October 28, 2020

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado

October 28, 2020/ Christen Stephens

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by David Gillette Photography

Every year has at least one wedding that stands out as exceptionally special, and for me, this wedding was one of those treasured moments. The bride hired me to play solo flute for her Beaver Creek wedding ceremony when the pandemic was still a vague idea somewhere off in China. When things began to get crazy, we kept checking in with each other - Are you staying healthy? Is everything still good on your end with the wedding?

In the end, and after much hesitation, the wedding went forward as planned. The music stayed the same, but the guests list became a lot smaller. The bride selected her entire song list, and I enjoyed learning several new songs and revisiting some old favorites. The ceremony was full of music, and I played prelude music as guests arrived, and also played for the processional, communion, signing of the marriage license, benediction, recessional, and first dance.

The first dance was a special moment in a storybook setting, with the stone church and vibrant fall foliage as a backdrop. The couple danced to a recording of Annie’s Song, and I improvised over the recording on my flute.

Prelude Music: Canon in D Major (Pachelbel), Wedding Song (There Is Love) (Peter Paul and Mary), Perhaps Love (John Denver), Sunshine on My Shoulders (John Denver), Longer (Dan Folgerberg), Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Have I Told You Lately (Rod Stewart), You Are so Beautiful (Joe Cocker), For the Beauty of the Earth, The Wedding Song (Kenny G)

From the Bride:

“Christen’s Flute Playing Was Amazing and Special”

“We had a beautiful mountain ceremony. Her flute playing was amazing and special. She went above and beyond by learning a few new songs I specifically requested. If you want quality and a true professional go with Christen for your wedding music... I’m sure glad we did!”

Wedding Vendors:
Venue - Beaver Creek Chapel
Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute
Photographer - David Gillette Photography
Videographer - Capture the Action
Officiant - Scott Bebee

Ceremony Music:
Annie’s Song (John Denver) - Wedding Party
Bridal Chorus (Wagner) - Bride
Sunshine on my Shoulders (John Denver) - Signing of the marriage license and communion
Edelweiss (tune only) - Accompany sung benediction
Wedding March (Mendelssohn) - Recessional

Experience the timeless beauty of the flute for your wedding ceremony or event.

Listen

August 25, 2020

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music in Avon, Colorado

August 25, 2020/ Christen Stephens

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music in Bachelor Gulch, Avon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

I played solo flute for both the ceremony and appetizers. I played classical music by Bach, Mozart, and Debussy, and also more contemporary music by the Beatles, Sinatra, and a few jazz numbers along with some fun improvisation. I varied each song with different reverb settings on my amplification, and enjoyed imitating the original performances, and adding my own flair and personality. It completely made my day when one of the guests told me that my flute playing sounded like several instruments were playing, and not just a single flute!

I accompanied the cake cutting with "This is All I Ask” by Frank Sinatra. This was a song that the bride requested in memory of her grandfather, who used to sing it a lot.

From the Mother of the Bride:

“Christen was very easy to work with from start to finish! The flute sounded amazing on the mountain during our outdoor wedding and we would highly recommend using Christen for any and every event indoor or outdoor!!!”

Wedding Ceremony Songs:
Blackbird (Beatles) - Groom and Parents
Scarborough Fair (Traditional) - Bride
All my Loving (Beatles) - Recessional
This is All I Ask (Sinatra) - Cake Cutting

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Shane Macomber
Rabbi: Rabbi Joel D. Newman
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute

This August, it was such a privilege to have the opportunity to play solo flute for this traditional Jewish wedding ceremony in the Colorado mountains. This New York couple had originally planned to have a large wedding celebration with all the trimmings, but due to the pandemic, they sadly had to cancel the celebration as originally planned. The re-imagined intimate ceremony that they ended up with may have been completely different than their first plan, but it was so full of love, joy, and meaning.

The couple was married on an empty lot with a beautiful view of Bachelor Gulch. The hot sun disappeared behind cooling, dramatic clouds just in time for the ceremony. Afterwards, everyone continued to celebrate with appetizers and cake at their vacation home in the village. The bride is a pianist, so she chose some lovely music selections that I was very excited to learn.

My Solo Flute Signature Package is my most versatile wedding music package, and I love playing everything from traditional classical music to pop and rock music.

