What are your rates? – $400.00 for a minimum one hour performance.
$200.00 per each additional 1/2 hour requested.
What is included in your fees? – Our base fees always include:
- Musical planning consultations with El Paso String Quartet contracting musician.
- the net playing time on spot, i.e., between the first and last note the quartet plays.
- musicians arriving early for setup.
Are there any additional fees/costs?
- Overtime charges. $100.00 per each 20 minutes over the end-time specified in our contract. A ceremony or other type event will not exceed more than one hour if it is carefully planned between you and your presiding clergy/coordinator.
Will you meet with presiding clergy/coordinator regarding the musical program?
The El Paso String Quartet is not a parish organization nor are we affiliated with any non-parish organization. Purchaser will be the sole liaison between any member of the clergy or coordinator regarding music to be performed and then communicating any musical additions and/or changes directly to the El Paso String Quartet contracting musician.
Can you play outdoors?
We will gladly play outdoors in favorable weather conditions and with proper shelter provisions. No direct exposure to any combination of temperatures below 65 or above 90 degrees, winds exceeding 20mph, extreme sunlight or humidity, rain, sleet, or snow. Because unpredictable weather conditions can also result in an unpleasant outdoor experience for your guests, we also recommend a “Plan B” for the service to redirected indoors, if necessary.
How many musicians are in The El Paso String Quartet and what instruments do they play? – We are a group of four musicians playing the following instruments: 2 Violin, 1 Viola, and 1 Cello. Our Director, Valerie Camargo is also available to perform vocally as she plays the guitar, or vocally with accompaniment from the group.
Can I request a demo CD? – At this time we do not offer CD’s, but we have listening samples on our Repertoire List.
Are there any “hidden” fees? – No.
Do you require a deposit? – Yes. There will be a $160.00 deposit of the total amount due at the signing of the contract.
Is my deposit refundable? – Unfortunately-no, unless of course, EPSQ fails to provide the service agreed upon. We take our commitments seriously – almost as seriously as when a bride and a groom say “I Do”. We will guarantee quality professional service/music per our contractual agreement.
When are payments due? - After the initial deposit is paid, the remaining balance will be due on the day of the event before the quartet starts playing. This is for ours as well as for your convenience, as we know a wedding ceremony or other special event can be a very stressful time for our clients. We even suggest sending in the remaining balance in advance, so there is one less item to address on your big day.
Can we set up a meeting to discuss details and sign a contract? – After you initially contact us, we can certainly meet at your convenience. The planning of a wedding or other special event usually takes many months of preparation, and we are always available for consultations regarding your important questions and concerns.
Can we hear you play live? – Certainly, as long as we can obtain permission from our client to invite outside guests.
Is there an additional fee if we require a vocalist? – No. In addition to playing violin and guitar, Director Valerie Camargo is the group’s vocalist at no additional cost. Please refer to Our Repertoire List for songs that can be performed vocally with the quartet, or vocally while playing the guitar.
Do you require any special accommodations? – Our quartet will need enough space to set up and perform in an area
that is approximately 10 x 10 square feet. We will need four armless chairs to sit and play in.
Can you play outdoors? –Yes, as long as we are guaranteed that proper shelter is provided for us from direct sunlight, humidity, rain, and wind. Because unpredictable weather conditions can also result in an unpleasant outdoor experience for your guests, we also recommend a “Plan B” for the service to be redirected indoors, if necessary.
Can you play prelude music before the Ceremony? – It is very nice to have music performed fifteen minutes before the start of the wedding ceremony as your guests arrive and are being seated. Prelude music consists of mostly Baroque and Classical Age music that often resembles a chamber music concert, creating the right atmosphere and giving your guests the best chance to appreciate a good performance.
How large a group do I need? – The size of the group depends on your personal preferences as well as financial considerations and the number of guests. All groups perform acoustically and are loud enough, so the volume is never a real concern. It is the actual density and richness of the sound that makes the difference. Our quartet is appropriate for most weddings and receptions.