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I
know that I want live classical musicians for my ceremony
and/or reception, but I don’t know where to start.
Can you help me?
We hear this question a lot… so if you feel the
same way you’re not alone. Just give us a call and
we’ll help get you started. There are no “dumb
questions” so ask whatever you’d like. We’ll
help you as much (or as little) as you’d like.
Q: How do I know
that the BSCE is good since I don’t know much about
classical music?
A:
Our reputation is stellar. Our exceptional musicians play
for numerous symphony orchestras in the Chicagoland area
including The Chicago Symphony, The Lyric Opera, The Grant
Park Symphony, The Elgin Symphony, The Rockford Symphony,
etc. We play over 120 weddings per year and most of those
come to us by way of referrals and from people that have
heard us play at other weddings. If you’d like to
read what our clients have said about us please refer
to the Memories Made section by clicking here.
Q: Do you play outside?
A: We will play outside if the conditions
allow. That means no precipitation or excessive humidity,
no high winds and no direct sunlight on hot days. It also
means no extreme temperatures – either hot or cold.
Of course you want your guests to be comfortable, too,
but there are times when the conditions are acceptable
for you and your guests but not acceptable for musicians.
(This is true with all string ensembles.) If any of the
above conditions are present we risk the possibility of
severely damaging our instruments. Since these instruments
are the tools of our livelihood (and since some cost as
much as a new home) we must take care to maintain them
properly which often means not performing outside if the
conditions are not good. If direct sunlight is the only
problem you foresee we can (for a minimal charge) bring
a canopy for cover.
Q: Will you play with a
singer and/or an organist/pianist?
A: Yes, we will be happy to work with
other musicians you have asked to be part of your ceremony.
Our primary concern is that the musician is “good”
and will be able to meet briefly with us prior to the
start of your ceremony. This topic should be covered in
our initial phone conversation so we can discuss it in
more detail. We will also be happy to hire those additional
musicians for you if you prefer.
Q: What instruments should
I hire?
A: This question obviously required more
information to be answered fully. However, a string quartet
with one or two trumpets is almost always is the best
choice. That combination works wonderfully in a church,
a banquet hall, a private home, a hotel, an outside location…
just about anywhere you can imagine. There are smaller
and larger groups available, but the string quartet with
one or two trumpets is our standard size group and is
our favorite. To see a list of instrumental combinations
click here.
Q: What is the difference between a string
trio and a string quartet?
A: A string quartet is the standard size
string group. Most small ensemble string music that you
hear is for a string quartet which consists of two violins,
one viola and one cello. A string quartet is very versatile
and is able to play almost any musical style from renaissance
music through contemporary. A string trio leaves out one
of the musicians – either the viola or one of the
violins. It is a smaller sound and is not as versatile.
It can still play early music but a string trio cannot
realistically play contemporary music since there are
only three parts and contemporary music usually requires
at least four parts. If you would like to know if a certain
piece of music works with a string trio just ask and we’ll
let you know.
Q: Can all instrumental combinations play
all music in the BSCE library?
A: No, but we will make sure that you
select only music that is appropriate for the ensemble
you have chosen. If you’d like we will propose a
custom program with all the pieces that we know will work
best for your ensemble.
Q: Our church is small – how much
room do you need?
A: We are pretty good at fitting into
whatever space is available to us, but for a quartet the
standard minimum space is 9’ x 9’. A little
more room is always better but sometimes we can get away
with a little less. If you add trumpets then of course
we will need more space – closer to 9’ x 12’
Q: Will the BSCE be at the wedding rehearsal?
A: Since this would require an extra
charge to you we suggest that you do not ask us to attend
your rehearsal. We know what questions to ask in advance
so there is no need for us to be there. The purpose of
the rehearsal is primarily to explain the details of the
ceremony to the bride, groom and bridal party so that
you will know what to do and when to do it. We will arrive
early to your ceremony to go over any details necessary
with your officiant or if you prefer we will contact them
in advance.
