1. May I see your references and a demo CD?
You can view references and feedback from past clients on our review page and also on Wedding Wire. If you would like, we can put you in contact with a recent client who can speak about his/her experience with us. Our collection of sound clips is available on our recordings page. If you do not have computer access, please contact us and we will mail you a complimentary CD. If you lost your CD insert, please click here to download a copy which lists the titles of the musical selections (in order) included on our sample CD. You may also wish to listen to our podcasts.
2. May I see you perform at an event or bridal show?
Each year we are invited to play several bridal shows in the area. These events are generally listed on our home page; you can also contact us to see when other events may be held.
3. If I provide you with a list of pieces, will you be able to play them?
We are proud to have an extensive repertoire of classical, popular, jazz, and contemporary pieces. You can download several PDF lists of music on our repertoire page, however we add new pieces to our repertoire frequently. If you have a special request please let us know as we may already have it in our repertoire. If not, we are experienced at making wonderful arrangements – even of non-traditional music! – and can generally accommodate special requests for a reasonable fee.
4. Can we control the volume of the music?
For ceremonies we are able to adjust our volume as desired and can explore your needs as we plan your event with you. For cocktails and dinner when guests will be talking and mingling, we have a high-quality BOSE sound system along with individual instrumental microphones, which allows us to adjust our volume to the setting, allowing the music to be heard while still remaining “atmospheric” in the background. The BOSE system is not just clear and beautiful; it is also discreet. The speaker is contained in a thin black tower which is hardly noticed by your guests. For venues where the system is appropriate, the system is available for a nominal fee.
5. How will you and the other musicians be dressed?
Gentlemen generally wear tuxedos (black with waistcoat) and ladies wear all black. You can be sure our clothing will be tasteful and suited to your event. If the atmosphere of your event – especially for less formal parties and events – would be enhanced by alternate attire we can discuss options with you.
6. How long do you play with how many breaks?
Our most requested performance time is two hours. That block of time allows us to play ample prelude music (while your guests are arriving) and music for the ceremony without any worries of going into overtime should the event be delayed or run longer than expected. In fact, most ceremonies are of a length that allows us to play for the cocktail hour before dinner within that same two-hour period of time. We also have music that is suitable for dinner and the rest of the evening if you choose to have us perform. During a two-hour time frame, which for weddings includes prelude/ceremony and cocktails, we only need a short break to reset and change locations if desired. For time frames of three hours or more we generally take a 10 or 15 minute per hour. We pro-rate half-hour increments after the initial two-hour call.
7. How long will you need to prepare or set up?
The lead musician typically arrives at least a half-hour in advance of the time we are scheduled to being playing. During that time, the lead musician will check in with the coordinator, officiant, and person giving cues as needed to be sure the event goes smoothly. We do not charge for the lead musician to arrive a half-hour before the event. All our musicians are professional and timely!
8. Will you be able to act as master of ceremonies?
Several members of our group are comfortable with making announcements at events, and our sound system is wonderful for this request. Please inquire early if you may wish to have one of our musicians help in this way.
9. When do you begin charging overtime?
As noted, we will discuss your event in detail with you to be sure we will be able to provide music for as much of the event as you desire. Our initial two hours comfortably covers most clients' time frames (prelude, ceremony, & cocktails). If, while attending the event, the client finds they would like the musicians to continue to perform longer than the scheduled time, the musicians will remain, if requested, and there are no previous binding engagements. Overtime charges will be prorated in 15-minute increments.
10. How far in advance must I book your services?
The only disadvantage to having some of the area’s best musicians in our ensembles is how frequently we are in demand! We are almost always able to accommodate clients who contract our services four to six months prior to their event. We are also often able to accommodate events with less advance notice because we have many ensemble combinations.
11. What is your cancellation policy?
Should you cancel your event, we will simply retain your deposit. If one of our performers was to have a dire emergency and be unable to perform, another professional musician from our ensemble can generally be obtained.
12. Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?
After we email you a contract, we then ask that you review, sign and return it to us with a deposit. This deposit, which is equal to one-half the contracted amount, will secure our musicians for your event on our performance calendar. We do not work through third-party agencies and can keep our fees as low as possible. To guarantee you will have wonderful music ready for your special day, a deposit approximately four to six months in advance will assure your event takes place as planned.
13. Will you help me choose appropriate music for my ceremony?
The Antares Musicians are happy to help you plan the musical aspects of your ceremony. Even if you feel that you do not need help with your musical selections, we still encourage you to speak to us before you plan the music for your ceremony, as we can suggest details that you may not have thought to consider. We have many years of experience helping couples choose the perfect music to fit what they have envisioned for their ceremonies.
14. Will you perform outdoors?
The Antares Musicians perform at many beautiful outdoor weddings/events during the Spring, Summer and Fall. Since we can set up in very little time, we can easily move from outdoors to indoors (or vice versa), between different areas at a particular venue, or even from one venue to another (i.e. from ceremony site to the cocktail/reception location). This flexibility allows us to easily perform for both the wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. When we perform outdoors, we ask to be placed in a shaded area to protect our instruments from the damaging effects of the sun.
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