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.

Garden Wedding Giveway

Win your dream garden wedding at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens in Virginia by entering this wedding giveaway before January 16th. This garden wedding package is worth $20,000 and it includes an evening ceremony for 125 guests at Norfolk Botanical Gardens on October 26, 2013 with a reception to follow at Baker Hall. More details here.

The Boulder Cello Project

I have been a member of the Boulder Cello Project almost since its inception in June 2012, and I think this group is doing great things and want to share a little about it.

What is the Boulder Cello Project? The Boulder Cello Project is a group of beginning through advanced cellists who meet once a month to learn about the cello and make music together. In addition to their monthly meetings, members can attend classes led by local experts on specific subjects of interest related to the cello. The group also gives back to the community and gains performing experience by doing regular concerts at retirement communities.

What to Expect The Boulder Cello Project is a friendly and supportive group and no audition is needed to join. When you come to a meet-up, you can expect to meet cellists and eat snacks during our optional socializing time, then play lots of cello music during our organized play-in sessions. The group consists of over 60 members, and typically about 15-30 attend each play-in. The music we play is written by local and national composers who collaborate with us to provide a wide range of parts of varying difficulty so there is something that everyone will enjoy playing.

How to Join Joining the Boulder Cello Project is free, but donations are encouraged to assist in keeping up with expenses and maintaining the quality of the meetups. You can learn more about the Boulder Cello Project and join the group on the The Boulder Cello Project Meetup Page or the Boulder Cello Project Website.

Boulder Cello Project Holiday Recital at the Academy Retirement Community

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.

Choosing Wedding Musicians

by Mary Giannone, Event Specialist, Philadelphia String QuartetOriginally appearing in the Huffington Post on December 11, 2012

"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." -Victor Hugo.

The musicians you and your partner choose for your wedding will provide the soundtrack to your distinctive love story, so it is important to consider all aspects before signing the dotted line.

Value Before you begin your search, take a moment to reflect upon the concept of value. The proper balance of high quality and fair price gives you the most bang for your buck. No matter if your wedding budget is higher or lower than average, it is important to shop for value and not just the price. Spending money on excellent music for your wedding is well worth it, and having professional musicians with experience and passion will create memories for you and your guests for years to come. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. So be sure when choosing your musicians you find the right fit for both your wallet and your style.

Quick tip: if you find a group that you love, but their price range is a little more than you can afford, talk to them about ways to customize their services without having to sacrifice the overall quality and experience -- such as hiring a string trio instead of a quartet, or having a DJ play the first half of the reception before the full band takes over for the dancing.

Professionalism From string quartets to DJs to wedding bands -- finding musicians with professional talent and skill is essential. Good musicians book up more than a year in advance, so start your research early.

First, ask your friends and family for referrals or check well-established wedding websites like Wedding Wire, The Knot, and Martha Stewart Weddings for reviews of musicians in your area. Secondly, check the musician's website. If the audio and video clips are not professionally produced, or if the website seems dated, move on. Thirdly, inquire about a time to hear the musicians play live. If they balk at the idea, this is a red flag. Professional wedding musicians should have regularly scheduled events for prospective clients to attend. Lastly, ask about their flexibility for your particular needs. Good wedding musicians will be gracious and helpful when discussing your ideas, and they will be able to make recommendations.

Quick tip: Make sure the musicians demonstrate a working knowledge of how loud or soft to play depending on the crowd size, the combination of instruments, and the energy of the event. A good sound system is just as important as good instruments and good players.

Rapport Talent and skill are important, of course, but good communication and chemistry make all the difference. Take notice of how quickly your prospective wedding musicians respond to your questions, and how helpful they are. Do they take a genuine interest in your wedding? Do they treat you like you are their most important client? Do they show you how passionate they are about their work? Many musicians will take a few special requests, but the personalization stops there. Tired and unprofessional musicians adopt the attitude that all weddings and events are the same, and they don't take the time to get to know what makes you special. Look for musicians that prove that you matter, and that every wedding is important. These details translate into wonderful memories for you and your guests.

Quick tip: When shopping around, ask potential musicians for example of how they have made events memorable for their previous clients and their guests.

Style The music you choose is a reflection of your personalities as individuals and as a couple. Find versatile musicians who will work with you as guides in selecting the perfect songs to tell your story. Ask yourself what is most important to you during each part of your celebration and then convey these ideas to your musicians. For example, you may want the ceremony to feel romantic, the cocktail hour to feel relaxed, the dinner hour to feel nostalgic, and the dance music to be exciting and trendy! A good group of musicians will let you be involved as little or as much as you like. They will take as many special requests as you want, and if you need some guidance, they can suggest songs that will complement your vision.

