Here are some questions that we are often asked. If you have a question not listed, please contact us. We would be glad to give you more information.
WHAT EVENTS HAVE FORTE' STRINGS PLAYED FOR?
The Forte' Strings string quartet has been asked to play at many events and locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas. The companies we have worked with include: J.P. Morgan Marazzi Tile North Texas Roofing Contracting Association Freeland Homes Argosy University Kindred Hospital DFW Audi Toyota of Fort Worth American Express Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation American Heart Association Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau McKinney Education Association Broadway Plaza Frost Bank Keller Women's Club Lockheed Martin Weatherford International Granbury Chamber of Commerce Hydrotex Capellon/Sovereign Pharmaceuticals Accenture
We have had the privilege of being a part of over 1,100 weddings and receptions. One of our brides was even featured on The Knot. We have also performed at birthday parties, wedding anniversaries, and marriage proposals. We also enjoy performing chamber music concerts where everyone is invited to attend.
On Sunday, July 26, 2009, Forte' Strings performed with Steinway Artist and concert pianist, Yee-ha Chiu, at the University Of North Texas. She selected our quartet to perform the Schumann Piano Quintet with her on a recital at the university.
On June 18, 2008, Forte' Strings performed at An Evening of Luxury with Preston Bailey. The Rosewood Crescent Hotel and Dallas Brides Magazine sponsored this beautiful evening to showcase many of the finest vendors in the Dallas area. The world renown event planner, Preston Bailey, spoke to those attending, giving them wonderful ideas for their upcoming weddings. It was an honor to be invited to be a part of this lavish event.
On May 5, 2007 we were privileged to play with the band "No Justice" at Billy Bob's in Fort Worth, Texas. They were recording their new CD, "No Justice, Live at Billy Bob's'.
I HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP AND I NEED TO PLAN THE MUSIC. HOW CAN FORTE' STRINGS HELP ME WITH THIS?
Forte' Strings can provide enjoyable music for most any event where live music is desired. Whether you are planning the music for a corporate dinner, charity event, cocktail hour, business open house, church program, wedding or reception in the Dallas, Fort Worth area, we can work with you to design the perfect music.
We have a large repertoire of music, both classical and popular, to select from. Whether you have Bach and Beethoven or the Beatles and Beach Boys in mind, we can create the perfect mood for your event. Forte' Strings can perform light classical music for an elegant mood or popular music like Broadway, movies, tangos, jazz, and other upbeat pieces for a more fun mood. Perhaps you would like for us to perform a mixture of styles to please all of your guests.
Forte' Strings can also provide musicians for your church services. Whether you need an ensemble for special music during a service or orchestra members for your special program, we can provide these musicians. These musicians are not only string players, but also woodwind, brass, and percussionists. We often work with churches, providing musicians for their special music.
If your business or group has an upcoming program that you would like to have special music for, Forte' Strings can provide you with either a performance or background music. We have provided dinner music for many different corporations as well as performances for special programs.
Contact one of our music coordinators and tell us what you have in mind. We would love to help you plan the music for your upcoming event.
HOW WILL A STRING QUARTET FIT INTO MY WEDDING OR RECEPTION?
People who want a touch of elegance often have a string quartet play for their wedding, reception or special event. The sound of a string quartet is smooth and romantic. It complements an event without being too loud and provides a harmony that a single instrument can not produce.
While we are usually asked to peform all of the music for a wedding, we are very willing to work with a vocalist, organist or other instrumentalist, if you desire. A special rehearsal time with the musician will be scheduled shortly before the wedding.
The music for a reception can create a mood. For a romantic, elegant mood, select classical music. If you want the mood to be happy and fun, select popular music. If you like, we can combine them both so that there is music to please everyone.
A string quartet can play anywhere, indoors or outdoors. This is handy when there is no piano or organ available. We just ask that you help us to protect our valuable instruments by providing us with shade and covering in case of rain.
I HAVE NEVER HIRED A STRING QUARTET BEFORE. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
When looking for a string quartet, finding the perfect ensemble for your event can be challenging. Here are some suggestions to consider when researching different musical groups.
Quality - The musicians that you choose have one chance to get the music correct for your wedding or reception. If there are problems, your event may be less than perfect. Try to find the best quality musicians that your budget will allow. You might check things like how long has the group been playing together, what is the background and experience of the musicians, what kind of reputation does the ensemble have, what do other wedding vendors think of the ensemble, and what do past clients have to say about them?
Sound - Listen to the music samples of the ensembles you are considering. How do they compare? If you like the sound, you might want to find out if the musicians you are hearing on the sample will be the ones playing at your wedding. Having most of the same musicians you hear on the samples will help to guarantee the sound that you like.
