Faqs | UBay Area All Strings & Brass | Wedding music

FAQs

Our most Frequently Asked Questions and their answers are listed here:

How Much?

How much do you charge?

Since we are offering so many different kinds of ensembles, we need to know some details about your wedding music plans. Please fill out the Contact Us section of our site.

How much does it cost to have you prepare a piece that is not listed on your repertoire?

1) We are asking you to please purchase the sheet music (piano score or piano-voice score with guitar chords) then mail or email it to us. If the piece you send us longer than 3 pages then we will have to prepare it or arrange it to eliminate page turns.

2) Preparing a song like that costs $30/song.

3) If it is densely harmonized, then we need to make an arrangement of the piece using a computer. To write an arrangement can costs $50 - $80.

4) We will also need a 15 minute rehearsal /song before the wedding to make sure that all the details are ironed out so we would like to ask you to please pay for that extra time.

5)We don't write parts off of a CD recording.

How much does overtime cost?

Please ask the musicians if they are available to stay longer. Specify how much longer you need them for. They are independent contractors and after the contracted time expired they have the right to set their own prices. If they are available to stay and you negotiated the additional timeframe and price they need to be paid at the end by check made out to their individual names.

How much is the deposit?

It is 50% of the total price and is non refundable.

How much space does the ensemble need?

Musicians with string instruments need some room to be able to perform. We would like to avoid touching anybody with our bows, also they are fragile.

For example:
Quartet - 9 feet x 13 feet
Trio - 7 feet x 10 feet
Duo - 5 feet x 7 feet

When…?

When do you take breaks?

After each hour of playing we take a break of 10-15 minutes. If we have a long engagement (3 hours or more) with you and we are offered to have a meal, then we take 20-25 minutes to eat.

When is the deposit due to hold the date?

After receiving our contract the deposit is due within 7 days.

When is the final payment due?

The final payment is due two weeks before your event.

When shall I book you? How far advance can I reserve the date?

The earlier the better. We book any time. Some people leave the entertainment for the last to take care of. That could be stressful for both the bride and musicians. Safe to sign the contract 6 month to a year before the wedding. Please keep in mind that Saturday is the most popular wedding day. Very likely that you will find facilities and vendors more available on Fridays, Sundays and weekdays. If your wedding is just a few weeks away, call us, we might be available on your date.

Outdoor Weddings

My wedding will be outdoors. What do your musicians need?

In order to keep the promised playing quality and protect our valuable instruments we need a shaded, dry, flat area to set up. In case of inclement weather allow the group to move to an indoor location. Inclement weather is defined as temperature less than 60 F, very windy conditions or any amount of precipitation. Cold air or excessive heat can be very damaging to the wood.

Music Selections

What kind of music do you play?

Our classical musicians mainly perform classical music. We have several arrangements of popular tunes and movie themes. Please click to the Suggested Wedding Music Repertoire to find out about our selections.

Should I have a quintet, quartet, trio or duo?

For an intimate ceremony in a small chapel we recommend a duo or trio. At an outdoor wedding the sound of a duo might not carry as well as a quartet or quintet. To read more about how to select the right group click here.

Can any of your groups play the Wedding March or Canon by Pachelbel?

Yes, most of the wedding repertoire is possible to perform with any instrumental combinations. However, original string quartet pieces (e.g. Haydn, Mozart quartets) can not be performed by a trio or duo.

Can you help me with music selections?

Absolutely. Please call us and Georgina will be happy to talk to you. You can also click on the Suggested Wedding Music Repertoire to see examples of our suggestions or email us at bayarea.asab@gmail.com

Do we meet with you to talk about our music selection for our wedding?

We don't need to. It works very well to discuss music questions over the phone or email. We need to get your final decision about the music selection 4 weeks before your event.

Do different instrument combinations have different repertoire?

NO--most of the standard wedding pieces are available for any combination.
YES--the original pieces written for duos, trios and quartets can only be performed with that specific instrument combination it was written for.

During the Ceremony

How do the musicians know when to start the processional?

We usually need to get a cue from a wedding coordinator or anybody who is appointed to coordinate your ceremony. That person knows when the mothers are getting ready to proceed. At that moment she/he lets us know by telling us or waving at us and everything flows perfectly after that.

How much time shall I leave for the prelude music before the ceremony?

