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Q1:
What are some things a couple should consider when deciding which band to hire?
A: Couples often have an idea about the types of music they are interested
in. Visit the wealth of websites online where you can sample each band's
sound and review their song list. Ask yourself if they play a wide enough
variety of music and the music you are looking for.
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Trust the testimonials of previous customers or people who were guests at
weddings where the band performed. Good bands have the ability to "read
the crowd" and make the subtle adjustments needed to maintain the flow and
energy of the party.
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Look over your guest list and consider a band that will offer the greatest
entertainment and selection of music to move people of all ages onto the dance
floor throughout the reception. An experienced bandleader will help guide
you through the process of selecting music that will keep all of your guests
entertained.
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Versatility is as important as virtuosity. When a good band plays a jazz
standard, you should be able to feel and envision a jazz band playing.
When we're playing a rock and roll classic, we want you to experience the sound
and feel of a rock band. (not a jazz band playing a rock song!)
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Look for a band whose members have been playing together for a reasonable amount
of time. There's no substitute for consistency and stability. Avoid
bands that have had frequent personnel changes.
Q2:
What should a couple consider when choosing between a live band and a DJ?
A: In our experience, nothing takes the place of a live musical
performance in terms of energy, excitement and engaging that all-important
audience -- the wedding guests. Most music lovers would rather see and
hear their favorite band in concert than listen to recorded music. With
that said, budget is often a factor of determining whether or not a couple can
afford hiring a live band. Some brides and grooms choose a DJ because they
prefer the original recordings of their favorite artists. Bands that
regularly play for wedding receptions usually come equipped with their own DJ
equipment, allowing them to play original recordings of specially requested
songs.
Q3:
Can certain songs generally be requested for the band to play / avoid playing /
learn?
A: Like Tuxedo Junction, many bands are pleased to learn a few new
songs at the client's request, whether it is for that special first dance or
another part of the reception. We encourage every couple to provide us with a
list of their requests along with any songs to avoid. We will combine the request list with our
"crowd-reading" experience in deciding song selections that would be most
effective to play at different times throughout the reception. As a rule
of thumb, we ask to be given around three months notice to learn and
integrate new songs.
Q4:
What sort of experience should a good wedding band have?
A: An experienced wedding band should be well-versed in the flow of
events in a wedding reception.
The band needs to work together with the function director and other
professionals in coordinating the events that will take
place. For example, the band will need to make sure the photographer and videographer
are prepared before beginning
any of the special dances, cake-cutting ceremony or any other formalities. The band's MC should oversee the
affair to ensure a smooth transition from one event to another, allowing
the bride and groom to relax and enjoy their special day.
Q5:
Can a couple usually decide how large the band should be?
A: Certainly, but consideration should be given to the nature of the
reception venue. The size of the room, ceiling height, wall construction
materials and number of guests all affect the way a band will set up for the
best possible sound quality. Bigger is not always better. A band
will have a "large enough sound" to fill the venue based on the quality and
power of their sound system, and not the number of musicians.
Q6:
How far in advance should a couple book a specific date with a band?
A: Wedding dates are generally booked anywhere from six to twenty-four
months in advance. Once the venue is booked, your next task should be to
hire the right band. Needless to say, the availability of good bands
becomes more limited as you get closer to your wedding date.
Q7: How many breaks
does a band normally take?
A: During the course of a four-hour wedding reception, bands customarily play three
sets with two 15-20 minute breaks. The first break usually takes place
during the main course, and a second break is taken between the two dance sets.
Our band will play recorded music appropriate for dining during the first break.
During the second break, we like to keep the party's energy level high, playing
up-tempo recorded dance music.
Q8:
Any other tips or suggestions about choosing a wedding band?
A: Be wary of trying to judge the quality of a band on the basis of a video
production.
For a video to be relevant it needs to be a recording of a live performance
before an audience. To properly record the music requires audio equipment that
one would utilize for a concert, not a wedding reception.
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Many bands have produced "music video" pieces that use pre-recorded music which
is then matched to lip-synching and simulated movement. These are fun, but not
an accurate depiction of a live performance. The best way to measure a band's
skill, energy, and crowd interaction, other than seeing and listening to them
live, is to read real testimonials.
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Value greatly any feedback you receive from people who have actually "experienced"
the band by attending a wedding reception where the band had played. Their
experience is likely to depict the band's capabilities more accurately than the experience you may have of seeing a band
under non-ideal circumstances that commonly occur when you are able to briefly
view a band during a portion of a wedding reception. Oftentimes, your
vantage point can be limited to a remote corner in the back of a room, a foyer
or hallway from where you can look in from the outside, or a place where you are
standing away from the path of the band's sound system. The dance floor is always the
best location for you to hear and feel the sound of a live band.
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Ask about volume levels. Will your band cater to the needs of your
audience, the nature of the room and the preferences of you and your family
members by carefully monitoring volume levels during the course of the
reception?
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A great band has the experience and the desire to make your wedding day to make
your wedding day the special day you have imagined and a day that will be
memorable for your guests. This band will answer all your questions and
encourage you to think of the details that will make your day perfect.
Q9:
What factors influence the cost of a wedding band in New England?
A: Date, time frame and travel distance are three main factors.
There are certain "off-peak" times during the year when bands can be most
flexible in providing discounts to the bride and groom. January through
early April and late November usually represent off-peak times for Tuxedo
Junction.
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It is not uncommon for bands to offer the option of adding musicians, which of
course will add to the cost. Carefully consider whether or not this is a
real need.
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There is a wide span of pricing among New England wedding bands. It's
important to note that a more expensive band isn't necessarily a better band.
Q10:
Is it customary for a band to “hold” a date for a customer?
A: It is difficult for a band to actually “hold” a date for any length of
time. Inquiries for different dates happen continually and randomly
throughout the year. It is not uncommon for bands to have several
inquiries for the same date. You may be able to request a band to give you
the “right of first refusal” for a certain date. The band would then notify you if they
received interest for that date from another party, offering you the first opportunity to reserve their services.
Q11: How is Tuxedo Junction unique among New England wedding bands?
A:
Our five talented and complementary lead singers make us unique among
wedding bands from the Boston area and New England. Even among the larger
bands, it is rare to find one that has this many accomplished singers. Our five
versatile vocalists allow us to cover the widest range of musical styles
convincingly well! Listen
to a variety of samples to hear for yourself!
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