1st Choice Music Services
Serving Central Illinois
since 1985
Enjoy wedding
& special event photos, plus video links below
With Dame Shirley Bassey and Music Director Michael Alexander at Carnegie Hall
Cellist for Dame Shirley Bassey
Cellist for Charles Aznavour at Carnegie Hall and the Winter Garden Theater
Cellist for Michel Legrand
at Carnegie Hall
Cellist for Johnny Mathis
in "Live by Request" on A & E TV
Cellist for NY City Broadway Shows, concerts and touring shows at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center,
Madison Square Gardens, Westbury Music Fair,
symphonies, radio & TV commercials
Do you need to hire skilled professional musicians for your special event? Welcome to 1st Choice Music Services where professional musicians engage, entertain, inspire, & support clients when important life events require live music. Known as the regional "go to source" for live music, lean on us to receive immediate, one on one supportive service and peace of mind by highly skilled performers providing expert, award winning experience! Rest assured your calls, texts, emails, and messages will receive daily, immediate replies from Multi-Award winning "Gig Mom/Prairie Mother" Barbara S. Hedlund, DBA 1st Choice Music Services.
She will respond to your inquiries & find solutions for you. You will not be left hanging and worrying. Your special event becomes our 1st priority until it's over. Benefit from our collaborative, rich legacy of experience serving clients, impressing guests, & making life-long permanent, positive memories. Respected & endorsed for our artistry, quality of service, helpfulness, responsiveness, flexibility and reliability, we serve clients for months until their event ends. Call/Text us at 217-384-0874 or email & download a performance agreement & music request template at the bottom of this page.
Barbara S. Hedlund DBA 1st Choice Music Services is a registered, approved, preferred vendor for: The University of Illinois, State of Illinois, a US Government Central Contractor Registrant, Allerton Park, Pear Tree Estate, The I Hotel, The Venue CU, Carle Foundation, Busey Bank, country clubs (Champaign, Urbana, Lincolnshire, Stone Creek), hotels, adult living centers, Veteran's Hospitals, Manta Business Directory, LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Wedding Mapper, Central Illinois Weddings, Wedding Wire, Knot, Gathering Guide, Zola, 40 North/88 West Champaign Arts Council, area churches, regional bridal coordinators, DUNS, ChamberofCommerce.com, & more.
VIP Events 1st Choice Music Services produces & performs for: numerous University of Illinois University Presidents and Chancellors, The Roger Ebert Film Festival, visiting dignitaries such as US President Ronald Reagan, Illinois Governors Thompson, Edgar, & Pritzker, Suze Orman, Arnold Beckman, Isaac Stern, Supreme Court Chief Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Former Illinois State Representative Tim Johnson, Douglas County Republican Central Committee, former White House Press Secretary James Brady, Illinois Governor Ryan's Inaugural Ball, weddings, civil union and commitment ceremonies, memorial services (including for the UIUC's Nobel Prize winner the late Professors John Bardeen inventor of the transistor and Inventor of the LED Nic Holonyak, Jr. ), rehearsal dinners, receptions, corporate events, concerts, recitals (public & private), touring shows at the State Farm Center, Palmer Arena, Peoria Civic Center, birthday & anniversary celebrations, schools, churches, adult living centers, libraries, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, bridal shows, concerts, art galleries, wineries, breweries, special events for 60 + UI departments & commencement, orchestras, choirs, opera, theatre & ballet, recordings, film premieres, local businesses, & more.
The agency is the only full time, full access, insured professional musician contracting service in Central Illinois. As a regional first source for music services, we specialize in musician contracting, search, and performance services offering immediate, experienced, caring, attentive customer service, and moral support until your special event ends. From the "get go" - we care about your needs & provide services. Planning information, policies, fees, instrument choices, a wedding music planning template, a music planning guide, plus answers to many FAQ are available on this web site. Our director and founding, active Urbana Arts & Culture Commissioner & Chair, is a staunch advocate for local artists, culture, and education.
