A Concert for Kati

I am honored to be playing both flute and cello once again in our second annual concert dedicated to a deserving child in need. Like last year, this is a collaboration concert with the Boulder Cello Project, Chase the Music, and Cello Expressions. Our child this year is Kati, and the concert will feature arrangements specially made for our group, featuring some of Kati's favorite songs including Viva la Vida, Chim Chim Cher-ee, Call Me Maybe, and an original composition by Nick Halsey. Unlike last year's concert, this one will be open to the public, so if you want to attend, mark you calendars for Saturday, July 12th and visit http://celloexpressions.com/bcp-chase/ for the latest news and further updates. Below are some videos from last year. I'm playing the flute:

Flute, Viola, and Cello Trio - Boulder Symphony Orchestra and Sotheby's Realty

Looking southward over Wonderland Lake

I had a wonderful time these past two weeks playing music for for Sotheby's Realty, a sponsor of the Boulder Symphony Orchestra. Other members of the symphony joined me to form a flute, viola, and cello trio. Our first performance was at Sotheby's Realty where they held an elegant Boulder Symphony fundraising event. The event was a great success and I want to thank everyone who gives our symphony support - you truly make a difference!

Looking east over Boulder, Colorado

The second performance was at one of Sotheby's open houses, where we played as potential buyers toured the home. Our music carried very well in this house because it was large and open, and our classical music complimented the classical overtones in the home. We also had spectacular views! This home was situated at the end of a road in the hills above Boulder and was surrounded by open space. From there, we could clearly see Boulder right below us, north to Long's Peak, and south all the way to Pikes' Peak. I loved playing in this beautiful location and was fascinated to finally see what it's like in the Boulder foothills. I love playing in situations where I can interact with our audience and this was certainly one of those times. Our music was well received and the Realtor showing the home was warm and friendly.

Boulder Symphony Orchestra Spring 2014 Concerts

As a cellist with the Boulder Symphony Orchestra, I would like to invite you to join us for our upcoming concerts. Go to http://bouldersymphony.org/ to learn more and purchase tickets.

The Boulder Symphony Orchestra

ORGAN-IC ORCHESTRA

Saturday, February 15th at 7:00pm

Devon Howard, organ Ann Marie Liss, Harp Phoenix Avalon, violin

Returning to the Symphony by popular request is wunderkind violinist Phoenix Avalon, in a concert featuring the great prodigy composers. Camille Saint-Saens was performing the piano for Franz Liszt as a child; Gioachino Rossini wrote more than 30 operas before turning 30, and Felix Mendelssohn composed his most beloved works as a teenager. Camile Saint-Saëns’s Third Symphony, a masterful and seamlessly organic French interpretation of the genre features organist Devon Howard, and is indebted to the composer’s teacher Liszt, who himself showed off his wunderkind piano technique to Beethoven half a century earlier.

Program: Symphony No. 3 "Organ" by Camille Saint-Saens Overture to the Opera "William Tell" by Gioachino Rossini Violin Concerto by Felix Mendelssohn Sacred and Profane Dances by Claude Debussy

The Boulder Symphony Orchestra

EVENT HORIZONS

Saturday, March 15th at 7:00pm

Brandon Matthews, guest conductor In collaboration with Metro State Orchestra

A lifelong school teacher turned composer and mystic, Gustav Holst was was profoundly intrigued by both the human condition and our place in the universe. He delved inwardly into the spiritual traditions of humanity by examining the Mahabharata and other Hindu scriptures, as well as outward and upward towards the heavens as an astrologer and horoscope reader. The Planets is the composer’s greatest portrayal of the eternal, one of the most penetrating artistic representations of the Solar System and the great beyond. Joined by members the Metro State Orchestras, Event Horizons will also feature the world premiere of A Warmer Wind, a multimedia feast by Jonathan Sokol and Boulder Symphony violist Julie Rooney.

Program: The Planets by Gustav Holst A Warmer Wind (World Premiere) by Jonathan Sokol & Julie Rooney

The Boulder Symphony Orchestra

SECRET AGENTS FOR CHANGE

Saturday, May 17th at 7:00pm

Deborah Marshall, clarinet

The fiery and rousing season finale features Mr. Beethoven and Mr. Shostakovich as political activists as much as they were composers. Under the thumb of the powers that be, both composers orchestrated subliminal political messages and innuendos into the their music to combat the status quo. Shostakovich’s epic Fifth Symphony is perhaps history’s greatest dramatic battle between dictator and creator.

