Passing Measures

Passing Measures is an Early Music ensemble managed and directed by Jan Jackson, which has been performing in the Austin and South-Central Texas for 24 years.

Passing Measures (Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque repertoire) utilizes a wide variety of historical instruments incuding recorder (Sopranino through Great Bass), lute, arch lute, rackett, cornamusen, dulcian, krummhorns, kortholt, violas da gamba, vielle, violin, rebec, cello, harp, harpsichord, and percussion. Passing Measures will perform in Renaissance or Medieval costume if requested.

Period dance music ranges from courtly to rousing. Renaissance and Medieval dance music mixed with other secular music forms is most appropriate for festive gatherings such as historical festivals, private parties, receptions, and open houses. Our double-reed “buzzies” add an exotic flavor.

Romantic and liturgical music is beautiful for special occasions such as weddings and receptions, church services, and openings, as well as background music in quiet, intimate settings. It lends elegance to formal occasions, and seasonal repertoire is available.

Baroque music makes an effective background, but shines most brightly when the audience can focus on the performance if they choose to do so. Passing Measures often performs at “low pitch”(A = 415) for more beautiful sound and authenticity.

Fine vocalists, trained in period style, are also available to perform with Passing Measures.

Passing Measures is flexible about performing schedules should an event run overtime or start late. Rates remain fixed. Amplification is available if needed.

Rates for private contracts, two musicians, are $75 per musician the first hour and $60 per musician for each subsequent hour.

For three musicians rates are $65 per musician for the first hour and $50 per musician for each subsequent hour.

Larger consorts (4-8 musicians) perform for $55 per musician for the first hour and $45 per musician for each subsequent hour.

Contracts may specify two to eight musicians as needed.

In addition, there will be a one-time rehearsal fee of $35 toward travel expenses.

Special rates may be required for vocalists, extensive travel or preparation of specially requested music.