Showcasing Music Makers

 
by Jennifer Cram (03/07/2019)  |  Categories: | Wedding Ceremony | Wedding Planning |
One of the joys of being a celebrant is seeing other wedding professionals "on the job", and working with them as a team.

Music adds so much to a ceremony. It sets the mood, it can express emotions that words can't adequately convey, and it is an essential part of  the feel of your wedding.

Recently, I took the opportunity to sit down with two of my favourite wedding music makers to talk about what being a wedding music maker means to them.

Janice Preece, Brisbane Harpist

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Janice Preece, Brisbane HarpistWhat do you love about being a wedding musician?
I love been part of a very special day in people's life.  A wedding day is a special celebration which is enhanced by having live harp music to accompany the ceremony.
 
What aspect of your job as a wedding musician gives you the most satisfaction?
It's knowing that my music has helped couples to have a memorable wedding day.  I am very passionate about providing the best music to suit each couple.

What has being a wedding musician taught you about life, people, and weddings?
Life is to be celebrated and to keep your family and friends close to you.

What are your favourite types of venues for wedding ceremonies?
I love performing in churches, garden weddings and other elegant wedding venues. 

What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding? (...about their music, choosing a musician etc, but also about any other aspect of the wedding which you've seen have an impact on the music and in general)
Have a consultation with your musician before the wedding if you are not sure about the kind of music you would like to have.  Make sure you have a wet weather plan if you are having a garden wedding. Decide where your musician should set up and if they have to move after the ceremony, make sure they know where to go. 

The Mystery Question: What question do you wish I'd asked you, and how would you have answered it?
What is the most requested piece of music for weddings?
Canon in D major - Pachelbel. It's very beautiful on the harp!

That was Janice Preece, Brisbane Harpist of Harpist on Call
www.brisbaneharpist.com.au
Contact details:  Email: info@brisbaneharpist.com.au  Phone: 0435 838 705
You can listen to her play at www.brisbaneharpist.com.au/listen.php

Brent Officen, Guitar Vocalist and DJ

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Brent Officen, DJ and guitar/vocalistWhat do you love about being a wedding music maker?
The old saying “Music makes the world go around” has never been more true. I love making music, writing music, performing my own music as well as the music of others. I love learning about new artists and hearing new music and sharing my favorite music with others. I especially love learning about new music and new songs from my clients. I’ve discovered so much new music that I would otherwise never have heard before. It is a universal language that can transport us to a certain place in time, bring us joy and often sadness. It can take us on a journey. Making, playing and performing music for people gives me incredible amounts of joy and makes me feel grateful to be able to do what I love for a living.
 
What aspect of your job as a wedding music maker gives you the most satisfaction?
The looks on the faces of the guests during a personalised ‘grand entrance’. The transference of emotion when the grandparents are the last ones on the floor at the end of the ‘Anniversary’ dance. The Monday morning email from the couple stating that their wedding day was’ perfect’ and they couldn’t have asked for more and they will be recommending me to all of their friends. The people filing past my console at the end of the night shaking my hand saying ‘That was terrific, thank you’
Being able to do what I love for a living.  ;)

What are your favourite types of venues for wedding ceremonies?
My favorite wedding ceremony venues are calm and serene. I love parks, bushland and generally peaceful settings where there are few distractions from the importance of the event.
In my view, the ceremony sets the tone for the day and the events to follow which is why one should choose their celebrant carefully.

What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding? (...about their music, choosing a music maker etc, but also about any other aspect of the wedding which you've seen have an impact on the music and in general)
My advice to couples planning their wedding entertainment is do your research!

There is only so much you can do via email and in my view, the only way you will truly know if someone is going to be a good fit for you is to talk to them on the phone, or better still meet with them. After all, this person will be in charge of a live microphone on the night of your wedding in front of your family and friends, grandparents etc and they are a reflection of your choices. Don’t you want to know what they sound like and what level of experience they have? Further, it is important to establish a connection with all of the people you are working with yon your wedding day. They must be a good fit for you and if they are not, move on to the next one until you find who is best for you.
Establish a list of relevant questions to ask, talk to them on the phone – and then meet them.

The Mystery Question: What question do you wish I'd asked you, and how would you have answered it?
It would be surrounding the role of the Master of Ceremonies.
I think there should be just as much emphasis placed on the role of the MC on the night of your wedding. The MC has an incredibly important role and the ability to literally make or break the night.

I could write a book on the faux pas and clangers I’ve seen at weddings performed by family friends or ‘Druncles’ in the role of MC which have made the event memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Typically these people are plumbers, accountants, policemen or women etc, with few skills in the area of public speaking or entertainment, nor should they be expected to, however they are thrust into the spotlight and expected to perform with little or no training so they often resort to some ‘Dutch courage’ to help them through. It’s little wonder they often buckle under the pressure.
Why not hire a professional to plan an evening of fun and entertainment and guarantee your guests go home raving about your wedding?

That was Brent Officen, Professional DJ Guitar/Vocalist from Decibels
www.decibels.com.au
Contact details:  Email: brent@decibels.com.au  Phone: 0418 724 079
You can listen to him play and sing at www.decibels.com.au/guitarist-vocalist/

Jenny xxx Let's talk soon about how you can
                    have the best ceremony ever