Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hear you play live?
We do not have an official forum to showcase our services, but there are countless opportunities throughout the year to hear the ensembles in public performances. Please visit the calendar on our website for upcoming events.

How do I know if I will have the same high quality music for my event as I heard on the demo?
Our demo CD is a compilation of 3 recording sessions and 15 players, all interchanged to highlight that the quality is never compromised. Our impeccable reputation is based on 2 decades of quality performances. Recommendations are available upon request.

How do I choose the right ensemble and length of time to engage them for my event?
An RSQ representative will assist you in choosing the ensemble and timing best suited for your event. After you give a brief description of your vision we will discuss all of the options/possibilities with you. There are ensembles available that are not on the CD or listed on our website pricing, such as piano/keyboard ensembles and other specialty instruments. If you have a specific instrumentation in mind, please ask!

We have some special songs we would love to have played. Do you take requests or do you have a repertoire list?
Our repertoire consists of thousands of pieces, from standard classical music, to ethnic and popular arrangements for our ensembles. If you have a specific piece or genre you would like performed let us know! Chances are we can do it!

Do you play popular music?
YES! We often suggest you add a keyboard if you want predominantly contemporary music, but string ensembles are also able to incorporate popular and "top 40" songs for receptions if noted on your contract.

What if my event runs late and we would like the music to last longer than we anticipated when we signed our contract?
There is a place on the contract for "Possible overtime". If you check this box, the musicians will be able to stay as long as you need/want them. If you do not check possible overtime on your contract, we cannot guarantee that the musicians will be able to stay past the scheduled ending time of music. Checking possible overtime does not obligate you in any way to any additional charges if your event does not run over, so we encourage you to check this box if there is any chance that you will want the musicians to remain longer than the noted ending time of music on the contract.

If we decide to book an ensemble, do we meet with you live to finalize the details?
For most typical events it is not necessary for a live meeting, and because of our high volume of engagements, it is not possible for us to meet with every client live. If there is a compelling need or benefit to meeting live, a representative can arrange a consultation/meeting with you at your venue prior to the event. There is no fee for meetings in Center City locations if the meeting occurs between 9-1, Mon-Fri. Meetings outside of Center City or in Center City after 1 PM or on weekends will incur an additional charge

How do you coordinate the cues and timing for my ceremony if we never meet with you live?
Our ensembles have years of experience providing music for ceremonies of all denominations. You will receive a ceremony planner with specific questions to help us in our preparation. Most of the final timing details will be discussed over the phone approximately two weeks prior to your event. The leader of your ensemble will arrive early enough on the day of your event to meet with your officiant to confirm these details. If you have a printed program, we ask that you provide a copy of it to us prior to the event, via fax or mail. If you are uncomfortable with this format, you may have a non-playing representative or a small ensemble attend your rehearsal for a reduced fee.

Do there have to be breaks or can we have continuous music?
After the first continuous hour, the musicians will take a break unless arrangements for continuous music are made in advance. Breaks will be arranged to coincide with speeches or toasts and details of breaks/continuous music can be discussed in advance to maximize the music and flow for your event. Continuous music is usually accomplished by having the musicians break into smaller ensembles of trios/duos while individual musicians take their breaks.

We have hired a bridal consultant to handle the details of coordinating our event. Will you speak with our party planners/banquet manager prior to the event?
We are happy to speak to your bridal planner/coordinator prior to the event. Simply provide their phone number/email address and we will be happy to take care of the coordination of timing/details, and confirm that we are all on the same page, and their information is compatible with the details and conversations we have had with you.

Please note: When RSQ collaborates with a banquet manager/bridal planner on the day of the event, the musicians defer to their instructions at the event, even if it appears to be contradictory to prior conversations we might have had with you.

What will the musicians wear to my event?
Musicians are dressed in formal attire unless alternative dress is specifically requested

Can you provide amplification for our event?
There is rarely a need for sound enhancement for our ensembles, but in some venues it can be helpful, depending on the number of guests and scope of your event. If you believe it will be necessary or helpful, we will help you determine if there is a benefit to amplification for your event. If amplification is requested, an additional fee will be required.

Can you play outdoors?
Yes. However, acoustical string instruments are very sensitive to extreme environmental conditions. In order to provide you with the best quality music and to protect our valuable instruments, we have outdoor playing guidelines. Please visit the outdoor event section of our website.

What do you need me to provide for the musicians on the day of the event?
The musicians will come self-contained, but will need armless chairs, electricity for lights (if needed), and a cover or shady spot for outdoor events. If your event is on a beach or any other soft land, we will need a platform about 10x10.

Do we have to provide food for the Musicians?
Non-alcoholic beverages should be available to the musicians during events 2 hours or longer. For events that are 2 hours or longer it is customary for the caterers to invite the musicians to partake in the buffet/food stations, or provide a sandwich/salad for them.

Do you have liability insurance?
YES! RSQ is fully insured and happy to supply your venue or event planner with a copy of our policy.

How much of a deposit do you require?
A deposit of no less than $100 is requested upon the signing of the contract. The balance is due on or before the actual event and can be paid by check or cash. We do not accept credit cards. Once you verbally commit to engaging our services, we institute a "courtesy hold" for your date with a generous grace period.

When is the final payment due?
If you are only engaging an ensemble for the ceremony, we suggest that you delegate a friend or family member to deliver the final payment to the leader of the ensemble upon their arrival.

For longer events, you may pay at the end of the event. The musicians leave promptly at the scheduled ending time of music so we ask that you be considerate of their time and either arrange to have the check delivered to them or have the final payment available at the scheduled ending time of music so the musicians may leave efficiently.