Type of Performer(s) or Business
Primary Instrument(s)
Style of Music
Woodfield Strings is a musical ensemble from Sheffield in the North of England, specialising in background music for weddings, parties, conferences and other events.
As professional musicians we have performed with the UK's top orchestras including the CBSO, RLPO, Halle, BBC Philharmonic and Opera North. We have performed on TV and radio, recorded with orchestras and rock/pop artists and toured the world with bands.
We have a huge library of music which expands every month. We pride ourselves on being able to arrange and perform special requests for our clients at no additional charge. As accomplished musicians, on being booked, we are also happy to take requests at the event. It’s always good to have music that means something special played live at your event. Julie is both our violinist/violist and resident arranger and composer.
The first Woodfield concert was a tribute to the well-known musician, teacher and instrument maker Joe Worrall from Rotherham. As well as teaching one of our violinists in her youth, we were fortunate to be asked to perform on some of his most celebrated handcrafted instruments. Some of our musicians purchased these instruments after this event.
Since this first concert we have been busy performing for concerts, weddings, parties, fetes and other events.
We set our fees by the event, not by the hour and the quotation you receive will be specific to your event and inclusive of everything. All we need on the day is a space of about 2m by 3m, armless chairs, appropriate shelter, a parking allocation and a place to leave instrument cases and bags. We do not need amplification or electricity.
Based in Sheffield, we are happy to travel to Yorkshire, the Peak District, Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire and Leicestershire.
Message from the team
Experience
What is your most memorable wedding?
There have been so many memorable weddings with vicars singing 'Can't Buy Me Love', to couples walking down the aisle to 'Star Wars'.
Each wedding is unique and special. We work with the Bride and Groom to add that touch of music magic to your day.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Magic, musical, special, performance, classy
What about your business are you most proud of?
Unlike most string groups. we do not charge for specific song requests. We are happy to source and arrange the music you want for your day. We just ask for 30 days notice to give us time to find the music and rehearse it. As a result of this service, our repertoire lists grow every month and we now have such an interesting mix of music in our folders, we are able to choose songs which fit the style of the wedding and the guests.
What is your No.1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Having live music is very much worth the extra money - your wedding is a special occasion. Choosing carefully based on what repertoire the group have is the key. Woodfield Strings is unique in not charging you extra to play your repertoire choices.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
A string group performing music as the Bride and Groom enter the wedding breakfast - we have played 'Where Is My Husband', 'Greatest Day', and 'The Simpsons Theme' amongst many others. It always brings the house down and makes that moment even more special.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
We will communicate via phone or email to programme the perfect music for your wedding.
- At the time of enquiry, we save the date for you.
- To confirm the booking we ask for a 10% deposit. At this stage there is a basic booking form to complete.
- About 2 months before the day, we contact you again to confirm timings and repertoire choices.
- The final balance is due 30 days before the event, at which time we also need all repertoire choices.
- On the day, we set up about an hour earlier than we are required to warm up.
At any stage, you can ask questions or make suggestions as to what you require.
Some couples send us YouTube links to the songs they particularly like and we secure the arrangement of the music from that. Julie is our resident arranger - www.doubledaymusic.co.uk.
What makes a romantic first dance?
The one special song which makes you fall in love again.
What is your number one floor-filler?
Mama Mia
Which band from the past would you most like to have been part of?
McFly
What is the soundtrack to your life?
Disney!