It is an excellent idea to hire a band for events you are hosting, such as weddings and birthday parties. Music adds zest to a party, and many people prefer a live band to a DJ playing CD's or a CD changer on repeat.
Before you hire a band, it is important to ask the right questions. There are likely some great bands in your area for you to choose form, but there may also be a few bad apples thrown in.
How much does it cost? - Establish what you will be willing to pay for a band, then interview the bands within your price range. More expensive bands are going to come with more musicians, instruments, lighting, and special effects, but if you can not afford a band like this, it is not necessary to interview them for consideration. In fact, if you have to settle for a smaller, less expensive band after talking to a more expensive one, you might be disappointed, which is something you do not want. Whatever size band you choose, expect to pay a deposit to book them; the remainder of the cost should be paid at your event. This is the industry standard; you should not have to pay all of the costs up front.
What services are included in the price? - This is critical to a successful experience. It is typical for a band to play for three hours over the course of four hours. Sets can vary, such as four 45 minute play intervals broken up with three 15 minute breaks or three one hour set intervals with two 30 minute breaks. You need to know whether the band is flexible and can work with the nature of your event. Remember, they are working for you that night. Find out what equipment, if any, that the band provides. Will they load-in and load-out, provide sound equipment, a sound engineer, and/or lights? Find out if they require any additional expenses to be paid - like food, travel, or accommodations (if traveling out of town). All of this information will help to determine which band is the best value. A more expensive band could effectively cost less than the cheaper band. Talking to the band personally is the only true way to get a grasp of their services.
What happens if a band member pulls out at the last minute? A professional and reputable band has planned ahead in the eventuality of a band member's unexpected absence, utilizing a list of back-up professional musicians that are familiar with the band and have rehearsed with them and know their music. Just like you, the band's musicians have to handle family crises, personal illnesses, accidents, and unplanned events; the band must be prepared to handle the emergencies that arise in the lives of its musicians. Generally you will pay a little more for a band that has such an arrangement, but the peace of mind will be worth the extra cost. You want your event to be memorable, and planning ahead with the band can make this happen.
Before you hire a band, it is important to ask the right questions. There are likely some great bands in your area for you to choose form, but there may also be a few bad apples thrown in.
How much does it cost? - Establish what you will be willing to pay for a band, then interview the bands within your price range. More expensive bands are going to come with more musicians, instruments, lighting, and special effects, but if you can not afford a band like this, it is not necessary to interview them for consideration. In fact, if you have to settle for a smaller, less expensive band after talking to a more expensive one, you might be disappointed, which is something you do not want. Whatever size band you choose, expect to pay a deposit to book them; the remainder of the cost should be paid at your event. This is the industry standard; you should not have to pay all of the costs up front.
What services are included in the price? - This is critical to a successful experience. It is typical for a band to play for three hours over the course of four hours. Sets can vary, such as four 45 minute play intervals broken up with three 15 minute breaks or three one hour set intervals with two 30 minute breaks. You need to know whether the band is flexible and can work with the nature of your event. Remember, they are working for you that night. Find out what equipment, if any, that the band provides. Will they load-in and load-out, provide sound equipment, a sound engineer, and/or lights? Find out if they require any additional expenses to be paid - like food, travel, or accommodations (if traveling out of town). All of this information will help to determine which band is the best value. A more expensive band could effectively cost less than the cheaper band. Talking to the band personally is the only true way to get a grasp of their services.
What happens if a band member pulls out at the last minute? A professional and reputable band has planned ahead in the eventuality of a band member's unexpected absence, utilizing a list of back-up professional musicians that are familiar with the band and have rehearsed with them and know their music. Just like you, the band's musicians have to handle family crises, personal illnesses, accidents, and unplanned events; the band must be prepared to handle the emergencies that arise in the lives of its musicians. Generally you will pay a little more for a band that has such an arrangement, but the peace of mind will be worth the extra cost. You want your event to be memorable, and planning ahead with the band can make this happen.
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