A Festive Holiday Party Featuring Solo Flute by Christen Stephens

Solo Flute Music for a Holiday Party in Boulder, Colorado

This holiday season, I had the pleasure of performing my flute at Enveda Biosciences for their festive company holiday party. For four hours, I played solo flute, or flute + backing music, to create a lively and joyful atmosphere for the celebration.

Solo Flute Music for a Holiday Party in Boulder, Colorado

I tailored the playlist to their request for mostly movie music, with some contemporary songs added in for variety. I loved playing through my extensive collection of movie music at home, to select the best ones. I ended up selecting music from Pride and Prejudice, Frozen, Home Alone, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and more. I also included classical music, country music, jazz, and pop artists like Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and John Denver. Guests were so impressed with my broad range of musical styles, and it was fun to keep surprising them.

Solo Flute Music for a Holiday Party in Boulder, Colorado

Performing movie music was a fun change from playing the usual classical, pop, and rock music that I play at weddings. Four hours is a long time to solo, but as the evening went on, I became more energized by the music and the reactions of the guests. I especially enjoyed seeing people light up when they recognized a tune. One of the bartenders correctly guessed every piece of movie music that I played, including the movie it was from, the principal actors, and even the specific scene that it was played in.

Overall, it was such a delightful evening, and I enjoyed playing in a relaxed setting where I could connect with guests and treat them to music that they all knew and loved.

Solo Flute Music for a Holiday Party in Boulder, Colorado

“Incredible Performance and Experience”

“Christen is an absolute gem, on all levels. From my initial connection with her, she provided a clear and thorough proposal, which turned into a well thought out set list for the evening of our event. Christen's communication throughout the process was timely and clear, and I know exactly what to expect on the day of my event. There will many many compliments from my guests about the range of music that Christen played (well known songs including musical scores), and her skill with her flute playing was top notch. Absolutely would bring Christen into any future event that I am involved in. I could not have been happier with her music, and to top it off, Christen is a kind, personable, and lovely human being overall. Highly highly recommend her to anyone!” - Lauren C., Enveda Biosciences

Experience the Joy of the Flute.

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Blue Spruce Photography

I played my flute accompanied by my cellist on a pretty day in late spring. The bride was a Colorado local, and she chose the convenient and lovely Wedgewood Boulder Creek as her wedding venue. The mature trees provided welcome shade from the warm sun, and the ceremony was accompanied by the rushing creek and our elegant music.

The wedding had a summery, cocktail feel, and the joyful sounds of my flute accompanied by the rich sounds of the cello were the perfect fit.

From the Bride:

“Would highly recommend!!! We got in touch last minute with Christen and she was soo easy to work with. Super reasonable pricing and our guests loved this additional touch we had during our ceremony!! I can’t recommend her enough!!”

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Blue Spruce Photography

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Blue Spruce Photography

Sample Music Selections from the Prelude:

Anne’s Theme from Anne of Green Gables, Anglaise (Bach), Flower Duet (Delibes), Scheherazade Theme (Rimsky Korsakov), Butterfly Waltz from Twilight, Wildflowers (Tom Petty), Bubbly (Colbie Caillat)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
La Vie en Rose (Louis Armstrong) - Wedding Party
Can’t Help Falling in Love - Bride
Higher Love (Kygo) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings
Photographer: Blue Spruce Photography
Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Blue Spruce Photography

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Blue Spruce Photography

Enjoy the Joyfulness of the Flute Blended with the Richness of the Cello

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Blue Spruce Photography

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Blue Spruce Photography

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Blue Spruce Photography

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Flagstaff House in Boulder, Colorado

This romantic Labor Day weekend wedding ceremony took place at the Flagstaff House in Boulder, Colorado. Our flute and cello duo added the perfect musical touch as guests arrived and enjoyed the stunning views over Boulder from the Flagstaff House terraces.

