Congratulations! Ahhh! Nice One Big Boy! Get in my son! I'm so happy for you! I think I'm gonna cry...
Yep! You've still got those heartfelt phrases ringing in your ears! Girls; you're on cloud 9! Boys; how the hell did Manchester United lose at Stoke and Chelsea NOT put Watford away!!
Christmas will fast become a cumbersome tree destined for the tip, and those twinkling lights with more tangled up lines than Clapham Junction!! No! I'm getting ahead of myself. No I'm not, you're getting married guys and you've got more likes on your Facebook status for getting engaged than anything you've done before. Everyone wants to know when? Where? Can we come? Now for the real work! The planning...
Let me be straight with you here; I mean really straight with you. Two of you are head over heels in love with each other - remember that! The TWO of you, whatever plays out from here, remember that without you two, there's no wedding!
How does Roy Hodgson feel about picking the England football team.. What does it feel like, to have to decide whether Dylan Hartley or Chris Robshaw becomes the new England Rugby captain? You're about to receive more opinions than a Radio 5 Live! 606 Football phone-in with Fletch and Sav!! Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE believes that they know about Wedding planning, and know you best! And many of the people closest to you could be about to get power-crazy. You may start hearing phrases like: "Well I'm paying," "I know it's your Wedding day but...," "If you're wearing that I'm not coming...," " What will they think of us, if I turn up looking like...," "I just want to run this outfit past you...," You could now be entering an emotional roller-coaster of outrageous proportions! Maybe, it's already started!
What's my advice? Remember who you REALLY are, Remember why you got engaged, Remember the things you really looked forward to doing and experiencing on your wedding day when you fell in love together. Then, manage everything else, because it really doesn't matter half as much as it seems, once everyone else's (and your) emotions are running full steam ahead.
Now, go and enjoy the process of planning because it's a great adventure. Once it is over and everyone has liked your pictures on Facebook and you've got that cheesy print (that costs a fortune) that defines your day, hanging by the television, real life hits like a thunder bolt; and you'll want this whole episode all over again. But Remember, time waits for no-one, I should know, I celebrated turning 50 on Christmas Eve, and played my first wedding aged 12 years old; time flies...
The Maestro has spoken, and don't say I didn't warn you!
Happy New Year
Sunday, 27 December 2015
Tuesday, 31 March 2015
What's Your Playlist? My perpective...
Many of you Brides and Grooms to be, will be looking for the Playlist on a musician's website and in many cases it might be a defining factor over the choice of personnel engaged. Whilst I respect that one needs a criteria to make difficult decisions, if that was the case for me I would be spending all my entire weekends watching my live sport because I would never get employed!
You see, for me, this question is hugely insignificant! I have done a huge number of weddings since 1979 and the lasting memory that all my wedding guests seem to have treasured, above everything else, has been my spontaneous musical decisions. Many have been in jest, playing 'God Save The Queen' for the over zealous Bride's mother as she pompously milks her walk to her privileged seat in the Ceremony room prior to the start, dropping into the theme for 'Laurel and Hardy' as the two bungling Best Men drop those sacred rings when requested to present them by the Registrar, or playing the theme to 'The Night Garden' and 'Peppa Pig' during the Signing of the Register as the little ones get restless! I could go on and on...
My friends, what I am really trying to say is that the quality of my live musical contribution is so much more than a rigid list of wedding tunes. This landmark day is not a recital (I do enough of those already!) nor is it an opportunity to pay homage to a particular artist, style or composer (unless that's your stand-out theme), it is for the vast majority a fabulous situation of great memories punctuated by a series of contributions of which music is one of them.
So how do I work? Meeting my couples and spending a couple of hours with them, and sometimes their families is invaluable, and for them a great opportunity for advice. Because for me, the Wedding Day is the 24-hour Olympics and planning is king. If I am doing a wedding, on the big day, I know and understand what's going down, who's going to be there, what to really expect and then apply my art using my experience, huge repertoire and musical ability to ensure the right result! There is too much at stake. The real stars are the Bride and Groom, the supporting cast are the family and friends. After all the pushing and shoving, saving and spending, tasting and fitting, countdown websites and Social Media interaction; it comes down to this, the big day filled with raw human emotion. I want to represent that accurately and a rigid playlist does not come close for me.
So when you are considering music for your day, think about the occasion in real time and the mood and not so much specific lists of songs because no-one is really keeping score; they should be too busy soaking up and enjoying the atmosphere that you have paid good money to own and enjoy...
Good luck and enjoy the planning adventure!
You see, for me, this question is hugely insignificant! I have done a huge number of weddings since 1979 and the lasting memory that all my wedding guests seem to have treasured, above everything else, has been my spontaneous musical decisions. Many have been in jest, playing 'God Save The Queen' for the over zealous Bride's mother as she pompously milks her walk to her privileged seat in the Ceremony room prior to the start, dropping into the theme for 'Laurel and Hardy' as the two bungling Best Men drop those sacred rings when requested to present them by the Registrar, or playing the theme to 'The Night Garden' and 'Peppa Pig' during the Signing of the Register as the little ones get restless! I could go on and on...
