Welcome back to Austin wedding music / San Antonio wedding music 101! You’re starting to plan your big day, and the music is no small matter. But how do you choose what songs will be performed? Lots of people will have opinions, but it’s your wedding, and it should reflect your specific tastes. Here are some suggestions to help you along your way:

1. Don’t pass off the music choices. Even if it’s a trusted friend, family member or musician, if the music isn’t suited to you, you’ll regret the selections. Take an active role in the music portion of your wedding, even if you’re not a musical person.
2. Find the right musician. Performers who are skilled and experienced will be able to compliment your musical wants. Make sure to get the musicians’ background and credentials. Listen to them play. Ask if they’ve played in your wedding venue or a similar space.
3. Work with the musician. Even if you don’t have specific titles of music, give your musician a starting point, even if it’s only a mood or style – pop, jazz, light-hearted, classical, etc. From there, they will be able to start making suggestions.
4. Similar music. If you have the style or mood of your type of music, try finding something within those categories. Even if it’s not exactly what you want, sharing titles of music that is similar to what you want will help the musician peg down better suggestions.
5. Feedback. The musicians want you to be happy. So don’t just settle for the first suggestions if it doesn’t truly work for you. Give them feedback so they can tweak their recommendations. The experienced musician will have plenty of ideas to make your day memorable and joyous.

If you’re planning an office event, chamber concert, wedding ceremony or special event that calls for professional Austin wedding musicians, San Antonio wedding musicians, Austin ceremony musicians or San Antonio ceremony musicians, please contact us so we can help. Our performances can range to include the trumpet, violin, cello, string quartet, and so much more! From traditional wedding music to contemporary choices, we provide the perfect setting for that special event.

Welcome back to Austin wedding music / San Antonio wedding music 101!

If you’re struggling to find an original song to walk down the aisle to during your wedding, your first instinct might be to go with Pachabel’s ‘Canon in D.’ It’s a well-loved, beautifully-composed piece … but it’s not the most original set for weddings these days. The most important thing is that you enjoy your wedding music, but if you really want to be a little different, here are a few suggestions for you (with links to listen to them on Spotify):

• Palladio – popularized by De Beers’ diamond commercials in the 1990’s
• Lover’s Concerto – a pop song written by American songwriters Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell and recorded in 1965 by The Toys.
• Moon River – composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics written by Johnny Mercer. It received an Academy Award for Best Original Song for its first performance by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
• Joy – Based on Henry Mancini’s ‘Jesu Joy of Man’s Desire.’
• Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances No. 4 – The Slavonic Dances are a series of 16 orchestral pieces composed by Antonín Dvořák in 1878 and 1886.
• Carmina Burana – is a scenic cantata composed by Carl Orff in 1935 and 1936. It is based on 24 of the poems found in the medieval collection by the same name.
• Uf Dem Anger – Part of Carmina Burana (see above)

If you’re planning an office event, chamber concert, wedding ceremony or special event that calls for professional Austin wedding musicians, San Antonio wedding musicians, Austin ceremony musicians or San Antonio ceremony musicians, please contact us so we can help. Our performances can range to include the trumpet, violin, cello, string quartet, and so much more! From traditional wedding music to contemporary choices, we provide the perfect setting for that special event.

Welcome back to Austin wedding music / San Antonio wedding music 101! Today we’re laying out the order of a Catholic wedding ceremony. Although there are some alternate forms of the Rite of Marriage, we’re presenting it in its traditional manner. We’ve noted areas where music usually takes place, as well as areas where may play a role (though it’s not mentioned in the Rite of Marriage – parishioners should verify with their music minister).  As you’ll see below, music plays a vital role in the Catholic Wedding Mass – let us know how we can help fill this need.  

