FAQ | mbworchestras

FAQ

WEDDING CEREMONY

How can your ceremony music reflect your wedding style?
Music speaks sometimes more clearly than words. The music you select for your wedding ceremony can be religious, classical or contemporary. Music could also reflect the three categories shown before. Whichever music is been chosen for the wedding, it should be presented well. Remember that even though the music represent your wedding style, your guest should be able to sit down, relax and have a wonderful time.

Should you give your string quartet a playlist for the wedding ceremony?
Yes, you are encouraged to choose the music for your wedding. We can always help you make decisions about music selections and its order in the program. Please visit our site Planning your Wedding for ideas.

When during the ceremony and reception should you play music?
Music can be played at any time during the ceremony. In the end, it is your wedding. If you wish to follow wedding etiquette then it would be different. Music is generally played during the prelude, the processional, the recessional, and the postlude.

How many songs are usually played during the ceremony?
During the prelude can be played about 10 to 15 pieces (20-30 minutes). During the processional it is the custom to play 2 to 3 pieces (only two pieces are recommended) - one piece during the sitting of grandmothers (optional), one for the bridesmaids and ring bearer/flower girl, and one for the entrance of the bride. During the ceremony some brides like to add music for the lighting of candles (optional). During the recessional is usually played 1 piece for the exit of the new couple. During the postlude, 1 or 2 pieces are played for family and friends when exiting the site.

Do you attend wedding rehearsals?
No. That is not typically necessary. Prior to the wedding, you and I will go over in detail every aspect of the ceremony.

However, it is important that you have someone serving as a coordinator who can help with cueing as well as alert us to any last minute changes when we arrive for the wedding. If you find absolutely necessary for one of us to attend the wedding rehearsal, an extra fee will be applied.

How do we select the music for our wedding?
For music selections, you should review our repertoire list. We will soon have listening excerpts for each of the pieces listed. You should listen to the excerpts and make your selections. Do not worry about the length of the music selections as we can shorten the music. Please feel free to contact Marco Escobar for any questions. He will be more than happy to meet with you to discuss about music and other logistics for the event.

RECEPTIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Should you give your string quartet a playlist for the reception?
Yes, you are encouraged to choose the music for your reception or special. We can always help you make desicions about music selections or choose for you if you gives us a general idea of the style of music you want.

BOOKING & GENERAL INFORMATION

What is required to book the group?
A 50% non-refundable deposit is due with the return of the contract and the balance is due one week before the event.

Is the deposit refundable?
As soon as you return the contract we are committed to you exclusively for the day and time of your wedding. In other words, we turn away all other engagements that would conflict with your wedding. It is for this reason that we do not refund deposits except for reason beyond your will (fire, earthquake, terminal disease, or death).

Do you accept credit cards?
No, we only accept cash or check.

What is the minimum time I can book you?
We have a one-hour minimum but after that you can book additional time in increments as small as a quarter hour.

Do you perform outdoors?
Yes, but because of our instruments we must be completely shaded and there can be no degree of precipitation.

Can you work with our vocalist or instrumentalist?
Absolutely. There is usually no charge for this. An exception would be if we had to arrange something to accommodate your singer’s preference of key or if your vocalist requires a rehearsal time, etc.

What if my special event/wedding goes over? Will you get up and leave?
We always space our bookings so that there is enough buffer time between events to allow for such an eventuality; however an overtime charge may incurred.

Are those your musicians playing on the audio clips?
Yes.

Will it be the same musicians who play my event?
Yes. There are actually more than four members who regularly perform with us. This is necessary due to circumstances such as illness, last minute emergencies, preexisting conflicts, etc. However to ensure quality, we never double book, guaranteeing that all events are performed by our regular musicians.

Are you and your musicians full time musicians?
Yes, all members are full time musicians who, in addition to playing with the quartet, also play with
Virginia’s major arts organizations such as Richmond Symphony, Roanoke Symphony, Oratorio Society, The Virginia Consort Orchestra.

Can I use other instruments in addition to the C'ville String Quartet?
We can work in combination with other instruments, such as trumpet, flute, organ, etc.

I'm getting married in a large venue and want a bigger sound. Are there any other options?
We also offer the C'ville Chamber Players. The C'ville Chamber Players is made up of eight musicians (4 violins, 2 violas, 1 cello, 1 bass) and produces a fuller, richer sound. Please contact us to inquire about rates or any other information

I don't know very much about classical music. Can you help guide me as far as the musical selections are concerned?
Often selecting music for a wedding or special event can seem daunting. We are always happy to
offer our expertise to help you create the perfect ambience for your event.

OTHER QUESTIONS

Does setting up the string quartet is included in the price for one hour? And what does the one hour price includes?
Setting up the quartet is included in the package and not part of the hour of music service. In other words, there is no extra charge for setting up time. It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to set up the quartet (communicating with wedding coordinator and officiant, arranging chairs and stands, sitting, tuning instruments,etc).

For example:
If the wedding ceremony starts at 6 pm (when parents, grandparents,and the wedding party walk down the isle), then...
-The quartet will be at the site of the wedding at 5:10pm
-Set up at 5:10pm
* -Begin playing at 5:30-5:40pm for the sitting of family and guests
- Wedding begins at 6:00pm (processional)
-The quartet may play during some of the parts of the ceremony (lighting of
candles or any other part of the ceremony).
-The quartet will aso play for the recessional and during the time guest and family leave the wedding site.

In other words, The amount of money agreed in the contract will cover the time for setting up and specifically the time from the moment we begin playing(*) to the very end of the ceremony. If the wedding takes 10-15 minutes more than the specified time signed in the contract there will be no extra charge.

What will the string quartet attire be at the wedding, reception or special event?
The members of the string quartet will wear formal all black. Tuxedo for men will be worn only as a special request at indoor events.