Music
Your wedding music will be performed by one of the Heinz Chapel organists. Because of time constraints, guest organists are not permitted. Vocalists and instrumentalists are welcome to perform at ceremonies in Heinz Chapel, but all weddings must use a Heinz Chapel organist.
Rehearsal
At your rehearsal, the organist will be present to play your chosen processional and recessional marches, finalize placement of all music needed during your ceremony, and rehearse with vocal or instrumental soloists. (See Soloists below.)
Wedding
At your wedding, the organist plays a 15-minute organ prelude as guests are being seated, the processional march, and any music you have requested during the ceremony. At the conclusion of your ceremony, the organist will play the recessional march and a short postlude as your guests begin to leave the chapel.
Wedding Marches
The organ is used for all processional and recessional marches. Wedding couples must select the marches from the list on the music selection form. Audio samples of all processional and recessional pieces are available on the music selection form. A trumpet may be used with some, but not all, of the marches. The trumpeter must attend the wedding rehearsal.
Prelude and Postlude Music
The organist will select this music from a variety of fine organ music. Wedding couples are permitted to use violin, flute, or other chamber instruments either with or without the organ as part of the prelude music; however, the organ must be used for the processional and recessional marches. The organist will not play transcriptions of piano or orchestral works or popular contemporary tunes.
Soloists
Vocal and instrumental soloists are welcome at Heinz Chapel. If a soloist is desired, the wedding couple must make all of the arrangements. Because of the time constraints of the wedding and rehearsal, a maximum of three solos is suggested. A microphone is available upon request.
Soloists requiring organ accompaniment must attend the wedding rehearsal and should provide sheet music, in advance, to the organist. The music must be in the proper key, and the accompaniments must be complete and legible. If you are using a church hymnal, be sure that your music is from the organist’s copy and not just the vocal line.
If the soloist has not rehearsed with the organist, he or she will not be accompanied at the wedding. All copies of music will be returned to the soloist at the end of the ceremony. The soloist may provide an instrumental accompaniment if preferred. Recorded music or recorded accompaniments of any kind are not permitted in the chapel.
Type of Music
Music chosen for the wedding ceremony itself must be sacred or liturgical. Secular love ballads are not appropriate in the context of a religious ceremony. By way of compromise, they may be included in the prelude.
An Extra Rehearsal
If you desire more elaborate music or your soloist cannot attend your wedding rehearsal, an extra rehearsal may be necessary. Arrangements for an additional rehearsal are to be made directly with your organist. A separate fee will apply.