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FAQS
What kind of music do you play?
Art Company Orchestra plays “Classic American Hit Music from the
1940’s to today”. This includes the genres of Big Band/Swing, Pop
and Rock & Roll from the ‘50s, ‘60’s, 70’s, 80’s 90’s, which
recognizes various phases of pop culture within those decades such
as: Doo-Wop, British invasion, Horn bands of the 60’s and 70’s,
Disco, 80’s dance hits; country crossover, urban main stream, Latin
Pop, and a few contemporary hits from 2000-today bring our song list
to the current era. Please refer to our online song list for a
complete listing.
How long have you been in business?
In 2008, The Art Company will celebrate its 20th Anniversary!
At this time, we are beginning plans to celebrate with our
musicians, crew, techs and ALL of our past clients and newlyweds!
Art Newman’s first professional gig was at age 14 in 1958. He has
been involved with band leadership for the past 40+ years, as well
as backing up name acts across the country.
The Art Company is a proud member of C.O.S.E., North East Ohio
Bridal Association and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce (Aurora,
Ohio).
How long do you play?
Most wedding receptions are booked for a standard 4 hour time frame.
There is a price reduction for a 3 hour reception. We are happy to
play for shorter or longer periods, as well.
Will you have a
booking before our wedding on that day?
We generally reserve the majority of the day for a clients wedding.
Plenty of time is allotted for our travel, set-up, and personal time
before each performance.
Is there someone in the
band who can act as our Master of Ceremonies or “MC”?
Art Company Orchestra has 2 professional emcee/ voiceover artists
within the band, and either of them do a superior job with this. All
announcements you need for the evening will be handled with ease.
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Can I meet with the
leader prior to the event to plan things?
We hope so! We rely on the planning process to get to know you
better and to understand the personality of each event. Whenever
possible, we meet in person. We will work with your schedule as best
we can. Sometimes it is not possible for out of town Brides and/or
Grooms, and the planning needs to be accomplished via telephone or
email, which we make work. You may call us anytime throughout your
engagement. Unlike some bandleaders and agencies, we welcome your
contact and enjoy hearing from you!
Do you supply background
music for during your breaks?
Yes, we do. From the time your guests enter the room, prerecorded
music will be playing. There is no silent or dead time, other than
your speeches! If you wish, we can discuss your pre-recorded music
options, as well.
Do you provide lighting?
Yes. Stage Lighting is included. If you are interested in
additional dance floor lighting, room or ambient lighting, it can be
arranged through our office at an additional charge.
What do you charge?
Our band prices range from $750.00 to $7,500.00 for a single
engagement.
We are certain we can size our orchestra to fit your needs and your
budget.
Most wedding receptions are in the $3,000-$7,000. range.
Our pricing matrix determines our charge of a performance, and it
based on the following factors:
The Month/season and Day of the week
How large a band you are hiring / how many members
How many hours of performance
If there is travel involved,
Whether we are taking breaks or playing continuous.
January through April is considered off season and those rates are
much lower than other months.
Friday and Sunday weddings are 15% lower than Saturday weddings.
Weddings outside of Northeast Ohio require a travel fee.
Please call our office for pricing that fits your particular event.
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How many breaks do you
take? How long are the breaks?
In a four hour engagement, there are three 15 minute breaks. The
timing of these breaks will be discussed with you to optimize our
playing time.
Can I have the band play
non-stop?
Yes! There is an additional charge for this service. We have several
ways to successfully handle this request, and the prices vary.
In short, we have four options:
1) The singers sing to
pre-recorded tracks while the musicians break.
2) The band breaks down to a trio during the break time. You have
live music, but less robust than the whole band.
3) You may opt to “buy back” one of the breaks, so we take 2 breaks
that evening. Many of our clients opt for this and we eliminate the
last break, when they feel the guests may start to drift home. The
whole band remains onstage.
4) Option 4 is called “continuous music”. The whole band plays the
entire length of the contract. There is little fluctuation in the
intensity of the performance and the dance floor tends to stay
packed all evening.
What time does the band
set up?
In the afternoon for an evening event. Our promise to you is that we
will be set up before your guests enter our area. Most bands and
orchestras charge a hefty fee for this service. Setting up an hour
before the start of music means the band is setting up while your
party is in progress! This is inappropriate. We feel that setting up
before the guests enter, it is the cost of doing a professional and
appropriate job.
It takes our crew 2 to 3 hours to set up and run a sound check.
Please make sure the venue is open and available for us to do this
for you.
What does the band wear
during performances?
Our formalwear is “Black Tie”, meaning a black tuxedo with a white
tuxedo shirt and …black tie. We also carry a platinum hand tie and
vest ensemble. Our female vocalist wears an evening gown or cocktail
dress for night performances, depending on the level of formality of
your gathering. “Smart Casual” outfits for other functions such as
outdoor concerts and theme parties are available.
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How and when do
we pay you?
We require a deposit of 50% of the contracted price to secure your
date, along with your signed contract. The remaining balance (50%)
is due the day of your event, prior to the start of the party.
Do you accept major
credit cards?
Yes! We accept all major credit cards.!
Will you play overtime
if the party is still going?
Of course! We only ask that you determine the overtime before our
last half hour of contracted time, so we can
plan our additional show/music!
What does overtime cost?
If your contract is for a 4 hour performance, 30 minutes of overtime
is 1/8 the price of the band. Easy math! The fee is stated on your
contract.
Can I give the band a
“please play” and a “do not play” list?
Yes! We encourage you to go through our song list and let us know
your preferences and especially those songs you do not want to be
played. We believe we deliver a more personalized show when you give
us this input. Please make sure you get us your lists six weeks in
advance of the event.
How do you handle requests from the crowd?
We will happily play a request if possible! We play requests only if
they are something the host has indicated that they like. (If
someone requests something on the “do not play” list, we do not play
it. It’s your party.)
Do
I need to provide dinner for the band?
A “vendor meal” is appropriate. A vendor meal is usually an
inexpensive plated meal, a deli buffet or a sandwich with a side
dish. We ask that you provide some type of refreshment such as this,
and an assortment of diet and sugared soft drinks (about 4 per
person) as well as bottled water. Your caterer will be able to make
suggestions. A private “Green room” is our preference, where we can
relax before our performance, store our belongings, warm up, and be
out of the way of your guests. If possible, a private room near the
party is perfect!
Where can I hear the orchestra play?
Our orchestra plays 90% private events, so it can become a challenge
to find the perfect opportunity. We will do our best to arrange for
a time for you to hear us live at an event, with permission of the
host.
What happens if a performer cannot make it to our wedding due to
illness?
We have suitable “alternate” players for each singer and each
instrument. Much thought has been put into the writing of our music
to allow for this scenario. Great care has been taken to make sure
these professionals are familiar with our written music and our
show.
How do I book the orchestra?
Simply call our office and we will get a contract right out to you!
Your deposit is required along with a contract signed by you and us.
At that point, the orchestra is reserved for your date.
Does the band ever perform with a DJ?
Yes! We actually have our own DJ with the band. He is able to DJ on
breaks, play your favorite CDs, or even create a "break set" of
music you, at no charge.
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