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How to Choose a DJ

Selecting the right D.J. can be confusing. At last count there were over 100 D.J.s in Vermont, all promising they will do a good job for you. So how do you pick the right one for you? This article will provide some guidance and advice to help make your selection easier.

The best and easiest way to find a D.J. you'll like is to hire one you've already seen. If you've been to a wedding or a party where the D.J. was great, find out who he or she was. If you didn't get a card, ask the host or manager of the function room who the D.J. was. He/she should have the information readily available on file.

If you haven't seen a good D.J. recently, ask your friends. Your friends' taste in music is probably similar to yours. Maybe they have been to a function you missed. Let them know ahead of time you'll be looking; ask them to keep their eyes and ears open.

If the first two suggestions don't work, your job gets tougher. I suggest calling several reputable banquet facilities in your area and talk to the people in sales. They usually have a list of people they recommend and would be happy to send it to you. Conversely, if you are thinking about a particular D.J. that is not on anyone's list, please be very cautious

D.J. Butch Getek	D.J. Dale Miller

If you are still looking you might go to the yellow pages. Look under Disc Jockeys, Music and Entertainment. You may find D.J.s listed in any of these categories. Circle the ads in which the D.J. mentions the type of party you are planning. For example, if you are planning a wedding, a D.J. whose ad says, We specialize in weddings would be a good one to call. You should find several D.J.s whose ads look good.

How do you tell which one is best? Probably the worst way to choose a D.J. is on price alone. Some D.J.s are more expensive than others. Prices in New England can range from $100 to $2000 for 5 hours. That is quite a difference and it would be very tempting to choose the cheapest alternative. If that is all you can afford, then you have no choice. But consider the law of supply and demand. There is a reason some D.J.s cost more than others. They are usually worth it. More expensive D.J.s tend to be more experienced D.J.s. They charge more because they have a lot of jobs. They have a lot of jobs because they have a good reputation. Generally, D.J.s on the low end of the price scale are new to the business and trying to get established. They might do a great job for you and could be worth a shot if your party is on the informal side. But there is more risk with a less experienced person. On the other hand, if a D.J. is on the low end of the price scale after being in business for 10-15 years, that is cause for concern. Why does someone with experience not command experienced pay for what they do? Some D.J.s have a lot of experience, but perhaps not the kind you, or anyone else, is looking for.

D.J. Charles "Bucky" Brandt	D.J. Corey Hevrin

I have heard of a person planning a $35,000 wedding, hiring a $200 D.J., and wondering why everyone left halfway through the reception. I have also seen weddings working on a very tight budget of $1,000-2,000 hire an excellent D.J. for $900-1100 and have a superb event because of the entertainment. So don't try to save money on your event by searching for the cheapest D.J.. Trim back something, but not your entertainment. You will thank yourself later for this strategy. As you speak with the D.J.s, pay attention to their professionalism over the phone. It tends to spill over into their D.J. style. The most important thing to ask about is their experience with your type of event. If you are planning an event like a wedding, school dance or company party, it would be normal to expect a professional D.J. to have performed for at least 30 of these events. A number in the hundreds is actually common for a D.J. who is well established.

If your D.J. has none of the above brands, this is a cause for concern. I remember a banquet manager telling me about a large wedding in the Morrisville, Vermont area some years ago. More than 300 people were in attendance. During the second dance song, the D.J.'s amp malfunctioned. He had no backup equipment, so he packed up and went home. After months of planning, the reception was over almost as soon as it started.

Having backup equipment ensures that your event will have music for as long as you want. And make sure the D.J. doesn't just own backup equipment, but will bring it to the job. Going home for a spare something-or-other could take longer than your event. Get it in writing or you may find out the hard way.

Make sure you check with your D.J. to see what music format he/she uses. Today, vinyl phonograph records show a lack of investment and professionalism. Ordinary cassette tapes are going the same way. The music should be in a digital format: compact disc, mini-disc or digital audio tape. The sound quality from digital formats is much better than from vinyl or cassettes; the difference in clarity is very noticeable.

Also, ask your D.J. what he/she would do in case of illness or accident. Who would D.J. your event? If you hear Well that has never happened in 15 years, ask Who will cover my wedding if the first time happens to be my time? Accidents do happen and you definitely do not want one to ruin your function. Many larger companies have D.J.s on call who can fill on a moment's notice. Along this same line, make sure you can reach the D.J. by pager or cellular phone. If the D.J. is late, heaven forbid, you must be able to contact him/her. Most companies have only an answering machine, which does you no good on the day of your wedding if the D.J. is somewhere on the road. Make sure you can get in touch with someone in person in the event of an emergency or last-minute changes.

Another consideration in planning is to ask your banquet manager what electrical provisions they have in case of a blackout. Do they have auxiliary power just sufficient for the emergency lights or do they have generators that can provide power for the D.J.? You may think the chances of needing back-up power are very slim but this problem has come up 3 times in the past 2 years in the Burlington area. If there is inadequate auxiliary power for the D.J., then your event is over. Besides the disappointment and embarrassment of having no music after months of planning and anticipation, you will still have to pay for the services of the photographer, the D.J., the food service, the florist, etc. A wise decision would be to consider renting a generator (of at least 4000 watt capacity) to have on hand just in case. It could turn out to be the best $100-125 you ever spent.

Finally, the D.J. should want to do your wedding or function. Enthusiasm is another good sign of a professional D.J.. Enthusiasm and good communication skills are essential elements in a competent D.J..

According to Modern Bride (May 1992) the average bride spends $12,500 on her wedding. The average corporate function for 150 people costs $4,200. I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of the role your D.J. will play in the success of your event.

In conclusion, I hope I have raised some questions that might not have been considered by the prospective client hiring a D.J.. My philosophy in event/function planning is to plan for the worst but expect the best. If you do this you will not have unpleasant surprises on the day of your event.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our web site. Good luck!

Tele. U.S. (802) 899 - 2823
Fax (802) 899 - 1020
ssounds@myfairpoint.net

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