Making her debut as soloist with the Boulder Symphony is Chamber Music Director and Clarinetist Deborah Marshall, capped off by an instrument that we guarantee you have never seen before nor heard of, the world premiere of the joint venture of Max Bernstein, Mark Hamilton McCoin, and DeVotchKa’s Tom Hagerman, their Concerto for Pianoharp and Orchestra.

Program: Symphony No. 5 by Dmitri Shostakovich Lenore Overture No. 3 from Fidelio by Ludwig van Beethoven Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra by Claude Debussy Concerto for Pianoharp (World Premiere) by Max Bernstein, Tom Hagerman & Mark Hamilton McCoin

Flute, Viola, and Cello Trio - Wedding Music at the Greenbriar Inn in Boulder

Flute and String Wedding Ceremony Music at the Greenbriar Inn, Boulder

On Saturday, our flute, viola, and cello trio played for a wedding ceremony at the beautiful Greenbriar Inn located in North Boulder. The couple got married outside surrounded by warm autumn colors drenched in late afternoon sunshine. This couple chose to select all of their own music including their own prelude music. They chose favorites ranging from classical, to ragtime and popular. I made several special music arrangements for our trio to play including “New York, New York”, “I Feel Pretty”, and “When I’m 64”. We played the prelude as the guests enjoyed light refreshments, and just as the sun began to descend towards the mountains behind the "Chuppah" (traditional Jewish wedding canopy), the wedding ceremony began. The vows went by quickly as the couple chose to say their "I do's" in unison, and guests did various readings. Once the sun set, there was a sharp chill in the air, and everyone went inside to enjoy a warm fire and refreshments.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Prelude Music ~ Trumpet Tune (Purcell), Salut d’Amour (Elgar), Ave Maria (Schubert), Selections from Handel’s “Water Music”, London Trio #1 (Haydn), Paragon Rag (Joplin), I Feel Pretty (Bernstein), When I’m 64 (Beatles)

Attendant’s and Parent's Processional ~ Canon in D
Bride ~ Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Recessional ~ New York, New York

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Greenbriar Inn
Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Trio

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the GM Ranch in Sedalia, CO

Flute and Cello Duo - Classical Wedding Ceremony Music in Colorado

This past week, I played my flute in the wedding ceremony of a very special young bride awaiting a lung transplant. My heart remains with this couple as they walk together in future trials and hopefully many victories as well. The day of the ceremony was unusually hot for September, with temperatures over 90 degrees. The ceremony site was wisely situated in the shade of the ranch house, facing lovely views of the countryside, mountains, and horses. The shade combined with falling evening temperatures and a nice breeze coming from the mountains felt wonderful, and everyone stayed cool.

The ceremony site was decorated in a simple and striking theme of red and white and the bridesmaids wore red. Because of the bride's health, chairs were provided for the bride and groom and wedding party to sit in during the ceremony. It was a short, moving Catholic ceremony and our flute and cello duo played a prelude before the wedding began and then accompanied the vows and sand pouring with soft music by Schubert and Bach.
 

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Rondo Alla Turca (Mozart), Fairest Lord Jesus, My Heart is Ever Faithful (Bach), St. Anthony's Chorale (Brahms) Processional Music ~ Arioso (Bach) Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel) Vows ~ Ave Maria (Schubert) Sand Pouring ~ Air on the G String (Bach) Recessional ~ Wedding March (Mendelssohn)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: GM Ranch, Sedalia
Photographer: Rebecca Marie Photography
Wedding Ceremony Musicians: ChristenStephens.com - Flute and Cello Duo

Flute and Cello Duo - Classical Wedding Ceremony Music in Colorado

Wedding Ceremony Music in Colorado

Musician photos courtesy of

Rebecca Marie Photography

Flute and Guitar Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Recently I had the pleasure of playing the flute for a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony and reception. I loved the music selections which included a combination of classical, traditional Hebrew, Latin, and Spanish songs. The wedding was held in the Pinnacle Club, the top rooms in the Denver Hyatt. Fromthere we had a sweeping view of downtown Denver.

