This topic has come up several times with our clients.  Sometimes our groups are asked to play along with a singer, especially at wedding ceremonies:  it could be  a classical piece of music, or a popular song that has a special meaning for a couple.  The misunderstanding comes when we are asked to see if we have that piece in our repertoire.  Quite often we do, and in this case we did have the needed song.  However, speaking in musical terms, our version of the piece was in the key of D, and, as I found out by contacting the singer directly, her version was in the key of F, which means that these two versions could not be played together since they are in different keys.  

The concept of a piece of music being  in a specific “key” is not familiar to non-musicians.  Here is an attempt to present it in a different way. People’s voices are of different pitch, which is why we recognize the voices of our relatives and friends among strangers.  In music, we also have more than one pitch, more than one note. A piece of music or a song can start on ANY of the primary seven existing notes in music (there are more than seven, but I am keeping it simple). In order for us to play with a singer, we have to have the same version of a piece, one that starts and ends on the same note, otherwise our parts will “clash”, and not fit together in harmony.  Another way of saying it – the pattern of notes within the piece has to be the same, they have to match, and in terms of music theory – they have to be in the same “key”…

I tend to stay very involved with my clients when it comes to selecting music, especially if it is a wedding. The other day a client of ours (we are to have a string trio at her wedding  in April) requested, or rather asked if we could play “Adagio for Strings by Barber “for her processional. Many people, including my husband, know the tune from the movie “Platoon”. It is a slow, solemn piece, funeral – like. In fact, our string quartet had played it at the Pittsburgh County Courthouse on April 6, 2009 where the bodies of  three Pittsburgh Police Officers were laid for viewing after they were shot and killed on April 4th… We played there all day, alternating musicians. Some of us stayed late into the evening. “Adagio for strings” was the piece that we played several times throughout the night. It is also a piece that was played by different orchestras throughout the country after 9-11 attack. For some, it became a symbol on 9-11. It is a wonderful piece and the bride told me  she absolutely loves it. However, I can’t imagine playing it as she is walking down the isle towards her future husband! At first, she seems let down, but after I e-mailed her several videos of where that piece was played – she thanked me, saying she didn’t realized what the piece meant and how people can perceive it.  We finally settled on a piece a bit more upbeat and suitable for a spring day wedding. The point is: you might love a certain piece, but be careful in your decision on where you want the piece to be heard. You n ever know how it might affect those around you, especially if it is a wedding, supposedly a happy occasion. 

This should help you in your decision on selecting your wedding music:

• is the ceremony indoors or outdoors ( acoustics will differ)
  

• the month of your wedding: there are a lot of “seasonal” music 
  

• number of musicians that are playing for your wedding: repertoire will differ
  

• any additional musicians for the ceremony such as singers
  

• the length of the wedding ceremony: longer pieces might have to be cut short
  

• is the ceremony traditional or contemporary
  

• how big is the bridal party: length of the piece for the processional music will differ
  

• what kind of music do you like: classical, pop, sacred, country, hymnal
  

• limitations (if any) on music if your wedding is taking place in the church
  

• any music that has to be arranged in advance: we usually ask for a four week notice

The first thing to consider is the number of musicians involved. Are you hiring a string quartet, a string trio, or a duo..? Usually larger group gives you more extensive music choices.  Next step is to set up the wedding program, and what you will have in it. Things like processional, unity candle, communion, readings and more. Once you have that set, then it’s time to insert music between or during those parts.  More often then not I end up suggesting different pieces to be played, making sure they are appropriate for the ceremony.  If needed, I meet with brides to discuss the music, making sure that we don’t only follow my suggestions, but a bride likes what we have chosen. I think that is the most involved part for me – working with brides on their music selections (and then playing them!). I have had several people who in the past have requested music that was not their best choices, and I am not afraid to point that out. However, the final decision is with the bride. I will give as much input as wanted…