[rodgersorgan] Wedding/Funerals

Howdy fellow musicians!   

Ok, I started all of this concerning the wedding policy.  Didn't really 
expect information about funerals also, but am grateful to hear it!  I was 
especially interested in your policy concerning "other organists vs the church 
organist" for weddings.  Sorry I didn't make that point clear, but hey, I have 
had a 
great time reading so many comments sent back!!!

Just for clarification, I'll add this for now:

Weddings:  My church uses a wedding co-ordinator for everything.  ALL fee's 
(minister, organist, co-ordinator, janitor, sound technician for microphones 
and recording, soloist)....ALL fee's MUST be paid in full to the church office 
in ADVANCE of the rehearsal, or the wedding is cancelled.  We then received our 
money on our next paycheck from the church.  Yes, this makes it easier for 
the bride's family to pay just ONE check, and not having to figure out who to 
write other checks too.  It also has stopped any of us not getting paid for a 
wedding.
My fee for a reheasal is $75.00, and the wedding is $125.00 (total being 
$200.00).  Only a very few times has there been no rehearsal.
Our minister and wedding co-ordinator prefers that I as organist be at the 
rehearsal.  As long as I get paid for my time, fine with me.  We allow NO 
soloist or singing at the rehearsal.  This rehearsal is for the wedding party 
to 
learn how to process in, where to stand, when to move, and how to process out.  
Music rehearsals are separate.
I take great control over the music I play at weddings.  When asked what the 
prelude music will be, I always answer "traditional", meaning I play 
light-classical pieces, and the prelude is never over 10 minutes long.  And I 
NEVER 
give the names of music selections I might play for the Prelude, as things 
often 
change only minutes before the wedding!  The bride is always given the 
opportunity to request music she likes, and if not approiate, I strongly 
recommend 
something else, and explain my reasoning to them.  Have never had a problem 
with 
this issue.  I definitely try to be "fair", but also stress that this "is" a 
church setting; if you want other than sacred music, go to the VFW Hall.  
Being our church does have "many" Texas A&M graduates, several times I have 
been 
asked to play the "Aggie War Hymn" for the recessional, and yep, I have 
refused!  Another wedding, many years ago in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, the 
groom was 
on the Texas Rangers baseball team, and they wanted "Take Me Out To The 
Ballgame" (yes!) as the recessional.  Again, I refused; and the pastor almost 
fainted when I told him the story!  He totally backed me up all the way!!   
Now, to 
assist other organists who may face this same type of situation, when asked 
to play those kind of songs, I invite them to have their "other" songs played 
during the reception where they can dance to them.  This solves the problem 
rather quickly.

Funerals:   My church is in a smaller community just west of Houston proper, 
and we have only one funeral home.  The funeral director is a loyal member of 
my church.  Every time I arrive for a funeral, there is an envelope on top of 
the organ waiting for me.   I have never had to ask for my money!   And every 
time, yes every single time, immediately following the funeral, the funeral 
director makes time to greet me, and personally "thank" me for my music!  The 
organist and minister's fee is part of the amount paid to the funeral home by 
the family.   Only once (in 16 years) has there been another funeral home used 
in our church, and the minister requested my standard fee, and I was paid 
before the service.
For funerals my fee is $100.00.

Now back to my original request for information.  If any of you have a 
"printed" wedding policy, I would so appreciate you sending it to me at my home 
address following.  I will plan tomorrow to type-up our wedding policy and send 
to 
this group.  It is rather lengthly, so you may wish to print it out to study 
later.  Any suggestions are welcomed!
My church is trying to change several items listed under "Music", which will 
greatly effect myself as organist, soloists, the use of the organ, and even 
the music ministry of the church.  To be fair, I am asking for your idea's 
about 
how your church operates for a wedding.  Perhaps sharing information will 
benefit all of us.

I realize this may not be questions concerning a Rodgers Organ, but hey, as 
organists we all have to deal with them.  Hopefully this information will 
assist other organists out there who need to be paid a fair amount for their 
time!  
We are "professionals", and should be treated in that manner.  And thanks, 
many thanks for the information received so far!!!

William Morris
6245 Renwick, #4432
Houston, Texas 77081
Organist, First Untied Methodist Church, Katy, Texas
!
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