Reviewing Kristi Coleman-Dorland, Ann Green, and Julia McFarlane, The Harmonia Ensemble
Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides
Music is an integral part of your wedding. Beginning with the ceremony, it can set the mood of the day for you and your guests. And that's something that the three ladies at The Harmonia Ensemble - Kristi Coleman-Dorland, Ann Green, and Julia McFarlane - know very well. For the past twelve years, they've been bringing the beautiful sounds of their viola and violins trio to wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions of brides and grooms from London to Toronto as well as right here in the local Kitchener-Waterloo community.
After meeting the ensemble and interviewing their brides, The Ring believes that part of what makes it easy to love The Harmonia Ensemble is that Kristi, Ann and Julia are friends first. They have a lot of chemistry together - they click - and so it's fascinating to watch and listen to them play. And whether they're creating music together or meeting with engaged couples to customize a playlist, the trio also makes it obvious they love what they do and fully appreciate the importance of the part they play in a bride and groom's special day.
Kristi, Ann and Julia set themselves apart by striving to offer flexibility and custom designed music that will suit each individual couple that comes to see them. They say their education and experience in music also means they can play just about anything from classical to country and musical classics to modern pop. And if there's a special piece you love but they haven't seen before, The Harmonia Ensemble will do their best to learn the piece and adapt the sheet music to a string trio. Combine this with the fact that they know how to have fun with their music, their jobs and their couple's music planning sessions, and it's easy to see why brides have been hiring them for their weddings. Staff at The Ring met with The Harmonia Ensemble to hear for ourselves how they could add elegance and culture to the ceremonies of local brides and grooms. Let us tell you more…
The ladies behind the music…
The Harmonia Ensemble players - Kristi, Ann and Julia - are all formally trained musicians – music is what they do, all the time. Kristi, the Second Violin, has a Bachelor of Music in Performance from McGill University in Montreal. This is also where she met Julia, the First Violin, who has the same Degree from McGill, as well as a Masters of Music from Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. Ann, the Viola player, has a Bachelor of Music in Church Music from Wilfrid Laurier University.
The Harmonia Ensemble was founded in 1998 when Ann was approached by a friend to play a wedding, so she asked Kristi and Julia if they would be interested, too. "It was such a great experience that we decided to start The Harmonia Ensemble," they told The Ring. Now, eleven years later, they've been unleashing their musical talents on weddings and other events in the K-W and surrounding area, as well as in Toronto, Ingersoll, London, and more.
Each member of the Ensemble has their own studio of private students and freelances for other ensembles and orchestras as well.
Kristi, the mother of three boys, volunteers for her sons' hockey teams and school and also plays fiddle for dinner cruises.
Ann was the driving force behind starting the Cambridge Community Orchestra, where Julia and Kristi also help out as Concertmaster and Principal Second and have performed as soloists for The Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts. Ann also recently completed her Bachelor of Education and is Director and Owner of Beyond the Clef Music School. When she's not busy with her music career, Ann is the mother of two teenaged boys.
Julia volunteers her time mentoring new parents as they begin music lessons with their children in the Suzuki method. She also helps out in various amateur orchestras in the Toronto area and plays for a Celtic band. On top of that, Julia plays for the casino orchestra and has played for Regis Philbin, Ann Murray, Jann Arden and Rod Stewart. She is the mother of two girls who are both under the age of three.
Married to the music…
Since they were friends before they were business partners, Kristi, Ann and Julia say that their close-knit relationship comes across in their playing. "We know each other’s mannerisms and cues, which makes for very fluent music.” These ladies seem to have a great attitude when dealing with their brides and you can tell that they have fun playing at weddings. In fact, they frequently hear comments from the guests that they look like they’re having fun – and that’s because they are! "There is that stigma about classical musicians being stuffy but we are always told how outgoing and happy we are," say the ladies.
Mary Thompson is one such bride who says just that. She hired The Harmonia Ensemble for her July 2007 ceremony and reception music, and describes them as “elegant and professional. They also have a fun and playful side that is reflected in their musical choices.”