My friends, what I am really trying to say is that the quality of my live musical contribution is so much more than a rigid list of wedding tunes. This landmark day is not a recital (I do enough of those already!) nor is it an opportunity to pay homage to a particular artist, style or composer (unless that's your stand-out theme), it is for the vast majority a fabulous situation of great memories punctuated by a series of contributions of which music is one of them.
So how do I work? Meeting my couples and spending a couple of hours with them, and sometimes their families is invaluable, and for them a great opportunity for advice. Because for me, the Wedding Day is the 24-hour Olympics and planning is king. If I am doing a wedding, on the big day, I know and understand what's going down, who's going to be there, what to really expect and then apply my art using my experience, huge repertoire and musical ability to ensure the right result! There is too much at stake. The real stars are the Bride and Groom, the supporting cast are the family and friends. After all the pushing and shoving, saving and spending, tasting and fitting, countdown websites and Social Media interaction; it comes down to this, the big day filled with raw human emotion. I want to represent that accurately and a rigid playlist does not come close for me.
So when you are considering music for your day, think about the occasion in real time and the mood and not so much specific lists of songs because no-one is really keeping score; they should be too busy soaking up and enjoying the atmosphere that you have paid good money to own and enjoy...
Good luck and enjoy the planning adventure!
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
What the Maestro Really Does at Weddings...
Before I get into the business of discussing Weddings, I think it is best that you learn a bit about the Maestro! If you are looking to hire me, but too busy to read this, call my office on 07967 441503 or just message me here:
https://www.lincolnnoelpianomusic.co.uk/content/contact
I have actively been involved with the Business of Weddings since July 1979. In the early days, my involvement was purely from the Piano or the Organ in Church Ceremonies. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in London, 9 years later, I was not only playing at those Ceremonies, but dashing straight off to the Wedding Receptions to entertain the guests later on too.
Stylistically speaking, my musical repertoire is wide and very varied. I have always noted in the print media that, since working with my trio, that I have always been repeatedly referred to as a Jazz Pianist, which always suggests that I cannot play anything else which of course is wrong! The reality is that I interpret the mood of the room; which can change several times during the course of a short space of time. There is no such thing as an average group of people but typically my repertoire incorporates Baroque (J.S.Bach) and Classical music (Beethoven), Operatic arias, musicals, pop stuff old and new, folk and jazz standards. My personal preferences are all of those genres, and I rarely perform with music scores in front of me because it hinders the flow. The execution of my playing and the volume of segueways with tunes and styles has been likened to a disc jockey mixing tunes seamlessly.
Every wedding I have ever done regardless of size (my smallest ever is 8!) demands huge emotional investment and additionally in many cases a huge financial one too. With that in mind, even in this fast paced world, I rarely arrive a wedding engagement without meeting my Bride and Groom. For many musicians (please note this is an observation not an opinion), it is more than enough to have a couple of E mails, a contract with two names on it and the promise of free food and drink on top of an agreed fee. I generally like to meet my clients face to face, because for me building thre relationship is a significant part of the whole journey; I have spent countless memorable evenings with couples, and sometimes their families too and that builds huge trust. The result has always been a continuation of that fun, energy and excitement towards the climatic Wedding day. Most of my trips around the country, have been born from recommendations resulting from such occasions.
I am passionate that anyone who is getting married or going to a Wedding that I am involved with gets as excited about the process, and loves the occasion as much as I always do!
I have actively been involved with the Business of Weddings since July 1979. In the early days, my involvement was purely from the Piano or the Organ in Church Ceremonies. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in London, 9 years later, I was not only playing at those Ceremonies, but dashing straight off to the Wedding Receptions to entertain the guests later on too.
After a chance meeting with the owners of Whittlebury Park in Northamptonshire, we hit the ground running and began a unique collaboration in 1994 which still continues today; co-ordinating Wedding Ceremonies and Reception Celebrations in. At Whittlebury Park, we have been the market leader in the area for nearly 30 years, and my relationship with the venue is as strong today as those early days; albeit with different nuances.
Because of the duration of my relationship with weddings, my knowledge of this very unique process is comprehensive. Aside from Whittlebury Park, I have maintained a strong working relationship and knowledge of most of the major Wedding venues in Northamptonshire; and regularly travel further afield; from Kent across to Devon, up to Cumbria and Northumbria and right through Yorkshire, Midlands, East Anglia, the Home Counties and all the major cities, but the parameters are always the same; two people very much in love making the commitment in front of their nearest and dearest.
