How I Help Plan Wedding Music and Party Music

by Robbie Schlosser

Thanks in advance for reading this article. I appreciate your interest and hope you get a few good ideas. I'd love to hear what you liked. Please write me a little COMMENT below. Start a conversation. Tell me what you think, and I'll reply. Promise.
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Most days I help people plan wedding music.

Or we plan party music.

Speaking of party music, here we are back in October 2008, creating a lively mood at a benefit cocktail party for Ballet San Jose.  We’re in the lounge at the elegant Corinthian Event Center, in San Jose.  Thanks to Chris Johnson for the photo.

Either way, I help people plan memorable celebrations. At least the musical aspects.  Wedding receptions for brides-to-be, open houses for business owners, and birthday & anniversary banquets for everyone.

I’m a musician, not a professional planner, but since 1975  I’ve learned a thing or two about helping people plan wedding music. And party music.  It’s all about how music sets the right mood for every special event.

When someone asks for help to plan wedding music, I always ask “What kind of atmosphere do you want? What do would you like your party to look like? sound like? What aromas would you like? How would you like your guests to feel?”

And depending on what they reply, I suggest ways that the band can help create whatever they want.

I borrowed this practical approach to planning from my friend Allan Jaffe.  He was the original founder, business manager, and musicians’ agent for Preservation Hall, in New Orleans.  Jaffe loved and admired the musicians he worked with.  Most of them were born between 1890-1910 — Louis Armstrong’s generation.  They loved their city and its traditions, made a living and raised their families there, and their music livened up every social occasion you can imagine.

Jaffe used to tell me these men worked hard and could do anything.  Once I heard him tell the band’s trumpeter, “Percy, let’s play ‘Just A Little While to Stay Here’.  Set the tempo like you’re at the end of a long parade and you’ve got to be back in five minutes.”

Hearing him use such a practical description stuck with me.  Today I still speak to a bride’s senses — her imagination’s vision, sound, smell, taste, and touch — to help her plan the music for her wedding reception. Wouldn’t such down-to-earth questions help you, too?

This practical approach is always effective, and I use it all the time.  It makes our conversations last just a few minutes longer.  It lets us consider just one more question.  And sometimes people save the best ones for last.


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Thanks for reading this article. I appreciate your interest and hope you get a few good ideas here. Got one or two? I'd love to hear what you liked. Please write me a little COMMENT below. Start a conversation -- I'll reply. Promise.

By the way, does a friend need help selecting wedding or party music? Do them a favor: EMAIL this article, or SHARE it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Google+.

And if you find my blog useful, please LIKE it, TWEET it, and SUBSCRIBE for more ideas. Use those cute little icons below.

Meanwhile, the Magnolia Jazz Band entertains at weddings and parties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are ever nearby, you’ll love catching us in action, seeing and hearing us create a great mood.

How can I help you? Call 408-245-9120 or use Robbie@MagnoliaJazz.com. Planning a celebration? Ask about our availability.

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