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Flagstaff House in Boulder, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Madeline Shea

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Flagstaff House in Boulder, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Madeline Shea

The bride asked me to choose a mix of classical and contemporary music to play during the prelude as guests arrived, and I chose a selection of some of our favorite songs. After the ceremony, we continued to play as guests began enjoying cocktails, and then we turned it over to the DJ for the reminder of the evening.

After the wedding, the bride was so happy with the special ambiance that our live music added for her wedding day!

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Flagstaff House in Boulder, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Madeline Shea

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Flagstaff House in Boulder, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s - Wedding Party
La Vie En Rose - Bride
All You Need is Love (Beatles) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Flagstaff House
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo
Officiant: Ceremonies with Lisa
Photographer: Madeline Shea

Experience the Elegance and Joy Our Flute and Cello Duo

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Flagstaff House in Boulder, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Madeline Shea

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at Cathedral Point in Boulder, Colorado

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at Cathedral Point Overlook in Boulder, Colorado

I was hired by a really sweet bride to play solo flute for a mid-week wedding ceremony at Cathedral Point Overlook in Boulder, Colorado. It would be an intimate wedding ceremony with only about 10 people total, and I met the groom, photographer and wedding guests at the Flagstaff Restaurant in Boulder and followed them to the ceremony site. The groom was in the lead car, but his phone lost signal, and with no help from GPS, he was lost!

I had studied the map and looked at satellite images before I left, so I was assigned to be the new leader and I successfully led the caravan of cars to the parking area for the overlook. It was the first time that I’ve ever led an entire wedding party to their own wedding location!

A short hike revealed a stunning and very private ceremony location. As we hiked, big fat raindrops began to fall, and by the time we arrived at the overlook, it was pouring in earnest. I hung my umbrella in a pine tree to cover me as I set up my things.

The bride wanted a light, calm, and soulful vibe, and she personally selected all of her music for the prelude, ceremony, and postlude. At her request, I even played a special song that I made up on the spot, inspired by the mountain setting, a song unique to her wedding day. Guests told me that as they hiked closer to the ceremony site, it was just like being in Lord of the Rings, with my flute music floating over the mountains and leading the way.

What a lovely and sweet ceremony this couple had, and the weather turned out to be perfectly beautiful with only a few stray drops of rain. Afterwards, I played more music during photos, and I also enjoyed getting to know the bride and groom’s family.

“The day couldn’t have been more perfect!”

“My daughter had a small mountain ceremony on top of Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder Colorado. Christen was able to play for us with very short notice. Most of the wedding party caravaned to the top but our groom lost phone signal and had trouble finding the way. Christen had studied some of the maps and was able to find the location. When my husband and daughter and I arrived a short while later we heard these lovely sounds coming through the forest as we hiked down to the ceremony site. There was truly a mystical feeling. She played mostly classical music with a few popular songs mixed in, and one she created while there and she continued to play during photos. We were also given a recording of the music from the event! That day couldn't have been more perfect and we were all so happy! We recommend Christen for wedding events as well as any others. Many thanks, Christen!” - from the mother of the bride

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at Cathedral Point Overlook Boulder, Colorado

Bride’s Entrance: Here Comes the Bride (Wagner)

Sample Selections from Postlude and Prelude Music:
Fly Me to the Moon (Sinatra), Hornpipe 1&2 (Handel), Vivaldi (Winter), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), Velvet Midnight - a custom improvisation by Christen Stephens, Blackbird (Beatles)

Fun Tip: Have a simple and heartfelt wedding ceremony on an overlook in the Boulder mountains. It’s near to the city and just as beautiful, private, just as nice as any pricey formal overlook setting.