1. Introductory Rites
   1. Entrance Rite (music typically accompanies)
   2. Greeting
   3. Gloria (music typically accompanies)
   4. Opening Prayer
2. Liturgy of the Word
   1. First reading
   2. Responsorial Psalm (music typically accompanies)
   3. Second reading
   4. Gospel acclamation (music typically accompanies)
   5. Gospel
   6. Homily
3. Rite of Marriage
   1. Address and Statement of Intentions
   2. Consent and Exchange of Vows (music sometimes accompanies)
   3. Blessing and Exchange of Rings (music sometimes accompanies)
   4. Profession of Faith
   5. Prayer of the Faithful
4. Liturgy of the Eucharist
   1. Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts (music typically accompanies)
   2. Eucharistic Prayer (music sometimes accompanies)
   3. Sanctus (“Holy, Holy”) (music typically accompanies)
   4. Memorial Acclamation (music typically accompanies)
   5. Great Amen (music typically accompanies)
5. Communion Rite
   1. The Lord’s Prayer (music sometimes accompanies)
   2. Nuptial Blessing
   3. Sign of Peace
   4. Lamb of God (music typically accompanies)
   5. Communion (music typically accompanies)
6. Concluding Rite
   1. Blessing (music sometimes accompanies)
   2. Dismissal
   3. Recessional (music typically accompanies)

If you’re planning an office event, chamber concert, wedding ceremony or special event that calls for professional Austin wedding musicians, San Antonio wedding musicians, Austin ceremony musicians or San Antonio ceremony musicians, please contact us so we can help. Our performances can range to include the trumpet, violin, cello, string quartet, and so much more! From traditional wedding music to contemporary choices, we provide the perfect setting for that special event.

Welcome back to Austin wedding music / San Antonio wedding music 101! In the last few blogs, we’ve discussed questions to ask your wedding musicians and ways to cut down on the stress of the planning process. Today we’re talking about some specific tips that may aid you during the process and remove those unexpected glitches before they even occur.

• Turn over the music responsibilities to a close friend or family member. It’s your wedding day. You have enough to worry about without being burden with relatively small details about the music. Prior to the day of the wedding, ask a trusted friend or relative to take responsibility of overseeing the music on your special day. It’s one less thing for you to worry about.
• Protect your musicians from the elements. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, be particularly mindful of your musicians. They need to be as sheltered as possible – whether from rain, sun or even soggy grass. They’ll do their best work if they can focus solely on their music.
• Be mindful of electrical needs. If your musicians require a power source (amplification for guitars, for example), be certain that all preparations have been made in advance, particularly for an outdoor event.
• Placement. Carefully consider where your musicians are placed – not just so they will be well-heard, but so they can see everything that is occurring. They need to have their eyes on the ceremony to ensure proper timing for all musical selections.
• Share the details. Fill your musicians in on all of the specifics so there’s no guessing on the day of the event. How many bridesmaids are walking down the aisle? Is there a flower girl and ring bearer? How many parents will be seated?
• Processional preference. Do you have a favorite point in the processional music during which time you want to be walking down the aisle? Make sure you talk it over with your musicians, so they can prepare.
• Pre-ceremony congregating. If your friends and family are likely to mill around before the wedding, make sure they have reason to congregate in the area of the wedding musicians. You’ve taken a lot of time to choose your music, and you want to make sure everyone is present to enjoy it.
• Know your location. Ask around to see what’s happening with other venues near your wedding location. Particularly if you’re having an outdoor event, you don’t want to compete with that restaurant next door that’s having a band playing during your ceremony.
• Communicate. The secret to success for any relationship is communication, and it’s no different with your wedding musicians. Talk with them. Ask questions. Fill them in on all of the details, big or small. Never make any assumptions. You and they will be better off for it – and your wedding ceremony music will be amazing, as a result.

If you’re planning an office event, chamber concert, wedding ceremony or special event that calls for professional Austin wedding musicians, San Antonio wedding musicians, Austin ceremony musicians or San Antonio ceremony musicians, please contact us so we can help. Our performances can range to include the trumpet, violin, cello, string quartet, and so much more! From traditional wedding music to contemporary choices, we provide the perfect setting for that special event.

Welcome back to Austin wedding music / San Antonio wedding music 101! Your wedding day should be one of the happiest days of your life – but it can also be extremely stressful; not just that day, but all of the days of planning and preparation leading up to it. Your music is an extremely important detail for your event, but there’s no reason it should add more stress to this special occasion. Here are a few tips to take the stress out of the planning:

1. Begin with the basics. Sort through all of the pertinent details first: when is the wedding?; where will the wedding take place?; how big of a ceremony do you want?; what kind of budget are you working within?
2. Once you have the framework of the wedding, you can start thinking about the music details. The first question to answer is how much music do you want and during what segments?
3. Explore music ideas. Get rough ideas together based on the type of ceremony you want.
4. Find musicians who are capable of meeting your needs in a professional manner.
5. Work with your musicians to finalize your music choices.
6. Check in with your musicians in the weeks and days leading up to the event to ensure that proper preparations are being made. Ask for a timeline from them.
7. In the last few days before the wedding, take care of all of the final details and the specifics. Keep your musicians in the loop as you make these decisions – they’ve likely played many weddings before and may offer some great suggestions.

