Frequently asked questions

Music

Can we hear samples / do you have recordings?
Of course! Send me a message with the pieces you're considering and I'll share recordings.

Can we choose our own music, or do we need to stick to your repertoire list?
You’re welcome to choose from my most requested selections, but I also have a much larger library available. If there’s a special piece that isn’t in my collection, I can often create a custom arrangement just for you.

Do you require a sound system?
Nope! Trumpets are naturally loud and resonant, so I don't need amplification, even outdoors or in large venues.

Are you able to perform with other musicians or singers?
Yes! I frequently collaborate with pianists, organists, string players, and vocalists. I can also recommend trusted colleagues or coordinate with musicians you’ve already booked.

Can you perform with backing tracks?
Yes! Backing tracks work well, though they require a bit more coordination and may need an additional rehearsal or run-through. Note that I don't provide a sound system, so playback and amplification for the track will need to be provided by the venue (or a DJ).

Do you take special requests or perform custom arrangements?
Yes! I love helping couples personalize their ceremony music. If there’s a song that’s meaningful to you, even if it’s not traditionally played on trumpet, I’ll do my best to make it work.

Do you also play for receptions, cocktail hours, or other parts of the day?
My career has focused on music for wedding ceremonies, but I've also played receptions, cocktail hours, and other parts of the day. Let me know what you're thinking and, if I'm not the best fit for what you have in mind, I would be happy to refer you to one of my many amazing colleagues!

Logistics

How do you coordinate with our officiant/planner/DJ on cues?
All I need from you is an email introduction about a month before your wedding and I'll take it from there. I'll confirm the ceremony timeline with whoever is running the day, walk through where each piece of music begins and ends, and work out cues directly with your officiant, planner, or DJ. You've got enough on your plate in that final month; coordinating the music shouldn't be part of it.

If you'll be performing with our church's musicians, when do you rehearse? Will you come to the rehearsal the night before?
The rehearsal the night before is for your wedding party: walking the processional, timing the entrances, and getting everyone comfortable. For some churches and venues, the music director or organist may attend the evening rehearsal, but other musicians and singers typically don't attend that rehearsal.

Instead, my pricing includes a day-of rehearsal. I arrive at least an hour before your ceremony, which gives me time to run through the music with the other musicians, check balance and tempos in the space, and confirm cues. For experienced professional musicians, this is more than enough time to sound like we've been playing together for years.

If your ceremony involves something unusually complex (like a custom arrangement with multiple ensembles) I'm happy to discuss scheduling an additional rehearsal.

What parts of the wedding ceremony do you typically play for?
I usually perform for the prelude, seating of the families, processional, bride’s entrance, interlude or unity ceremony, recessional, and postlude. I’m happy to work with you to determine exactly where music will enhance your ceremony.

Can you play outdoors? What happens if it rains?
Absolutely, I love outdoor weddings! In the event of inclement weather, I'll do my best to keep playing as long as it's safe for me and my instruments. If it does rain, I may ask to move under cover or pause briefly until conditions improve.

Do you travel for weddings outside of Maine?
Yes, I perform at weddings throughout New England and beyond. Travel fees may apply, so please reach out with your location for an estimate.

What do you wear to perform at weddings?
I typically wear formal black attire or a suit to match the tone of the event. If your wedding has a specific dress code or aesthetic, I’m happy to adjust accordingly.

What if we run a little late? Do you have a time limit?
Yes—my contract covers up to two hours from your start time and I do not bill for extra time due to weather delays or other events outside your control. I also don't book back-to-back events on the same day, so I arrive rested and focused on your ceremony, not watching the clock.

Booking, contracting and payment

Can we schedule a phone call or meet in person to discuss our wedding?
Sure! Just send me a note and we'll put something on the calendar.

Beyond your performance fee, are there any extra charges or fees?

In 99.99% of cases, no. My contract includes two potential fees—reimbursement for sheet music and overtime if the ceremony runs extremely long. In practice, these only apply to edge cases (e.g. purchasing out-of-print sheet music or waiting several hours due to avoidable delays) and have only been invoiced a few times in over 25 years of performing. As stated above, there are no extra charges for weather delays or other circumstances outside your control.

We live out of state, can we meet via Zoom to discuss our wedding?
Of course! Please send me a note and I'd be happy to schedule a time to meet virtually.

How far in advance should we book you?
I recommend booking at least 3 months in advance, especially for popular wedding dates. However, if your wedding is sooner, don’t hesitate to reach out; I may still be available (and if not, I can refer you to a colleague).

How much do you charge? Is there a deposit?
Please check out the Pricing Page for current rates. I require a 50% deposit within two weeks of signing a booking contract, with the balance due prior to your wedding. Full terms are outlined in your booking contract.

Are your prices negotiable?
Generally, no. Rates reflect performance and travel time, plus the practice time and training required to perform at a high level.

I do sometimes make an exception for travel and mileage. If you hire multiple musicians and we are able to carpool, I am happy to remove the additional mileage charge (and do a little good for the environment!).

What forms of payment do you take?
I prefer ACH transfers or checks. I am also able to accept credit cards, although you will be required to pay an additional service fee (approximately 3%).