Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Serino Sound?
Experience and the ability to read a crowd are the key. Please read our testimonials. Much like other professions that require a talent, DJs require a natural talent to be able to read a crowd, ensure that the music flows smoothly and that everyone continues dancing. The key to a good DJ is knowing when to play the right SONG at the right TIME, at the right VOLUME. Vito has had experience since 1987 reading crowds and playing for many different ages of clients, different ethnicities, and different types of events.
We strongly believe that a DJ should not be at a function to play their own personal music tastes. Instead, we believe that we are there to play the music that our clients and their guests prefer - that we are there to cater to the crowd.
At the risk of sounding trite, the old expression "You Get What You Pay For" applies perfectly to the mobile DJ industry. You'll find our rates to be higher than some companies, but our services to be incomparable. Many companies or independent DJ's charge less - BUT - they may use home stereo equipment, not be licensed, use low-grade MP3's, be in it for the wrong reasons, or have very little experience. You must ask yourself, "how important is your Special Event?" As music is likely to be a large part of your event, your disc jockey services are likely to play a large part in its success or failure.
We are also a very small company and take one booking per day. This allows us to focus SOLELY on your event, and to provide you with a mature, experienced DJ. Companies that run multiple systems in one night may not be able to do so.
If you are looking for Experience, Professionalism and Class, consider Serino Sound. We have references from many clients and other elite event professionals in the city. We are also recommended by some of the most elegant and highly regarded establishments in the city including The Fort Garry Hotel, Assiniboine Park's Qualico Family Centre, The Pavilion and Gateway To The Arctic , Bergmann's and The University of Manitoba's Catering Services
We also offer you access to our Online Planning Tools. Here you can fill in our very detailed questionnaires consisting of many very important details pertaining to your event. As well, we offer online request lists that you can fill out to let us know about your favorite songs and artists, and a timeline tool to help put your schedule together.
Does Serino Sound offer personalized consultations?
90% of the information that we require for our part of your special event to go smoothly, is gathered from the detailed questionnaires that our clients fill out online at their convenience. The online questionnaires allow you to communicate many details to us such as musical tastes, requests for specific songs, the timeframe for the event, any special requests, and any special events during the day/evening, allowing for hassle-free and accurate planning. Consultations (which for the most part are a review of these details) may be done in person, or as many of our out-of-town clients prefer, over the phone. We will do our best to make arrangements that are convenient for you. Consultations are always free - we want to ensure that your plans for an event are carried through and exactly as you expected.
Music quality?
The majority of our music is in digital format on a Mac computer. We pride ourselves on providing a very crisp, clean, high quality of sound. All of our songs are clean, radio edits.
Music volume?
We don't believe music has to be loud to be enjoyable. Guests should be able to converse easily without shouting - afterall, at many weddings or events where people have not seen each other for an extended period of time, many people prefer just to sit and chat for a while. If you would like the music louder or softer, let us know. We would be happy to adjust the volume.
What time do you set up your equipment?
We generally arrive one to one-and-a-half hours before guests arrive to your booking. This allows plenty of time to set up the equipment, without the guests being present. If necessary, arrangements may also be made to set up at another time convenient to all involved parties.
What does your equipment set up look like?
Our sound systems are powerful and yet very compact, which leads to a neat-and-tidy-looking music set-up at your function. Please see Our Setup page for examples. No huge wooden boxes, no unsightly big speakers, and no oodles of audio components with all of the cables showing! The DJ's console is professional-looking, small, and effort is taken to conceal unsightly cables. Even our basic light shows are effective but compact, without large metal trusses hanging overhead.
Why hire a DJ for Cocktail / Dinner music?
Soft cocktail and dinner music will make your event feel more elegant and classy. We can ensure a smooth, uninterrupted transition from dinner music to the first dance. If you are considering using the hotel or hall's house system for cocktail / dinner music, there are additional considerations. If you are planning to have speeches between courses of the meal, or if you are planning on having people come up to the microphone and speak while cocktail or dinner music is playing, please remember that the venue's house system can not stop and restart to let the person speak, as no one will be monitoring their system. In contrast, a DJ is able to watch for people approaching the podium and adjust the music volume accordingly. This also holds true for some games or activities you may have your guests doing during dinner.
How does the DJ dress?
The DJ will be appropriately attired for all events.
Do you have back-up equipment?
Should the need ever arise, back-up equipment and music most definitely are available.
Is Serino Sound insured?
We are insured in order to protect you and your guests in the case of an unfortunate accident involving us or our equipment. It is advised that the host of the event also consider event insurance to protect them from liabilities should an unfortunate accident happen to one of the guests at the party.
What is Connect Music Licensing?
Connect Music Licensing is the licensing agent of all the major record companies in Canada and many independent labels, artists and producers. They mandate that professional performers such as disc jockeys must be licensed by Connect or have authorization from the owner or holder of the copyright in order to reproduce music, or to play music to a crowd. We respect music artists, and ARE licensed. More information can be found at the Connect Website. Please note that SOCAN fees are separate and are payable to your venue.
How do we go about booking Serino Sound?
As we are a very small music company, bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to book, we will have you fill out our web booking form, and will e-mail you a contract. Instructions are included to print out a copy of the contract, sign it, and send it along with a deposit of $300.00 to hold the date for you.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Payment by e-transfer, cash, personal cheque or money order are accepted.