Oct
Wedding Music to Match Your Style
by Wedding Musician in Wedding Music
Brides often ask me for recommendations of wedding music. This sounds like a simple request, but there is no one size fits all answer.
Some couples are planning a wedding that is very traditional, while others are planning a ceremony that is quirky and off the beaten track.
My number one recommendation is that you pick music that will fit your style for your wedding. Music is a powerful way to reinforce the mood that you want to create.
The most common request I have for my string quartet is music that is classy and elegant, but not overplayed. I have created such a list of wedding tunes here.
Here are my general recommendations for music choice through the ceremony.
Prelude Music: Prelude music should usually be calming, and peaceful. It should set the mood for the event, while still allowing the guests to talk with each other. Keep in mind that the Bridal Party will not be in the sanctuary while this music is playing, so it’s not the time to play your most personally meaningful selections.
Seating of the Grandmothers: Depending on how many grandparents you have between the two of you, this is often combined with the seating of the mothers. If you do want to have an individual tune for the seating of the grandmothers, it makes sense to pick a tune that is meaningful to one or more of the grandparents, or to the relationship that the bride or groom has with a grandparent.
Seating of the Mothers: This is a great opportunity to get sentimental. This song should still be understated. This is the beginning of the ceremony, and the mood should build as the ceremony proceeds. Sometimes the Mothers will also light a candle in preparation for the unity candle ceremony later.
Processional of the Bridesmaids/Groomsmen: This song should build the emotion, but should not be overpowering – afterall, this song is for the Bridesmaids, not the Bride. It’s nice to have a song that has a pulse to it so that the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen can feel the beat and walk to it. This will keep them moving down the aisle at the same speed. The speed of this song should be a slow, comfortable walking pace. If you have a ring bearer and flower girl, they will also walk down the aisle to this song.
Processional of the Bride: This is the second most charged song of the Wedding. It is the announcement of the bride, and her triumphal entrance. Make no mistake, this song is important. Here comes the bride! Now, if you are going to the expense of hiring a string quartet, there is a good chance that you want to make a departure from the most traditional of traditional wedding tunes. This tune should be BIG. It should give the guests no chance to question if this is the time to stand up. This is the announcement!
Lighting of the Unity Candle / Sand Ceremony: This is an intimate moment between the bride and groom, and the music should reflect the solemnity of the moment. This is the point in the ceremony where the bride and groom mark their departure from being separate, and signify becoming one. Side note: If your wedding is outdoors, do a sand ceremony or other alternative to the unity candle unless you want to deal with your candle being blown out. It is a great place for a reflective ballad, or peaceful classical piece.
Recessional: This is the big sendoff. Everybody is excited and there is much rejoicing. Pick an upbeat tune that reflects this jubilant tone.
Postlude: Continue the jubilant tone in these 2-3 tunes as people begin to leave the ceremony and make their way to the reception. Think happy!
Keep these general tips in mind when you select your music, regardless of what style you want to represent you. And, whatever you do, keep you music choices authentic, and true to your style.
May
Movie Theme Song Contest – String Theory Project
by Wedding Musician in String Music
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RELEASE:
Fort Colllins, CO- Starting June 1st, 2011,
Have you ever wanted to write a theme song for a film? Songwriters, Poet lyricists, and instrumentalists alike are invited to submit entries for the String Theory Film Theme Song Contest.
Filmmaker & musician, Vi Wickam in association with AVAIYA Media is creating the new film, String Theory. This inspiring new film project is directed toward inspiring children to participate in and develop a love of music.
The goal of the contest is to capture the essence of this spectacular film with an original song written by YOU! This song needs to be simple and memorable. The hook is of utmost importance. The song needs to be flexible. The song will be played and sung throughout the movie in different formats, ranging from country, to African, and Blues to Bluegrass.
If you write the winning song, you will get a cash prize of $150, and your song will be featured throughout the film, String Theory in different forms. You will receive credit as the writer of the song, and you will have the opportunity to be featured in the film.
The String Theory Theme Song contest is open to residents of the planet earth.
Submissions will be accepted through July 31, 2011.
Official contest rules are available at: http://www.stringtheoryproject.com
The song contest is the brainchild of Vi Wickam. Vi is a music teacher, performer, and composer, and loves creating opportunities for other artists.
About AVAIYA: AVAIYA is a media company based in Boulder, Colorado that creates and distributes only positive material to share. In a world often viewed as problematic, AVAIYA reminds us that there is infinite greatness in this world and within each of us.
For more information, visit http://www.stringtheoryproject.com
Originally Posted at: http://www.stringtheoryproject.com/2011/05/17/string-theory-movie-theme-song-contest/
Mar
Wedding Music
by Wedding Musician in Classical Music, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Loveland, Northern Colorado, String Music, Wedding Music
Fort Collins Strings is happy to provide Northern Colorado with tasteful music for your weddings and special occasions. We play weddings in Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, Mountain destination weddings, and the rest of northern Colorado.
We focus on providing you with music that is of the highest quality, and organization that gives you nothing to worry about. We have a broad repertoire of classic wedding music, and are also happy to play your special requests, even those that are out of the ordinary.
We will show up to your event with time to spare, and play as long as you need us. Our string players are all accomplished musicians with years of experience playing professionally.
Contact us to Request more information.
