Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Weiss.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The quintet was founded in 2014, but I’ve been a musician since I was a small child. I played piano and guitar, then found bassoon in the 5th grade and sax in 8th grade which I’ve played ever since. Throughout college, I played with professional symphony groups, attended music festivals along the Central Coast of California, and formed a wind quintet that played for various events and competitions.
When I moved to San Diego in 2005, I started playing with various opera, dance, and symphonic groups and participated in yearly festivals with other local musicians. I met many of the founding Left Coast Quintet members while playing in various groups around town.
We all wanted more opportunities to play since opportunities for classical musicians in San Diego can be somewhat limited. We liked the name of the Left Coast, referring to California’s position on the map, and started practicing together and marketing our skills to the community.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Mostly smooth, yes. I believe in learning by doing, so any mistakes I’ve made I try to roll into my learning and improve for next time. I think the biggest struggle is depending on other people to be on time in the right place when you need them there. I’ve had to choose over the years to let some people go from the group who just weren’t the right fit or who consistently didn’t live up to the standards I expect.
I have had to learn quite a lot over the past 5 years with this group, including marketing, web design, and contracts, things I never studied in school or had past experience with.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Left Coast Quintet story. Tell us more about the business.
The Left Coast Quintet was formed to bring a new option to people looking for a live music ensemble for events and weddings. Everyone thinks the only option is a string quartet for classical music, and we love showing clients that there are really so many different options. I put together a large library of really fun music – both to play and to listen to – that includes themes from movies, Broadway shows, opera, and pop song covers, as well as the traditional classical music and holiday songs people might expect from a group like ours.
We’ve had the opportunity to play at numerous wedding ceremonies, corporate events, holiday parties, and other special occasions, and love what we do. I enjoy working with other event and wedding professionals to ensure the best possible day for our clients!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I’ve worked really hard to form the group and ensure its success, I don’t think it would have happened if I didn’t dedicate as much time as I have to it.
Pricing:
- Wind Quintet – Starting at $800/hr
- Wind Trio – Starting at $450/hr
- String Quartet – Starting at $700/hr
- Mixed Ensembles, Duets, etc – Starting at $350/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leftcoastquintet.org or www.weddingmusicsandiego.com
- Phone: 858-401-3501
- Email: leftcoastquintet@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/leftcoastquintet
- Facebook: facebook.com/leftcoastquintet
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/left-coast-quintet-san-diego-5?osq=left+coast+quintet
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