How do the musicians dress?The musicians dress in black, formal concert attire for most occasions. The quartet also wears lighter summer attire for special outdoor events where appropriate.
What do you require at the venue?The quartet requires an eight foot by eight foot flat space with four armless chairs Ample light is necessary to read music. (If there is enough light for you to read a good book, that is good lighting for the musician's to read their sheet music.) It is helpful to have the event coordinator always available to help the musicians know where, when and what to play. The coordinator should take the responsibility of communicating with the quartet for all musical cues relating to important parts of the event. Having nearby parking, clearly marked paths to the venue and a special room for the musicians to store their cases, equipment and personal belongings is important to keep your venue looking neat and tidy.
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Will the quartet perform outside?
Yes, the quartet frequently plays outdoor concerts, ceremonies and other events. However, stringed instruments can not be played in extreme temperatures or where there is precipitation. When planning how your event will be set up in your venue, picture placing the String Quartet in a shaded area relatively close to those attending without guests needing to walk within a few feet of the quartet so instrument bows don't poke your guests. Covered areas such as gazebos, verandas and pavilions are most ideal. The quartet will perform rain or shine as long as an alternate venue is prepared in case of extreme weather.
How much does it cost to contract the Allegro String Quartet?
Each event is different and performance requests vary. Therefore, to get a good estimate, it is best to contact the Quartet Manager, Barb Lambdin, to explain your musical needs. She can walk you through the entire process and cater the Quartet's performance to your specific desires. The cost to contract the ensemble varies depending on the requirements of the event, location of the venue as well as specific music requests. A basic reception or wedding ceremony requiring an hour worth of music typically costs approximately $565 for the first hour and $140 for each additional hour. There will be many things on your mind on the day of your event so the quartet wants to help you not have to think about one more thing. Therefore, the quartet is typically mailed payment by check in advance to relieve you of undue stress on the event day. Please write the check to "The Allegro String Quartet".
Will the Quartet play special requests?
The Allegro String Quartet has hundreds of pieces of music in their repertoire. The quartet is happy to play any pieces that are in their library. If additional works are requested not in their library, and sheet music is available arranged for String Quartet, the work can be ordered for an additional charge. If there is a specific piece of music that is not arranged for string quartet, it is possible to have music specially arranged for the event for additional charge if circumstances allow. Musicians do not take requests during the event so music should be requested as far in advance as possible to ensure greatest chance of getting the desired music for the event.
How do I know what pieces to pick and how many will be necessary?
The Quartet manager will go over all the details of your event. If you are hiring the quartet for a wedding, the manager will walk you through all the necessary steps of picking music and offer suggestions based on your style and themes. Generally, one work is played for the entrance of the wedding party and after a brief pause, another work is played signaling the bride to enter. The quartet will find a good time to bring the piece to a close as the bride approaches the altar. All details of your event will be coordinated ahead of time, and having the Quartet at a rehearsal of the ceremony is not usually necessary.
Can the Quartet perform with singers and other musicians?
If the desired musical collaboration between the quartet and other musicians is organized with plenty of advanced notice, it is possible for the quartet to perform with others. Additional charges may apply if the special collaborations involve writing or arranging music or additional rehearsal time.
Do we need to meet ahead of time in person?
The members of the Allegro String Quartet have been performing at special events for decades. In most cases, it is not necessary to meet in person ahead of time, but the Quartet is very helpful to make sure all details are in place in so your event run smoothly.