If you have a question
that is not addressed below, please feel free to e-mail
us with your inquiries. mark@eensembles.com
What makes Elegant Ensembles unique in the Piedmont Triad in regards to music? Show / HIde
We provide music of diverse styles and ensemble sizes. Instrumentation for ensembles includes, the violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, trumpet, oboe, piano, and harp. You can hire a solo musician, duo, trio, quartet, quintet, or small chamber orchestra.
What types of events do you perform for? Show / HIde
Elegant Ensembles is prepared to perform for weddings, receptions, cocktail hours, rehearsal dinners, private parties, corporate events.
Do we sign a contract to engage your services? Show / HIde
Yes, Elegant Ensembles does have a performance contract that helps both parties understood and lay out what is needed and expected. If you would like to book a date, we can mail you a contract and after it is returned with the deposit, we will reserve your date and time.
What if one of the musicians is sick and unable to attend the ceremony? Show / HIde
Elegant Ensembles works with a number of musicians in the area. If the contracted musician is unable to attend, all efforts will be made to replace them with another professional in the area. To date, we have never had a situation where this was necessary.
What is your experience with wedding planning? Show / HIde
The founder of Elegant Ensembles, Mark Snow, has over 10 years of experience planning and managing special events. He has a degree in Music Industry and has over 25 years of performance experience on his primary instrument, the viola. He has performed and arranged for large and small services over the course this time. Some notable services have included providing music for the wedding of a state senator, dinner parties for the chancellor of a major university, and has performed at dinners and receptions at the High Point furniture market.
Will we meet with the musicians before our event? Show / HIde
We offer unlimited phone and email consultations for no additional
charge to assist you in planning the music for your event. If
you wish, you may also schedule a time to meet with our music
planner to discuss the events needs. For local weddings and an additional $75, the leader of the ensemble can be contracted to advise at the rehearsal
for up to one hour.
Will the musicians play outdoors? Show / HIde
The musicians will play outdoors provided that the weather
conditions are acceptable. Unsatisfactory conditions include
temperatures under 60 degrees, rain or excessive humidity, excessive
wind, and any other conditions that either impede the musicians’
ability perform or put their instruments in danger of being
damaged. The instruments must also be protected from direct
sunlight by a tent or another mutually agreed upon source of
shade. You should have an alternative indoor location available
in the event of weather complications. An 10X10 outdoor white
canopy can be rented for a 75.00 fee. The ensemble will be responsible
for setting the tent up and down. Please check with your venue
to make sure that the canopy is allowed.
What if
you don’t have a certain musical piece that I want played at
my event? Show / HIde
Music selections are limited to that which is contained in
our current extensive repertoire. A list can be emailed if necessary.
Music selections outside of our repertoire and other special
arrangements may require an additional arranging/preparation
fee of up to $75.00 per song. If we feel a certain piece will
not work for the selected ensemble, we will let you know.
Will any
of the musicians be students? Show / HIde
All of the musicians are professional, degreed, experienced, classically
trained musicians who perform locally in orchestras and other
ensembles. We do not hire student level performers.
What will
the musicians wear? Show / HIde
Our standard attire for weddings and formal events is tuxedo
for men and formal but conservative black for women. For less
formal events, men may wear a jacket and tie. Rarely, we do
get requests for more casual dress. Let us know what you would
prefer.
When will
the musicians arrive for my event? Show / HIde
The musicians will usually arrive 30 minutes prior to start
time. The setup time for a classical group is minimal. The musicians
we hire are very responsible and often arrive early to see where
the location is but usually don’t enter until 15-30 minutes
before start time.
What is
the setup time for the musicians and should we take that into
account when deciding on the hiring time? Show / HIde
The setup time is minimal. It may take less than 5 minutes.
The only possible delays are if there is a question about where
we should set up or if the chairs are not provided by the venue
as requested. Things run very smoothly if you discuss ahead
of time the location of the group. The musicians should be in
an area with adequate space and light, out of the way of guests/wedding
party/wait staff. They should be in a position to see the as
much of the processional route as possible in the case of a
ceremony. You do not need to worry about setup time in considering
hiring length. We will arrive in time to start playing at the
time you hire us for.
