Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Some Guidance About Seeking Bands To Hire

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

Whether you hire a band directly or otherwise is your choice. Websites may serve individual bands or be a database for many bands. Websites of brokers and wedding planning sites where musicians share space are indirect alternate venues. There you will find audio and video samples, information about live performances, testimonials, and more. When you narrow your choices you can learn more about their product to determine which one is the right fit for your needs. An audition or live performance venues, videos and CDs, song lists help you to find the right band and the right selection of songs for your event. Ask you band leader if the same performers in what you previewed would be available to you as bandleaders use several musicians on the same instrument they rotate depending upon their availability.

Employing reputable professionals will give you peace of mind. You may be able to investigate the reputation of the bands with their past performance venues. A contact person from the band should be decided when you make your selection. Good bands get booked months in advance. You will need to book ahead yourself. Delaying your choice can mean fewer available acts. The location you select for your event should be suitable for your band.

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 can provide you with dependable performers for the price of the commission you will have to pay them. This might not be an issue for you and would have the advantage of taking the task off your hands. Their experience and contacts can secure for you better prices as they deal regularly with musicians and are aware of what they earn. The best route for you might be to see what you can locate on your; and see if a broker does better.

When working with a broker you would discuss your music preferences, the type of event you plan to have, your guests and your budget. The broker would come back to you with information on the available bands that match your needs. This information might also be available on their website. If there is a particular act you are interested in which is not listed on the website, check to see if they work with them. They might not list them; but, can provide them for you if they are available. Brokers will shepherd you through the process of signing your musical entertainment.

Booking bands through a wedding entertainment consultant who is a broker operating in the wedding industry is another indirect option. Wedding planners and caterers may also recommend musicians. The catering venue might offer booking entertainment as part of its wedding package.

What is the cost involved?

Jazz and acoustic bands may charge less than a thousand dollars if they are local. For a reputable experienced band the price could be between 1500 and 5000 USD. Known bands or specialty instruments or performance of special acts during the event will raise the bar on expenses. The websites you browse to locate talent will provide pricing estimates, but the final charges will exceed what is listed and will include costs incurred for taking part in your event.

Food and beverages are expected to be provided to the performers. If you find a band that you like whose fees extend beyond your purse, negotiation may be permissible. If you are operating on a shoestring, you might also wish to seek less professional outfits. College bands will cost you less as student musicians charge less than professional ones. They may be contacted via their music department. You could also go the usually cheaper DJ route. Make certain that you are clear about all the charges involved in hiring musicians. Professional musicians require a deposit ranging from a-third to a half of the fee, in advance. The balance is usually payable a couple of weeks prior to the event. The amount charged to you will include the time they spend at the event, not just the time spent performing. You should request a written contract that covers all the details. You would be better off with bands that carry insurance.

Of marriage ceremonies and music

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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