Can we hire one or two musicians, instead of three?
Charleston Chamber Players, as well as almost all ceremony musicians, play on single-note instruments, that is we play one note at a time. In order for us to provide a minimum for a full harmonic effect, our group needs to play three notes at once to produce a full chord, otherwise it sounds like something is missing. Therefore, we have three players- one can add more players (or notes) for a richer, bigger sound, but three is the minimum to produce full harmony. That is why we only play as a trio, and know our clients can hear the difference!
Each musician has had years of experience performing at a broad variety of events. As career professional musicians, the trio of Charleston Chamber Players has performed in many different orchestras and chamber groups around the world, and are currently all principal chair players in the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.
What will the musicians be wearing?
The women of Charleston Chamber Players will wear formal white tops and black ankle length dresses or slacks. The men will perform in full tuxedos, but may choose not to wear their jackets for an outdoor event in hot weather.
How long will the musicians play?
This will depend on the length of your event. For a standard occasion, the musicians will typically begin playing music 15 minutes prior to the start of the event to provide music as your guests arrive (please note that prelude music does count towards the total contracted time). For any event longer than two hours, the musicians will take a 10 minute break per hour.
How can I choose what pieces Charleston Chamber Players should perform?
The Charleston Chamber Players has a wide variety of music to choose from, including classical selections, religious pieces, and popular songs including Broadway hits and Beatles tunes. To choose the specific pieces you would like performed at your wedding ceremony, please see our "Repertoire" link to see a list of pieces, or you can listen to a selection of suggested wedding ceremony music on our "Listen" page. For events that are not wedding ceremonies, a variety of music from our repertoire will be performed at the discretion of the group.
What if I would like a song played that is not on your repertoire list?
If there is a song you would like to be played at your event that is not listed, we may be able to accomodate your request. If it is possible for you to submit three copies of a piano or piano/vocal score of the piece you would like to be played at least a month before your event, we may be able to accomodate your request at no additional charge. If the submitted score is not in the proper format for our instrumentation, we may be able to arrange the piece for an additional fee.
Will a musician from the Charleston Chamber Players attend my wedding ceremony rehearsal?
The members of Charleston Chamber Players have had years of experience performing at weddings, so it is not necessary to have them attend your rehearsal. If you prefer, and if scheduling allows, a musician from Charleston Chamber Players may attend your wedding rehearsal for an additional fee.
When will the musicians arrive at the event?
The musicians will arrive at your event approximately 15 minutes before the contracted start time to set up and touch base with the contact person for the event.
What do I have to provide for the musicians?
The only thing the musicians require that you provide is three armless chairs set up prior to their arrival at the event. They will provide their own music stands.
How much does Charleston Chamber Players charge?
Each event is priced slightly differently, depending on the type of event, and the length of time the musicians will be playing. Additional considerations include extended travel time and arrangements of specific music for your event. The final quote for each event is discussed and agreed upon in your initial phone consultation.
What happens if the event runs over the scheduled contracted time?
In the event that during any engagement it is decided that more time is needed, the musicians will do their best to accommodate your needs for an extra fee. Please be advised that overtime will be agreed upon at the discretion of the group, if schedules permit.