Frequently Asked Questions for String Poets
Basics of Hiring a String Ensemble
Music Selection
Planning
String Poets and Other Musicians
Contact Information
Basics of Hiring a String Ensemble
What instruments are in a string quartet?
A string quartet is typically two violins, one viola and one cello. This is our most frequently-requested arrangment. A string quartet allows for the fullest sound, short of an orchestra, for an event hall.
When should we make the music selections?
We request that music selections are finalized no later than two weeks prior to the wedding. Please let us know as soon you are able if you have any special requests. Also, for your planning, you may want to include our selections in your printed program.
Do you perform only as String Quartet?
We are able to perform in a variety of commbinations, including:
- String Quartet (described above);
- String Trio (one violin, one viola, one cello);
- String Duo (one violinist and one cellist);
- Flute Trio (one flute, one viola, one cello); and
- Other combinations, as requested.
How does the ensemble dress?
The dress code is normally formal: men in tuxedos and women in black. For some occasions a dark suit and long tie will be more appropriate.
What do you require to perform?
The ensemble requires one chair per musician. The chairs must not have arms or wheels. Unless specifically requested, we do not require amplification.
Are you willing to play outdoors?
String Poets frequently performs outside. In case of precipitation, we need a back-up plan or covered spot to perform.
Do you play for receptions also?
Yes. We can play for as little or as much as you arrange. We often play during the cocktail hour and dinner, and frequently the whole of the reception.
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Music Selection
Is there going to be music before my ceremony?
Typically, there is music before the ceremony, "prelude" music, that helps to "greet" your guests and set the mood.
We plan about one half-hour of music for the prelude.
How do I choose the music?
String Poets will assist you in selecting music for your event. We can offer sample programs to help guide you. Also, we frequently fulfill special requests. If sheet music is not available, for a separate fee, we can make an arrangment for our ensemble.
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:
- One for the seating of the grandmothers, one for the seating of the mothers (depending on the number of grandmothers and mothers, it could be only one piece);
- One for the bridal party (minister, groomsmen, bridesmaids, flower girls, ringbearer, etc.);
- One for the entrance of the bride;
- Very often there is a short meditational piece (lighting of the Unity Candle, for example);
- One for the Recessional (exit of the bridal party);
- One for the Postlude (music for the guests to leave by).
Often, the minister will make an officiant will make an announcement between Recessional and Postlude.
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For a Jewish wedding ceremony, there are usually two pieces: one for the entrance of the rabbi, grandparents, groom and his parents, and bridal attendants, and another for the entrance of the bride and her parents. Sometimes, the Rabbi or cantor will vocalize through their own entrance, after which the ensemble will begin for the remainder of the entrances. You can find a repertoire list specific to Jewish weddings here.
String Poets also performs for many other types of religious weddings. Let us know what you have in mind and we will work with you to make it happen.
How will you know when to start the music for the ceremony?
String Poets arrive at your venue approixmately 45 minutes prior to the prelude. At this time, we meet with your coordinator or other appointed person to go over details, etc. This person can also give us a signal for the start of the event.
How do we time our entrances with the music?
There is no need to worry about this aspect. String Poets has many years of experience performing for weddings and other such events. We are very skilled in knowing how to time our music with the sequence of events. It will be very helpful to us to know how many people will process down the aisle.
How about music during the ceremony?
In a Christian or non-denominational ceremony, there is often room for some short pieces (after readings, lighting of the unity candle, communion, parts of the Mass, congregational hymns, etc.). This is up to you for what you think will be most appropriate.
During a Jewish ceremony, there is usually no music from the string quartet. If a cantor is present, they will often sing during the ceremony. You can find a repertoire list specific to Jewish weddings here.
As stated above, we perform many types of religious and non-religious weddings and events. Please let us know what your occasion requires and we will help guide your selections.
How many pieces do we need for the recessional?
Normally, one piece for the exit of the bridal party, and one more for your guests to leave by. Often, an announcement is made between these two.
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Planning
How do we book String Poets?
Once we have decided on an exact ensemble and length of time you wish to have us at your event, we will send you a contract. You will need to fill in any missing information, sign and return with a 30% deposit, which is applicable towards your balance.
We operate on a first-come/first-served basis and encourage you to confirm with us as soon you can. Spring, summer, fall and holiday wedding dates fill up quickly. However, please do not hesitate to contact us on short notice, as we have often been able to fulfill last-minute booking requests due to changes in our schedule.
Do we need to meet in person?
It is not necessary to meet in person. All details can easily be addressed over the phone and via e-mail.
Will you attend the wedding rehearsal?
You may be worried about timing of the wedding participants and the music. It is really not necessary for us to attend rehearsals, other than what we outlined previously for working with a vocalist on the day of your wedding.
String Poets performs, literally, hundreds of events every year. We are professional musicians and have countless hours of experience in timing music to fit with different stages of an event - both planned and unexpected. Should it be deemed necessary that we attend a dress rehearsal, an additional fee will be applied.
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String Poets and Other Musicians
Our church has an organist included in the fee. Is it possible to incorporate organ and a string ensemble?
Absolutely! There are many beautiful arrangments for string ensemble and organ. After 30 minutes of the sound of strings during the prelude, it can be a great color change to use organ and strings for the bride’s entrance, for example. The recessional is another great spot to collaborate. If there are congregational hymns in your ceremony, the organ would of course be most useful. Additionally, the organist often is very helpful with cueing/coordinating the strings with the proceedings.
Will you perform with vocalists?
String Poets can certainly accommodate vocalists. It is best if we coordinate, ahead of time, details about keys, sheet music, etc.
Do you need to rehearse with the vocalist(s)?
So that we can ensure the best performance possible for your wedding, we prefer to rehearse with the vocalist(s) at least 30 minutes prior to the prelude.
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Contact Information
For a consultation or to arrange a booking for your event, please contact Radhi Santos by phone at 202-327-4651 202-327-4651 or via e-mail: stringpoets@gmail.com.
Check out what our clients have to say about String Poets!
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