Otherwise Strings

Otherwise Strings, founded in 1999 by Mark and Mari McConnell, started as a guitar and violin duo. We are now a network of professional musicians that perform regularly. We have performed with musicians such as Smokey Robinson, Peter Cetera, Josh Groban, Micheal Buble, Barry Manilow, and many, many others!

We cater the ensemble to fit your needs, from string duos, trios, and quartets to several combinations that make your event memorable. Our repertoire includes Classical standards, Jazz, Broadway showtunes, arrangements of popular tunes and much, much, more. Ask us about arrangements of 80's love songs for string ensemble! To round out your music needs for your event, contact Mark McConnell to book the highly acclaimed Otherwise Jazz. This is your one-stop-shop for music!

For a life-long memory, special music can be composed for your event, with advance notice.

• Adagio from "Xerxes" - Handel
• A Foggy Day - Gershwin G. & Ira
• Air - Dowland John
• Air from Suite No.5 - Handel George Friedrich
• Air 'on G string' - Bach J.S.
• Allegretto from Divertimenti Notturni Op.86 No.4 - Guliani Mauro
• Allegro from Partita No.2 - Teleman G. Ph.
• Allegro in D - Mozart W.A
• Allergretto - Haydn Franz Joseph
• Alman - Johnson Robert
• All Of Me - Simons & Marks
• All The Things You Are - Kern Jerome
• All The Way - Van Heusen J
• Amazing Grace - Traditional
• And the Glory of the Lord - Religious
• Andante - Diabell Antonio
• Andante from Sonata No. 16 - K.V. 545
• Andante from Sonatina - Op 36
• As Time Goes By - Hupfeld Herman
• Autumn in New York Duke - Vernon
• Autumn Leaves - Mercer Johnny
• Arrival Of the Queen Of Sheba - Handel George Friedrich
• Ave Maria - Bach – Gounod
• Ave Maria - Schubert Franz
• Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart W.A
• Aylesford' Gavotte - Handel George Friedrich
• Bagatelle - Beethoven L. van
• Be Thou With Me - Bach J.S.
• Berceuse - Faure G.
• Black Orpheus - Bonfa Louis
• Bouree - Bach J.S.
• Bouree - Praetorius Michael
• Brandenburg Concertos - Bach
• Canon in D - Pachelbel Johann
• Contradanzas Habaneras - Samuell/Bareiro
• Czardas - Monty Vittorio
• Desde El Alma - Melo Rosita
• Dodi Li - Jewish Traditional
• Don't Get Around Much Anymore - Ellington Duke
• Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - Mozart W.A
• El Hurican - Samuell/Bareiro
• El Majo Discreto - Granados E.
• Entr'acte - Bizet George
• Evening Prayer - Humperdinck Engelbert
• Gavotte - Gossec F.
• Greensleeves - Traditional
• Gymnopedie I - Satie Erik
• Hard Days Night - Lennon/McCartney
• Here Comes the Bride (Bridal Chorus from 'Loengrin') - Wagner Richard
• Hey Jude - Lennon/McCartney
• Hornpipe and Air - Purcell Henry
• Hornpipe from Water Music - Handel George Friedrich
• Invention No.10 - Bach J.S.
• Italian Air from Suite in a minor - Telemann G. Ph.
• Jesu - Joy of Man’s Desiring
• La Caridad - Samuell/Bareiro
• La Dengosa - Samuell/Bareiro
• La Quejosita - Samuell/Bareiro
• La Rejouissance - Handel George Friedrich
• La Virtuosa - Samuell/Bareiro
• Larghetto from Divertimenti Notturni Op.86 No.4 - Guliani Mauro
• Largo from “Xerxes” - Handel George Friedrich
• Le Marc-Antoine - Blavet Michel
• Le Tambourin - Leclair Jean Marie
• Le Tambourin - Rameau Jean Philippe
• Lento - Telemann G. Ph.
• Let the Bright Seraphim - Handel George Friedrich
• Libertango - Piazzolla Astor
• Little Italian Song from 'Album for the Young' - Tchaikovsky P.I.
• Little Song - Kabalevsky Dmitri
• Love Story - Lai F.
• March - Bach J.S.
