Christopher Wooley
Weddings & Kids...
Kids !
When I do a gig for kids, here's how I approach it.... When my son was in pre-school, his teachers knew I was a musician, and asked me to sing & play for their classes. We've all seen & heard lots of "children's music performers"... I've always felt that many of them are disrespectful to the kid's intelligence... I treat them like little adults, and don't talk down to them...
I play contemporary songs, most of which these kids already know, songs that have lyrics that teach, inspire, & help them learn.... Songs about friendship, family, playful fun, and good decision-making... They don't know they're learning,
they're just having fun. I encourage kids to sing along, and I'll have some percussion instruments for kids
to play. We laugh & have a blast.
Song examples include Toy Story's "You've Got A Friend In Me", by Randy Newman, Tarzan's "You'll Be In My Heart"
by Phil Collins, "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, "Time Of Your Life" by Green Day, "House On Pooh Corner"
by Kenny Loggins, "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts, "Black Horse & Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall,
"Blackbird" by The Beatles, "You've Got A Friend" by James Taylor...
I've played many types of events for kids, including Los Angeles City-Sponsored Summer concerts for kids, elementary schools, nursery schools, benefits for "Autism Speaks", & fund-raising events for schools of all kinds. I've played at Baby Showers, Birthday parties from 1 to Sweet 16, High School Graduation parties. Every event requires a different song list and approach, appropriate for the ages of the guests...
I love to do this kind of work. It's especially satisfying to inspire the creative spark in a child.
It's important for me to show these little people big respect, and show the magic of creating something from nothing...
Here's a note from a 2nd Grade teacher at Welby Way Elementary School...
"Thank you so much for coming in and singing with my class today. It was truly great.
They love singing with you. You are amazing. Thank You !!"
Weddings !
Weddings are different from any other type of event.... It's the most important day in two people's lives, and it requires special preparation, and perfect execution.... We only get one chance to do it right....
If you envision a classic, elegant wedding ceremony, I'll be glad to play a traditional acoustic guitar instrumental version of "Here Comes The Bride" and "Pachelbel's Canon in D".... or.....get creative.... Close your eyes, choose songs & music that perfectly underscore your feelings for each other. Let me play & sing them for you. I can learn most any pop song....
For a Bride, I'll play just about anything....
Here's a few examples of songs I've learned for recent Weddings.... Adele "My One & Only".... Ray LaMontagne "You Are The Best Thing".... Coldplay "Kingdome Come".... Clint Black "It's Something That We Do".... Stevie Wonder "Ribbon In The Sky".... Yes "Your Move".... Jason Mraz "I Won't Give Up".... Jeff Healey "Angel Eyes".... Dave Matthews "Steady As We Go".... An All-Beatles Wedding, "Here Comes The Sun".... Jason Mraz "I'm Yours"... Pearl Jam "Just Breathe" ... Dave Matthews "Two Step"... Train "Hey Soul Sister".... Stain'd "Tangled Up In You".... Beatles "I Will".... Tom Petty "Here Comes My Girl".... Peter Gabriel "Book Of Love".... Led Zeppelin "Over The Hills & Far Away"... Brad Paisley "Then"... Alan Jackson "Remember When".... U 2 "All I Want Is You".... Jason Mraz/Colbie Calliet "Lucky"... Beatles "Two Of Us"..... Rascal Flatts "Bless The Broken Road".... Peter Gabriel "In Your Eyes"..... Cat Stevens "The Wind"..... Garth Brooks "Wrapped Up In You"........ "Over The Rainbow" - Instrumental, or "Hawaiian" vocal style..... "What A Wonderful World" .....
Use your imagination...
Most clients want me to play & sing for them - If you want totally instrumental music, I'm probably not the guitarist for you - However, I have a long list of Very Happy Brides & clients..... I take great joy in helping to make a perfect event -
I'm available to play for your Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour and Reception...
Just so you know, I always bring two of everything, a "back-up" set of equipment, just in case the venue isn't organized
or prepared - I always arrive early, to prevent any set-up glitches . You've got too many other things to deal with,
you won't need to worry about the music...
Redondo Beach.... Just another beautiful California Summer
