 Many members of The Big Band have played for many special events over the years. We have played for just about every type of public and private event you can imagine. From private birthday parties to larbe corporate meetings and everything in between, we have just about seen it all. Some of these events have been very well planned and some have been absolutely terrible. Since some of our clients may not have had the benefit of our experience, we have distilled a bit of our hard won knowledge for your use. It may not be everything you need, but it will get you started and may prevent reinvention of the wheel. Begin planning your event starting at least 6 months and preferably a year ahead. Decide on the time of year and survey what else is going on in that time period. The last thing you want is to compete with several other events on the same weekend, especially if you are doing a fund raiser for a worthy cause. Money is important. Decide how much you need to spend to get the event off the ground. This should include ballroom rental, food, decorating and (in our not-so-humble opinion)The Big Band. Also to be considered are minor rentals, catering and bartenders, decorations for the hall, advertising and ticket printing. What is the Theme for the event? This is the focus of your party. We recommend : 1940s Cabaret night, Casablanca. Fitzgerald Follies, Capone's Speakeasy, etc. Reserve the hall. Good ones are booked far in advance. Don’t wait and find out you have no place for the party. The hall should suit the theme, you don’t want a 21st century theme in a 30’s hotel, nor do you want to book a cabaret dance in a glass tower if you can help it. Decoration can make up for this, but walking to an old mansion ballroom adds a LOT to a theme based on F. Scott Fitzgerald. As part of this you need to make sure you have enough room for the projected attendance as well as service, seating and The Big Band Line up the BAND - Don’t splurge for the food and skimp on the band. Next year, guess what your audience will remember? The food or the best musical entertainment they had heard in years? The best bands are not cheap and you are more likely to have a successful event. Naturally we suggest The Big Band. Contract with your caterer for food service. You may wish to obtain bids from several reputable caterers. Needless to say the better ones are as busy as the best bands. Many of them can help you with decorations and other necessities and sometimes they know about halls or bands. Important ! Please do not separate the band from the dance floor! If you do, the band loses communication with the audience and becomes a jukebox. Make sure the dancers are right in front of the band. Make sure your hall is the right size for the event. If you have a hall for 1000 and have 200 at your party they will spread to the walls and will not enjoy themselves. The best parties are held in a hall with no more seats than people. Just ask the social chairman of any Fraternity! Publicity is a big key to a successful event. You need to have 10 times as many people aware of your event as you expect to show up. Keep your ticket prices fairly reasonable. If a thousand people attend this year, and it’s a success 2000 will WANT to attend next year and you can raise prices. The same reasoning applies to 100 and 200. You may want to provide a "wind down" time after the event and serve coffee after the bar closes. There is a great emphasis on "designated drivers" these days and a responsible host is aware of this and actively promotes the safety of the guests. If you have a program other than dancing, make sure it starts at a normal band break time unless you need the band to particpate. The Big Band can provide fanfares, short marches and other musical "fills" for a program if this is coordinated in advance FIND THE REHEARSAL | LINKS HOME |