Frequently Asked Questions
1) How do I reserve a date with the Cameo Quartet, what is the deposit and do you require that I sign a contract?
2) How far in advance should I sign a contract with the Cameo Quartet for my special event?
3) When is the final payment due?
4) Can I change the time of my event once the contract has been signed?
5) Does the Cameo Quartet come to the rehearsal?
6) What is the cancellation policy?
7) I would like the Cameo Quartet to play at my wedding and reception. They are at different locations. How does this work and what are the charges?
8) Are there special needs for Outdoor Performances?
9) What is the proper length of time needed for prelude music (music played as guests are arriving)?
10) What do I need to provide for the Cameo Quartet?
11) I have a very special song I would like played at my wedding, but I don’t see it on the Cameo Quartet’s repertoire list. How can I find out whether or not the quartet can play my special song?
12) Will the Cameo Quartet perform as a duo or trio?
13) What is the attire of the Cameo Quartet?
14) Approximately how much space does the quartet require?
15) I have a special song(s) that I would like sung at my wedding. Will the Cameo Quartet accompany a vocalist, instrumental soloist or the church organ?
16) Does the Cameo Quartet require electricity or amplification?
17) How much does the Cameo Quartet charge?
18) How do I go about planning my musical selections? Will the Cameo Quartet help me?
19) When do the musicians take breaks?
20) Will the musicians I hear on the repertoire samples be the same as those that come to my event?
21) Should I tip the Cameo Quartet?
22) Where can I see/hear the Cameo Quartet perform?
23) Does the Cameo Quartet work with a wedding coordinator or events planner?
1) How do I reserve a date with the Cameo Quartet, what is the deposit and do you require that I sign a contract?
A member of the Cameo Quartet will draft a contract that will be sent to you for your signature and it will be signed by the Cameo Quartet member. This document protects you and the Cameo Quartet, and all of the important specifics about your event. The deposit is generally one-third of the total contracted amount. The deposit is due when you sign the contract. This is the only way to hold your special date.
2) How far in advance should I sign a contract with the Cameo Quartet for my special event?
As early as possible. This insures that you are able to hire the Cameo Quartet for your event before other clients book the ensemble. Saturdays tend to be the busiest day. Six months to a year ahead of time for hiring musicians is a good rule of thumb. If you are a last minute planner, don’t give up. The Cameo Quartet may be available for your special event.
3) When is the final payment due?
The Cameo Quartet asks that the final payment be paid three weeks prior to the event.
4) Can I change the time of my event once the contract has been signed?
Yes – and No. During the busiest seasons, The Cameo Quartet may be playing several engagements on one day. There are situations when the time of your event, because of the quartet’s additional engagements cannot be changed. It is best to firm up your time before signing a contract. On the other hand, the quartet is more than happy to work with you on your time change if this is possible.
5) Does the Cameo Quartet come to the rehearsal?
Generally, no. This is an additional expense to you that is not necessary. The Cameo Quartet is very experienced and has played hundreds of weddings. A Cameo Quartet member will discuss your musical choices with you on the phone and will arrive at your event early to coordinate cues with your wedding planner, or person in charge of your event.
6) What is the cancellation policy?
According to the contract you will sign with the quartet, cancellation of the agreement will automatically forfeit the deposit. Cancellation of the agreement within two weeks of the written performance date will legally bind the Purchaser to pay the musicians 50% of the gross amount agreed upon in the contract.
7) I would like the Cameo Quartet to play at my wedding and reception. They are at different locations. How does this work and what are the charges?
The fee will be based upon the entire time the quartet is hired for your event from the beginning of the prelude music until the end of the reception. They will need to be paid for the entire time between the wedding and reception. This is because the quartet would not be able to accept an additional engagement while waiting to play your reception.
8) Are there special needs for Outdoor Performances?
String instruments cannot be in direct sun or exposed to any precipitation. Low temperatures can be very damaging to the wood as well. The instrument varnish can melt and the wood can crack if exposed to the elements. In order to insure the safety of the instruments, the Cameo Quartet will need a covered performance location that protects the instruments from occasional rain droplets as well as direct sun. A shady tree location is sufficient unless precipitation occurs. A temperature below 55 degrees is too low for a quality performance.
9) What is the proper length of time needed for prelude music (music played as guests are arriving)?
The general length of time for prelude music is 15 to 30 minutes. You know your guests the best. If people tend to come early or if you have a lot of out-of-town guests, it would be best to have the Cameo Quartet play 30 minutes of prelude music. If your guests tend to be late-comers or if there is little set up time at your venue, then arrange for 15-minutes of prelude music.
