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Purely Music brings a classic touch to your wedding day with cello or string ensembles

Interviewing Natalie Williams Calhoun, Owner & Cellist of Purely Music

Live instrumental music holds a unique power to set the tone of a wedding day with its characteristic rich sound and elegant appearance. Cellist, Natalie Williams Calhoun, knows this better than anyone because she has been performing at weddings for over fifteen years. With talents that have taken her across the globe, we felt honoured that she chose to focus her future on our local wedding community.

Natalie owns Purely Music, a business which organizes a group of seasoned musicians who perform live classical music for some of life's most important events. Either performing her cello alone or amidst a string ensemble of several musicians, Natalie coordinates music for countless local indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies, garden parties, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, cocktail hours, receptions, anniversaries and showers. We sat down with Natalie to find out more about what she does for brides.

Personally speaking...

Music isn't just Natalie's passion, it's in her blood. Both of her parents are professional musicians so it may have been inevitable that she take a similar path. Growing up in a musical family means that you are destined to either love or hate music - strongly. Natalie found that she loved it. She started playing piano at three years old, cello at ten, and at seventeen started playing in quartets with her father.

Natalie graduated from the University of British Columbia with her Bachelor of Music before going on to graduate with her Masters of Music from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. As she went through this amazing education, she performed at weddings to help cover costs. When Natalie finished school, she began performing professionally. She has played with the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, then Orchestra London Canada, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra and the National Ballet of Canada.

It was when Natalie came to Brantford in 2004 that she decided to open her own business offering live classical music for the masses. Masses of brides, that is. Purely Music plays at approximately thirty to forty weddings each season, with Natalie having personally performed at hundreds of weddings since the age of seventeen (sometimes two or three per weekend). For 2008, however, Natalie is limiting herself to one wedding per weekend since she is expecting a baby in August - but brides mustn't worry - she has back up cellists who can take over if she is unable to perform closer to that date. Congratulations Natalie!

Purely Music is made up primarily of Natalie and several other musicians. Each professional at Purely Music offers an impressive level of education and experience, "I get my musicians from regional symphony orchestras, i.e. Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Orchestra London Canada, Brantford Symphony Orchestra, and other professional orchestras from Toronto and the GTA." There will be no need to worry about dropped notes or skipped beats when it matters most.

The size of sound

Purely Music specializes in offering different sized string ensembles (groups of musicians) for your wedding. How many members you have play in your ensemble is your choice, usually depending on your budget and the type of sound that you want.

Even in the case of music, less can still be more. A good musician can make a big sound. A cello played alone can offer a rich, beautiful sound and a classic touch - with or without accompaniment. A string quartet (usually two violins, cello, and viola) can offer a depth of harmony that will resonate with any music-loving friend or family member. A variety of other combinations can be incorporated such as flute or piano.

From Mariah to Mozart

Natalie believes that allowing the bride and groom to put their own imprint on their day and their music is very important. That's why she makes sure that even with live instrumental music, you can dance to your own tune.

Although classical music may be their most popular request, Purely Music can incorporate your favourite songs as well. Given enough notice, Natalie will take the tune in question and write an arrangement that is specific to the instruments you've chosen to play in your string ensemble. While you may not want to have Thunderstruck by AC/DC played by a violin, even Metallica tunes have made their way into large orchestras. With talent, just about anything's possible and Natalie will be able to let you know which songs will translate best.

Natalie can even work with you to create an original piece of music for your wedding. Pricing for this service depends on the complexity of the piece and details of what you are looking for. Lots of notice is needed if you are interested in this.

Taking your wedding music 'from the top'

Purely Music’s priority is customer service. In fact, music aside, this is Natalie's favourite part of the business. "I love meeting with brides, being a part of a couple's special day... That's as good as the music." Making the life of a bride even easier, Natalie will meet you in the comfort of your own home to go over the details of the day.

Natalie meets with her clients at least twice before their event. She will personally answer any questions you may have, will go over the services she offers, song selections, different types of sound, contract details, and more. She also provides a sample CD with a list of available choices so that you can listen to your options. Natalie makes herself easily available by phone and email, spending quite a bit of time answering additional questions as they come up so that everyone is on the same page. "I'm a perfectionist. I want to make sure all of my customers are well taken care of."

"Brides choose us for our reasonable pricing, outstanding quality, and exceptional customer service... We walk them through the process of live music...", says Natalie. She admits that Purely Music asks about as many questions as the couple does during the first meeting. "What is your ideal wedding? Is it traditional, contemporary, big budget, any budget? Is your wedding small and intimate, casual but elegant, outdoors or indoors? Or is it a large wedding?" Whatever your wedding style, atmosphere and musical taste, Purely Music will adapt to ensure that your wedding soundtrack is appropriate and inspiring. Natalie admits that she does have a special preference for large affairs, "It’s fun to experience the drama, and thrill of a big celebration!" Besides, what musician wouldn't love a big audience?!

Purely Music in a nutshell

With Purely Music you have reasonable pricing, lots of options, professional musicians and elegance on your wedding day. You can choose the type of music you want played, how many people will play it, what instruments will be played, how long you'll have music for, and what you want to spend. You have musicians working for you that have literally crossed the globe to educate themselves and become the best at what they do. Natalie will come to you to discuss your wedding plans and will attend your rehearsal at no additional charge if her schedule allows. Ultimately, Purely Music provides a classic touch on a wedding day you'll remember for the rest of your life. Even better... It's one of the only times you won't have to pay taxes!

Pricing out your sound

Purely Music's Services ranges from $150 to $750 or more, depending on number of musicians and length of time booked. Wedding packages start at $350 and give you twenty to twenty-five minutes of music before the ceremony, all the music during the processional and ceremony itself, then the recessional and a five to ten minute postlude as well. To give you an example, a duo for the ceremony and three hours afterwards would cost an estimated $650.

detailsdetailsdetails

• Purely Music provides you with a CD sampling different pieces of music and instruments.

• At least 3 months notice is required to ensure availability, however 1 year is preferable.

• A 1/3 deposit is due at booking.

• There are no taxes in addition to Purely Music's prices.

• Gratuities are at the discretion of the bride and groom.

• Natalie will endeavour to attend your rehearsal at no additional charge, as long as she is not booked to be playing somewhere else.

Contacting Purely Music...

Natalie is truly a pleasure to speak with. She is well-spoken and knowledgeable. She will make you feel welcome immediately because she is really interested in the details of planning your event. Natalie has a great reputation in the community and after having had the pleasure of listening to Natalie play, The Ring can tell you that you'll love this amazing and talented musician.

To contact Natalie, you may call her at 519-771-8883, email her at info@purelymusic.ca or visit her online at at www.purelymusic.ca

- The Staff at TheWeddingRing.ca

* Prices are all approximate and are subject to change and verification by authorized staff and management of Purely Music.