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This should be of interest to all JDM fans. In early 2007 I was contracted by a wedding planner to play organ for the October wedding of Jo Dee Messina to her soundman Chris Deffenbaugh. I was excited at the prospect of playing a celebrity wedding, anticipating there could be residual business from the guests. But about two months before the ceremony, the wedding planner backed out due to difficulties meeting with the couple, and because they didn't want to pay the agreed fee. The mantle passed to Martha Greenwood of Big Events in Franklin. They do mostly corporate parties and such. Well, Martha did not contact me, even though I'd been retained by Jo Dee. I had to contact her, and then began the arduous chore of dragging information out of her. I only obtained a music list a couple weeks before the event. Then about 4 days prior to the wedding, Martha emailed me and said Jo Dee wanted Ave Maria played during the lighting of the unity candle, but only enough to get them to the candle and back in their places. As an experienced musician, I knew that Ave Maria was way too long for that spot (since it only takes about 30 seconds) and that there was no place to gracefully cut the music short. I suggested alternatives and the next thing I hear is that JDM wants me at the rehearsal to discuss the unity candle, to which I agreed. Then the very next day, without any further discussion, Martha sends me a curt email saying I had been replaced!I was shocked, of course, so I called her. She said I had a rigid attitude and was dictating what I would and would not play. I said I was just making suggestions, but she (or Jo Dee) felt it was easier to just toss me aside like a nobody and get someone they'd worked with before. Naturally I was offended. I wrote to Jo Dee to express my disappointment that she would fire her musician without discussion when I was merely trying to do my job, which includes making recommendations based on 20 years of experience. But I suppose when you get to a certain level of stardom, you gain a high-and-mighty mindset that precludes taking other people's advice. So I really don't expect to hear back from her. Good luck with the marriage, JD! This whole ordeal will probably cause me to steer clear of any "celebrities" in the future, and certainly to dissuade anyone from working with Big Events. What one thing would I say to Jo Dee if I met her face to face? "It really doesn't matter how many benefit shows you sing if you treat individuals like shit." I'll get over it. I just have to get it out of my system. For information or to set up a consultation... SERVICES OFFEREDThe following describes the services I offer when you contract with me to play for your wedding. Consultation Session
Pre-service music for the 15-20 minutes prior to the service may be chosen, including music for seating the mothers. There is nothing more popular than the celebrated Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel. The bridesmaids' processional most often used is the by Jeremiah Clarke (Princess Diana's processional). Congregational hymns, solos, or special pieces may also be selected. The traditional wedding march is Wagner's from Lohengrin, commonly known as "Here Comes the Bride." The traditional recessional is Felix Mendelssohn's Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, also known as the theme from "The Newlywed Game." Both these pieces are secular and come from works based on mythological themes; alternative pieces, just as suitable for the occasion, can be auditioned during the consultation.
The couple can greatly assist the process by listening to classical and sacred recordings prior to the consultation to identify the style of music which most appeals to their tastes. Specific composers (e.g. "Bach/Gounod") and periods (e.g. "Romantic") and names of works (e.g. "Ave Maria") will greatly aid the organist and make the consultation period more productive.
You may bring sheet music of favorite songs, tapes, or programs from other weddings at this time. Sheet music to specially requested songs must be purchased and supplied to the organist at least two weeks prior to the ceremony, and will remain the property of the bride and groom. Discretion should be used when requesting love songs and other secular music, keeping in mind the sacramental nature of the ceremony. Your minister can offer guidance on this subject as well. Rules defining restrictions vary from church to church, so ultimately these decisions should be made in conjunction with the officiating minister.
Rehearsal
Ceremony only (no consult)...........$160 with 4 levels in-between
My partner for Celtic weddings is Gregory Martin Cutcliff of the Nashville Pipes and Drums. Our duo is called The Highlanders. Mr. Cutcliff is a true Scot -- his ancestors trimmed the cliffs of Dover. My only claim is I had an uncle from Edinburgh, and I love Celtic music! We play a rousing Highland Cathedral together.
