What instruments are in a string quartet / trio/ duo?
Quartet = 2 violins, viola and cello
Trio = 2 violins and cello
Duo = violin with piano OR cello with piano*
*At this time the repertoire for a duo is limited to hymns and classical music.
How many musicians should I hire?
Hire the largest ensemble you can afford. The more instruments you have, the fuller the sound will be. Whether you have 50 guests or 500, a string quartet can sound just as elegant in either case. The smaller string ensemble is a great lower-budget alternative and would be appropriate for a more intimate setting.
A string ensemble would be appropriate for what types of events?
Anything you want: weddings, receptions, private parties, dinners, corporate events, memorial services, christenings, church services, etc.
How much do you charge?
For a local wedding, we charge $500 for a quartet, $375 for a trio, and $300 for a duo. This price includes prelude and ceremony. For a wedding and reception, we charge $800 for a quartet and $600 for a trio. For events 30+ miles outside of the Lufkin/Nacogdoches area, there is a travel fee. For receptions only or other types of events, please contact us for a quote.
How soon do I need to contact Selah Strings to be assured of availability?
As soon as the date and location of your event are set. A signed contract and deposit secures your date on our calendar. You should go ahead and send in the contract even if you have not made your musical selections.
What music do I need to select and what if I need help?
We offer music consultation free of charge. Our repertoire includes classical standards, semi-classical pieces and popular titles. (We have a wide variety of pop tunes – from oldies like “Unforgettable” to movie themes like “Unchained Melody” to contemporary tunes like “Clocks.”) If you know what you want, you may select all of the music for the ceremony. If you are unsure, we will be glad to help by finding listening samples for you. If you would rather leave the decision to us, let us know the style you prefer (classical, romantic, contemporary, etc.) and we will put it together for you.
Typical classical selections for wedding ceremonies:
- Seating of the Family: “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”
- Bridal Party Processional (Groomsmen, Bridesmaids, Flowers Girls): “Canon in D”
- Bridal Processional: the traditional “Bridal Chorus” or “Trumpet Voluntary”
- Recessional: the traditional “Wedding March” or “Rondeau” by Mouret
Wedding ceremony music includes a 15-30 minute prelude which will be played while guests are being seated. Once we have an idea of your favorite types of music, we will complement your selections with enough music to have a nice prelude.
I have some favorite songs… Can the ensemble play them for my event?
We will make every attempt to honor special requests. If the song is not in our repertoire, we will look for the music. However, please understand that some titles are not suitable for string ensembles.
Can the ensemble accompany a vocalist?
Yes – Just a few notes on the specifics: We need at least two months’ notice to plan accompaniment. This gives us time to obtain parts and communicate / rehearse with the soloist. If the accompaniment is not already in our library or cannot be obtained in quartet configuration, there may be an arrangement fee if a piano accompaniment has to be rewritten for the quartet.
How long does the ensemble usually play during a wedding?
Most wedding ceremonies last 1 hour: 15-30 minutes of prelude music before the ceremony begins and 30-45 minutes for the ceremony itself. A wedding may be longer if communion is included.
Receptions usually last from 1 to 2 hours. The quartet requires a short break after an hour of playing. If you require us to play longer than 2 hours, there may be an additional charge.
Does the group travel?
Yes, we will travel beyond the Lufkin/Nacogdoches area within reason for a fee. Call us for a quote.
Can the ensemble attend the wedding rehearsal?
Our coordinator can attend the rehearsal for a fee, but it is not usually necessary. We arrive the day of the wedding early enough to discuss the length of the processionals and any last-minute changes with your wedding planner.
I would like to have my event outdoors. What do I need to know?
Outdoor events are not a problem provided certain conditions are met. Our instruments are sensitive to changes in temperature, sunlight and humidity and cannot be exposed to any amount of water (rain, drizzle, spray from a fountain). Tents are not always adequate protection in medium to heavy rain. We cannot be in direct sunlight. Sunlight can damage instruments, cause them to go out of tune and the sun in our eyes prevents us from reading our music. Trees are not always an ideal source of shade (falling sap, insects, uneven ground beneath). Temperature must be between 65 and 90. Extreme temperatures can cause our instruments to crack. Cold temperatures make it impossible for our fingers to move. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, please be sure to book an indoor alternative in the event of rain or extreme temperatures.
General Information
We need a space approximately 10’ x 10’ with level flooring and four sturdy chairs without arms.