Looking happy probably has something to do with the fact that the members in The Harmonia Ensemble also really enjoy what they do. "To see the bride's happy face as she walks down the aisle makes our day." Kristi adds that they're fascinated with the personal touches that couples put on their weddings. "We have played a wedding where a hawk flew over our heads to bring the rings," she says. "Each wedding has its own special touch and we enjoy being part of it."
An extensive repertoire to choose from…
On average, The Harmonia Ensemble says they get to be a part of about thirty weddings each year. And with eleven years in the business, we’re not surprised that they've learned a lot about weddings in this time. "Not only have we done so many weddings that we know how everything goes," says Kristi, "Ann is also a church organist and Julia’s father is a minister. Being around weddings for so many years allows us to play and make sure everything fits in." Over the years, they've also played at weddings with the same ministers, so they've gotten to know each other, allowing for a certain ease.
The Harmonia Ensemble has also seen their share of unique weddings, which they say they're always willing to adapt to and accommodate. They once had a Cinderella bride who had a Disney themed wedding. All of the music that The Harmonia Ensemble played was Disney theme songs.
"We are extremely flexible in adapting our music to what the bride and groom would like," says the ensemble. "From playing "Waltzing Matilda" for an Australian groom to playing variations of "Twinkle" for junior bridesmaids and playing country for a country wedding to playing the bride and groom’s favourite piece. We will do our very best to accommodate." Even if you have a special request that isn't currently in their repertoire, the ensemble says they will try to find the music and adapt it to a string trio with the help of Julia’s husband, who is a composer.
Heather MacPherson had The Harmonia Ensemble play at her wedding ceremony on June 6, 2009. She told us that her favourite memory of them was when she was standing at the back of the church as the ceremony began and heard their music. “They were flawless,” she says. “The smooth transition between the bridesmaids’ processional to my processional was impressive! I have had a lot of feedback from guests that just raved about how wonderful the ceremony music was, they loved the selection of music they played and how great it sounded.”
For The Harmonia Ensemble, they know that each bride is an individual and they love learning about each one and what she envisions for her day. "Music is such and integral part of the ceremony and can set the mood of the day from the time the guests enter the venue to the minute they are leaving," says Kristi. "Some brides have very specific ideas about what they would like played where others are content to let us choose the selections for them." And with their vast knowledge of music – they're able and more than willing to do just that.
Mary told The Ring that she initially chose The Harmonia Ensemble for the wide variety of music they had in their repertoire. “Additionally, I found them to be very professional and accommodating to my requests,” she adds. “Kristi and her team were very pleasant and easy to book for my wedding. Their extensive wedding experience really helped make the musical arrangements for my wedding stress-free and easy. They made great suggestions on musical selections and we received many compliments on the music at our wedding.”
Packages & prices
Typically, when people hire The Harmonia Ensemble, Kristi, Ann and Julia say that they’re looking for a classical ensemble to complement their special day. “String ensembles are considered as sophisticated, but we can also play in a variety of venues, inside, outside, on a boat,” says Kristi. If the ladies are playing at your outdoor wedding, they do require some kind of cover (like a tent or gazebo) to protect them and their instruments from the weather.
To have The Harmonia Ensemble play at the Ceremony only, is $390, which includes twenty minutes of preludes, processional, signing of the register, recessional, communion (if applicable), and any other music that is required (e.g. for a sand or rose ceremony).
They can also play at your venue for cocktails and/or reception, which, when booked in addition to the ceremony, is $240 for one hour, $435 for two, and $615 for three.
Booking the ceremony and/or cocktail hour is the most popular package, according to Kristi, “because we have limited equipment to carry, it is very easy for us to pack up our instruments, music and stands and move venues.”
If you only want to book The Harmonia Ensemble for the cocktail hour and/or reception, one hour is $390, two hours is $600, three hours is $795, and each additional hour is $210.
Heather says that The Harmonia Ensemble was worth every penny. “They did such an amazing job! The prices fell right within our budget, it was really worth paying the little extra for live music, and it sounded wonderful.”