We played prelude music as the guests arrived, and then as each couple walked down the aisle for the processional, everyone clapped for them. The wedding ceremony was more like a celebration and family and friends were encouraged to cheer on and support the bride and groom and affirm the words spoken by the rabbi during the service. The ceremony was complete with blessings and readings in Hebrew, and ended with the traditional smashing of the wine glass as the guests shouted "Mazle Tov!. Everyone sang "Siman Tov" along with our musical accompaniment for the recessional.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Cinema Paradiso, I Will (Beatles), Meditation from Thais (Massenet), Bittersweet Symphony (the Verve), Brighter than Sunshine (Aqualung) Processional Music ~ Erev Shel Shosanim Bridal Processional ~ Can't Help Falling in Love Recessional - Siman Tov then Mazel Tov

Reception Music included music from Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Vianne Sets Up Shop from Chocolat.

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Pinnacle Club at the Grand Hyatt
Denver Photographer: WD Yeager Photography shooting for Broxton Art
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Boulder Symphony Orchestra Winter 2013 Concerts

I am a cellist with the Boulder Symphony Orchestra, and I invite you to join us for our upcoming concerts. Go to the new website at http://bouldersymphony.org/ to learn more and purchase tickets.

DEAF MAN'S DYSFUNCTIONAL DANCE Saturday, September 21st at 7:00pm

Celebrate folk traditions spanning half a millennium with the Symphony as we share the greatest musical dance traditions from Transylvania, Hungary and Romania, to present day America. Wagner called Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony the apotheosis of the dance in Dionysian fashion with its gyrating rhythms and intoxicating spirit. Also explored on the program are good old American jigs in the form of the contra-dance in the world premiere of Loretta Notareschi’s Balance and Swing.

Program: SYMPHONY NO. 7 by Ludwig Van Beethoven ROMANIAN FOLK DANCES by Bela Bartok HUNGARIAN DANCES 1 & 5 by Johannes Brahms PRELUDE TO THE OPERA "THE MASTERSINGER OF NUREMBERG" by Richard Wagner BALANCE AND SWING [WORLD PREMIER] by Loretta Notareschi

MAYHEM ON CANYON BOULEVARD Saturday, October 26th at 2:00pm

In collaboration with Longmont Youth Symphony. Celebrate Halloween early, for the the whole family as the Symphony presents an epic orchestral Murder Mystery topped off with Trick-or-treating Boulder-style, a costume contest with the winner serving as Maestro, and an orchestra petting zoo so kids test drive some of the world’s greatest instruments! We are joined, at least initially, by the famed Italian Maestro Gianfranco Benedicto Cellini.

COSTUME CONTEST - Winner conducts the orchestra TRICK-OR-TREATING with local Boulder healthy sweets INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO For kids and all ages

BRIDGES TO HEAVEN Saturday, December 7th at 7:00pm

Teresa Castillo, soprano Thomas Kittle, baritone Gustav Mahler’s music brings us a wealth of experience from the earliest childhood memories to depictions of heaven, and everything in between. For his Fourth Symphony, widely known as his more populist from the genre, classical tradition clashes magnificently with contemporary culture. The Song and Symphony become one as we premiere composer-in-residence Austin Wintory’s modern version of the Song cycle for orchestra, as we welcome back soprano Teresa Castillo and baritone Thomas Kittle.

Program: SYMPHONY NO. 4 by Gustav Mahler SONGS OF A WAYFARER by Gustav Mahler SONG FOR ORCHESTRA [WORLD PREMIER] by Austin Wintory

Flute, Violin and Cello Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

A short while ago, I drove south of Denver to play music for a wedding ceremony and reception in the small town of Sedalia, the home of Gabriel's Northern Italian Restaurant. Gabriel's is a darling Victorian restaurant with a wraparound porch, gardens, and a large stone patio perfectly sized for events and wedding ceremonies. This wedding was to be held in the garden area accompanied by our flute, violin, and cello trio. This was a beautiful outdoor wedding and everyone enjoyed the sunny day that wasn't too hot. This wedding, as with all outdoor weddings, offered a few complications. As we played the prelude music, I had a run-in with a horsefly who kept giving me painful bites on my legs. I knew the music had to go on and I kept playing as smoothly as I could until he finally got bored with me right around the time the ceremony began. However, just as the minister asked the couple to repeat their vows, we heard a very loud, long whistle and a train went roaring by, right behind the guests, and for several moments, it was impossible to hear anything. The minister made a few false starts which were interrupted by more whistles but the couple took it all in stride, and after a good-natured laugh and a little bit of waiting, the ceremony went on and they were married. We then played a lively recessional and transitioned into more upbeat classical music during the outdoor reception.

