Here you will find answers to many of your questions.
There are three sections: General, Wedding, and Advanced Planning.
If you don't find your answer here, our phone number and email are at the bottom of each page on this site.
There are three sections: General, Wedding, and Advanced Planning.
If you don't find your answer here, our phone number and email are at the bottom of each page on this site.
General FAQ
Should I book a string quartet or a trio?
The string quartet is suitable for any occasion. We can be amplified for a very large venue, or we can serenade an intimate dinner for two. The string quartet (two violins, a viola, and a cello) is the best combination for melodic and harmonic balance and this is reflected in the vast repertoire for the string quartet. However, a trio
(violin, viola, cello) or duo (violin, cello) may be more suitable for a smaller budget or smaller venue, but the repertoire will be very restricted. After all, Mozart wrote 23 string quartets and only one trio.
What equipment do I need to provide?
We will need four chairs that have flat seats and are without arms. (We bring our own music stands.) We will need adequate lighting so that we can read our music. (If you want a dimly lit room, please advise us so we will know to bring our stand lights.) For an outdoor event a tent, gazebo, or canopy must be provided to protect our instruments and ourselves from the sun. Please take into consideration the position of the sun for the time of day and date of your event. Canopies often do not provide adequate shade because of the sun's position.
How much space do you need?
A string quartet will require a performance space equivalent to 8 feet x 8 feet. The trio requires 8 feet x 6 feet. The duo requires 6 feet x 4 feet. We will also need somewhere to keep our instrument cases while we are playing. (Under a table, or the nearest closet will do!)
What do you wear to perform?
We are happiest in tuxedos and all black, but we can be less formal, (suits or day wear).
Do you need to take breaks?
Yes, constant playing is physically demanding. We will take a break of 5 – 7 minutes after each hour of playing. If your event includes speeches or presentations we can arrange our breaks to coincide with your schedule. Please provide us with a running order for the event.
How early will you arrive?
The musicians will be in the venue setting up at least 30-15 minutes prior to when we start performing.
Do we need to meet in person?
It is not necessary to meet in advance. All details can be addressed over the telephone or via email. But if you prefer, I would be happy to meet with you.
Do you need to see the venue beforehand?
This isn’t necessary. We perform at many venues and we come prepared for all circumstances. As long as we have chairs, and adequate space and lighting everything should be fine. (However, please let us know in advance if you think your choice of venue is unusual or challenging in any way.)
Do I need to choose all of the music?
You can choose a few pieces, and give us an idea of what kind of music or what kind of mood you would like. We can help you to select music, or we can use our own judgment to play music that we think would be appropriate.
It may help you to decide what kind of mood you would like for your event: relaxed, fun, formal, regal, majestic, reflective, soft, lively, jubilant, traditional, jazzy. If you know what you like (or what you don’t like ) please be more specific: baroque, classical, romantic, jazz, show tunes, Beatles, Joplin, movie themes, soft rock etc. Click on the appropriate words to browse our popular music and complete library pages.
Can I request a special piece of music that is not on your repertoire lists?
Yes, as long as the sheet music is available, then we can make an arrangement for string quartet, trio or duo. Special requests need to be done 5-6 weeks in advance in order to give us enough time to create an arrangement.
There is an extra fee for this service.
Can you perform outside?
Yes, if the event is scheduled between April 1st and September 15th, if the temperature is between 68º and 90º, if there is no rain or chance of rain, and if shelter is provided. We will need a tent, gazebo, porch or canopy to protect our instruments and ourselves from the sun or rain, even mist. Please take into consideration the position of the sun for the time of day and date of your event. Canopies often do not provide adequate shade because of the sun's position. (We will bring clothespins to keep the music from blowing away!) Additionally, please take into consideration that we will need four arm-less chairs and a hard, level surface upon which to put them. We understand that you may have your heart set on an outdoor wedding and we want to make your event the best it can possibly be, however, we must insist that the above conditions are met before we will play outdoors. Our maximum outdoor time is 90 minutes for $650.00. If the weather is questionable, we will play, but reserve the right to shorten our time as needed. In other words, if it is 90º or thereabouts, we can still play, but for a shorter period of time. For example, instead of playing for 30 minutes as guests arrive, we might only play for 15 minutes, then play all the ceremony music and play for 5 minutes after the ceremony ends. (Your guests most likely will not want to be in the heat more than that amount of time, either.)
Will you travel outside of Omaha?
Yes. We will travel anywhere if you pay for our travel expenses (mileage) and the time commitment (an hourly or daily rate). In general, we will add $150/hour for travel outside of Omaha within a 75 mile radius. If it takes 3 hours for a round trip then the additional charge is $450.