Community Service: Proceeds from 1st Choice Music Services events support and give back to the community through donations to numerous community charities, performing family & young person programs in schools and libraries, Co-op Nursery School & PTA volunteers, as Crossing Guards, Girl Scouts, Public Radio & TV, Urbana Nursing Home, City of Urbana Public Arts & Culture Commission, and philanthropic gifts to the Arcadia Chamber Players, Baroque Artists of CU, NW Symphony, UIUC College of Fine & Applied Arts/ Library/ School of Music, WILL-TV & FM Radio, Parkland College Theatre Department, CU Symphony, Danville Symphony, Sugar Creek Opera, Heartland Festival Orchestra, East Central Illinois Youth Orchestra, food banks, police, libraries, churches, medical, the United Way, The Family Room, Police League Funds for children, & the Humane Society.
Verify our reputation with clients and vendors above plus: church music directors & organists, wedding planners, caterers, florists, photographers, clergy, hotels, UI clients, UI School of Music, Champaign Urbana Symphony, Danville Symphony, Heartland Festival Orchestra, Sugar Creek Opera, Baroque Artists of Champaign Urbana, & customers listed on this web site.
Agency History: Founded in 1985, sophisticated customers have trusted and relied on 1st Choice Music Services to create special ambiance and warm, positive memories with live music performed at their special event. The agency director will personally help plan your special event and engage professional musicians of the highest calibre. Our musicians live in the region, teach, and are recognized performers. Clients generally choose string players, vocalists, pianists, organists, brass players, jazz combos, dance bands, bagpipers, harpists, folk music groups, & orchestras. Regional international performers may be engaged - if they have proper CPT & OPT permission or green cards to work off campus. Our artists follow Covid 19 protocols and are fully vaccinated and boosted.
Cities our artists have performed in Central Illinois include: Arcola, Bloomington, Champaign, Charleston, Chrisman, Clifton, Covington (IN), Danville, Decatur, Fairbury, Farmer City, Funks Grove, Gibson City, Gifford, Homer, Homer Lake, Lake of the Woods, Mahomet, Mattoon, Monticello, Morton, Normal, Paxton, Peoria, Pesotum, Philo, Potomac, Rantoul, Savoy, Springfield, Strasbourg, Tolono, Urbana, Villa Grove, Washington, & Watseka.
Video Samples below
1) One Hand One Heart on YouTube (<Click Here) or below - a perfect selection for the unification/candle lighting portion of your wedding ceremony
2) Come Back to Sorrento - (<YouTube Link) or see below
3) Huffman Wedding Pear Tree Estate Beatles Songs requests - See below
4) Holy, Holy, Holy for cello and piano by Clay Hecocks, Piano and Barbara Hedlund, Cello - (<YouTube Link) from "A Piano Concert with Pastor Clay Hecocks and Friends" at the Calvary Chapel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Music begins after remarks at 1:39. (Also recorded on the Ocean's Edge Music Label.)
5) The Voice of the Wood" children's reading and music video on YouTube created by Barbara Hedlund during the pandemic
6) Love Theme from Romeo and Juliette, aka "A Time for Us"- (<YouTube Link)
Find more performance videos on YouTube & photos on Facebook & LinkedIn
L1100256 Come Back to Sorrento.MP4Huffman Quartet Video.mp4Client Reviews: Click here for our 5.0 Wedding Wire &
The Knot Reviews - Quality of Service: 5.0, Responsiveness: 5.0, Value: 5.0, Professionalism: 5.0, Flexibility 5.0
Unsolicited reviews are below & under the link to
“Client Raves & Reviews
Gwen Wilson, Nuptiae, Wedding & Event Planner - retired: "Barbara Hedlund of 1st Choice Music Services is a consummate professional. I have referred brides to her for 5 years. As a wedding planner, I must feel comfortable a vendor I recommend will be a good value for a bride, that they will be willing to respond to communication and provide information in a timely manner, and they are a top professional in their field. All of those qualities describe Barbara and her work through 1st Choice Music Services."
