1. How do I choose the right number of musicians and the right instrument combinations?
   
2. Can you help us choose the music selections?
   
3. Will the musicians who play on the DEMO CDs be the same who will play at the event?
   
4. What do the musicians wear?
   
5. Do the musicians take rest periods?
   
6. Can the musicians play a piece not listed in your repertoire?
   
7. Can the musicians accompany a singer of our own choosing?
   
8. How far in advance do we need to reserve the date?
   
9. What is the cost for the musicians?
   
10. Can the musicians remain beyond the time we contracted if need be?
    
11. Will the musicians play at outdoor weddings / events?
    
12. Will the musicians move or travel from one location to another?
    
13. Are the musicians willing to travel outside the Vancouver area for a performance?
    
14. Is online assistance available to plan an entire event?
    
15. What will the musicians need?
    

1- How do I choose the right number of musicians and the right instrument combinations?

The size of the ensemble and the instruments you select will depend upon your personal preferences, the type of event, the size of the event and the location:

Yes. We provide free personal consultations as well as complimentary DEMO CDs and audio samples from our Music Repertoire; we are also available via email, telephone and online consultations. We recommend that your music selections be finalized 3-4 weeks prior to the event.

Not necessarily. We work with many different ensembles; the musicians who will perform at your event are professionals and have extensive experience performing for weddings, banquets, parties and other occasions.

All the musicians will be dressed in black tuxedoes and formal concert attire, unless otherwise requested.

The musicians will take a 10 minute recess after each hour of performance, except for weddings where the recess will take place following the ceremony. The timing of the rest periods however will be flexible so as not to interfere with the flow of the event.

Yes. The musicians will need a piano score or piano-voice score; if it is well arranged for the group you selected, they will be able to perform it. If it is a long or densely harmonized piece, we will need to have an arrangement made and a fee will be charged. If you only have a CD, we will try to obtain an arrangement. We recommend that you not select music written for orchestras as these pieces can be very difficult and very expensive to arrange for small ensembles.

Yes. The musicians will need the piano score or piano-voice score of the selected songs in the same key your singer will perform. If the piece needs to be arranged, there will be an extra cost. The musicians may also request a 30 minute rehearsal with the singer immediately prior to the start of the wedding / event to ensure a smooth performance. There will be an added fee for this rehearsal.

It is advisable to book the musicians as soon as possible in order to ensure that your date is reserved; this confirmation can only be done by signing a contract.

The cost will vary according to the size of the ensemble and the duration of the event. Our rates are very competitive. Please call us or complete the online consultation form in the Get a Quote section. We will be pleased to assist you in remaining within your budget allocation.

You may ask the musicians whether they are available to extend their time beyond their contracted performance. Please remember that they may be committed to perform at another event immediately following yours. It is advisable to contract for additional time at the onset to ensure that the musicians remain for your entire event should it be delayed for whatever reason.

Yes. The musicians will require a tent / canopy / other covering in order to protect their very expensive instruments from the sun, rain and cold weather. A dry, flat area, such as a wooden patio or deck will help the sound projection. We highly recommend an alternative plan in case of inclement weather. The musicians may not be able to play in strong winds if it is impossible to secure the sheet music to the stands and they will not play in the rain, even in a few raindrops.

Yes. The musicians will appreciate some help moving chairs and stands to another site to speed up the process. Time taken to travel to another location is included in the duration of your contract.

Yes. There is no fee for the musicians to travel within the Lower Mainland in Vancouver; there will be a travel fee for performances to Whistler and the outlying areas within the Fraser Valley.

Yes. We offer online consultations, which you can access in the Get a Quote section.

Our musicians will provide the music, their own music stands and any other equipment they deem necessary. They will require straightback armless chairs, adequate lighting, particularly for candlelight events, and proximity to electrical outlets if amplification is needed .