Archive for February, 2010
February 28th, 2010 | 
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Music provides a beautiful, emotional element to your wedding and reception. Moreover, the music and songs you select will also help make your wedding uniquely your own. Here are some tips on how to enhance the different phases of your wedding with music.
You’ll most likely choose two different types of music for your ceremony and reception – softer, romantic music to be played or sung before, during, and after the ceremony, and entertaining or dancing music for the reception. In some cases, the same musicians are able to provide both. As an alternative, you might choose to have the church organist or soloist, or one set of musicians for the ceremony, and a band or entertaining DJ for your reception.
Should you wish to have music playing before the ceremony, instrumentals can establish an atmosphere for your guests and may include mood-setting pieces that your early-to-arrive guests can enjoy as they wait for the show to begin. For example, in traditional Jewish ceremonies, it is common to have a pre-ceremony reception or cocktail hour during which the bride and groom have separate chambers in which to greet guests, in addition to a common area where hors d’oeuvres and drinks are served. It is festive to have musicians and possibly a singer in the common area at this time to “warm up” the guests with some soft or lively music. Even chamber music wouldn’t be out of place.
For the ceremony, be sure to check with your site coordinator or officiant regarding any restrictions or limitations that might be in place on music selections. Some places of worship limit the music selections to whatever their own organist can play. However, there are numerous other options for your ceremony music, when allowed, including a harpist, violinist, string quartet, trumpeter, saxophonist, classical guitarist, keyboardist, flutist, and vocals or choir.
Your reception music can range from a refined background element during dinner to music for dancing. For example, a string quartet, violin or harp is a polished backdrop for your celebration, while a rock band or twelve-piece orchestra will provide a wider range of lively tunes. If you and your fiancé are strong music aficionados, you may even opt for different groups of musicians or even a DJ alternating with a band that specializes in your favorite style(s) throughout the reception — whether it’s jazz, rap or pop. Your style choices can also reflect your ethnic heritage, such as Latin, Klezmer or Irish step. Remember that good bands and DJs book up early, so you’ll need to start researching your options from nine to 12 months in advance. And, of course, be sure you have the chance to hear them in action before you decide to hire them.
While a live band might seem like the ultimate in wedding reception entertainment, keep in mind that most won’t have the same range of selection that an established DJ will. There will also be “dead air” when the band takes their scheduled breaks, unless you make arrangements for something to be played during that time. If you opt for a DJ, make sure you choose one who is both experienced and fun and can play a variety of songs, from slower traditional to ‘50s to rock and roll to faster contemporary music for dancing.
If you’d like to give guests a performance they’ll always remember, consider staging a humorous dance and/or lip-sync number to a popular tune with your fiancé and perhaps a couple of members of the wedding party. Keep it tasteful — remember, this may show up on your wedding video! But it is your wedding, so it’s OK to have fun and let your hair down a little. And if you and your fiancé have taken dance lessons and are proud of what you can do, go on out there and strut your stuff!
Diana Valentine
http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/adding-music-to-your-special-day-692568.html
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Unsure of what to get your grandparents this holiday? Not the books and the checked ties again. Check out these offbeat and a bit outrageous but nevertheless, thoughtful gift ideas.
The Ultimate Makeover Move
Delight grandma with a trendy, new look. Surprise her by setting up an appointment with a makeover team. Give her the entire works – the face, the hair and the outfit. Check out the transformation and enjoy the smile that lights up the wrinkles on her face. And while grandma is away, let grandpa play! Round up his gang and treat him to a special night out with the boys.
Get Together & Party the Night Away
Throw a 50’s themed party or better still a 50’s themed prom. Ask your grandparents and their friends to dress up like they did in the 50s. You can even rent a couple classic cars from “way back then” for everyone to show up in! Play music from that era, open up some cola and watch your otherwise controlled grandparents transform into noisy, giggling teenagers. Make sure you don’t miss out on the fun – be there as the chaperone!
Lessons that Help Unwind & Relax
How about giving your grandparents those lessons they always wanted to take but never had the time. Try dance lessons; Tango, Waltz, Ballroom or a sample lesson shaking to salsa. Adventure sports offer another option – water sports or maybe rock climbing. And if scuba-diving is not their cup of tea, maybe bowling is more up their alley. Art lessons can make a fun gift too. Your grandma will probably love to try her hand at sculpting, painting or craft making.
Weekend at a quaint inn – A different age & time
Give your grandparents the gift of old world charm. A weekend at a quaint inn would do just that. The charming atmosphere of a country inn and personable service will help them relax and take them to another time and place. The lush scenery, nature strolls, comfortable beds and scrumptious breakfast would make them fall in love all over again!
Gift Senior-Friendly Computer Software
As a Christmas gift for grandparents, you can get computer for seniors software, so they can benefit from easier communication with family and friends. It’s not just easy email for seniors that’ll attract their interest, but also the instant chats with family, regular stock updates, seeing regular pictures of grandchildren, online news, shopping, blogging and other fun activities.