Dr. Linda Veleckis Nussbaum from Cadenza Ensemble -"THE only choice for quality music in Central Illinois - and beyond! Barbara is the consummate professional who brings the experience and expertise needed to match the perfect music for any event. She has lived through every possible circumstance and knows how to solve or accommodate every situation. I’ve worked with her for over 25 years and always learn more from her! Quality, quality, quality, and quality - that’s why Barbara is the 1st Choice!!"
Kevin Kelly from Kevin Kelly Voice-Overs, former WILL-FM Radio Host, and Founding Music Director of the Prairie Ensemble Chamber Orchestra: "Excellent cellist and musician, resourceful, organized and responsive business woman with a strong network of fellow musicians."
Mrs. Jami Bowles: Windsor of Savoy Life Enrichment Coordinator and Apple Dumpling Festival: "She is wonderful to work with, delivers talent beyond the imagination."
Harpist Claire Happel Ashe: "Barbara knows all the best musicians in Central Illinois and is very organized in making them available for events. Highly recommend finding musicians for your events from her!"
Anne Newman/Puppetfolk Productions: "Not only is she a phenomenal musician in her own right, but she also has unique skills that bring many talented people together to provide music for a wide variety of special events!"
Guilherme Zils Audio & Video Recordings: "Wonderful to work with and always a great experience."
Click here to visit our Google reviews page
Wedding August 21, 2021 at Allerton Park Sunken Garden - "Thank you so much for filling our ceremony with the most beautiful music and helping make our wedding dream a reality. You were so easy to work with throughout the entire planning process and went above and beyond to execute my vision. More than anything, thank you for sticking with us through the rain and sharing your tent with our guests. We so appreciate it. The level of skill and professionalism of the group was impeccable. We will highly recommend you to all our friends and family in the Central Illinois area. Thank you again, " - Kaitlyn Duchien & Carlos Julio
Wedding June 18, 2021 Pear Tree Estate - "Barbara - Just wanted to thank you again for adding so much to Mary and Omar’s wedding. I had so many guests comment on how great the music was and how much they enjoyed it. My only regret is that personally was not able to hear very much of the music, as I was of course “sequestered” away. ;). Please pass on my appreciation and thanks to the rest of the players, also. I was also so happy to get to finally meet you in person. Hope you have a continued great, full summer. Would certainly be willing to communicate with any potential client as a reference, if needed. Thanks again, - Kevin Huffman"
Wedding Jaime Windish and Aaron Elzy at Pear Tree Estate 8/15/2021 - [This wedding was postponed several times due to the pandemic. Photos on Facebook] "Thank you for providing such beautiful music at my daughter's wedding reception. It put the finishing touch on her special day. You were so helpful in planning this event. Your musical accompaniments were outstanding. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Betsy Windish (MOB)
Memorial Service at Holy Cross Catholic Church and luncheon music at Silver Creek Restaurant on June 7, 2021 - "Barbara, I just wanted to say thank you again for your incredible contribution in making Mother's memorial so very beautiful and special. Everyone commented on how lovely and appropriate the music was for our mother. Sincerely," - CHRISTINE KOLAR
Wedding Mass Holy Cross Catholic Church - "You are absolutely an invaluable resource for any bride and mother. I have already told many people about your services. Thank you very much for all your support, help, organization, and encouragement! You are the best!" - Mrs. Gloria Wilhelm (MOB)
The Knot: 5 stars - "Barbara is a dream to work with. She is a wonderful woman who loves her work & creates beautiful music. She guided us through planning the ceremony and cocktail hour music and brought together a team of people who were equally talented and professional, creating a signature wedding event." - Thomas McKenna & Jillian Glawe
St Patrick's Catholic Church & Silvercreek Greenhouse: "Thank you so much for providing the perfect music for our Christmas wedding and reception. We were so impressed with the beautiful music and singing." - Cole and Sarah Brookhouse