As a music coordinator I've seen it all, from a groom who walked down the aisle to strings playing Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Freebird", to a bridal party fashion show backed by Lady Gaga's greatest hits on electric violin, to a rave-like Hindi-pop-music dance party breaking out in the middle of the reception, to playing an old Jewish love song that the couple only knew how to hum but didn't have any sheet music for. Good wedding musicians will adapt and thrive, and help find the music that best suits YOU- all with a smile.

Quick tip: Many brides and grooms ask if it is appropriate to tip their wedding musicians. The answer is yes, and you can designate an appropriate amount (10-15 percent) and whether you wish to tip each individual musician (such as for a string quartet) or just the band leader who will then disburse the tips at his discretion (such as for a 12-piece wedding band).

The Boulder Symphony Orchestra Presents "Natures Realm"

Join the Boulder Symphony Orchestra at First Presbyterian Church in Boulder on Friday, November 30th at 7:00pm for a concert featuring the works of Sibelius, Greig, and composer in suite Austin Wintory’s award-winning soundtrack to the Playstation game "Journey". Don't miss the preconcert talk hosted by KGNU’s Ron Nadel with Austin Wintory and conductor Devin Patrick Hughes in the Chapel at 6:00pm.

Program: Jean Sibelius – Symphony no. 5 Austin Wintory- Woven Variations for Cello & Orchestra (Colorado Premiere) – a Suite from Journey -Mathieu D’Ordine, cello Jean Sibelius – Swan of Tuonela -Virginia Carty, english horn Edward Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite no. 1

Music for Your Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony

A wedding vow renewal is a special time for a married couple to reaffirm their wedding vows and to celebrate their marriage along with family and friends. A wedding vow renewal, or reaffirmation ceremony, can be held in a church, at someone’s house, or really at any place that is special to you. A reaffirmation ceremony is comprised of an actual ceremony followed by a time of celebration. Just as live music is a key part of a wedding celebration, music can also be the perfect addition to both your wedding vow renewal ceremony and celebration. A reaffirmation ceremony is similar to a wedding ceremony in a lot of ways, but it’s not traditional to have attendants walk down the aisle; however if you like you can still have them to stand up for you. You can walk down the aisle to live music with your spouse or with your children. Since you are already legally married, anyone can officiate the ceremony – a close friend, a relative, or your children. You can say the same vows you said when you first got married, or write new vows. During the ceremony, you can have friends or family do special readings and choose music that is meaningful to you for interludes or during special moments in your ceremony.

Afterwards, you can celebrate in any way you choose, from a casual backyard barbecue to a traditional cocktail hour followed by a wedding style reception. Music suggestions include a cookout accompanied by flute and guitar, a family dinner with solo flute music, a cocktail party with a flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello), or a formal dinner accompanied by flute and harp music.

Add Some Sparkle With Live Christmas Music

If you are planning a Christmas party this year, what better way to add to the festive atmosphere than live Christmas music ? All of our ensembles have a large Christmas repertoire. This is the time of year when December dates begin filling up, so book soon to ensure our availability.

Flute Quartet Wedding Music at Tapestry House

Flute Quartet Wedding Music at Tapestry House

Flute Quartet Wedding Music at Tapestry House

This past Saturday I played for an outdoor wedding at the Tapestry House in Laporte, CO. The first snow of the season had arrived that night, and the day remained cold and overcast.

Despite the cold temperatures, Tapestry House was a beautiful oasis. Snow still covered the boughs of the magnificent pines around the ceremony site, providing a lovely winter backdrop for a collage of blooming summer flowers and peak autumn foliage. Twinkle lights added an air of festivity.

Before the wedding began, our flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello) entertained the guests with classical prelude music as they waited in the heated reception area. Before the guests proceeded outside for the ceremony, we moved our instruments to the house right behind the ceremony site. With the help of amplification and a few open windows, the guests were able to clearly hear our music before and during the ceremony, and we were able to keep our fingers warm enough to play our instruments.

After the wedding ceremony, we moved back to the reception area where we played oldies and popular and rock music for the cocktail hour. The cocktail hour was in a covered patio which was kept nice and warm with the help of tented sides and long heat lamps on the ceiling.