Hire my solo flute Signature Package to set the perfect feel for your wedding day. My signature package includes:

• Light, joyful, modern feel

• Large repertoire including classical, pop, rock, and jazz

• I will learn two new songs not on this list at no extra charge

• Custom improvisations unique to your wedding, in any musical style available

• Enjoy the luxurious sounds of my solid rose gold and silver flute

• Optional amplification provides tastefully enhanced sound with added reverb, ideal for outdoor performances

• No shaded location or tent required

• Greater flexibility with outdoor performances than strings

The Boulder Symphony Flute and Strings Quartet Plays at the North Boulder Lucky's Market

This past weekend, I enjoyed playing flute with the Boulder Symphony flute and strings quartet. We played at Lucky's Market for their Earth Day Volunteer Fair. I put together a set list of lively classical music and we had so many people tell us that we had totally made their day. I saw at least six different people dancing right in the middle of the grocery store. One lady said that she spent a very long time "looking at soaps" because she wanted to stay as long as possible to hear us play.

I enjoy playing my flute and cello with the Boulder Symphony, and I invite you to check out our concerts on the Boulder Symphony website.

The Boulder Symphony Presents "Story"

This weekend, you’re invited to our Boulder Symphony concert, “Story”. Come and enjoy music from some of the greatest cinematic favorites of all time including music from E.T., Jurassic Park, The Incredibles, Harry Potter, and Star Wars! I’ll be playing in the cello section.

Details:

Saturday, March 16, 2019

• 7:00 PM  9:00 PM

• Boulder Symphony Concert Hall at First Presbyterian Church (map)

Devin Patrick Hughes, Conductor

The Pre-Concert Talk is at 6:15 PM in the Chapel

BUY TICKETS

2019 GLOW Project Series

I’m happy to be involved with the Boulder Symphony’s GLOW project, a dementia and sensory friendly concert series. The goal of this project is to bring together individuals with neurodegenerative diseases and sensory disorders along with their families and caregivers for a community-building, heart-filling concert experience.

Our next concert will be at the First Presbyterian Church in Boulder on February 13th 2019 at 3:00pm. We’ll be doing a Valentine’s Program with romantic songs to listen to and sing along with.

Flute Quartet Music for Annual Inspire at NCAR in Boulder, Colorado

I led the Boulder Symphony flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello) in playing for the Annual Inspire event in Boulder, Colorado once again this year. The event was held at NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research). The patio overlooks an incredible view of the Colorado front range, but in August, the view was partially obscured by smoke and haze from the wildfires that are burning in the west. We were grateful that towards the end of the event, a cool evening breeze came, bringing with it clear air and the scent of pine. It's an incredibly beautiful location, and I never tire of each amazing Colorado vista that we have the privilege of playing at. 

Our quartet played a selection of cheerful classical music before and after the speeches were made. As usual, the speeches from the students were personal and inspiring stories of hope and how they overcame difficult obstacles in order to achieve their dreams. It was an uplifting evening.

"The Planets" by Holst

I love "The Planets" by Holst, and I've always wanted to play cello it it, especially the famously beautiful melody in "Jupiter". Shortly before I was going to play this work with the Boulder Symphony Orchestra, I had to have major arm surgery. Instead of playing my cello, I attended the concert with an arm that I still couldn't bend. Now years later, I finally have another opportunity to play "The Planets" - this time with the Flatirons Community Orchestra!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 12th at 7:00pm

Concert will be at:
Calvary Bible Church
3245 Kalmia Avenue
Boulder, CO 80301

Inspire Duo Plays at Rembrandt Yard in Boulder, Colorado

Inspire Duo will be playing at Rembrandt Yard in Boulder, Colorado for their event "Collaborate in the Creative Art Experience". Craig and I are looking forward to making this wonderful art come alive with our creative musical improvisations! We also enjoy taking your input and suggestions to inspire each piece that we play. Come and enjoy delicious food from A Spice of Life Catering + Events and beautiful artwork from talented local artists, as well as newly imported international pieces. This includes an authentic Aboriginal artwork show featuring art imported from Australia along with the stories behind these amazing one-of-a-kind pieces. Come and learn about the Aboriginal people and the history of their storytelling through art. All artwork is available for purchase, and you don’t want to miss this unique exhibit!

