Music for the Wedding

Music Guidelines
Music for the wedding should be planned jointly by the couple utilizing music below and planning form, in consultation with the music staff. Keep in mind that the Sacrament of Marriage is a liturgical celebration. Therefore, one of the basic principles that should underlie your selection of music is whether the music is indeed liturgical. Popular songs and secular music are not appropriate at any time during the sacramental rites. (They may be appropriately performed at your wedding reception.) The function of liturgical music is ministerial. It should assist the assembled believers to express and share the faith that is within them and to nourish and strengthen their interior commitment of faith.

Organist
As principal musician for the wedding, the organist is entrusted with the responsibility of determining the suitability of musical selections within the context of the Roman Catholic wedding liturgy, and must approve all music and musicians chosen for the ceremony. The organist also bears the essential responsibility of ensuring proper performance and timing of the various musical portions of the wedding liturgy.

Cantor
A cantor is required for all wedding liturgies and only experienced Saint Andrew cantors are permitted to serve in this capacity. This helps to avoid disappointment to the couple and their families since it ensures a desirable continuity with the church’s regular worship life, and protects the parish’s mission in terms of high quality liturgy. It also helps guarantee that the service will go smoothly because presider, cantor, organist and instrumentalists are accustomed to working with each other as well as with the specific acoustical demands of the liturgical space.

Instrumentalists
Instrumentalists (trumpet, violin, flute, harp, trio, quartet, ect.) may be used upon approval of, and arrangement with, the music office. Due to musical and liturgical requirements, only experienced Saint Andrew instrumentalists may play for weddings at Saint Andrew. If individual instrumentalists are desired, the music staff will secure their services. Instrumental trios, quartets, or other ensembles are contracted independently of Saint Andrew Church, and each ensemble likewise sets its fees independently. Names and contact information for approved music ensemble contractors are available from the Director of Music.

Music
Please click on specific music to hear selection.

1. Seating of Parents / Grandparents – If you would like a particular piece of music for the seating of the parents, please choose one of the selections below, or leave blank if you have no preference.
___ 1. Canon – Johann Pachelbel
___ 2. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – J.S. Bach
___ 3. Arioso – J.S. Bach
___ 4. Air from Water Music – G.F. Handel

2. Entrance of the Bridal Party - usually the music for this is soft and "meditative."
___ 1. Canon – Johann Pachelbel
___ 2. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – J.S. Bach
___ 3. Arioso – J.S. Bach
___ 4. Air from Water Music – G.F. Handel

3. Entrance of the Bride - this is usually music that is grand and stately. Common choices are:
___ 5. Trumpet Voluntary – Henry Purcell
___ 6. Trumpet Tune – Henry Purcell
___ 22: The God of All Grace (this one requires a vocalist)– Ricky Manalo
___ 24: Ode to Joy – L.V. Beethoven
___ 25: Processional in C – H. Hopson

4. Responsorial Psalm - this comes after the first reading, and by tradition, is always sung. Please select one of the following:
___ 7: Blest are those who love you (Psalm 128) - Marty Haugen
___ 8: Loving and Forgiving (Psalm 103) – Scott Soper
___ 9: Throughout All Time (Psalm 89) – David Haas

5. Preparation of the Gifts - this is when the gifts of bread and wine are presented after the vows are made. Please select one:
___ 11: The Servant Song – Richard Gillard
___ 12: Wherever You Go – David Haas
___ 13: Love is the Sunlight – Traditional Gaelic Melody
___ 14: The Gift of Love – Hal Hopson
___ 15: When Love Is Found – Daniel Schutte

6. Communion - any Eucharistic hymn would be appropriate here. Please choose one:
___ 16: The Supper of the Lord – Laurence Rosania
___ 17: Take and Eat – Michael Joncas
___ 18: Taste and See – James Moore
___ 19: Panis Angelicus – César Franck

7. Presentation to the Blessed Virgin Mary (optional)
___Yes, we are doing this. ___No, we’re not doing this.
Any Marian hymn setting would be appropriate here. Traditionally, the “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert is sung at this point. To hear it, please listen to track #20 on the CD or Click on Ave Maria above.

8. Recessional - this is your processional march out of church and is usually the wedding liturgy’s most festive and joyous of musical expressions. Please indicate one selection. If you already chose one of the pieces for your Processional at the beginning of the wedding liturgy, you’ll need to choose a different piece here for the end of the liturgy.
___ 21: Serenade - J. Clark
___ 22: The God of All Grace (this one requires a vocalist)– Ricky Manalo
___ 23: Hornpipe (from the Water Music Suite) – G.F. Handel
___ 24: Ode to Joy – L.V. Beethoven
___ 25: Processional in C – H. Hopson