For a gathering of 100 or less we recommend 15 minutes of prelude music. If the number of guests exceeds 100 than plan on 20-30 minutes of prelude music.

Do you work with wedding coordinators/event consultants or music director of a church?

Yes. Communication is the key to a well organized wedding. I.e., music for a Catholic Mass must be carefully coordinated in consultation with the priest or music director. Also we need to be in touch with your wedding coordinator in order to get a cue to let us know when to start playing for the beginning of the processional.

Will you play with the church organist?

Yes. We suggest to add a soloist (singer or trumpet) to the organ or have one of the musicians from the trio or quartet play a solo piece accompanied by the organ. To have a string quartet or trio perform with the organ might sound too thick. We will need to discuss and work out the music with the organist ahead of time.

Can you accompany my friend or family member who sings?

Yes, we'll need to get the sheet music (a piano score or piano-voice score with guitar chords provided in case you have selected a guitar as one of the instruments in the group) of the chosen piece in the same key your singer will perform in. We will look at the music and decide if it can be used as it is or it needs an arrangement.

If the piece you send us is longer than 3 pages then we will have to prepare it or arrange it to eliminate page turns. Preparing a song like that costs $30/song. If it is densely harmonized, then we need to make an arrangement of the piece using a computer. To write an arrangement can costs $50 - $80.

We need to have a short rehearsal with your soloist (approx. 15 minutes/ song) before the Prelude music starts. There will be extra charge for that service. We don't write parts off of a CD recording.

Timing...

I might need the musicians to stay extra time after the contracted time expired. How do I take care of that?

Can I change the times printed on the contract?

We prefer not to change the specified times on the contract. It is very likely that our musicians have other engagements before or after your event and that would cause scheduling problems. To be safe allow 1 and 1/2 hours for the ceremony. If your event is short and you are sure that your guests will find the location and your wedding party will be ready in time, one hour will probably be fine. Most weddings do start a bit late and we try to prevent having problems.

What if…?

What if one of your players is ill or cannot make it on the day of my wedding?

If that happens we will do our best to replace that person immediately. However we can not guarantee that we can find a sub in such short notice. The rest of the group will perform the requested music if possible. The fee for the missing player will be refunded.

Traveling, Relocating

What do I need to know about travel charges?

Our musicians don't charge travel fees in San Jose and surroundings. Please click on Travel Info to find out areas and wedding sites we charge travel fee for. For price info regarding travel fees please fill out the Contact Us section of our site. The travel fee pays for the musicians' gas and their time spent in the car.

Will the group move or travel from the ceremony site to an other location for the reception? Is there an extra charge for travel?

Moving from one room to another doesn't take much, we always appreciate some help with chairs and stands to speed up the process. Travel from one location to an other is no problem either. You will be charged for the entire time the musicians are booked for even if there is travel involved during the contract.

Miscellaneous

Can we see you perform?

We will be happy to let you know where and when we are scheduled to have a concert. Unfortunately we can not invite you for somebody else's wedding.

How long have you been in the business?

Since 1986.

Do you have a contract?

Yes, we do.

Is it necessary to have the group play at our rehearsal?

No. Our musicians are very experienced playing wedding ceremonies. Discussing the details on the phone usually takes care of most of the plans. Should there be any last minute changes, our musicians arrive early to set up and get the necessary information from the minister or the wedding coordinator concerning cues.

Will the musicians on the demo CD be the same that will play at my wedding?

Not necessarily. We have several groups, we work with a lot of musicians all the time. All of our musicians have performed with each other before and they are absolutely professionals who have great experience performing at weddings and other special occasions.

What do your musicians wear on a special event?

On our contract we give you three options to choose from:
- Tux (men), black & white (women)
- Tux (men), evening dress (women)
- Suit & tie (men), nice dress (women)

Do your groups use amplification?

Guitar players use amps only as needed. String groups and wind instruments usually perform acoustically.

What kind of chairs do you need?

Armless chairs, please. The simplest foldable chairs work perfect.

Do we need to provide food for the musicians?

We really appreciate being offered a refreshment and a bite during a break on a long engagement (3 hours or more), but are discreet and polite about not interrupting your guests.

Do you have another question?

We'd love to help you!

Please let us know how we can help you or what other questions you have. Click to Contact Us. Thank you!

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