Fine Arts Ensemble- FAQ's and Weekly Article Book today: (504)931-5450 or (985)727-1303
|
Fine Arts Ensemble is happy to answer any of your questions by email, or by calling us at
(504)931-5450, yet many can be immediately settled by consulting our list of frequently asked
questions. Please, scroll down for PLAYLISTS and weekly articles.
Why should I hire FAE for my event?
|
The musicians of Fine Arts Ensemble have been providing music for weddings and other special
occasions throughout LA, MS, AL, and FL since 1996. Anyone who has attended an event where
amateur, sub-standard or even student musicians were hired because the price was "great", can tell you
it really is true what they say - you get what you pay for. There is no substitute for the years of
experience and the high level of performance expertise our musicians provide. In addition, we have
spent many years acquiring the most extensive music library of any musical group in this area, and we
are very proud of the music selections we have to offer.
Our fees start at $200 and will depend on event location, type, length of service, number of musicians in
a group and other factors. For an accurate quote, please visit our Request A Quote page or call us at
(504)931-5450 today.
What do you require at the location?
|
Each musician needs a chair. For example, if you hire group of 3 musicians, we need 3 armless chairs.
If we use our own portable piano, access to AC power source within 25 ft is required. All other
instruments do NOT require power. We provide our own stands and stand lights. Because of the delicate
nature of our instruments, we also need sufficient space. We merely require a rectangular area of
approximately 7 feet by 7 feet that will not be traversed by others during the time of performance, such
as Communion traffic.
Yes, however our instruments are very sensitive and easily damaged by moisture and sunlight. Please,
make every attempt to place your musician(s) in full shade. A tent, porch, or gazebo would be great. We
cannot play outside if the temperature is below 60 or over 95 or if there is rain or mist. However, in the
case of inclement weather, please be assured that we will do everything in our power to play as long as
we can while ensuring the safety of our instruments.
Do you attend the wedding rehearsal?
|
Do you travel for weddings and other events?
|
We have found that it is generally unnecessary for us to attend the rehearsal. We will communicate with
you 30 days prior to event to organize your music lineup. We arrive at the venue between 20 to 30
minutes ready for a quick setup and music run-through before we begin playing the prelude. We will
also work with your wedding/event/venue coordinator on details if needed.
Yes, we do travel, but there is an extra modest fee involved. Travel fee varies from location to location,
depending on mileage and estimated travel time. Often, especially if your wedding or event is during off
peak season, we will be happy to discount or even waive travel fee for you. Contact us for details- it's
worth a try! Remember, we work with every budget.
How do I select music for my wedding?
|
We will contact you 30 days prior to event to discuss music lineup with you. We will help you select
your music by providing recommendations if needed. Be sure to visit our Audio Samples and/or Playlists
links at the bottom of this page. You may also request a Sample CD by emailing your request with a)
your name and b) your mailing address. It's that simple.
Can you perform special piece(s) of music or song(s) I want?
|
Yes, we honor special requests. Many commonly requested selections are already present in our music
sheet music library. Note: re-arrangements of your favorites may or may not be required depending on
ensemble that you have booked with us.
Can you also play for my cocktail hour or reception?
|
Yes, absolutely. After the ceremony is over, we will move to your cocktails/reception area and begin
might want to have FAE play for a portion of the reception or for the entire cocktail hour. We will create
that relaxed atmosphere and charming music background everyone is talking about!
How do I book my music with Fine Arts Ensemble?
|
Booking with us is very simple and involves 4 easy steps:
1. Contact us by phone: (504)931-5450 OR email OR use Request A Quote form.
2. Receive emailed contract practically within few hours you called.
3. Mail back signed contract with deposit OR pay over the phone to secure your date with us.
4. Relax, music is off of your to-do list!
Duets, Trios and Quartets play lists
For Monthly Article please, scroll down
Due to popular requests from past, present, and future clients, the Fine Arts
Ensemble has compiled a list of selections that may be performed for wedding
ceremonies and/or receptions. These selections of music may be played by any of
the three basic ensembles- Duets, Trios or Quartets. Please keep in mind that
there is always the possibility to add, remove or substitute instruments. For
example, a flute may be substituted for the violin in a Duet, Trio, or Quartet.