Wedding Ceremony Music:

Prelude Music ~ Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach), Amazing Grace, Arioso (Bach), Polonaise (Bach), Air from Suite in D Major (Bach) Seating of the Parents ~ Largo from Xerses (Handel) Attendant's Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel) Bridal Processional ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) Tree Planting Ceremony ~ Simple Gifts Recessional ~ Strawberry Swing (Coldplay), Entrance of the Queen of Sheba (Handel)

Cocktail Hour Music:
When I'm 64 (Beatles), So Happy Together (Turtles) Don't Stop Believing (Journey), Dream On (Aerosmith), In My Life (Beatles), Beauty and the Beast, Here Comes the Sun (Beatles), Tango from Scent of a Woman

Welcome to my New Website Design!

After a month of experiencing technical difficulties on my website and being hacked by a Russian company selling suspicious name brand accessories, I’m happy to announce that I’m up and running again, and with a fresh new look. I want to extend a huge thanks to my friends who helped me in this endeavor – you know who you are! So take a look around and enjoy!

The Price of Relevance

What is the value of live music? I think this article by Suzanne Mentzer published in the Huffington Post is right on track: To all who moan about the price of musicians: A guy calls the musician's guild to get a quote on a six-piece band for a wedding. The rep says, "Off the top of my head, about $2000." The guy says, "WHAT? FOR MUSIC?" The rep responds, "I'll tell you what. Call the plumbers union and ask for six plumbers to work from 6 'til midnight on a Saturday night. Whatever they charge you, we'll work for half."

I saw this on a social media site and it struck a chord, no pun intended. I could not help but think of the situation at hand for many classical musicians in the US.

Roughly talking turkey, there are about 115 orchestras in the US with budgets over 2.5 million, each employing nearly 100 musicians, each with another 5-10 staff members, on average. This does not include ballet orchestras, or orchestras with lower budgets. Opera America, a national service center, lists 150 member companies. The "union" American Guild of Musical Artists lists 6540 members in good standing, comprised of dancers, opera singers (soloists and choristers) and stage managers. Each opera, ballet and orchestral organization also employs stage crew, many of which are members of IATSI, the stagehands union. This is, at best, a blurry picture of the multitude of people who could be unemployed should the classical arts cave. This does not even include the associated businesses: restaurants, hotels, parking garages for the paying public, instrument and equipment manufacturers, instrument tweakers and tuners..

Every day I read of another orchestra going under or, at the very least, cutting salaries of the players by large amounts. What flotsam and jetsam this will create. These players spend lives - from a very young age - perfecting, practicing and competing to win the positions they have. They cannot imagine life not playing. Musicians have committed to rents, mortgages, college debt, and support families. Some share their talents with schools and communities. They commit to the arts organization and the community for the long haul, unlike in sports where one can be traded or a free agent.

Orchestra, opera, chamber music and solo recitals are pure, without sound enhancement. I like to think of these art forms as being organic- without additives, non-synthetic or processed. Like organic food, it is a bit more costly to produce. It is also not for profit, unlike commercial music.

Like most musicians, classical musicians, bring joy to those who hear them. They touch an emotional nerve; connect with the larger whole of humanity and cultural history; honor those who came before by continuing a tradition of excellence. It is hard to put a price on relevance, continuity, and the historical perspective. Yes, in today's financial environment classical artists are being discarded.

With a very high-level international singing career I, too, have felt the smack of the economy. The norm for a successful singer is being booked three years out. I have little work this year and nothing after August. I have a hard time being hired. I have dropped my fee to about a third of what it was, which is fine since the business was so good to me. My high powered New York management tells me its the economy.

Like the instrumentalists in those orchestras I have lived as a singer for a long time and it is an ingrained part of who I am. Not a day went by for thirty years where I did not think about the condition of my voice and my body or have music burning into my brain cells. At times I feel like a part of me has been amputated. I do miss making music at a high level, the camaraderie and collaboration with colleagues, and most of all, my part in the continuation of this art form that goes back centuries. I have often felt it a privilege to sing music that has endured and try to do it justice.

As an ersatz writer I have a bully pulpit but I basically preach to the choir. I do not seem to reach the audience that needs persuading that classical music is viable, necessary and human. One way I can be an activist for the arts is to perform. I will continue to search for other ways, as well, for the day when I truly cannot sing anymore.

Last week, The NY Times shared the results of a study: "researchers at Northwestern University recorded the auditory brainstem responses of college students -- that is to say, their electrical brain waves -- in response to complex sounds. The group of students who reported musical training in childhood had more robust responses -- their brains were better able to pick out essential elements, like pitch, in the complex sounds when they were tested. And this was true even if the lessons had ended years ago."