• March from “The Marriage of Figaro” - Mozart W.A
• March from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach - Bach J.S.
• Mazurka Op.67 .No.3 - Chopin Frederick
• Meditation from Thais - Massenet Jules
• Memory - Weber Andrew Lloyd
• Menuet - Rameau Jean Philippe
• Minuet - Schubert Franz
• Minuet from Don Giovanni - Mozart W.A
• Minuet from Eight Minuets & Trios for Pianoforte K315a - Mozart W.A
• Minuet from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - Mozart W.A
• Minuet From Orpheus - Gluck C. W. von
• Minuet from Symphony No.36 - Mozart W.A
• Minuet from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach - Bach J.S.
• Minuet I & II - Purcell Henry
• Minuet in G minor - Bach J.S.
• Minuetto - Paganini Nicolo
• Minuetto and Trios - Beethoven L. van
• Minuetto and Trios from Flute Serende Op.25 - Beethoven L. van
• Moment Musical - Schubert Franz
• Musette - Bach J.S.
• Musette from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach - Bach J.S.
• O' Sole Mio - Di Capua
• O Mio Bambino Caro - Puccini
• Ode to Joy - Beethoven L. van
• Organ Grinder - Schubert
• Pastorale - Vivaldi Antonio
• Pavane - Faure G.
• Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Ravel Maurice
• Piacer d'Amor - Martini
• Playera - Granados E.
• Polonaise - Mozart W.A
• Prelude in E minor - Chopin Frederick
• Preludio - Corelli Archangelo
• Promenade from 'Chidlren's Suite' Op.65 No.2 - Prokofiev Sergei
• Rage Over A Lost Penny - Beethoven L. van
• Recuerdos la Alhambra - Tarrega Francisco
• Rejoyce from Water Music - Handel George Friedrich
• Reverie - Debussy Claude
• Romance from 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' - Mozart W.A
• Romance from Sonata Op.49 - No.1
• Rondeau - Mouret Jean Joseph
• Rondo - Bach C.P.E.
• Rondo - Diabelli Antonio
• Rondo a Capriccio Op.129 - Beethoven L. van
• Rondo from Sonata Op.49 No.1 - Beethoven
• Rondo from Sonatina Op.20 No.1 - Kuhlau Friedrick
• Rondo Theme from Concerto in D Major Op.27 - Boccherini Luigi
• Scarborough Fair - Traditional
• Serenade - Haydn Franz Joseph
• Serenade - Schubert Franz
• Serenade from String Quartet op. 3 No.5 - Haydn Franz Joseph
• Sheep May Safely Graze from Cantata 208 - Bach J.S.
• Siciliano from II Sonata - Bach J.S.
• Sicilienne - Faure G.
• Sicilienne - M.T. von Paradies
• Six Duets for Violin and Guitar - Paganini Nicolo
• Sleepers Awake - Bach J.S.
• Sonata in A - Scarlatti Domenico
• Sonata Op.3 No.6 - Paganini Nicolo
• Sonatine in d minor - Beethoven L. van
• Spring Song - K596
• Swan - Dowland John
• Swan the - Saent Saens Camille
• Tambourine - Mouret Jean Joseph
• Tango - Albeniz Isaac
• The Harmoniuos Blacksmith - Handel George Friedrich
• The Mechanical Doll - Schostakovich Dmitri
• Theme and Variation on a Rossini Theme - Chopin Frederick
• The Swan - Saint-Saens
• Torna A Suriento - De Courtis
• Traumerei - Schumann Robert
• Tre Giorni - Pergolesi G.
• Trumpet Tune - Purcell Henry
• Trumpet Voluntary - Purcell Clarke
• Two German Dances - No.1 & No.2
• Two Landler No.1 & No.2 - Op.33
• Valse - Tchaikovsky P.I.
• Valse Sentimentale - Schubert Franz
• Waltz - Brahms Johannes
• Waltz - Grieg Edward
• Waltz in A minor - Chopin Frederick
• Wedding March from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Mendelssohn F.
• Wedding March from “The Marriage Of Figaro” - Mozart W.A
• What a Wonderful World - Weiss/Thiele
• What If I Never Spoke - Dowland John
• When I'm 64 - Lennon/McCartney
• Winter "Largo' from the 'Four Seasons' - Vivaldi Antonio
• Yesterday - Lennon/McCartney