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Prelude music ~ selections from Telemann, Vivaldi, and Mozart Wedding Party and Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel) Recessional ~ Allegro from Spring from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi)

Selected Reception Music:
Selections from Water Music (Handel), Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), Minuet (Beethoven), Selections from String Quartet in F major (Haydn)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Gabriel's Northern Italian Restaurant
Photographer: Bob Sullivan
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Trio (flute, viola, cello)

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

Flute and Violin Duo, Wedding Ceremony Music in Breckenridge

It's hard to surpass a Colorado mountain wedding in July, and this gorgeous Breckenridge wedding ceremony was no exception. The ceremony was held outdoors at a private home with a sweeping view of the mountains and Breckenridge Golf Course. With only about 8 guests, this was the most intimate wedding I have played for, and among the sweetest. The festivities began as the guests enjoyed appetizers while our flute and violin duo set the mood with elegant classical music. Then the guests gathered around the alter for the wedding ceremony. During the ceremony, friends and family had an opportunity to speak to the bride and groom, and they laughed and cried as words of encouragement and advice mixed with many fond and humorous memories were passed around. Then the daughter of the groom sang "Someone Like You" by Van Morrison, a song that was meaningful to the couple, and I accompanied on the flute. Afterwards, everyone gathered inside to congratulate the bride and groom, visit, and enjoy a special dinner.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Gavotte (Gossec), Rondeau (Mouret), Presto from Sonatina in F major (Telemann), Romanza from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), selected Menuets (Devienne), St. Anthony Chorale (Brahms), La Rejouissance (Handel), March in D major (Bach)

Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Special Song (daughter of groom, voice with me on flute) ~ Someone Like You (Van Morrison)
Recessional ~ Danza Pastorale from Spring (Vivaldi)

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Virginia Stiles
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin Duo

Now Offering a String Quartet and a String Trio

string quartet and string trio wedding ceremony music

It's time to go traditional, and I am pleased to announce that you can now hire a string quartet or a string trio right here through my website. String music will add a touch of elegance and class to your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or your special event. The formal sound and appearance of stringed instruments make them a very popular choice for brides. If you would like to hire a quartet or a trio but want a more unique and varied sound, you can replace the first violin with the flute. The flute has a smooth sound that contrasts beautifully with that of stringed instruments.

Many Trails – A Performance for the Joshua School

This past Saturday for the very first time, members of the Boulder Cello Project collaborated with Chase the Music and Cello Expressions to create a special concert for a child and his classmates at the Joshua School. The Joshua School is a day treatment center for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities, and our aim was to enrich their lives by giving them the experience of a live musical performance done especially for them. The musicians included members of the Boulder Cello Project with the special additions of guitar, marimba, tubular chimes, drums, trumpet, and me on the flute. We performed Disney favorites, classical selections, and premiered an original composition by Nick Halsey dedicated to this deserving child. I think the adults enjoyed the concert just as much as the children did and we are hoping to have more concerts like this in the future.

Learn more about this collaboration and future concerts for these critically ill or specially nominated children at http://bcpandchase.weebly.com.

Solo Flute, Wedding Ceremony Music at Evans Memorial Chapel

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

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

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

The Boulder Opera Presents Rossini's "Cinderella" - a Children's Opera

La Cenerentola brings to life the timeless tale of Cinderella, but this isn't the story we grew up with. Rossini's version of the fairytale takes place in Italy, where the wicked stepsisters are tricked by a footman disguised as the prince, and Angelina (Cenerentola/Cinderella) falls in love with a prince disguised as a footman. Accessible, quick-moving, and comic, La Cenerentola will capture the attention of both girls and boys with its tricks and turns, the sisters' delightful wickedness, and Angelina's triumph. Lasting approximately an hour with a question and answer period after the show, La Cenerentola is the perfect introductory opera for children who love stories, singing, and acting. Professional singers and a live orchestra bring an authentic and exciting opera experience to children and parents alike. An emcee/narrator will guide the audience through the ins and outs of opera with lots of audience participation. The performance is probably most appropriate for children ages 3 and older.

