Weddings at St. Benedict Parish Planning Your Wedding Music
Organist
Sarah Eaton, Music Director
(585) 394-1220, ext. 37
[email protected]
As per diocesan guidelines, the parish’s primary musician is expected to be the musician for that community’s weddings; however, if the musician cannot meet the obligation, a guest musician can play (the music director will supply one).
St. Benedict’s Cantors
Our wedding cantors are classically trained singers who are familiar with the repertoire and order of the liturgy. They are also comfortable working with the sound delay and organist’s cues. Mrs. Eaton typically selects a cantor based on their availability. However, you may request a particular cantor up until 2 months prior to your wedding, to ensure that another cantor has not reserved her calendar for you.
Instrumentalists
If desired, our music director regularly works with a professional violinist, cellist, and trumpeter that are available at an additional $125 per musician, paid directly to musician. Other solo instrumentalists may be requested, fees may vary.
Some Things to Consider
A church wedding should have sacred music consistent with the sacred nature of the ceremony. The music suggestions provide beautiful and appropriate choices for your wedding. However, you are welcome to request a piece of music not on this list. Just keep in mind that while there are many beautiful songs, some are better left to the reception.
Many couples ask about contemporary music for their wedding. Any contemporary song written for the church is considered sacred music. Other contemporary music, e.g. secular music written for the radio or other, is discouraged. However, the church respects the cultural practices of the people, so the expression of sacredness may vary by parish. Please speak to the music director about a secular song request. You will need to examine whether the request is reverent and verify that it does not eliminate the role of God in your wedding.
Although it’s easy to think all classical music is fair game at a wedding, it goes the same as for contemporary music to say that the music should be sacred in nature, written for the church, not for theatre or opera. The popular marches by Wagner and Mendelssohn are secular theatre music and are particularly unsuitable at a church because of the context for which they were written. Wagner’s Bridal Chorus accompanies the couple to the bedroom rather than the altar in an opera about pagan gods. Mendelssohn’s Wedding March takes place in a farcical wedding in a comedy about fairytale creatures.
Take advantage of the Glory & Praise hymnal in the pews when selecting music.
Music Suggestions Hymns can be interchanged
Prelude The organist will play quiet prelude music until given the cue to begin seating music. If you have specific music you would like played, you are welcome to request a hymn for this time.
Seating of the Mothers (or other family)
☐ Hail Mary, Gentle Woman (C. Landry) p. 372
☐ Mary’s Song (M. Rieth) p. 375
☐ All is Well with My Soul (P. Bliss) p. 643
☐ Ave Maria (F. Schubert) must be played with vocalist or instrumental soloist - Click here to listen to this selection
Bridal Party Processional
☐ Sheep May Safely Graze (J.S. Bach)
☐ Variations on a Theme by Haydn (J. Brahms) (also called the “St Anthony Variations”)
☐ Arioso (J.S. Bach)
☐ Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring (J.S. Bach)
☐ Gift of Love (American folk tune arr. H. Hopson)
Bridal Processional
☐ O God Beyond All Praising (G. Holst)
☐ Canon in D (J. Pachabel)
☐ Trumpet Voluntary (J. Clarke)
☐ All Creatures of Our God and King (W. Draper) p. 714
☐ O Perfect Love (J. Barnby)
☐ Wherever You Go (W. Priory) p. 452
☐ The King of Love My Shepherd Is (B. Hurd) p. 648
☐ Prayer of St. Francis (S. Temple) p. 679
☐ We Belong to You (V. Thompson) p. 405
Communion (Mass)
☐ How Great Thou Art (S. Hine/Swedish folk tune) p. 694
☐ Supper of the Lord (L. Rosania) p. 513
☐ One Bread, One Body (J. Foley) p. 498
☐ Take and Eat (M. Joncas)
☐ How Beautiful (T. Paris)
☐ #497 “Miracle of Grace” - Click here to listen to this selection
Recessional
☐ Joyful Joyful We Adore You (L. Beethoven) - tune of “Ode to Joy” from 9th Symphony - Click here to listen to this selection
☐ Hornpipe from Water Music (G.F. Handel) - Listen to this selection
☐ Now Thank We All Our God (Mendelssohn, arr. Cruger) p. 704
☐ All Glory Laud and Honor (Theodulph) p. 284
☐ Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (C. Wesley) p. 662/733
Policy on Outside Musicians
Having a friend or family member participate in wedding music is welcomed. It is important to know that outside musicians can face some issues at St. Mary’s with the delay from the microphone at the front of the church sending sound to the organ at the back. Our cantors are accustomed to handling these challenges, and are also familiar with the Liturgy.
If you would like outside musicians to play for your wedding, please check that you have done the following:
☐ Ask permission from Sarah Eaton
☐ Ask Sarah Eaton to approve your music selections
Circle your response:
Y / N I am requesting ALL music to be played by outside musicians
Musician Names/Instruments
Musicians must:
☐ Sign a hold-harmless disclosure
☐ Provide proof of insurance (or request waiver)
☐ Play music appropriate for church
☐ Play all-live music. No recordings or background tracks
☐ Leave the premises as they were found. Microphones and cords should be properly put away. Sheet music should not clutter the space. Chairs should be put in a neat arrangement.
Indicate if and how many needed:
_____ microphones with stands (max 4)
_____ music stands