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Ceremony Music
Our most popular ensembles for ceremony music may be found below.
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String Quartet
classic. elegant. |
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String Trio
the mini quartet |
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Violin & Cello
simple yet intimate |
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Violin & Piano
classic. elegant. |
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Cello & Guitar
rich & versatile |
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Harp Solo
unique full shape |
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Flute & Harp
classic. elegant. |
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Piano Solo
rich & versatile |
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Classical Guitar
unique full shape |
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Ceremony
Structure Civil Ceremonies: For civil
ceremonies, Panache performances last for about an hour and is apportioned
into the following sections:
- 30 minute ceremony – everything between the attendants’
processional to the recessional, including the lighting of the
unity candle, readings, rose-giving ceremonies, etc.
- 20 minute prelude as your guests arrive
- 10 minute postlude as your guests leave.
These times may be re-arranged in a number of ways but the minimum
charge for all Panache’s performances is an hour. If the ceremony
is shorter than expected, our clients enjoy the additional benefit
of a performance while they take pictures and/or receive guests.
If required, the duration of the performance may be extended by
half-hour or hour increments and are pro-rated accordingly.
Outdoor Ceremonies: The majority of wedding ceremonies
during the summer season are often outside and our policy is structured
around the protection of expensive wooden instruments and electrical
equipment:
- Instruments must be protected from direct sunlight either through
natural shade or through some sort of canopy. Performances scheduled
around 4:30 PM or later usually do not have to worry about this
requirement.
- Rain on the instruments is very dangerous. Weather conditions
may prevent us from performing completely unless we receive protection
from the rain. However, in most of these instances, the entire
wedding may already have been moved inside so this is usually
not an issue.
- The temperature must be at least 60C to prevent wooden instruments
from cracking. Lower temperatures can also numb performers’
fingers decreasing their nimbleness and flexibility.
- Other important factors for outdoor ceremonies include wind,
which affects how the sound travels and the ability of the sheet
music to stay on the stand, as well as the availability of a working
outlet for electric instruments, amplifiers, and speakers.
Jewish Ceremonies: Panache is experienced in Jewish
ceremonies and works closely with your synagogue and rabbi to ensure
that music selections follow all guidelines and structures for the
service and reception. Our clients can request music for any part
of the festivities, from the veiling of the bride to the service to
the Horah and beyond.
Most of our ensembles’ repertoire already includes many traditional
Jewish selections and if we do not have a specific piece, we can make
sure that we have the means to acquire them. As a note, our custom
ensemble portfolio also features Klezmer and orthodox Jewish bands.
Catholic Ceremonies: Our familiarity with Catholic
ceremonies is extensive and we have a close working relationship with
many of the musical directors in our geographic area. Whether or not
you choose to have a full mass or not, Panache is flexible in performing
alone, with the musical director, or with other accompanying musicians
to create a beautiful atmosphere while adhering to the necessary religious
structure, such as hymns and readings.
The duration for most full mass ceremonies lasts usually for an hour
and a half and as always, Panache can pro-rate the additional time
for you as needed.
Ceremony Sections
Prelude:
The prelude occurs before the ceremony and is the time when your guests
are arriving. Prelude music is important because it sets the tone
for your wedding and what to expect. Most prelude selections create
a calming and elegant atmosphere that welcomes your guests and accentuates
the anticipation.
Pre-Processional
The pre-processional is the time that important family members, such
as the mother of the bride, are to be ushered to their seats. It is
a great opportunity to honor important family members and the music
can be classical, an instrumental version of a contemporary ballad,
or a piece of great sentimental value – like a lullaby or favorite
hymn from your childhood. Attendants’ Processional
The attendants’ processional begins as soon as the bridal party
appears at the top of the aisle. The music you select should have
a steady tempo that the bridesmaids and groomsmen can comfortably
walk down the aisle to at a measured pace. Bridal
Processional
The bridal processional begins when the bride is about to walk down
the aisle and should either be dramatic and sweeping or light and
sweet. Sometimes, this is the same piece as the attendants’
processional but to make a clear distinction it is usually different.
Again, keep in mind the tempo and style at which the piece will be
performed and selections can be made either from classical or instrumental
versions of favorite ballads and contemporary love songs.
Ceremony and Lighting of the Unity Candle
During the ceremony, the music is usually designated during certain
times (such as lighting of the unity candle) if any at all. However,
there are many variations. Some of our clients like to have their
favorite songs playing softly in the background throughout the ceremony
while others choose to substitute music in place of readings. Other
clients request that we perform religious pieces that they and others
request that we do not perform at all. It ultimately depends on your
program and the atmosphere you wish to create. Recessional
The recessional begins as soon as you are pronounced husband and wife.
Music selections convey feelings of excitement and joy and there is
an unlimited variety of music to choose from. Use the time to create
a feeling of celebration but be careful to make sure that it is appropriate
for the style of your wedding as well as the ceremony site.
Postlude
The postlude follows the recessional, which ends after the last member
of the bridal party walks off the aisle. The music is un-intrusive,
elegant, and much more upbeat, allowing guests to exit their chairs
and start mingling with the other guests. If you and your fiancé
have definite musical tastes, this time is a great opportunity to
showcase them. |
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