R.J. Mitchell here! I'd like to tell you about my musical journey that inspired me to compose music for weddings.
From my early school days, I always excelled at music. I started on trumpet in 4th grade and added piano in 7th grade. For three years in high school, I played organ for Sunday church services, and also for some wedding ceremonies. I learned a lot. I remember taking a bus into NYC to audition at Steinway Hall, for the famous Crane School of Music. I got accepted on trumpet and piano but I chose to major on piano.
Playing in a rock band was always my dream and there were a lot musicians available to make that happen. I played guitar in a very popular rock band, playing frat parties, bars and concerts. Freshman year in college, I sang in the chorus of a rock opera composed by a fellow Crane student. That's when I got interested in music composition! I also wrote a rock opera, “Willy's Dream,” which had a rock band, soloists, and full orchestra. It had two sold out performances! Years later, I'm still at it, placing many pieces with music libraries that provide music for TV and Movies!
After college, I got a couple public school teaching jobs, HS Band and then Elementary Instrumental/Vocal Music. During this period, I published a lot of choral music with major publishers.
I also hooked up with another band that became very successful in a nearby resort town. After a few years in this band, I played my first wedding reception. Shortly thereafter, the “Bob Mitchell Band” was created performing for weddings and parties. Eventually, I morphed into a DJ and wedding party entertainer. I loved it! It was a whole new form of entertainment for me. I still played piano for cocktail hours so I didn't sell out being a musician. The exciting challenge was how to get two sets of families and friends to interact and have fun together in a five hour basic reception. Many parties went longer. I offered a classy, first class presentation and I never failed.
This is the story of the “A Wedding By The Lake” musical collection. I was playing keyboard for a wedding ceremony at a resort overlooking beautiful Lake George in New York. After working with hundreds of couples who wanted their weddings to be unique, I decided to compose wedding music to give couples a beautiful option to the traditional “Here Comes the Bride” and “Canon in D.” After writing the music, I recorded it in my home studio using high quality digital samples. It sounded great but when I played it for music people in Los Angeles, while they liked the music, suggested that I hire live musicians and record in a professional studio. I believed in the project so much that I hired a top string quartet, harpist and flautist and recorded in a legendary studio in Minneapolis. The quartet and musicians were exceptional! It turns out that the string players were hired by the most famous rock star from Minneapolis, when he needed to record strings (can't say who but think purple!) Their performance was awesome. The album is perfect for wedding ceremonies, weddings, special events and just for enjoyable listening.
Having live music at a wedding ceremony is really memorable! I notated the music from AWBTL for piano, flute, violin, string quartet and cello, with recorded accompaniments. After years of writing choral music, I'm pretty much an expert at creating professional sheet music. These pieces add a little flair to a special occasion.
My most recent recording is “Waltz With Me, Dad,” a heartwarming song for a Bride and her Dad for the traditional Father/Daughter Dance. I hired a vocalist with a beautiful voice to record it. Why write a song for this wedding formality? I performed for many weddings and I've seen many fathers melt down during this dance. I always felt so bad for them. I won't mention any song names but you will know when you find them. “Waltz With Me, Dad” is positive with a touch of humor, and Dad will love it!
So, that's my musical journey in a few paragraphs. I still write, record and perform and most of all have a lot of fun! I hope you enjoy my music!
RJ
Photos of some of the many publication by R.J. Mitchell
Publications by R.J> Mitchell
Read R.J. Mitchell's interview for National Public Radio HERE.
Email R.J. at: BurnparkPublishing@aol.com
R.J. Mitchell is a proud member of The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers - A.S.C.A.P.