Listen to Music Samples

January 28, 2020

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Ritz-Carlton in Bachelor Gulch, Colorado

January 28, 2020/ Christen Stephens

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at the ritz-carlton, bachelor gulch, Colorado, Photo by Caitlin Hamilton Photography

The couple was married in mid-November at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch on a beautiful terrace overlooking the mountains. Snow clouds were moving in, creating a dramatic effect, and perfect lighting for some amazing photos. Before the ceremony, the wedding guests mingled inside to stay warm before the ceremony, and sometimes stepped outside to take photos in front of the mountains. I played my flute inside and set up my amplification outside so that I could be easily heard in both locations.

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at the ritz-carlton, bachelor gulch, Colorado

Just as the ceremony was ended, it began to lightly snow. Guests moved to the cocktail area and I was invited to join as well. It was a beautiful indoor/outdoor space made cozy with a fire and heat lamps. I didn’t stay too long, because it began to snow in earnest, and I had a long drive back to Denver.

Hire my beautiful and romantic Solo Flute Signature Package to give your special day a feel of joyful celebration. Learn more about my signature package and pricing HERE.

From the moment that I spoke with the bride Laura on the phone, I knew that we would be friends. We related on so many things, and I just loved Laura’s taste in music! Laura chose me to play solo flute because she said that the flute has such a celebratory and joyful sound, and it wouldn’t make her cry like a violin would.

From the Bride:

“Christen Stephens was absolutely fantastic and 5 stars isn't nearly enough! She was a complete professional from start to finish, and she truly made our wedding day perfect. I found Christen less than 2 months before our wedding, and even with that short time to prepare, she put together an incredible song list (I should also mention, the songs she has in her repertoire to choose from are also incredible!) A huge variety of songs and genres, and she went over and above by offering to learn any songs that were special to us and were not on her list. We can't thank Christen enough for providing her lovely music and great personality to our ceremony. Highly, highly recommend!”

Laura loved my large repertoire list, and she chose music from the Phantom of the Opera, Legends of the Fall, John Denver, the Beach Boys and Beatles, pop songs, traditional Irish tunes, and nostalgic jazz tunes. I also enjoyed learning three new songs: Rocky Mountain High (John Denver), California Girls (Beach Boys), and Music of the Night (Phantom of the Opera).

Wedding Processional Music:
The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall - Bridesmaids and groomsmen, ringbearer
Annie’s Song (John Denver) - Bride
Rocky Mountain High (John Denver) - Recessional

Sample Wedding Prelude and Postlude Selections:
The Way You Look Tonight (Sinatra), Georgia on my Mind (Ray Charles), The Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera, Tobin’s Favorite (traditional Irish), Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran), California Girls (Beach Boys), Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (Duke Ellington)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute Signature Package
Venue: Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
Photographer: Caitlin Hamilton Photography
Flowers: Vintage Magnolia
Officiant: Father Michael Messina

April 05, 2018

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado

April 05, 2018/ Christen Stephens

Photos Courtesy of Ian Riley Photography

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado

In mid-December, I headed up to Dillon, Colorado to play solo flute for an outdoor wedding ceremony on Sapphire Point Overlook. Sapphire Point has stunning views of the Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. The mountains and pines were covered with snow, making an incredibly romantic setting for this Texas couple's wedding ceremony. I helped the guests feel warmer by playing a mix of contemporary, jazz, and Christmas music as they arrived and were seated. I think that "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" was particularly inviting to all of us in the steady wind and freezing temperatures.

The ceremony was fairly short and then I continued to play after the ceremony concluded while the wedding party had their photos taken. I can play my flute as long as the temperatures stay above freezing, but the temperatures were below freezing, and soon the inside of my flute was completely covered in a thick layer of ice from the moisture in my breath. I quickly changed flutes to my backup flute but soon that one froze too! Since a few keys froze together, I just avoided the notes that I couldn't play until the end of my booked time. It was quite an adventure!

Samples from Prelude Music:

Isn't it Romantic? (Ella Fitzgerald), Annie's Song (John Denver), Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra), Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), Deck the Hall, The First Noel, Frosty the Snowman, A Holly Jolly Christmas, It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Processional Music:

Groom: Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis)
Bride: Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Recessional: Fly Me to the Moon (Sinatra)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:

Venue: Sapphire Point
Photographer and Videographer: Ian Riley Photography
Officiant: Phil Gallagher
Colorado Wedding Musician: Christen Stephens on Solo Flute

Hire me to play my magical and romantic solo flute music at your wedding.

