Forte Quartet has been performing together for years at weddings, corporate events, receptions, and other special occasions in the Kansas City metro area. We have an extensive repertoire, from classical favorites and hymns, to popular music, and will cater to your individual tastes where possible.
Here's some quartet trivia for you...
A traditional string trio is made up of one violin, one viola and one cello. If another instrument is added to a string trio, then the type of quartet takes on the name of the added instrument. A traditional string quartet consists of two violins, one viola and one cello, so it should technically be called a violin quartet. With Forte, we decided to add an oboe to the traditional string trio, making it an oboe quartet.
Melissa
My study of the oboe started late in my sixth grade year. I studied mathematics education and oboe performance as an undergraduate at Northwest Nazarene University, graduating in 1999. I was able to take some oboe lessons while doing graduate work in mathematics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. During this time, I joined Forte Quartet as its first wind player.
I began teaching mathematics at the college level in 2000, which is the same year that I was able to marry my college sweetheart. After earning two Master's degrees in math - one at UMKC and one at KU - our son was born in August 2007. His sister was born in May 2009 and his brother in November 2010. I am no longer teaching, but am still involved in math through an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at UMKC. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunities I have to play my oboe with Forte Quartet.
Heather
My musical training started with violin in the Suzuki program at the age of 4. For months, my lessons consisted of entering the room with my violin tucked under my arm, bowing (as in bending from the waist, not playing my violin), putting my violin up to my chin, tucking my violin back under my arm, bowing and leaving the room. I can bow with the best of them (again, bending from the waist)! Then, the "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" torture started for my brothers as I learned how to use my bow (my actual violin bow). I began studying piano at age 5 and double bass at age 12.
I graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2000 with degrees in Violin Performance and Mathematics, and a minor in Computer Information Systems. I currently work as a computer programmer/analyst for a small, Christian publishing company by day--the same place that my husband works. It's a wonderful thing to be able to balance my technical work life by playing violin regularly with friends!
Shannon
I am a product of the music program in the public school system. I started playing the viola in 4th grade. I wanted to play the violin (as did everyone else) but we already had a viola at our home because my older brother had attempted it. My parents said it was the viola or nothing, so the viola it was! A short 28 years later, I am still playing the viola and absolutely loving it. I went to MidAmerica Nazarene University, and graduated in 1997 with a degree in Music Education as well as a degree in Church Music. I taught in the Shawnee Mission school district for four years before I moved out of state. I continued playing in the Great Falls Symphony up in Montana. I am now back in the Kansas City area, working at Garmin International, and continue my love of music through teaching private lessons and playing in Forte Quartet.
Kristi
I am originally from Abilene, Texas. I started playing cello at the age of 11 because band was not offered in my school district at that age. I fell in love with it and have been playing ever since. I studied at Sam Houston State University under Dr. Peter Kemper and Dr. Carol Smith. I received my degree in Cello Performance/Pedagogy in December 2003. Shortly thereafter, I began teaching orchestra and private lessons for a private music school as the Head of Orchestral Studies. As soon as my husband graduated with his Bachelor's, we moved to the Kansas City, MO area for his graduate degree. I played with the Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City until my first son was born in January, 2007.
Currently, I teach private cello lessons in my home and play at my church (Antioch Bible Baptist Church) a few weeks each month. When I'm not playing my cello, I'm working my Mary Kay business and acting as the "Stay-at-home Creative Director" for my family. My family consists of my wonderful husband (married 3/13/04) and 2 beautiful bouncing boys (born 1/9/07 and 12/21/09).
(For weddings, it is customary, if schedule permits, to meet with the bride at one regularly scheduled rehearsal for music selection, free of charge.)
There are no travel fees associated with a performance within 25 miles of downtown Kansas City. For all other performances, a fee of $1 per mile round trip will be added to the overall fee. For performances greater than 50 miles a way, an additional 25% of the overall performance charge (excluding mileage charges) will be assessed. Additional travel charges may apply for engagements more than 100 miles away (up to and including driving time billed at $100/hour), and will be included in the quote.
25% of the overall performance charge (excluding mileage charges) may be added to bookings made for holidays. This includes, but is not limited to, New Years Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Eve.
Due to its bright, happy sound, we frequently play this piece for wedding recessionals or for background music.
Slow and beautiful, this song fits quite well into a wedding as special music.
Known by just who everyone, this beautiful song works great for the unity candle or communion in a wedding. We also have a trio version, which we sometimes use to accompany vocalists.
Wachet Auf, also known as Sleepers Awake, is often chosen for parent and grandparent entrance, or bridal party entrance during a wedding processional
Click here to see more of our repertoire and recommendations
To contact us, please e-mail us. Once you have contacted us with the date and time of the event, we will contact you and verify all the information needed for the event. If you decide that our quartet is exactly what you want for your event, we will mail you a copy of the contract for services (pdf file). A contract is required to reserve your date and time.
Contact Information:
Forte Quartet
c/o: Kristi Kay Smith
(816) 746-4858
3712 NW South Dr
Riverside, MO 64150
email: fortequartet@gmail.com