Welcome to our frequently asked questions page. Feel free to email us you inquiries.
info@newenglandmusicians.com
Click on question below:
1) Will we meet with the musicians or contractor before our event?
2) Will the musicians play outdoors?
3) What will the musicians provide and what will we need to provide at the event?
4) What if you don’t have a certain musical piece that I want played at my event?
5) Will any of the musicians be students?
6) What will the musicians wear?
7) When will the musicians arrive for my event?
9) Do the musicians require a source of electricity?
10) How will the musicians know when to begin the processional music?
11) How will the musicians know when to change pieces during the processional?
12) How will the musicians know when to play for music during the ceremony and for the recessional?
14) How long should before the ceremony should the prelude music begin?
15) Where should the musicians be located during a ceremony or event?
17) Will the musicians come to the wedding rehearsal?
19) What is the amount of deposit you require?
21) What ensemble do you recommend?
22) Do you provide announcements as would a DJ ?
Q: Will we meet with the musicians or contractor before our event?
A: We offer unlimited phone and email consultations to assist in you in planning the music for your event. In-person consultations are not necessary and are not offered.
Q: Will the musicians play outdoors?
A: The musicians will play outdoors provided that the weather conditions are acceptable. Unsatisfactory conditions include temperatures under 60 degrees, rain or excessive humidity, excessive wind, and any other conditions that either impede the musicians’ ability perform or put their instruments in danger of being damaged. The instruments must also be protected from direct sunlight by a tent or another mutually agreed upon source of shade. You should have an alternative indoor location available in the event of weather complications.
Q: What will the musicians provide and what will we need to provide at the event?
A: The musicians will provide the sheet music, the music stands, and beautiful music! You will need to arrange for one armless chair for each musician, adequate light and space, and shade if the event is outdoors.
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. If it is possible to get the music, but it would need arranging in order to be played by the selected ensemble, there would be an extra fee for this. If we feel a certain piece will not work for the selected ensemble, we will let you know.
Q: Will any of the musicians be students?
A: All of the musicians are professional musicians who perform in orchestras, chamber groups, and solo recitals in addition to playing at weddings/other events. It is possible that a musician is working on an advanced degree WHILE performing professionally, but we do not hire student level performers.
Q: What will the musicians wear?
A: Our standard attire for weddings and formal events is tuxedo for men and formal but conservative black for women. For less formal events, men may wear a jacket and tie. Rarely, we do get a request for more casual dress. Let us know what you would prefer.
Q: When will the musicians arrive for my event?
A: The musicians will usually arrive between 15-30 minutes prior to start time. The setup time for a classical group is minimal. The musicians we hire are very responsible and often arrive early to see where the location is but usually don’t enter until 15-30 minutes before start time.
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. It may take less than 5 minutes. The only possible delays are if the there is a question about where we should set up or if the chairs are not provided by the venue as requested. Things run very smoothly if you 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 the as much of the processional route as possible in the case of a ceremony. 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.
Q: Do the musicians require a source of electricity?
A: Generally, no. There are some cases when the classical guitar will be heard more easily with some amplification. If you are hiring a classical guitar, ask us whether you should consider amplification.
Q: How will the musicians know when to begin the processional music?
A: If you have a wedding coordinator, he/she will take care of letting us know when everyone is ready. Some times a clergy person or Justice of the Peace might let us know when everyone is ready. It is a good idea to assign the job to someone to let us know when everyone is in the wings ready to begin the processional.
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 its appropriate. Occasionally, a wedding coordinator will cue us for each change but this is an unnecessary luxury. We have played many wedding and are used to how things work.
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.
Q: Is it necessary for the musicians to be in contact with the clergy person/Justice of the Peace prior to the event day?
A: No. We will work out all details when we arrive prior to the event.
Q: How long should before the ceremony should the prelude music begin?
A: You should hire the musicians to begin playing between 15-30 minutes prior to start time depending on your preference and when you think guest will arrive at the location.
Q: Where should the musicians be located during a ceremony or event?
A: 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 the as much of the processional route as possible in the case of a ceremony. Please consult you church/venue for specific restrictions. For example, some churches don’t want musicians on the altar. It is best to discuss any concerns with us. We often assess the situation upon arrival and find the best location.
Q: Our family member or friend is a singer and we would like you to accompany him/her during the ceremony. Is this possible?
A: It is possible. It important that we make sure we have music that works for the selected ensemble that is the same arrangement and in the same key as the one the singer is accustomed to. You would need to send us a copy of the music for us to assess whether it will work as is, will need some arranging which may require an extra fee, or will not work at all because the style is inappropriate for the ensemble. Also-it is recommended and sometimes required that you set up a rehearsal for the singer and musicians on the day of the event just prior to it. If we are going to accompany someone we are unfamiliar with, it is important for the musicians to hear how the singer is interpreting the song and for the singer to get used to performing with the ensemble. The musicians will be paid for rehearsal time as well.
Q: Will the musicians come to the wedding rehearsal?
A: No. The musicians don’t need to attend the rehearsal.
Q: I would like to hire Classical Music for All Occasions. What is my next step?
A: Email or call us with the following information:
Event Type Event Date Event Location Music Start Time Actual Ceremony Start Time Ensemble of Choice Length of Hiring Quoted Fee Your Personal Contact Information: Address & Phone Email
When we receive this information, we will send out the contract for you to complete and return with a deposit. When we this, your date and time will be saved.
Q: What is the amount of deposit you require?
A. The deposit is 50% of the quoted fee but no less than $150 and is non-refundable.
Q: Do you take credit cards?
A: Not at this time.
Q: What ensemble do you recommend?
A: Your choice of course depends on your personal taste. However, we recommend the flute, violin, and cello trio. It has more color variety than an all string ensemble and is a very full sound without paying for the extra player in a quartet. We feel that the flute trio gives you the most “bang for your buck”. This is why we feature this ensemble on our demo. You will hear that the flute and violin trade off playing the solo parts depending on the style and tradition of the piece providing more variety to the sound.
Q: Do you provide announcements as would a DJ ?
A: No, the musicians do not make announcments. Often the venue will have a P.A. system with microphone and they may be able to make announcements for you.
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