If you require The Harmonia Ensemble at your rehearsal, there is a fee of $265. All prices are not including applicable taxes.
“I found the Ensemble’s prices reasonable and competitive with other wedding options,” says Mary, who adds that she would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for wedding music. “They are terrific musicians that can play a wide variety of music. They are also reliable and punctual so there is no need to worry on your wedding day.”
Walking you through
If you’re interested in hearing and booking The Harmonia Ensemble, Kristi recommends emailing or phoning her because she usually takes care of all of the details – like booking, song selection, and payment. “We try to make it as easy on the bride and groom as we can.”
“The Harmonia Ensemble was very easy to work with, answered all of my questions and provided suggestions when needed, which was really appreciated,” says Heather. “They made sure all of the details were looked after before the wedding day.”
To reserve your date with them, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. The balance of your package total is due on your wedding day. While it’s always best to book them as soon as you know you want a string trio, if you want them to learn a special piece, they for sure need at least three months notice.
On your wedding day, all three ladies arrive about fifteen to twenty minutes before starting time to set-up and make sure they’re ready before guests arrive. Then, the rest of their time is spent serenading you and your guests with their lovely music.
Details, details, details
• A non-refundable deposit of 50% of your package price is due upon booking The Harmonia Ensemble with the remaining balance due on your wedding day.
• They are willing to travel, but charges may apply depending on the distance required.
• Prices range in price from $390 to $795, plus taxes.
• The Harmonia Ensemble requires at least 3 months notice to learn a special piece for your wedding.
In other words…
“Dear Harmonia Ensemble, Thank you so much for playing at our wedding on June 14, 2008 in Atwood Ontario. I can remember hearing the beautiful sounds of your instruments while I was waiting to walk down the aisle from the cottage area of the property. Everyone loves your ensemble and you added the touch of class to our wedding I was looking for. The only regret I have is that I wasn’t able to just sit down and enjoy your music after the ceremony because of the picture taking, but all the other guests truly enjoyed themselves in your company.” – Phil & Michelle
“The three musicians were magical, offering just the right touch and enjoying themselves. The buzz at the post wedding brunch on Sunday was about your group.” - Jill
Music is an integral part of your wedding. Beginning with the ceremony, it can set the mood of the day for you and your guests. And that's something that the three ladies at The Harmonia Ensemble - Kristi Coleman-Dorland, Ann Green, and Julia McFarlane - know very well. For the past twelve years, they've been bringing the beautiful sounds of their viola and violins trio to wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions of brides and grooms from London to Toronto as well as right here in the local Kitchener-Waterloo community.
After meeting the ensemble and interviewing their brides, The Ring believes that part of what makes it easy to love The Harmonia Ensemble is that Kristi, Ann and Julia are friends first. They have a lot of chemistry together - they click - and so it's fascinating to watch and listen to them play. And whether they're creating music together or meeting with engaged couples to customize a playlist, the trio also makes it obvious they love what they do and fully appreciate the importance of the part they play in a bride and groom's special day.
Kristi, Ann and Julia set themselves apart by striving to offer flexibility and custom designed music that will suit each individual couple that comes to see them. They say their education and experience in music also means they can play just about anything from classical to country and musical classics to modern pop. And if there's a special piece you love but they haven't seen before, The Harmonia Ensemble will do their best to learn the piece and adapt the sheet music to a string trio. Combine this with the fact that they know how to have fun with their music, their jobs and their couple's music planning sessions, and it's easy to see why brides have been hiring them for their weddings. Staff at The Ring met with The Harmonia Ensemble to hear for ourselves how they could add elegance and culture to the ceremonies of local brides and grooms. Let us tell you more…
The ladies behind the music…
The Harmonia Ensemble players - Kristi, Ann and Julia - are all formally trained musicians – music is what they do, all the time. Kristi, the Second Violin, has a Bachelor of Music in Performance from McGill University in Montreal. This is also where she met Julia, the First Violin, who has the same Degree from McGill, as well as a Masters of Music from Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. Ann, the Viola player, has a Bachelor of Music in Church Music from Wilfrid Laurier University.
