Tuesday, December 07, 2010

What Sort Of Bands To Hire For Your Event?

By Jean Muir


A great live band for your event can make it memorable. The interactive experience of a good band will stay in the memory long after the events duration. Bands are able to personalize the experience by customizing songs for the occasion. On the internet await you many options for desirable bands to hire.

How to hire a band without assistance

You can hire a band directly by going onto websites of individual bands, a database of a number of bands, broker websites, or even wedding planning sites where musicians may share space. Bands will offer audio and video samples on their websites, testimonials, and other pertinent information. Online databases enable searching by genre, venue, a keyword and location and availability. When you find the bands you want to learn more about, you can contact them via the database, request a live performance to arrange an audition; or, if that is not possible ask for their videos and CDs, get to know their song list and thereby begin the process of making arrangements directly. Keep in mind that an absence of a song or piece of music you like does not necessarily indicate inability to perform. You should inquire further about this, if it matters to you. Do keep in mind, that most bands cannot guarantee the musicians at your event will be all those you see on their CD, video or photos. Most professional bandleaders have several musicians in their group who play the same instrument. Based on their availability, the group is formed for each event.

You may want to check with their past venues or references for information on the reputation of the band. When you book your selection establish an individual who will be your contact. Popular bands are booked in advance, so you should not delay booking yours. Ensuring your venue can accommodate the band and its needs.

Bands will work with other event professionals to synchronize timings so everything runs smoothly. Experienced musicians will play crowd pleasers to fit the mood of your audience. Over fifty songs can be performed over a four hour period. Good variety bands cover different genre styles. And, bands can sing your special requests even if it is not originally part of their song list There may charge a little extra for this service, or they may not. Inquire whether they will bring their sound system; or whether you will need to make arrangements. Should bands not offer the selection you seek, or your budget is too limited to accommodate their costs consider the DJ option.

Finding bands through others

Brokers offer a variety of reliable acts and can help you if hare having difficulty locating what you need or what to avoid the effort required to select bands yourself. They will charge a commissions; however, they are able to secure bands at better prices as they are experienced at negotiating prices.

After conferring with you, a broker will send you material about available bands complementing your needs. Such information could also be available on the website. They might also be able to get bands not listed on their website for you. You will be guided brokers in finalizing the hiring of a band.

Other indirect methods of finding bands include, booking through a wedding entertainment consultant, if the event is a wedding and your budget permit is able to absorb the cost. The fee for this services might be worth your while if you wish to avoid the hassle of arranging this personally. Wedding planners may also recommend entertainment they have dealt with in the past. Catering venues might also recommend entertainers and either provide contact information or suggest booking your entertainment as a part of the venue's wedding package.

What is the cost involved?

Locally available jazz and acoustic performers can cost you as low as 500 USD. A band with a good reputation could be secured for a price in the 1500-5000 USD range. Websites of brokers or a database of musicians should have pricing information that provides a rough estimate, with the fees varying based on the quality and experience of the group and their number of musicians and vocalists. The actual cost would vary based on factors related to your event such as the date of the event, the time required, the location, cost of travel, and production requirements. Scrimping on the price could also be scrimping on quality, unless you are as lucky as my friend. The expense would be higher if you book a very well known band or the band uses particular equipment or performs special acts.

It is the norm to provide food and beverage for your band. You may want to see if you can negotiate prices of the band you want whose prices are beyond your budget. With a budget too limited for professional musicians; yet still having the desire for live musicians, you should try student musicians who would charge your less. Clarify fee arrangements. Deposits may be required in advance. The amount charged by professional musicians will include all the time they spend at your event. Bands should come with insurance.

Music and the marriage ceremony

Churches and other places of worship have music rules to adhere to. Musical performances may be allowed during different stages of the ceremony. Should you desire, a band member can serve as your event timekeeper and announcer. For continuous music, you may request recorded music be played during breaks. Bands take time to set up. Bands can provide background music at dinner which is not vocal, whether this live or recorded. Bands to hire are an option that will bring life to your event.




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