Tips on Hiring Musicians for Events
Music sets the tone for any event. For sophisticated elegance, the harp or a string quartet set the tone.
For a dance and party atmosphere a band that performs the favorite songs of all your guests gets the party going.
Central Florida has every kind of event music available. Now, it’s just deciding what is the perfect entertainment for your event. This article will provide some tips about hiring music for events.
Some factors to consider before shopping for and hiring musicians for events
- Do you want the music as background for conversation? If so, start with the list for ambient background music below.
- Do you want background music at the beginning of the evening for dinner or cocktails and then transition into party music for a party atmosphere and/or dancing? In this case the best choice might be a group that specializes in weddings and events because they specialize in meeting both needs.
- Do you want music for dancing? You can use the bands that specialize in events and weddings or you have many other choices of dance bands. The bands that specialize in events and weddings will be able to play all styles and other dance bands will play just one or two styles.
- Do you want the music to include a show to entertain your guests? There are many different kinds of show entertainment, everything from dance shows to bringing in a famous entertainer. Having a show, and what kind of show, can often depend on your budget.
- How large is you venue and party? A small room will often dictate the size of music ensemble or band because of space and volume. Although, you can hire e a large band that specializes in events for a small room. They are adept at bringing, and controlling, the right sound reinforcement to keep the sound from blowing your guests out of the room.
- What is your budget for music? This will effect the instrument choices and number of musicians in your band or ensemble. When hiring musicians for events, groups charge according to the number of musicians that they will be paying. Large instruments like drums and harp usually charge somewhat more per musician. Bands or singers needing amplification include in the band fee a cost for using, bringing and setting up equipment. The number of hours that you decide to use music can sometimes save you some money although it is a misconception that one hour will cost 1/4 of what four hours would be. Once a musician is booked for your event for the evening they usually can not fit another performance in and so you are paying for the evening minimum. If your event is at an unusual time/day you can sometimes get savings compared to a Saturday night in peak season.
Below are lists of music ensembles and bands that I believe work very well for special events and parties. All of these musicians and bands can be found in Orlando and Central Florida.
For themed event music see blog “Great Wedding and Party Themes” below.
Event with ambient background music
- Brass Quartet: Two trumpets, trombone and tuba. Some ensembles vary instrumentation.
- Brass Quintet: Two trumpets, french Horn, trombone and tuba for a slightly more full sound than Brass Quartet.
- String Quartet: Two violins, viola and cello, gives a sophisticated elegant feel.
- Harpist
- Harp and Flute Duet
- Solo Violinist
- Violin duo
- String trio
- Violinist with piano, guitar, harp or organ
- Fanfare Trumpets: The long trumpets used to announce royalty. Used to announce changes in the evening such as moving from the cocktail hour to dinner or that an silent auction is ending.
- Jazz Guitarist
- Classical Guitarist
- Guitarist performing a mix of music including light classics, jazz, standards and pop.
- Classical Pianist
- Jazz Pianist
- Pianist performing a mix of music including light classics, jazz, standards and pop.
- Italian Tenor
- Singer with piano, guitar, or harp
- Singer performing pop or jazz accompanied by guitar or piano or ensemble of guitar bass and drums or piano, bass and drums
- Jazz Combo
- Woodwind Quintet: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and french horn
- Chamber Orchestra: combine the brass quintet and string quartet for a small orchestra
- String Orchestra
- Full Symphony Orchestra
- If you have something specific in mind for an event, any music ensemble that you can dream of is available in Central Florida and Orlando.
Event with the Entertainment as the Focal Point
You can use anything from a wedding/event variety band with multiple singers to a full blown Vegas show. Some popular shows are:
- Swing Show with singers, dancers and a live band
- Vegas Dance Show
- Magician or comedian with band
- Interactive Variety Band: A wedding/event band that has a huge amount of audience interaction. The interaction includes things like playing a medley of surf/beach songs while dozens of beach balls are tossed over a volley ball net by guests, a rock tune while guests grab blow up guitars and take the stage, and music with twist and hula hoop contests.
