Harpist or Pianist

Hi Nancy -

Ensemble Champlain specializes in providing small chamber ensembles for weddings large and small.

Check your forum mail for specific information about our different groups and what we can offer you.

You can read more about us and listen to online music samples at our website .

We look forward to hearing from you!

Harry and Anne-Marie
Ensemble Champlain

Hi:

Thank you for your inquiry.
We have performed at ceremonies in the
Bridgeview Yacht Club.
My sense of music for the cocktail hour for this venue would be to go with a Pianist for a more up-beat mood and with the number of guests you are having. A harp, although wonderful and very pretty. can get lost in the crowd, even when well amplified and unless the harpist (not many if any are) is of the ilk of a famous jazz harpist such as Eugene Bianco, I think the tone/mood set by just the solo harpist may not as up-beat as a good cocktail pianist!
We have a brand new CD sampler which includes many samples of Harp and also
Piano.
You can visit our website
The Capriccio Ensemble
also to hear samples of both.

You can also e-mail me
to request our complimentary
all-new Solo CD Sampler!
WiNatalie Kriegler

With Best Wishes,

Natalie Kriegler
Music Director
The Capriccio Ensemble
by Scarlett Music Inc

Hi Nancy & Dave-

Please check your e-mail.

Regards,
Fran Diamond
631-587-7183

Web Site
E-Mail

With the number of guests you are having there is no question that if you are only using one performer to go with a keyboardist with a good sound system to project the sound. You also have the flexibility of a wide variety of styles from Jazz to Broadway Show Tunes, Cole Porter to Billy Joel and Love Songs. I have several excellent pianists with keyboards that sound exactly like a grand piano.

All cocktail hours are continuous music and always tuxedo attire. Never any additional hidden fees, taxes, travel costs etc. Please contact me if you feel my services suit your needs.

STAN WIEST
A.STAN WIEST MUSIC
Recommended by
New York Magazine
New York Times
Bridal Guiide nad Premier Bride Magazines

631-754-0594http://www.stanwiest.com

I'm enjoying reading the various opinions here!!

I agree that with so many guests, the impact of the music is a question worth considering. As a harpist, though, I do have solid amplification, and I can project sound with it as much as the next keyboardist.

In my opinion, you should decide harpist vs. pianist based on the effect you are trying to create. A harp will be more dramatic, more out of the ordinary, more beautiful. But the music will feel more classical, even if I play love songs. The effect will be more elegant, romantic, dramatic.

A keyboard will sound jazzier. It will be livelier, swingier than a harp. Maybe that's the feel that you imagine for your cocktail hour. If so, go with the keyboard.

I'm picturing this cocktail hour happening in the tent at the Bridgeview... ?? Maybe it's not there, maybe it's in the downstairs bar/patio area. If the cocktail hour is taking place in several areas, not in one big space (like the tent), then issues of amplification are less critical, too. The music won't be carrying all over inside/outside, it'll be local to the room it's in, no matter how amplified it is (unless we overkill the amplification! -- but that's your band's privilege).

Also, you might ask Kathy at the Bridgeview. She knows me, and has recommended me a lot, actually.

A final thought: I can bring a harp - flute - cello trio, which has a greater musical presence, too. Worth considering for such a large party.

For a sample, go to my website at

www.nyharpist.com

and listen to the sound clips. ...Maybe I even underestimate my ability to rock out on the harp -- go listen to the trio play the Beatles' 'Eleanor Rigby' on the sound clips and decide for yourself!

I hope this seems like a fair and balanced consideration of your question.

Regards,

Janet

Harpist Janet King
www.nyharpist.com
516-671-4519