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Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the questions below to find the answers. If you have other questions you can email us at jwstanek@aol.com or call Jackie at 515-255-2988.
1. What instruments are in a string quartet?
2. What type of occasions do you play for?
3. Do you play for wedding receptions also?
4. How do we pick out the music for our wedding ceremony?
5. Can we have a trumpet play with the quartet?
6. When do we need to pick out the music for a wedding ceremony?
7. What does the quartet wear?
8. What does the quartet require to perform?
9. Do we need to meet in person?
11. How do we hire the quartet for an event?
12. How far in advance should we book your quartet?
13. How do you charge for an engagement?
14. Since you are based in Des Moines, do you play engagements outside the Des Moines area?
1. What instruments are in a string quartet?
The traditional string quartet is composed of two violins, one viola, and one cello.
2. What type of occasions do you play for?
We can play for all types of occasions. The most often requested is for weddings, but we can also play for parties, dinners, conventions, funerals - just about any occasion where nice music would enhance the occasion.
3. Do you play for wedding receptions also?
Many times we play for just the wedding ceremony but we can also play for the reception, including cocktails and dinner and as long as you desire.
4. How do we pick out the music for our wedding ceremony?
During the wedding ceremony, different pieces of music are usually needed for each of the following:
Check with your officiator or wedding coordinator as to what will be needed for your particular service.
You can select music to be played from our music library. If you click on the wedding music link there is a partial list of music in our library that is appropriate for weddings. It also includes a Guide to Selecting Your Wedding Music. You can pick out all of the music, but many times the bride and/or groom will select music just for the ceremony while we will select music to be played for the prelude and postlude. It's entirely up to you - we're flexible.
If you would like a piece played that doesn't appear on our list, we may be able to order it given adequate notice. .
5. Can we have a trumpet play with the quartet?
Yes. When a trumpet is used, it is usually for the entrance of the bride and for the recessional. We have several pieces of music that a trumpet can be used with. See the list of music for weddings.
6. When do we need to pick out the music for a wedding ceremony?
It is best if you could pick out the music as soon as possible and review your selections with your officiator or wedding planner in case the church has any specific rules regarding the music being used. If you want us to use a piece of music that is not in our library, you will need to allow time for us to locate and purchase the music.
7. What does the quartet wear?
We usually wear black with the men wearing either a black suit or black tuxes. If you have a particular preference let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
8. What does the quartet require to perform?
The quartet will need four chairs without arms situated in a well-lit location. If music stands are available at the location, we will use them, otherwise we will bring our own. If we are playing for a wedding, we need to be situated where we are able to see the wedding party as they enter.
9. Do we need to meet in person?
Meeting in person is usually not necessary. The planning can be done either over the phone and/or by email. If you are hiring us to play for your wedding, one of us will usually attend your rehearsal to finalize details.
We do play outdoors, but not usually during the hottest months of the year. The high heat and humidity make it difficult to play and can damage our valuable instruments. If we do play outdoors, we need full shade and protection from any precipitation.
11. How do we hire the quartet for an event?
When you determine that you want to hire us, we will send you a contract that states all of the details of the engagement. Signing and returning the contract along with a $100 deposit will hold your date.
12. How far in advance should we book your quartet?
We are usually booked 2-6 months in advance. This allows time for planning, for you to pick out music, and to acquire music, if necessary. However, we can often accommodate you on short notice if we have the date available.
13. How do you charge for an engagement?
Our cost is figured according to the total length of the engagement - from the time we start playing until we stop. For a wedding, this would be from when we start playing the prelude music until the end of the postlude.
14. Since you are based in Des Moines, do you play engagements outside of the Des Moines area?
We can, but we may need to charge a mileage fee depending on the distance.