What ensemble is right for me?
There are many options to consider when selecting the ensemble: the sound, the style of music you’re looking for and your budget.
- A soloist works best with classical and jazz, with some contemporary options.
- Most modern songs need at least a duo so that you have a strong melodic line and a rhythm that you can only get with at least two players.
- If you are looking for a fuller sound with more complexity and a wider range of repertoire, a trio can cover most classical, jazz and modern options.
- With a quartet, you get the fullest, most lush sound and the largest repertoire range.
What songs can you play?
Your wedding is unique to you and your loved one and we tailor our playlist just for your day. We pull from classical, jazz and modern options – and we’ve played everything from Bernstein to Bach, and from Gershwin to Guns N' Roses. When you contract with Kessler Strings, we’ll provide a sample play list to get you started, but it by no means limits what we can do.
We encourage you to get ideas from your favorite singers, bands and find inspiration on You Tube as well. And if you have no idea at all, we’ll ask questions about your theme and style so we can help you figure it all out. Grandma has a favorite song? We’ll make it happen. You’ve always wanted to walk down the aisle to that special tune? Yes... is our answer!
There are just a few parameters we do have: most modern songs really do sound best with two players (we just don’t want to disappoint and if you go with a soloist , we can always throw some modern in the mix that sound good without a rhythm player). If we can’t find the sheet music for a requested song, we give you the option of a custom arrangement for an additional charge. And if we don’t own the song already, we will purchase at no charge to you for your day, as long as the cost does not exceed $15.00. If the cost is higher, we’ll then give you options to purchase or consider a different song.
We encourage you to get ideas from your favorite singers, bands and find inspiration on You Tube as well. And if you have no idea at all, we’ll ask questions about your theme and style so we can help you figure it all out. Grandma has a favorite song? We’ll make it happen. You’ve always wanted to walk down the aisle to that special tune? Yes... is our answer!
There are just a few parameters we do have: most modern songs really do sound best with two players (we just don’t want to disappoint and if you go with a soloist , we can always throw some modern in the mix that sound good without a rhythm player). If we can’t find the sheet music for a requested song, we give you the option of a custom arrangement for an additional charge. And if we don’t own the song already, we will purchase at no charge to you for your day, as long as the cost does not exceed $15.00. If the cost is higher, we’ll then give you options to purchase or consider a different song.
I’ve never hired a string ensemble? How does this all work?
We will have a music consultation meeting to get to know each other and talk about song options, as well as the ceremony flow and needs. For weddings, we arrive 30 minutes before our scheduled playing start time (usually 1 hour before the ceremony). During our set up time, we also consult with the planner and the officiant to confirm any final details for the order and flow of the ceremony.
We play 30 minutes before the ceremony, during the ceremony (20-30 minutes) and 1-2 songs after. If we are playing for the cocktail hour and/or dinner, we take a quick break to set up in a different location.
We play 30 minutes before the ceremony, during the ceremony (20-30 minutes) and 1-2 songs after. If we are playing for the cocktail hour and/or dinner, we take a quick break to set up in a different location.
My EVENT is outside. What is different for string players?
Outdoor events are lovely and at least one member of Kessler Strings was married outside. They do present a few challenges for a string player.
- High heat (above 85 or so) can be extremely unkind to string instruments and can damage both glue and varnish. Repairs can be very expensive.
- All outdoor weddings must be able to provide some shade to protect the instruments.
- If your venue does not have shade, we can provide a tent at an additional charge and will refund you completely if the weather is cooler!
- Additionally, we cannot play outdoors in temperatures lower than 70 or so and would also require heat for outdoor weddings in colder months.
- Other weather factors, such as high winds (sticks can actually fly into the wood, breaking it), may also prevent outdoor performances.
What equipment do you require?
We just need chairs without arms and a space that the number of players can fit together so we can make eye contact with each other (that is how we stay together without a conductor). We bring our own stands and also lighting if needed.
