If you are planning a wedding ceremony, reception, cocktail hour, or other function, we can make your day special with light classical music or traditional Irish music. A demo CD is available upon request, featuring samples of traditional prelude, processional, recessional, and background music selections. Please see the FAQ below for more information about music for your event.
Stretta Ensembles (classical):
flute and violin duo
flute, violin, and cello trio
flute and cello duo
Aurielle flute and harp duo (classical)
Irish Music: Branach (flute, harp and guitar trio)
WEDDING & EVENT FAQ
1) Q: Will we meet with the musicians before our event?
A: We offer unlimited phone and email consultations to assist you in planning the music for your event. In-person consultations are rare and would depend solely on a musician’s schedule.
2) Q: Will the musicians play outdoors?
A: We will play outdoors, weather permitting. We will not play in excessive cold, rain, wind, or any other conditions that might damage our instruments. The instruments must also be protected from direct sunlight by a tent or another source of shade. You should have an alternative indoor location available in the event of weather complications.
3) Q: What will the musicians provide and what will we need to provide at the event?
A: The musicians will provide the sheet music and the music stands. You will need to arrange for one armless chair per musician, adequate light (if not, we have stand lights) with sufficient space, and shade if the event is outdoors.
4) Q: What if you don’t have a certain musical piece that I want played at my event?
A: If it’s possible for us to order the music in a format that will work for the ensemble that you have selected, we will do that at no extra charge to you. There is an extra fee for arranging special requests that we cannot find on sheet music. If we feel a certain piece will not work for the selected ensemble, we will let you know. Please note that we would need a minimum of 6 weeks to research and order a selection.
5) Q: What will the musicians wear?
A: Our standard attire for weddings and formal events is tuxedo for men and formal black for women. For less formal events, let us know what you prefer.
6) Q: When will the musicians arrive for my event?
A: The musicians will usually arrive between 30-45 minutes prior to start time. The setup time for a classical group is minimal. Sometimes, churches are kept locked until shortly before the ceremony, so please contact the person in charge of the facility and find out when access is permitted.
7) Q: What is the setup time for the musicians and should we take that into account when deciding on the hiring time?
A: The setup time is minimal. The only possible delays are if there is a question about where we should set up or if the chairs are not provided by the venue as requested. Things run smoothly if we discuss ahead of time the location of the group. The musicians should be in an area with adequate space and light, out of the way of guests/wedding party/wait staff. They should be in a position to see as much of the processional route as possible in the case of a wedding ceremony; keep in mind that guests traditionally stand while the bride is processing. You do not need to worry about setup time in considering hiring length. We will arrive in time to start playing at the time you hire us for.
Please note: When hiring musicians for both a ceremony and a reception at two different locations, the time spent relocating from one venue to the other is part of the contract, and is charged accordingly.
8) Q: Do the musicians require a source of electricity?
A: Depending on the time of event and the location, yes. This may be something to consider when planning the set up for the musicians (have an electrical outlet close by for the stand lights).
9) Q: How will the musicians know when to begin the processional music?
A: If you have a wedding coordinator or a designated cue person, he/she will take care of letting us know when everyone is ready. It is a good idea to assign someone the job of letting us know when everyone is in the wings and ready to begin the processional.
10) Q: How will the musicians know when to change pieces during the processional?
A: We find out how many mothers, bridesmaids, etc., there are and just watch and change when it’s appropriate. Occasionally, a wedding coordinator will cue us for each change.
11) Q: How will the musicians know when to play for music during the ceremony and for the recessional?
A: We will discuss with you ahead of time where you want music and will work out any necessary cues and details with the clergy person or Justice of the Peace when we arrive prior to the ceremony. It is common to find out what the last spoken words of a ceremony will be, since they typically serve as a verbal cue as to when the recessional should begin.
12) Q: How long before the ceremony should the prelude music begin?
A: You can hire the musicians to begin playing anywhere from 45 to 15 minutes prior to the ceremony start time, depending on your preference and when you think guests will arrive at the location. Keep in mind that most weddings start later than the printed time on the programs.
13) Q: Where should the musicians be located during a ceremony or event?
A: The musicians should be in a position to see as much of the processional route as possible. Please consult your church/venue for specific restrictions. For example, some churches don’t want musicians on the altar. Feel free to discuss any concerns with us. We can also assess the situation upon arrival and find the optimal location for the musicians.
14) Q: Will the musicians come to the wedding rehearsal?
A: No. The musicians don’t need to attend the rehearsal.