Wedding Music

As prescribed by the Music Committee and Session of HPPC.

A wedding ceremony is a worship service of the church.  It is a celebration of the union of the bride and groom, sharing their joy with family and friends, in the presence of God in His sanctuary, and, therefore, is sacred in nature.  Hence the music should also serve to enhance the consciousness of God's presence both in the minds of those who witness and those who participate in the service.  The wedding music is defined as any music that occurs before, during or after the ceremony.

The Church Organist serves as the church's representative in assisting you in the planning of the music.  Please call the Music Department at 214/526-1766, extension1229, to make arrangements for your wedding music.

If you do not have specific requirements for your music, the organist can help you make selections.

No recorded nor taped music may be used.

Final decisions concerning the musical content of the wedding should be made no later than one month prior to the date of the wedding.  Any changes must be authorized by the Music Department.

ORGAN

The use of the church's organs are restricted to the HPPC staff organists.  Exceptions must be approved by the HPPC church organist.

Organ music should be considered in the following categories:

  • PRELUDE MUSIC
    The music for the prelude will be selected by the organist from his existing repertoire, in consultation with the bride/groom.
  • PROCESSIONAL/RECESSIONAL MUSIC
    This music may be chosen by the bride/groom by listening to the wedding music CD containing appropriate musical selections played by the church organist that is enclosed in your packet.  While listening to the CD, please fill out the wedding music checklist(also enclosed).  When you meet with the organist to plan the music for your wedding, please bring this completed checklist and return the CD to the organist. At this time the bride/groom can make arrangements for any other musicians that they would want, ie. trumpeter, string ensemble, choir etc. As there are many appropriate and beautiful processionals, the use of Richard Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" is discouraged. Because of  the brevity and monotonous repetition of the theme, and, as its overuse has become a secular musical cliche, the "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn may not be used
  • ACCOMPANIMENT OF SOLOS
    The organist may be requested by the bride/groom to accompany soloists.  Please note, the organist's involvement with a soloist is for one rehearsal only, and is not for teaching the music.  The soloist should be sufficiently prepared prior to the rehearsal.
  • VOCAL
    Vocal music in the ceremony is used to reflect a worshipful atmosphere, and is a representative offering of praise to God. In order to assure a worshipful contribution to the wedding, the organist will advise wedding couples in selections of vocal music.  Music must be consistent with guidelines for the music used  in regular worship services.  It must be sacred, scriptural or spiritual in nature, and be reflected through the text and music setting.  Secular music cannot be approved. If a hymn is desired for congregational use, it should be from The Presbyterian Hymnal, which is found in the sanctuary and chapel, and should offer praise to God and/or relate directly to a wedding ceremony.  It should be familiar enough to encourage the congregation to participate. It is preferred that the bride/groom choose a soloist from the staff of professional soloists that the Music Department retains. If desired, the organist will help in this selection.  A soloist should be a trained experienced vocalist.  It is not advisable to use a friend or family member based solely on the relationship involved or the voice of the individual.  Soloists not known by the Music Staff of HPPC may be asked to submit a tape (or audition) to the Music Department for approval one month prior to the wedding. Due to the excellent acoustics of the Sanctuary, most soloists do not need to use a microphone. If, however, one is needed, the soloist will use the microphone at the lecturn.
  • INSTRUMENTAL
    A variety of instruments are suitable for use in providing additional music for a wedding, including trumpet, flute, oboe, harp, violin and harpsichord. The organist will advise the bride/groom concerning the use of additional instrumentalists, and the procedures for their use in the worship service.  He will act to secure qualified musicians and make the arrangements for the wedding couple. Professional players, often symphony members, are engaged to play for HPPC weddings.  If you wish to use an instrumentalist not known to the Music Staff of the church, a tape may be requested for approval.  This must be accomplished at least one month prior to the wedding. Guitars, keyboards and percussion instruments may not be used.

FEES

The fees of the organist are set by the Session of the Church.  Fees for the additional musicians are determined by mutual agreement.

  • ORGANIST
    • Wedding: $200.00 (Covered in wedding fee) (This fee may include one vocal or instrumental rehearsal).
    • Rehearsals: $50.00 (Per rehearsal)
    • Walk in wedding (if music is desired): $125.00
  • SOLOIST
    • soloist: $ 150.00                     
    • Ensemble of singers: Determined by the director
  • HPPC ENSEMBLES
    • Chancel Choir: $1,000.00
    • Chamber Chorale: $600.00
    • Elliott Handbells: $600.00
  • INSTRUMENTALISTS
    • Trumpet, Flute, Oboe, Violin: $100.00 - $175.00
    • Harpist (including moving time): $175.00 - $200.00
    • Pianist/Harpsichordist: $200.00
    • Harpsichord rental fee (moving/tuning): $75.00
    • Ensemble of instruments: Determined by the director.

The above fees  for musicians  represent  typical  fees  for proficient musicians performing music in their repertoire. 

Musicians needing to prepare new repertoire, requested by the wedding couple, may require an additional fee.

Statements for soloists and instrumentalists will be sent at least one month prior to the date of the   wedding.  Payment should be made by check to the soloist or instrumentalists, and sent to HPPC, 3821 University Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205,

ATTN:  Wedding Coordinator.   This is required at least   two weeks prior to the wedding. more complaints, he/she will be immediately removed  from our recommended list.