March 26, 2018

Solo Flute Wedding Elopement Ceremony Music in Estes Park

March 26, 2018/ Christen Stephens

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music in Estes Park, Colorado

Around Christmas time, I played solo flute for an intimate elopement wedding at Della Terra Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado. The bride and groom chose to celebrate each other in a private destination ceremony, and I felt so privileged to be a part of their special day. Even though there were no guests, the couple chose to celebrate with a traditional wedding ceremony. The bride's dream was to have a magical outdoor ceremony in a snowy mountain setting. Despite the frosty day, there wasn't any snow on the ground, but there was a chance of snow, and we were all hoping for the best. A few flakes of snow ended up falling during and after the ceremony, and the mountain peaks in the background also had some white, completing a romantic winter backdrop. Since the temperature was well below freezing, and cold enough for ice to form inside my flute, I had to play my flute inside and let my sound float out the windows and doors. The couple was married outside on the patio and they were still able to hear my music clearly. The bride wore a beautiful wedding gown, crown, and a furry white shawl, just like an enchanted snow princess.

The couple selected a set of familiar contemporary songs from my current repertoire, and they customized the set list with additional song requests. I really enjoyed learning the new songs and adapting the vocal parts and instrumental interludes for solo flute.

Because of the frosty weather, the bride and groom decided to have their after-ceremony celebration indoors. The inside of the chateau was dripping with Christmas elegance, and we stayed toasty warm in front of one of several cheerfully crackling fires. I played "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran for the couple's first dance as a married couple. The simplicity of the dance with just the two of them serenaded by my flute was very sweet and romantic. I continued to play while they cut and ate their cake, toasted with champagne, and while they opened their gifts to each other. Being focused completely on each other was such a lovely way for them to spend their first few hours as a married couple.

Sample from the Prelude and Postlude Music: Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran), Got to Believe in Magic (David Pomeranz), Love is All That Matters (David Pomeranz), Valentine (Jim Brickman), Your Love (Jim Brickman), Destiny (Jim Brickman), The Gift (Jim Brickman), Beautiful in White (Westlife), Love Was Made For Us (Cleo)

Processional: A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)

Recessional: From This Moment (Shania Twain)

First Dance: Perfect (Ed Sheeran)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Musician: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute
Photographer: Crystaline Photography and Video

Add the versatile music of the flute to your wedding ceremony or event. Listen to Music Samples.

May 17, 2017

Solo Flute Event Music in Denver, Colorado

May 17, 2017/ Christen Stephens

This past weekend, I had a wonderful afternoon playing solo flute music for the Mother's Day Tea at Brookdale Senior Living Center near Denver, Colorado. I put together a fun set of music from classical to contemporary and jazz tunes. It was lovely to meet some of the residents and their families and I think that they enjoyed listening just as much as I enjoyed playing for them. As I played, the guests enjoyed dainty treats and hot tea on that beautiful sunny afternoon. Do you want more information about my elegant solo flute music for your wedding ceremony or next event? Tell me what songs and musical styles you like and I'll put together a custom music set list just for you!

Sample Music Selections from the Mother's Day Tea: Pastorale (Vivaldi), Menuet from the Notebook of Anna Magdalena Bach (Bach), Give Me Your Hand (traditional Irish), Sunshine on my Shoulders (John Denver), As Time Goes By from Cassablanca, Love Me Tender (Elvis), What a Wonderful World, Moon River

July 15, 2016

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point, Dillon, Colorado

July 15, 2016/ Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photos with a watermark are courtesy of Infinite Pixels by Angel — Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, *Photos with a watermark are courtesy of* *Infinite Pixels by Angel*

In early June, I played solo flute for a charming 1920's inspired wedding ceremony at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado. Sapphire Point is an overlook that boasts a stunning view of the Dillon Reservoir and the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges. As I set up my things, I watched the antics of a curious chipmunk, who was eating some trail mix and inspecting a darling parasol that was ready for the bride in case of sun. Sun wasn't a concern after all, because rain was threatening and we all prayed that the storms would hold off for the wedding ceremony.

At the bride's request, I played upbeat classical and Irish music for the prelude as the guests arrived. The weather was beautiful until the middle of the ceremony when large guests of wind blew in dark masses of clouds and it began to rain. The bride and groom agreed to end the ceremony early. I was still able to play the recessional music in the rain because I brought my backup flute - a special flute that is made of plastic and completely waterproof.