Anniversaries, Apres Ski Parties, Awards Nights, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Casinos, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Coffee Shops, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Cruise Ships, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fraternity Functions, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Hotels, Jingles, Movie Soundtracks, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Resorts, Restaurants, Reunions, Showers, Sorority Function, Studio Session, Temples, TV Soundtracks, Weddings...and more.

• "Otherwise Strings" are a joy to work with. Their performance at my son's wedding exceeded my expectations; they were well-prepared, highly talented, professional in dress and attitude, but also very warm, friendly, and easy to be with. They also helped us, very last minute, when the DJ for the reception was delayed. When asked, they readily agreed to play longer than the original planned cocktail hour, and "stepped into the gap" beautifully. None of the guests even knew there was a problem. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting lovely music, performed with class, for a special event. -- Linda R, Lake Arrowhead, CA, 7/17/2010
• We hired Mari for a violin and cello duo during our wedding ceremony, they were excellent. We had a few uncommon pieces we asked Mari to play, she was very accommodating and played the pieces very beautifully. I'm so happy we went with otherwise strings, they made the ceremony very special. -- Jenny W, City Of Industry, CA, 6/26/2010
• Otherwise Strings was great! We requested special specific music for our wedding (pieces not normally requested) and they played each piece with a high caliber of musicianship. We had several guests comment on how wonderful the strings were as an addition to our wedding ceremony.The group was dressed professionally, arrived on time, played exactly what we asked for, and choose appropriate music to fill the time prior to the ceremony. My husband and I are so glad we choose Mari and Otherwise Strings to be part of our special day! -- Melissa J, Redlands, CA, 3/20/2010
• Mari and everyone in the Otherwise Strings trio was a FABULOUS addition to our wedding. They arrived early, played beautifully and even learned a new song for the ceremony (U2’s Beautiful Day). Otherwise Strings was beyond professional and my guests loved them during cocktail hour after the ceremony, If you are looking for a group that will bring romance, class, jazz and a memorable vibe to your event, Otherwise Strings is it! Our wedding guests are still raving about the overall ambience due in most part to the amazing musicians we hired. -- Amber S, Redlands, CA, 10/3/2009
• Otherwise strings was everything we wanted in our wedding ceremony music. Their ability to adjust and go with the flow of the day was extremely valuable! We highly recommend them. -- Jeremy O, Redlands, CA, 6/13/2010
• They played all of the music I requested and I would recommend them. -- Leighanne R, Fullerton, CA, 9/19/2009
• Otherwise Strings provided such elegant and beautiful music during our wedding ceremony. All of our wedding guests were very impressed by their talent and outstanding performance. Because we were so busy preparing for the wedding, we did not have time to make all of the music selections for the ceremony -- Otherwise Strings made wonderful selections for us, that perfectly conveyed the mood and enriched the atmosphere within the church. -- Cherrie V, Beaumont, CA, 3/28/2009
• The music made the wedding even more perfect! The music was lovely and complemented the wedding. I definitely recommend otherwise strings. They are the perfect addition for any formal event! -- Theodore K, Irvine, CA, 5/2/2009
• Responsive, responsible, talented, pleasant. I would use again. -- David M, Los Angeles, CA, 3/18/2008
• Very helpful and accomodating. Highly recommend Otherwise Strings to others. -- Fred C, Irvine, CA, 12/22/2007
• They were excellent. Very professional. The music was pure delight. All in the spirit of the Yuletide Season. Very good selection of music. Impressive demonstration of musical talent. I wouldn’t hesitate from inviting them back. -- Dottiel L, Corona, CA, 12/5/2007