Your favorite instrument may be substituted at no extra cost while the other
players remain the same in the ensemble.
Click HERE for CELLO/PIANO or CELLO/ORGAN playlist
Click HERE for VIOLIN/CELLO DUET playlist
Click HERE for TRIO playlist
Click HERE for STRING QUARTET playlist
Additions to the ensemble may also be requested. One popular addition is the Trumpet
for such compositions as Trumpet Tune by Purcell and Trumpet Voluntary by Clarke.
The ensemble may also be augmented by an organ or the piano for a richer sound,
creating more dynamics and volume. The choices are endless and very personal. Please,
feel free to request advice from The Fine Arts Ensemble. The musicians in this group are
highly trained and willing to help with many decisions, taking in the consideration of your
budget, venue size, acoustical issues, indoor or outdoor events, etc. Your personal
preferences will be honored at all times.
The ensemble creates a wonderful atmosphere with beautiful music that will be
remembered by all.
The Fine Arts Ensemble will assist you in every step of the way, helping the occasion to
be remembered and treasured for years to come.
Monthly Article: Why Live Music?
We’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about the role of music in a wedding ceremony. We have had a lot of conversations with brides and grooms and we are often
questioned about the necessity of music in the ceremony. I guess the short answer to those questions is “you don’t need music”. You don’t need pictures either, or
flowers, or food, decor, tuxes, etc. You get the idea. All you NEED are two people who have a desire to commit their lives to one another, someone to officiate and 2
witnesses. Everything else is window dressing. Having said that (and probably made my other friends in the industry gasp and clutch their pearls), do you really want to
have a wedding without those things? Some people will say “yes, that’s fine”, but they’re probably not reading this article; they’re on a plane to Aruba or down at City
Hall having the wedding of their dreams. For the rest of us, those things are a large part of what makes a wedding beautiful and memorable. You want to create an
experience to share with your family and friends that reflects how very important this day is and how much you value their presence.
What about music? What is music’s role in the wedding ceremony? In short, professional, live music provides a soundtrack for your wedding day. As in the movies, it
sets the mood and helps to enhance the emotions that the bridal party and guests are feeling. You can have a perfectly beautiful wedding ceremony without music, but it
will be missing something important.
So it goes with weddings. 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony begins, the guests begin gathering, and the musicians surround them with beautiful, romantic music.
We often see people’s entire demeanor change as they enter the ceremony area (whether it’s a church, hotel ballroom or public park); they realize that they have arrived
and their minds turn towards anticipation of the events to follow. Even at a non-religious event, there is sanctity to the space where the ceremony is taking place, and the
music often defines that space and helps them prepare their minds and hearts.
Once the ceremony begins, the music takes on an even more important role. Music isn’t just “to get people down the aisle”; its presence is an opportunity to share
something personal with your guests, or with each other. Some brides and grooms are traditionalists and having “Canon in D” or “Bridal Chorus” played represents a
connection with previous generations and to history. Having music that has stood the test of time is an important symbol of their commitment to one another and the
longevity that their marriage will enjoy.
Others are more interested in making each selection a personal journey. We played a wedding not long ago where the bride surprised her groom by asking us to
arrange a beautiful little alternative rock song for her processional. It was about a man proposing to his girlfriend and he had played it for her as he was proposing to her.
We had to work hard not to cry because everyone else was, and I still had to play!
Most people find a balance, where they have some of the traditional blended with some personal for a perfect wedding soundtrack. The thing to take with you is that
music sets the mood for the whole day and gives you an opportunity to make your wedding ceremony personal, special, and memorable.
Can you provide power amplification/microphones for my wedding?
|
Yes, we can provide power amplification and/or microphone(s) for your officiant, readers, or
musicians, if desired. Extra fees will apply. Please, remember to check with your venue if speech
and/or sound amplification is allowed prior to purchasing this upgrade.