From the bride: Christen was great. Even when the weather changed our plans last minute with no rehearsal, Christen kept right on track and made the day perfect. When working with her to plan the wedding music, she was so helpful and professional. She also sounded amazing! Everything was perfect from working with her in planning down to the ceremony and all the last minute changes. We definitely recommend her for your event!

Sample Prelude Music:
Unchained Melody, On the Turning Away, The Butterfly (Irish), The Foggy Dew (Irish), Galway Hornpipe, Liebestraum (Lizt), June from the Seasons (Tchaikovsky), The Last Rose of Summer, The Lover's Waltz, Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Processional (Seating of the Family, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen) ~ Canon in D
Bride ~ In Dreams From the Lord of the Rings
Recessional ~ Drowsy Maggie (Irish)

Vendors:
Officiant: Keith Horstman
Photographer: Infinite Pixels by Angel Photography
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

June 18, 2016

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens

June 18, 2016/ Christen Stephens

I recently enjoyed playing solo flute for the wedding ceremony of a delightful couple in Denver, Colorado. The bride was from Turkmeninstan, the groom was from England and their former college teacher from California officiated the wedding ceremony. Of all the places in the world to get married, this couple chose the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado. They were married under the Water Garden Gazebo by the peaceful Monet Pool, which reflected the beautiful flowers and puffy clouds.The weather was beautiful with just enough clouds in the sky to keep the temperature very comfortable. The ceremony was small with just close family and friends and everyone was so warm and friendly that I felt quite welcome.

From the bride:
"Christen was absolutely amazing! We had our wedding ceremony at Denver Botanic Gardens on June 7, 2016 and couldn't have wished for the greater experience with Christen. We were absolutely impressed with her music, she made our special day magical! The guests loved Christen's playing. I recommend her to anyone who wants beautiful music for their ceremony/wedding, you will be amazed!!!"

Prelude Music: The Swan, The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, Minuet from Eight Minuets and Trios, K 315a (Mozart), Romance (Beethoven), Spring (Vivaldi), Simple Gifts, Menuet from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach) Postlude: Gavotte (Handel), The Lord's Prayer

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Processional ~ Amazing Grace
Recessional ~ Hornpipe - Purcell

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue - Denver Botanic Gardens
Wedding Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute

February 17, 2015

Music Ideas for a Small Wedding Ceremony

February 17, 2015/ Christen Stephens

When planning a small wedding ceremony, it's important that the music you choose will reflect the intimate feel of the gathering of your closest family and friends. A soloist is perfect for a very small wedding ceremony, and a duo or trio works well with a slightly larger ceremony. A general rule of thumb is to hire at least one musician per 50 guests. If you are having a very small wedding ceremony, you may want to hire a soloist. My specialty is the flute, and I often play solo flute for wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours. Solo flute, along with other single-note instruments, sounds great playing classical music but can also play any genre of music as long as the songs have a distinct melody. The sweet and rich sound of solo flute carries well and is easily heard outdoors, but is especially full and resonant in indoor spaces such as inside a church sanctuary. When I play solo flute for wedding ceremonies, I will often play classical music for the ceremony and then transition to more contemporary and jazz selections for the cocktail hour or reception.

If you are planning to invite more than 50 guests or if the guests will be spread apart over a large area outdoors, I recommend hiring a duo or trio. Both our flute and violin duo and our flute and cello duo give a personal and intimate feel to a small wedding ceremony and have a fuller sound than a soloist. Both of these duos sound wonderful with classical music but many contemporary songs can also be arranged to be performed by these duos.

If you want to hear mostly contemporary music at your wedding, a flute and guitar duo is the perfect choice. This duo retains a feeling of simplicity both visually and tonally, but has the most full sound of the three duos because the guitar can play several notes at once. This duo is very versatile and sounds great playing classical, popular, rock and jazz music. We often amplify this ensemble so that the guitar can be heard well.

A trio is also a great option for a small wedding ceremony. Trios sound much fuller than duos, but still provide an intimate feel. Take a look at the flute trio that we offer.

Whatever music you choose for your small wedding ceremony, the most important thing is to be true to yourself and your vision. If you don't know what ensemble to choose, communicate your thoughts to your local wedding music professional and they will help you choose the perfect ensemble to meet your needs.