Where: Nomad Theatre 1410 Quince Avenue

When: Thursday, April 25, 10:30am Saturday, April 27th, 11:00am and 2:00pm Sunday, April 28th, 12:00pm and 3:00pm

Tickets are available on the Boulder Opera Company website.

Flute and Violin Duo, Wedding Ceremony Music at Red Rocks Trading Post

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

This past Saturday I played my flute for a wedding ceremony at the beautiful Red Rocks Trading Post in Golden, CO. With cold and snowy weather the week before, and the same forecasted for this upcoming week, I was happy to wake up to a beautiful day in the upper 60's. As is usual for Colorado mountain wedding locations, our drive up the mountain to Red Rocks unfolded magnificent views. I also enjoyed my first sight of the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater which is built into the side of the mountain and nestled between two towering rocks with an amazing view of the valley and Denver in the distance.

The wedding took place at the nearby Red Rocks Trading Post, which also overlooked a sweeping vista. The bride chose a flute and violin duo for her wedding ceremony, and I played flute with Keynes Chen on violin. At the bride's request, we played light and upbeat classical music for the prelude, and the bride's special selections for the wedding ceremony. During the processional we played Handel's Hornpipe and just as the music changed in the second part to a faster lighthearted sound, the three flower girls emerged dancing around the guests and tossing out flower pedals, eliciting delighted laughter from everyone. Just as the couple was pronounced husband and wife and began their walk back down the aisle, the sun came out in full glory from behind the clouds as if to bless their union.

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Danza Pastorale from Spring (Vivaldi), Allegro from Flute Sonata (Handel), My Heart Ever Faithful from Cantata #68 (JS Bach), Air from Orpheus (Gluck), Gigue from Suite #3 (JS Bach), Gavotte (Gossec), Sicilienne from Variations on a Theme by Haydn (Brahms)

Seating of the Parents ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (JS Bach)
Attendant’s Processional ~ Hornpipe from Water Music (Handel)
Bridal Processional ~ Waltz from Sleeping Beauty (Tchaikovsky)
Recessional ~ All You Need is Love (Beatles)

Vendors:
Venue - Red Rocks Trading Post
Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin Duo
Wedding Planner - Entwined Wedding Planning
Photography - Denver Wedding Photographer R. J. Kern / Kern-Photo

Photos courtesy of Denver Wedding Photographer R. J. Kern / Kern-Photo.

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Traditional Wedding Ceremony Music - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Several years ago, I shocked the mother of a bride during our wedding music consultation by suggesting that our flute and harp duo play “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” at her daughter’s wedding ceremony. She had requested worshipful songs including hymns and traditional classical music, and being unfamiliar with this traditional wedding favorite, she thought the title seemed just a bit scandalous. Perhaps I should have instead asked if she wanted to hear the final movement from Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Herz und Mund und Tat”, or “Heart and Mouth and Deeds and Life”, written for church services in Lepzig:

Jesus remains my joy, my heart's comfort and essence, Jesus resists all suffering, He is my life's strength, my eye's desire and sun, my soul's love and joy; so will I not leave Jesus out of heart and face.

“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” was originally written for a choir, strings, trumpets, and bassoon, and the melody that we are so familiar with today was played by the violins. The English version that we most commonly associate with this melody, and from which today’s title is derived, is quite different from the literal translation:

Jesu, joy of man's desiring, Holy wisdom, love most bright; Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring Soar to uncreated light.

Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, With the fire of life impassioned, Striving still to truth unknown, Soaring, dying round Thy throne.

Through the way where hope is guiding, Hark, what peaceful music rings; Where the flock, in Thee confiding, Drink of joy from deathless springs.

Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure; Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure. Thou dost ever lead Thine own In the love of joys unknown.

