Frequently Asked Questions
Musical Recommendations
I am not familiar with wedding music. What suggestions do you have for music during the ceremony?
We would typically recommend the following arrangements for weddings: We usually perform a half hour prelude of light classical music prior to the ceremony. This would include such works as the Four Seasons by Vivaldi and the Brandenburg Concertos by Bach. For the entrance of the parents and the bridal party, such pieces as Pachelbel's Canon in D or Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring are always favorites. We often perform the famous 'Here Comes the Bride,' formally known as the Bridal Chorus by Wagner, as the bride proceeds down the aisle. In the event that you choose to have a unity candle, the hymn O Perfect Love is one appropriate option. For the conclusion of the ceremony, Mendelssohn's Wedding March or Purcell's Trumpet Tune are highly recommended. These, of course, are simply general guidelines and we are certainly willing to consider specific requests if we have the necessary music.
If we have a special song to be performed, can you accompany our singer?
We are more than willing to accompany a vocalist as long as we are provided with the appropriate quartet arrangement. Please note, however, that our music must be in the same key as the vocal music and arranged for a four part string quartet (or provided in something such as a four part piano score). We would request that the soloist rehearse with the quartet at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. If several vocal arrangements are to be sung with the quartet, a separate rehearsal may be necessary.
I want a piece performed at my wedding that the quartet doesn't own. Could that piece still be played at the ceremony or reception?
Yes, however, we would have to obtain the music in one of two ways. Either the bride/groom would need to send us a quartet arrangement of the piece, or, we would have to purchase/arrange it ourselves. If we have to purchase/arrange the music, and it is a piece we feel we could use again, we would pay for half of the cost of the music, and ask that the wedding party pay for the other half. If we don't feel we could reuse the piece, we could locate the music but ask that the bride/groom pay for the cost of the music.
Logistics
What equipment do you need at the site?
All we require is adequate lighting and four armless chairs set in an amply-spaced half circle.
Do you play outdoors?
We will perform outdoors, as we do at Pike Place Market, weather permitting. We play outdoors mostly during the summer months, however, we are willing to play outside during the school year in reasonable weather.
What is your dress attire?
For formal occasions like weddings and corporate events we wear black on black. For more informal occasions such as house parties we wear black bottoms with a semi-formal, colored top.
How far are you willing to travel?
We love to travel! While based in Tacoma, we are certainly willing to travel outside the metro area to perform. We have performed as far south as Salem, Oregon. Our only requirements are that your location makes a feasible day trip, and that we are reimbursed for gasoline. We would, however, be willing to consider a job where travel would take several days, so long as our expenses are covered.
Since you are all college students and some of you are out of state, are you still available for gigs throughout the year?
Yes, we are available year round. Two members attend in-state colleges and then we have a rotating list of reliable musicians to fill in for the other two members while they are away.
Payment
How much do you charge for special occasions?
We charge $400 for the first hour and $100 for every additional half hour. Often, we ask for an hour minimum of time for hire. There may also be a gas fee if we have to travel a considerable distance.
How should I pay you?
We only ask that we receive payment onsite the day of the event. Either cash or check is fine. However, do not make the check payable to the quartet, but rather to whichever individual is present at your event.