Pricing for wedding ceremonies is a flat rate (call
for a quote); non-ceremony events are generally based on an hourly
performance rate, but can be influenced by event complexity, timing,
and location. Holiday rates may apply based on your dates (a general
list follows below). Please call for a quote based on your own specific
event details. I am also happy to provide complimentary, in-studio
consultations by appointment. There is no charge for set-up time before
the performance. I can often work with other musicians and vocalists
for your event, with any required rehearsal time prior to the event at
an additional cost. Mileage costs may apply based on the location of
your event. (With gasoline prices currently being so unpredictable,
travel costs will be estimated when you reserve your date, but not
finalized until close to your event. If anyone would like to invent a
hybrid vehicle big enough to haul harps and equipment, you will be my
hero forever...)
Dates that generally involve holiday rates:
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Valentine’s Day
Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Memorial Day weekend
July 4th or its nearest weekend
Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Boxing Day (Dec.26)
This list is a general guideline and may be subject
to change.
Some events, such as arranging for event background
music, don’t require in-person plannings or meetings unless you
would like one. If you can’t come in person, we can do a
“virtual meeting” by phone. At a consultation,you can see
and hear the harps and learn how a harp can be used at your event. A
quote will be generated for you, if it hasn’t been already, and
you can ask all your questions. This meeting is complimentary; please
call for an appointment. If you choose to finalize the booking at that
time, I’ll generate your paperwork and you can place your deposit
with cash or check. For weddings, a detailed planning meeting is
required in person or by phone; the best time to plan to meet is after
you have met with your officiant enough to know the “rough
outline” of how the service will go. We’ll go through the
ceremony in detail to determine what music you’d like.You
don’t need to have all your pieces chosen before we meet;
sometimes your selections will depend on the harp you choose. If you
need help with ideas, I can help you choose from a wide variety of
things.
If you decide to make a booking, the date is
reserved by placing a deposit, usually 50% of the event quote, and
we'll fill out a Performance Agreement. The remaining balance is
requested 30 days prior to your event.. All payments are accepted in
cash, money order, corporate check, New York State personal check
or via PayPal unless other arrangements are made. (PayPal charges
a small service fee on top of what my fee is.)
Outdoor events are possible during the warm months
from after Memorial Day in May until Labor Day in August. Harps are
terrific at outdoor events, but obviously must be protected from
elements such as rain and roasting sun, both of which can permanently
damage the instruments. The concert grand pedal harp may not be
available for outdoor performances; lever harps are better suited for
this. Temperature and weather must be taken in account for each
peformance; please contact me for details. Amplification can be used
outdoors as needed as long as an electrical source is available and
weather conditions permit.
I am often able to work with other musicians and
vocalists for your event, and can make recommendations as to very
qualified people with whom I've worked before. At least one rehearsal
with any additional musicians prior to your event is mandatory to
ensure the best possible performance. (Please note: rehearsal time is
at an additional hourly charge.) I regularly work with Glennda Dove
Pellito in The Lakeshore Duet; I
also recommend Mark Daniels (tenor), Allyn VanDeusen (soprano), Colleen
Wolf (French horn), John Pellito (trumpet), Tim Schramm (piano and
organ), and Kathleen Perry (viola and flute). If you have a singer in
mind for your event, please be sure that they are available and in town
for a rehearsal prior to the event, and that they are sufficiently
trained and experienced. While everyone has a favorite cousin or a
friend who has a lovely everyday singing voice, it can take a lot of
work to get amateur musicians up to performance caliber, and it really
isn’t within the scope of what I do. Please ask if you have any
questions at all.
Out-of-town engagements can often be accommodated
at an additional fee. Please call for details.
When you first call or e-mail me for info, it is
very useful to have the following information ready for me:
1. Your name and phone number.
2. The date and time of your event.
3. The location of your event.
4. A brief description of your event.
5. Your ideas on what sort of music you're looking
for (this can be vague if you're still in the brainstorming phase, or
you can admit to having no ideas yet if that’s the case).
6. The approximate size of the event location (to
help determine amplification needs, if any); please also mention if
this is an indoor or outdoor event.
7. If you will need additional musicians or
vocalists, or if you have selected them already.
