Funeral Band Hire: A Step by Step Guide

February 7, 2020

New Orleans funeral band hire for the perfect send off

Funerals are an opportunity to say goodbye, to remember, and to be thankful for the experiences we’ve had with someone. If you’re planning the perfect send off for a loved one, you’ll be looking for fitting tributes. Funeral band hire can be a memorable and poignant tribute.

Funeral band hire is a New Orleans jazz tradition and an integral part of the funeral. Its roots in the history of New Orleans give it a powerful relevance in the city, even today. The sound of marching brass is emotional and spine-tingling, giving those left behind a powerful, proud, and lasting memory.

Funeral band hire: Processions, wakes, and more

The funeral procession usually begins at the family home and travels to the church, chapel or crematorium. The band will perform traditional and symbolic funeral songs like ‘Just a Closer Walk With Thee’ and ‘Amazing Grace’. After the service, the band traditionally performs more upbeat tunes like ‘When the Saints’ and ‘Just a Little While’.

This age-old New Orleans tradition is still alive and well and has travelled around the world, helping people say goodbye to their loved ones in a beautiful way.

Silk Street Jazz are truly versatile, performing when and how you wish on the day. As well as following the funeral procession, we can also perform reflective music and entertain at the wake while people gather, reminisce, and celebrate their loved one’s memory.

Funeral band hire: Make memories with upbeat and sombre songs

Funerals can inspire a huge mix of emotions. Music is a perfect way to encapsulate those feelings and create both positive and moving memories. Traditional New Orleans funeral band hire can incorporate both celebratory and sombre songs, including hymns, jazz classics, and traditional music.

Before the service, popular song choices include ‘Just A Closer Walk With Thee’, ‘Careless Love’, ‘Precious Lord’, ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Abide With Me’. After the goodbyes, the band usually plays more up-tempo songs like ‘When The Saints’, ‘Just A Little While’, ‘Lily of The Valley’ and ‘Didn’t he Ramble.’

How funeral band hire will work on the day

Organising a funeral is always difficult, especially if you’ve never done it before. When you’re discussing funeral arrangements with your funeral director, they’ll make the process as easy and seamless as possible. Silk Street is exactly the same. We want the planning to be simple for you, and the arrangements to be appropriate and fitting.

If you’re unsure how it will work, give these FAQs a read first:

What does the band wear? We perform in smart black or black and white tailoring. However, we’re also happy to wear bright colours including red and white, or parade uniforms. It’s entirely up to the funeral organisers and what they want.
How many musicians will there be in the line-up? Various line-ups are available, from 3-piece groups to a 12-piece parade with a dancing marshal leading the procession.
Can you play requests? Of course. We’ll talk you through our repertoire ahead of the funeral.
How much does funeral band hire cost? Our rates vary depending on a few factors – location, the number of musicians you require, dates, and times. We’re always happy to provide a no-obligation quote that you can review along with the rest of the funeral costs.

More questions? We’re happy to talk you through our service. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.

“These guys are absolutely brilliant. From start to finish they made the process easy and painless. My dad always wanted a Dixieland jazz band for his funeral and Silk Street went beyond our expectations. They really set the tone for the day and everyone was all smiles and laughter. Exactly what dad (and us) wanted! We can’t thank you enough! Book them. You won’t be disappointed.”

Sue Parry

Funeral band hire: Book a band you can trust

We’re here to take you through the funeral band hire process, making it as simple and pleasant as possible. Silk Street can help you put together a truly fitting tribute to your loved one, and create a funeral procession that funeral guests will fondly remember for years to come.

Contact us for a no-obligation quote.