Q: What instruments are in the Rosewood Ensemble?
A: The Rosewood Ensemble's most popular group is the String Quartet, which is comprised of two violins, viola and cello. In general, the string quartet produces the fullest, richest sound. The Ensemble is also available as a string trio, (one violin, viola and cello), which makes a beautiful and interesting sound. A string duo (violin and cello or viola and cello) can sound a bit thin, but sometimes it is the best choice for a very small function or when the budget is of particular concern. We would be happy to help you choose which Ensemble best suits the event you are planning.

Q: What kind of music does the Rosewood Ensemble perform?
A: The Rosewood Ensemble has an extensive library containing the music of Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi and Handel through show tunes and movie music, jazz standards, the Beatles waltzes and contemporary pop songs.

Q: How do the musicians dress?
A: The dress is formal, unless otherwise requested: formal black concert attire. We feel it is important to dress as formally as you will for your event.

Q: How do I book the Rosewood Ensemble for my event?
A: Please contact us for availability, pricing and to request a complimentary CD. When you decide that you would like to hire the Rosewood Ensemble, we will send you a written contract that will define the details of what we provide for your event. You will then return one copy of the signed contract along with a fifty percent deposit. The other fifty percent is due on the day of the event or before. Once we have a signed contract, the date is yours.

Q: Will the Rosewood Ensemble play outdoors?
A: Yes. Our only concern is the safety of our instruments and the ability to provide quality music. This means we must be in full shade (a covering is preferable) and there must be NO precipitation.

Q: What do you require at the venue?
A: We will need four straight-backed, armless chairs and an area approximately 10'x10'.

Q: Do you perform at receptions as well as ceremonies?
A: Yes, we often play during cocktails, dinners and receptions. We play a wide variety of musical styles, appropriate for any occasion.

Q: My Wedding Ceremony and Reception are at two different locations. Will the Rosewood Ensemble play for both and how do you charge for playing in two different venues like that?
A: The Rosewood Ensemble charges for the full length of the job, including the travel time between the venues if there are two. If there is more than one hour between the Ceremony and the Reception, they may need to be booked separately. Please call for more information.

Q: Does the Rosewood Ensemble charge a travel fee for venues outside of the metropolitan St. Louis area?
A: Yes, we charge a fee for travel outside the area. It is calculated from West County. Please call for more information.

Prelude Questions↑ return to top

Q: Should I have music before my Ceremony?
A: The Rosewood Ensemble will play for 30 minutes prior to the start of the Ceremony. This provides beautiful music and sets the mood as your guests arrive and wait for the Ceremony to begin.

Q: Do I need to choose the music for the Prelude?
A: It is not necessary for you to choose all of the music for the Prelude. If you have some specific requests for the prelude music, we would be happy to play those pieces. Otherwise, we will select the music from our repertoire , based on the type of ambiance you wish to create.



Ceremony Questions↑ return to top

Q: How many pieces should I choose for the Processional?
A: For a Christian or non-denominational Wedding, there are usually three separate pieces played. One for the entrance of the mothers (and/or grandparents), one for the bridal party and finally, one for the bride. Will would be happy to help you choose those pieces.

For a Jewish Wedding, often there are two pieces played: one for the Rabbi, family elders, the groom and his parents and another for the entrance of the bride and her parents.

Q: How will you know when to start the Processional music?
A: We will need a signal from either a representative at the venue, a wedding coordinator or an usher. We will consult with that person before the Ceremony to confirm the plans.

Q: Do we need to know how long the music will be in order to time our entrances?
A: No, you can leave that up to us. We are very experienced with ending the music at just the right time. We will just need to know how many people are processing to each piece of music.

Q: Can I have music during the Ceremony?
A: During a Christian Ceremony there is often room for a short selection of music: after readings, during the lighting of the Unity Candle presentation of flowers to the mothers , and of course, during Communion or parts of the Mass. We recommend asking your officiant about these selections , as some pieces are more appropriate than others.

During a Jewish Ceremony, generally there is no music from the string quartet. Often the cantor will sing.

Q: How many pieces do I choose for the Recessional?
A: In general, there would be one piece performed during the exit of the entire Wedding party and another one or two pieces as your guests leave the venue. We will assist you in choosing the Recessional music for the Wedding party and we can select the pieces to follow, if you like.



Planning Questions↑ return to top

Q: When should we select the music?
A: We recommend that you consult with us at least once before you meet with your officiant so that we can help you formulate some questions to ask them about the music for the Ceremony. Our Wedding Questionnaire, which we will send you, is very helpful to both of us. It is preferable to have the music chosen approximately one month prior to the Ceremony. We also recommend sharing a proof of your program with us so that we can ensure that the pieces and the composer's names are spelled correctly.

Q: If I hire the Rosewood Ensemble, do I need to use the church organist? I am paying for the organist with the church fee …
A: You do not need to use an organist if you hire the Rosewood Ensemble, however if you are already paying for the organist with your church fee, we would be happy to work with them. There are a number of musical arrangements that we can play together during the Ceremony, creating a beautiful, large orchestral sound. Additionally, people are accustomed to singing the parts of the Mass with organ so there may be more audience/congregation participation in singing if these parts are played by the organist/vocalist. We would be happy to play the parts of the Wedding Mass, however if you choose not to hire the organist.

Q: Will you perform with guest instrumentalists or singers?
A: Yes, we will be happy to communicate with them directly to work out the musical details. We also have a number of both singers and other instrumentalists that we work with regularly, if you need for us to find someone for you.

Q: Do you need to rehearse with the guest instrumentalists or singers?
A: Yes, usually we can arrange to meet early at the venue on the day of the Wedding. The amount of time needed will depend on the music chosen. On some occasions an additional rehearsal is necessary. A fee will apply for rehearsal time. Please inquire for additional details.

Q: There is a special piece of music that I would like to have performed at my Wedding? Can you play it?
A: Yes, even if it is not currently in our repertoire, we would be happy to create an arrangement for the Ensemble to play. An additional fee for this service will apply.

Q: Do we need to meet in person for our consultation?
A: It is not necessary to meet in person. All details can addressed by phone or email. However, if you prefer an in-person meeting, we would be happy to arrange one.

Q: Will you attend the Wedding rehearsal?
A: It is not necessary for us to attend the rehearsal. We are experienced in timing the music to the right length. We do recommend that you share a recording of the music you have chosen with your bridal party so that they can familiarize themselves with the music to which they will be walking.