Hiring A Band – Advice From An Expert
A wedding, an anniversary party, a birthday party – these events all definitely need music. Compact discs are fine, and a DJ playing them is even better, but there is nothing like hearing a live band perform to make the occasion even more memorable.
It is critical to ask appropriate questions before hiring a band for your event. While there are some truly great bands to select, you can easily get stuck with one of the many horrible bands out there. The following questions are those that should be asked of any band you are interested in hiring.
What will the total cost be? – No matter how much you have to spend, what the band will cost matters. You will need at least an estimated figure so that you can choose a band within your budget. After all, why waste your time speaking to a band that charges a $5,000 booking fee, if your price range is more like $500? Do not spend your time looking at bands that are above your price range; you will likely just end up disappointed as you see all the extras that you can not afford. Instead, choose the best possible option within your price range. Be sure to also ask when you will need to make payment. If possible, choose a band that asks for a deposit up front, with the remainder due the night of their performance.
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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