Photos Courtesy of Grace Combs Photography

December 12, 2014

Solo Flute Memorial Reception Music in Cherry Hills Village

December 12, 2014/ Christen Stephens

This past week I had the pleasure of playing solo flute for a memorial reception in Cherry Hills Village. The service was held at a beautiful private residence, and the high ceilings and openness of the house had wonderful acoustics for my flute. I played a mix of classical, jazz, and popular music and was also asked to add in a number of traditional Hawaiian tunes to honor the deceased's love of all things Hawaiian. I played about 60 different songs over the course of about three hours and it was wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

Some of the pieces I played included Romanza from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), Waltz Op. 69 #2 (Chopin), Adagio from the Flute Quartet in D Major (Mozart), One the Wings of Song (Mendelssohn), Moon River, As Time Goes By, Fly Me to the Moon, (Everything I Do) I Do it For You, Misty, and What a Wonderful World. The Hawaiian selections included Dear Old Honolulu, Aloha 'Oe (Farewell to Thee), My Waikiki Mermaid, Halona (Beautiful Mountain), and Kawaihau (Hawaiian Rag-time).

October 22, 2014

Solo Flute - Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park

October 22, 2014/ Christen Stephens

Outdoor autumn wedding ceremonies can be tricky in the Colorado mountains because the weather can be anything from warm and sunny to freezing cold and snowing. This bride hoped for the best with her early October wedding ceremony, but was also ready to brave the worst. It was clear to see why she wanted an outdoor wedding ceremony at Della Terra Chateau in Estes Park. The chateau is beautifully situated in the mountains and gives the feel of majestic isolation that is pure Colorado. The grounds feature garden areas and small ponds and bridges that blend well into the wild Colorado landscape. Wildlife abounded and I saw several elk, wild turkeys, and many birds and chipmunks. Inside, the chateau was built to reflect the classic European charm of years gone by. I had no idea what to expect from the weather as I drove up the fog-shrouded mountains. The forecast was calling for thunderstorms and even snow later in the evening. When I arrived at Della Terra, it was cold and cloudy and I set up under a small musician pavilion to protect my flute from the drizzling rain.

The bride chose solo flute music for her wedding ceremony, and I played elegant music on my flute as the handful of guests began arriving. As the guests arrived, the cold rain began to fall in earnest and umbrellas were quickly supplied to the guests and they wrapped themselves in the warm blankets that had been provided. I chose cheerful spring-like music to give the atmosphere a feeling of warmth, and one of the guests later told me that my music was the perfect balm for the cold, dark weather. The processional began, and just as the bride reached the front, the sun came out and the rain abated just long enough for a beautiful ceremony to take place.

Selected Wedding Prelude Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach), Danza Pastorale (Vivaldi), Spring (Vivaldi), Hornpipe (Purcell), The Swan (Saint Seans), Minuetto (Mozart)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Wedding Party ~ Trumpet Voluntary
Bride ~ Trumpet Tune
Recessional ~ Bourree from Handel's Water Music
Postlude ~ Hornpipe from Handel's Water Music and Chopin's Waltz, Op. 69 No. 2

Wedding Vendors
Wedding Venue: Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Officiant: Reverend Simone Shepherd
Ceremony Musician: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute

The view behind the ceremony site

June 25, 2014

Flute and Piano Reception Music at the 10th Restaurant in Vail

June 25, 2014/ Christen Stephens

This past Saturday was truly a remarkable experience and I was privileged to be invited to play my flute for the memorial service and reception honoring Jim Vincent. The weather was perfect for the service, which took place in Vail Memorial Park in an idyllic mountain setting. We were surrounded by mountains, tall pines, and large boulders with a bubbling river winding through the woods nearby. When I arrived at the memorial site, I had the pleasure of once again seeing Pastor Tim Wilbanks, who later did a wonderful job presiding over the ceremony. I played classical music on solo flute for the prelude and after Pastor Wilbanks gave a welcome speech, I honored Jim Vincent by playing one of his favorite songs, "I Just Called to Say I Love You" (Stevie Wonder). At the end of the service, I played "My Way", a song that Jim Vincent personally requested be played at his memorial service. I really enjoyed the service as various family members and friends stood up and told both humorous and nostalgic stories about Jim Vincent. By the end of the service I really felt like I personally knew Jim.

