WHEN:  Sunday, May 20th, 2012  6:00 p.m.

WHERE:  West Chehalem Friends Church
16700 Northeast North Valley Road  Newberg, OR 97132

WHAT:  An Acoustic Evening with Wendy Goodwin & Friends
This concert is presented as a benefit for the West Chehalem Friends Church camp scholarship program.  The concert is free and family friendly.  Reception with refreshments will follow the concert.

WHO:
Wendy Goodwin—Violin/Vocals
Aaron Pruitt—Piano/Vocals
Nate Macy—Guitar/Vocals
Jacob Jolliff—Mandolin
Nolan Staples—Bass
James “Jimmy” Watson—Percussion

I am looking forward to this concert!  While NOT a CD release, we WILL be performing all of the songs from my forthcoming CD along with covers by Peter Gabriel, super old hymns re-imagined by our guitarist Nate Macy—as part of his own upcoming CD release, and more.  The concert is free and totally family friendly—that is if your kids like upbeat, Celtic influenced music and lots of interesting instruments to look at followed by a reception with refreshments and plenty of room to run around.

I’m hoping that the gorgeous clover fields surrounding this country church will be in bloom.  If you’ve been out on North Valley Road in the late spring, you know what I’m talking about. . . but whether the bees and my calendar have it all lined up or not, I can promise a wonderful evening of music.  Please join us.  There’s even a CHANCE that my CD will be ready to go…but I can’t promise. 

You can also help a really great cause while at this concert by making a donation to support the church’s camp scholarship fund.  I know that for me, attending camps like Tilikum Day Camp and Twin Rocks built lasting wonderful memories—For any of you out there around the same time as me, I have to say that my daughter’s favorite bedtime songs are now the Skunk Song and the Shark Song (with hand motions of course!)  The concert is free so you can come even if you don’t have the funds to send people to camp.  See you there!

Our July 31^st bride and groom chose a violin and guitar duo and requested a number of hymns in the mix with other styles of music including Classical and Classic Rock.  Since my public playing of the violin really began as a child playing hymns in a small country church, the opportunity to revisit sacred music was so special.  Even better, I was joined again by guitarist Nate Macy who I began playing music with almost 15 years ago while we were in college.

Jordan and Janae’s ceremony was held at a venue that was new to me—the Riverview Restaurant’s Waterfall Estate.  The weather was perfect and our setup under the gazebo for ceremony and cocktail hour offered just enough protection from the breeze and sun.  After the cocktail hour, the guests moved inside for the dinner and reception.  Nate and I continued to play for another hour inside and then spent the rest of the evening facilitating the couple’s i-pod playlist on our sound system.

This was just a gorgeous wedding—the bride and groom are obviously well loved by their family and friends and there were a number of couples in the room approaching their 50^th wedding anniversary!

Hope you enjoy listening to a few of the songs we played—please pardon some rumbling wind and the crows “singing” in the background toward the end of Amazing Grace.  Too bad it couldn’t have been a bird with a slightly more elegant voice!  I guess at least this way you won’t question whether this is really recorded live.

Come Thou Fount

Servant Song

Amazing Grace & Midnight

 
Set on the veranda of a Tuscan themed home overlooking a vineyard, our Acoustic Trio included guitarist Nate Macy, upright bassist Nolan Staples and myself on violin.  The textures, energy and versatility of this trio is a fitting soundtrack for the color and topography of a vineyard landscape.  There is such a fusion of elegance and earthiness at a winery and I believe that the music should reflect that.

(Other Acoustic options Effesenden Music offers include cello, keyboard, 2^nd fiddle, mandolin and percussion.)

The first live recording is our arrangement of “Simple Gifts” from the beautiful Classical American Ballet Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copeland.  This piece is a lovely crossover between Classical and Americana styles and is personally significant for me as an artist as it really draws together my own musical influences.

Appalachian Spring Theme

Before the ceremony as guests mingled sipping white wine and lemonade, the musical mood was a relaxing mix of classical with slower bluegrass ballads.  Ceremony selections were mostly Classical with an Americana tinge.  After the ceremony it was time to liven things up with fast Irish, Bluegrass and Old World Jazz.  The groom’s two-year old nephew Jack seemed to be a big fan, cheering on after anything with a pulsing beat such as this next sample, Wedding Jig– actually a medley of Celtic fiddle tunes that the bride’s parents fell in love with while on a trip to Ireland.  This joyful medley will definitely be staying in Effesenden’s playlist.

Wedding Jig

The second recording is an original fiddle piece I wrote this winter with the working title “Tokyo.”  It’s a lot of fun to play and is part of a larger project I have in the works… but that is a story for another blog entry.

