Carmody Quartet

FAQ


Example ceremony timings

Questions and Answers

"Why should we hire a string quartet?"
"What instruments are in a string quartet? Can we get a trio or other instruments?"
"Can we request certain pieces?"
"Can the quartet attend the rehearsal for wedding ceremonies?"
"Do we need to provide anything for you?"
"What if the bride is late?"
"What do you wear?"
"Will you play the entire time?"
"Do you only play classical music?"
"How should we make the payment?"





Example ceremony timings



We will always arrive early for performances to set up. Here is an example of the timing of a one-hour booking for a wedding due to start at 2:00PM.


    1:40PM - Arrive, set up and liase with organiser or celebrant

    1:45PM - Commence background music

    2:00PM - Ceremony start time
    Continue background music until the entrance of the bride
    Play the processional piece for the entrance of the bride
    Play any hymns or congregational songs, and at the signing of the register
    2:30 - Play the recessional after the married couple are announced, and then background music while the guests leave the venue



    Q&A



    "Why should we hire a string quartet?"

    A string quartet adds sophistication and class to your event, as well as being top quality entertainment that can play to the atmosphere. Recordings can't really compare.


    "What instruments are in a string quartet? Can we get a trio or other instruments?"

    A string quartet is made of two violins, a viola and a cello. The quartet is the most common and well-rounded ensemble, but a string trio (violin, viola and cello) is also widely used. We are able to provide other vocalists or instrumentalists such as a flute or a double bass on request.


    "Can we request certain pieces?"

    Definitely. The core of our repertoire is up on the website, but if you can't find something you want there, just let us know - we may have it in the corners or our repertoire, or we can arrange it for you. For arrangements, we need to be told at least a week in advance (more is preferable), and there is a small arranging fee.


    "Can the quartet attend the rehearsal for wedding ceremonies?"

    Generally the quartet does not attend the rehearsal, but if you wish us to be there because of specific instructions that require a run-through, we are able to attend for an additional fee.


    "Do we need to provide anything for you?"

    For a quartet performance, we require four armless chairs, and sufficient lighting, and an approximately 4x4m space to set up in. If the event is outdoors, it is imperative that adequate shelter is provided, as our instruments are extremely delicate and too much sun, or any rain at all (even a drizzle) can destroy them.


    "What if the bride is late?"

    This is a common occurrence, and as wedding ceremonies are usually only 30-45 minutes long, this may not affect the finishing time. However, if the ceremony lasts longer than the booking time, overtime fees at our normal rate will apply.


    "What do you wear?"

    The standard dress code is elegant black, but if you would prefer something different, please let us know - we are happy to accommodate.


    "Will you play the entire time?"

    If the booking is longer than an hour, we require scheduled breaks, usually ten minutes for every hour (we will play the first hour, then ten minutes break, then play for fifty minutes, then another ten minute break, etc). These can be scheduled to coincide with speeches so there aren't disruptions to the event. For wedding ceremonies, this does not apply as the quartet isn't playing the whole time.


    "Do you only play classical music?"

    No - we have a wide selection of pop, jazz, tangos and movie music. See our repertoire list for our core repertoire.


    "How should we make the payment?"

    Direct deposit is our most common form of payment, but we also accept cheque or cash on the day. A non-refundable 25% deposit is payable at the time of booking