FAQ
Do you perform outdoors?
Absolutely! We love the outdoors and understand that many couples prefer to be married under the open sky. However, we will need to be sheltered from rain, excessive wind, and direct sun with a canopy, tent, or overhanging roof. A shade tree may suffice when it comes to the sun, but will not provide adequate shelter from rain. In addition, we can only perform outside if the temperature is between 65-78 degrees Farenheit. Our wooden instruments are very fragile and must be protected from the elements! (In very warm temperatures the glue can melt, and in very cold temperatures the wood can crack).
How large of a performance area do you need?
We prefer to set up in a semi-circle/horseshoe type shape rather than a straight line. The approximate dimensions of the performance area for each ensemble are:
String Quartet: 8x6 ft
String Trio: 8x6 ft
String Duo: 5x5 ft
Piano Trio: It depends on the size of the piano!
Do you need amplification?
No! Our string instruments are naturally acoustic and can produce a resonant sound that will project throughout most venues. We are happy to play with amplification if you wish, but we do not provide our own sound/PA system.
What type of set-up do you require?
Please provide:
A straight-back chair without arms for each member of the ensemble
Adequate lighting to read sheet music
Parking for each member of our ensemble
Printed program/order of events for each member of the ensemble, if using
Microphones/PA/sound system if you wish for us to perform with amplification
Water bottles are always appreciated if they are available
You do not need to provide:
Music stands- we will bring our own
Sheet music, unless otherwise agreed upon
Do you take special song requests that are not on your repertoire list?
Yes! Your event should be unique and meaningful, and we are happy to accommodate your wishes. If we do not have the song in our library, we can either purchase a published arrangement or arrange it specifically for your event. We will determine the best course of action and any associated fees during your consultation.
What do you wear when you perform?
We typically wear all black: slacks with a black button-down shirt for the men, and black dresses or slacks with black blouses for the women. We are happy to dress up or down upon request, and can accommodate both black tie events and more casual settings.
How and when do we choose music for our event?
Selecting music for your wedding or event should be fun and easy. Once you book us for your event, we can set up a personal consultation and discuss your personalized music selections. We are happy to offer suggestions, to plan the entire set list, or to leave that entirely up to you! When you book with Amethyst Ensemble, you can choose as much or as little of the music as you like! Curious about our selections? Check out our repertoire pages from the menu bar.
Will you perform with the worship pastor, the church organist, or my Aunt Sally?
Yes! The Amethyst Ensemble is happy to collaborate with a local or professional musician for a specific piece. Sometimes we can just read from a hymn book or from the piano music, but depending on the piece we may need to make a special arrangement, in which case there would be an additional fee. There would also be a fee added on for an extra rehearsal before the event.
Can I add guitar, harp, organ, vocals, oboe, or kazoo to the ensemble?
Yes- probably. We have a large network of professional Chicago area musicians and will be happy to try and accommodate your request to add a specific type of instrument. We can only perform with organ or piano if your venue has an instrument available, however. The main difficulty in adding non-standard instruments to our string ensembles is finding appropriate repertoire written for the group. We will determine if special arrangements need to be made or purchased, or if our existing music can be adapted to fit after we have a clearer idea of your vision! Please refer to our “Other Instrumentation” page.
Will you come to my wedding rehearsal?
Our musicians are experienced at performing weddings so it is not standard for us to attend your rehearsal. On the day of your event, we will arrive at your venue with ample time to asses the space, set up, and otherwise be ready to perform. If you would like, we can send a representative to your rehearsal for an extra fee.
Do you offer any packages?
Yes! We offer a package deal for same-day, same-venue weddings and cocktail hours. We may be able to offer other packages, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Do you travel to venues outside of Chicago?
Yes, however there may be an extra fee for mileage and/or driving time.
You are out of our budget! Will you lower your price?
Maybe. But it doesn’t hurt to ask!
During live events, there are oftentimes many opportunities when an event can go awry. By hiring Amethyst Ensemble, you can rest assured that we have the experience to adapt quickly and flexibly to any situation that may arise. When you hire Amethyst Ensemble, you are hiring consummate professionals with the highest levels of university training, 15+ years of experience working professionally in their field, and oftentimes 20+ years of studying their chosen instrument. Some of the accomplishments of our musicians include: performing at Carnegie Hall, collaborating with Yo-Yo Ma, and performing solo concertos with professional orchestras.
If you still feel that we are out of your budget, let us know. If we are unable to adjust our rates, perhaps we can connect you with some of our high school private students who may be more affordable for you. Please be aware that the lower cost associated with our students comes with a correspondingly lesser amount of professional-level experience.