Monday, October 12, 2009

Why A Function Band Is The Right Way To Go

By Elizabeth Pratt

Hiring a function band for your next major event or social function is more important than you may believe. Whether it's a wedding reception, business convention or birthday party having the right function band playing live music can transform your routine event into the social event of the season.

Live music can take a party from good to great and top flight entertainment will have people talking for years to come. However this will only happen if you hire the right people and follow a few simple rules.

Hiring a function band can sometimes be a hassle, as you do not know where to find them. However, the best way to know where you can find people that are suited for your planned event, is to ask your friend, your neighbor, or even your colleague! They might know some individuals that play well.

The proof is in the pudding, and if you have the opportunity to do so, you should try to check out a function band's performance in person so that you can determine if they are the group for your next event. If you do not have the chance to hear the band live, ask is they have any online demo material. You can even check out their website or online videos. Checking the band in this manner is a really good idea; remember, you get what you pay for, and you don't want to hire a band that sounds great- but looks horrible!

Ask the function band leader for a song and price list. They should have their prices in writing and if they have no definite price structure then perhaps you should not bother with them. Professional function bands should handle themselves in a business like manner, not attempt to wing the negotiations. It is normal to put a ten to twenty percent, non-refundable deposit down to secure your date.

Questions that you may want to ask: Do they take requests? Most bands will if thery are given enough notice so be sure to ask them when making your initial booking.

Seeing the equipment of a function band can also be requested. Make note to look and see if their equipment is safe. Emphasize to them the safety precautions and that they should always follow them. No live wires or no loose electric cables should be lying around.

Knowing the choice of their wardrobe would be essential in choosing a function band as well. Ask them, what are their preferred choices of clothes when they perform? If they have mentioned something that is not suited for the theme, you can give them ideas on what they should and should not wear. If the costume or attire that the function band would be wearing can be a little out of place, you can politely suggest something that they can wear that will compliment the theme of the event.

The function band should arrive one hour before the party starts. It is important that they set up all the equipment before the audience arrives. In addition, you can give the manager or their leader an overview of the party's flow.

All eyes will be on the function band when they take the stage. Do take a little extra time to go over the details when they arrive. Your band choice could make your function the event of the year and make your event a talking point for weeks afterward!

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