The event is free to attend, but Rembrandt Yard does request at least $1 donation for participation in The Wishing Wall, an interactive art installation. All proceeds will be donated to the Boulder County Arts Alliance.

Come and enjoy some great art, music and food and stop by and say hi to us!

Find out more about this event here: https://rembrandtyard.com/collaborate-in-the-creative-art-experience/

Friday, April 6th, 2018 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Free admission Rembrandt Yard Art Gallery & Event Center 1301 Spruce St. Boulder, CO 80302

An Enchanted Evening

I'm looking forward to playing cello and flute at this Boulder Symphony event. We're playing a really great mix of classic rock, holiday, jazz music and more!

An Enchanted Evening

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2017 – 5:30 - 8:30 PM

at The Highland City Club

Please join Boulder Symphony and Highland City Club for an evening filled with enchantment and magic.

Enjoy a mouthwatering buffet dinner of global flavors and the magical stylings of a Boulder Symphony chamber ensemble while mingling in the traditional setting of the historic Highland Building.

VIP tickets are available at $65, which include a gourmet buffet dinner, and 1 concert ticket to any Boulder Symphony concert this season (a $20 value).

Purchase a ticket before November 15th and get TWO Concert Tickets (a $40 value)!

Purchase VIP tickets below. A portion of all proceeds go to Boulder Symphony.

Purchase Tickets

Event Location:

HIGHLAND CITY CLUB 885 ARAPAHOE AVENUE BOULDER, CO 80302

Nine Helpful Wedding Music Tips

Photo Courtesy of Kern Photo

Live music is the soundtrack for your wedding day and it beautifies and enhances the aural and visual atmosphere of your wedding. Chances are that hiring a musician isn't something that you normally do and perhaps this is your first time. You may not know what questions to ask music professionals, or where to even begin. That's why I wrote the following checklist as a great place to start.

Instruments: Choose instruments that reflect your personality and style. What sound and visual appearance will help to bring your vision to life? Is your wedding more casual or is it classic? Is it romantic or a lively celebration? What instruments will sound best playing your song selections? To decide what ensemble best fits your event, share the answers to these questions with your music professional and he or she can help guide you. You can also listen to music samples of a variety of different ensembles online. I offer many different ensembles featuring the flute, strings, piano, harp, and guitar, and I also have music samples for each. One of my groups is sure to be a perfect fit for your style, and if for some reason I don’t have what you’re looking for, I will gladly make recommendations for other musicians using my connections in the music world.

Number of Musicians: Consider the size of your space and the number of guests that will be attending your ceremony. In general, plan to have at minimum one musician per 50 guests. It’s also a good idea to hire more musicians, such as a quartet, for large outdoor spaces. A duo that includes an amplified harp, guitar or piano can also fill a space with sound as effectively as a quartet. More isn’t necessarily better however. For small weddings in an intimate space, an acoustic soloist or duo is a great choice. Also consider your budget. The number of musicians that you hire is usually the single most important factor in determining the price of your live music.

Repertoire and Song Selection: Can your music professional play the songs and styles of music that you want? Do you want to honor any family or cultural traditions with your wedding music? If a song that you want to have played is not included in the musician's repertoire, ask them if they take special requests and if there will be an arranging fee. Each of my ensembles has an extensive repertoire and I'm also a professional music arranger which means that I regularly make special music arrangements for my clients at a reasonable price.

Amplification: Most instruments are very resonant and their sound carries quite well, even in outdoor spaces. For larger events or in settings with lots of ambient noise, make sure that your music professional can provide quality amplification if needed. Some wedding venues don't allow amplification, so don't rely on having it until you've inquired first. I have both a battery powered amplification system and a high quality plug-in amplification system that I regularly use for our performances when needed.

Hire Experienced Music Professionals: Your music professional should be an experienced wedding musician who is able to guide you through the music selection process. They should know what questions to ask be and able to foresee potential problems so that the music on your wedding day will run smoothly, and they should always present themselves professionally. Make sure that they are well trained, regularly performing musicians who are able to give you confidence in their musical abilities. I have over twenty years of experience performing music for weddings and I'm also lucky to love running the other aspects of my business as well.

