Rare Form Band: Frequently Asked Booking Questions.

Q. Does the band offer any additional services?
A. Yes. Our keyboardist, Jon Abrams, is available to perform solo piano during cocktail hour. Jon is an outstanding pianist whose solo performances never go without notice. He's another example of how Rare Form Band gives your function that flair of excellence you're after.

Our sax and multi-instrumentalist, Carl Ayotte, is also available for cocktail performances. Carl is known for the beautiful, melodic tone he gets from his instrument; the perfect sound to enhance any cocktail hour.

Q. I'm having my ceremony at the same location as the reception. Can you also provide music for my ceremony?
A. In addition to performing during your cocktail hour, Jon Abrams is also available for your ceremony. He's extremely experienced in this area, having performed for couples of every religious denomination imaginable. His ceremonial repertoire is vast, and he's extremely conscientious in coordinating the event with you, insuring you get exactly the music you want.

Our sax and multi-instrumentalist, Carl Ayotte, is also available for ceremony performances. Carl is known for the beautiful, melodic tone he gets from his instrument; the perfect sound to enhance any ceremony.

Q. How many musicians are in the band?
A. The base unit is a 6-piece band which includes a sax player. If you are on an extremely tight budget, you can eliminate the additional horns. Any live performance is greatly enhanced by the presence of a small horn section (sax, trumpet and/or trombone) and we do not charge any premium on the amount we pay for our horn players. What you pay for the horns, goes directly to the players. As a result, the difference in price between our 6-9 piece ensembles is very small. In going with the 6 piece ensemble, you do save a little, but the larger ensemble can play more styles and adds minimally to the total cost.

Q. What kind of music do you play?
A. We play most styles of popular music (click here to download our song list)! We can entertain you with sounds from the 1940's to today's current hits.

Q. What happens if a band member gets sick and can't make the event?
A. Because we have been around for so long, we have a great network of outstanding replacements to draw on in an emergency. However, this rarely happens.

Q. Does Rare Form play at private parties, special events, and corporate functions as well as weddings?
A. Absolutely! We play at corporate functions and holiday parties, dances, benefits - all kinds of events! We do, however, play many more weddings than all other types of functions combined.

Q. How does the band dress for a wedding reception?
A. The men in the band typically wear suits and ties, while our female vocalist wears formal evening attire.

Q. How long do you typically play for?
A. The band typically performs for 4 hours at most wedding receptions. Our keyboardist, Jon Abrams, is available to perform at your cocktail reception before the function, and the band can always stay for an extra half-hour or hour should you decide your crowd still has energy left to burn after the band has performed for 4 hours!

Q. How many breaks do you take?
A. Two breaks during a four hour performance. We'll play during dinner until the entrees are served. After dinner, we'll only take one more 15 minute break during the remainder of the function. Should you decide to hire the band beyond 4 hours, a decision can be made on the spot that evening.

Q. What happens when the band takes a break? Does the party stop?
A. Certainly not! Rare Form will insure music is played throughout the evening to keep the party going. We have a large selection of music to play on all breaks to keep your party going strong!

Q. I don't see the song we want for our first dance on your song list? Will you learn a special request?
A. We are happy to learn songs for your first and last dances, as well as for your parents' dances. Simply email us an mp3 of your special songs in advance.

Q. How much will it cost to have Rare Form Band perform at my function?
A. Pricing can vary significantly depending on where, but especially when, you have your function. For Bookings, click to call our Manager, Donna, at 603-635-9861. She will get you started.

Q. How far in advance do I need to book Rare Form Band?
Weddings are most time sensitive. In New England, the most popular time for a wedding is a Saturday night from May to September. Top bands will charge a small premium for these times. On the other hand, should you choose a Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, or Sunday afternoon, you can save more money. But make sure you book as far in advance as possible. Scheduling issues for venues and the band are more likely in short lead-time scenarios.

Q. Is it possible to see the band?
A. It is possible, but the type of clientele that hire us are usually the kind that want their function to go off without any hitches. As a result, having uninvited persons at their wedding or private function is generallu discouraged (you'd probably feel the same way about your event or function too). To that end, we urge you to contact us for a list of venues that are more amenable to viewing the band discreetly, thereby insuring that party's privacy and saving you from feeling like you're an unwanted guest.

Q. What time does the band arrive to set up prior to the function?
A. Our typical arrival time is at least 2-hours prior to the bands' scheduled start time.

Q. Who do I speak with to coordinate the flow of events, introduction of the bridal party, and the special dances?
A. Approximately 8-12 weeks prior to your function date, Donna Driscoll (the band's manager), will mail you our Wedding Reception Checklist. This form gives us all the information we need to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Typically, as the weeks, and then days, before the big day tick by, you'll be in touch with Donna to discuss details, and ask the many questions we're sure you'll have. Rest assured, Donna's extremely friendly manner has calmed even the most nervous of brides. Many of our clients comment on how much they enjoyed working with Donna. We're sure you will also.

Q. I've decided I want to hire Rare Form Band for my function. What happens next?
A. Just call our Manager, Donna Driscoll, at 603-635-9861, and she will send you our Entertainment Agreement which clearly spells out terms and conditions. Your deposit (typically between 30 and 35 percent of the total charge), is due along with the signed agreement. We appreciate you returning the signed agreement with deposit within two weeks of when you receive it.