- Celebrity Impersonator Show: Blues brothers style act singing all of the movies big hits, Marilyn Monroe singing “I want to be loved by you”, “Happy Birthday” and other favorites, The Rat Pack with a live big band.
- Contortionist, Stilt Walkers, Caricature Artists, Face Painters, Clowns, Circus Acts, Balloon Makers and Character Actors
The sky is the limit for shows!
Event to include dancing
- An Event/Wedding band: This genre of band will be able to play music of all styles and eras to please all of your guests. These bands also have expertise at functioning as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) to announce speakers, awards, auctions, etc.
- A Rock, Pop, Country, Salsa, Swing or other style band: Remember that you will not get variety for your guests or the MC expertise
- Jazz Band or Combo: For a more mellow but still danceable approach. I suggest getting one with a singer to please more guests.
- Orchestra, Society Orchestra or Big band: For ballroom dancing
Once you have defined your musical needs of background music, entertainment, show, dance music etc., theses lists can be helpful in hiring musicians for your event.
Think of Music Remembrance the next time you think of hiring music for your event. We have many professional event musicians available in all varieties so you will be able to find the perfect music for your event.
Over 50 Music Ensemble Choices for Weddings
When you are planning your special day, you have almost unlimited choices of wedding musicians and bands in Orlando. Brides and grooms may sometimes find it difficult selecting music for their events. This is often because only a few choices are known or many choices are known but it is difficult to imagine which music groups would be the most appropriate for your special day. I think that lists of choices that work well for the wedding ceremony, wedding reception and cocktail hour can be very helpful.
Below are lists of music ensembles that I believe work very well for wedding ceremonies, receptions and cocktail hour. All of these wedding musicians and bands can be found in Orlando and Central Florida.
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Ceremony Ensembles
Classical and/or Ambient Music: Any of these ensembles can play a large variety of music styles including classical, pop, jazz standards, Christian pop and folk music.
- Brass Quartet: Two trumpets, trombone and tuba. Some ensembles vary instrumentation.
- Brass Quintet: Two trumpets: french horn, trombone and tuba for a slightly more full sound than the brass Quartet. Works well for large venues or large wedding parties.
- Brass Choir: Large brass group for that “wow” factor
- Brass Quartet, Brass Quintet or Brass Choir with Organ: This magnificent and regal combination will fill the air and create an awe inspiring sound.
- String Quartet: Two violins, viola and cello, gives a sophisticated elegant feel.
- Harpist
- Organist
- Harp and Flute Duet
- Solo Violinist
- Violinist with piano, guitar, harp, or organ
- Trumpet and Organ Duet a very popular wedding choice for a regal effect
- Fanfare Trumpets – The long trumpets used to announce royalty
- Guitarist
- Pianist
- Italian Tenor
- Singer with Piano, Guitar, Harp or Organ
- Woodwind Quintet: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn
- Chamber Orchestra: Combine the brass quintet and string quartet for a small orchestra
- Symphony Orchestra: A full symphony orchestra for the couple that wants something truly extraordinary
For themed wedding music choices see blog below, “Great Party and Weddings Themes”
Wedding Reception
Before selecting your wedding reception musicians it is helpful to decide if you would like music for background, lively music or dancing music. Do you want one kind of music or a large variety that will please and keep all of your guests dancing? If you are like most couples you desire background music for dinner and a large variety of dance music after dinner. If this is your desire, you would be best served with a band that specializes in wedding ceremonies. Wedding bands have a large repertoire of all styles and welcome requests. These bands also have the expertise to perform as master of ceremonies (MC) and assist you with all of your music details including picking times and songs for the bridal party entrance, bride and groom entrance, first dance, father and daughter dance, mother and son dance, toasts, cake cutting, guarder and bouquet tosses. Having an experienced band to keep things running smoothly through these events is important, but will be essential if you do not have a wedding planner.
Wedding Reception Ensembles
- Wedding Band
- Your favorite rock, pop, country, salsa or other style band – Remember, you will not get variety for your guests or the MC and wedding expertise with these groups.
- Jazz Band or Combo – for a more mellow but still danceable approach. I suggest getting one with a singer to please more guests.
For themed wedding reception music see blog “Great Wedding and Party Themes below.”
