FAQ/Policies

If you don't see your questions addressed here, Contact Us Online or call us at 847.516.2550.

Topics:

1. You're researching TVK (pre-booking)
2. Working with TVK (after you book us for your event entertainment)
3. Our songs and performance
4. About the musicians
5. Payment options & policies

A. You're researching TVK (pre-booking)

1. How do I find out if the orchestra is available for my event date?

We don't maintain a published performance calendar because our engagements are updated so frequently. Please contact the TVK Orchestra office to see if we are available on your event date.

2. Can I meet with you?

Absolutely! A personal consultation lets you effectively discuss all issues or requirements you have about your event entertainment. Schedule your appointment with us by calling 847.516.2550.

3. Can I see the orchestra live to help me decide whether to book you?

Out of respect for other clients’ private parties, we do not invite prospective clients to view live performances. We trust you to make an informed choice about the orchestra after hearing our CD, reading our literature and client testimonials, contacting previous clients for references, and meeting with us.

4. Can you mail me an info package and CD?

We would be happy to send you an information kit that includes our demonstration CD, photos, song list, brochure, testimonials, and price list. Contact TVK by phone (847-516-2550), email (tvk@TVKmusic.com), or on our web site (www.TVKmusic.com). We need your name, mailing address, phone number, event date, and a description of your event.

5. How far away from Chicago do you travel?

We normally travel within 100 miles of Chicago. Traveling fees will apply for locations over 50 miles driving distance from Chicago.

6. Do you perform for wedding ceremonies?

We have many options for ceremonies, including vocalist, trumpet, flute, solo violin, string quartet, and piano.

7. How soon before my event date must I commit to booking the orchestra?

Most of our clients book the orchestra at least 10 months prior to their events. But regardless of your date, the only way to find out is to ask. Inquire online or call 847.516.2550 to see if we’re available for your event.

B. Working with TVK (after you book TVK for your event entertainment)

1. Do you set up your equipment quietly so my guests are not disturbed?

We set up the bulk of our equipment (sound system, stands, etc.) before your guests arrive, ensuring that your party is not disrupted. Some members with minimal equipment arrive an hour before start time. Vocalists and musicians with only hand-carried bags may arrive a few minutes before starting. We make every effort to get to the stage area via the most discreet path, with absolute sensitivity to your guests.

2. Do I need to feed the band?

We don't expect you to provide food for the orchestra. If you invite us to dine, we will work with you to keep it to a number that won't impose on your generosity.

3. Is it okay if a guest sits in to perform with the band?

We are happy to have close friends or relatives of the party's hosts join the orchestra on stage. To make sure it fits within your plans, we require that you approve guest musicians. We also recommend that you notify us prior to the event so we can fully prepare to support your guest musician.

4. How do you manage volume levels?

The TVK Orchestra works to keep overall volume levels to a reasonable level, emphasizing vocal clarity. Your guests don't want our music hindering their conversations, and we're sensitive to balancing the venue's acoustics with your audience's energy level. If, during the event, you ever think we are either too loud or too soft, just let us know - we'll accommodate you!

5. Can you do special announcements such as my bridal party's entrance?

We offer complete emcee services at no extra charge. In addition to handling your special announcements, we keep to your event’s agenda, actively guiding and engaging your guests the entire time we are onstage. For bridal parties, we work with you to ensure proper name pronunciation. In all cases, we discuss your needs ahead of time to ensure that we understand your requirements.

6. Can I use your public address system for announcements, presentations, and toasts?

We always have a microphone available for you and your guests. Please let us know in advance if you wish to use a microphone far from the bandstand.

7. Do you play during dinner and cocktails?

Consider enhancing your dinner and cocktail periods with the ambiance of subtle background music. Our expert musicians have years of experience playing pleasing jazz, classics, and standards. For a more elegant touch, we also offer a string quartet, strolling violinist, or harpist.

8. How many breaks do you take?

The band takes two 15-minute breaks during a standard three-hour performance. We play appropriate music from our own library during breaks. We also welcome you to provide your own break music on CD or MP3 player.

C. Our songs and performance

1. What types of music do you play?

The TVK Orchestra has a very diverse repertoire, with styles that include contemporary pop, 70s-80s rock, jazz standards, swing, hot Latin, Motown, ethnic dances, and much more (see our Song List for details). Our skilled, experienced musicians perform all material with authenticity and precision.

2. Do you play songs not included on your song list?

Our published song list represents only a portion of our complete repertoire, so we may already know a song you want. If we don't know it, the TVK Orchestra specializes in learning new material just for you. Please allow us at least one month to learn new material.

3. How many songs do you play?

At a typical event, the orchestra plays 30-35 songs. This assumes that the band is on stage for three hours, and plays three sets separated by two short breaks.

4. Do you play ethnic music?

We have a number of ethnic songs in our repertoire, including Jewish, Italian, Irish and Polish. We can also learn special songs for your event. If you need a more substantial amount of ethnic music, we suggest that you provide your own CDs or tapes for us to play during our breaks.

5. Can I request songs during your performance?

We do accept special requests during performances from you or your guests. We are careful to ensure that requested songs are consistent with the hosts' desires, and appropriate for the event. We also ask that you trust our professional expertise in determining when to play these songs.

D. About the musicians

1. Are the band members always the same?

While the orchestra maintains the same core of instrumentalists and vocalists, some faces may change as we augment the core with additional musicians. Band members may also change due to illness or extenuating circumstances. In the event of a replacement, we substitute with a person of equal caliber, ensuring the overall high-quality sound for which we are known.

2. Are the musicians genuine professionals?

The TVK Orchestra musicians are true professionals, most of whom derive their entire income from performing and recording music. They have performed and recorded with numerous national artists, and are considered by their peers to be among the best talent in the Chicago area. You can be comfortable that the expertise of the TVK musicians will give you a polished, enthusiastic music performance.

3. How do the various ensembles the orchestra offers differ?

Our base 8-piece group gives you three-part vocals, with one saxophone. Upgrading to a larger ensemble adds the excitement of a full horn section, and even percussion. For large events, consider a 15-piece orchestra to more completely fill the room.

4. What does the orchestra wear?

Unless directed otherwise, the TVK men always wear classic, sharp tuxedos, with the women smartly dressed in elegant evening wear.

E. Payment options & policies

1. How much do you charge?

See our Price List for a wide range of available packages and prices. We'll work with you to find a top-notch performance package that meets your budget.

2. What forms of payment do you accept?

You can pay for the orchestra with a major credit card*, personal or corporate check, cash, money order, or cashiers check.

*CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express

3. When is my payment due?

Your initial deposit of one-third the total contract price is due within 10 days of verbal commitment to book the TVK Orchestra. The balance is due at your event.