Selecting Musicians

SELECTING MUSICIANS FOR YOUR WEDDING

The following outline gives you some basic and general ideas to consider in choosing the musicians for your wedding, as well as the various instruments that might be included in the ceremony. Start looking for your musicians as soon as your wedding date is set. Some bands, musicians and soloists are booked a year or more in advance. The choice of repertoire that would be deemed appropriate for a wedding is vast; therefore keep in mind that this list is not a specific list, but a general one. Also notice that there are pieces that are written specifically for organ and instruments. In a large number of cases the piano part can be modified for organ, should a piano not be available. Many churches require that their own musicians be responsible for all weddings performed there.

Your Musicians

How many?

During what parts of the service and reception are they going to play?

Most musicians should receive some type of payment. How much can you afford and how much are their fees?

• This should be discussed early.
• "Union" musicians will require union scale pay.

What level of performance capability are you seeking?

• A friend's performance, possibly non-professional.
• Professional job (are you going to record the ceremony?)
• How long would you like the musicians' performance to be?
  Prelude before the service?
  During the service?
  After the service?
  At the reception?

• Some amateurs may not have the "stamina" to last through a long session.

Where do you find your musicians?

Friends, family members

• If you're using more than one performer, are their playing levels compatible?
• Can they handle a wedding performance?
• Nervousness?
• Music at their ability to avoid unnecessary pressure?
• Do they have their instrument in playable condition?

Performers

• Local college or school.
• Small performance ensembles who regularly meet and are willing to take on a wedding.

Professionals

• Referral services.
• Musicians' union.
• Established performance groups.
• Try to see a live performance or watch an audition tape for any band you are considering hiring.

The Music

Who chooses the music?

If you choose the music – Talk it over with your musicians first, maintaining constant communication with the church personnel. Very important!

• How difficult should the arrangement be? The harder the music, the more practice and rehearsal required.
• Do they have any suggestions for suitable material?
• Popular music: Very few arrangements are available with instrumental parts.
• Check with your instrumentalist regarding range and transposing.
• Be sure to check with your church on requirements, as many will not allow the use of popular music because of the sacredness of the rite.

If the musicians choose the music.

• Give them exact times during the service you would like them to play.
• Talk over particular titles and/or composers, or eras (Baroque, Romantic) of music you would like to have.

Who pays for the music?

• If you're dealing with professional musicians, they may have their library to draw from.
• If you have friends doing the service: Do they have music on hand that is suitable? Bride and groom are responsible for music expense. How much do you wish to spend?

Rehearsals

When using instruments plus organ or piano accompaniment.

• Soloist may want to rehearse with organist/pianist previous to church rehearsal. Arrangements should be made.
• It is advisable to have a rehearsal at the church or hall if it can be scheduled so the other musicians can practice with the organ/piano they will be using.

When using multiple instrument groups.

• If professional musicians or a group who rehearse together on a regular basis are used, there should be no problem with extra rehearsals. If you hire professionals, a rehearsal at the church may cost extra.
• If friends or family members are playing.
  Extra rehearsals are advised, just to get the feel of playing together.
  Rehearsal in the church or reception area will allow the musicians time to make adjustments for acoustics.

Have a clear order of performance and signals.

• Make sure the musicians know the order in which the pieces are scheduled.

• Have your musicians' cue worked out beforehand.
  When to start (prelude or postlude.)
  When to finish (prelude or postlude.)
  Actual cue words or gestures for performance during the ceremony.

Double check equipment needs.

Do the musicians need:
Special chairs?
Stands?
Do you need to make any special provisions for the "sound" system?
Extra microphones (classic guitars, flute)
Extra speakers (electric guitars, electric pianos, etc.)

Popular Instrumental Combinations for Weddings

Woodwinds

Trio
Flute, oboe, clarinet
Oboe, clarinet, bassoon

Quintet
Flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon
Oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon, piano

Brass

Quartet
Two trumpets, horn, trombone
Two trumpets, two trombones

Quintet – two trumpets, horn, trombone, tuba

Strings

Trio – violin, cello, piano
Quartet – two violins, viola, cello

Woodwind and string quartets

Flute, violin, viola, cello
Oboe, violin, viola, cello

Trio sonatas

Two flutes, bassoon (cello) basso continuo (piano, harpsichord or organ)
Flute, oboe, bassoon (cello) and basso continuo
Two violins, bassoon (cello) and basso continuo
Flute, violin, bassoon (cello) and basso continuo
Violin, oboe, bassoon (cello) and basso continuo