I am always hired primarily as a Pianist. In my experience, most Wedding Parties either employ a formal Toast- Master, appoint an enthusiastic person (usually the Best Man or an Usher) to make announcements or the venue has a charismatic manager who fulfils this role. In short, things are usually smartly organised and I quietly do MY thing as required. However, if during my preparation meeting with the Bridal Party, it becomes obvious that there may be gaps in that department, I will step up and be the toastmaster, for two reasons, one that I am very good at it and very entertaining, which gives a unique slant on the day and two, because, in reality, most people need a tangible structure and like to be informed. The guest experience can change quickly from joy to despair (especially parents with hungry children) if things feel a little too loose.
I am a Pianist that strives to create an atmosphere that is both interesting and entertaining, without compromising the credibility of the occasion. I have played regularly within Drinks Receptions and Wedding Breakfasts. At Whittlebury Park, I am fortunate to have a Yamaha Grand Piano for the Ceremonies but in venues that are not so blessed I have an excellent Portable Piano which does an excellent job, although on request I can readily supply a Concert Grand Piano, which always adds a touch of real class. I have also on numerous occasions been joined by my trio colleagues to ceate a different experience. For smaller Wedding parties, we have played long into the night and doubled as the 'dance band' but I generally feel that in larger venues, there are other bands who are better suited to that format than us. In my view, our style suits the intimate parts of the day generally.
Because of the duration of my relationship with weddings, my knowledge of this very unique process is comprehensive. Aside from Whittlebury Park, I have maintained a strong working relationship and knowledge of most of the major Wedding venues in Northamptonshire; and regularly travel further afield; from Kent across to Devon, up to Cumbria and Northumbria and right through Yorkshire, Midlands, East Anglia, the Home Counties and all the major cities, but the parameters are always the same; two people very much in love making the commitment in front of their nearest and dearest.
I am always hired primarily as a Pianist. In my experience, most Wedding Parties either employ a formal Toast- Master, appoint an enthusiastic person (usually the Best Man or an Usher) to make announcements or the venue has a charismatic manager who fulfils this role. In short, things are usually smartly organised and I quietly do MY thing as required. However, if during my preparation meeting with the Bridal Party, it becomes obvious that there may be gaps in that department, I will step up and be the toastmaster, for two reasons, one that I am very good at it and very entertaining, which gives a unique slant on the day and two, because, in reality, most people need a tangible structure and like to be informed. The guest experience can change quickly from joy to despair (especially parents with hungry children) if things feel a little too loose.
I am a Pianist that strives to create an atmosphere that is both interesting and entertaining, without compromising the credibility of the occasion. I have played regularly within Drinks Receptions and Wedding Breakfasts. At Whittlebury Park, I am fortunate to have a Yamaha Grand Piano for the Ceremonies but in venues that are not so blessed I have an excellent Portable Piano which does an excellent job, although on request I can readily supply a Concert Grand Piano, which always adds a touch of real class. I have also on numerous occasions been joined by my trio colleagues to ceate a different experience. For smaller Wedding parties, we have played long into the night and doubled as the 'dance band' but I generally feel that in larger venues, there are other bands who are better suited to that format than us. In my view, our style suits the intimate parts of the day generally.
Stylistically speaking, my musical repertoire is wide and very varied. I have always noted in the print media that, since working with my trio, that I have always been repeatedly referred to as a Jazz Pianist, which always suggests that I cannot play anything else which of course is wrong! The reality is that I interpret the mood of the room; which can change several times during the course of a short space of time. There is no such thing as an average group of people but typically my repertoire incorporates Baroque (J.S.Bach) and Classical music (Beethoven), Operatic arias, musicals, pop stuff old and new, folk and jazz standards. My personal preferences are all of those genres, and I rarely perform with music scores in front of me because it hinders the flow. The execution of my playing and the volume of segueways with tunes and styles has been likened to a disc jockey mixing tunes seamlessly.
Every wedding I have ever done regardless of size (my smallest ever is 8!) demands huge emotional investment and additionally in many cases a huge financial one too. With that in mind, even in this fast paced world, I rarely arrive a wedding engagement without meeting my Bride and Groom. For many musicians (please note this is an observation not an opinion), it is more than enough to have a couple of E mails, a contract with two names on it and the promise of free food and drink on top of an agreed fee. I generally like to meet my clients face to face, because for me building thre relationship is a significant part of the whole journey; I have spent countless memorable evenings with couples, and sometimes their families too and that builds huge trust. The result has always been a continuation of that fun, energy and excitement towards the climatic Wedding day. Most of my trips around the country, have been born from recommendations resulting from such occasions.
I am passionate that anyone who is getting married or going to a Wedding that I am involved with gets as excited about the process, and loves the occasion as much as I always do!
If you want the Maestro to do your big day, call 07967 441503 or message me on https://www.lincolnnoelpianomusic.co.uk/content/contact
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