If you’re planning an office event, chamber concert, wedding ceremony or special event that calls for professional Austin wedding musicians, San Antonio wedding musicians, Austin ceremony musicians or San Antonio ceremony musicians, please contact us so we can help. Our performances can range to include the trumpet, violin, cello, string quartet, and so much more! From traditional wedding music to contemporary choices, we provide the perfect setting for that special event.

Welcome back to Austin wedding music / San Antonio wedding music 101!

When you’re planning a Catholic wedding, there are lots of details to line up. We’re providing you with a checklist to review as you make all of the big plans. It helps to start early, and you don’t want to leave one single detail unattended!

One Year Out (or earlier!)

• Begin forming ideas and structure for the wedding.
• Choose your date and time, acknowledging that you may need to have backups if your church is unavailable.
• Pick your church location and priest to officiate the ceremony. The wedding typically takes place at the bride’s home parish.
• Learn the marriage requirements of your church. You may need proof of baptism, communion and/or confirmation.
• If one of you isn’t Catholic, check with your priest on requirements for intermarriage.
• If you either you or your betrothed were previously married, you must have an annulment to be married in a Roman Catholic Church. The annulment paperwork should being immediately.

Nine to Eleven Months Out

• Meet with your chosen priest to talk about the ceremony and its structure.
• Pre-Cana (the Church’s required premarital preparation) must start
• Discuss dress and ceremony requirements with your officiating priest.
• Select bridal party members.

Six to Eight Months Out

• Confirm with your church if you and/or any of the bridal party want to participate in Mass and receive communion prior to the wedding.
• Start planning for invitations, programs and place cards.
• Select the music and musicians for the ceremony.

Three to Four Months Out

• Make decisions on who will be involved in the ceremony.
• Plan decorative needs for the ceremony and reception – flowers, candles, stemware, etc.
• Finalize your guest list and choose a location for the rehearsal dinner.
• Contact your local diocese’s chancery office to get an application for receiving a Papal Blessing.

Two Months Out

• Order your programs for the ceremony.
• Have your notice of intention to wed (Banns) posted by your church.
• Mail invitations.

Three to Four Weeks Out

• Final meeting with your officiating priest.
• Complete your vows and details for the ceremony.
• Mail rehearsal dinner invites.

One to Two Weeks Out

• Touch base with your priest and musicians.

One Day Out

• Ceremony rehearsal.

If you’re planning an office event, chamber concert, wedding ceremony or special event that calls for professional Austin wedding musicians, San Antonio wedding musicians, Austin ceremony music or San Antonio ceremony music, please contact us so we can help. Our performances can range to include the trumpet, violin, cello, string quartet, and so much more! From traditional wedding music to contemporary choices, we provide the perfect setting for that special event.

Welcome back to Austin wedding music / San Antonio wedding music 101!

Summer may be the most popular time for weddings, but there are plenty of brides that opt for non-traditional ceremony dates. If you’re focusing on the holiday season as your intended wedding date, you may be considering the use of Christmas music in your ceremony. Here are our suggestions as you begin the planning process:

• Use holiday music sparingly. Christmas and weddings are both times of joy and celebration with family and loved ones, but the emotions behind some holiday music may not blend these two occasions properly.
• If you’re having a church ceremony, you may need to confirm that the holiday music is appropriate for and allowed in the setting.
• Even though retailers have holiday decorations out well before Halloween, Christmas music is best used during the actual holiday season – most likely during the month of December.
• There are lots of holiday songs that don’t actually have anything to do with Christmas. You may want to opt for something along those lines so your ceremony doesn’t lose meaning.
• Go with your gut. It’s your wedding, and ultimately you’re the one who should be happy with your choices. You want your guests to enjoy themselves and feel comfortable, but you want to set up a day that will make you happy and proud.

If you’re planning an office event, chamber concert, wedding ceremony or special event that calls for professional Austin wedding musicians, San Antonio wedding musicians, Austin ceremony musicians or San Antonio ceremony musicians, please contact us so we can help. Our performances can range to include the trumpet, violin, cello, string quartet, and so much more! From traditional wedding music to contemporary choices, we provide the perfect setting for that special event.