Afterwards, we all left for the 10th Restaurant in Vail. I drove to Vail Village and took the gondola up to the restaurant. This was my first time up a gondola, and I really enjoyed the ride and the view of Vail Village and the surrounding mountains. When we arrived at the restaurant, Adam Revell was already entertaining the guests with some light jazz on his keyboard. I joined him on my flute and we played a number of popular and jazz selections for the elegant three-hour reception. I was given great freedom with the music selections and I aimed to create a nostalgic and sometimes upbeat mood. The guests really enjoyed the music and I even spied a few of them dancing as they walked by.

Selected Reception Music:
Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra), Georgia on My Mind (Ray Charles), Blackbird (Beatles), Unchained Melody (Alex North), Annie's Song (John Denver), Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (Jerome Kern), Let it Be (Beatles), Autumn Leaves, I Will Remember You (Sarah McLachlan), Longer Than (Dan Fogleberg), Everything I Do (I do it for You) from Robin Hood, Fly me to the Moon, Annie's Song (John Denver)

Views from the gondola ride:

Vail Village:

May 02, 2013

Busking at Pearl Street Mall in Boulder

May 02, 2013/ Christen Stephens

Busking I’ve never played music on the street for tips before, but busking is something I’ve always wanted to try. For Colorado musicians, there is no better place to play than Pearl Street Mall, one of the top busking locations in the US. Pearl Street is a pedestrian shopping area in the heart of Boulder, and on any given day, it’s usual to see musicians, artists, and novelty entertainers of all kinds performing outdoors.

Big Surprise! This past Saturday was a beautiful day and I took my flute and headed out to Pearl Street to try my hand at street performing. What I did not expect were the thousands of people, fairies and other mythical creatures that crowded the center of town. I had unintentionally arrived just in time to play during the Boulder Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival. I found my own performing space somewhere between a guitarist playing on a platform that looked like a giant double bass and a fire tossing juggler. My biggest fans turned out to be little girls in fairy dresses who twirled and danced to the tunes I played on my flute.

Experiments As I played, I experimented to see what kind of music drew the most tips. The most loved Tulip Fairy and Elf music? Slow romantic or classical music, as long as I played loud enough to be heard over the noise of the crowd. The two favorites were “Londonderry Air” and “Meditation from Thais”. Jazz, Celtic and lively classical music didn’t do as well. Once I found out what kind of music my audience of young fairies preferred, the tips came in regularly and I left with some money in my purse and satisfied with an enjoyable experience. I am planning on busking again sometime, so if you are ever on Pearl Street and see a flute player, or if you are lucky, a flute and harp duo, that just might be me.

April 22, 2013

Solo Flute, Wedding Ceremony Music at Evans Memorial Chapel

April 22, 2013/ Christen Stephens

I had such a great time playing solo flute music for Irshana and Doug's wedding ceremony this past weekend. Because Irshana is a local bride, we were able to have our music consultation in person, and I quickly saw that Irshana is a lovely person, both inside and out. Meeting in person not only made selecting music easier but it made my flute music on Irshana's wedding day more meaningful to both of us. Irshana made a special request that I play "Amazed" by Lonestar, and other than that, she gave me a lot of musical freedom, asking me to showcase my wide range of musical styles. I ended up playing a broad selection of music including popular, Irish, film, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic. I think I kept the guests on their toes! On the day of the wedding ceremony it was cool, cloudy, and raining intermittently, but we were snug inside the beautiful Evans Memorial Chapel on the University of Denver campus. I had never played at the chapel before, and I believe this small chapel was the most live, echoing venue I've ever played a wedding ceremony in before. Musicians will relate to the fact that this was a very enjoyable experience for me! Because there were only 15 guests, I felt like I was giving a casual private salon concert and I got to know some of the guests as we bantered back and forth before the ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, Amazed (Lonestar), The Prayer (Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli), Sheebeg and Sheemore (Irish), Minuet from Eight Minuets and Trios (Mozart), Berceuse from the Dolly Suite (Gabriel Faure), Andante from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), Traumerei (Robert Schumann), Chorale from Cantata No. 140 (JS Bach)

Bridal Processional ~ Salut d'Amour (Edward Elgar)
Signing of the Marriage Certificate ~ Laudate Dominum (Mozart)
Recessional ~ Danza Pastorale from Spring (Vivaldi)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Evans Memorial Chapel
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute

January 29, 2013

Wedding Processional Music Ideas for the Flute

January 29, 2013/ Christen Stephens

The following is a list wedding processional music that I have handpicked and compiled for 2013. Some of these songs are new and some are old friends paying a return visit, but all of these songs will sound great with the flute.

