Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book Riverview Chamber Players for my event?
Step One: Contact the Music Director for your free half hour phone
consultation.
Step Two: Listen to our Online Music Sampler.
Step Three: Book Riverview Chamber Players
How do I choose the appropriate ensemble for my event?
Several factors should be considered: the venue, the number of guests you have invited, the style of music you want, and the general ambience you would like to create. If your event is in a large room and you are inviting over one hundred guests, it is a good idea to use a trio or quartet—the larger the ensemble, the better chance for music to be heard throughout the room. For smaller events (up to sixty or seventy guests) a duet will work well. For those who like a royal, grand sound for their wedding processional and recessional, a trumpet with a trio or quartet is an excellent choice. Listen to the Riverview Online Music Sampler to help
you choose your ensemble.
I don't know much about music, will you help me select some?
Yes. The Music Director will be more than happy to select the music for you or to help you choose the best music for your event. For special music requests—a piece from your favorite movie, for example—it is a good idea to contact the Music Director at least three months prior to your event, to insure the availability of that piece. She will need time to find the score and to make sure that the music will work for the ensemble you have booked. If sheet music can't be found, a professional music arranger can be hired to create the score for your ensemble. Contact the Music Director for your FREE half hour
consultation.
Do we need to meet with the Music Director to discuss our music
selections?
No. This can be done over the phone and often takes no more than a half hour to solidify the ceremony music. It is best to make the call at least two weeks prior to your wedding.
Will you play with our church organist?
Yes. Riverview Chamber Players can play all of the music with the
organist or can alternate selections with him or her.
Can you accompany my sister/aunt/cousin/friend who wants to sing at my
wedding?
Yes. It is important that you discuss this with the Music Director well
in advance of your wedding day. The Director will need the sheet music
for the piece(s) being played with the singer, and the musicians will
need to rehearse with the singer. The best time to rehearse is on the
day of your wedding, an hour and a half before the ceremony starts.
There will be a charge for the rehearsal time.
Will the musicians on the Online Music Sampler be the same musicians who will play
at my wedding?
Not necessarily. We have over fifty fabulous musicians who perform with
Riverview Chamber Players regularly and all are as talented as the
musicians who you hear on the Online Music Sampler.
How does a musician become a professional?
Becoming a skilled professional musician and maintaining a high level
of technical and musical expertise requires years and years of practice
and playing. Most classical musicians begin private weekly study on
their instruments between the ages of five and nine, and continue
private lessons through their college years. They initially practice
half an hour to an hour each day, then gradually build up to three to
five hours by high school. In addition to private study and practice,
most musicians play in school and youth orchestras and chamber groups,
and perform in recitals throughout their high school and college years.
Many also participate in summer music festivals, and immerse themselves
in the study of music history and theory.
What do the musicians wear to a wedding or event?
The musicians dress in formal black performing attire; tux for men, all
black for women.
Do we need to provide food for the musicians?
We ask you to provide food if the musicians play at your event for four
hours or more.
Do we need to tip the musicians?
Feel free to tip the musicians if you so choose.
Will you play outdoors?
Yes, however the musical instruments are extremely delicate and are
very sensitive to direct sunlight, wind, sand, precipitation, and cold.
In order to protect the instruments, you need to provide a dry, shaded
area in which the musician can play. This can be under a big tree, on a
shady porch, under a tent, or in a gazebo. The outdoor temperature
should be 60 degrees or more. In addition, it is always a good idea to
have a "Plan B" in case of inclement weather.
Do you attend wedding rehearsals?
No. That is not necessary since we have all the ceremony details
prepared long in advance.
Will you travel from ceremony to reception site? And, is there an extra
charge for the travel?
Yes, we will travel from the ceremony to reception site. The travel
time from one site to another is included in the hourly fee.
Do you charge for travel?
Yes. A round-trip travel fee will be charged for any engagement over 25
miles from Boston. Contact the Music Director for specific fees to your
event.
Do you have suggestions on how to make my wedding eco-friendly?
Yes. There is a wonderful article that the Sierra Club put out entitled "10 Steps to a Green Wedding." Please click on the link to see the full article.
What other wedding vendors can you highly recommend?
Venues:
Event Planning:
Catering:
Flowers:
Photography:
DJ:
Officiants:
Misc:
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