What is the instrumentation for the different types of groups?
A quartet is comprised of four people - two violins, one viola and one cello. A trio is comprised of three
people - It can be either two violins and a cello, or more commonly, a violin, viola and cello. A duo is
comprised of two people playing the violin and cello.
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What type of group do you recommend for my event?
We always recommend a string quartet if your budget allows. There is more repertoire available, and it has a
much fuller, richer sound. A string trio, however is an execellent choice if you have budget concerns. A duo is
an excellent choice for smaller, more intimate gatherings, but keep in mind that the sound is not as full as a
quartet or trio.
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When do you start playing?
We generally arrive at the event fifteen minutes prior to the contracted start time. The group leader will arrive
a little earlier to iron out any last minute questions. For weddings, we recommend that the music start fifteen
minutes prior to the start of the wedding. For example, if your wedding is at 6:00 pm, we will arrive at
approximately 5:30pm and start playing at 5:45pm. The leader should arrive at around 5:20pm. It is our
experience that guests generally start arriving fifteen minutes before the ceremony. You may choose to
contract us to start at an earlier time.
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What if my event goes longer than the original contracted time?
Please make sure that when you contract us you have considered carefully how much time you will need. In
our experience, most wedding ceremonies (including prelude, ceremony and postlude) are finished within an
hour. Catholic ceremonies tend to run longer, and you may want to book extra time. Overtime charges will
apply if the musicians go over the contracted time. Keep in mind, however, that it may not be possible for the
musicians to stay because of other booked engagements on the same day.
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Will you perform with a singer I provide for you?
We generally discourage performing with a singer provided by the client, simply because we then cannot
guarantee the quality of the music we provide. In addition, such a request is likely to incur higher fees for
rehearsal time and / or special arrangements. In certain circumstances we may perform with a singer, but
additional fees will apply.
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Will you attend my wedding rehearsal?
We do not typically attend the rehearsal. When we are contracted, you will recieve in your packet a
ceremony outline sheet. This is a detailed sheet that, when completed, will give us all the information we
need to provide the selections of music you have chosen at the correct time. The group leader will also be in
touch with you or your designated contact to gather any last-minute information.
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How much space do you need to play?
A string quartet and string trio generally require 100 square feet (ten feet by ten feet) to play comfortably. If
you believe this will be a problem, call us to discuss it. Remember, you don't want cramped musicians - it will compromise the quality of the music at your event!
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What do I need to provide for you?
We need sufficient lighting to play, unless you have specified in your contract that we will need to provide our
own. Typically, this means there should be enough lighting to read a newspaper. Please keep this in mind if
you anticipate a dimly lit room for an evening event. It is possible for us to bring our own lighting, but this will
require an electrical outlet in close proximity to where we are playing.
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Where should the group be placed?
For wedding ceremonies, we should be situated in a location where we can easily see and hear what is
being said. For receptions or parties the group should NOT be placed directly adjacent to a high traffic area
like the buffet table. Your guests will enjoy our music if we are out of their path to the refreshments, but in a
location where they can see and hear us.
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How far in advance should I book StringsOhio?
We recommend that you book at least four months in advance of your event if possible to ensure availability
of musicians. Remember that even though we have a network of musicians, the popular dates for weddings
(May through September) fill up quickly. If this is not possible, however, please call us and we may be able
to accommodate you or refer you to someone else.
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How do I book StringsOhio?
Please call or complete the form provided for you on our contact page. If you are emailing the information,
please keep in mind the required fields in our form so we have complete information with which to complete
your contract. We require a non-refundable 50% deposit with a signed contract to hold your date and time.
The remainder is due two weeks prior to your event.
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Why is your deposit non-refundable, and why do you ask for the balance two weeks prior to my event?
Our deposit is non-refundable because once we have accepted your payment and signed a contract, we
may be turning down other requests for the same date. If you were to cancel, we would have lost other
potential business. In addition, we ask that you pay two weeks in advance of your event date to avoid
payment requests on a day when you should be busy with your guests.
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Why do you charge a travel fee outside of Cuyahoga County?
We charge a travel fee because, once outside of Cuyahoga County, we will be spending between one and a
half to two hours traveling to your event. This fee pays not only for our travel time, but for wear and tear on
our vehicles and fuel.
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