Party Music
From LoveToKnow Party
Party music isn't just about deejays and bands! There are numerous alternatives and creative possibilities for using music to create the right atmosphere for a party without spending a dime.
Does This Party Need Music?
Without music, some parties will fail miserably. But some parties just aren't suited for music--in fact, the party music may distract people from the purpose of the party and keep them from enjoying it fully. If you are planning a dance party, music is necessary, of course. But if you are planning a small party with several people who may want to talk or play games together, music may be unnecessary. Even very soft classical music may be too much at a party where you plan to play some of the louder party games like Taboo, Outburst, or Pictionary. The first decision, then, is whether your party needs music, or whether it will be better without.
What Kind of Party Is It?
For certain types of parties, the type of party music is pre-ordained, though the musical style may vary. Christmas parties need Christmas music, but you can choose from modern, secular songs or more classical, religious carols. Dance parties need dance music, and usually a mix of fast and slow, group and couples type music is best. Theme parties need music that reinforces the theme: Mexican music for a "South of the Border" theme, for example.
For other types of parties, there is much more latitude in the choice of "suitable" party music. A quiet get-together with friends might do well with oldies or classical music playing softly in the background. A cocktail party or casual gathering will do well with more modern, popular styles played slightly more loudly.
Some parties may need a variety of music. A birthday or anniversary party, for example, should feature music that is special to the guest(s) of honor, regardless of style or genre.
Where to Get Party Music
While a professional deejay or band is always an option -- and probably the best option for parties like wedding receptions and bar mitzvahs -- it's quite possible and far cheaper to do your own music. Once you know what kind of party you are having and whether music is needed, you can scan your own collection of CDs and music files for appropriate music. CDs and computer files (or iPod selections) are best because they can be set for continuous play, which is not possible with most cassette players or turntables.
If you don't have the right music, or enough music, in your own collection, you can borrow from friends. If you feel uncomfortable borrowing, or if your friends don't have the right kind of music, try your local Freecycle group, or inexpensive used sources like Half.com, local music consignment stores, or local thrift shops. You'd be amazed at what you can find at Goodwill.
If you really want a band but cannot afford the fees for a well-known group, consider some of the smaller local bands -- certain pubs and eateries in town may have an amateurs night and may be able to recommend lesser "stars" in your area. Local music stores and music schools/teachers are also a good source of recommendations. Many of these garage or pick-up bands are willing to do a gig for a nominal price, especially if you agree to let the band eat and/or drink as part of the deal. You need the music, and they need the experience, so this option can be a win-win situation.
Setting up the Music
If you are having a professional band or deejay, they will bring their own equipment. Make sure that you know ahead of time how much room they will need, so that you can plan accordingly. There's nothing worse than planning to put the band in the corner of the yard by the pool only to find that the area is such that their lead guitarist will have to stand on the diving board to play, with the drummer and keyboardist jammed up against the azaleas behind him. Make sure, too, that you have adequate power supply available. Bands need lots of places to plug things in, and deejays often have more than one setup as well.
If you are doing your own music via CD player or computer, set up your music ahead of time so that all you have to do is push the button at the appropriate time. Your computer can play for hours, and so can your CD player if you have a good-sized CD-changer. The newer iPod docking stations come complete with full-sized speaker sets, so even your iPod can be used as a perpetual music machine.
Monitor the Music
Whatever source you have chosen for your party music, make sure to keep an ear out during your party. If the music gets too loud or becomes drowned out by the conversations in the room, you will need to adjust the volume. If the band is playing line-dancing music non-stop and you have couples who want a slow dance, you may have to address that with the band's leader. Same thing with the deejay although most professional deejays are good about gauging what the audience needs and wants to make the party "sing."
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