Frequently Asked Questions -

--- We've decided to book your group! Where do we go from here?

Step 1
If you haven't already, visit the Pricing & Availability page and fill out the form with your event details to get a price quote.

Step 2
After you have received your quote and are ready to for the next step. You will receive an email with a link to our pre-contract form. (www.erniehalter.com/quintet/precontract.htm). Which will gather all the information needed to draw up a performance contract for your event.

Step 3
After you've submitted the online pre-contract, you'll soon receive a final performance contract by email. See below for a sample of our contract.
Sample Performance Contract

Step 4
Review your contract -- then print, sign, date, and mail back to me with your 50% non-refundable deposit no later than 8 weeks before your event. [or as soon as possible if your event is less than 8 weeks away]

Step 5
Relax and enjoy your event!!

--- What other group sizes are available?
We're available as a quintet, quartet, trio, and 6-piece band. Click here for a list of packages.

--- Would you be willing to travel to _______ ?
Yes, our group is quite active and many of our events are outside the Southern California area. When submitting a quote for a travel gig, we will quote you rates for the various groups (trio, quartet, quintet, sextet, etc) and then provide you with an estimate of the travel costs for those groups. Once the travel budget has been agreed apon and the deposit has been secured, we make all the neccessary arrangements (airfare, hotel, car/van rental, instrument backline, PA).

There is no additional travel costs for events within the greater Los Angeles area.

--- Is there a video or CD we can hear?
Sound and video clips are available on www.erniehalterquintet.com. We also have a DVD demo which we could mail you.

--- Will there be recorded music in between your sets?
Yes. If you like you can provide the CD or we'll use one of our own. The break music we most often use are a collection of old standards (Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, ect). These songs are not the same songs on our songlist, so you will never hear the same song twice.

--- How long are your sets/breaks?
The standard set is 45 minutes (about 10-12 songs) with a 15 minute break. Breaks can be shifted somewhat to accommate to the program of events.

--- What about a dinner break?
Though not required, many clients offer to provide a meal for the musicians.In this case the group will take a 30-minute dinner break following or preceded by an hour long set. If no meal will be provided, please notify us in advance so that we may make other arrangments.

--- Are there any hidden fees?
No, definitely not. Our rates are agreed apon early, and our terms are clearly stated on our website and in our contracts.

--- What about overtime?
Overtime is anything over 4 hours and is billed at $50/musician/half-hour. Overtime is optional and will never be charged without your consent.

--- Have you had any music education?
B.F.A. degree from the esteemed Berklee School of Music in Boston. Graduated Cum Laude.

--- Can you provide ceremony music?
Yes. As a vocalist and pianist I can provide ceremony music solo or as a duo with a pianist. Jazz and contemporary music is what I do best, however, if requested I can play the traditional wedding march and recessional.

--- Can you emcee?
Yes. If you'd like me to emcee (introduction of the bridal party, announcing first dances, etc) please provide a printed sheet with an aproximate schedule and a list of bridal party names.

--- Where can we see you perform?
Nearly all of our performances are closed to the public. Though we rehearse once a month at a AMP Studio in the North Hollywood-- and you're welcome to drop by and listen. We also have a DVD demo. If you send us your mailing address we would be happy to send you a copy.

--- Do you provide your own sound system?
We use a state of the art Personal Amplification System (PAS) from Bose. Click here for more information.

--- Can we make requests?
You're welcome to let us pick your setlist, or if you have specific songs from our songlist that you would like, we can work with that as well. If you'd like a song that isn't in our repertoire, we may be able to learn it for you, depending on the song. In some cases we ask that you provide a CD and/or sheet music.

--- What time do you arrive and are we charged for setup time?
At no additional charge, we like to be setup by 20 minutes prior to scheduled performance time. Our first arrival (to unload equipment, etc) will be aproximately 90 minutes prior to scheduled performance time. In some cases where it is neccessary for the band to be setup earlier than this we ask an early setup fee. For setting up 1 hour there is a fee of $40.00 per musician. It is an added $20.00 per musician for every additional 30 minutes. (Ex. requiring the band to be setup 1.5 hours prior to performance start time will incur a charge of $60.00 per musician)

--- What if my question isn't mentioned on this list?
We're happy to answer any questions. So if I didn't answer yours here -- By all means, Email us !