Q: How long will the BSCE play for prelude
music?
A: We will play for 15 minutes prior
to the scheduled start of your ceremony.
Q: What about chairs and music stands?
A: We require chairs without arms for
each musician, so if you are renting chairs be sure to
add some for us. We will bring our own music stands and
if you tell us in advance that it might be a little dark
where we are playing we will also bring stand lights.
Q: Do the musicians need to be fed a meal?
A: We never require a meal. That said,
if you are hiring us for 3 hours or more and those 3 hours
encompass a normal lunch or dinner time then it would
be appropriate to provide us with something to eat. It
does not need to be the same meal that your guests are
receiving – we know how expensive those are. Most
locations have “vendor meals” which would
be just fine and very much appreciated.
Q: Do the musicians expect a tip?
A: We never expect a tip. If you enjoy
our music please stop by before we leave and let us know
or send us a note (for us to share with others on this
site). The best tip we can receive is your referral of
the BSCE to your friends and colleagues.
Q: What makes the BSCE different from other groups?
A: There are a few main components to
each ensemble: the musicians, the library, the leader
and his/her experience. There are many fine ensembles
in the Chicago area that call on the same pool of talented
musicians so when you compare the musicians in the top
ensembles the level of talent is very similar. Each ensemble,
however, has a unique music library. We all have the traditional
pieces in our repertoire, but after that each library
is different in size and variety. We at the BSCE have
an immense library of well over 1000 pieces, many purchased
from locations around the world during our travels. We
have also written numerous arrangements ourselves for
strings with trumpets that we have not sold or distributed
so no one else has them. We are also unique in that we
have two “leaders” with 45 combined years
of experience playing for weddings. We average about 120
weddings each year, and we use that experience to ensure
that every detail is anticipated and covered… details
that someone less experienced in the wedding music business
would not even think to consider.
Q: How many times can we e-mail or talk
on the phone?
A: You will receive unlimited consultations
via e-mail and/or phone – not just one or two. Take
advantage of our years of experience and let us assist
you in selecting great music.
Q: What kinds of things will cost “extra”?
A: There are usually no extra costs for
our clients, however, a few are possible. If you request
a piece of music that is not already in our extensive
library then there will be a charge to purchase the music
and make an arrangement (if practical for the combination
you are hiring). The exact amount depends on the cost
of the music and the complexity of the arrangement. You
will receive a quote for each arrangement and no work
will be done on the arrangement until you have approved
the quote. Also, for locations that are over an hour from
the O’Hare area there is the potential for a minimal
travel charge. If there is an extended period of time
between your ceremony and reception there will be a minimal
“waiting fee” that is much less than our hourly
playing fee. (Many groups will charge you for that time
if they are playing or not.) If your event runs late there
will be a minimal overtime charge. (We’re flexible
here… a few minutes may not cause OT but 15 minutes
may.)
Q: If we hire the BSCE for our reception
will you play for the dancing, too?
A: Probably not the best idea…
string quartet music is not really the kind of music that
people dance to, even if it’s a contemporary song.
We could play for one of two special dances (father-daughter,
etc.) but even then it’s better to use a band or
a DJ.
Q: Is it too early (or too late) to book
the BSCE?
A: It’s never too early and rarely
too late. Just call or e-mail and we’ll do our best
to take care of you. Of course, the sooner the better
since we do book early for future dates.
Q: What is the process to book the BSCE?
A: Send an e-mail or call with the following
information: date of your event, location of your event,
time we start, time we finish and the instruments you
would like to hire. It is not a problem if you are not
yet sure which instruments you’d like to hire…
sometimes that decision is easier later after discussing
with us the kind of music you like. We can write your
contract generically just to get your date reserved. If
we do not already have your address we will need that
at this time. We will mail you 2 copies of our contract
which you will sign and return (both copies) along with
a deposit of $200 (or 50% - whichever is less). We will
send one signed copy back to you and then all that needs
to be done is select your music, pay the balance and provide
directions and details to all locations. |
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