Macarthur Strings FAQ

Q I don't know anything about music and don't know what songs to choose for my wedding.

A That's ok because we do! Any member of the quartet will be happy to give advice on music choices and even play or sing to you over the phone! It's been done lots of times before, so don't hesitate to ask!

Q What if there is a particular song we want played?

A Almost anything that is available for full score piano will be playable by the quartet. There are many large music stores in Sydney who will happily take orders for music over the phone and give advice. Then we just take the music and divide the parts up.

Q Do you just play classical music?

A No. we have over 10 hours worth of music and half of that is what we term "Popular" - anything from Cole Porter, Gershwin, Shania Twain to the Beatles and even some Bon Jovi!

Q What do the quartet wear?

A Usually just black, standard performance dress.

Q Do the quartet play as a trio?

A No because all our music is written for four players and with one part missing we feel it sounds empty.

Q How many songs will we need?

A Three main ones. One for the processional, one for the signing of the register and one for the recessional. We normally base our pre and post ceremony music on the choices you have made for the main part of the wedding. If you have a full mass there are other parts that require music but they are usually short interludes and we can advise you on those.

Q Can you play Hyms?

A Definitely. If we haven't got the one you are after, we would just ask you to get a copy from your church and send it to us.

Q How long will I need to book you for?

A Usually one hour is plenty. Most ceremonies take about 35 minutes. We start 15 minutes before the wedding so there is music while people are waiting which leaves 10 minutes of music or so after the ceremony while people are leaving the church. If you are having a full mass then factor in an extra half hour at half the second hour rate.

Q Can you go from church to reception?

A Yes. We are fully moveable/transferrable. If there is a long wait between ceremony and reception we are happy to negotiate a "waiting fee" which is usually about half our normal hourly fee.

Q How far do we travel?

A We really would go anywhere! Our first hour fee includes up to one hour's travel. Any further than that would really depend on the time taken to get there, but we are happy to negotiate.

Q What do we need to perform?

A Only four armless chairs and adequate shade for outdoors if it's sunny, cover if it is wet. The instruments don't react well tuning-wise to the sun and will mark with water.

Q Do we require amplification?

A No. Normally a church acoustic suits us beautifully and if outside and under a verandah or something, that will act as an amplifier for us. We actually make alot of noise!

Q I have a friend who is a singer. Can she sing with you?

A Yes but we will always ask to start a little earlier than we would normally do to have a bit of a run through so as to make sure that everything is going to go smoothly. The singer will need to provide copies of the full piano accompaniment to the quartet on the day.

Did we miss something? Contact us and please enquire.