The music at your wedding is a very important part of the service. Always remember that your wedding ceremony is a church service. The music should enhance the spirituality and the beauty of the worship experience. The music ministry of the church will be happy to help you in any way as you plan for this special event. You are welcome to call the Director of Music of the church at 257-0809, for assistance, advice or help in planning the music for your service.

The first music that guests will hear as they enter the Sanctuary for your wedding is the prelude music. You may choose from a variety of musical styles: classical, gospel, contemporary, wedding standards or any other style that will set the tone for the service. Prelude music usually begins thirty minutes before the service as the guests begin to arrive.

Choosing the instrument or instruments for the prelude will help determine the type of music played. Some proven, popular suggestions include:

• The church pipe organ
• The piano
• A string quartet
• A classical guitar
• A folk guitar
• Brass quintets
• Harp

If budget constraints are a major factor in planning your ceremony, a CD or tape may be played as a prelude before the ceremony begins. If recorded music is used, it is important to have a sound technician from the church on hand to run the sound board.

Names of musicians are listed on this page. Please remember that it is important to establish the fee for the musicians when you secure the date. It is also important to remember that all musicians fees should be paid directly to the player or players before the day of the wedding.

Frequently music is chosen to be performed by a vocal or instrumental soloist as part of the ceremony. You may have a friend or family member whom you would like to sing. Please remember that the words of the song should be appropriate for a church service. Feel free to contact the Director of Music of the church at 257-0809, for assistance in choosing songs. Keep in mind that if you want the musician or musicians who are playing for the wedding to accompany the singer, you must have the printed music for them to use.

Once again, the Director of Music can help you find printed music. The church music office can also offer suggestions on available singers. Most soloists, hired to sing as professionals, expect a fee of at least $50.00, for a wedding service.

Recorded accompaniments may be used for soloist.

Typical places in the ceremony for solos include:

• A solo after the seating of the mothers
• A solo after scripture is read
• The singing of the Lord's Prayer

Organist and Organist

• Dr.Sabrina Adrian, Church Organist, 257-0829
  $225.00
  (Will come the first twenty minutes to rehearse the Processional if needed.)
• Brenda Hetherington, 792-3065
  $75.00 for weddings, plus $25.00 if there is a soloist.
• David Brown, 792-5241
  $75.00 for weddings
• Sondra Swyers, 792-4048
  $50.00 (Prefers small weddings)
• Charlotte Marrow, 896-6634
  $125.00, includes rehearsal
• Sam Ligon, 895-4431
  $50.00 and up, depending on rehearsal time.

String Groups

• The Celebration Strings, 895-4064
  Contact Penni Prislovsky
  $600.00
• String Trios and Quartets
  Contact Mollie Ables, (512) 440-1227
  $150.00 per person
• The Turner Brothers, 830/980-4560
  Contact Tammi Turner
  $200.00 (The Turner Brothers are three excellent, very young musicians who are quite capable of playing a lovely service.)

Classical Guitars

• Kevin McCormick, 257-7803
• Tim Porter, 895-4225

Harp

• Laurie Buchanan, (210) 691-2988
  $300.00
• Maggie Meek 896-1525
  Celtic Harp Negotiable Fee

Flute

• Michelle Stevens, 285-6712
  $50.00
• Kristen Winfield, 367-7771
  $50.00

Brass Instruments

• Contact George Eychner for solo trumpet or brass groups, 895-4972
  Negotiable Fees

Rememember that the fees to your musicians should be paid in full before the day of the wedding.

It can be very effective to choose music for specific times in the ceremony. For example

• Music for the seating of the mothers and grandmothers
• Music for the bridesmaids processional
• Music for the bride
• Music for the Recessional

While the traditional Here Comes the Bride is always very popular, there are many other music options:

• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
• Canon by Pachelbel
• Music from the Water Music
• A variety of trumpet tunes that can be played by all instruments

Remember, the music staff of the church is here to help make your day special, no matter how small or large the ceremony. Call 257-0809 for assistance. Using this webpage as a guide can help you with your planning. Remember, plan for your music as soon as you set the date.

May God bless you as you plan for your special day!

This check list is provided to help you plan your wedding service and to be certain that important details are handled in a timely fashion. Our church wants your wedding to run smoothly and the service be both memorable and inspiring. Good communication between the bride and groom and the church is the best way to insure your wedding is as free from stress as possible. Our prayers are with you.

Download the Wedding Planner Checklist