Classical Wedding Processional Music Ideas: Classical music sounds great with flute and harp, flute and guitar, solo flute, flute and cello, flute and violin, and flute and strings trios and quartets. Visit my Ensembles page for music samples.

Alla Hornpipe (Handel) Bridal Chorus (Wagner) Canon in D (Pachelbel) Chorale from Cantata No. 147 (JS Bach) Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (JS Bach) Overture from Royal Fireworks Music (Handel) Rondeau (Mouret) Spring from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi) Te Deum (Marc-Antoine Charpentier) Trumpet Tune (Purcell) Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke) Water Music — Selections (Handel) Wedding March from a Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mendelssohn) Wedding March from The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart) Largo from Winter from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi)

Contemporary Wedding Processional Music Ideas:

These contemporary music selections will sound great with flute and harp, flute and guitar, and flute and string trios and quartets.

All You Need is Love – The Beatles At Last – Etta James Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flatts Come Away with Me – Norah Jones Endless Love - Lionel Richie Edelweiss - Rodgers/Hammerstein Falling In Love At a Coffeeshop – Landon Pigg Fields of Gold – Sting From This Moment On – Cole Porter Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart In My Life - Lennon/McCartney I Will be Here – Steven Curtis Chapman Legend of Zelda Selections The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall Moon River –from Breakfast at Tiffany’s Reign of Love – Coldplay She - Elvis Costello Smile – Uncle Kracker Sunshine of my Life – Stevie Wonder This Year’s Love - David Gray The Wedding from Legends of the Fall Whatever it is – Zac Brown Band What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong When I Fall in Love – Nat King Cole When You Say Nothing At All - Alison Krauss Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton You are the Sunshine of my Life – Stevie Wonder

January 27, 2012

Win Free Live Music for Valentine's Day

January 27, 2012/ Christen Stephens

Gigmaster's is hosting a contest to win $200 towards a Valentine's Day performance from a Gigmaster's musician like myself. If you win and choose solo flute and/or solo piano from me, this means a nice long free performance! Enter before February 6th: Win a Serenade for Valentine's Day

October 14, 2010

Solo Flute Speaks for Itself

October 14, 2010/ Christen Stephens

I recently had a conversation with someone about music, and when I told her I play flute for weddings and events, she asked if I play with other musicians. I told her I do, but she was surprised when I told her that I also perform frequently as a soloist. Contrary to what many people assume, the flute sounds full and complete on its own, and is a beautiful and popular choice for wedding and event music. Solo flute can stand on its own, and here are the reasons why:

It’s Simple - When you listen to music, you probably focus on the melody, and might even hum along with the song, but you probably don’t pay much attention to the harmony beneath the melody. Solo flute gives you a pure and clean melody, and every nuance and expression in the music is highlighted in its simplicity.

It’s Unique - After playing solo flute for weddings, it is common for me to hear people say that they had never heard a flute soloist before and were impressed with its beauty and unique sound. Any time two instruments are played together they blend to create a different sound that is a little like each of the instruments played, but a bit different from both. When the flute is played apart from other instruments, it provides a unique sound that few people have heard.

It’s Affordable – When hiring musicians, it’s important to consider your budget, and solo flute is very budget friendly. With each extra musician you hire, your rates can double, so if you are on a budget, a soloist is the perfect choice.

It’s Versatile - Short on space? A soloist on the flute doesn’t take up much space, and certainly takes up less space than most other musicians

Have an echo? Some venues, particularly churches, have impressive echoes. Locations like Beaver Creek Chapel and Evans Memorial Chapel in Denver are perfect examples. Larger groups may sound muddled if there is too much of an echo, but solo flute has a full and clear sound, that is quite remarkable in these types of buildings.

Outdoor wedding? Flute is an excellent choice for the outdoors because its sound carries better than that of a string instrument. Also, unlike a guitar or keyboard, the flute does not need to be plugged in.

Too many stairs? A flute player has excellent mobility. We are not limited by stairs, grassy lawns, or mountain locations.

Next time you are planning a wedding or event, consider the clear melodies, unique sound, affordability, and versatility of the solo flute.

Listen to Solo Flute Music Samples

Blog

From the Bride:

“Christen’s Flute Playing Was Amazing and Special”

Experience the timeless beauty of the flute for your wedding ceremony or event.

From the Mother of the Bride:

From the Bride: