The
band specializes in performing
In
the funeral home or memorial service location, we usually play in a fixed
location. We play the dirges as a prelude to the service as visitors
enter and are seated. During the service we play the hymns or pieces
selected on cue, and at the end of the service pick up the paces in
celebration. The band stays in place until the end. The
instrumentation is usually clarinet, bass, keyboard (piano) and drums, adding
trumpet, trombone and banjo as desired.
At
the burial site we can become a marching unit, leading the procession
accompanying the casket (or urn) from its transport site, playing dirges until
the gravesite is reached. Family and friends follow us and then
assemble. We played the selected hymns during the burial service and
afterward pick up the pace and celebrate as we march in procession back to the
original site. As a marching unit the instrumentation is clarinet, tuba,
banjo and field drum, adding trumpet, trombone and bass drum as desired.

Examples of
some selections that we play:
Dirges Hymns
Celebrations
In the
Garden
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Just a Little While to Stay Here
Amazing
Grace
We Shall Walk Through the Valley When the Saints
Go Marching In
The Old Rugged
Cross Precious
Lord
Over in the Gloryland
In the Sweet
Bye and Bye Selected
Hymns
Oh! Didn't He Ramble
For
information, scheduling and pricing contact Mike Ritter by phone (703-635-6050)
or email to rfco@earthlink.net