Refoundry Strings

Serves Buffalo, NY

35244

Hired 19 times

4 employees

19 years in business

$185/hour

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Credentials

Background Check

Jessica Tufte
Completed on 7/23/2023

Introduction

(Formerly known as the Greycliffe String Quartet.) We are all university trained and love creating special music for your special day. We are happy to provide high quality classical music in addition to pop, rock, jazz, and even requests. Five-star review from The Knot: "I hired Greycliffe String Quartet to perform during my wedding ceremony and cocktail hour before dinner. I received so many compliments about this choice. They're fantastic musicians with a wide-ranging repetoire. I wanted our wedding day to be elegant, but different, representing who we are. Greycliffe String Quartet provided just the right touch. My attendants walked down the aisle to The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony and I walked down the aisle to U2's All I Want Is You. We chose Queen's Crazy Little Thing Called Love for our recessional. During the cocktail hour, they played showtunes, classical music, with some touches of rock music ranging from the Beatles, Coldplay and The Rolling Stones. I couldn't have made a better choice!"

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

We've been doing a lot of violin/cello duets of late, and wedding ceremony base-price is about $550. Solo instruments range from $250-$400/hour depending on the repertoire. String quartet base rate is about $750 for the first hour. Hours beyond the initial hour are discounted. Most string players have a flat rate no matter the length of the wedding ceremony. It is also the same amount of work for us whether you have 10 guests or 350. All of these rates already include the Thumbtack fees, a video or phone consult, travel expenses, music stands and other supplies, and most sheet music expenses (does not include arrangements we need to write for you, but that's usually discussed when we decide the repertoire together), any needed rehearsal time, ~30 minutes of pre-service music, all ceremony music, and recessional music.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

We usually like to know what the event is and what genre(s) of music the client is looking for. We are happy to help decide which pieces are most appropriate for a given event and once the client has made the final decision to go with our group, we work out a contract that includes expectations, venue address, event time, repertoire, and a $100 deposit to hold the date. We're happy to make this process as easy and accessible as possible to those without a lot of musical knowledge!

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

We are all university trained and have played in a number of professional settings including with community, university, and professional orchestras; different chamber settings; and as soloists for a number of groups. Our players have also been in master classes with groups such as the Tokyo String Quartet and Buffalo's own JoAnne Faletta.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

We've been playing as a string quartet together since 2006 at UB when we started playing gigs in addition to the myriad of concert performances. We haven't looked back since!

What types of customers have you worked with?

We've worked with clients planning for weddings, business events, fundraisers, political events, religious ceremonies, parties, funerals...you name it!

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

We all love playing weddings. It's such an honor and privilege to have front row seats to one of the most exciting, important, and special days of people's lives. We're very happy to add that extra special musical touch on an extremely special day!

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

I would make sure that they are friendly, easy to work with, and don't speak above your understanding.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

It is important to think about what type of music you are looking for and how long the event is. It's important to remember that playing a classical stringed instrument can be physically taxing after about an hour or two. We often need a 5-10 minute break every hour just to make sure we can continue to play well. And don't forget that string players also need arm-less chairs!