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Q. What is a string quartet or a flute/string quartet or a flute/string trio?
A string quartet consists of a pair of violins, a viola (a slightly larger, deeper sounding version of a violin) and a cello, roughly corresponding to the soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections of a choir. In the flute/string quartet, a flute substitutes for one of the violins, producing a lovely sound. Our flute/string trio consists of one flute, one violin, and one cello. Composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn and Brahms have been writing music for quartets and trios for over 200 years, beginning with Haydn in the 1750's. When they wanted more sound, they simply added more players to each string part, threw in a doublebass and some brass, winds, and/or percussion, and called it an orchestra. For weddings, Pachelbel's Canon and The Water Music Suite by Handel sound wonderful played by a quartet or trio, as does the music of Bach and Mendelsohn and Wagner. George Gershwin's and Andrew Lloyd-Webber's music has also been beautifully arranged for these ensembles.
Q. How do your musical ensembles fit into a wedding celebration?
String quartet and flute/string music is smooth, romantic and refined. Whether your event is an intimate gathering or is a lavish formal affair, music can be used to create an elegant atmosphere throughout your special day and will make an impression that will last long after the wedding celebration is over. Our groups can play indoors or outside (which is handy when there is no piano or pipe organ), and unlike a single instrument or singer, our ensembles offer harmony and a blend of sounds with a range that far exceeds that of any human voice.
Q. Of does a typical wedding ceremony consist of?
Typically, a wedding ceremony finds us arriving early (before your first guests) to set up, and then playing Prelude music so that your guests arrive to the sound of music filling the air. We then play the Processional for the bridal party and the bride. Very often we play a selection during the Ceremony--either for the lighting of the Unity Candle, or for a special interlude. We then play the Recessional, and finish with music for your guests to exit by.
Q. How do I select music?...especially if I don't know much about music?
No matter how much or how little you know, your taste is vital in deciding what music you want played at every point in your wedding celebration. First, think about the mood and tone you want to set: joyous and uplifting, quiet and reflective, some of each as the celebration unfolds. Visit our Wedding Music Planner pages to hear brief music clips that will help you select your music for each portion of your wedding. Visit our Repertoire for a complete list of selections available for each ensemble.
Call us. We can work directly with you to select music from our repertoire that has special meaning for you and will enhance the occasion. Our repertoire is extensive and varied music from the early Baroque to contemporary love songs, and everything in between. If there is a music selection that you would like that is not in our Repertoire, we can usually create a suitable arrangement for a modest fee (advance notice requested and a modest fee applies).
Q. What do the musicians need on the day of the wedding?
All we generally need is a chair for each musician, and complete protection from the elements (see below). The chairs should have flat backs and no arms (folding chairs are fine). We prefer to set up in an area where we are in full view of the wedding party and the ceremony. As we work with you to plan the music, we will talk to the coordinator at the church and/or the reception place to work out these details and to insure a smooth flow.
Q. I really want an outdoor wedding. Can the musicians perform outdoors?
Generally, if your guests will be comfortable, the musicians will be as well. Our musicians MUST be out of any sunlight and precipitation to protect their instruments from being damaged. Even one drop of rain, or a few minutes of direct sun can damage the varnish of a string instrument. We reserve the right to refuse to perform outdoors if inadequate protection is provided. A canopy, porch roof, or pavilion setting is normally necessary. Shade trees are unacceptable as the only form of protection, as trees are prone to drop leaves, branches, and water on our instruments, and usually only provide partial protection from sunlight. Most wedding sites have a portable canopy available that you can rent that can be set up easily and quickly for us to perform under. The canopy has the additional benefit of magnifying the sound. This is a very important aspect to work out in advance with the wedding site.
Q. What will the musicians wear on the day of the wedding?
Musicians wear black, traditionally, so as not to draw attention away from the music itself. We follow that tradition, with the occasional addition of white accents. In the late spring, early fall, and summer, we sometimes wear black and white (particularly to afternoon events) in order to keep ourselves a little more comfortable. If you have a particular preference (e.g., formal floor-length black dresses for the women; black bow ties and tuxedoes for the men), please be sure to indicate your preference. We are always dressed in a professional manner.
Q. I have a large (or small) bridal party. How do I time the Processional?
You do not need to worry about the length of the music you have chosen for the Processional. We know how to "seamlessly" repeat music or conclude each piece at an appropriate point in the music, without sounding "cut short". We are familiar with all types of weddings. All we need to know is who is in the bridal party, and the order in which they will walk down the aisle. Just be sure to walk slowly and enjoy the moment-it's your special day!
Q. Do you need amplified sound?
We do not amplify our sound, as that is not how our instruments were meant to be played. The instruments carry very well, and normally, no amplification is necessary.
Q. Do I need to provide a meal for the musicians?
No meal is required for events of less than three hours in length. For events of three hours or longer occurring during normal meal times, your contract will be written to include some food refreshment. We always aim to fit our breaks and mealtimes so as not to disturb the continuity of your event.
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