Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life
Brown University

Weddings and Blessing Ceremonies Guide 

How Do I Arrange for an Organist or Other Instrumentalists or Vocalists for the Service?

It is the custom in many churches and chapels for the in-residence organist to play for the service. That individual has the “organ bench,” so to speak, and as such has the first right of refusal for playing the service. The same custom applies to Manning Chapel. Dr. Mark Steinbach is an acclaimed musician and educator at Brown and holds the position of University organist. Dr. Steinbach is available, depending on his schedule, to perform weddings and can consult on all music matters, instrumental or vocal, while preparing your service.

If you do not have a specific musician in mind and Dr. Steinbach cannot play for the service, he can provide names of local musicians who you can contact or guide you to the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

Couples often have an organist in mind or other musicians in mind. Dr. Steinbach must be contacted for permission to use the “organ bench.” It is helpful when writing him to tell him as many specifics about the music for the service, such as who will be performing and what needs they have.

The chapel's Mason and Hamlin pipe organ, which sits in a loft, was refurbished in 1959 and was executed by the Wicks Organ Company of Highland, Illinois. In addition to the organ, the chapel has a full grand piano.

You may reach Dr. Steinbach at Mark_Steinbach@brown.edu. Please mark clearly in the subject line of your email: “Request for Wedding” with the date.

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