I have been watching some silent films on TCM. The sound tracks are amazingly operatic in order to help sustain the emotion of the work without text. Listen to a sound track today. Even with the dialogue of the actors much of the music is classically styled and operatically emotional. Why is it so hard then to let this carry outside the movie theater?

My last beef the choice of people to be honored by Kennedy Center this year. All are honorable but not one is a classical musician. This sends a very strong subliminal message. It would have been very cool to have Led Zeppelin honored beside a figure from the classical music world.

As a culture we seem eat up whatever is fashionable, hot, new. Can't we do that and still keep a foot firmly in tradition, history, context, and more? One need not necessarily cancel out the other.

Memorizing Music

At the 2012 National Flute Association Convention in Las Vegas, NV I attended a very helpful class on memorizing music. The class was presented by Molly Alicia Barth, and the following tips are taken directly from Molly's notes:

Memorizing Music

by Molly Alicia Barth

While learning the piece:

1. Get to know the piano/orchestral score as well as the flute part. Visualize the music, both while you are playing and during extended rests.

2. Listen to many recordings early on in the process, but avoid reliance on them too much for your own interpretation/memory work.

3. Get to know the melodic and harmonic structure of the piece. Are you in the main key of the piece, or have you shifted to a new key? Are the main notes of a passage the tonic of the key? Look for appoggiaturas and other fun notes to dote upon.

4. Practice with focused ears – do not let mistakes go unheeded! If you allow mistakes to creep in, the mistakes will come out when you really don’t want to see them.

5. Record yourself. You will learn a lot – listen to the recording carefully with the score for note/rhythm accuracy, intonation, rhythm, and phrasing.

6. Memorize the work using at least two methods, such as visualizing the music as it is printed on the page and memorizing the intervals from one note to the next. It is important to give yourself a “fall-back” method if the first doesn’t work.

7. Own the work: practice all details of your interpretation from the start of the process: dynamics, phrasing, articulations etc. must all be internalized along with the notes.

8. Learn in multiple environments. Recall of a piece is aided when you are not accustomed, for instance, only to playing the piece in your living room. Play in a variety of settings - concert halls, churches, studios, classrooms, practice rooms. Ideally, when in the learning stages, find spaces that do not cause distractions.

9. Study a work in segments, and then integrate small segments together.

10. If possible, practice with intent to memorize from the first reading of a piece.

Specifics in the memorization process:

1. Tonality 2. Motives 3. Phrase structure 4. Small segments 5. Imitative sections: check notes, rhythms, articulations, dynamics for variance 6. Choreography/movement: create movement cues to aid performance 7. Ornamentation 8. Tempo relationships 9. Composite between flute part and other performers’ parts

Ideal time frame for the memorization process: 1. Complete the entire memorization process one month prior to your first performance. In order to accomplish this, I ideally start memorizing three months or more prior to the first memorized performance. 2. Have small goals: a few measures each day/a page per week, and once you accomplish the daily goal, remind yourself of the previous days’ work by running through from the start of the work until the end-point of your daily goal. 3. Once you think you know it, start playing the piece as often as possible for a trial audience.

When you feel that you have a handle on the piece:

1. Look up – get out of “memory land”. Feel comfortable looking at your accompanist and/or audience.

2. Play for at least two peers and two superiors/mentors, at least two weeks prior to the first performance. Find people who will make you nervous, and who will offer constructive criticisms and well-deserved compliments. For example, I perform memorized works for my students and trusted co-workers, two weeks prior to the first public performance.

3. Learn to cope with distractions: improve the ability, through practice, to stay on track when something unexpected occurs (a loud noise, someone unexpectedly entering the room, etc.). The presence of an audience at the time of performance inherently means that distractions will be a part of the performance, so it is quite important not to overlook this detail.

4. Create a memorization chart. Write down or take special note of critical structural, interpretive and technical cues.

5. If your learning style permits, on the day before/day of a performance, both visualize the music in your head and also carefully look at the score or flute part.

Sources: The effects of altering environmental and instrumental context on the performance of memorized music. Jennifer Mishra and Willia M Backlin

Improving Facility in Music Memorization. Edgar Ross

Part and Whole Methods in the Memorization of Music. Cyril C. O’Brien

Preparing for Memorized Cello Performance: the role of performance cues. Roger Chaffin, Tania Lisboa, Topher Logan, Kristen T. Begosh

The 2012 National Flute Association Convention - Las Vegas, NV

This past week, I attended this year’s National Flute Association conference held in Las Vegas, NV. The weather was extremely hot with highs ranging from 106 – 110 degrees F, so I was happy to spend most of my time inside the massive (and air-conditioned) Caesar’s Palace.

