How do I choose the right ensemble and length of time to engage them for my event?
You do not need to make this decision alone, or even before you request a booking; we will gladly hold a date for you until you have the opportunity to discuss the particulars with a representative. After you give a brief description of your vision we will advise you as to the best combination and timing, and will discuss all of the options/possibilities with you.

How many breaks will the musicians take? Can the music be continuous?
There is no break for a one hour event. For longer events, there is one break per hour, which will be timed to coincide with toasts and speeches. The breaks can be coordinated in advance if you prefer. Continuous music is available when engaging the full string quartet. This is usually accomplished by having the musicians break into smaller ensembles of trios/duos while the members take their breaks. The specific details of breaks for your event can be discussed/coordinated in advance so you maximize the music and flow for your event.

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 20 players, all interchanged to highlight that the quality is never compromised. Our reputation is based on 2 decades of quality performances, which is how we earned the recommendations by the area's premier venues and party planners. RSQ is comprised of the areas finest musicians, all of which take great pride in their performances, assuring you their professionalism and commitment to providing you the finest music available for your event.

How do I know you sound as good live as you do on your CD, which I realize can be digitally altered?
You are invited to come to a concert (see "calendar" on the web site) or come to a concert where our players will be performing in a principal chairs. If there are no concerts imminent, we are often able to invite you to stop by a wedding or event in a public venue. These opportunities are possible every few months and your attendance is not encouraged, but we are happy to arrange this for those who are not comfortable booking our services before hearing the ensembles live.

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.

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.

Please note : When RSQ collaborates with a banquet manager/bridal planner on the day of the event, the musicians defer to their instructions for cues and timings at the event. Be sure to let us know if you are relying on a wedding consultant (or some other person) for cues in advance so we have the opportunity to speak to them prior to the event.

Do you require a deposit? When is the final payment due?
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. If you are only engaging an ensemble for the ceremony, we suggest that you delegate a member of the bridal party to deliver the check to the ensemble during prelude music For longer events, you may pay at the end of the event. The musicians are often dashing to another commitment after the event and therefore must leave promptly at the scheduled ending time of music. We ask that you be considerate of their time and deliver the check during one of the breaks during the event, rather than wait to the very end to deliver the final payment check. If you prefer to wait until the end, please have the final payment available at the scheduled ending time of music so the musicians may leave efficiently.

What if my event runs late and we would like the music to last longer than we anticipated?
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, 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.

Do we need to feed the musicians?
We ask that non-alcoholic beverages be available to the musicians during the event, but you are under no obligation to feed the musicians. For events that are 2 hours or longer it is customary for the caterers to provide the musicians/photographers to partake in the buffet/food stations, or provide a sandwich/salad for them. Most caterers do not charge you for this. We ask that you speak to your caterer/banquet manager about food for the musicians/photographers and find out their policy in advance so the musicians can plan accordingly. Please note that RSQ musicians do not abuse this form of generosity and appreciate your considering their mealtimes when coordinating with your caterer.