I decided to put a few excerpts from different articles which define chamber music.  Quite often there is a confusion between chamber musicians and soloists. Although we do perform solo at times, our main line of work consists of playing in chamber groups, ranging from duos to quartets.

Chamber music is a form of classical music, written for a small group of instruments which traditionally could be accommodated in a palace chamber. Most broadly, it includes any art music that is performed by a small number of performers with one performer to a part. The word “chamber” signifies that the music can be performed in a small room, often in a private salon with an intimate atmosphere. However, it usually does not include, by definition, solo instrument performances…

Thought by most to be “music written for a small ensemble,” this definition is correct, but incomplete. A form of classical music, chamber music is generally written for a small group of instruments, with no two parts doubled and no conductor in sight. Initially created for performances in a bedroom or palace “chamber,” the art form gained fashion as an intimate activity among friends…

Some of history’s greatest composers used chamber music as a vehicle to create their most profound and important works. Others used the medium as an outlet for fun and lighthearted entertainment. The best composers often did both. Many string quartets of Haydn and Mozart were cheerful and humorous, intended for intimate groups, of which they were each a member. Beethoven had a different agenda altogether, creating in his late years some of the most challenging music for string quartets in the history of the genre… 

Although the art form takes its name from those early performances in “chamber” settings, it was eventually elevated to the concert hall. While the works of Haydn or Mozart could often be undertaken (if less than professionally) by amateurs and were well suited for the private homes of friends, Beethoven’s works were much more technically complex…

Although string quartets overshadow other chamber music combinations in their popularity, there are a tremendous variety of instrumental groupings. String trios (violin, viola and cello), piano trios (violin, cello and piano), and piano quartets (violin, viola, cello and piano) are but a few of the additional string combinations.  Playing chamber music requires special skills, both musical and social, which are different from the skills required for playing solo or symphonic works…

This is mostly for brides and families that are hiring our musicians for weddings.  Once the music is selected and pieces to be played for the wedding ceremony are solidified, we are all set to go.  The only other thing that we need to know is when to stop playing the prelude music and when to start the first piece for the ceremony, usually the piece for the seating of the parents or grandparents.  We do need a cue from someone who will be familiar with the flow of the ceremony, such as a wedding coordinator. That person could give us a nod from a distance (we do watch for those even while we play), or simply come up to us and tell us to stop the prelude and begin the ceremony music.  Even though we are usually told the specific time for the start of the ceremony – it almost never works out exactly on time.  We don’t like to take the risk of staring the first requested piece at, for example, 5:30 and the parents for whatever reason are not being seated yet.  Once we have a cue – we know what to play, and after that everything flows accordingly, with the entrance of the bridal party, then the bride, or any order that was established.  Sometimes, however, there is no such person as wedding coordinator who can give us the cue for the start of the ceremony.  In that case, the solution might be to use the entrance of the groomsmen or of the person administering the ceremony as a cue.  Once we see them – we quietly fade away the last piece of the prelude, wait until they are present and then start the first piece for the ceremony itself.  Basically, a cue is needed for the musicians to let them know that prelude is over and ceremony is about to begin. 

With summer weddings and other events taking place outside, one of our major concerns is to protect our violins, violas, and cellos from harsh weather, especially sun. 

It is easily understood by everyone that wood cannot be allowed to get wet, but sometimes we are asked why can’t we play in direct sun.  Here is an excerpt from an article on instrument care. 

…”Heat joins sudden change as the other serious menace to instruments. Luthiers purposefully use wood glues which soften when heated (to 145F) so that an instrument can be disassembled for service when necessary. Direct sunlight is hot enough to soften the glues in your instrument and weaken or destroy the joints in the piece. Do not display any instrument anywhere that will be exposed to sun as the light  will damage glue and varnish…”

Here are some things that can be done for musicians if we are to play outdoors.  Provide a tent, gazebo or any sort of overhead protection where the musicians will be playing. There are times when it is impossible.  In that case – position the chairs under a tree or in a shady area: if you are setting up in advance,  you may calculate where the sun will be during that time of day.  You may also consider a second “playing site” in case if the sun moves and starts beating on the musicians.  We have played at weddings, where very thoughtful brides had ready for us two playing areas: one was for the beginning of the ceremony, and the other was preset in case if sun rays reaches us, which they did. Overall, we have never encountered a problem with playing outdoors, and were always able to move our positions based on the sun…

I started this list to give our clients an idea of some places where we have performed in the past.  Obviously, I can’t put down every single place since we have played at many churches, fire halls, banquet halls, private family residences, golf and country clubs, even beaches.  However, some of the following places are somewhat popular for booking weddings and events.  If the place you want us to play at is already on this list – it is another bonus, since we already know how to get there,know the layout and its’ acoustical potential, which gives us a good idea of where toplace the group.  Also, the staff sometimes remembers us from previousjobs and makes it easy to communicate with.  

• Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Pittsburgh, PA
  
• Seven Springs Resort – Seven Springs, PA
• The Fallingwater – Mill Run, PA
• Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall –  Pittsburgh, PA
• The Atrium – Prospect, PA
• Sheraton at Station Square – Pittsburgh, PA
• Carnegie Museum of Natural History – Pittsburgh, PA
• Linden Hall Mansion – Dawson, PA
• Buhl Mansion – Sharon, PA
• Tara Country Inn – Clark, PA
• Morning Glory Inn – Pittsburgh, PA
• Foggy Mountain Lodge – Stahlstown, PA
• Felicity Farms – Beaver, PA
• Omni William Penn Hotel Grand Ballroom – Pittsburgh, PA
• The Pennsylvanian – Pittsburgh, PA
• Old Economy Village – Ambridge, PA
• Duquesne Chapel – Pittsburgh, PA
• Mt. Troy Ballroom – Pittsburgh, PA
• Four Seasons Banquet House – Gibsonia, PA
• Brady’s Run Park – Beaver Park, PA
• Riverside Landing – Oakmont, PA
• Sunset Delight – McHenry, MD
• The Edgewood Country Club – Pittsburgh, PA
• The Mansion and Maple Heights, PA
• Upper St. Clair Country Club – Upper St. Clair, PA
• Ross Mountain Club – New Florence, PA
• Long Vue Golf Club – Verona, PA
• The Shiloh Inn – Pittsburgh, PA
• Steubenville Country Club – Steubenville, OH
• Sunny Ledge – Pittsburgh, PA
• George Washington Museum – Wilmerding, PA
• The Pittsburgh Golf Club – Pittsburgh, PA
• FedEx Ground Conference Center
• George Washington – Washington, PA
• Plaza Deck – Farmington, PA
• Grove City College – Grove City, PA
• Oxford Centre – Pittsburgh, PA
• Schenley Park Center – Pittsburgh, PA
• City County Building – Pittsburgh, PA
• Bakersville Fire Hall – Somerset, PA
• Bakersville Fire Hall – Somerset, PA
• Bella Sera – Canonsburg, PA
• Penn State University, The Eberly Campus – Uniontown, PA

This is mostly for those who book wedding receptions and dinners with us.  When our groups play at these,  we usually put together our own program, mixing classical pieces with a few oldies, Beatles and such.  However, keep in mind that we can play some pieces for you on request.  You might have a special song for the bride and groom upon them being introduced, or may be another one played during the Father/Daughter dance, or the Bride/Groom dance.  If needed, we can always arrange a song to fit your requests.  During one of the wedding dinners we played “Happy Birthday” for a grandmother who turned ninety on the day of the wedding – it was a simple gesture and she loved it! So, please remember that these options are there – let us know and we will make it happen for you!

I had a phone conversation a few days ago with a bride who hired our string quartet for her June wedding in Pittsburgh. We ended up talking for a long time since she is a musician herself. We talked about her anxiety about the wedding, making sure that everything is ready – the usual stress that comes with it. She mentioned something that she does before any big event: ..” get ready as much as you can, and about two weeks beforehand – step away, don’t do anything having to do with it, give your brain a break, almost a wind tunnel, where things can get settled and aired out. Then, a week before you will see everything with a fresh set of eyes, and will be able to make last minute decisions and changes much easier..” I thought about it later, and felt that it is true: by giving yourself a break – you start seeing things from a different angle, with a fresh outlook. I know without thinking I already do so in teaching kids: whenever I give them a break from lessons for a week or two – not only they sound much better upon seeing me again, but I tend to teach with a different prospective and seeing new trends in kids, things that I might have missed before, or dismissed as unimportant. It turns out – small details are the most important once… So, take your time to “step away” from your projects, give yourselves a break for a while. Things will  become more clear when you come back, just like Sudoku, all the numbers will fit. 

Recently our group was mentioned in the Pittsburgh Wedding Magazine, after our musicians performed at a local wedding…

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Our goal is not only to deliver the best music for your, but also to leave you worry-free about the music portion of your event, especially if it a wedding.

  Hopefully, the following points will give you an understanding of how we run our business.

One: Our musicians are all professionals with various degrees in music, and many years of experience.   We have been playing instruments since ages five and six, and started performing professionally in our teens.  We have been working with each other for many years and know how we fit together as a group, unlike agencies that hire different players for different jobs.

Two: Once we quote you a price – it is set in stone.  It IS a final price without any hidden fees that you will find later in the contract. We do not believe in fine print! Booking and traveling fees are already included.

Three:  We will spend as much time on the phone or e-mail to help our clients choose music for their weddings and other events as needed.  When you call us – we will return your call the same day, especially if you are looking to book a wedding group.  Wedding preparation is a hectic time, and we do whatever we can to limit their worries.   Most agencies will simply hire a group for you, and as far as music – you are on your own to decide what you want. The musicians will come and play, but what is to be played – it is up to you and no advice is given to you by the agency.

Four: If needed, we collaborate with singers and other musicians at the event.   Again, most agencies will charge extra fees for that – we do not.  

Five: We always arrive at least twenty minutes before the start of the event, so we can speak to the staff or event coordinator, to make sure that we are on the same page.  Things could and do change last minute, which is why we come early to make sure that everyone knows the order of the event.  

Here is a brief summary of what we will do for you

• use our experience to select the best group,  music and musicians for your event

• play without lengthy breaks, especially for dinners and such

• arrive early to set up and double check on details

• work with a client’s other musicians  if needed

• communicate with you by phone or e-mail as needed, and as much as needed

• organize the music once the selections are made

• arrange specific music if needed

• communicate with event staff as needed