Services:

 

Mr. Dunn is owner/president of Classical Guitar Ceremonies Inc. performing for up to 250 clients annually providing music for  Washington DC, New York City, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Clients have included private clientele, state politicians, senators, diplomats, and Fortune 200 companies.

Christopher Dunn received his Bachelors of Music, Masters of Music and Graduate Performance Diploma from Peabody Conservatory. Mr. Dunn was a recipient of the Peabody Merit Award and Howard County Arts Scholarship during his studies with Julian Gray, Ray Chester and Manuel Barrueco at the conservatory.

As a founding member of the Aurora Guitar Quartet, recent concerts seasons have included concerts in United States, Costa Rica and Japan. The quartet will be performing in Canada, Europe and the United States in 2008-09 and is releasing a new Latin American CD spring of 2008.

Closer Walk Ministries	The quality and ability of this young guitarist will amaze you. Classical guitar is a wonderful and elegant way to have the tone and beauty you want at your wedding. I highly recommend it as a unique and lovely alternative to provide the mood and tone of your special day.
MyDeejay.com Wedding DJs	I've worked with Chris several times and he's fantastic - definitely a unique talent in this area. He always does an amazing job at setting the perfect atmosphere for a ceremony or cocktail hour, I highly recommend him!
Balance Wedding Photography	Adding live music to your wedding is always a great idea. Christopher's music is spectacular ~ we actually listen to his demo CD at home and while we work in the studio! Such a talented presence could really take your Big Day to the next level.
Historic Events ~ Wedding & Event Planning ( Annapolis - Baltimore - Eastern Shore )	Working with Classical Guitar is an honor. The talented artists that Chris has put together give a unique sound to weddings & events. We are pleased to refer this company to both our clients and our friends. Historic Events - Wedding & Event Production www.annapolisweddingplanner.com

Planning the Music for Your Wedding Ceremony

 

For the music, most American wedding ceremonies have six major parts, each with their own special requirements:

    * The prelude

    * The wedding party’s processional

    * The bride’s processional

    * The interlude

    * The recessional

    * The postlude

 If you do not want to choose individual songs for your ceremony, experienced wedding musicians will be able to play appropriate songs in the right places. But picking out your own music can be more meaningful and satisfying. The first decision you should make that will guide you in your choices is whether you want your music to be traditional and classic or lesser-known but unique. The professional wedding musicians you hire should have a supply of music from both categories in their repertoire.

 

 The Prelude
The purpose of the prelude music is to welcome guests as they are being seated before the ceremony. It also should give a cheerful yet subdued atmosphere, setting the stage for the solemnity of the event. The prelude generally begins 15 to 20 minutes before the ceremony start time, and it often involves quite a few songs. Because of this, it’s best to give the musician(s) an idea of the genre of music you want and leave the individual song choices up to their discretion.

 

 The Wedding Party’s Processional

The wedding party’s processional marks the official beginning of the ceremony. It should have a slow but flowing feel, ushering the beautiful bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party down the aisle. Perhaps the classic example here is Canon in D by Pachelbel, but you should listen to various musical selections to find a song that strikes a chord with you.

 
The Bride’s Processional

The bride’s processional can be an incredible moment, as memorable to everyone involved as the vows or any other part of the ceremony. You should choose a very special song here.

 

The Interlude

 The interlude can actually be many different moments in the ceremony, my very loose definition being any time there are no words being spoken for a minute or more. For most ceremonies, the interlude is the unity candle, memorial candle, or rose presentation. These are moments of quiet reflection, and the music you choose should encourage this mood.

 

The Recessional

At last, time to celebrate! The wedding officiant’s pronouncement of husband and wife is followed by enthusiastic applause and joyous recessional music as the happy couple leads the way back up the aisle. The song you choose should be bright and upbeat, inviting everyone to celebrate your union.

 

 The Postlude

 The postlude sets a pleasant atmosphere as guests are leaving. It can last between 10 and 30 minutes, so it’s best to treat the postlude like the prelude and simply give the musicians an idea of what you want. Experienced wedding musicians will play postlude music that is refined but upbeat, adding the finishing touch to your beautiful ceremony.

 

Article written by:

Courtney Lawhn

Chicago Harpist and Wedding Musician