|
Q: Can you play outside?
A: We are frequently asked to play outside during summer months, so yes usually we can work around your needs to do so. However, our instruments are extremely valuable so we strongly advise waterproof cover for us during the summer months (even if it is not raining we still require cover from sun and wind). The decision to play outside will be at our discretion on the day, so it is recommended you speak to the venue before you decide to book us to see what outdoor cover they can provide. Please bear in mind that acoustics are not so good outside, therefore you will need to consider where to position us, ie we should be placed as near to your guests as possible, it`s a waste of time playing outside in a place where no-one can hear us, (the same applies to indoor playing as well).
Q: How much space do you need?
A: 10ft x 10ft is ideal.We ask that you take the time to ensure we have enough room to play - this is a standard basic requirement that should not be overlooked. If the venue cannot provided the space we require, then do not book us thinking it will just be ok on the day. Aunt Amy may not take too kindly to having her backside poked with a stick while she is tucking into her cheescake!!
Q: Can we choose the music for our event?
A: You are welcome to make a few suggestions of your favourite songs - 5-10 is fine or specifying the type of music is easier for us: ie, a little classical , some jazz and some contmporary pop is a usual format. but we really do not require set lists and gnerally will not play half of what gets asked for. We take a large folder containing an excellent varied selcetion of music. For ceremony music, this is obviously your decision but choices do need to be discussed in advance for suitability.
Q: Can you help me choose music for our wedding?
A: Yes. We have plenty of experience in knowing what works and what doesn`t, from the processional through to the wedding breakfast. Weddings are changing and not everyone wants a traditional wedding these days, so we have an extensive repertoire to reflect the changing needs of our clients. If it`s not on the list, ask us which song you want and we will do our best to arrange it for you (fees vary). We are also available as a trio or duo, but the repertoire is significantly reduced and makes playing for longer periods harder. Booking a string quartet is ideal as it gives a fabulous "rounded" sound.
Q: Do we need to meet you beforehand?
A: No. Unless you are looking for something more unusual then we would normally arrive on the day in good time to set up and just play. We have played at hundreds of weddings so are very familiar with the format. Regarding the bridal entrance music, we know exactly when to start and when to tail things off so all you need to do is relax and enter in your own time, we will follow you, not the other way around. We also talk to the vicar/priest or registrar beforehand to get an idea of what will be happening during the ceremony.
Q: How many times can you move rooms?
A: We ideally only like to move once and would appreciate notice if required to do so. It is very disruptive and time consuming to move more than once. We ask that armless chairs are ready for us to use in each area and adequate space is set aside. Help to move equipment (except for our instruments) is always much appreciated.We strongly recommend trying to limit the amount of times so you can benefit from hearing us play.
Q: What will you wear?
A: We will wear elegant smart black. For Indian weddings, we can wear traditional sarees.
Q: Can you liaise with the wedding coordinator to ensure things run smoothly?
A: Yes. We can sort out practicalities with the person in charge. Ideally we prefer speaking directly with the client at some point to ensure any vital information has been passed on correctly. Please see our requirements below.
Q: What are your requirements as a quartet?
A: We require four armless chairs in good condition and waterproof cover for playing outdoors (read above section regarding playing outdoors). Generally we would recommend 10ft x 10ft sq on ground level, much more if we are to be raised on a platform. We also need good lighting (candles are not sufficient or safe, side lamps are not always enough), a decent size room to change (not a toilet please!!) and a lockable room to store our instrument cases and handbags.
Q: Our wedding reception is in a different location to our ceremony. Are you able to play at both venues?
A: Yes. We will arrange our own transport. Fees may be incurred if significant distances are involved or if the venue is in a hard to reach area with limited public transport. We generally travel by car or train and our fees take into account distances from the London area.
Q: How do we make a booking?
A: Submit as much info as possible on the contact page, not forgetting to give us a date, time if possible, location of event, type of event and length of time required, along with your phone number. A contract will generally be emailed to you once you decide you`d like to make a booking. We require a 25% deposit to secure the date and returned signed contract. We are unable to play at any event unless a contract has been signed and received. We prefer a BACS transfer for the deposit but you are welcome to also pay by cheque. The outstanding payment should be made no less than 1 week prior to the engagement by BACS transfer or cheque - cash is accepted but no discounts are given by paying by this method. We do not accept card payments.
Q: I notice you also play electric instruments, what`s the difference from acoustic instruments?
A: The difference is mainly the amplified sound and contemporary look of the instruments, which can often enhance an event by creating a more contemporary image. We can also tailor our look to compliment the nature of event. Please read the "Electric String Quartet" page for more information. We are primarily a "background" electric string quartet which means we play exactly the same music as we do our acoustic instruments and in the same format. We would like to make clear we are NOT a choreographed act (ie. we do not dance or provide stage lighting, we do not play wirelessly or walk about, and we play using music stands as we would our acoustic set). We have a fantastic selection of pop songs to create a perfect atmosphere for any event, please see our repertoire and listen to the mp3 tracks by clicking on this link: broadway,pop, tv, film & latin. Alternatively please check out www.susannahross.co.uk if you would like to keep costs to a minimum by hiring an electric solo violinist instead. Fees from £225.
| 
FAQ