Although we most commonly perform at wedding ceremonies, we have also performed at a variety of other events in the past. Other venues could include, but are certainly not limited to, wedding aniversaries, museum events, corporate events, business openings, funerals, etc.
What types of music do you play?
We can play in a variety of styles, including classical, light jazz, and popular music. Popular music might include waltzes, the Beatles, Broadway tunes, movie theme songs, and Scott Joplin rags.
Can you play "special request" music?
If we do not have a particular, non-standard piece which you request, then we would be happy to play that piece for you as long as you are willing to purchase the music for us. Generally, most string quartet wedding music can be purchased from a sheet music store online (e.g. www.sheetmusicplus.com).
What is a typical wedding program?
Please refer to our Ceremony Music Selection page.
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What is your basic procedure for booking an event?
First, contact Hana Morford (the quartet's violist) to see if your date is available. She can then answer any questions you may have concerning the logistics of your event and Rice String Quartet policies. After that, you will need to fill out a contract, which will document the details of your event, and which both you and Hana will sign. We do NOT require deposits. However, by signing the contract, you vow to use our services.
What do you charge?
Please refer to our "fees" page.
What type of payment do you require?
We take either cash or checks. Please make checks out to Hana Morford - NOT to the Rice String Quartet. Payment is due upon our arrival at the hired event.
Do you require a deposit?
Just to re-iterate a point already made, we do NOT require a deposit. Nevertheless, by signing a contract, you vow to use our services for your event.
What is your cancellation policy?
If, for some reason, you must break your contract with us, we will strictly adhere to the following cancellation policy:
a. If the purchaser cancels the contract AT LEAST two (2) weeks prior to the date of the performance, the Rice String Quartet will charge no cancellation fee to the client.
b. If the purchaser cancels the contract between two (2) weeks and forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date of the performance, the client agrees to pay fifty percent (50%) of the agreed upon wage to the Rice String Quartet.
c. If the purchaser cancels the contract LESS than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date of the performance, the client agrees to pay one hundred percent (100%) of the agreed upon wage to the Rice String Quartet.
Do you charge travel fees?
We do charge small travel fees for events outside of the immediate Houston area. (We are based at Rice University.) Please contact us for more information on your specific event.
How far away are you willing to travel for an event?
Generally we are willing to travel 1 - 1.5 hours in any direction. Please contact us if you have a specific question concerning your event location.
Will you perform outdoors?
We will peform at outdoor events as long as the temperature is AT LEAST 65 degrees and we are provided with ample shelter from sunlight and there is no inclement weather. We will NOT perform in strong winds, any type of rain (including drizzle), hail, etc. - even if provided with shelter. Our instruments are very valuable, and they must be well protected when we play outdoors. We thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Are you available during the summer?
Generally, we are not all in town during the months of June and July. However, we know many good players in the Houston area whom we could recommend to you if we are not available on your event date. Please contact us with your specific date for more infomation.
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Does the client need to provide anything for the string quartet ahead of time?
We require that the client send us a map with good written directions (i.e. please don't use mapquest for city driving directions) at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
What do you need at our site when you peform?
All we need at an event are four armless chairs, ample space for four people to sit in a semi-circle and not be in the way of guests (about 8' x 8' - although we've had less before!), and good lighting. We do NOT need any type of microphone or amps. We provide our music stands, music, and obviously, our instruments.
**Also, please NOTE that we require a ten minute break for every hour that we play at parties/receptions (but not at wedding ceremonies).
What do you wear?
Unless otherwise specified, we will wear concert black attire (similar to what members of a symphony orchestra wear).