Earlier is best, especially if you need custom music. Most bookings are 3-6 months in advance, some even a full year, but occasionally an event squeezes in with less than two weeks left. Slots for "emergency music" are rare (e.g. replacing a group last-minute). Still, the records are held by a lucky corporation who secured formal gala music just 3 hours in advance, and a father who needed a surprise birthday performance for a party already in progress! That one can never be beaten, but to see if the date you need is available just ask. Our online form notifies us immediately, but you can also text, email, or call.
Yes, but our instruments are delicate and expensive, so the weather matters. Rain and snow are obviously out, and typically it needs to be above 60 degrees Fahrenheit for us to perform outdoors for a full hour. We do keep hand warmers ready just in case, but if temperatures approach freezing you may need your contingency plan.
Direct sunlight can be a problem too, so we do require shade to protect our instruments and to stay cool in warm weather. In the event you're unable to provide shade, we do bring a small elegant canopy just big enough for our trio, but nothing really compares to the natural shade of trees, a pavilion, etc.
Unlike a string quartet, we don't need chairs or the sprawling space for multiple music stands, lighting, etc. We perform standing up and share a single tripod that holds an iPad. No paper, no bulk, no fuss. Even your venue's podium can work. And if any hiccups arise at your event, we can adapt to changes on the fly by relocating within seconds to wherever you need us, then resume playing immediately. We are compact, self-contained and nimble. At some point we might ask for a restroom, and that's about it. Our job is to enhance your event while reducing your stress.
Our instruments project beautifully for most gatherings, but we always come prepared with a PA system on hand, just in case the acoustics of the room change as it fills with talkative guests, or if we use your venue's PA system and it fails, or if we're outdoors and the wind picks up. Whatever happens, we're ready for it. This peace of mind comes at no extra charge.
Since we bring extra microphones, you are also welcome to use them to officiate. With elegant Bose and EV speakers capable of 125 decibels and 11 hours of internal power, we also don't need a wall socket or power cords. This allows us to set up virtually anywhere, even a secluded golf course or beach, which means that you can too. Along with the assurance that everything can be heard by your guests.
The PA system is also great for cocktail hour, large receptions and dinners, and can scale up for significantly bigger events.
Fair question, so let’s take a closer look. A string quartet is basically a bass clef (cello and viola) added to the pair of violins that already carry the melody. As a violin trio we first assign those lower parts to our deepest violins, including a special one with an additional fifth string for extra low notes. During this step we can adjust the key of a song for the best sound.
With the whole song now optimized for violin, this creates a chance to make some real magic – tighter harmonies, much like the acapella barbershop vocals we also enjoy doing. These can really enhance the sweeter emotions of a song without trading anything. The fullness is simply shifted to a slightly higher register, and the aged wood of the violins we’ve selected preserves the powerful deep resonance of the songs that need it. We’re not saying that string quartets are always boring by comparison, but we won’t stop you from saying it after your event.
We’re trained in several vocal styles but we especially enjoy performing the rich harmonies of acapella, similar to Vocal Point and Home Free. Aside from stage performance, these vocals can enhance weddings, birthday parties and memorials with songs that match their purposes. Political, government and sporting events usually request the National Anthem which we perform traditionally using either violin or voice, or beginning on violin, then switching to voice for the stirring lyrics of the final verse. This more inspirational option has become especially popular for honoring military service, but increasingly today for any event.
Likely our biggest pet peeve! Frankly, this happens because they’re either too lazy and oversimplify, or they don’t respect the original piece. Sheet music publishers are the worst, typically dumbing down arrangements so the average quartet can get by without much rehearsal, especially when using substitute players (which happens a lot). Also, the narrow training of most quartets rarely fits other music genres, resulting in an awkward mismatch. Few know how to creatively adapt their instruments.
Honestly, this is why we arrange nearly every song ourselves. If it’s really a favorite, then the effort to capture its soul is worth it. When we finally mix in our harmonies, the proper energy and elegance remain. Listen to our samples and see if you agree.
Since we're constantly mastering new songs, just ask to see if what you want is already in the pipeline for the year. If so, we can bump yours forward at no extra cost, as long as there's enough time before your event. Otherwise, each custom song needs to be arranged for a quality performance, then learned. The cost will depend on the complexity of the piece, usually between around $70 and $140. Meanwhile, first check our website, then ask about our upcoming songs.
Honestly, we’d rather leave that to comedians. The dignity of your event comes first. We can be fun and switch to a more casual, light-hearted stage presence, but we keep that precisely in the lane of the bookings that want it. We always make sure we understand the proper tone of your event.
Depending on the venue, we arrive 30 to 60 minutes before we are scheduled to begin in order to set up and do sound checks. At this time we'll speak to the coordinator about cues, any final details that may have changed and to prepare for possible adjustments. There is no charge for this.
Great! To officially reserve a date and book an event, we'll need a signed agreement and a 50% deposit. (Exceptions can be made for select corporate clients.) From there, we'll start the planning process with you. Have questions? We'd love to chat.