Here are some of the questions many of our customers have posed. If you don't find the answer you are looking for, be sure to ask us and we'll get you the answers that you need.
- How can I hear Metropolitan Strings play?
- What groups do you offer?
- What is the difference in instrumentation between a quartet and trio?
- How do I know which group is right for my event?
- What information can you send me?
- How do I reserve your group to perform for my event?
- How far ahead do you need a signed contract?
- Can the contract be changed or amended after it is signed?
- What are your rates?
- Do you perform outside of the metropolitan area?
- When is payment due?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- When do you arrive to set up?
- Can you perform outdoors? (What is required?)
- How much space do you need?
- What do I need to provide for you to perform?
- How much time is appropriate for prelude music (as guests are seated)?
- How do I choose my music?
- When do you need my music choices?
- What if the music choice(s) we want are not on your "suggested list"?
- Can you work with a wedding coordinator/event planner?
- Can you accompany a vocalist or another instrumentalist?
- What do you wear to perform?
- Can you come to a rehearsal?
- Our wedding and reception are in two different places. What do you need to perform in both places?
- Do you take breaks?
- Can you play longer than contracted if needed?
1. How can I hear Metropolitan Strings play?
Because most of our performances are for private functions, it is often
not possible to hear us play "live". We would be happy to send you a "wedding
sampler" CD of the Metropolitan String Quartet performing some popular selections.
(You may also hear these by clicking on the song titles highlighted in the
music page.)
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2. What groups do you offer?
We primarily play as a quartet, however we often perform as a trio. A variety
of duets are also available, and can include guitar or piano, or percussion.
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3. What is the difference in instrumentation
between a quartet and trio?
Our quartet is made up of two violins, a viola, and cello. Our trio is the
same without the viola.
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4. How do I know which group is right for
my event?
If your event is outdoors or you are expecting 150+ guests, the quartet
is recommended. It is the richest sounding group and sounds terrific anywhere.
However the choice is yours. If you are unsure feel free to ask. We will
give an opinion based mostly on location size and area.
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5. What information can you send me?
We have a package, which includes the sample CD, an informational letter,
and a contract*. For wedding packages, we also include a worksheet* to help
you plan your music and a list of suggested music selections*. (* indicates
you may also view on this web-site.)
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6. How do I reserve your group to perform
for my event?
To reserve us to perform for your event, please mail us a deposit of half
the total amount due, and the signed contract. We will sign the contract
and mail you a copy for your records.
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7. How far ahead do you need a signed contract?
To insure your date is reserved, send the contract as soon as possible.
Some months (particularly summer and early fall) fill up quickly. If it
has been a while since you received the contract (more than a week), we
recommend checking to be sure we are still available to serve you on your
requested date and time.
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8. Can the contract be changed or amended
after it is signed?
The contract may be changed once signed if the new terms still work for
us. If you are unsure about time, put your best guess down with a question
mark and side note stating it may change. We will do our best to accommodate
you.
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9. What are your rates?
We are proud of our competitive rates. However, because many factors can
affect rates (such as mileage to certain areas) it is best to ask for a
quote.
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10. Do you perform outside of the metropolitan
area?
We often perform outside of the metropolitan area. Mileage costs apply to
areas more than an hour outside of the metro area. Ask for a quote.
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11. When is payment due?
The balance of your payment is due before we begin performing. We recommend
mailing a check at least ten days before your event. You may pay us at your
event, but we ask that you pay before we begin performing.
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12. What is your cancellation policy?
The deposit is refundable until one month before the event, minus a $50.00
service fee.
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13. When do you arrive to set up?
We typically arrive at least 30 minutes before we are contracted to perform.
You are not charged for this time.
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14. Can you perform outdoors? (What is required?)
We often perform outdoors. In order to protect our instruments from rain
and also from the sun, we require shelter. If you do not have any shelter,
we can provide and set up our own 12'X12' canopy at an additional cost.
We cannot perform if the temperature falls below 60 degrees, as it is difficult
to stay in tune and it can be damaging to our instruments.
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15. How much space do you need?
We typically need at least 10'X10', but can be creative with smaller spaces
if needed.
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16. What do I need to provide for you to
perform?
We need a chair without arms for each musician (four for string quartet,
for example), and good lighting. If lighting is not good, we can bring our
own stand lights provided there is someplace to plug in a cord.
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17. How much time is appropriate for prelude
music (as guests are seated)?
For most weddings, 15 minutes is sufficient time for us to perform prelude
music while your guests are being seated. If you are expecting 150+ guests
we recommend 30 minutes.
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18. How do I choose my music?
If you are not sure what music you would like, the "suggested music selections"
is a great place to start. The sample CD may also give you some ideas. We
are happy to provide any help you desire. There is no extra charge for music
consultations.
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19. When do you need my music choices?
We would like your final music selections at least a week before your event.
If you have a special request that is not on the list, please let us know
at least a month before the event so that we can be sure we have the music,
or make an arrangement for our group if none is available.
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20. What if the music choice(s) we want
are not on your "suggested list"?
We can usually make an arrangement of a piece of music if none is available. There is a $25.00 charge for each special arrangement. We have done
this for several clients.
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21. Can you work with a wedding coordinator/event
planner?
We often work with wedding coordinators and event planners. This is a great
way to coordinate music, timing, and other important details.
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22. Can you accompany a vocalist or another
instrumentalist?
We can accompany a vocalist or instrumentalist. In order to insure the performance
is just right, we require a 15-minute rehearsal before we begin performing
for an additional fee. There is a $40.00 charge for up to two vocal selections, and $20.00 for each additional vocal selection.
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23. What do you wear to perform?
We pride ourselves on dressing professionally. We typically wear dressy
black clothing, but we can also wear black and white on top if requested.
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24. Can you come to a rehearsal?
It is not necessary for us to come to a wedding rehearsal. We have played
hundreds of weddings, and can provide the music service you desire without
the extra cost of a rehearsal. In addition to speaking to you on the phone
about your music choices, we also arrive early to speak to the wedding official,
coordinator, and get any necessary details. This is done at no additional
cost.
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25. Our wedding and reception are in two
different places. What do you need to perform in both places?
The price you pay for our musical service includes our time. Therefore we
must charge for time spent moving from one location to another, as we are
unable to accept other playing jobs during that time.
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26. Do you take breaks?
If we are performing for a reception or other event (not the wedding ceremony)
for more than an hour, we do take a ten-minute break each hour. These can
be coordinated with speeches, cake cutting, etc.
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27. Can you play longer than contracted
if needed?
If we do not have another engagement after the contracted time, we are usually
happy to comply. Please ask before we finish if you would like more time.
We ask for additional payment before the extra time begins.
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Lisa Kriss
(303) 703-6549
lisa@metropolitanstrings.com