10) What do I need to provide for the Cameo Quartet?
The one absolute necessity is four armless chairs. If the engagement is for a longer period of time (more than 2 ½ hours), some sort of meal is greatly appreciated. Also, tips are most welcome and appreciated.
11) I have a very special song I would like played at my wedding, but I don’t see it on the Cameo Quartet’s repertoire list. How can I find out whether or not the quartet can play my special song?
Talk to a member of the Cameo Quartet. The ensemble has an extensive library of music that is not listed on the repertoire list. There is a chance they have your special song. If not, they can often play from piano music. The quartet will ask that you purchase the piano music for them, and the quartet will rehearse your special song.
12) Will the Cameo Quartet perform as a duo or trio?
No. The Cameo Quartet does not believe in reducing the number of performers which compromises their quality ensemble. The music library includes unique arrangements of songs, written specifically for string quartet. Hiring the ensemble as a duo or trio severely limits the musical repertoire and the special sound that only the string quartet can provide.
13) What is the attire of the Cameo Quartet?
The quartet will always come to your event well groomed and professional. Unless you specify otherwise, the quartet will wear concert black.
14) Approximately how much space does the quartet require?
A good rule of thumb is to plan for an area measuring 10 feet X 10 feet. If you don’t have this exact amount of space, don’t despair. The quartet has learned to be creative with their set-up.
15) I have a special song(s) that I would like sung at my wedding. Will the Cameo Quartet accompany a vocalist, instrumental soloist or the church organ?
Yes, the Cameo Quartet can accompany vocalists or other instrumentalists. A rehearsal with the soloist is an absolute necessity. Generally, this rehearsal can take place at the wedding venue, prior to the prelude music. The amount of rehearsal time needed depends upon the number of songs, the length and difficulty of the selections and the experience of the soloist. Please discuss this with a member of the Cameo Quartet. In addition, a copy of the piano music needs to be provided for the quartet as the ensemble can play from a piano arrangement of your special song.
16) Does the Cameo Quartet require electricity or amplification?
Electricity is needed only if lights will be dimmed for the special mood you are creating for the event. The quartet will bring their own stand lights and electrical cords, and will only need a source of electricity. Generally, no amplification is needed for a string quartet. However, if your event is to take place in a very large venue, it would be a good idea to procure microphones and a sound amplification system for the quartet.
17) How much does the Cameo Quartet charge?
The Cameo Quartet’s minimum is 1 hour (for Denver Metro area events). Because there are variables unique to your special event (travel charges, rehearsal with soloist, playing for the wedding and reception, etc.) the best way to find out about the charges is to contact a Cameo Quartet member.
18) How do I go about planning my musical selections? Will the Cameo Quartet help me?
Yes, a member of the Cameo Quartet will provide phone consultations with helpful hints and suggestions. The quartet has been in business for over many years and they know what music selections tend to work best. Using their extensive repertoire list, a member of the Cameo Quartet can help you create a unique mood and ambiance for your special day.
19) When do the musicians take breaks?
The contract specifies 10 minutes of break during each hour of performance. This is merely a rule of thumb. Sometimes, breaks can be coordinated during cake cutting, speakers or at the end of the event. Please do not worry that the Cameo Quartet will leave during a special moment. This will not happen!
20) Will the musicians I hear on the repertoire samples be the same as those that come to my event?
The Cameo Quartet prides themselves on their commitment to being a part of this professional musical ensemble. The group is not a “throw-together” quartet. Many musical groups in the business are merely a hiring and contracting agency or service for individual musicians. When you work with one of these businesses, it’s anyone’s guess which musicians will show up for your event. When you hire the Cameo Quartet for your special event, you will get the Cameo Quartet. The only time a different musician would be playing with the ensemble would be in the case of illness regarding one of the regular members or if one is out of town. Should either of these things happen, the Cameo Quartet works with a number of substitute professional musicians who know their literature and are excellent players in their own right. At no time will you ever get an entire quartet of alternate musicians.
21) Should I tip the Cameo Quartet?
Tips are always greatly appreciated but not required.
22) Where can I see/hear the Cameo Quartet perform?
Because so many of the Cameo Quartet’s engagements are private events, it is difficult to see the group perform in person. The best way to find out about the Cameo Quartet’s unique sound is to click on the repertoire list on the Home Page.
23) Does the Cameo Quartet work with a wedding coordinator or events planner?
Absolutely. Planning the musical selections, coordinating cues and communicating with all involved parties greatly helps to insure that your special event comes off just as beautifully as you envision.
