It's all about the String Music - Ariella Strings - Day 1

I am very excited about this week's 'A Week in the Life of...' as we get to follow an incredible group of musicians and gain and insight into this wonderful world!  Wedding's would be very quiet without music and string music provides a sophisticated ambience during the drinks reception and of course the ceremony.  That said, this group of musicians have some surprising selections within their repertoire - enabling them to offer even more that classical orchestral sounds.  With artists including Madness & The Verve this string quartet know how to party!  It is my pleasure to introduce - Ariella Strings...

Who are Ariella Strings?

Hi all........my name is Cheryl and I manage the day to day running of Ariella Strings. Sometimes I really think I should stick to playing my violin but, as with any business, admin does need to be done! I hope you enjoy getting an insight into the slightly off the wall experiences of being a professional musician!

What types of music do you play? 

We play classical, jazzy, folky and more popular music. Nothing is out of the question..........we have some Madness, some Metallica, The Verve, Mozart, Puccini and some Irish music too (just to make me feel at home!) 

How do you come up with your song choices what influences you? 

Sometimes we just take a fancy to a piece of music and if we don’t have it in our repertoire lists we will either buy it, or John (our viola player) will arrange it.

We also get a lot of requests from Brides and their families. John will arrange any music for our clients that we don’t have on our lists. Although we are all classically trained musicians we do love the more jazzy style and really enjoy ourselves when we start to lighten up the music and start to "swing it"!

What is currently your favourite song? 

My favourite song to play with the trio at the moment is Adele "Make you feel my love". We had it especially arranged for a Bride who wanted it as her processional music. People often think that because I am a professional musician I must listen to classical music. This couldn’t be further from the truth. To be honest I rarely listen to classical music. Sssshhhh don’t tell anyone! I like a very diverse range of styles.......Queen, The Corrs, Elton John..........I don’t seem to like any particular style! I just like individual songs regardless of who is performing.

Who inspires you?

Hmmmm good question! Many people inspire me. It's hard to pick just one. I think I am inspired by every single working mum - all that juggling of housework, child entertainment, first aid, laundry, discipline AND going out to work as well. I am also inspired by people who live day to day with disabilities and also their carers and families.

What is your greatest achievement? 

Personally I would say it is having 3 children and still staying sane – although many people would dispute the claim of sanity lol.  Professionally, I think it would have to be when I completed my degree at music college and straight away got a job playing in an orchestra full time. However, I do feel that every day is an achievement - it is good to reflect on what you have achieved at the end of each day and give yourself a pat on the back!

If you weren't doing this job what do you think you would be doing?  

I think I would be a genealogist - I am completely obsessed with family history! John always says to me that I should start up my own genealogy business as I am so good at it – something to think about but the thoughts of changing profession is scarey. My nickname is Sherlock Chezy!

How do you spend your time when you are not working? 

When I am not working I am a mum to Phoebe who is 11. I have 2 older boys aged 21 and 19 who have already left home. I like cycling, although I am not very good at turning right! I will cycle out of my way so I only have left turns lol.  I like taking the dog and my daughter to the woods to see what we can see.

Do you have a current special offer for Ice the Cake readers? 

10% off our normal booking fees if readers mention Ice The Cake.

A Message from Cheryl...

Whilst couples tend to give much thought to their choice of music for their evening entertainment, they frequently forget to consider their requirements for the ceremony and the rest of the day. Beautiful live string music is so much more personal than playing a CD during your ceremony. Also, good hosts appreciate the need to keep their guests happy, relaxed and in a party mood throughout the day and a string group is one of the classiest ways to do this, especially during the time the photographs are being taken. I have lost count of the times we have been approached by guests, vicars or registrars all telling us how lovely it is to have live music and not a CD.

A string group may not be as out of reach as you think...........we also offer a string duo (violin and cello) for ceremonies only. The duo is also great for smaller ceremony rooms where a larger ensemble may have trouble squeezing!

And just a quickie to finish off....At one of our weddings at Hedsor House we were playing for the ceremony upstairs on the balcony. After the ceremony the groom sought us out and told us how amused he had when a guest spoke to him and praised the excellent "sound system" at Hedsor. He told the Groom it was brilliant and almost sounded live............to which the groom pointed to us up in the balcony and said "it is!" lol

Contact Ariella Strings NOW!

Location: Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire
Telephone: 01908 309783
Email: cheryl@ariellastrings.co.uk
Website: www.ariellastrings.co.uk