The Funeral Service
Funeral Singers at Cremations and Crematoriums Services
Some crematoriums have a limited amount of time for the service which includes the entrance and exit music. There is still time to include one or two solos and we can advise on timings or shortened versions of songs if necessary. You may also ask to book an extended service, especially if you have a lot of guests attending.
Funeral Singers at Church Services
Like many services Church funerals are a chance to celebrate the life of a loved one and depending on Religion may follow different formats. Christian services may include a eulogy, perhaps a reading or poetry; you will probably sing hymns of your choice and of course can decide to hire a professional funeral singer like myself at a suitable point in the service. Below I will list some of the most typical opportunities to add in music at the funeral service. Church funeral services, as with other kinds of services are often specified in duration, please ask your minister how long the funeral should run without extra music and how long you can book the church for should you decide to add in music at more than one point during the service. Most services include entrance and exit music, one or two hymns as well as readings and eulogy. Any points where music would usually be included can be exchanged for live funeral singing instead. I am here to make sure you have the opportunity to plan the most appropriate funeral for your loved one to and for family to remember a poignant farewell.
Funeral Singers at Humanist or Civil Services
Humanist funerals or civil funerals are a way to celebrate the life of a non-religious person. This may be done at a crematorium also, or burial ground. They can also take place at a special location of your choice, or hotels. Many humanist or civil services like to choose an outside location. WE can still use PA equipment outside as long as there is an electrical point nearby to use an extension from. Please be aware that depending on the weather, if the song choice needs recorded music and amplification my equipment will need to stay dry.
As a soloist I can perform at various points during the service, below are some suggested points:
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As guests arrive (prelude)
Many people choose appropriate classical or folk choices here, even hymns as a warming welcome to friends and family arriving. You my then ask me to stay performing as the funeral procession enters (see below).
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Entrance Song as the funeral procession enters
This song or songs can be as a stand-alone performance of a particular meaningful song or another choice as background music to accompany the procession. You may request that I stand at the front of the venue (church, chapel, crematorium or other location). Or that I be located out of site, this is entirely your choice.
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During the service – Often Psalms, Hymns or Classical or Popular songs
A psalm usually follows a religious reading in a church service. A popular psalms is "The Lord is My Shepherd". During a religious service you may not want the entire congregation to sing a hymn and for a professional funeral singer to sing the hymn as a solo. Popular, classical and other songs can also allow for a moment of remembrance after a eulogy or poem, it is often at this point when favourite songs of the family are chosen.
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At Crematorium services - During the committal
We can discuss the most appropriate song choices if you wish for me to sing at the crematorium during the committal. Also if unaccompanied singing is required at the burial.
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As a last goodbye as the family and guests leave (or recessional, as called in a church service)
This is a lovely point in the service to include an uplifting song or again a favourite song choice, I can also advise on some of the most appropriate last goodbye songs, whether classical or popular. Common popular choices are songs such as “In My Life”, “You Raise Me Up”, “We’ll Meet Again” or “My Way”
The sound system
Sometimes if the church or venue has a sufficient sound system, I will use their system, this would be if I was using recorded music to sing to. I would always bring PA equipment as will just in case. If using live instruments such as a digital piano or guitar we would always use our own. The PA system is discreet and only used as sufficient amplification, not to be intrusive.