• Our event was short notice, in the middle of nowhere, and we didn't give Otherwise Strings much direction when it came to the music. We told them to use creative license since they were the experts. They did not disappoint us. The selections they played, the professionalism, and the attention to detail were all excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. They were great! -- Emmanuel R, Helendale, CA, 8/4/2007
• I highly recommend Otherwise Strings to anyone looking for live performance. They were very professional and accommodating. I will definitely hire them again for future events. -- Linda B, Riverside, CA, 6/16/2007
• They were wonderful! Mari was great at getting back to my e-mails and was very helpful when it came to selecting music. They arrived on time to the ceremony and everything went smoothly and perfectly. The music was beautiful and I got a lot of compliments from our guests. I would highly recommend Otherwise Strings. -- Shayann G, Redlands, CA, 6/9/2007
• The performers did a wonderful job of setting the tone for the ceremony. The music was meaningful for us and beautiful. Mari was very available for any questions and concerns. I would highly recommend them for any event! -- Karin G, Palm Desert, CA, 4/19/2008
• Everything was beautiful! We are so happy that Otherwise Strings performed at our wedding ceremony. It has been a pleasure working with Otherwise Strings. Mari was so friendly, responsive, and professional throughout all of the planning. Everyone was so professional and the ceremony went by so smoothly. Immediately following the ceremony, we had non-stop comments from our guests about how beautiful the music was. It was truly a perfect touch! Thank You so much for a great experience and for all of your talent! When the right occasion comes along again, we will not hesistate to contact Otherwise Strings as our first choice. =) -- Nancy P, Dana Point, CA, 7/19/2008
• We wanted a solo violinist for my daughter's wedding and were extremely impressed with Otherwise Strings' Mari. The wedding took place on the lawn in front of Redland's Lincoln Shrine. I was concerned that the guests would not be able to hear Mari's violin over the sounds of water splashing from two fountains. It was not a problem...Mari's violin music was absolutely beautiful and was easily heard by all in attendance. In addition, Mari was on time and very personable! I would definitely recommend Otherwise Strings to friends and family! -- Linda S, Redlands, CA, 9/13/2008
• We hired Otherwise Strings for our wedding. The musicians arrived on time and played beautifully. Mari was very professional, responsive, and helpful. We considered ourselves lucky to have booked them with such short notice (within 2 weeks) and would highly recommend them for any event. Our heartfelt thanks for making this such a memorable event. -- Jonathan C, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, 9/20/2008
• Otherwise Strings helped to make our wedding a great success. We were not sure of the music we wanted but trusted the proffessionals to pick just the right kind, and they did. They read the crowd and the setting and nailed it. I would highly recommend Otherwise Strings for a wedding or any other event. E-mails and calls were returned promptly and communication was easy and efficient; which allowed us to stress over "other" wedding issues and forget about the music! Thank You. -- Jeremy R, Palm Springs, CA, 9/27/2008
• I enjoyed working with Mari from Otherwise Strings. She was always very prompt at responding to my needs. She also provided guidance in picking ceremony music when our first selections weren't going to work out. I had a DOC and a coordinator at my venue so, they took care of Otherwise Strings on the day of and to be honest I was never able to meet them in person. As I waited to walk down the aisle and as I walked down the aisle the music sounded great. I also did not attend our cocktail hour, which they played at, because we were taking pictures. I did not hear anything negative so, I assume they did a great job! -- Ellie O, Rancho Mirage, CA, 11/1/2008
• As the mother of the bride I am still absorbing it all, but I will say that the times that I was able to truley concentrate on Otherwise Strings, they were everything that my daughter had envisioned! Thank you for a wonderful! Nancy Webb -- Nancy W, Temecula, CA, 11/9/2008

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