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http://www.articlesbase.com/elderly-care-articles/offbeat-holiday-gift-ideas-for-grandparents-689179.html
The Doctor Who Had Everything
While scanning the information on the Titusonenine blog, I recently read a post entitled “A Bout With Addiction, for the Doctor Who Has Everything” that captured my interest. According to the post, Dr. G. was an anesthesiologist who became addicted to drugs. After entering a drug rehab clinic, unfortunately, he never returned to his medical practice.
The Need for Excitement
Dr. G’s story was interesting for a number of reasons, but at a very basic level of analysis the problem was clear. To everyone else, Dr. G. had everything: power, financial resources, prestige, position, and respect and admiration from others. Apparently, however, there was one thing that Dr. G. didn’t have: excitement–something thrilling that would add zest to his life. Unfortunately, Dr. G. looked to drugs to provide the “high” his life was lacking. Apart from the unfortunate reality that Dr. G. never returned to his profession, there is something else that leaps out from this story that needs to be articulated.
Healthy Excitement Boosters
There is virtually an endless supply of healthy “excitement boosters” in our society that Dr. G. could have sampled. He could have planned ahead and made reservations to go to the World Series, Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby, Wimbledon tennis championship, NCAA college football championship, Masters Golf tournament, Indy 500, or to the “final four” in college basketball. He could have traveled throughout the world visiting his favorite places. He could have purchased a boat that would have allowed him to spend quality time fishing or cruising on his favorite lake. He could have learned how to play a musical instrument. He could have gone “back to his roots” by visiting where his parents or grandparents came from.
To add to these “fun generators,” Dr. G. could have started a hobby that he has been passionately interested in since he was a youth. Based on his musical tastes, he could have made arrangements to see his favorite groups or artists perform live and in concert. He could have learned how to snow ski, water ski, or ride a motorcycle. He could have set aside time each year to attend his favorite operas and performances by the best orchestras in the world. He could have learned how to fly a plane. He could have purchased season tickets for his favorite professional sporting events. He could have taken adult education classes for a subject matter that he has been passionately interested in since he was a young adult.
If even more options were needed to satisfy Dr. G’s need for excitement, he could have learned how to skydive. He could have researched a special topic in his profession that he didn’t have time for earlier in his career. He could have taken ballroom dancing classes. He could have purchased a motor home and traveled with other sightseers to various locations throughout the country. He could have become a “big brother” to troubled youth. He could have pursued political aspirations that he placed on hold for many years. He could have created a special garden retreat in his backyard. In a word, Dr. G. could have involved himself in an unlimited number of healthy activities that would have added more meaning and excitement to his life.
The Denial of Addiction
Instead of using his intellect and creativity to add “natural,” healthy “highs” to his life, Dr. G. took the course of least resistance that eventually led to his downfall. Ironically, moreover, Dr. G. was a member of the one profession that is most intimately associated with prescriptions and with the effects and side effects of drugs, namely medicine. Perhaps Dr. G. thought that his “special” medical knowledge would enable him to rise above and avoid the damaging effects of drugs. If so, then Dr. G. was in denial and out-of-touch with the realities of addiction. In the final analysis, however, Dr. G. should have known better than to involve himself in the negative spiral of drug addiction.
Conclusion
There are three main messages to be learned from Dr. G’s story. First, addiction to drugs or alcohol is an equal opportunity destroyer that affects all races, people from all occupations, religions, nationalities, socio-economic groups, and from all political parties. In a word, if an anesthesiologist can become addicted to drugs, virtually anyone can. Second, whoever is not involved in drug abuse or drug addiction should continue refraining from this destructive habit. And third, whoever is abusing drugs or addicted to drugs should get professional help as soon as possible.
Copyright 2007 – Denny Soinski. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, and give the author credit.
Denny Soinski
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/the-false-high-of-addiction-99177.html
- IMPT: I’m looking for somewhere close to Bishan area =D preferably somewhere VERY accessible by public transport
- I’m particularly interested in latin grooves, girls hip hop, and pop/ mtv
- I have dance background but am far from the standard of a professional dancer. I’m looking for group lessons
- i’ll only attend lessons in the school holidays =D
Thanks so much!
www.swingapore.com
I like to go to ballroom & latin social dances. I am going on holiday next week to Hong Kong but need to know places to go to dance / venues that hold these dances/addreses etc. Please help!
China Fleet Club, Wanchai
my daughter has alot of energy and loves to dance..ive also noticed that she is very interested in ballroom dancing..
In all my years dancing I’ve never seen a ballroom class for kids that young. Even if your daughter was able to do it, the odds of finding a like-minded partner of the opposite gender would be slim to none. I’d suggest putting her in something less structured for now. If she’s still interested in ballroom, I’d revisit it when she’s between 6-8.
Good luck!
i’m 14 and me and a friend want to learn how to do dances like the jive and dances that are on the tv programme strictly come dancing. We live in exeter. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to go?
Have a look on site below
http://www.accessplace.com/dance-school/devon/exeter.htm
This is a dance that a bride did with her father. It is hilarious!
Duration : 0:4:54
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Does she remind you of some of our students?
Here's your chance to literally waltz your way to grace, style and confidence on the dance floor! You will learn the essential components of this great ballroom dance, including Rise and Fall, Sway, and Footwork, as well as exploring steps that will showcase your waltz dancing and help you gain the poise to shine on the dance floor! 