The string quartet is suitable for any occasion. We can be amplified for a very large venue, or we can serenade an intimate dinner for two. The string quartet (two violins, a viola, and a cello) is the best combination for melodic and harmonic balance and this is reflected in the vast repertoire for the string quartet. However, a trio
(violin, viola, cello) or duo (violin, cello) may be more suitable for a smaller budget or smaller venue, but the repertoire will be very restricted. After all, Mozart wrote 23 string quartets and only one trio.
What equipment do I need to provide?
We will need four chairs that have flat seats and are without arms. (We bring our own music stands.) We will need adequate lighting so that we can read our music. (If you want a dimly lit room, please advise us so we will know to bring our stand lights.) For an outdoor event a tent, gazebo, or canopy must be provided to protect our instruments and ourselves from the sun. Please take into consideration the position of the sun for the time of day and date of your event. Canopies often do not provide adequate shade because of the sun's position.
How much space do you need?
A string quartet will require a performance space equivalent to 8 feet x 8 feet. The trio requires 8 feet x 6 feet. The duo requires 6 feet x 4 feet. We will also need somewhere to keep our instrument cases while we are playing. (Under a table, or the nearest closet will do!)
What do you wear to perform?
We are happiest in tuxedos and all black, but we can be less formal, (suits or day wear).
Do you need to take breaks?
Yes, constant playing is physically demanding. We will take a break of 5 – 7 minutes after each hour of playing. If your event includes speeches or presentations we can arrange our breaks to coincide with your schedule. Please provide us with a running order for the event.
How early will you arrive?
The musicians will be in the venue setting up at least 30-15 minutes prior to when we start performing.
Do we need to meet in person?
It is not necessary to meet in advance. All details can be addressed over the telephone or via email. But if you prefer, I would be happy to meet with you.
Do you need to see the venue beforehand?
This isn’t necessary. We perform at many venues and we come prepared for all circumstances. As long as we have chairs, and adequate space and lighting everything should be fine. (However, please let us know in advance if you think your choice of venue is unusual or challenging in any way.)
Do I need to choose all of the music?
You can choose a few pieces, and give us an idea of what kind of music or what kind of mood you would like. We can help you to select music, or we can use our own judgment to play music that we think would be appropriate.
It may help you to decide what kind of mood you would like for your event: relaxed, fun, formal, regal, majestic, reflective, soft, lively, jubilant, traditional, jazzy. If you know what you like (or what you don’t like ) please be more specific: baroque, classical, romantic, jazz, show tunes, Beatles, Joplin, movie themes, soft rock etc. Click on the appropriate words to browse our popular music and complete library pages.
Can I request a special piece of music that is not on your repertoire lists?
Yes, as long as the sheet music is available, then we can make an arrangement for string quartet, trio or duo. Special requests need to be done 5-6 weeks in advance in order to give us enough time to create an arrangement.
There is an extra fee for this service.
Can you perform outside?
Yes, if the event is scheduled between April 1st and September 15th, if the temperature is between 68º and 90º, if there is no rain or chance of rain, and if shelter is provided. We will need a tent, gazebo, porch or canopy to protect our instruments and ourselves from the sun or rain, even mist. Please take into consideration the position of the sun for the time of day and date of your event. Canopies often do not provide adequate shade because of the sun's position. (We will bring clothespins to keep the music from blowing away!) Additionally, please take into consideration that we will need four arm-less chairs and a hard, level surface upon which to put them. We understand that you may have your heart set on an outdoor wedding and we want to make your event the best it can possibly be, however, we must insist that the above conditions are met before we will play outdoors. Our maximum outdoor time is 90 minutes for $650.00. If the weather is questionable, we will play, but reserve the right to shorten our time as needed. In other words, if it is 90º or thereabouts, we can still play, but for a shorter period of time. For example, instead of playing for 30 minutes as guests arrive, we might only play for 15 minutes, then play all the ceremony music and play for 5 minutes after the ceremony ends. (Your guests most likely will not want to be in the heat more than that amount of time, either.)
Will you travel outside of Omaha?
Yes. We will travel anywhere if you pay for our travel expenses (mileage) and the time commitment (an hourly or daily rate). In general, we will add $150/hour for travel outside of Omaha within a 75 mile radius. If it takes 3 hours for a round trip then the additional charge is $450.
Wedding Related Questions
Do you attend wedding rehearsals?
It is not necessary for us to attend the rehearsal. We have played for hundreds of weddings and we are very adept at timing the music to the right length. However, if we are playing with a soloist we will need to have a rehearsal immediately prior to when we start the prelude music to the ceremony (1 hour before the start of the ceremony). There may be an additional fee for this rehearsal.