Do the
musicians require a source of electricity? Show / HIde
Generally, no. As long as there is adequate lighting provided,
no source of electricity is needed.
Do you
need amplification? Show / HIde
A. Generally, no. We do have a P.A. system that is available
for a 125.00 rental fee if you feel the ensemble will be overpowered
by some other sound, ie water fountain, talking, etc. This is
usually not necessary at indoor events. This system can also
be used in the event you have a vocalist requiring a mic.
How will
the musicians know when to begin the processional music? Show / HIde
If you have a wedding coordinator, he/she will take care
of letting us know when everyone is ready. Some times a clergy
person or Justice of the Peace might let us know when everyone
is ready. It is a good idea to assign the job to someone to
let us know when everyone in the wings is ready to begin the
processional.
How will the musicians know when to change pieces during the
ceremony? Show / HIde
We will inquire as to the number of mothers, bridesmaids,
etc. and will change pieces when it is appropriate. Occasionally,
a wedding coordinator will cue us for each change. However,
this is not required. We have played many weddings and are generally
used to how things work. Please make sure to inform us of any
special circumstances for your event.
How long
before the ceremony should the prelude music begin? Show / HIde
You should hire the musicians to begin playing between 15-30
minutes prior to start time depending on your preference and
when you think guests will arrive at the location.
Where
should the musicians be located during a ceremony or event? Show / HIde
The musicians should be in an area with adequate space and
light, out of the way of guests/wedding party/wait staff. They
should be in a position to see the as much of the processional
route as possible in the case of a ceremony. Please consult
your church/venue for specific restrictions. For example, some
churches don’t want musicians at the altar. It is best to discuss
any concerns with us. We often assess the situation upon arrival
and find the best location.
Our family
member or friend is a singer and we would like you to accompany
him/her during the ceremony. Is this possible? Show / HIde
It is possible. It is important that we make sure we have
music that works for the selected ensemble that is the same
arrangement and in the same key as the one the singer is accustomed
to. You would need to send us a copy of the music for us to
assess whether or not it will work as is. If the piece will
need some arranging, this may require an extra fee. If the style
is inappropriate for the ensemble, we will let you know. Also-it
is recommended and sometimes required that you set up a rehearsal
for the singer and musicians on the day of the event prior to
the contracted start time. If we are going to accompany someone
we are unfamiliar with, it is important for the musicians to
hear how the singer is interpreting the song and for the singer
to get used to performing with the ensemble. The musicians will
be paid for rehearsal time as well.
Do you use a contract for booking events? Show / HIde
Yes, Elegant Ensembles does have a performance contract that helps both parties understand and lay out what is needed and expected. If you would like to book a date, we can mail you a contract and after it is returned with the deposit, we will reserve your date and time.
Will the
musicians come to the wedding rehearsal? Show / HIde
Only if you request it. The musicians don’t need to attend the rehearsal unless
you have specified this service on your contract. A member of
the ensemble is available to attend the rehearsal for up to
one hour for an additional $75
Do you
take credit cards? Show / HIde
At this time we only accept cash or checks. Checks need to
be made payable to Elegant Ensembles.
Should we tip the musicians? Show / HIde
It is not required, but the musicians certainly appreciate a tip for good service and music.
What ensemble
do you recommend? Show / HIde
Your choice of course depends on your personal taste. However,
we recommend the a trio comprised of violin or flute, viola,
and cello. This combination is very flexible and provides a
brilliant and rich sound at an affordable price. This ensemble
is featured on our website and our demo CD.
Do
you provide announcements as would a DJ ? Show / HIde
No, the musicians do not make announcements. Often the venue
will have a P.A. system with microphone and they may be able
to make announcements for you.
Is it necessary for the musicians to be in contact with the
clergy person/Justice of the Peace prior to the event day? Show / HIde
No. We will work out all details when we arrive prior to
the event.
I would like to hire Elegant Ensembles. What should I do
next? Show / HIde
Email or call us or click >> here. <<
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