The Harmonia Ensemble was founded in 1998 when Ann was approached by a friend to play a wedding, so she asked Kristi and Julia if they would be interested, too. "It was such a great experience that we decided to start The Harmonia Ensemble," they told The Ring. Now, eleven years later, they've been unleashing their musical talents on weddings and other events in the K-W and surrounding area, as well as in Toronto, Ingersoll, London, and more.
Each member of the Ensemble has their own studio of private students and freelances for other ensembles and orchestras as well.
Kristi, the mother of three boys, volunteers for her sons' hockey teams and school and also plays fiddle for dinner cruises.
Ann was the driving force behind starting the Cambridge Community Orchestra, where Julia and Kristi also help out as Concertmaster and Principal Second and have performed as soloists for The Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts. Ann also recently completed her Bachelor of Education and is Director and Owner of Beyond the Clef Music School. When she's not busy with her music career, Ann is the mother of two teenaged boys.
Julia volunteers her time mentoring new parents as they begin music lessons with their children in the Suzuki method. She also helps out in various amateur orchestras in the Toronto area and plays for a Celtic band. On top of that, Julia plays for the casino orchestra and has played for Regis Philbin, Ann Murray, Jann Arden and Rod Stewart. She is the mother of two girls who are both under the age of three.
Married to the music…
Since they were friends before they were business partners, Kristi, Ann and Julia say that their close-knit relationship comes across in their playing. "We know each other’s mannerisms and cues, which makes for very fluent music.” These ladies seem to have a great attitude when dealing with their brides and you can tell that they have fun playing at weddings. In fact, they frequently hear comments from the guests that they look like they’re having fun – and that’s because they are! "There is that stigma about classical musicians being stuffy but we are always told how outgoing and happy we are," say the ladies.
Mary Thompson is one such bride who says just that. She hired The Harmonia Ensemble for her July 2007 ceremony and reception music, and describes them as “elegant and professional. They also have a fun and playful side that is reflected in their musical choices.”
Looking happy probably has something to do with the fact that the members in The Harmonia Ensemble also really enjoy what they do. "To see the bride's happy face as she walks down the aisle makes our day." Kristi adds that they're fascinated with the personal touches that couples put on their weddings. "We have played a wedding where a hawk flew over our heads to bring the rings," she says. "Each wedding has its own special touch and we enjoy being part of it."
An extensive repertoire to choose from…
On average, The Harmonia Ensemble says they get to be a part of about thirty weddings each year. And with eleven years in the business, we’re not surprised that they've learned a lot about weddings in this time. "Not only have we done so many weddings that we know how everything goes," says Kristi, "Ann is also a church organist and Julia’s father is a minister. Being around weddings for so many years allows us to play and make sure everything fits in." Over the years, they've also played at weddings with the same ministers, so they've gotten to know each other, allowing for a certain ease.
The Harmonia Ensemble has also seen their share of unique weddings, which they say they're always willing to adapt to and accommodate. They once had a Cinderella bride who had a Disney themed wedding. All of the music that The Harmonia Ensemble played was Disney theme songs.
"We are extremely flexible in adapting our music to what the bride and groom would like," says the ensemble. "From playing "Waltzing Matilda" for an Australian groom to playing variations of "Twinkle" for junior bridesmaids and playing country for a country wedding to playing the bride and groom’s favourite piece. We will do our very best to accommodate." Even if you have a special request that isn't currently in their repertoire, the ensemble says they will try to find the music and adapt it to a string trio with the help of Julia’s husband, who is a composer.
Heather MacPherson had The Harmonia Ensemble play at her wedding ceremony on June 6, 2009. She told us that her favourite memory of them was when she was standing at the back of the church as the ceremony began and heard their music. “They were flawless,” she says. “The smooth transition between the bridesmaids’ processional to my processional was impressive! I have had a lot of feedback from guests that just raved about how wonderful the ceremony music was, they loved the selection of music they played and how great it sounded.”