"Think Pink" Progressive Bridal Showcase

I will be showcasing gorgeous wedding music on the flute at the "Think Pink" progressive bridal showcase on March 6th in Denver, CO. This bridal showcase will be a great place to find everything you need for your wedding, and help to raise money for brides with breast cancer. A ticket is only $5 and there will be raffle items including photo engagement sessions, honeymoon packages, wedding invitation giveaways and more. There will also be a silent auction of 4 bridal gowns from Little White Dress starting at $50. Want to learn more? Visit http://www.papermoonweddings.com/local-events/think-pink/ for details.

Wedding Processional Music Ideas for the Flute

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

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

How to Choose Your Wedding Ceremony Songs

Your wedding day is approaching and you know music will be one of the most important parts of your wedding ceremony, but you don’t know what music you want yet. Perhaps you are overwhelmed and have no idea where to begin, or chose your music but keep changing your mind. Maybe the family is eager to plan for you or rejects your ideas. Wedding songs vary just as much as the people who choose them, and a Google search will reveal that just about any song can be found on a wedding music list somewhere. This article is intended to help you plan and focus your search for the perfect wedding music, saving you valuable time during this busy point in your life. To begin, ask yourself what your favorite musical styles are. Do you want traditional wedding music, classical, jazz, sacred (hymns), popular, or traditional music from your culture? A combination of those genres? Narrow your search to the genres you prefer.

Remember not to limit the music you chose for your wedding ceremony to lists you find on the internet or songs that are typically expected at weddings. Any song can be your perfect wedding song. Begin by thinking through the music you already know. Brainstorm and start a list of your favorite music or music that is meaningful to you personally. Look through your playlist or cd collection, or browse wedding ceremony song lists on the internet to spark ideas. Recall weddings and events that you have attended in the past and bring to mind any music that touched or impressed you. Don’t limit yourself - this is your chance to express yourself!

Once you have a list of potential wedding music, eliminate any songs that don’t seem to fit with the rest of the music or your wedding ceremony. Then listen to your choices on your music library, YouTube, or Amazon and begin thinking about what songs you would like to be played for each part of your wedding ceremony.

Hiring professional musicians will add class to your event and make your job a lot easier. Make sure you hire experienced musicians who offer a free consultation to play music for you and to go over your ideas with you. When you meet with them, you can describe your vision to them, show them a list of possible songs, or name a few of your favorite songs, and they will be able to come up with a sample program in keeping with your taste. The brides that I consult with are surprised at how satisfying, quick, and easy our meetings are.

Keep in mind that when choosing a musician, the sound of the music you choose will vary immensely depending on the instrument and performer. Take a moment to listen to music samples on local musicians’ websites and listen for a sound that connects with you. Most experienced professional musicians will be able to play the songs you pick on their instrument if it’s in keeping with the style of music they play. Also, don’t rule out doing popular vocal songs instrumentally, but make sure the song has an interesting melody line.

Choosing music for your wedding ceremony can and should be a fun process. Whether you choose your own music selections or have a professional musician help, following the steps in this article will simplify the process and help you choose music that expresses yourself.

Here are the songs that are typically played during a wedding ceremony:

Prelude songs – played as guests are arriving before the ceremony begins. Most of these songs can be chosen by the hired musician(s). These songs will set the mood.

Processional Songs – Played as the wedding party walks down the aisle. Choose something that is easy to walk to and that will prepare for your grand entrance.

Bridal Entrance Songs – Played as the bride walks down the aisle. Choose a song that has a great beginning because the music will end shortly after you reach the altar. Choose a song that is totally YOU.

Interlude Songs – Played during the ceremony to highlight a special moment or fill a transition. Typically a classical or religious song, choose something that has meaning to you and your family.

Recessional Songs – Played as the couple and wedding party walks back down the aisle. Choose a celebratory and upbeat song.

Postlude Songs – Played as guests leave after the recessional. Anything goes… you have left the room and the guests are ready for cake!

