Monday, July 20, 2015

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Violin Performance Giveaway!

I'm giving away a FREE violin performance!
Win your choice of a FREE performance by a Solo Traditional Acoustic Violinist for a Wedding Ceremony (including Prelude, Processionals, a selection during the service and Recessional) OR a one hour traditional Strolling Violin performance for Cocktails, Dinner or Rehearsal Dinner!*
Details: 
Enter by posting a photo of yourself and your fiancĂ© and tell us one song that you must hear on your wedding day - as part of the ceremony, dances or just from the DJ! Post your song title and photo any of three ways: post to our Facebook page, tweet us @StevenVance, or post on Instagram and tag @pittsburghweddingmusic. You must include the hashtag ‪#‎ViolinItToWinIt‬ to be officially entered! Winner chosen July 31st, 2015.

*Major holidays excluded. Travel charges may apply for locations outside of Allegheny County. Additional time may be added at the regular rates. No substitutions, please.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Put the DJ on the Dance Floor



Does this sound obvious?  

It might, but there has been recent trend toward moving the DJ - or the band - off into a corner of the reception room. For centuries every hotel, club and banquet venue had a stage and a built-in dance floor right in front of it because that is what was best for the dancers and the Band/DJ. My guess is that this new trend of moving the DJ is for the symmetry and look of the room, but here are a few reasons to reconsider:

1.  The dancing guests can hear and feel the music beat better if they are close to the sound source.  
2.  The band or DJ can get a better sense of what is moving people to dance.
3.  The music can be focused on the dance floor so it's not too loud for guests to talk in the rest of the room.
4.  You don't want your band or DJ to have to blow through 1 or 2 tables to get the sound to the dance floor.  It dampens the sound and volume of the music to the dancers and annoys the guests at those tables to the point where they often leave early.
5.  It creates a visual dynamic that encourages guests to get up and dance.
6.  It's easier for dancers and the DJ/Band to interact with requests, comments, encouragement, and fun.
7.  "That's the way we always do it" is not always the best way to do it.
8.   Ask the experts.  We have been doing it for awhile and can help you devise a room set-up that suits everyone's perspective.  With all due respect to other wedding pros, I've walked into rooms and been pointed to my table under an overhang in the corner 50-feet from the dance floor because "The florist thought that would be a good spot for you". Don't do it!

None of these reasons are to make the DJ the center of attention.  In fact, it's exactly the opposite.  We want you and your guests to be the center of attention. So consult your DJ or bandleader on the room set-up before it's set in stone.  We may have a suggestion for a small adjustment that will pay off - in fun! - for everyone. 

We'd love to be a part of your Wedding Day!