First, and most importantly, whether you are booking a string quartet for the once-in-a-lifetime event of your wedding or are a beginner and are planning your first corporate event, hiring a string quartet is much simpler than it seems.

The first step to hiring a string quartet is to plan ahead and start early. It is important to contact several prospective groups of musicians, audition them, and make your decision early in the wedding or event planning process. This is important because popular groups, like the Sparrow Lane String Quartet, can become booked early during holidays and wedding season. Therefore, if you are planning to have your wedding or event during the months of April to October, the peak of wedding season, or December, make sure you book your band well ahead of time.

The second step to hiring a string quartet for your wedding or corporate event is to have an idea of what you are looking for. By this, we do not mean you must have a concrete idea (although, if you do, that is fine). However, we do mean that you should have an idea of the type of music you would like to hear. The best way to determine this is to decide what mood you would like your music to set. Think about whether you would like a relaxed mood, a sophisticated mood, or music that will create a backdrop for conversing. Also decide if your event is formal or informal.

This step may seem superfluous at the planning stage, but if you want your wedding or corporate event to be truly memorable, then its important to have ideas to give to the string quartet you are hiring. They can then take the mood you want to establish and translate it into music. Always remember that the musicians are there to help.

When you are considering hiring potential string quartets for your event, there are several things you will want to discuss with them during the audition process. These important items include:

• First, unless the band comes from a personal recommendation, look for testimonials on their website. We publish testimonials from our satisfied clients throughout our website to assure potential clients we can deliver exactly what they desire. Remember, you don’t want to settle for anything less than the best band for your event.
• Second, ask about the band’s availability. This will obviously be a large determinant in the group you hire.
• Third, discuss the band’s fees and rates, as well as any additional charges for travel.
• Finally, ensure that, for whatever string quartet you hire, you make sure you get everything in writing. Although verbal contracts are often satisfactory, its important to get something that says, “We’ll be playing your wedding at 4:00 pm on June 5th, 2009,” even if its just an e-mail.

If you follow these simple rules, hiring a string quartet for your wedding, corporate event or party will be simple and enjoyable. If you would like to find out more about the Sparrow Lane String Quartet’s policies, read our Frequently Asked Questions page. Or, if you’re ready to hire us for your special event, contact us today!

What better way to accent your fun holiday soiree than with live violin music from Solo Violin Music? Imagine gathering with all of your friends and family to hear your favorite holiday songs played by a live strolling violinist as you sip spiced wine and enjoy decadent seasonal treats. For added fun and holiday cheer, if you have a fireplace, you could light a fire and toss in a few scented pinecones. If you don’t, its possible to rent a portable fireplace. Or, for a more economic and retro option, you could opt for the visual fireplace on your TV. Your party will be talked about well into the New Year if you opt for the fun musical accent of a violin musician, and a few of our suggestions.

Holiday parties don’t have to be conventional affairs, and with a violin player for your musical entertainment, your options are endless. You could have a sophisticated black tie affair, a cozy get together or a lively cocktail party. Your party them is only limited by your creativity.

To get guests excited about your party, send out hand-made invitations with a unique flair. If you’re having a Christmas party, tie some mistletoe to the invitation and send it in an envelope sealed with a kiss. If you’re having a Haunukkah party, toss some chocolate gelt into the envelope to wish your guests well. If you’re having a New Year’s Eve party, attach a wine glass charm to a corner of the invitation.

To decorate for your party, you don’t have to blow your budget on decorations. Make use of holiday decorations you already have, like lights, garlands and ornaments. Try stringing holiday lights around the room for glittering ambiance, filling glass hurricanes with same-colored ornaments, or using tinsel as napkin rings.

For party food, consider forgoing a whole feast and having an afternoon or evening affair and serving pre-made h’ours d’ouvres. Design a buffet of tempting finger foods like mini quiches, cocktail wieners wrapped in phyllo dough and miniature brie en croute with cranberry sauce. These types of party foods can be purchases pre-made or assembled ahead of time and kept in a warm oven before serving them. Your guests will serve themselves and be impressed with your delicious spread. Also, you’ll be able to enjoy your guests’ company and the holiday music played by your solo violinist.

For drinks, make mix-ahead cocktails like Santa Helpers, or for more intimate gatherings, mix peppermint stick martinis. Recipes for these and other festive drinks can be found online.

For a fun time with your guests, after everyone’s had a few cocktails, hand out the sheet music to some holiday songs and have everyone do a singalong.

At the end of your party, send your guests off with small, personalized favors like homemade cookies with holiday wishes written on them in decorator’s icing.

With Solo Violin Music, a bit of creativity and a minimal amount of planning, you can throw the best holiday party of the season!

If you’re ready to plan your holiday party, contact us today!