Welcome back to Austin wedding music / San Antonio wedding music 101! In our last blog, we gave you a few questions to ask of your wedding musician as you and they begin to make music preparations for your wedding. As the process continues, you’ll want to check-in and update one another on the progress and any changes. Here are some questions to ask during that progression:

• How are the music preparations coming along?
• Are any pieces hard to find or difficult to master?
• If you have a singer or other musicians, are rehearsals needed with them? If so, are the rehearsals scheduled yet?
• Does the rehearsal need to be at the wedding location?
• Does the musician think you have the right amount of music planned for the ceremony?
• What concerns do they have?
• What information do they need from you?
• What will they need at the wedding location to perform?

If you’re planning an office event, chamber concert, wedding ceremony or special event that calls for professional Austin wedding musicians, San Antonio wedding musicians, Austin ceremony musicians or San Antonio ceremony musicians, please contact us so we can help. Our performances can range to include the trumpet, violin, cello, string quartet, and so much more! From traditional wedding music to contemporary choices, we provide the perfect setting for that special event.

Welcome back to Austin wedding music / San Antonio wedding music 101! If you’re planning your wedding, it’s likely that this is brand new territory for you. As you already know, there are seemingly endless details, including music decisions. MVSJ will work closely with you, guiding you through the entire process. But it doesn’t hurt to be prepared and informed when meeting with your musician(s). Don’t make any assumptions – ask these and any other questions on your mind.

• Do the musicians have a set repertoire or will they work with you on the music you want?
• Are they certain they’ll be able to play your desired set of music?
• How much will their services cost? What are the payment terms (amount and payment schedule)?
• Are they available for the ceremony rehearsal (if you want them to attend)?
• How many weddings have they played for (or how often do they play for weddings)?
• Have they played for a wedding at your location? If it’s a church wedding, have they played for a wedding in your church’s denomination?
• When do you need to make your agreement official? What does that involve?
• Do the musicians have the sheet music for the pieces you want?
• If you intend to include other musicians, have they worked together in the past?

If you’re planning an office event, chamber concert, wedding ceremony or special event that calls for professional Austin wedding musicians, San Antonio wedding musicians, Austin reception musicians or San Antonio reception musicians, please contact us so we can help. Our performances can range to include the trumpet, violin, cello, string quartet, and so much more! From traditional wedding music to contemporary choices, we provide the perfect setting for that special event.

Welcome back to Austin wedding music / San Antonio wedding music 101!

Mariachi is Mexico’s most popular brand of folk music. The name refers to the music, the musicians and the bands that play it. Mariachi’s origins go back centuries. It was originally the music of country people; music that celebrated joys, struggles, and triumphs of the Mexican people. The Mariachi was a version of Spanish theatrical orchestra containing violins, guitars and a harp. By the end of the nineteenth century, the cocula or the vihuela, two violins, and the guitarron were the instruments of the Mariachi.

The musical style began to take on national prominence in the first half of the 20th century, with its promotion at presidential inaugurations and on the radio in the 1920s. However its use in Mexican film “comedia ranchera” in the 1930s propelled it to national and international. By the 1950s the Mariachi ensemble was becoming more flexible and orchestral without losing its traditional base. The classical guitar, two trumpets and more violins were added to make the ensemble more adaptable and able to play different styles. Since then, the music has been played in many parts of the world but gained popularly as a genre in the United States, mostly through its promotion in school bands and at mariachi festivals, especially in the southwest states.

Mariachis often help celebrate the great moments in the lives of the Mexican people. With the serenata (serenade), the Mariachi participates in the rite of courtship. In a society where the young members of opposite sexes were kept apart, the serenata was a means of communication by which a young man could send a message of love to the woman of his heart. In many areas of Mexico, it is not unusual to be awakened by the sound of Las Mañ anitas, the traditional song for saints days, or birthdays. Mariachis are also commonly hired for baptisms, weddings, patriotic holidays, and even funerals.

If you’re planning an office event, chamber concert, wedding ceremony or special event that calls for professional Austin wedding musicians, San Antonio wedding musicians, Austin mariachi or San Antonio mariachi, please contact us so we can help. Our performances can range to include the trumpet, violin, cello, string quartet, and so much more! From traditional wedding music to contemporary choices, we provide the perfect setting for that special event.