Cocktail Hour
Many of the wedding ceremony music groups will work very well for the cocktail hour. If you can use the same group that performed for your ceremony you can save a considerable amount of money. Another option to save money is using a group from the wedding reception band. Most wedding bands have a duo, trio or quartet from within the band that can arrive early and play the cocktail hour. These groups can usually play light pop or jazz as soft ambient music. If you are on a tight budget but would like music for cocktails request the wedding bands guitarist as a solo guitarist or pianist as a solo pianist. Most people prefer to use a group without a vocalist. This helps keep the music as background so your guests can enjoy mingling. Do you want the music as the focal point or background? If it is a focal point a group with a singer or a brass group work well. Which ensemble you pick will set the tone for cocktails. Do you want the sophistication of the harp, the elegance of strings, of more of a party atmosphere with a pop trio?
Cocktail Hour Ensembles
Wedding Ceremony ensembles that work well:
Any of these ensembles can play a large variety of music styles including classical, pop, jazz standards, Christian pop and folk music.
- Brass Quartet – Two Trumpets, Trombone and Tuba. Some ensembles vary instrumentation.
- Brass Quintet Two Trumpets, French Horn, Trombone and Tuba for a slightly more full sound than Brass Quartet.
- String Quartet -Two violins, viola and cello, gives a sophisticated elegant feel.
- Harpist
- Harp and Flute Duet
- Solo Violinist
- Violinist with piano, guitar or harp
- Fanfare Trumpets: The long trumpets used to announce royalty. Used at the end of cocktail hour to announce that it is time to move to the dinner location. The fanfare trumpeters perform a fanfare to get your guests attention and then either the trumpeters, or a chef standing in-between them, announces that “dinner is served” as the doors to the dinner room open.
- Guitarist: Classical jazz, pop or folk
- Pianist: Classical, jazz or pop
- Singer with piano, guitar or harp singing light classical music
- Singer performing pop or jazz accompanied by guitar or piano or ensemble of guitar bass and drums or piano, bass and drums
- Woodwind Quintet: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn
- Chamber Orchestra, combine the brass quintet and string quartet for a small orchestra
Small Ensembles from Wedding Reception band that work well:
- solo pianist
- solo guitarist
- solo pianist that sings
- solo guitarist that sings
- Duo, trio, or quartet from reception band, either jazz or pop music or both can be requested
Other Suggestions:
- Jazz duo, trio or quartet. If you are a jazz fan and want that specifically it always takes things to another level if you hire a group that specializes in that.
- Blues singer. To bring the mood up from the ceremony and get your guests ready to party, try something a little different to set the tone.
- For themed wedding music suggestions see blog below, “Great Party and Weddings Themes”
Great Party and Wedding Themes
Parties and weddings with a theme can be so spectacular and memorable. A themed event can set a tone of fun, majesty, or opulence.
When using a party or wedding theme, music can play an important role. Thematic music can elevate your theme to another level and really make the event memorable. Since you are going to have music anyway, thematic music can also save money in decor, special food, etc., by setting the mood with music. (We can help!)
After selecting a party or wedding theme, think about all the different choices of music ensembles, costumes and songs that you can incorporate. Orlando has unlimited choices for party and wedding musicians. If you combine themed music with a beautiful room and food you can’t go wrong
There are many party and wedding themes that I have seen done successfully and memorably. Here is a list some of these themes and some possible music choices to elevate the themed decor and food to an event everyone will remember.
- Winter Wonderland Theme: Wedding reception band in white tuxedos and the singer in a while gown with crystals. You could add winter themed songs in as well. Have the band bring a snow machine for special effect.
- Christmas Theme: String Quartet, Carolers or Brass Quintet performing holiday favorites in Norman Rockwell style carolers outfits or simply in tuxes with red bow ties. Add Santa Claus hats for fun.
- Spring Theme: With a flower filled room have a little tongue in cheek fun with a flower power band playing music or the 70’s.
- Roaring 1920’s: A lush 1920’s society orchestra or band, decked out in costume, playing the lush beautiful sounds for dinner and then roaring it up with dixieland music for the party.
- Sock Hop: 1950’s band in costume poodle skirts, greased back hair and rolled up jeans.