Pear Tree Estate Wedding "Thank you again for the beautiful music! Any time I need music in the future I will definitely contact you. And if anyone asks me for recommendations, I'll tell them about our great experience! Thanks again for making the day special for us! - Denise Enright (MOG)
Savoy Baptist Church: "My daughter's beautiful, perfect wedding had the BEST music of any wedding I’ve ever been to. Thanks to you!" - Linda Hamilton (MOB)
Wedding at West Side Park Gazebo -"Their trio played at my wedding two years ago in West Side Park & did a great job! Hands down the BEST musicians money can buy!"- John Peeler
Wedding at Allerton Park - "Of all the people we worked with to make this day possible, you were definitely the best. Your helpfulness and quick responses were greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for making our wedding day wonderful!" - Shannon & Jordan Johnson
Allerton Park Wedding - "Barbara Hedlund was so great to work with & very responsive! We used an acoustic guitar player through her. He far exceeded my expectations... would definitely recommend!!" - Sarah Leach & Michael Frazier
Allerton Park Wedding & Reception - "Everything was perfect! We had so many compliments in regards to your musicians. It made the wedding and reception just perfect. I can't tell you how much we appreciate all you did. You are a class act!" - Janie Esposito (MOB)
Laurie Tucker "A Bride’s Best Friend" Bridal Consultant retired - “I want you to know how much it has meant to me to get to know and work with you. Your professionalism and humor in tough situations is wonderful. I always knew when I recommended you that my brides would not only receive wonderful ceremony & reception music, but would also receive great care and compassion throughout the process. I will continue to recommend you & sing your praises whenever I can."
Pear Tree Estate Wedding - "Your selection of music was excellent. I learned a variety of music, not to mention enjoying performing with you. The way you organized music and logistics was very efficient! More people should contact you for their service music!" - Dr. Chee Hyeon Choi, Piano Professor Bradley University
Allerton Park Wedding - "Thank you for the beautiful music you provided for our daughter's wedding. Everything about it was exceptional! Your performance was all what we have envisioned and been dreaming about for our daughter's wedding!" - Lolita Wiggins (MOB)
Allerton Park Wedding - "As coordinator of the Van Riper-Hooberman wedding at Allerton Park, I am absolutely delighted to be working with you again. I am certain the event will be flawless with you on the team! " - Katie Gerber, Coordinator Perfect Glow Weddings
Danville Symphony Orchestra - “Barbara is an amazing asset to the DSO.
She works as not only the DSO Principal Cellist, but also functions to locate music and talent for the organization. Her commitment to music and education in the area has benefited Danville and Vermilion County beyond measure. We are always happy to refer Barbara to other organizations or individuals looking for music or assistance because we are confident in her capabilities and talent.” - Mrs. Jennifer Dixson, former DSO Executive Director
Wedding at Stone Creek Country Club - "Thank you for being a part of our celebration. Your hard work and attention to details were appreciated and reassuring." - Dr. Brent Reifsteck & Kevin Burnside
Wedding at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church: “Barbara Hedlund was simply phenomenal - timely response to emails, caring, organized, efficient, conscientious. And most of all, she provided musicians of the highest caliber." - Sara Devine & Tony Steele
UI College of Medicine Commencement Dinner: "Thank you very much for the lovely music at our celebration dinner - So appreciated! We especially thank you for stepping in at the last minute. You helped us create very special evening for everyone. - Janet Jokela, MD Acting Regional Dean, UIUC College of Medicine
Maestro David Commanday, Heartland Festival Orchestra - "Outstanding HFO Contractor/ Personnel Manager, strong attention to detail, conscientious, quick to respond, great communications, and ready to do what needs to be done - also my outstanding Principal Cellist. I really appreciate her conscientious, thorough, outstanding professional work!"
