|
THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA LEADERS:
How to Find the Perfect Band or Musical Group:
The officers and members of the Association of Professional Orchestra Leaders
believe the right musical entertainment is the key to an unforgettable
event.
The following is an ideal method for selecting that special group or ensemble.
It reflects our experiences as well as those of our clients.
Geared primarily to social affairs, especially weddings, our method will
prove indispensable for planning corporate and civic functions as well.
Do Your Homework:
Decide what feeling you want your celebration
to have, and what style of music is appropriate Knowing your preferences
will help you find your musical match.
1. Do you want your affair to be a royal gala or
an alternative dance party or a little of each?
2. How many musicians do you feel are necessary?
3. Should the band cater to just your tastes, or
to those of your guests as well?
4. How varied do you want the repertoire to be?
5. Should your group be able to play music of a particular
culture or style?
6. Do you have any must play numbers?
7. Are vocalists, horns, strings, strollers or ceremony
music in your plans?
8. Do you prefer formal attire, something more trendy
or a theme look?
Although fees for musical entertainment vary, party givers often commit
between l0 and 20 percent of their budget to it. Many factors affect
pricing:
1. How much are you willing to spend to get the band
or group of your choice?
2. How many hours of music do you require?
3. Have you considered possible additional charges
or overtime fees?
4. Are you willing to pay for prestige, uniqueness
and musical quality?
When you have an idea of what you're looking for, and what you want to
spend, make a short list of questions to screen bandleaders
Cast Your Net:
Once you've secured the date and location for your event, get on the phone
and learn as much as you can from each bandleader who passes your initial
screening. The professional you ultimately choose will be accountable for
the
success of your party.
Who to ask, where to look:
Friends and relatives with tastes and means similar to yours may
recommend a band they've seen or hired themselves. Party professionals,
like consultants and caterers, have their own favorites as well. Many
bandleaders advertise in wedding magazines and the phone book, and the
APOL Member Roster may be obtained by calling
773-725-0509
Consider professional orchestras and groups only. While bar bands and hard
core jazz groups can be great in their environment, make sure your bandleader
specializes in the type of event you're having.
1. Does the leader communicate confidence and enthusiasm?
2. Is the leader skilled at reading a crowd and pacing
a party?
3. Will the leader agree not to invite potential
clients to your celebration?
4. Is the leader an engaging master of ceremonies?
5. What skills and experience does the leader have
that will contribute to the success of your event?
6. Is the leader a member of the APOL?
After you've identified three strong candidates, it's time to move on.
The better bands get booked quickly.
Learn and Listen:
Make appointments with your leading contenders to get an idea of the chemistry
between you and them, and to further assess their ability to meet your
requirements. A bandleader's presentation may include song lists, photos,
testimonials, demo tapes and other credentials.
1. Do the materials support the feelings you got
over the phone?
2. Can the bandleader explain why his or her band
is the one for you?
A demo tape can give you an idea of a band's versatility, competence and
sound. A video, if available, adds the visual dimension.
1. Do the singers convey excitement, passion and
romance in their performance?
2. Do the instrumental soloists add fire to the mix?
3. Does the music make you want to get up and dance?
4. Does it convey artistry and professionalism?
Live Auditions:
Crashing a party to hear a band live could be embarrassing or worse.
And if you hire a group you sneaked in to hear, be prepared to see strangers
at your event who are auditioning your band. Club appearances, concerts
or showcase performances solve the problem of intruding on someone else's
affair, but cannot mirror the atmosphere of the party you're planning.
Remember that every event is different. The band you select must be
able to respond to your needs and those of your event.
Make Your Decision:
Hire the bandleader who you feel is the most professional and suitable
to your tastes: the one who has addressed all your concerns to your satisfaction;
the one whose product seems to be commensurate with his or her fee; the
one with the experience and expertise to create musical magic at your party.
Don't
delay!
Contracts:
When a verbal agreement has been reached, a contract will be prepared.
A musical services contract should be straight forward and cover starting
and ending times, number of musicians, location of engagement and financial
terms.
If the contract is sent by mail, it will stipulate a due back date. To
ensure that you get the orchestra or group of your choice, return the contract
with your deposit in a timely manner.
Congratulations!
Be confident that you have chosen the best band or musical group for your
event. Now relax until several weeks before your affair, when you can go
over final details.
|