FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
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. Ask whatever you’d like. We’ll help you as much (or as little) as you’d like.
How do I know that the BSCE is good since I don’t know much about classical music?
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 have played over 2000 weddings and special events in over 25 years, and most of those come to us by way of referrals and from people that have heard us play at other weddings. Please read what our clients have said about us:
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. Ask whatever you’d like. We’ll help you as much (or as little) as you’d like.
How do I know that the BSCE is good since I don’t know much about classical music?
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 have played over 2000 weddings and special events in over 25 years, and most of those come to us by way of referrals and from people that have heard us play at other weddings. Please read what our clients have said about us:
Are the photos, audio files and videos on this website all of the BSCE?
This is a great question and the answer is "Yes". All photos are of the BSCE and were either taken by us or another photographer. All audio and video files are also of the BSCE. Some other websites use stock photos and recordings of different groups which may look and sound great but may not be a true representation of their services. Click buttons below to see our photos, listen to our audio files, and watch our videos:
Do you play outside?
Consider a brass ensemble if your wedding is outside... their instruments are less affected by weather than strings instruments. However, our strings ensembles 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. 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 home) we must take care to maintain them properly which often means not performing outside if the conditions are adverse. We also prefer to play on a flat, dry surface whenever possible. (Grassy areas are often wet which attract bugs that feast on our ankles while we play. #truestory, and bug spray didn't help.) That said - we have played dozens of outdoor weddings and have rarely needed to move inside for weather reasons. We will be as accommodating as possible. :-)
Will you play with a singer and/or an organist/pianist?
Yes, we will be happy to work with other musicians you have asked to be part of your ceremony. Please let us know about this early in the process so we can plan accordingly. We will be in contact with them to review logistics, keys, etc. and they will need to arrive early to meet briefly with us prior to the start of your ceremony. We will also be happy to hire those additional musicians for you if you prefer.
What instruments should I hire?
This question requires more information to be answered fully. However, a string quartet with one or two trumpets is often 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... and that combination can play all the traditional (and even non-traditional) wedding favorites. There are smaller and larger groups available, but the string quartet with one or two trumpets is our standard size group and is also our favorite since it is very versatile and gives us great flexibility in what we can play for you. Click the button below to see a list of instrumental combinations:
What is the difference between a string trio and a string quartet?
A string quartet is the "classic" 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 the second violin. It is a smaller sound and is not quite as versatile. It can still play early music but a string trio doesn't usually play much contemporary music since there are only three parts and most contemporary music is arranged for (and sounds better with) 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. Note that a string trio with a trumpet is much more versatile than a string trio alone.
Can all instrumental combinations play all music in the BSCE library?
There are some pieces that can be played by just about any combination of instruments, but some are better suited for a specific ensemble. We will make sure that you select only music that is appropriate for the ensemble you have chosen. We'd be happy to make suggestions for pieces that we know will work best for your ensemble.
What do you wear?
Unless otherwise requested, the men wear black or dark suits with long ties and the ladies wear all black. Other options (tuxedo, etc.) are available - let us know what you prefer.
Our church (or room) is small – how much room do you need?
We are pretty good at fitting into whatever space is available to us, but for a quartet the standard space is 9’ x 9’. A little more room is always better but sometimes we can get away with a little less depending on the space. We can also fit into a rectangle shape - it doesn't need to be a square. If you add trumpets then of course we will need more space – closer to 9’ x 12’.
Will the BSCE be at the wedding rehearsal?
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 - this is a good way to save some money. 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.
How long will the BSCE play for prelude music?
We will play for 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of your ceremony.
What about chairs and music stands?
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.
Do the musicians need to be fed a meal?
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.
Do the musicians expect a tip?
We never expect a tip but of course it is appreciated when it happens. If you enjoy our music please stop by before we leave and let us know. We'd love to take a photo with you! Click the first link to leave us a quick review on Wedding Wire - you don't need to set up an account and they won't use your email except to confirm your review. Or you can leave a comment on our Facebook page - maybe with a photo from your wedding! Or send us a note that we can share with others - perhaps on our website. The very best tip we can receive is a great review and/or your referral of the BSCE to your friends and colleagues.
What makes the BSCE different from other groups?
There are a few main components to each ensemble: the musicians, the library, the leader and his/her experience, organization and care. 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 50+ combined years of experience playing for weddings. We have played for over 2000 weddings and special events in 25 years and we use that experience to ensure that every detail is anticipated and covered… details that someone less experienced in the wedding music business may not even consider. It's easy to play beautiful music, but when the someone walks down the aisle out of order or something else unexpected happens it's good to have experience on your side. We are extremely organized with our clients, our music and our musicians. In fact, our musicians often comment how much they enjoy performing with us because of our organization - and we are very proud of that. Lastly, in addition to ensuring your wedding music is fantastic we also care about your experience with us during the planning phase. We want to know your vision for your wedding so we can suggest appropriate music to make that vision a reality. That's why we say "Let Our Music Tell Your Story". You have so many decisions to make as you plan your wedding day - we want to make your music decisions as easy and fun as possible.
How many times can we e-mail or talk on the phone?
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.
What kinds of things will cost “extra”?
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 instruments 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. 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.)
If we hire the BSCE for our reception will you play for the dancing, too?
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. If you are going to use the string quartet for dancing we will need to be amplified so everyone can hear the music and we will work with you to select music that is good for dancing.
Is it too early (or too late) to book the BSCE?
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.
What is the process to book the BSCE?
Click the button below to fill in the blanks so we know all the details about your event and can check our availability. If you have previously submitted that info then you can simply email us and request a contract for your date, times, location and instruments. 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. We will email you a contract which you will sign and return along with a deposit. All that is left to do is select your music, pay the balance and provide details about logistics... then enjoy!
