The following describes the services I offer when you contract with me to play for your wedding.
If the wedding is to take place at your church, this information should be understood in combination with the Wedding
Policy guidelines obtained from the church office.Consultation Session
We can meet at the organ to
audition pieces from my repertoire. If this is not convenient, you may elect to listen to recordings and let me know your
favorite pieces. Pre-service music for the 15-20 minutes prior to the service may be chosen, including music for seating
the mothers. The bridesmaids' processional most often used is the Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke. Congregational
hymns, solos, or special pieces may also be selected. The traditional wedding march is Wagner's Bridal Chorus from
Lohengrin, commonly known as "Here Comes the Bride." The traditional recessional is Felix Mendelssohn's Wedding
March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, also known as the theme from "The Newlywed Game." Both these pieces are
secular and come from works based on mythological themes; alternative pieces, just as suitable for the occasion, can be
auditioned during the consultation.
The couple can greatly assist the process by listening to classical and sacred
recordings prior to the consultation to identify the style of music which most appeals to their tastes. Specific composers
(e.g. "Schubert")and periods (e.g. "Romantic") and names of works (e.g. "Ave Maria") will greatly aid the organist and
make the consultation period more productive. You may bring sheet music of favorite songs, tapes, or programs from
other weddings at this time. Sheet music to specially requested songs must be purchased and supplied to the organist at
least two weeks prior to the ceremony, and will remain the property of the bride and groom. Discretion should be used
when requesting love songs and other secular music, keeping in mind the sacramental nature of the ceremony. Your minister
can offer guidance on this subject as well. Rules defining restrictions vary from parish to parish, so ultimately these
decisions should be made in conjunction with the officiating clergy.
Rehearsal
Please plan the walk-through of the bridesmaids' processional, bridal march, and recessional at the beginning of the rehearsal. The organist is generally not needed for the remainder of activities that take place. Payment of fees is expected at the rehearsal.
Fee Schedule for Weddings Held at Your Church, Home, Country Club, etc.:
Fees range from $175 for Ceremony only to $325 for Consultation, rehearsal & ceremony {keyboardist rates only}...
All 5 packages with details may be
found at Going to the Chapel, my main site.
I am also available to play piano at the reception--popular music, country, love songs, movie themes, etc.--at the rate of $100 dollars per hour.
I can also subcontract vocalists and instrumentalists for a variety of chamber ensembles. Even bagpipes!
