Dear Bandleader:

We look forward to your performance at our daughter's wedding. If you don't mind, we would like to request a few of our favorite songs. If you could play these at some point during the reception, we'd be grateful.

Any Keith Jarrett composition from his solo series. Please have it for the full ensemble and none of the 4/4 songs please.

Mahavishnu Orchestra,"Dance of the Maya," and please have the guitarist play John McLaughlin's solo from the live performance Nov.16, 1972, at Chrysler Arena. My wife and I were at that show and we particularly liked it. If you find it too difficult, you can leave out the feedback.

Any of John Coltrane's duets with Pharaoh Sanders. I understand that their use of atonality is not everyone's cup of tea, but all our guests love high register tenor saxes.

We thought a little Stravinsky right after the toast would be nice. We particularly like the "Infernal Dance..." or whatever it is called, from "The Rite of Spring" (second version of 1932). If you want to use the sheet music it's OK. We like a tempo of about quarter note = 93 (Ozawa).

Then for the "life candle" lighting ceremony, please play Frank Zappa's "The Grand Wazoo." If you want to play it in the original key of Bb, that would be fine, but my cousin Janeene would like to sing the baritone sax solo. You may have to play that part in another key - she has kind of a high voice.

When my daughter throws the garter, could you play just a little of Varese's "Ionization?" It's such a cool piece, we think it would go over really well. Much better than "The Stripper."

And for the Bride & Groom's first dance, please slow things down a bit by doing Barber's "Adagio For Strings". It's so much better than "We've Only Just Begun" or "The Anniversary Waltz."

When my wife and I join in the first dance, could you please segue to Thelonious Monk's "Ruby, My Dear." That's in honor of my wife's grandmother whose name was Ruby. It would mean so much to the family.

Thanks very much for all your help. We'll certainly be happy to recommend your band to all of our friends. By the way, the gig pays $350 for the group, and before you leave, please feel free to ask the caterer for a sandwich and a soda to take with you.

Sincerely,
The Bride's parents