Service - Quality service is important also. You want to work with someone that is easy to communicate with and can give you great ideas to help create the correct mood or style for your wedding or reception. Does the ensemble that you are considering have special services that they provide their clients? Is the music coordinator easy to contact either by phone or email whenever you have a question? Do they come to the wedding rehearsal, if possible, to make sure everything goes smoothly? Will the music coordinator be at the event to make sure everything goes as planned? Working with a helpful, knowledgeable coordinator can make the process of designing the music for your wedding easy.
Cost - The cost of an ensemble is important, but you may not want to make it the most important factor. While you want to stay within your budget, you also want music that your guests will enjoy and you will be proud to have at your event. Look at the complete package that the ensemble can provide you rather than just the price.
I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE CHOOSING THE MUSIC FOR MY WEDDING. CAN YOU HELP?
Choosing the music for your most important day can be stressful. Forte' Strings will be of great help to you. We have a demo CD that has been designed to help you in your selections. As our client, you will be provided with a copy of our "Wedding Music Selection Guide". This valuable planning tool steps you through every musical need of a wedding ceremony. Along with this, our music coordinator will be glad to work closely with you to make sure that you are on the road to that perfect wedding you always dreamed of.
HOW MUCH MUSIC WILL YOU PROVIDE FOR MY WEDDING?
Your personal preference decides the amount of music provided by Forte' Strings for your wedding. Every bride has a different idea as to their dream ceremony.
We can provide from 20 to 30 minutes of music prior to the ceremony while your guests are being seated. If you like, we can provide the music for the seating of the family, as well as the procession of the bridesmaids and bride. We can play special music during the ceremony (accompanying a soloist, a moment of prayer, or the lighting of the unity candle). We can end the ceremony with the recessional for the bride and groom and the attendants and then play some postlude music for your guests to exit by.
IF FORTE' STRINGS PLAYS FOR MY WEDDING, CAN YOU ALSO PLAY FOR MY RECEPTION?
We will be glad to perform for your wedding and reception. After your ceremony has ended, the quartet can move to the reception area, begin entertaining your guests as they arrive, and then continue with dinner music throughout your reception.
We have a large repertoire of music for the reception. We can play light classical music to provide an elegance to your reception or we can play popular music to create a more fun atmosphere. Our popular music includes Broadway and movie music, tangos, rock music from the Beatles, Beach Boys, Queen, and other groups, jazz, love songs and other very enjoyable selections.
Even if you have decided to use a band or DJ for your reception, you might want to consider having Forte' Strings play while your guests are having cocktails or dinner and then let the band or DJ take over for the "party time".
IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF SOMEONE COULD ATTEND OUR WEDDING REHEARSAL. IS THIS POSSIBLE?
Yes, for a small additional fee, one of our members will be glad to attend your rehearsal if we do not have another event to play for at that time. Being professionals, Forte' Strings strives to make sure that everything goes perfectly for your wedding; therefore we gladly offer this service.
MY WEDDING IS GOING TO BE OUTSIDE. WILL THIS BE A PROBLEM FOR YOUR QUARTET?
We have performed at many beautiful outdoor events and are very happy to play for yours. We ask that you help us to protect our delicate and valuable instruments by providing us with shade from direct sun, a covered area in case of rain, and an alternate location in case of extreme hot or cold temperatures.
WHAT MUSICAL ENSEMBLES CAN FORTE' STRINGS PROVIDE?
We can provide you with the following ensembles: String quartet (two violins, viola, cello) String trio (two violins, cello) Violin/cello duet Violin solo, unaccompanied Venue will need tuned piano available Piano trio (violin, cello, piano) Cello/piano
WHAT IF I WANT A PIECE PLAYED THAT IS NOT IN YOUR REPERTOIRE?
While we have a large repertoire to select from, sometimes a bride and groom have a special piece of music they want played at the ceremony or reception. We have a music arranger on staff that can provide a special quartet arrangement of that piece for a small additional charge. Just let your music coordinator know and they will give you more information.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO HIRE FORTE' STRINGS?
Every event is unique, so the cost will depend upon your desires. Factors such as the ensemble chosen, the length of time we are asked to play, your event's location, other musicians that are included, rehearsal with a vocalist, and arrangements of special music requested can have an effect on the cost. Please contact us, tell us your ideas, and we will be happy to give you information and pricing.
HOW SOON SHOULD I BOOK YOUR ENSEMBLE?
If you are interested in booking Forte' Strings for your event, we suggest that you contact us as soon as possible. We most often book dates months in advance, especially Saturday evenings. In many cases, we have booked events over a year in advance. But if your event is in the near future, please contact us anyway. We may still have your date and time available.
