General:

 Q: What instruments perform in a string quartet?

A: A string quartet is 2 violins, a viola and a cello. 

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Q: Why book a string quartet? Wouldn't a trio or duet be sufficient?

A: We love the string quartet format for a few reasons. First, the sound. Having 4 instruments ranging from violin through cello creates a full, resonant sound with beautiful harmonies that can't be duplicated in a trio or duet setting. Secondly, there is so much more repertoire for string quartet than trio or duet, so we love to have a lot of song choices for our clients.

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Q: How far in advance should I book my wedding date?

A: We recommend booking your date as soon as you have your venue reserved. We book over a year in advance, so reserve your date early. We are able to accomodate last-minute reservations on a case-by-case basis, so please don't hesitate to reach out to check and see if your date is available. A deposit is required to hold your date, with your balance due 1 month prior to your ceremony. 

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Q: Do you perform outdoors? If so, what is your weather policy?

A: We love to perform outdoor events. A few key things to keep in mind:

1. Our instruments cannot get wet, so a rain plan or canopy is a must. 

2. We love sunshine! But our antique wooden instruments don't tolerate direct sun very well . We need a shady location or a canopy tent.

3. Cooler weather months are a gorgeous time of year for your wedding! But when the temperatures go below 65 degrees, please provide a portable heater for us so our fingers can continue playing beautiful music for you and your guests. 

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Q: Can you also play for my cocktail hour or reception?

A: Yes! Many of our clients have us perform the ceremony and cocktail hour/dinner. 

We are also available to play for your reception, although please note we do not have any audio gear, so we perform solely as an acoustic ensemble. 

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Q: Will you attend our wedding rehearsal?

A: It is really not necessary for us to attend your rehearsal. We are very experienced with timing the music to the right length, plus it would add to your total cost. If, however, you feel strongly that you'd like a musician at your rehearsal, we have typically found sending one musician to be sufficient. This would accrue an additional fee. 

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Prelude & Ceremony:

Q: Do I need to select all the songs for my prelude? Do I also need to select songs for the entire wedding?

A: You definitely do not need to select all the songs for your prelude (although if you want to, that is totally OK too)! If there is a mood or theme you have in mind, we can create a playlist for you. For your ceremony, you can hand-select songs or we can create a songlist for you. 

Don't know where to start? Check out some of our previous playlists.

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Q: I'm not sure what songs to choose. What do you suggest?

A: We have a large list of music choices. We can help you customize your choices by offering suggestions, or we have some pre-made wedding music lists which offer either all-classical, all-contemporary, or a classical-contemporary mix. We want the music selection process to be simple and fun, so we are always here to help! 

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Q: How many songs do I need to select for my wedding ceremony?

A: Usually around 6-7 songs. Once song for each of these:

• Entrance of grandmothers/mothers (usually all one piece, but could be 2 if you have many people)

• Bridal party (officiant, bridemaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer)

• Bride

• Ceremony piece (unity candle or other similar meditational piece during the ceremony. Some couples opt to not have this). 

• Recessional (exit of couple and wedding party).

• Postlude (exit of guests).

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Q: I have a friend who I would like to have sing and/or perform an instrument along with Queen City Quartet. Is this possible?

A: Absolutely! We're happy to connect with the singer/musician to coordinate music arrangements and performance keys. We charge a small fee for a  rehearsal the day of the wedding, usually 30 minutes prior to prelude starting. 

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Q: What can we expect from you on the day of our ceremony?

A: We will arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of prelude to set up our music stands, warm up and hear the venue acoustics, and touch base with the wedding coordinator and/or officiant to establish processional cues and finalize last-minute details for the ceremony. The only cue we typically need is to motion for us to finish prelude and begin the first piece of the procession, typically the Entrance of the grandmothers/mothers.

We always wear solid black concert attire.

We will begin prelude 30 minutes prior to your ceremony start time, providing classy and elegant music as your guests arrive.

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Q: What details should we know for your set-up at our ceremony location?

A: The only accomodations we need are 4 chairs without arms, ideally set up in an area at least 8' x 8'. We have performed in smaller spaces, however, so if that is not doable, we will work it out. 

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Q: The organist is included in the church fee for my ceremony. Can we still incorporate the organ?

A: Absolutely! Typically, we perform the 30 minute prelude, and the organ plays some (or all) of the procession, depending on your choice. Having the organ play for the bridal entrance can be a nice change of musical tone and highlight the bride's entrance. 

If there are congregational hymns or liturgical music of a Catholic Mass, the organ would be the most useful. Additionally, the organist is helpful with cuing and coordinating the strings with the proceedings.

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Q: I have a special song I'd like played that is not on your repertoire list. Can you still play it for me?

A: Yes, typically we always can. Usually we can source a string quartet arrangement or write a quartet arrangement if needed. Each song purchase or arrangement is typically an additional fee and would be addressed on an individual basis.