Sottos/White Wedding and reception at Stone Creek Event Center - "WOW! You really went above and beyond for this one! You couldn't have put together a better group! Quiet excellence and professionalism, zero attitude, no egos. They made my life easy after all the worry and flurry! Adding the two players at 8PM provided a natural flow. Bravo, & thank you!" - The late band leader &
keyboardist Gordy Wilson
A Windsor of Savoy birthday client - "The special program to honor our mother's birthday went “superbly”. We want to thank the performers & you from the bottom of our hearts. Our mother was “transported”. We hoped the recital would prove to be a gift to our mother & Windsor of Savoy community - and it was."
Angela Overholt, former Life Enrichment Coordinator, The Windsor of Savoy - "You were able to see my vision and make it come to life. Thank you so much for all your help and hard work making that happen!!
Angelika Hustedt, Music Therapist at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Danville, IL) & former Life Enrichment Coordinator, The Windsor of Savoy - "Oh, I know you made a very positive impact. It was so well received (which has always been the case with you and any of your performers). Angela and I loved scheduling you. Always professional. Residents loved your music and any of your performers. I really hope they have you back more often because you touch so many!! You do make a difference in their lives and make smiles on their faces! Trust me! I always enjoy it too."
Wedding at Holy Cross Catholic Church: "Thank you for all the preparation, correspondence & musical execution for our wedding ceremony. The music for the wedding was everything our families & guests could have hoped for. Also of note, thank you for your professionalism over the months leading up to our wedding." - Hailey (Weber) Fowles & Matt Fowles
Joseph Madden, Former Executive Director CU Symphony - "From my experience working with you, I know you take the best care of everyone involved (client and musician) every single time. I ALWAYS notice & appreciate it. Given all you do for your clients, I can't understand why anyone wouldn't follow through-- it's their loss. Your fully satisfied clients far outnumber people who are price shopping."
Pear Tree Estate Wedding - "Thank you so much for your emails, meeting on Saturday, & for working on Alexandra’s favorite songs. We truly appreciate you going above and beyond to make our wedding an unforgettable moment." - Remy Braconnot & Alexandra Ayers
Monahan Memorial Service Arcola -"I was so comforted by your truly beautiful music - from the first note of Ashokan Farewell (A song I love & have never heard it played so well - it will haunt me for the rest of my life) to the last notes of Celtic Farewell. We received a thousand compliments from the performance we were treated to. It made our most sorrowful day bearable. I don't have the words to thank you properly, but please know you were a great help in our hour of need. THANK YOU." - Pat Monahan
Kathy Kew Lee - Music Director Community United Church of Christ - December 24, 2021 - "Thank you, Barbara! Your musical leadership and generosity was such a gift. Merry Christmas! "
Download a Wedding Music Letter of Agreement & Music Request Template
at the bottom of this page or on the Wedding Fees page.
The template demonstrates the thorough planning process & care offered to every client. Check the top left index on this page for more information, or for your convenience click on the links below.
"Central Illinois Business" on WDWS Radio Interview with host Alex Ruggieri, featured 1st Choice Music Services Director Barbara Hedlund and Girl Scout's Woman of Distinction on (3.19.2011) (begin @27 min. 30 secs) Used with permission by Alex Ruggieri, Host CI Business
Contact the Multi-Award Winning “ Prairie Mother" Mrs. Barbara Hedlund, DBA 1st Choice Music Services, Music Studio - 505 Eliot Drive, Urbana, IL 61801- 6727, Tel: 217-384-0874 | 9AM-9PM CST All calls and communications will receive a response the same day. No Fax, vcello1@comcast.net | www.barbarahedlund.com, Find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube
Studio Directions, Rehearsal, Recitals,
Video Recording & Meeting Space Rental
Download a
Wedding Music LOA & Music Request Template