Classical Ensembles Performance & Setup Times
PERFORMANCE TIME
The price given is for the time the musicians are with you, i.e. from when they are booked to play the first note, to when they are booked to play the last note. This includes any necessary breaks that the musicians need to take (they can't perform continuously for a long period without breaks). Also, if you have periods in your schedule where you don't want them to perform, that is also included in the total time, (e.g. moving from church to reception venue) as they are committing their time to you whether playing or not.
Setup and pack up time is not part of the performance time.
SET UP TIME
The ensemble would set up immediately before start time and pack away after finish time. Set up time for a string quartet or string duo or trio is normally 10 to 15 minutes unless it is a large instrument such as a harp, an electric piano which has to be plugged in, or amplification equipment is being used (which is rare for a classical ensemble, but would apply to an electric string quartet). With amplification equipment the setup time is typically 45 minutes. Such bands will not normally set up earlier in the day.
If you do want them to be on site and set up earlier than their playing time, or if there are site access restrictions which extend their time on site (as with show grounds) then the extra time on site is usually charged extra. You must state such requirements on the booking form.
Related links:
Related phrases:
Can the band move location; move from church to reception; play in different places; move rooms; move outside; move outdoors; not playing; rest periods;
performance time; set up time; how long to set up the band; time to set up; time to get ready; arrival time; when do the band arrive; how long does band take to get ready; how long does band take to set up the band; when do the band get here;
how long do the band play for; what breaks do the band have; do the band have breaks; how many sets do the band play; food for band; drinks for band; rest for band; dressing room;
pack up; clear up; take down; finish up;
playing at shows / show grounds; setting up in difficult locations; boats; islands
Related phrases:
performance time; set up time; how long to set up the band; time to set up; time to get ready; arrival time; when do the band arrive; how long does band take to get ready; how long does band take to set up the band; when do the band get here;
how long do the band play for; what breaks do the band have; do the band have breaks; how many sets do the band play; food for band; drinks for band; rest for band; dressing room;
pack up; clear up; take down; finish up;