Live Music and Recorded Music Contrasted, Part II - Live Wedding Ceremony Music

Your wedding day has arrived and what a perfect day for an outdoor wedding! A warm spring sun is shining, and the ribbons and flowers you have carefully selected are ruffling in the soft breeze, spilling from every corner and gracing an elegant arbor in front. From somewhere indoors the scent of the banquet you and your guests are about to share makes your mouth water with anticipation, and nearby your wedding cake is waiting to be admired in all its glory. The officiate steps up front to begin the wedding ceremony as your bridesmaids make last minute adjustments to your gorgeous dress, and your photographer gets into position for the perfect shot as you walk down the aisle. Weaving through this scene is the lovely sound of live music, setting the mood and preparing to announce your grand entrance. And Cut Scene…

Now imagine a very different kind of wedding. An overhead projection of a mountain scene sways in the air conditioning as a backdrop. Photos of flowers are propped up around the guests as they anticipate the photo of your beautiful cake and the gourmet food pictures to come. The on screen officiate is ready to begin the wedding ceremony with the press of the “play” button. This is the scene in which recorded music belongs.

And now down the aisle for real….

The music announces the start of the attendant’s processional and the selections flow seamlessly until the last note fades in the air after the guests leave. The musicians do this by vamping on a song if it needs to be extended in length for your processional, or they can gracefully make a song sound complete when the bride has reached the end of the aisle. They can play louder when necessary or pull back and play quietly during special points in your wedding ceremony. When the musicians play for your cocktail hour and reception, they are aware of audience responses and choose appropriate songs, adjust their volume, and are a real and vital presence in the room. As they play, the musicians and their instruments not only sound good, but become an interesting visual focal point.

Live Music and Recorded Music Contrasted, Part I

Live music is as ancient as civilization, but with our more recent ability to record and distribute music, all kinds of musical performances have become accessible to just about everyone. However, there are distinct differences between live musical performances and studio recordings, and as a professional musician, I believe I have a unique perspective on both mediums.

Is There Anybody Out There? Live music is a collective experience, an ever changing communication between the audience and the musicians. From the subtle response of an audience to a classical performance to a crowd cheering in appreciation at a rock concert, an audience gives many cues, and excellent musicians respond to those cues. The performing musicians also react to each other on a more refined level as they adjust and influence each other to create a cohesive group sound.

In contrast, the very process of making a studio recording isolates a musician from the outside world, the audience, and often even the other musicians they are collaborating with. The positive side of this is that the musicians are able to put their full attention and focus on the music, but their performance can lack the unique energy that an audience brings. From the listener’s perspective, recorded music is versatile and we can choose to listen to it alone for our personal enjoyment, or share our experience with others.

One Moment in Time Every live musical performance is a unique one-time event, and a performance exactly like it will never happen again. This event is complete with an environment - sights, sounds, and smells that both audience and musicians simultaneously experience. This atmosphere influences both the musical performance and the hearer’s response to the music and creates a distinct mood. In addition, the audience can perceive the musical performance itself through their senses, hearing and feeling the presence of the music and seeing the musicians and their interaction with their instruments as the music is being created.

Conversely, recorded music was produced in a time past. We can even enjoy the experience of hearing artists who are no longer alive. Recorded music is also repeatable. We can choose to play any song by any artist at any volume in any location creating a soundtrack to our daily lives. Recorded music has the distinct benefit in that it is affordable and we can enjoy the experience of listening to our favorite songs as many times as we choose.

Reality Check Live music is the real thing – unedited, unplugged, and sometimes unexpected. There will be mistakes, imperfections, and distractions. But the best part of live music is the rich sounds the instruments create, a sound that technology has not yet learned to precisely mimic. Also, the location in which live music is typically performed often adds to our experience. There is nothing like hearing a concert echoing through a soaring cathedral, a musical performance at a sports event accompanied by an enthusiastic crowd, or hearing music in a natural outdoor setting complimented by the laughter of guests, birdsong, and the sound of the wind. This is not perfection, but it is life and energy.

Recorded music is refined and will sound very different from a live performance. Musicians are able to record until they are satisfied and then the tracks can be further altered using editing software, resulting in a polished and carefully produced label. Recorded music is also free of extraneous noise and can be made to sound like it was recorded in just about any acoustical environment.

Finally Live music is a community activity influenced by the response of the audience and affected by the environment in which it is performed. It is a one-time event and has a unique sound that cannot be precisely reproduced with technology. On the other hand, recorded music can be easily listened to alone or shared with others. We can listen to any songs we want whenever we choose for a price we can afford, and we know it will be polished sound.

I believe that without music, our lives would be greatly altered and lacking. Live music and recorded music, though very different from each other, each play a unique and integral part in our world.