- Mardi Gras: New Orleans Dixieland Band in traditional New Orleans Parade Costume or bright mardi gras outfits. Make sure they bring the beads! It’s great to have the band process in or parade your crowd from the ceremony to the reception or from cocktails to the dinner location.
- Beach Wedding Theme: Have musicians in Hawaiian shirts, dresses and leis. The reception band can incorporate Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet, calypso and other tropical songs, Add steel drums for that Caribbean resort feel.
- Western: County Western band for the reception and a solo guitarist/singer for the ceremony.
- Medieval/Renaissance; Medieval/Renaissance music played on authentic instruments from the time period by musicians dressed in period costume.
- Cultural Weddings: There are musicians that perform traditional or modern music from every country available.
- Princess: Nothing sets a more royal tone than fanfares performed on long fanfare Trumpets.
- Las Vegas: Wow your guests with a real Las Vegas style show and if you are looking for something on the lighter or humorous side, how about a singing Elvis at the ceremony?
- Masquerade: A string orchestra playing waltzes and songs for ballroom dancing while wearing costumes and masks will set the stage for your guests.
- New York Club: A jazz combo or a full big band playing swing music and of course the song “New York, New York”.
Whatever theme you pick you can find the right party or wedding music in Orlando. Remember to pick your theme very early in your planning so it will be easier to include in invitations, decor, party favors and the menu. Good luck and have fun with it.
How To Personalize Music For Your Wedding
If you rush through the process of selecting wedding songs and music ensembles you miss a great chance to personalize your special day. The right wedding musicians in Orlando will help you customize your music to make your wedding personalized and memorable.
Do you already have ideas about personalizing your music? Have your Orlando wedding musicians help you take it to then next level and “wow’ your guests.
Below are questions that can help you discover a way to personalize music for your wedding.
1. Do you, the couple, have a song?
Remember that if you have several songs that are special to you, they can be incorporated into the wedding ceremony or reception.
2. Do you play an instrument.? If one or both or you play guitar maybe a guitar ensemble would add that wow touch.
3. Do you have a favorite style of music. or band? If your favorite band is a punk rock band don’t limit yourself to using that music at the reception. Have a punk rock band play the prelude to your ceremony. If that would shake up your guests a little too much, then how about having your string quartet or guitarist play a mellow version of one of their songs?
4. Is there someone that cannot be at the wedding, or a family member that is no longer with you, that you would like to have there in a special way? If so, is there a song or style of music that you could include in the ceremony or ceremony prelude? Did a Grandmother love a certain hymn or big band music? Is your brother overseas a Bruce Springsteen fanatic? In personalizing music for your wedding, incorporate these ideas. They make for a memorable and meaningful wedding.
5. You wanted to have your pet at your wedding but the venue couldn’t allow it. Maybe a song that contains the pets name, or a song about dogs during the wedding prelude, dinner or dancing music.
6. Do you have a theme for your wedding? Here are some examples.
Irish: Bagpipes for the walk down the isle or an Irish band for dinner or for dancing. Have the musicians wear full costume for more effect.
Princess theme: The long fanfare trumpets playing a fanfare before the bride enters sets the tone.
Christmas wedding: A Norman Rockwell costumed brass quintet playing Christmas carols.
Mardi Gras or New Orleans theme: Instead of just having a dixieland band, have one in New Orleans parade band costume and have them march everyone from the ceremony to the reception throwing beads.
Music Remembrance has a variety of event musicians who would even dress up according to your event’s theme!
7. Like to add a little fun and humor? Don’t forget that you can do it with music. I will always remember a wedding that Music Remembrance played in Tampa. No one thought that the groom would ever marry, so the couple decided to have the Hallelujah Chorus performed after they were pronounced Husband and Wife. The guests loved it and they most likely still remember it.
You can have a lot of fun, and often save some money, setting a tone or theme when your use personalize music for your wedding. When hiring wedding musicians in Central Florida, think first of the tone or theme that you would like to set and then have your wedding music consultant guide you through the process of personalizing your music.
visit: http://www.bestweddingnj.com/wedding_music to have a personalized song written just for you.