This year I played with the Professional Flute Choir in a concert featuring the two winning songs from the Flute Choir Composition Competition, Alberto Guidobaldi’s “Tarantella for 12 Flutes”, and David Gunn’s “The Fifth Universal Principle of Alignment”. Peter Sheridan, bass flute extraordinaire, supported our flute choir with the rich low sounds of his various bass flutes. He also did an amazing job playing “Nuestro Pueblo”, a piece that highlights three different bass flutes and includes some wonderful improvisatory sections.

I also attended various concerts, masterclasses and instructional classes during the convention. Perhaps one of the most interesting classes was the one on circular breathing, a technique I have been interested in learning for a long time but never had the opportunity. With a great sense of humor, Robert Dick gave us step by step instructions on how to achieve circular breathing, along with several impressive and fun demonstrations of his own circular breathing.

Another class I really enjoyed was taught by Phyllis Avidan Louke, who delved into the details of teaching beginning flute students. It was refreshing to learn new ways to explain the very basics of flute playing, and I learned a number of cute ways to help children learn and remember new concepts and techniques.

This was also the first year I was able to attend the closing ceremonies, entitled “All the Things You Are”. The event featured a variety of musical styles ranging from Celtic to rock music, serious classical pieces to some lighthearted and humorous numbers - all featuring the flute. The final performance was ”Bumble Boogie”, a fun and very fast piece performed by four amazing soloists accompanied by our professional flute choir.

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

On Saturday, I escaped the summer heat of the Front Range and headed for the mountains of Colorado to play for a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour at Mountain Thunder Lodge in Breckenridge. The Lodge is a beautiful venue with a rustic mountain feel on the outside and a relaxed elegance inside.

I played the flute accompanied by guitarist Michael Engberg, and the simple elegance of our flute and guitar duo perfectly complimented the mountain setting. The wedding ceremony was outside on the patio which was decorated with bright local flowers provided by Petal and Bean.

The weather was perfect with sunshine and a cool breeze and to my delight, I didn't meet with a single bug while I played. After the ceremony, we moved inside for the cocktail hour where we entertained guests in the library before dinner.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Simple Gifts, Be Thou My Vision, March (JS Bach), Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (JS Bach), Meneut (Rameau), Two German Dances (Beethoven) Attendant's Processional ~ Rondeau (Mouret) Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel) Recessional ~ Trumpet Voluntary in D (Purcell)

Selected Cocktail Hour Music:
Fly Me to the Moon, Georgia on my Mind, Have I Told You Lately (that I love you), It's so Easy, Sunny, Under the Boardwalk, The Way You Look Tonight, A Whiter Shade of Pale

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

From the Bride:
"Our wedding day was everything we hoped it would be. We chose a destination wedding in Breckenridge, Colorado because we wanted an intimate wedding with our family and closest friends in one of our favorite places. We loved the venue we chose, Mountain Thunder Lodge – it was perfect for our size wedding (45 total). The intimacy of our wedding was further enhanced by instrumental music played during our ceremony and cocktail hour. Overall, we loved every moment of our wedding day!"

My New Jay Haide Cello from Eggen’s Violin Shop

I recently bought a new cello from Eggen’s Violin Shop in Denver, and not only do I love my new cello, but I had a wonderful experience buying the cello. I previously played on a student level cello, and wanted to upgrade to a much better model. With the recommendation of my teacher, I tried out a number of cellos at Rock T. Eggen Violins in Denver. When I purchased my first cello in North Carolina, the instrument selection was very limited, but at Eggen’s I was happy to be able to try out a number of cellos within my price range. I was surprised that unlike with the flute, each instrument had a distinctly unique timbre that even an untrained ear could easily tell apart. Because of this, it was not difficult to choose the instrument I liked best – a Jay Haide L’Ancienne Ruggieri model. This model has a wide body, beautiful finish and a full and resonant sound that fills a room.

I want to thank Rock Eggen for a great buying experience. He was very accommodating, friendly, and patiently answered my many questions. After I brought home and tried out my cello of choice for a week, I brought it back and Rock spent over an hour making various adjustments and letting me try several brands of strings. The end result was just what I wanted – a sweet upper register and a full and smooth lower register. My new cello is a huge upgrade from my previous cello and I’m looking forward to this upcoming orchestra season.

And in case you were wondering, I didn’t tell Rock Eggen I’m writing this.