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Here are some questions we frequently receive from our clients. Choose from the list below to go directly to each question or simply scroll down.
Q: How do you set your prices? How do your prices compare with other agencies? A: We have done extensive market research both locally and spanning the whole country to find out how to price our groups. Our goal is to offer competitive prices that fall in line with other agencies and groups in the area. What sets us apart is our attention to service and detail. We go out of our way to create the perfect experience for your event and your budget. We also work with your event coordinator or wedding planner to integrate our performers seamlessly into your event. Q: Why do you list a price range instead of an actual price? A: Most agencies don't post any prices or price ranges at all. However, we feel that in order to save you time and simplify your planning process, we should at least give you an idea of what to reasonably expect when it comes to booking entertainment for an event. That said, due to the unique nature of each event, it is impossible to give exact numbers online. Exact prices will be disclosed in your custom quote and will fall within the ranges given on the site. Best of all, we include all necessary fees and charges in your final quote so you won't be presented with a bill that is more than you had expected. Q: What goes into setting a price for a performing group? A: Many factors affect the pricing of a performing group. Here are a few things to consider: 1. Equipment - instruments, amplification, PA systems, microphones, lighting, and other equipment can be a monumental investment for musicians, often equivalent to a car or house. Maintenance for this equipment is also costly. 2. Travel Time and Expenses - To perform a four hour show, bands are usually estimating about an hour of load in/load out time and travel time to the venue. Additionally, bands are often required to be set up an hour before the performance begins. When adding another hour for packing up and driving home, a four hour performance can easily last as many as seven or more hours in effect. Most destinations in the greater Houston area will have no additional travel costs, but some outlying areas may incur a small charge to help defer travel expenses. 3. Rehearsal - As individual musicians and performers, we put in countless hours of practice and study to hone our skills. Years are spent learning before we are able to begin rehearsing with a group for professional performances. In addition to the time spent individually, our groups spend countless hours rehearsing together to deliver a polished and professional product for your entertainment. 4. Other considerations - Some special requests such as musical arrangements or music that involves buying scores, may incur a small extra charge. Again, these costs and any other additional costs will be fully disclosed in your final custom quote. 5. What specific groups charge - Some established groups and musicians have a set price for which they will work. In order to book these groups for an event we must match their requirements. Q: Do the musicians hired require food, beverages, a gratuity, or special sales taxes? A: Most performers will request a beverage and light food on their fifteen minute breaks (for the larger 7-16 piece bands, contract riders will specify this). Your caterer or site manager will often refer to this as a "staff meal" at some nominal charge to you. While gratuity is not required, tips are certainly appreciated, especially when making requests. There are no special taxes for a band. The price quoted is the final cost. Q: Can I pay for services with a credit card A: Yes! We now accept all major credit cards and electronic checks. To use this service, you must specify that you'd like to use your credit card in your correspondence with us so we can send you an electronic invoice. Our Entertainment Liaisons will guide you through the process. You can make partial or full payments using this service, including deposits.
Q: How far in advance must I select the event music? A: For dance bands with a particular singer, you are safest at 6-8 months out. These bands are 'one-of-a-kind' and the more popular ones book frequently in prime seasons: Summer and Fall for weddings, December for corporate. For the classical ensembles when duplicates exist, 1-2 months is acceptable. If you think there isn't enough time to get a band, try us anyway. We just might have an open spot with one of our groups. Q: Can I see and hear the performers live before choosing them? A: Absolutely! We encourage our clients to hear our groups live whenever possible. There are multiple ways to see them. See our "Upcoming Shows" section to see when and where our groups are performing in public venues. Also, we occasionally appear at Houston area bridal shows and showcase as many of our performers as possible. These dates will also be posted in the "Upcoming Shows." Finally, we occasionally hold private performances catered to wedding coordinators and event planners in the area to display our talent, provide a networking opportunity for the event business, and give planners an opportunity to bring their clients to a more intimate setting to sample our music as well as other event businesses such as caterers, venues, and florists. If you are working with an event planner, have them contact us to be included in our list of preferred vendors and receive invitations to these events. Q: Can we make special requests?
A: Absolutely! We encourage
you to request the music you want to hear. If at all possible,
our musicians will do their best to accommodate your request.
Advance notice is always preferred, especially in the classical
setting. But during a break in the music, feel free to speak to
a performer and ask if they can play your request. If they know
it, they'll likely do it. Q: May I talk to the performers or band leader prior to the event? A: Yes. We will make sure that direct communication is a possibility between you and the performers if it is necessary. Q: What are the pros & cons of a Disc Jockey vs. Live Band? A: A DJ can be less expensive than a live band, takes up less space, plays music in the original sound track and has an unlimited library of tunes. This may be useful in some circumstances. For other kinds of events, live music adds energy and an exciting visual element. There is much more guest interaction with the instrumentalists and singers than with a single DJ. A great band recreating the original tunes also adds an element of unique interpretation. This can refresh old material. In four hours one can hear only about 50 tunes. This means that a versatile band with dozens of selections in multiple categories can play more than enough repertoire. Bands will also learn and chart special requests. During breaks recorded music will be played to fill in. Truly, there is no substitute for high quality live performance! Q: Are the audio samples the same sound as the band that shows up on the event date? A: We feel ethically bound to ensure that this is the case. With very minor variations in personnel what you hear is what you get. Exceptions may occur if you request specific performers that we don't have samples of or don't have the rights to upload their recorded material on our site. In these cases, we will make sure that a demo CD of material is sent to you that represents the artist you'll have performing. Q: Do you work with wedding coordinators/event planners? Can you work with mine? A: Absolutely. We prefer working with event planning teams and coordinators whenever possible. It certainly helps with the integration of music into your event, keeps everyone on the same page, and keeps things running smoothly. We can work with your wedding and event coordinator in any capacity. Simply give us their contact information and pass ours along to them and we will get in sync to help take the stress out of planning your event. Need a recommendation for an event coordinator? See our preferred vendors list on our links page. Do you have a coordinator you'd like to recommend? Let us know! We love to network with good business people! |
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