FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What instruments are in a string
quartet?
A traditional string quartet consists of two violins, viola and cello.
How do the performers dress?
The dress code is normally formal. The men wear tuxedos and the women
wear all black. We will accept dress code suggestions within reason.
What do you require to perform?
A quartet would require four chairs without arms. We can bring our own
stands, but if you have four available, please let us know. A duet is
more flexible. We can stand or sit, but having chairs available would
be nice.
Are you willing to play outdoors?
Yes, within reason. We are mainly concerned with the safety of our
instruments. We must be in full shade (especially during the summer)
and there must not be any precipiation. Any platforms the group will be
sitting/standing on must be stable and level.
Do you play for receptions also?
Yes, we can play for any part of your reception you wish.
Is there going to be music before my
ceremony?
Your fee for the wedding ceremony will include thirty minutes of music
prior to the wedding. It will also include enough music afterwards to
ensure all of your guests have left the venue.
How do I choose the music for the
prelude? Do I have to select the whole program?
It is not necessary for you to choose all the prelude music, unless of
course you want to. Some people have very definite ideas about
programming, others leave it completely to us. If you wish, we can make
appropriate recommendations based on the repertoire we have. All you
have to do is let us know you need ideas for music selections!
How many pieces of music do I need for the
ceremony?
For a Christian or non-denominational wedding, you might
have six to seven separate pieces:
1.) one for the seating of the grand mothers, one for the seating of
the mothers (depending on the numbers of grand mothers and mothers, it
could be only one piece)
2.) one for the bridal party (minister, grooms men, brides maids,
flower girls, ring bearer, etc.)
3.) one for the entrance of the bride.
4.) Very often there is a short meditational piece, lighting of the
Unity Candle, for example.
5.) one for the Recessional (exit of the bridal party)
6.) one for the Postlude (music for the guests to leave by).
For a Catholic wedding, you will
probably have restrictions on pieces that can be played. Please
check with your priest or music coordinator. We will be happy to work
with you regarding this.
How will you know when to start the
music for the ceremony?
All we need is a signal from your wedding coordinator. Also, we do
arrive half an hour before prelude begins to go over the details with
the appointed person to confirm the plan.
How do we time our entrances to finish
with the music?
You actually do not have to worry about that. We have become very
skilled at ending the music at precisely the right time. The only thing
we need to know is how many people are processing to each piece of
music.
Can I have music during the ceremony?
In a Christian ceremony, there is often room for some short pieces:
after readings, lighting of the unity candle, communion, parts of the
Mass, congregational hymns, etc. Please ask your officiator about these
for help in choosing appropriate music.
How far in advance should we book your
group?
We encourage you to book as early as is feasible, however, because we
are students, our schedule is often very erratic. We may not be able to
confirm dates during the summer or school breaks far in advance.
A 50% deposit is required at the time of contract to reserve a date.
Normally this is by
check
, but if you need to use a credit
card, please inquire about using PayPal. We prefer to have the balance
paid in full one week before the wedding. This is simply so that
neither of us have to worry about payment on the day of your event. If
this makes you nervous, you are free to pay us at the event. Please
make sure you have arranged for someone to give us a check BEFORE the
wedding. We often will not have time to run around trying to find the
person paying us after the event.
When should we make the music
selections?
If you are planning on making special requests, the earlier we find out
about those, the better. If you plan on choosing music from our
repertoire, you do not have to worry about music selection for awhile.
However, it is always nice to have everything confirmed well in advance.
The organist is included with the
church fee. Can we incorporate the organ?
Yes, in most cases we will be able to incorporate the organist. An
organist will sound especially wonderful during
processionals/recessionals and congregational hymns. They are often
very helpful with cureing/coordinating the strings with the proceedings.
What if there is a special piece of
music I would like to be play. Can you do that?
Yes, we almost always can. If it is not in our repertoire, or even
available for our string arrangements, we can write an arrangement for
the quartet (A fee will apply. Any special requests need to be
discussed on an individual basis)
Will you perform with singers?
Yes! We will touch base with them ahead of time, work out details about
keys, sheet music, etc.
Do you need to rehearse with the
vocalist(s)?
Often, depending on the material, a rehearsal is needed for the song(s)
in question. Usually thirty minutes before prelude begins. (Typically a
fee will apply. This will be addressed on an individual basis.)
Do we need to meet in person?
It is actually not necessary to meet in person. All details can be
addressed over the phone or via email, but, if prefer a meeting, one of
us would be happy to meet with you.
Will you attend the wedding rehearsal?
I'm worried about timing the bridal party to the music. It is
really not necessary for us to attend rehearsals. We are very adept at
timing the music to the right length, and it would also add to your
cost. There might be an occasion where the music choices and number of
performances will make it important for a rehearsal with the full group
and everyone else before the wedding day. Additional fees will apply.
Do I need to tip the musicians?
It is completely up to you. It is not required, but always appreciated.
Do I feed the musicians?
You are under no obligation to provide food for the musicians, but it
is always appreciated, especially for events lasting longer than two
hours.
What about breaks?
The group will not require a break during your wedding ceremony.
However, during other hourly events, a ten minute break will be taken
every hour.