Why do prices vary between different string quartet groups?
Different pricing usually corresponds to the level of professionalism and experience. Members of regentSQ have been playing together for over 10 years and have many years of performance experience. Underlying our years of playing together is many years of national and international recitals and concert performances as individual musicians. The result of this level of professionalism will be more than evident at your function. We are confident and capable in any setting from church services to backyard BBQs.
Can the quartet play outdoors?
Yes, however adequate shade and/or cover is required to protect our valuable instruments against any moisture or direct sunlight. We are unable to play even in light drizzle or direct sunlight, due to the effect on the instruments. Your venue management will usually be able to provide market umbrellas or other suitable cover. Level ground, adequate lighting and four chairs without arm rests are also necessary.
Do you play at events other than weddings?
Yes. We are regularly booked to play at corporate events and a wide range of private functions including cocktail parties, business dinners, book launches, conventions, trade shows, engagement parties, anniversaries and Christmas parties.
What do I need to do to confirm my booking?
A $100 non-refundable deposit is required within 14 days of booking regentSQ. As soon as a function is booked, you will receive a letter of confirmation, which details methods of payment (direct deposit, cheque etc.) The deposit is not an additional cost; it will be deducted from the total fee when the full payment is due.
Are there any hidden charges? What about Public Holidays?
Our fee for the first hour incorporates a booking fee. The only extra charges are for bookings outside Melbourne and Public Holidays. We charge an $80 surcharge for the following days:
| Event |
2008 |
2009 |
| New Years Day |
Tues 1 Jan |
Thurs 1 Jan |
| Australia Day |
Mon 28 Jan |
Mon 26 Jan |
| Labour Day |
Mon 10 March |
Mon 9 March |
| Good Friday |
Fri 21 March |
Fri 10 April |
| Easter Sunday |
Sun 23 Marcn |
Sun 12 April |
| Easter Monday |
Mon 24 March |
Mon 13 April |
| ANZAC Day |
Fri 25 April |
Sat 25 April |
| Queen's Birthday |
Mon 9 June |
Mon 8 June |
| Melbourne Cup Day |
Tues 4 Nov |
Tues 3 Nov |
| Boxing Day |
Fri 26 Dec |
Sat 26 Dec |
RegentSQ does not work on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
How much space do you need?
We require approximately 3.0 metres by 2.0 metres (9'10" by 6'7") of space to play.
We arrange the four chairs provided in a semi circle. |
 |
Do you offer a string trio?
Yes. We are happy to provide a string trio. Having said that, we nearly always recommend a string quartet for your function. A quartet's sound is fuller and richer than a string trio's because of the four-part harmony. Also, there is far more music written for quartet than trio. For example, Mozart wrote 23 string quartets but only 1 string trio. The popular classics you are used to hearing may sound quite different in a trio setting, as most are arranged for 4 parts or more. If a trio is your preference however, we are happy to provide it.
Do you play requests?
Yes, we can play requests. If you have a specific piece of music in mind, regentSQ will advise on its suitability and adaptability to the string quartet configuration. If an arrangement of the music for string quartet is not available, we may need to charge a fee for writing our own arrangement.
How many breaks do you need to take?
For all string quartets, fees are based on the total hired time and not the total playing time. We generally need to take a 10-15 minute break per hour during a function of 2 hours or more. We are happy to coordinate our breaks with your function's itinerary, so please let us know when speeches are likely to occur.
In a wedding ceremony booking, breaks for the quartet are 'built in' to the service and the quartet will, of course, stay in position throughout the service.
Wedding FAQs
Do you attend the wedding ceremony rehearsal?
No. Having played at hundreds of weddings, this is not necessary. The experience and flexibility of regentSQ means that we will be in step with what is happening during the ceremony. We are skilled in timing the processional music to the right length. A member of the quartet will discuss preferences and details regarding the ceremony with you by phone (or in an email) in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. On the day, we liase with the priest or celebrant for cues.
What if the bride is late?
Brides are often late. Please note that we will need to charge an extra fee if we are required to stay longer than the booked time. If in doubt, you might want to consider adding a little extra time when you book. Eg. Catholic Nuptual Masses generally require a 1.5 hour booking. Most ceremonies last 30 - 40 minutes, so with 15 minutes of pre-service music, a 1 hour booking is generally sufficient.
Can we have a singer at our ceremony?
We do offer singers or will happily work with one of your choice. We may need to charge a rehearsal fee depending on either the singer or the music chosen.
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