For The Harmonia Ensemble, they know that each bride is an individual and they love learning about each one and what she envisions for her day. "Music is such and integral part of the ceremony and can set the mood of the day from the time the guests enter the venue to the minute they are leaving," says Kristi. "Some brides have very specific ideas about what they would like played where others are content to let us choose the selections for them." And with their vast knowledge of music – they're able and more than willing to do just that.
Mary told The Ring that she initially chose The Harmonia Ensemble for the wide variety of music they had in their repertoire. “Additionally, I found them to be very professional and accommodating to my requests,” she adds. “Kristi and her team were very pleasant and easy to book for my wedding. Their extensive wedding experience really helped make the musical arrangements for my wedding stress-free and easy. They made great suggestions on musical selections and we received many compliments on the music at our wedding.”
Packages & prices
Typically, when people hire The Harmonia Ensemble, Kristi, Ann and Julia say that they’re looking for a classical ensemble to complement their special day. “String ensembles are considered as sophisticated, but we can also play in a variety of venues, inside, outside, on a boat,” says Kristi. If the ladies are playing at your outdoor wedding, they do require some kind of cover (like a tent or gazebo) to protect them and their instruments from the weather.
To have The Harmonia Ensemble play at the Ceremony only, is $390, which includes twenty minutes of preludes, processional, signing of the register, recessional, communion (if applicable), and any other music that is required (e.g. for a sand or rose ceremony).
They can also play at your venue for cocktails and/or reception, which, when booked in addition to the ceremony, is $240 for one hour, $435 for two, and $615 for three.
Booking the ceremony and/or cocktail hour is the most popular package, according to Kristi, “because we have limited equipment to carry, it is very easy for us to pack up our instruments, music and stands and move venues.”
If you only want to book The Harmonia Ensemble for the cocktail hour and/or reception, one hour is $390, two hours is $600, three hours is $795, and each additional hour is $210.
Heather says that The Harmonia Ensemble was worth every penny. “They did such an amazing job! The prices fell right within our budget, it was really worth paying the little extra for live music, and it sounded wonderful.”
If you require The Harmonia Ensemble at your rehearsal, there is a fee of $265. All prices are not including applicable taxes.
“I found the Ensemble’s prices reasonable and competitive with other wedding options,” says Mary, who adds that she would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for wedding music. “They are terrific musicians that can play a wide variety of music. They are also reliable and punctual so there is no need to worry on your wedding day.”
Walking you through
If you’re interested in hearing and booking The Harmonia Ensemble, Kristi recommends emailing or phoning her because she usually takes care of all of the details – like booking, song selection, and payment. “We try to make it as easy on the bride and groom as we can.”
“The Harmonia Ensemble was very easy to work with, answered all of my questions and provided suggestions when needed, which was really appreciated,” says Heather. “They made sure all of the details were looked after before the wedding day.”
To reserve your date with them, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. The balance of your package total is due on your wedding day. While it’s always best to book them as soon as you know you want a string trio, if you want them to learn a special piece, they for sure need at least three months notice.
On your wedding day, all three ladies arrive about fifteen to twenty minutes before starting time to set-up and make sure they’re ready before guests arrive. Then, the rest of their time is spent serenading you and your guests with their lovely music.
Details, details, details
• A non-refundable deposit of 50% of your package price is due upon booking The Harmonia Ensemble with the remaining balance due on your wedding day.
• They are willing to travel, but charges may apply depending on the distance required.
• Prices range in price from $390 to $795, plus taxes.
• The Harmonia Ensemble requires at least 3 months notice to learn a special piece for your wedding.
In other words…
“Dear Harmonia Ensemble, Thank you so much for playing at our wedding on June 14, 2008 in Atwood Ontario. I can remember hearing the beautiful sounds of your instruments while I was waiting to walk down the aisle from the cottage area of the property. Everyone loves your ensemble and you added the touch of class to our wedding I was looking for. The only regret I have is that I wasn’t able to just sit down and enjoy your music after the ceremony because of the picture taking, but all the other guests truly enjoyed themselves in your company.” – Phil & Michelle
“The three musicians were magical, offering just the right touch and enjoying themselves. The buzz at the post wedding brunch on Sunday was about your group.” - Jill
