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WEDDING MUSIC FAQ
SECTION IV - TECHNICAL ELEMENTS OF THE RECEPTION
20) When Does the Band Set Up?
Ask your band what there set up schedule is. You probably do not want the band loading their equipment into your reception while you are in the room. It looks terrible and it is both disruptive and distracting to your guests. You certainly do not need to hear the band performing a "sound check" during dinner.
The vast majority of our equipment (sound system, microphones, music stands, etc.) is set up before you and your guests enter the room. In that way, the stage has a "finished" appearance and we are not interrupting your reception with the look and sounds of moving equipment. Most band members carry a minimal amount of equipment and they will arrive an hour before our start. And if the reception is in progress, the musicians all enter the room fully dressed in their formal wear.
21) Does the Band Have A Public Address System?
We provide a completely professional sound system. This system is used for our performance as well as for all announcements. A wireless microphone is always available for your use. It offers you and your guests the convenience of being able to make toasts and remarks from anywhere in the room.
22) How Does the Band Approach Volume Issues?
The orchestra has a full-time, professional sound engineer. His responsibility is to make sure that the orchestra’s sound level is balanced in the room. We are very sensitive to volume issues. We want the band to sound exciting and to perform with energy, but we also want you and your guests to be able to easily carry on conversations at the same time. During the evening, if you ever have a volume question, just ask us and we will make the proper adjustment.
23) Will the Band Leader Make Announcements?
If you want announcements to be made, make sure that your band leader is comfortable with acting as the MC - Master of Ceremonies.
Stu Hirsh regularly serves as Master of Ceremonies. Whether he is working with a wedding consultant or not, Stu almost always takes care of the announcing. Of course, you can also designate a friend or family member to fulfill those duties. Stu will take you through the list of items or activities that could be announced (introductions, grace, toasts, cake-cutting, etc.) and then you would tell him what things (if any) you actually want to have announced. He is happy to make as many or as few announcements as you would like. It is completely up to you. And by the way, the announcements are made in a very tasteful manner - not like a game show host asking your minister or rabbi to, "Come on down"!!!
Also, Stu always pays great attention to the details involved in the entire wedding, not just the music. He works closely with you, your photographer, videographer and caterer to make sure that when an announcement is made, everyone involved is ready. This sounds like a small detail, but it is one that is important. Before asking the Best Man to make a toast, Stu makes sure that the Best Man is in the room! Or, when it’s time for the cake cutting - is there a knife and plate at your wedding cake and is the photographer set to go, or does he need two more minutes to reload his camera? Little details, but if they are over looked those details can cause embarrassing and awkward moments.
24) Can Guests Sit -In With the Band?
If you would like to have a guest or relative perform with the band, then we are happy to have that person join us. We definitely will want to speak with that person, well in advance of the wedding, in order to make your "guest artist" as comfortable as possible, so that their performance will be as professional as possible.
25) Do You Take Breaks?
Every band has their own particular policy when it comes to breaks. Some bands take 10 minute breaks, other take 15 or 20 minute breaks. Just make sure you know what your band’s breaks are like. Breaks that are too long can destroy a party.
The Stu Hirsh Orchestra will typically take one 10-minute break per hour, during a standard three hour performance. These breaks are not necessarily strictly timed. We try our best to schedule the breaks at logical points in the evening. Breaks can occur during toasts, or when a course is served. If the band begins after dinner, then we will usually play 50 minutes and then take a 10 minute break, within each hour. We also provide a CD player and CDs, so that music can be played on our breaks.
26) Does the Band Expect to Eat?
Staff meals for the orchestra are rarely expected. But, if you are generous enough to invite us to dine, it is always appreciated. The only situation in which we do request staff meals is when certain members of the orchestra are performing for a significantly long amount of time, beyond the band’s standard three hour performance.
27) What Is the Band’s Policy on Drinking Alcohol?
Alcohol is great, when consumed in moderation, but NEVER at work. We are very strict about this one. No alcohol is consumed by any member of the band, at any time, during a wedding. Some bands apparently think that a wedding reception is an opportunity for the musicians to "party" with the guests. Your wedding is our place of work. And our "office" is not the place for alcohol.
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