Wed, 07 Jul 2021 05:27:52 -0500WeeblyFri, 06 Feb 2015 04:17:19 GMThttps://www.quartetaccord.com/blog/include-a-musical-pause-fermata-in-your-wedding-ceremony-and-savor-that-bridal-moment

Has that big day finally arrived?  Whether you're having a small "immediate family only" gathering or a talk-of-the-town grand celebration, you have no doubt spent countless hours  working out all of the details.  Now, even if you have entrusted many "day-of" details to a professional planner, your mind is spinning as the clock ticks toward the moment when you'll be walking down the aisle.  It's full speed ahead as all elements finally come together, and you take your place behind closed doors that will soon swing open to anxious guests.  So, what happens next?

As your hired musicians, we have provided pre-ceremony music while your guests have been seated, and have performed your chosen selections to seat special family members and to usher in your wedding party.  Now, we begin the introductory bars of that special piece that is just for you - for your shining once-in-a-lifetime moment.  For some reason, the adrenalin tells you that it's time to move, and in you come, at that same "full speed ahead" pace that has been your rule of thumb all day.  We've hardly started the music, and you have raced to the alter!  Alas, there was no "savor the moment"!

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Well, here's where being familiar with a musical notation called a "fermata" comes into play.  Often referred to as a birdseye, this symbol tells a musician to pause or hold a given note longer than what is notated.  Typically, this symbol will be used on a final note to stretch out an ending, to almost force listeners to savor or hold onto the emotional effect the music has expressed.  As a bride, I would like to suggest that you add a fermata to your day, just before you make that special entrance.  Although everything in your being will tell you to hurry, take one deep breath and HOLD/PAUSE!  Then, give your guests that grand step-by-step walk that will allow them to really share your joy and glow.  You won't regret it, and that "pulling back" mode will help you "set the brakes" so that you can truly enjoy your entire day.

So, breathe in, PAUSE, and savor that "all eyes on you" bridal moment!

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]]>Wed, 10 Dec 2014 20:32:57 GMThttps://www.quartetaccord.com/blog/choosing-music-for-your-wedding-that-might-be-termed-cookie-cutter-is-okOnce you have chosen a string ensemble for your upcoming wedding, you will need to give some thought to specifics.  What do you want to hear when you make that special entrance?

While some clients do have very definite ideas about music, many brides feel somewhat at a loss when it comes to picking actual selections for the body of their ceremony.  Aside from knowing that you prefer the intimate sound of the strings over the more grandiose effect of an organ, you may not have strong inclinations for anything else.

One of the first things that may be a concern to you is fitting into a "cookie cutter" mold, i.e., going with what is considered relatively traditional music.  You may feel that you'll be taking the easy route or a step in the wrong direction rather than making your special day a unique "stand out".

Well, think again.  For one thing, no matter what you choose, remember that you and your guests will be hearing the music performed by a string ensemble.  That in and of itself is outside the norm.  Indeed, the percentage of weddings that include live string music is VERY small.

Next, think for a moment about an event that you have attended recently at which there has been some form of music being presented.  Did you recognize some of it?  Even if you couldn't quite come up with the title or name of whatever was being played, didn't it feel great to be saying to yourself, "Gee, I know that!"?  Rest assured, guests attending your wedding will feel the same way if they recognize one or more of the musical selections that you choose for key spots such as opening processionals, the bridal entrance, or the recessional.

Now, if you have your heart set on mixing things up a bit, or maybe making a huge pop/rock leap "outside the box", I'll be glad to help you design something along those lines.  Indeed, if you've read through other portions of my website, you know that I'm a firm believer in the importance of the one-on-one consultation that gives me an opportunity to connect with you and to therefore make this sort of discussion possible. 

However, NEVER feel that you have short-sided the effectiveness of your ceremony if you opt to use primarily very traditional music. Instead, remember that CHOOSING MUSIC FOR YOUR WEDDING THAT MIGHT BE TERMED "COOKIE CUTTER" IS O.K.!"

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