Jennifer
Walker, Executive Director
"They were bored, if
you can believe it. The musicians were bored! I
was simply appalled!"
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One sparkling
June afternoon some years ago found me readying myself
to play at a wedding ceremony. I was the assigned ‘cellist
of a string trio that had been hired through a very large
entertainment agency in the North Bay. As I applied
the finishing touches -- a bit of lip gloss, a bit of
blush -- I suffered from a “severe bout of contentment” because
I was, in fact, “going to work” I
smiled with the thought that I do, indeed, “play” as
I “work”
and, thus, could not possibly find myself in a more gratifying
situation in life.
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As I
drove to the prestigeous winery in Napa, I
reflected that this day would mark a magical milestone in
one man and one woman’s life. Their mutual love and regard
having brought them to this point in time, today’s couple
would softly and bravely, before friends and family alike,
give to each other the Gift of Commitment; they would vow
to see their union through all of the real-life storms that
would occasionally threaten their marriage. Our music
would underscore this ceremony of mutual and loving assurances,
the couple gravely promising to each other that the very stronghold
of their marriage would be their commitment to it, this devotion
never giving way simply because living life together may have
become more stressful than planned.
As I turned onto the property, I was gladdened. I was to be
a part of such a remarkable ceremony -- and the better person
for it. |
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On
arrival at the venue, we, the musicians, introduced -- or
re-introduced -- ourselves to each other. The marvelously
competent violinist quickly went about advising us about this
ceremony’s particulars as he gave us our “play list.”
With the guests arrival, we started to perform, they happily
greeting each other, mingling and awaiting the ceremony with
anticipation.
We were cued that the ceremony was about to begin and
thus began to play music from the wedding ceremony repertoire. |
The honored
guests were seated. The calm minister and the anxious groom
assumed their places as we continued. Suddenly, a little
flower girl was skipping toward us while the ring bearer ran
by --lickitty-split --nearly tripping her down the aisle.
She yelled at him, "Watch out!" We continued
to play as the little guy boasted out loud that he had heard
a bunch of frogs and he was "going back to get one for
(his) mom!" After a moment's interlude, our music ushered
the bridesmaids, with their attendant groomsmen, toward the
waiting groom.
And then, the moment...
Having musically set the stage, with anticipation now at its
apex, we played the "Bridal Chorus" as the guests
stood and the loveliest woman that existed simply filled the
day with her smile. She walked slowly toward the man
she was marrying this day. Her groom’s heart was
bursting as she took her place at his side. Our music
faded. The ceremony began. |
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two violinists settled back, sighed, rolled their eyes at
each other and throughout the ceremony were bored.
I was simply appalled. I was angry. I gritted
my teeth as I thought to myself that this may well be the
violinists’ and my five-hundreth wedding, but it is surely
is not this couples’! The bride, groom and
their guests are certainly entitled to more than a musician's
boredom -- no matter how well played the event. This
couple, every couple, every client, is entitled to the musicians'complete
involvement; they are entitled to the musicians' absolute
presence.
AaronEntertainment
was born of that philosophy at that very moment in time.
"Absolute Involvement" remains the credo of this
company today and is, indeed, one of the cornerstones of AaronEntertainment's
lively success. Not one of Aaronentertainment's musicians
ever steps onto a stage without full involvement, full focus
and full commitment. Passion for music and a dedication to
excellence accompanies each stride -- be it onto the symphony
stage or into your special event. We are, at all times, consummate
musicians creating lyric ambience. |
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AaronEntertainment invites your
call.
Jennifer Walker,
Principal 'Cellist
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