsworth)

Your wedding is a loving life presentation for your family and guests. Before you walk down the aisle, live music can create the mood for your ceremony and announce your entrance. This music weaves through your ceremony and enhances the moment. Flowers, dresses, tuxedos, and rings are all tangible reminders of your wedding ceremony. With music, the meaning of the moment will be remembered forever. What do you want to say with the music in that moment?

Professional musicians are your best choice for this "life performance". They are trained to do their best in front of an audience. They can help you choose music that has your personal message in it. Professional musicians can read all the cues in the ceremony, and adjust if necessary. They will carry the moment with you and give it lasting significance.

Some points to consider about music for your wedding:

1. Hire professionals.
2. Book your musicians early..wedding weekends get busy. When you choose a soloist or group for your wedding, find out if they have a demo CD or website with musical selections. Always ask for a contract that includes specifics about time frame, requirements such as sound systems, and contingency plans for outdoor weddings.
3. Choose a soloist/group that best suits your taste and needs. For example, a solo player is not always appropriate for a large outdoor wedding. Smaller groups work well in churches that have good acoustics. Groups with sound systems are the best choice for large weddings and receptions.
4. Consider using the musicians for the ceremony and the reception/dinner. Most groups have a package price for the two events. Live music for dining background is a classy touch.
5. Ask early for special music requests or favourite songs. The musicians usually need extra time to prepare music that is not in their standard repertoire. (There may be an extra charge for this.) Current favourite pieces for weddings are: Canon in D by Pachelbel, Ode to Joy by Beethoven, Air by Bach, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach, Wedding March by Mendelssohn, Rèjouissance by Handel. The Internet is a good resource for musical choices and some sites provide "sound clips".
6. Consult with the musicians frequently as your ceremony plans evolve. You will need specific pieces for the Processional, the Signing of the Registry, and the Recessional.
7. For the ceremony, have a person, such as an usher, in charge of advising the musicians about any delays or special changes.
8. Hire professionals..make your moment excellent.

There is a wide variety of musicians available here in the Okanagan. Some options include: harpists, string duos, trios, and quartets, vocalists, guitarists, brass groups, organists, pianists, and pipers. Musicians and groups can be found by contacting such organisations as the Okanagan Symphony and the Kelowna Community Music School. There are also many Okanagan bridal websites that list local professional groups.

When the church doors open and your guests stand, there is only you, and the moment and the music.

Shari Tyle House, Mgr. full.house@shaw.ca