My wedding will be outdoors. How do I make the musicians happy?
In order to keep the promised playing quality and protect our valuable instruments we need a shaded, dry, flat area to set up. In case of inclement weather allow the group to move to an indoor location. Inclement weather is defined as temperature less than 65 F, very windy conditions or any amount of precipitation. Cold air or excessive heat can be very damaging to the wood. Please keep in mind that in the summer time in Colorado afternoons are usually rainy and it could easily snow in May or in September.
How much time shall I leave for the prelude music before the ceremony?
For a gathering of 100 or less we recommend 15 minutes of prelude music. If the number of guests exceeds 100 than plan on 20-30 minutes of prelude music.
When do you take breaks?
After each hour of playing we take a break of 10-15 minutes. If we have a long engagement (3 hours or more) with you and we are offered to have a meal, then we take 20-25 minutes to eat.
Do you work with wedding coordinators/event consultants or music director of a church?
Yes. Communication is the key to a well organized wedding. I.e., music for a Catholic Mass must be carefully coordinated in consultation with the priest or music director. Also we need to be in touch with your wedding coordinator in order to get a cue to let us know when to start playing for the beginning of the processional.
Can your group play a piece that is not listed on your repertoire?
Yes. If you can send us a piano score or piano-voice score of the piece, we can take a look at it. If it is less than 3 pages long and well set for the group you have chosen, then it is easy to use. If it is a long piece or densely harmonized, then we need to make an arrangement of the piece. It can costs $50 - $80 to write an arrangement. If you only have a CD recording of your piece we would not be available to write out the parts. We don't recommend using music written for orchestra i.e., symphony movements and concertos. To arrange these complex works for a small group is very difficult and would be very expensive.
When is the deposit due to hold the date, how much is it and when is the final payment due?
After receiving our contract the deposit is due within 7 days. It is 50% of the total price and is non refundable. The final payment is due two weeks before your event.
Can I change the times printed on the contract?
We prefer not to change the specified times on the contract. It is very likely that our musicians have other engagements before or after your event and that would cause scheduling problems. To be safe allow 1 and 1/2 hours for the ceremony. If your event is short and you are sure that your guests will find the location and your wedding party will be ready in time, one hour will probably be fine. Most weddings do start a bit late and we try to prevent having problems.
What if I need the musicians to stay extra time after the contracted time expired?
Please ask the musicians if they are available to stay longer. Specify how much longer you need them for. They are independent contractors and after the contracted time expired they have the right to set their own prices. If they are available to stay and you negotiated the additional timeframe and price they need to be paid at the end by check made out to their individual names.
Will the group move or travel from the ceremony site to an other location for the reception? Is there an extra charge for travel?
Moving from one room to another doesn't take much, we always appreciate some help with chairs and stands to speed up the process. Travel from one location to an other is no problem either. You will be charged for the entire time the musicians are booked for even if there is travel involved during the contract.
Can you accompany my friend or family member who sings?
Yes, we'll need to get the sheet music (a piano score or piano-voice score with guitar chords provided in case you have selected a guitar as one of the instruments in the group) of the chosen piece in the same key your singer will perform in. We will look at the music and decide if it can be used as it is or it needs an arrangement. The music needs to be arranged if it is longer than 3 pages or is very densely harmonized. It can costs $50 - $80 to write an arrangement. We need to have a short rehearsal with your soloist (approx. 15-30 min.) before the Prelude music starts. There will be extra charge for that service.
I would like to hire a vocalist or trumpeter besides the string quartet for my ceremony. Can your group accompany the soloist?
Yes. If Columbine Entertainment hires the soloist you have nothing to worry about. Our musicians have a great experience and repertoire available to accompany our soloists. If the soloist is hired by Columbine Entertainment, there is no extra charge for the run-through with the soloist before the prelude starts.
How do the musicians know when to start the processional?
We usually need to get a cue from a wedding coordinator or anybody who is appointed to coordinate your ceremony. That person knows when the mothers are getting ready to proceed. At that moment she/he lets us know by telling us or waving at us and everything flows perfectly after that.
Do your groups use amplification?
Guitar players use amps only as needed. String groups and wind instruments usually perform acoustically.
What kind of chairs do you need?
Armless chairs, please. The simplest foldable chairs work perfect.
What do musicians need?
Our musicians will bring their own music stands and gear. Please provide an armless chair for each player and adequate reading light for indoor weddings and protection from the elements of outdoor weddings. Please let us know if you are planning to have very dimm lights on your ceremony or dinner. We will be happy to bring our standlights. We really appreciate being offered a refreshment and a bite during a break on a long engagement (3 hours or more), but are discreet and polite about not interrupting your guests.
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; "2 Trumpets, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba")
; "Violin, Harp")
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