Pre-Service (Preludes) Air from Water Music...George Frederick Handel Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring...Johann Sebastien Bach Ave Maria...Bach/Gounod Ave Maria...Franz Schubert Love Divine (Hyfrydol)...Pritchard/Wilson Canon in D...Johann Pachelbel The Gift of Love...arr. Hal Hopson Prayer...Gabriel FaurŽ Sonata in A...Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart El Shaddai...Michael Card Pass It On...Kaiser/Hayes Spring from The Four Seasons...Antonio Vivaldi How Majestic is Thy Name...Michael W. Smith Other classical works by all the major composers plus a
wide variety of hymn arrangements. Processionals for Bridesmaids & Bride Allegro Maestoso from Water Music...Handel Prince of Denmark's March...Jeremiah Clarke Hymne...Vangelis Rondeau...Jean Joseph Mouret Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin...Richard Wagner Ode to Joy...Ludwig van Beethoven Overture from Royal Fireworks...Handel Highland Cathedral...Roever & Korb Recessional Marches Alleluia from Exsultate, Jubilate...Mozart Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream...Felix Mendelssohn Prelude in C...Pachelbel The Rejoicing...Handel Reception Music Just the Way You Are ...Billy Joel All I Ask of You...Andrew Lloyd Webber The Wind Beneath My Wings...Don Henley The Windmills of Your Mind...Michel Legrande Can You Read My Mind?...John Williams Theme from Ice Castles...Marvin Hamlisch I'll Still Be Loving You...Cerney/Rose Arthur's Theme...Burt Bacharach/Carol Sager We've Only Just Begun...Paul Williams/Roger Nichols Try to Remember...Tom Jones/Harvey Schmidt Annie's Song...John Denver My Love...Paul McCartney Longer...Dan Fogelberg Eres Tœ...Juan Calderon Evergreen...Barbara Streisand Love Theme from Romeo & Juliet...Nino Rota "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler...Jerry Bock Here, There and Everywhere...Lennon & McCartney Plus just about any other popular music, love song or
movie theme that has been published!
Wightman Chapel at Scarritt BennettA popular site for weddings in Nashville is the beautiful chapel at the Scarritt Bennett Center (formerly Scarritt College). Wightman Chapel is a lovely alternative for those wishing an off-church site. Intimate setting with great acoustics, pipe organ, grand piano, and reception facilities. Wightman can be rented by contacting Sally Cornell, Special Events Manager, at weddings@scarrittbennett.org.
Resume of James Arthur Weinberg
Mobile 268-2296weinbergj@mail.belmont.edu Experience -Church and school music
leader for choirs of all ages -Conductor for youth and
adult handbells, brass choir, chamber ensembles, recorder consort and
Orff-Schulwerk group -Selection of anthems,
hymns & responses in accordance with the lectionary/church calendar -Planning of special
Advent/Christmas and Lenten/Easter services -Direction of children's
Vacation Bible School music program -Implementation of
pre-primary Sunday School music class -Nursing home outreach,
sacred concerts, revivals, cantatas, religious dramatic productions and fundraising
productions -Accompanist for vocal
and instrumental soloists and ensembles -Composition of original
works including choral/instrumental arrangements -Proficient on electronic
and pipe organ, acoustic and electric piano, harpsichord and synthesizer -Consultation and
performance for weddings, receptions, and funerals -Providing private studio
instruction in piano, organ and voice -Able to lead works in
French, German, Italian, Spanish and Latin -Eclectic
background: acquainted with
renewal styles (contemporary praise/Cursillo/TaizŽ). Music-Related
Employment ¥ Adjunct
Faculty (Piano, Theory & Organ), August 2000-present Belmont
Academy, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee ¥ Keyboardist-Organist,
April 2003-present Belmont
Heights Baptist Church, Nashville, Tennessee ¥ Choirmaster-Organist,
June 1995-December 2002 Episcopal
Church of the Resurrection, Franklin, Tennessee ¥ Choirmaster-Organist,
1992-1994 St.
Matthias' Episcopal Church, Nashville, Tennessee ¥ Teaching Assistant, 1989-1993 Blair
School of Music, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee ¥ Assistant
Director of Music & Organist, 1988-1991 Andrew
Price Memorial United Methodist Church, Donelson, Tennessee ¥ Classical
Radio Announcer/Producer, 1986-1990 WPLN-FM, Ben West Public
Library, Nashville, Tennessee ¥ Organist/Accompanist,
1985-1988 Forest
Hills United Methodist Church, Brentwood, Tennessee ¥ Minister of
Music/Assistant Parish Secretary, 1984 St. Bartholomew's
Episcopal Church, Nashville, Tennessee ¥ Choirmaster-Organist,
1981-1984 Concordia Evangelical
Lutheran Church, Nashville, Tennessee ¥ Substitute work performed
in Baptist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and Jewish Reform settings Education M.
M. E., Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee - 1991 {3.9 GPA} Organ
Major with emphasis in Elementary Education & Methodology B.
M., Belmont College, Nashville, Tennessee - 1985 {cum laude} Church
Music Major: Organ Principal/Voice
Secondary Affiliations Member,
American Guild of Organists References
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