It’s that time of year again! It’s time for Prom!
Important Aspects of the DJ Role
The most important and I repeat IMPORTANT aspect or shall I say element of any social event is the DJ entertainment. As with all events where music is in the prominent forefront, the music IS the main ingredient. The music of an event can and will make or break that event.
Have you ever heard a DJ horror story? Maybe you went to someone’s wedding and the DJ played the wrong first dance; or maybe the DJ thought he or she was a great dancer and wouldn’t get off the dance floor (too busy showing off their cool moves?!) Bad behavior at a mostly adult function is bad enough- but at a prom it can have serious implications.
Whether you are an adult advisor tasked with choosing a DJ, or a teen helping the committee choose the right entertainer, you have to remember that while they all look all grown up dressed in their prom dresses and tuxes, prom goers are also someone else’s children, kids, teens, or shall we say young adults. Certain choices and behaviors won’t be tolerated by any parent. There is liability involved with making the ultimate DJ choice, so that is not a decision to be taken lightly.
Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind When Selecting a DJ
Not all DJ companies are created equally. Talent, experience, age, personality, equipment, common sense- all of these things are important to consider when you select your DJ entertainer for prom. Each one of those previously stated factors are an important ingredient. Choosing one that does not align with your needs can end in DJ disaster.
The importance of a contract. It is entirely feasible that you hire a really great student DJ to emcee and spin music for your prom. However, it doesn’t matter if you choose a student or a seasoned pro- you need a contract for an event as important as prom. We at G Clef Productions use contracts for all of our events; regardless of how big or small. It’s just not right or trustworthy enough to sell tickets to an event when the entertainment has been booked “on a handshake.”
Make sure the contract times and duration line up; what time music is to begin and when it is to conclude. Think before you plan your prom itinerary. How long with you need ambient music playing while the guests arrive and mingle? Is there a dinner prior to dancing at the same location? If so, when will dancing begin and end? You may be able to save some money by playing “piped” music over the venue’s sound system (if they have one) before the dancing, but keep in mind your DJ has to set up sometime. Decide whether or not you are comfortable with the set up crew loading in gear and equipment while your guests are in the room.
Appropriate music is essential. Make sure you are completely clear with your DJ’s policies about playing clean tracks and taking student requests. Although the music that many of the young people listen to today is expected to be played that night, a school event may not be the place for a lot of that stuff. Even with the “clean” versions, some songs may be taken as offensive and vulgar. Experienced and successful professional prom DJs know how to mix some new music along with classic dance tunes as well as line dances!
Confirm equipment details and arrangements. Some DJ systems require more power, set up space, tables and the like than others. It is inconvenient when these arrangements aren’t made prior to the day of the event. Communicate with your DJ as to what they need or will supply as far as for event set up.
Check out this link on Prom trends for this year: http://b987fm.com/2018/04/04/prom-trends-2018-video/
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to book us for your prom or special event, give us a call at 407 375 2733 or e-mail us at inquiry@gclefproductions.com
