Q: What is the difference between the Duo, the Trio, and the Quartet?

A: This is a question that gets asked a lot. The best way to explain this is to ask yourself to think of listening to a song being sung. If just one person sings, that person sings the melody. This is what the first Violin in our group does (the melody). At ball games, someone usually sings The Star-Spangled Banner alone, with no accompaniment. That is what melody sounds like by itself. It can be very nice  and effective, but it always sounds somehow lonely. The next important function to add to the melody is the bass line like what the Cello does in our group. The bass line provides the structure to the melody in much the same way a foundation gives structure to a building. If you are hiring the Duo, you will have melody in the upper instrument and bass line in the lower instrument. Larger groups like the Trio and the Quartet simply add what is known as counter-melody which adds more thickness to the mix. The second Violin plays a similar melody to the first Violin but on a slightly lower pitch. The Viola completes the mixture and fills in all the chords.

          Another factor is the size of the room and the size of the party.  Generally speaking the Duo is most effective in a  setting where the party is confined to a small room and you don’t have a lot of guests.  A Quartet can be overwhelming in this environment.  The Trio is usually the safest group to choose.  We can easily adapt to a small setting or to a bigger one.  We can play almost as loud and full as the Quartet.  For a party of seventy-five or more you probably want to consider a Quartet.  It guarantees that every guest at any part of the room will be able to adequately hear us.   

Q: What is the difference between a String Trio with Two Violins and Cello, or Violin, Viola, and Cello?

      What is the difference between a Flute Trio with Flute, Violin, and Cello, or Flute, Viola, and Cello?

A: This question also gets asked a lot.  There is hardly any difference in the sound.  You can substitute easily a Viola for an Violin in a Trio.  The Viola has a slightly darker sound than the Violin.  There are some pieces that are written specifically for a Trio with a Viola, but most of the music is the same.  You can refer to the Repertoire List to see the differences.  If you prefer the Viola, or the Violin, let us know and we will accommodate your request.  If you don’t specify, we will select one based on the musician’s availability. 

Q: What Events can you play for:

A: Weddings, Receptions, Dinners, Rehearsal Dinners, other Religious Events, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Funerals Ceremonies, Special Church Services, Social Events, Holiday Parties, Society Teas, Society Receptions, Banquets, Business Events, Office Parties, Corporate Functions, Retirement Parties, or anything else you desire.

Q: Do I need Classical Music for my Cocktail Hour or Dinner?

A: Following the Ceremony, the mood can quickly change for the Reception with festive, light, romantic music as people have their first refreshments.  Later, during a meal, music is proper with every menu. Quieter musical selections are nice as people eat and converse at Dinner. Your choices are endless.

Q: Do I need to Select Music for my Cocktail Hour or Dinner?

A:  Generally speaking no you don’t.  We have enough experience to feel out the moment and decide what the audience would like to hear. We can easily switch from pure Classical, to Jazz, to Broadway, to Rags, or Waltzes.   We also try to honor all requests that are made at the event.  If you would like to choose some or all of the music for the Cocktail Hour or Dinner, feel free to do so and we will be happy to accommodate you.  Also don’t forget we also offer Special Requests Services.  We will be happy to perform a special song or piece, regardless of its genre providing we are given enough time to find and arrange the music.

Q: How do I select music...especially if I don't know much about music?

A: No matter how much or how little you know, your taste is vital in deciding what music you want played at every point of your celebration. First, think about the mood and tone you want to set, joyous, uplifting, quiet, reflective, or a little of each as the celebration unfolds. Then listen to recordings of the music on the Repertoire List. Pay special attention to the music at the next celebration you go to.  Call the group’s contractor and set up a free consultation meeting.  He can work directly with you to select music from the Repertoire List that has special meaning to you and that will enhance the occasion. Our Repertoire is extensive and varies from the early Baroque to Contemporary Love Songs, and everything in between.

Q: Where does the Ensemble Sit?

A:   We usually sit near the bar, or buffet table.  It is ideal to be centrally located so your whole party can hear us, not    just one end of the hall.  Where we sit is entirely up to you.

Q: What does the Ensemble Wear?

A: Your event is special, and the Ensemble will dress for the occasion. The men will wear tuxedos or if you prefer we can wear dark suits and the women will be in dressy clothes, usually all black or black and white.

Q: What does Ensemble need on the day of the event?

A: The Ensemble needs chairs with flat seats and no arms, shade if we are outdoors and adequate lighting if we are playing indoors.  If we are playing a cocktail hour and dinner, please arrange to have another set of chairs at both locations.  This provides for a speedy transition from each location which enables us to set up faster and be ready to provide you with more music.  We do not use microphones.  If there isn’t adequate lightening we are also equipped with music stand lights,  but make sure that there is a nearby electric outlet for our lighting.  We don’t have a lot of equipment, just instrument cases, music bags, stands and lights.  If our location is in the public’s eye, we need a place to hide our belongings.  Commonly we use coat checks, closets, or under buffet tables. Please find out in advance where the best spot for us is.