Extra Costs: When you're hiring musicians to play for your wedding, be aware that there may be extra costs in addition to their basic fee. Make sure that you know what services are included in their basic fee, and what services are available at an extra cost. Extra costs can include fees for travel, musician tent rental, amplification, special music arrangements, additional microphones, and moving equipment between the ceremony and cocktail locations. I don't like surprises and I'm sure that you don't either, so my music quotes includes a list of the services that your quoted price covers, and also a list of optional add-ons and how much each one costs.

Consultation: Ask your music professional if they will meet with you so that you can talk about your wedding with them in person and hear them play. I provide a complimentary consultation either before or after you book. Or, if you don't have time to have a consultation, you can use my Wedding Music Planner.

Contract: It is important to work with musicians who provides a contract so that expectations for both the musicians and client are clearly defined in advance. A contract also shows that the musicians are professional, reliable, regularly performing musicians. I always provide a contract so that expectations on both sides are clear.

Contact: Do you have specific questions about your wedding music? Are you looking for a wedding musician? I'd love to hear from you!

Know What Your Musicians Expect Ask your music professional what their policy is for environmental conditions including rain, temperature extremes and requirements for shade. Often the venue or musicians will provide these items, sometimes for an additional cost. Ask in advance what they expect you to provide for them at the performance. Some instruments are extremely vulnerable to weather and sunlight and others are more hardy. I will play solo flute in adverse weather conditions but I don't ask string players to join me! Most likely your guests won't want to be outside if the weather conditions are bad either. I request natural or tent shade for stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello) during hot weather and sometimes, one armless chair for each musician.

Inspire Duo

About Inspire Duo Inspire Duo is a flute and piano duo featuring the music of Christen Stephens (flute) and Craig Woodward (piano). We create purely improvisational music inspired by people, art and life. No two performances are alike. Our influences come from our classical training coupled with our love for jazz and modern music. We are available to play for events in Denver, Boulder and throughout Colorado and also collaborate with local visual artists and dancers. Inspire us, listen, and be inspired

We collaborate with artists and art galleries

Top Wedding Songs for 2017

Are you selecting songs for your wedding this year? Or are you planning a romantic event such as an anniversary or engagement? With all the decisions that you have to make in planning a wedding or event and so many options for music, it's helpful to start with some great ideas. These songs are are compilation of some of the most romantic wedding songs for 2017. Some of these songs are new and some are classics that have endured the test of time, and all of them are songs that we have in our repertoire. In addition to the song selections on my repertoire list, I also love arranging new songs and can create custom arrangements for your wedding or event. I'd love to hear your ideas for songs, and even if you think they're a little out there, I can usually make an arrangement that will work beautifully.

All of Me (John Legend)

Best Instruments: My flute and piano/keyboard duo is the perfect combination for this song with the flute taking the place of the vocals. Violin also sounds great as a replacement for the vocal line.

Amazed (Lonestar)

Best Instruments: The flute can beautifully replace the vocals in this song and piano/keyboard or guitar easily replaces the background chords and rhythms.

A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)

Best Instruments: This song sounds wonderful with my flute and piano/keyboard duo, string quartet, or flute quartet.

Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve)

Best Instruments: This very orchestral song works well with with my string quartet or flute quartet.

Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis)

Best Instruments: My flute and guitar duo or flute and piano duo is a perfect fit for this song with the flute taking the place of the vocals and the guitar or piano playing the background.

In My Life (Beatles)

Best Instruments: My flute and guitar duo is a perfect fit for this song.

Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars)

Best Instruments: My flute and guitar duo is great for this song because the flute can replace the complex vocals and the guitar will provide a solid chord structure and rhythm underneath.