Tokyo

The third recording is of one of the first Bluegrass fiddle tunes I learned to play—I love the quirky title and there are many memories attached—including an incident at the Chicago Hyatt when we did not realize that the jam session we were holding in our hotel room was not quite what our neighbor had in mind for his afternoon.

Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies

Basically, with Bonaparte, I like to start fast and repeat getting faster and faster until we sort of collapse from exhaustion.  Aside from that irritated hotel guest back in Chicago, people always seem to love hearing this song!

This final piece is that beloved jazz standard Summertime:  a really fun song that can be done so many different ways but always great ambient music… kind of suave and quite suitable for the cocktail hour vibe.

Summertime

This was definitely a wonderful wedding to contribute to and many congratulations to Megan and Sam!

Our ensemble was comprised of string quartet to which I suggested Claire add vocals and percussion for a few of the numbers.  The following are the live recordings I made at the ceremony:

Seating of Family–August 6th

Processional August 6th

Bride’s Procession August 6th

Recessional August 6th

Our quartet was comprised of:

Violins:  Wendy Goodwin & Noelle Sisk
Viola:  Nelly Kovalev
Cello:  Ashley Peck

Our beautiful vocalist was Bethany Cibolski and we were delighted to have the creativity and energy of Mr. Martin Zarzar of Pink Martini for our percussionist.

**

To better accommodate the different needs of different weddings, we offer 3 different types of song selection options– Basic, Premier and Effesenden.  This wedding was our Premier option and included up to 6 new songs that we arranged specifically for the wedding day plus complete control over the playlist from our current repertoire.

Claire chose to begin her preceremony cocktail hour with classical selections such as Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring and Ave Maria but she spiced things up by taking my suggestion of a few tangos.  Since the wedding had such a cosmopolitan feel to me, I thought that the Tangos would really give a great energy intermixed with the elegance of the more traditional classical selections.

After about a half hour of playing, we moved down to the venue’s lawn where we played Pachelbel’s Canon and a song from the PGA Golf tour called Augusta that is apparently one of the groom’s favorites.  Canon was meant to draw guests towards the ceremony since it is such an iconic wedding song.

Here is our recording of Canon in D from the wedding.

For the seating of the mothers, we played “Vide Cor Meum” from the movie Kingdom of Heaven and Hannibal. Bethany’s beautiful vocals soared over the string lines.  We used just a bit of amplification to give her some reverb since outdoor weddings don’t really offer much in the way of acoustic response.  It was reverent and beautiful.

Our next piece was one that I am an absolute sucker for…I have always wanted to do this one at an Effesenden wedding and when I finally go the chance, I really went for it with the arrangement–” The Kiss” from the Last of the Mohicans could not have been more dramatic and beautiful and special.  I loved the effect of starting with 1 violin and growing and growing until the processional was nearly done when we faded back down to just the lone violin as the children processed down the aisle.

The bride’s entrance song was new to me– “Now We Are Free” from the movie Gladiator.  It is such a cool song. . . and Bethany had the added challenge of figuring out how to sing in a nonsensical language that was used in the writing of the song.  The processional was long.  Instead of rushing down the aisle like so often is the case, Claire knew what part of the song she wanted to enter in and we planned ahead.  She stood at the top of the stairs and waited until the moment before beginning her walk.  While some might feel that the wait was not a good idea in a processional, I really thought it was a wonderful way to soak in the moment.

Our society is SO fast paced… maybe we should be just pausing now and then for 2 minutes to listen to a song and watch a beautiful woman illuminated by smiles and late afternoon summer sunshine have her moment!

During the ceremony, we provided some background music for a sand ceremony and I played with two of the bride’s friends as they performed Eddie Vedder’s amazingly romantic “Longing to Belong.”  For the recessional, we got our “Brit pop on” with “Starlight” by the band Muse.  It was fun, upbeat… and I loved arranging this one and hearing the lyrics “Starlight, I will be chasing this starlight until the end of my life…” even though we played it instrumentally, I always love seeing what the lyrics are to a song and they often effect how I voice things.

After the recessional, our quartet moved back up to the patio and played entirely pop music ranging from Adele to U2, Coldplay, Beatles and Kings of Leon.  It was so awesome to be able to play so many different types of music and to work with such great musicians!

I will glow from the fun of being a part of Claire and Jeff’s day for a long time and wish them every happiness!

1.  What is your musical background?  Tell me about the other members of the ensemble.  How do you go about adding new musicians to your ranks?