Feb
FIDDLE CHAMP VI WICKAM RELEASES CD ” LONG TIME COMIN’ “
by Wedding Musician in Fort Collins, Northern Colorado, String Music
Vi’s music is rooted in tradition, but not buried in the past. It’s innovative, eclectic, and fun. Long Time Comin’ features a new spin on traditional tunes with fresh takes on modern favorites. On the CD, which features nationally recognized Jazz vocalist Mandy Harvey, you’ll find a little bit o’ swing, a little more funk, beautiful ballads, and some down and dirty blues (NOW with MORE COWBELL!). Fortunately, the album is a lot more cohesive than this disjointed press release makes it sound.
AS SEEN ON TV! VI Wickam is an accomplished fiddler who has won contests all over the United States. Vi is a composer, songwriter, and he even sings. He’s from a musical family; the Wickam Family Band played all around Northern Colorado, including 3 years as the house band on the nationally syndicated but now retired Blinky’s Fun Club. Vi is an entertaining and engaging performer. Long Time Comin’ features a cast of expert musicians: Brent Hawley on knock-your-socks-off acoustic guitar, Jim Abraham’s toenail-singeing electric bass, and Chris Beers’ tasty drummin’. The siren voices of Mandy Harvey, Kristianne Gale, and Kimberly Schug add polish and will melt you in your seat.
Long Time Comin’ will be released at a family-friendly and awesome party at Avogadro’s Number (http://www.avogadros.com/) in Fort Collins, Colorado on March 25, 2011 at 8:00PM.
For more information, promo requests, or an interview, please contact Vi Wickam at:
Vi “The Fiddler” Wickam
PO Box 270918
Fort Collins, CO 80527
Phone: 970-215-6366
Blog: http://www.vithefiddler.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vithefiddler
Feb
Vi The Fiddler CD Release Party
by Wedding Musician in Fort Collins, Northern Colorado, String Music
Who’s Invited: YOU!!!
What: CD Release Party – Long Time Comin’ – Vi “The Fiddler” Wickam
When: Friday, March 25, 2011, 8:00PM
Where: Avogadro’s Number, 605 S. Mason St. Fort Collins, CO
Come join us for the CD Release party for Vi Wickam’s long awaited CD, “Long Time Comin”.
Save the date. It’s going to be a great time!
Admission is free, but we do request that you bring a non-perishable food item to donate for the Larimer County Food Bank.
This CD Features the following local favorites as well:
Mandy Harvey – Vocal
Kristianne Gale – Vocal
Kimberly Schug – Vocal
Brent Hawley – Guitar, Mandolin, Mandola
Jim Abraham – Bass
Chris Beers – Percussion
I hope to see you there!
Originally Posted at: http://www.vithefiddler.com/2011/01/07/cd-release-party-march-25-800pm-avogadros-number/
Oct
November $5 Fiddle Workshop – Playing in a Band
by Wedding Musician in Fort Collins, String Music
What: November $5 Fiddling Workshop
When: Thursday, October 21, 2010 7:00 PM
Price: $5.00 per person
Where: Magnolia Music Studio
210 W Magnolia Street (northwest corner of Magnolia and Mason)
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 481-8661
Topic: Playing in a Band—Licks, Fills, Rhythm, and what not to play.
Teacher: Vi Wickam – Champion Fiddler—970-430-6381
Admission is $5 All proceeds after covering our costs will go to The Growing Project Fort Collins.
http://groprofoco.wordpress.com/
I hope to see you all there!
Thanks,
Vi
RSVP to this Meetup:
http://www.meetup.com/Fort-Collins-Traditional-Music/calendar/15036444/
Oct
October $5 Fiddling Workshop
by Wedding Musician in Fort Collins, Northern Colorado, String Music
What: October $5 Fiddling Workshop
When: Tuesday, October 19, 2010 7:00 PM
Price: $5.00 per person
Where: Magnolia Music Studio
210 W Magnolia Street (northwest corner of Magnolia and Mason)
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 481-8661
Topic: Warmups, Stretching and Excercises—Take care of your body while you are making music.
Teacher: Vi Wickam – Champion Fiddler—970-430-6381
Special Guests: Shelly and Keith Beyerle of Rocky Mountain Rossiter: http://www.RockyMountainRossiter.com
Admission is $5 All proceeds after covering our costs will go to The Growing Project Fort Collins.
http://groprofoco.wordpress.com/
Hope to see you there!
Vi
RSVP to this Meetup:
http://www.meetup.com/Fort-Collins-Traditional-Music/calendar/15033891/
Jul
July $5 Fiddle Workshop – Contest Fiddling
by Wedding Musician in Fort Collins, Northern Colorado, Traditional Music
Date/Time:
Thursday July 22, 6:00PM
Location:
Magnolia Music
210 Magnolia St.
Fort Collins, CO
Topic: Contest Fiddling – Bring a song or three, and learn what it takes to be successful playing in fiddle contests, from two fiddlers who have been competing in and judging fiddle contests for years.
Teachers: Vi Wickam/Cody Stadelmaier – Champion Fiddlers—970-430-6381
Admission: $5 All proceeds after covering our costs will go to COTFA (Colorado Oldtime Fiddlers Association.)
RSVP on Meetup.com: http://www.meetup.com/Fort-Collins-Traditional-Music/calendar/14086296/
Jul
NoCo Fiddle Camp Scholarships
by Wedding Musician in Fort Collins, Loveland, Northern Colorado, String Music, Traditional Music
May
How to Practice Effectively Workshop Notes
by Wedding Musician in Fort Collins, String Music
Here are my notes from my workshop on Practicing Effectively. Included are a general HowTo outline for practicing, some basic recommendation, and a couple of additional handouts with scale exercises that I use as a warm up.
Band, Fort Collins