Make You Feel My Love (Adele)

Best Instruments: My flute and piano/keyboard duo or violin and piano duo is perfect for this song. It also works really well with my flute quartet or string quartet.

Reign of Love (Coldplay)

Best Instruments: This song sounds great with my flute and piano duo, flute trio, string trio, flute quartet, or string quartet. The flute is a great replacement for the vocals in this song.

The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra):

Best Instruments: My flute and guitar duo is a great fit for this song.

Twist and Shout (Beatles): Best Instruments:

My flute and guitar duo is the best combination for this song.

Unforgettable

Best Instruments: This classic song sounds best with my flute and guitar duo, flute quartet, or string quartet, all of which help to fill in the complex chords.

Viva La Vida (Coldplay)

Best Instruments: This very orchestral based song sounds great with my flute quartet or string quartet.

What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)

Best Instruments: You can't beat the Louis Armstrong version of this classic song. The best ensembles are the flute to imitate Louis' husky voice, accompanied by guitar, harp or piano/keyboard.

Welcome to Inspire Duo "Life Inspired Improv."

Inspire Duo is a new duo featuring the music of myself on flute and Craig Woodward on piano. We create purely improvisational music inspired by people, art and life. It was my dream to do free improvisation with other musicians for a very long time, but the opportunity hadn't presented itself until just recently. Several months ago, I was invited to a farewell moving away party for an acquaintance of mine. When I arrived, I found that I didn't know a single person in the room except for the honoree of the party, and she was deep in conversation. I walked up to the first person that I saw and introduced myself. We quickly found out that we are both musicians who love to improvise, and we were both looking for someone to improvise with. That was the unlikely beginning of Inspire Duo.

When Craig and I met for our first rehearsal, we knew that this duo was something special. We instantly clicked musically and magic began to happen. Craig and I both have extensive experience with a wide range of music from classical to jazz and numerous other styles. We found that we could create a unique blend of these styles and add our own flair to make beautiful and wildly creative music.

We began rehearsing regularly and developed a vision for collaborating with local artists in order to introduce a whole new sensory dimension to their works, both through live performances and audio recordings. Each song that we improvise starts with an inspiration - an series of descriptive words, a piece of art, another musical composition, a photo, or anything really. Beyond choosing our inspiration, we don't plan much what we will play in advance. One of us creates an initial musical idea which then takes shape as we continue to play. The music then spins from there as we communicate back and forth, building upon each musical idea and creating new ones. The great beauty of this kind of music is that we aren't stuck to written notes on a page, or even a set of chords such as on a jazz chart. We are free to develop ideas as we play and interact directly with the environment around us using music.

Stay posted for updates on our live concerts. We need your inspiration! We also accept bookings to play for social events. Email me for information on hiring us for your next party or event by clicking on "Inspire Duo" HERE.

Listen to Music Samples Here

Flute Trio at the Design Studio in Niwot, Colorado

This weekend I played classical music in a flute trio representing the Boulder Symphony. We played for a partner of the symphony, the Design Studio in Niwot, Colorado. I was charmed with Niwot's original old west style 2nd Ave. which I believe was their main street. The Design Studio was hosting their grand opening and it was quite a classy event. In addition to our live music, there was beautiful original art displayed throughout the store and a large variety of specialty food and drinks.

Flute Quartet Christmas Music at the Boulder History Museum

Our Boulder Symphony flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello) recently played for a Santa Photo Shoot at the Boulder History Museum. The day dawned in winter chill but indoors the museum was cozy and beautifully decorated for the holidays. Guests enjoyed drinks, cookies and other refreshments as they enjoyed our musical performance. It was a charming and traditional way to ring in the holiday season and everyone left feeling a little more festive. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas Live at the Boulder History Museum Wassail Song Live at the Boulder History Museum

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the River Bend in Lyons, Colorado

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

In late June, our flute and guitar duo played for a wedding ceremony at the River Bend in Lyons, Colorado. The setting at the River Bend was perfect for this outdoorsy adventure loving couple. It was idyllic with mature trees, a lush lawn, and a river curving in front of high rock walls. The guests enjoyed drinks, socializing, and playing corn-hole by the river before the wedding. Our flute and guitar duo played a mix of classical, popular and jazz tunes for the wedding ceremony and cocktail hour, and then we played another hour for the dinner reception.

