FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we travel to distant cities?: Yes, sometimes, and we charge for it. There is no set formula for our travel charge, it depends on the day, the month, other playing opportunities likely to be available, etc. Please call to discuss what's possible.
Do we play outdoors?: We are reluctant. There are many variables involved, not the least of which are the effects of moisture or sun on the varnish on our instruments. We'd encourage you to re-envision your idyllic outdoor wedding, adding in the possible rain, wet chairs, damp sod, wind, poor acoustics, traffic noise, airplane noise, cold, heat, port-a-potties, allergies, mosquitos, west nile virus, etc. If you're still feeling enthusiastic about an outdoor wedding, we encourage you to contact another string quartet.
Do we have a tape we can mail out?: We do. We hope you can hear samples of our music on this website. Let us know if that doesn't work for you, and we'll be happy to mail out a cassette or CD.
Are you available on a certain date?: The only way to know is to call or e-mail us. Click on the Contact Us link to the left.
I don't know... How do I know if I want a string quartet for my event?: We've worked with a lot of people. We know that we'll have the most fun and play our best when we feel that we are the right ensemble for the occasion. We're as concerned as you are to have the music match your event. If we get the feeling you'd be happier with a group other than a string quartet, we'll let you know.
How do I reserve the Stratton?: First, call or email us! (Click on the "Contact Us" link to the left) We'll let you know whether we have your date available. Weekends are generally reserved well in advance, especially between April and October.
And then?: If we are available, we can send you a sample tape. If you like the tape, we will talk with you to answer any questions you might have and to discuss details.
If I decide to go ahead, what happens next?: If you decide you'd like us to play for your event, we ask for an advance deposit of $100 to hold your date and time, and we use a standard union contract.
What musical selections should I have for my ceremony?: The Stratton Quartet has played for hundreds of wedding ceremonies -- and receptions. We have a list of selections that work well for weddings. We can send you this list, if you request it. Also our sample cassette tape has some of those selections on it. (We hope to have that music on this website soon.) We have more music available than is listed on the printed list or on the tape, so if you DO have a specific piece you're looking for, please ask us if we have it.
How expensive is it to hire live musicians?: That depends on the amount of time, location, date and time of day, and other considerations. We don't publish our rates because we never are sure what other considerations might arise. We generally charge by the hour, with a two hour minimum. But say you hired one plumber for an hour, that would cost... and we're four professionals...hey, we're pretty cheap!
What do you do for a living?: We are professional musicians. We make our money by playing music, really! We're also highly skilled teachers, sharing our talents by training the next generation(s) of musicians.

FAQ
Links to this site's pages Stratton home About Stratton We Play For... Music List Music Samples Where We Have Played FAQ Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Do we travel to distant cities? Yes, sometimes, and we charge for it. There is no set formula for our travel charge, it depends on the day, the month, other playing opportunities likely to be available, etc. Please call to discuss what's possible. Do we play outdoors? We are reluctant. There are many variables involved, not the least of which are the effects of moisture or sun on the varnish on our instruments. We'd encourage you to re-envision your idyllic outdoor wedding, adding in the possible rain, wet chairs, damp sod, wind, poor acoustics, traffic noise, airplane noise, cold, heat, port-a-potties, allergies, mosquitos, west nile virus, etc. If you're still feeling enthusiastic about an outdoor wedding, we encourage you to contact another string quartet. Do we have a tape we can mail out? We do. We hope you can hear samples of our music on this website. Let us know if that doesn't work for you, and we'll be happy to mail out a cassette or CD. Are you available on a certain date? The only way to know is to call or e-mail us. Click on the Contact Us link to the left. I don't know... How do I know if I want a string quartet for my event? We've worked with a lot of people. We know that we'll have the most fun and play our best when we feel that we are the right ensemble for the occasion. We're as concerned as you are to have the music match your event. If we get the feeling you'd be happier with a group other than a string quartet, we'll let you know. How do I reserve the Stratton? First, call or email us! (Click on the "Contact Us" link to the left) We'll let you know whether we have your date available. Weekends are generally reserved well in advance, especially between April and October. And then? If we are available, we can send you a sample tape. If you like the tape, we will talk with you to answer any questions you might have and to discuss details. If I decide to go ahead, what happens next? If you decide you'd like us to play for your event, we ask for an advance deposit of $100 to hold your date and time, and we use a standard union contract. What musical selections should I have for my ceremony? The Stratton Quartet has played for hundreds of wedding ceremonies -- and receptions. We have a list of selections that work well for weddings. We can send you this list, if you request it. Also our sample cassette tape has some of those selections on it. (We hope to have that music on this website soon.) We have more music available than is listed on the printed list or on the tape, so if you DO have a specific piece you're looking for, please ask us if we have it. How expensive is it to hire live musicians? That depends on the amount of time, location, date and time of day, and other considerations. We don't publish our rates because we never are sure what other considerations might arise. We generally charge by the hour, with a two hour minimum. But say you hired one plumber for an hour, that would cost... and we're four professionals...hey, we're pretty cheap! What do you do for a living? We are professional musicians. We make our money by playing music, really! We're also highly skilled teachers, sharing our talents by training the next generation(s) of musicians.