Can you play with a soloist, or with the church organist?
Yes, we can accompany a singer or other instrumental soloist. We will need to have sheet music provided in advance (please discuss this with Holly) and we will need to have a rehearsal immediately prior to when we start the prelude music to the ceremony (45-60 minutes before the start of the ceremony, depending on the
number of tunes we need to rehearse). There may be an additional fee for this rehearsal.
How will you know when the bridal party is ready to start the ceremony?
When we arrive at the venue we will have a quick discussion with the officiant or wedding coordinator to get our signals straight as to when to start the processional music OR you may be asked to have someone signal us for the seating of the family.
How do we time our entrances to finish with the music?
You don’t have to worry about this. After playing for hundreds of weddings we have become very skilled at ending the music at just the right time.
How do you charge for a wedding ceremony and a reception that are in two different venues?
We will charge for the length of the engagement, including the time to travel between the two
venues. This usually needs to be negotiated on an individual basis. There are some package rates/discounts available, please discuss this with Holly.
It is not necessary for us to attend the rehearsal. We have played for hundreds of weddings and we are very adept at timing the music to the right length. However, if we are playing with a soloist we will need to have a rehearsal immediately prior to when we start the prelude music to the ceremony (1 hour before the start of the ceremony). There may be an additional fee for this rehearsal.
Can you play with a soloist, or with the church organist?
Yes, we can accompany a singer or other instrumental soloist. We will need to have sheet music provided in advance (please discuss this with Holly) and we will need to have a rehearsal immediately prior to when we start the prelude music to the ceremony (45-60 minutes before the start of the ceremony, depending on the
number of tunes we need to rehearse). There may be an additional fee for this rehearsal.
How will you know when the bridal party is ready to start the ceremony?
When we arrive at the venue we will have a quick discussion with the officiant or wedding coordinator to get our signals straight as to when to start the processional music OR you may be asked to have someone signal us for the seating of the family.
How do we time our entrances to finish with the music?
You don’t have to worry about this. After playing for hundreds of weddings we have become very skilled at ending the music at just the right time.
How do you charge for a wedding ceremony and a reception that are in two different venues?
We will charge for the length of the engagement, including the time to travel between the two
venues. This usually needs to be negotiated on an individual basis. There are some package rates/discounts available, please discuss this with Holly.
Planning in Advance
How far in advance do I need to book?
We recommend that you book the musicians as soon as you have decided on your date and time. Summer weekends for weddings book up very quickly! We will require a signed contract and a deposit of $200 in order to reserve the date for you. We generally book up to one year in advance.
How do I book?
Please read the FAQ’s (frequently asked questions), and then contact us via email or telephone. We will contact you within 48 hours if not sooner. Your date will be reserved once you have signed a contract and paid a
deposit of $200.
When is the balance due?
All accounts must be paid in full one week prior to the event.
When do I need to decide about the musical choices?
Special requests need to be done 4-6 weeks in advance in order to give us enough time make an arrangement for string quartet, trio or duo. Choosing musical selections that are found on our repertoire sheets can be done up until the week before your event.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your deposit of $200 is non-refundable. If you cancel less than 4 weeks before the event, the entire fee will be due.
Do you ever substitute musicians?
In the unlikely event that a musician is ill or otherwise unavailable, an official substitute will be used. The substitute will be someone who has performed with us before on more than one occasion and knows our
repertoire.
We recommend that you book the musicians as soon as you have decided on your date and time. Summer weekends for weddings book up very quickly! We will require a signed contract and a deposit of $200 in order to reserve the date for you. We generally book up to one year in advance.
How do I book?
Please read the FAQ’s (frequently asked questions), and then contact us via email or telephone. We will contact you within 48 hours if not sooner. Your date will be reserved once you have signed a contract and paid a
deposit of $200.
When is the balance due?
All accounts must be paid in full one week prior to the event.
When do I need to decide about the musical choices?
Special requests need to be done 4-6 weeks in advance in order to give us enough time make an arrangement for string quartet, trio or duo. Choosing musical selections that are found on our repertoire sheets can be done up until the week before your event.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your deposit of $200 is non-refundable. If you cancel less than 4 weeks before the event, the entire fee will be due.
Do you ever substitute musicians?
In the unlikely event that a musician is ill or otherwise unavailable, an official substitute will be used. The substitute will be someone who has performed with us before on more than one occasion and knows our
repertoire.
Unusual Questions
If you have a special request…an unusual location, event, time of day, attire, musical choice– we’re definitely up for the challenge! Don’t be afraid to ask? You’re the boss – and I‘m sure we can come to an agreement!
Nova String Quartet | nsq2@novasq.com | 402.334.5737