From the bride: "Christen Stephens was a wonderful addition to our wedding - very professional, timely, and easy to communicate with to figure out details for the wedding. Music was beautiful and just what we were looking for. Highly recommended."

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Sample Prelude Music: Invention No. 10 (Bach), Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison), Autumn Leaves, Everything I Do (I Do it For You), Annie's Song, The Days of Wine and Roses, Berceuse, Op. 16 (Faure), Arioso (Bach)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Canon in D ~ Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower Girl
The Ludlows ~ Bride's Processional
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 ~ Recessional

Sample Cocktail Hour and Dinner Music:
Cheek to Cheek, All My Loving, Fly Me to the Moon, Entr'acte (Bizet), Try to Remember, Tango (Albeniz), Gavotte (Handel), To Make You Feel My Love (Adele), Giuliani Sonatas (selections), When I Fall in Love, Misty, Pastorale (Vivaldi), Unforgettable

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue - River Bend
Wedding Coordinator - Purple Summer Events
Photographer - Nine Photography
Ceremony and Reception Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens -  Flute and Guitar Duo

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at the Wedgwood Center in Boulder, Colorado

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photos with a watermark are courtesy of TomK Photography

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:

Venue: Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center
Photographer: Tom K Photo
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo

In June, our flute and cello duo played for a very musical destination wedding ceremony at the Wedgwood Wedding and Banquet Center in Boulder, Colorado. The bride and groom had many fun song selections that they incorporated throughout their ceremony, and they each had a secret song that they chose for each other. The groom sang his secret song ("All I Ask of You") to the bride as we accompanied on flute and cello. The groom even sang some of his vows. The ceremony was full of laughter and fun and was truly a celebration of love. I adored the vintage bottles and colored sand that the couple used for their sand pouring ceremony.

Sample Prelude Music:
New York, New York, The Sound of Music, The Ludlows, Can't Help Falling in Love, Moon River, All of Me, Wildflowers (Tom Petty)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) ~ Seating of the Families
Canon in D (Pachelbel) ~ Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles) ~ Flower Girls and Ringbearer
Sweet Child of Mine (Guns N' Roses) ~ Bride's Processional
In the Still of the Nite (The Satins) ~ Sand Ceremony
La Vie En Rose (Louis Armstrong) ~ Bride's song for the groom
All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera ~ Groom's song for the bride
Wedding March (Mendelssohn) ~ Recessional
Simple Gifts (Lord of the Dance version) ~ Postlude

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

New Wedding Ceremony Songs for 2016

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

I am happy to announce that I have added a number of new contemporary wedding songs to my 2016 repertoire. Below, I have grouped these songs in a way that would beautifully compliment each part of a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour.

Prelude Songs: For the First Time in Forever from Frozen (solo flute) To Make You Feel My Love – Adele (flute and guitar, flute trio, flute quartet) What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong (flute and violin, flute and cello, flute trio, flute quartet) All You Need is Love – Beatles (flute and violin, flute and cello, flute trio, flute quartet)

Processional Songs: All I Want is You – U2 (flute quartet) All of Me – John Legend (flute and violin) A Thousand Years – Christina Perri (flute and violin, flute trio, flute quartet) Reign of Love – Coldplay (flute trio)

During the Ceremony: On Eagles’ Wings – Michael Joncas (flute and cello)

Cocktail Hour: Don’t Stop Believing – Journey (flute and cello, flute quartet) Feeling Good (solo flute) Let it Go from Frozen (solo flute) Such Great Heights – Postal Service (flute trio, flute quartet) Wildflowers – Tom Petty (flute and cello)