2.  What types of music do you play?  What instruments/combination of instruments do you offer?

3.   Where do you get your music?  Do you do special requests for songs?  Do you arrange the music specifically for your group or do you play off of music from other sources?

As you listen to the answers to these questions, you should be able to tell whether the people have well thought out answers or if they are scrambling to make themselves sound competent.  Beware the person who just gives a blanket yes without explanation and if money is a factor in your decision, be sure and clarify what additional costs might be involved in the various offerings.  Many groups will arrange music but additional fees above the listed price may be involved.

While photos, flashy advertisements and even referrals are handy, you are hiring these musicians to play live music, so there is really nothing you can do that is as important as listening to samples of their music.  I am simply amazed how many times I field calls from brides who want to know how much we charge without having heard our music.  Most companies have audio samples on their websites as well as a CD they can send you to listen to.  Don’t worry if you don’t see a sample of the actual song you want to have played—most musicians try to give a sampling of the various types and styles of music they specialize in—so for example, if you hear a Beatles tune, chances are pretty high that you could have a great rendition of the Beach Boys.  You can also request things like “I’d love to have a fast version of Canon in D” or “I’d like Ave Maria with vocals instead of instrumental.”

Wedding advice columns often tell brides to listen to the musicians performing live before booking.  It certainly doesn’t hurt, but keep in mind that the repertoire and even the conduct of an ensemble in a concert setting is going to be different from how they will be at your wedding.  To cut right to the point, your wedding is about you and your relationship. Everything—music included should be aimed at drawing attention towards that.  Imagine Lady Gaga performing at your wedding ceremony—while just perfect for millions of screaming fans in a stadium, it would be beyond awkward to have someone in a meat dress singing as you walked down the aisle!  The music and the musicians should play in a way that focuses on you.

The bottom line is that you should not be intimidated about the process of finding great live music.  Just because you might not play an instrument yourself does not mean you can’t tell whether something is beautiful. . .and you certainly can tell if you are being treated with courtesy and professionalism.  Live music in the right hands will add the perfect soundtrack to the visual beauty and joy of your day!

Monday:  6 hour studio recording session with my quartet for the heavy metal band Alesana’s forthcoming release. . . later that evening a meeting with a really cool bride about her upcoming August wedding for which I’ll be arranging some Keane and Adelle tunes for string quartet.

Friday:  Jazz violin and vocals with guitar and bass by Nate Macy & Nolan Staples for the Mama Baby Haiti charity event aboard the Portland Spirit:  a room filled with midwives, doulas and those who love them gathered together to support the efforts to provide birthing services and pediatric care to mothers and children in Haiti.

For myself and many of my friends who make music for a living, there is rarely a “normal” week… and if there is, we often find ourselves wondering if we’re doing something wrong!  In all of the hubbub of going and coming, I’m trying to learn to just take each moment as it comes and invest fully–even if tomorrow may find me playing a totally different style in a different place with different shoes!

For Prince William & Kate:
London Chamber Orchestra
A chamber orchestra is an orchestra comprised of 50 or fewer musicians—strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion with a conductor.  The London Chamber Orchestra is the UK’s longest established professional orchestra and yes, they are available for hire.

Get the Sound:
For a full sound that is elegant and rich but with fewer musicians (since most brides probably aren’t going to be able to have 50 professional performers) opt for a string quartet plus piano and 1 or 2 trumpets.  The piano will help add fullness to the sound while the strings will give the rich tone.  The trumpet(s) lend that exciting formal elegance that is so appealing.  Be ABSOLUTELY sure that these musicians are high quality professionals because poor playing—bad intonation, etc. can quickly turn regal elegance into ear splitting agony.

For Prince William & Kate:
Westminster Abbey Choir
There are many types of choirs but the Westminster Abbey Choir is comprised of 30 boys and 12 professional adult singers.  Choir of St. George’s Chapel in Windsor composed of 23 boy choristers and 12 professional adults.

Get the Sound:
Most cities and some churches have children’s choirs.  It would certainly be a lovely spin on the flowergirl/ringbearer concept to have the children in your wedding be vocalists!  Be careful that you’re not signing yourself up for too much complexity in the midst of the rest of the planning:  this is your big day, but for the families of these children from the local kid’s choir, it is one of many items on the family to-do list. 

If you don’t want to risk that, opting for adult professional vocalists is a good route to go.  The singers in Westminster Abbey Choir & the Choir of St George’s are some of the most talented in the UK in the classical realm.  Having 1-4 classically trained vocalists (perhaps a mix of male and female voices) is going to create a wonderful, robust effect. 

