FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are you able to perform for outdoor events?

Yes, but there are certain restrictions. In order to protect our wooden instruments from inclement weather and extreme temperatures, we must have adequate shelter to protect out instruments from any type of precipitation. We absolutely cannot be in direct sunlight or moisture and the temperature cannot get below 60 degrees or above 95 degrees.

Gazebo’s, tents, canopies, overhangs, etc. are considered adequate shelter for the musicians. We do not like to include trees (since we’ve shown up one too many times to a waist-high bush or a leafless tree) but if it does provide enough shelter (i.e. the entire ensemble is in the shade AT ALL TIMES and won’t get wet if it rains suddenly) then it’s OK with us.
***Please note*** In the event that we do play under a large tree, we will have to pack up our instruments if it starts raining (even a sprinkle), no matter what. So we recommend that the client provides cover just in case.


Do you have a ukulele musician or ukulele/guitar duo?
No, I'm sorry we do not. We only specialize in classical music for violin, viola and cello. Although we are performing for weddings in Hawaii and perform alongside many ukulele musicians, we are hired separately.

What comprises a quartet, trio or duo?

A string quartet is comprised of two violins, a viola and a cello. A string trio consists of a violin, viola and cello.


How do I know what ensemble will work best for me?
The location of the event, number people in attendance and formality of the event will help determine the size of the ensemble. For example, a quartet will be well suited for outdoor wedding ceremonies because the sound will be fuller. For weddings with a smaller guest list (like 20~30) or tighter budget, I recommend a violin/cello duo or string trio. For a larger guest list, I reccommend a string quartet. The string quartet is generally the standard ensemble type, and our music is arranged from string quartet parts. (The duos and strios are essentially the string quartet with the 2nd violin omitted.) We are happy to work with you to determine what will best suit your event.


I have relatives/friends who sing. Can you accompany them during my ceremony?
Yes, we can accompany a singer. We will require a short rehearsal on the day of your event, before the ceremony. The singer will need to send us the music, whatever they they have. We are happy to work with your to make the string quartet/singer combination work.


My locale does not have any shelter; how can I find shelter for my outdoor wedding?
Usually, the company that supplies the chairs for your wedding has tents or canopies available to rent. Many caterers/wedding planners/party supply companies may also have a small canopy for your event. Check with the hotel also.


What will your group supply and what do I need to supply?
Musicians: will bring stands, music and stand-lights if needed.
You: Please provide the musicians with adequate chairs with backs and without arms, and a level surface for the musicians to setup for outdoor settings. For indoor settings, a place with adequate light and space is requested.


Are you able to travel outside of Oahu?
Yes, we do travel. If the location is within Honolulu, we do not charge a travel fee. If it is on the the Winward or Leeward coasts or on the North Shore of Oahu, we do charge a small fee for our travel time. Please see the "Rates" section for travel fees.

If your event is an airplane ride away to another island (i.e. Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Lanai, Molokai, Samoa, Guam, etc.) then we will charge for airfare, car rental, etc. as needed, in addition to the performance rate. Please contact us directly to get a personalized travel quote for your event.


Does your group play for the ceremony and the reception/cocktail hour?
Yes of course! If we play for both the ceremony and reception, we charge for the total time, per musician. See our rates for more information. This time includes any downtime (or travel, if applicable) between the ceremony and the reception to ensure that the musicians are paid for their time. If the reception is at a different location than the ceremony, the musicians are able to travel to the new location. For the reception, the musicians will usually select the pieces since they are primarily acting as background music. For every hour of playing, the group will take one 10-minute break to stretch and get a glass of water.


Do the musicians attend the wedding rehearsal?
No, the musicians do not generally attend since we are very familiar with the process. All details of the ceremony (i.e. how many attendants, pieces to be performed, length of the aisle, etc.) are discussed between the contractor and bride/booking party ahead of time. If the booking party would still like the musicians to be there, then the performance rate is the same as the ceremony: $150/musician for the first hour, and $100/musician for any hour after that.

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