What instruments are in a String Quartet?
	A String Quartet is composed of 2 Violins, Viola and Cello.  Franz Joseph Haydn is credited with the “invention” of the String Quartet’s instrument grouping as we know it today.
	What is the difference between a String Quartet and a String Trio?
	The Quartet has 2 Violins, Viola and Cello and has a fuller, richer sound. The Trio has 2 Violins and Cello OR Violin, Viola and Cello and is also an excellent choice!
	Can I hear your musicians in advance?
	Yes!  You can hear our String Quartet performing at a Wedding Ceremony in Santa Fe’s historic Loretto Chapel by clicking here. We can send you samples of our other musicians through e-mail or by mailing a CD of  selections.
	How do the musicians dress?
	Our Wedding Ceremony musicians wear formal black; tuxedoes for the men and elegant black clothing for the women.  Some venues can be very warm to hot in the Summer and we allow short sleeves or even the shedding of the tux jacket. Our Reception musicians usually wear all black as well, or nice dress wear.

	How far in advance should we book your musicians?
	We encourage you to book our services as early in your planning as possible since the majority of Spring and Summer weekends fill up quickly during the first months of the year.  We have been able to accommodate late bookings due to cancellations, so feel free to call or e-mail!
	Is there a Contract and Deposit?
	Yes.  After we’ve discussed and finalized your Musician choices for the Ceremony and/or Reception, we issue a written Contract and send it to you via e-mail or postal service.  It is due within 2 weeks of receipt along with the 50% Deposit to ensure your reservation with us.  All details; Date, Time, Location, special requests, total fees, deposit and repertoire deadlines are clearly outlined. Click here to see a sample Contract.
	What are your fees?
	We send quotes of the musicians you have an interest in and we can accommodate any size budget! Fees for Ceremony musicians range from $300 to $700, depending on the number of musicians.  There are separate fees for adding a Vocalist, Trumpeter or Bagpiper. We have hourly rates for Reception musicians.  Each group has a different rate depending on the kind and number of musicians as well.  Some groups will offer 1/2 hour rates after the 1st full hour.
	How do the musicians dress?
	Our Wedding Ceremony musicians wear formal black; tuxedoes for the men and elegant black clothing for the women.  Some venues can be very warm to hot in the Summer and we allow short sleeves or even the shedding of the tux jacket. Our Reception musicians usually wear all black as well, or nice dress wear.
	Do we need to meet in person?
	It is actually not necessary to meet in person. All details can be addressed over the phone or via e-mail, even listening to Music samples! If we’ve worked out your musician choices in advance, but haven’t signed a Contract yet, we can meet with you when you visit Santa Fe to sign the Contract and even perform some of the Ceremony repertoire choices on Solo Violin to help you choose your music!
	When should we make our music selections?
	The earlier we discuss music choices, the easier it will be to work out the perfect program for you and to accommodate any special requests. Your final decisions must be completed 2 months before your Wedding Day.  It would be good if we could talk before you meet with your officiator. That way we can come up with a preliminary program, based on what you really like. We have worked with many officiants in Santa Fe and are familiar with their Ceremonies.  Adjustments can be made, if necessary, after your meeting with your officiant.
	What if we want a special piece of music.  Can you do that?
	Yes, we almost always can.  If the music is not in our library, or even available for String Quartet, we can usually write an arrangement for the Quartet.  A fee applies, and all cases needs to be addressed on an individual basis.

	How many pieces of music do I need for the Ceremony?
	For a Christian or non-denominational Wedding, you might have six to seven separate pieces:  A, B and C are the Processionals A. One for the seating of the Grandmothers and the Mothers B. One for the Bridesmaids, Flower Girl(s), Ring Bearer C. One for the entrance of the Bride. Processionals subject to change to fit your needs D. Optional:  up to 2 short meditational (background) pieces during the Ceremony, i.e. lighting of the Unity Candle, signing of Documents, before or after the Vows. E.  One for the Recessional (exit of the Bridal party) F. One or 2 for the Postlude as your Guests exit. Each Ceremony is a little different and we are happy to work with you on refining these details for your particular needs.
	Can you help me choose the Ceremony music?
	By all means!  We love to help you create the mood you want for your Ceremony.  Our website has much of our Repertoire listed and even “Listen” buttons.  It’s ok if you feel you don’t “know” about Classical music.  Our job is to make this easy and enjoyable.  We make suggestions to help guide you and you can be involved as much or as little as you like when selecting your music.
	Do you play music before the Ceremony starts?
	Yes.  We play 15 minutes of Prelude music for your Guests who arrive early to enjoy the setting.
	How do I choose the Prelude music?
	It is not necessary for you to choose the Prelude music. Through long experience we have found that choosing from a wide variety of material, according to what “feels” best for the moment and the location, usually works best. Also, if you give us an indication what mood you would like to create, we can make appropriate recommendations.  If you would really like to include certain music, you can choose up to 3pieces you’d really like from our Repertoire library to have in the Prelude.
	Can we have a Singer or Trumpeter?
	Yes!  We have a wonderful list of pieces to choose from for a Vocalist and/or Trumpeter.  The Vocalist is most often featured during the Ceremony itself.  Having the Trumpeter for your Bridal Processional and Recessional adds an extra sense of grandeur to the moment!  There are separate fees for these musicians.
	Do you need to rehearse with the Singer?
	Often, depending on the material, a rehearsal is needed for the song(s) in question. Usually 30 minutes before Prelude begins. (a fee applies and in all cases needs to be addressed on an individual basis).
	How will you know when to start the music for the Ceremony?
	We arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the start of the Prelude music to confirm the details with your Officiant and Wedding Planner or Events coordinator at your particular venue.  They give us the cue to begin the processional music when all parties are ready to begin.
	How do we time the entrances to finish with the music?
	You don’t need to worry about that. Through long experience we have learned to time the processional pieces to begin and end when that group of individuals have arrived at their destination.  The only thing we need to know is how many people are processing in each group.
	Do you need to come to the Wedding Rehearsal?
	It is not really necessary for us to attend the Rehearsal.  Firstly, we are very adept at timing the pieces and secondly, it would add to your cost.  Having said that, sometimes a client really wants the reassurance of hearing the music before the actual Ceremony.  We can attend the rehearsal if we are available and I would suggest having Solo Violin only to play the melodies.  That would cut down on your costs rather than having the complete Quartet present.

	Can you play outdoors?
	Yes, we can - within reason. Our main concerns are the safety of the instruments and being able to perform well. i.e. we must be in full shade (especially in the summer), and there cannot be any precipitation. Type of Shading to be agreed upon in advance between us.
	How much space do you need?
	This depends on the size of the group of musicians. Typically, for the String Quartet, we need about 10’X10.’  We can sometimes squeeze into a smaller space, but it can affect our ability to play well if we get too cramped.
	Do you use amplification?
	Most of our groups provide their own amplification, especially for an outdoor venue or large indoor room.  Some of the groups require a small cartage fee for their extra sound equipment.  Occasionally, a client may wish to hire a separate sound engineer for the entire Reception.