For Prince William & Kate:
Organ by Robert Quinney
The 35 year old sub-organist for Westminster Abbey (the sub-organist is responsible for all events at the abbey.)

Get the Sound:
Many churches have a resident organist.  The songs performed at the Royal Wedding are definitely very technically challenging so make sure that your church organist is comfortable with the musical selections you make.  Showing some enthusiasm and appreciation for the organist’s years of training can go a long way towards getting his or her best efforts! 

Venue:
One thing to keep in mind when contemplating a royal-esque wedding is venue.  Classical instruments and vocalists really benefit from an indoor setting with good acoustics such as a chapel or cathedral.  While one can achieve amazing things these days with sound amplification, you’ll have better results inside than in an outdoor setting such as a garden or vineyard.  If you are having an outdoor wedding, positioning the musicians in front of any sort of wall will help the sound immensely. 

Stay tuned for my next post about the specific song selections Prince William and Kate used for their day.  I will include suggestions of songs similar if you’re looking for something along the same lines without being an exact match. . . . and if you are interested in more ideas and information about professional ceremony music, please visit us on www.effesenden.com!

Amy and I share more than just a passion for beautiful, well organized weddings. We also have daughters almost the exact same age. We love to watch our little ones run and climb and get into trouble. We love to dream about their futures…and every so often muse about their wedding days (40 years from now of course!) I know how much Amy feels blessed to have a growing family and the fact that she wants other families to be supported through unimaginably difficult times makes me think just that much more of her integrity.

I would recommend Blush to anyone. Time and time again I have seen their events go off with happy, relaxed brides and grooms. Thanks Amy for not only being so proficient, but also giving back to the community by supporting Make–a-Wish!

Blush Bridal Consultation Group
home: 503.224.7700
Email: blush@blushbridalevents.com
Find Blush on Facebook

 

WHEN:  Friday, May 13 6:45-9:30 p.m.

WHERE: Portland Spirit’s Willamette Star

WHAT:  musical entertainment, wine, chocolate, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction and beautiful cityscape views aboard the vessel!

HOW:  $100/person (Must be 21 years of age.)
Purchase Tickets! 

I don’t put too much on my blog about my personal life but this event on May 13th really means a lot to me.  Almost 2 years ago, I gave birth to a baby girl.  After reading Ina Mae’s Guide to Childbirth and watching the documentary the Business of Being Born, I was hell bent on having a natural birth—a water birth in fact at OHSU!  I did everything that I could to have a healthy pregnancy:  organic foods, exercise, cutting down on stress…I was surrounded by supportive friends and family.  Then Baby V was late. Very. Very. Late.  2 Weeks and still nothing!

To make a long story short, I ended up having an induced labor that included 56 hours of labor before I finally ended up having a C-section after baby V’s heart rate fell and her position was not changing. She…and possibly I would have died had we not had the excellent care of the competent and compassionate midwives and doctors at OHSU.  (Then WHO would have played violin for your wedding I ask! (:  )

When I think about mommies to be across the globe who don’t have that chance just because of where they were born, it leaves me breathless. Why me? Why do I get the chance to enjoy this life with my beautiful baby who is fast becoming a little girl when my sisters in Haiti do not?

I saw Bill Gates interviewed on Charlie Rose recently.  Here is a link to the transcript–The talk is really worth exploring. I know I really shouldn’t write this on a wedding music blog but I honestly think some people don’t value life in 3^rd world countries because they think that the population is booming anyway…they think “Oh well, the women will just have more babies.” But as Bill Gates pointed out in this interview, the reason that these families have so many kids is in large part because they don’t think that all of them will survive. How tragic that this would be a reality of life! How amazing that we don’t have to think that way here in the states.

I believe with all my heart that every life is precious and I am ecstatic that MamaBaby Haiti is helping make a profound difference in the lives of individual women and children. Who knows what ramifications saving the lives and improving the quality of health for women and children in Haiti will have for our world. Maybe they are saving the life of the next Mother Theresa or Albert Einstein.

SO… please consider dressing up in your fancy duds and enjoying a wonderful evening on the Portland Spirit. I will be playing jazz violin and fiddle along with Nate Macy on guitar and Nolan Staples on upright bass. We sincerely hope you can join us!

MamaBaby Haiti is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of mothers and babies.  Their mission is to lower the maternal, fetal, and neonatal mortality rate in Haiti. MamaBaby Haiti is formed by a group of midwives and naturopathic doctors who serve women and families out of their birthing center and clinic in Haiti. They provide free prenatal, birth, postpartum, and pediatric care, in addition to education and other life saving services.