Freqently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right ensemble size, i.e., string duo, trio, or quartet?
The intimate violin/cello string duo should only be considered if you are planning an event for less than 75 guests. Otherwise, depending on your budget and personal preference, you'll find either the trio or quartet fully satisfactory in providing a beautiful chamber ensemble sound.

How do I choose music for my wedding ceremony?
A free in-home consultation appointment with our business manager is offered to help you select the exact music you desire. We are familiar with the general flow of Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish ceremonies, and will walk you painlessly through the entire process.

Do you bring all of your own equipment?
We do ask that you have armless chairs ready for us, as well as access to electrical outlets in the event that we need to use our stand lights. For reception settings with more than 125 guests, you should check into the possibility of a sound system via either your DJ or facility coordinator.

What information do you need from me?
If you are considering us for your wedding ceremony, you should first check with your church/synagogue for restrictions on bringing in outside musicians, determine whether a cantor/organist is required at a mass, and obtain the name/phone # of the site wedding coordinator, if there is one.You should also give some thought as to whether you plan to have a singer or other instrumentalist participate in the ceremony, as this will affect our overall involvement. Finally, clarify musical taboos, if possible – many churches prohibit “Bridal Chorus” for the bride’s entrance, and others won’t allow secular love songs during the ceremony.

Do you attend wedding rehearsals?
NO! We obtain information needed to keep things running smoothly as part of the in-home consultation. (A phone appointment or e-mail correspondence is sometimes necessary for out-of-town brides.) On your actual wedding/event day, we arrive on site 20 to 30 minutes early to review any last minute changes, etc., with your coordinator or clergy.

Do you accompany singers?
You should not consider a string ensemble as a replacement for an accompanist. However, we do work with singers, and we can advise you as to whether a particular song you’ve chosen will work with string back-up.

Is a separate time scheduled to rehearse with a singer or other instrumentalist?
If we just need to go through one song (Ave Maria or something for a Unity Candle ceremony), and if you are planning a 30-minute ceremony only (protestant service or half-mass with no cocktail hour following), we can schedule 15 to 20 minutes of the two-hour minimum fee block to rehearse.  So, for a 2 p.m. ceremony, we can book 1:15 to 3:15 (rehearse at 1:15, begin prelude at 1:30/40, cover wedding, play for rec'g line, finish by 3:15).

For any other situation (we are playing full Catholic mass, playing for a wedding and cocktails, etc., i.e., we'll be performing two-hours), we should schedule extra rehearsal time immediately prior to our performance start time for an additional fee.

Either situation should be discussed at the time the initial contract is drawn up. This will ensure that we allow adequate time for all the services you need, and still have our normal set-up time for final discussions with coordinators, clergy, etc.