Songlist: As much as we want for you to love everything about the band being submitted to you, the odds are that you are going to need certain material that the band just doesn't offer. No band plays everything- great! With this in mind, the best thing to do is to try to find a band that plays at least 97% of what you need and then have the band supplement their songlist with pre-recorded music to be played while they take their breaks. For instance, you may find the band that you're considering may have your favorite '60s to Current dance material but not enough Big Band, Swing, or Waltzes such as Benny Goodman or Glen Miller for your mature guests. No problem, a music coordinator will help you find and fill these gaps. We will provide the bands with CD's that are hand- tailored to your requests to be played while the band takes a break. The CD's will supplement the bands songlist ensuring everyone hears their favorite music.
Breaks: The time in which a band actually plays uninterrupted music is known as a “Set”. Each band has their own set, (lengths of time) that they play. Most will play four 45 minute sets with 10 to 15 minute breaks in-between sets. Others will play two 90-minute sets with a thirty minute break in-between. Your music coordinator will be able to go into detailed information about the band that you have employed. We require our bands to play pre-recorded music while they take their breaks so that there is never silence during the event. Note: DJs will play straight through with no breaks.
Tipping: Most everyone asks the question "should I tip the performers?" Our response is: if your performer(s) exceeds all of your expectations, they've been really good about returning your calls, receptive to learning your songs and did an excellent job for you - then sure. A standard tip is about 5% of their total fee. The bands do not expect a tip, but they are always appreciative. Our suggestion: Have the tip figured out before the day of your event. Then after the band begins to play - decide if you want to pass it on to them.
Food: If you will be serving your guests from buffet stations, it is usually the accepted practice for the band to eat, but only after your guests have been served. For instance, the band could eat during their second break after your guests have completely finished with dinner. If you are serving your guests a sit down dinner, it’s always appreciated but is never expected. However, if you are planning speeches or presentations during your event and the band will have 30 minutes to an hour of down time, with your approval, we can make arrangements for the band to have a table, non-alcoholic beverages and food. Some facilities offer a “lite menu” (sandwiches & chips) this is always much more cost-effective. We would always consider the time of your event too. Most bands are required to be at your event for 6 -7 hours, and may fall between the lunch & dinner hours. In this situation we would recommend arrangements for food to be made. But if your event begins after 7pm, we recommend the band eat before they arrive at your event. Your music coordinator will be able to address this issue with you.
Number of songs: In a four hour period the bands will average approximately 30-40 songs. 7-10 songs an hour- not including the music to be played while the band is on their break. DJs averages are a little higher due to radio specifications. An average commercial radio song last for 2-3 minutes. Hence, more songs per hour.
Dinner/Cocktail Music: The styles of music are important but we focus on the dance /party aspect of the reception. Each band has a prepared set list for dinner usually including jazz standards, instrumentals and ballads.
If you want to schedule a band: Please call a music coordinator at TEA. At that time, they will review your information to make sure nothing has changed since the initial phone call. Your music coordinator will then draw up your contract and a cover letter (with detailed information on what comes next) and fax or mail it to you. Next you will need to sign the contract and fax or mail back to TEA. A 50% deposit is required at that time (please call your coordinator to arrange for flexible payment plans. (see this link) We also accept major credit cards. The balance would be due on the day of your event. Your performers are locked in at this point, and your coordinator would begin to coordinate your event. After we receive the contract and deposit from you, we then forward all pertinent information to your bandleader. They will make a courtesy call to answer any questions that you may have and exchange phone numbers, and/or email addresses with you.
All we ask from you: During your search for music, if you discover other bands that you are interested in - call us. If they have not been recommended to you,it doesn't mean that we do not schedule them. If they are in the Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Winston Salem, High Point, Charlotte, coastal areas including Myrtle Beach, we probably do. If you should find a band from another agency- call us- I bet that we can offer the same band for less money. If you find a band or DJ in your search- that we don’t know about- call us. If they are good enough for you to employ- we need to scout them for future clients.
If you are planning an event, we realize that you are under considerable financial and emotional stress. We do not want to contribute to your stress level but we do make follow up calls. Not to make a sale, but to make sure that you have been taken care and that you have found what you were searching for. No pressure…this is why it is so important that you contact us to let us know that you have made a decision, even if it’s not through TEA.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to talking with you!