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Concert and Event Planning

If organisers could follow the enclosed guidelines this will enable the smooth running of all events and hopefully prevent any anxious last minute phone calls.

Band bookings fall into two basic categories:

• Indoor Concerts
• Outdoor Events/Concerts

Each type of event has quite different requirements and will be dealt with in separate sections.

Indoor Concerts

The first and most important point is to ensure that the hall to be used for the concert is large enough, not only to accommodate the band but also to ensure that the audience can listen to the band comfortably and without being overpowered by the music. The band consists of 30 - 35 woodwind, brass and percussion players and is capable of raising the roof on many smaller buildings! If in doubt, please ask one of the band to visit and we will be happy to advise you.

Please read the following bullet points carefully to ensure that your concert runs smoothly:

• The performance area for the band will need to be big enough to accommodate 35 seated musicians and a large amount of percussion instruments.
• The band will need 35 chairs preferably without arms as some instruments cannot be played in chairs of this type.
• The performance area should be sufficiently well lit to enable musicians to read their music comfortably.
• There must be access to a power supply
• Band members will need a room or rooms in which they can change into their concert dress. This room(s) should be separated from the audience and be able to accommodate all our musicians.
• Unless your event has a specific theme, the concert will consist of two halves of approximately 45 – 50 minutes. The programme will be broad and balanced and should suit all tastes.
• If you have any specific musical requests, these must be submitted with the initial booking or we cannot guarantee their inclusion in the programme.
• An interval of about 20 minutes should separate each half of the concert when the band should be offered a drink (tea, coffee or juice would be really nice!)
• If a raffle is to be held, please try to ensure that this is drawn before the beginning of the second half. This will avoid the band having to sit on stage whilst prizes are awarded, thus delaying the start of the second part of the concert.
• A programme is not always necessary but should you want to provide one we will be happy to provide you with any details that you may need.
• Please note that in any publicity that you may want to put out the name of the band is THE HUMBERSIDE POLICE CONCERT BAND.
• Bookings for indoor concerts must be received at least 2 months before the event and please bear in mind that it is your responsibility to sell tickets and provide an audience. Nobody wants an event to be greeted by an empty hall!

Finally we do not charge for concerts but ask for a donation which is split between our annual charity and band funds.

If you are unsure about anything please don’t hesitate to contact our Band Secretary Lisa Hey on 07962 920981. This number is specifically for band enquiries and if there is no answer please leave a message and we will get back to you. You may also contact us via email.

Outdoor Events/Concerts

The first and most important question that you need to ask is does our event need a band? This may seem like a foolish question but one which, from past experience, should always be asked. A band is a great asset to any outdoor gala, carnival, fete etc but only if it is catered for and used appropriately. Over the years the band has performed at and enhanced many outdoor events but has also played at some wholly inappropriate ones too. Organisers must be clear in their mind of what they want and stick to it.

Hopefully following the guidance in the bullet points below will ensure that you can use our band to make your event a great success.

• Ensure that sufficient space has been allocated for the band to perform. There are approximately 30 – 35 musicians and a large number of percussion instruments.
• You will need to provide approximately 35 chairs preferably without arms as some instruments cannot be played in chairs of this type.
• The area provided for the band to perform must be accessible to the public and should provide an opportunity for people to sit down and listen.
• The band must not be placed next to any other stalls or events that generate noise, musical or otherwise. Eg. Local radio road shows, disco/performance stalls/tents, generators, fairground type rides etc. The band cannot and will not compete with this type of attraction.
• The band will need a power supply for electronic instruments. If this is a problem we must know in advance.
• We have a considerable amount of equipment which is transported by van. Please ensure that access for this van is available as close as possible to where the band will perform.
• The band will normally play two spots of 45 minutes to 1 hour. Plan where these spots will occur in your programme so that we don’t interfere with arena events or other group’s performances. We must know when these spots will be before the day of the performance.
• We are happy to have a break of up to an hour between our performances but should not be asked to wait around for longer than this.
• A drink (tea, coffee or juice) should be offered to the band during their break.
• If arrangements for performance times are significantly different to those above, these must be arranged at the time of booking.
• Do you have a wet weather contingency plan? It is not possible for the band to perform in wet weather unless suitable cover is provided.
• Bookings for outdoor events should be made at least 2 months in advance and for the summer season, six months to a year in advance would be more realistic.
• Please note that in any publicity that you may want to put out the name of the band is THE HUMBERSIDE POLICE CONCERT BAND.

Finally we do not charge for playing at outdoor events but accept donations which we split between our annual charity and band funds. We also make a bucket collection at all outdoor events.

If you are unsure about anything please don’t hesitate to contact our Band Secretary Julia Thompson on 0776 891 6215. This number is specifically for band enquiries and if there is no answer please leave a message and we will get back to you.  You may also contact us via email.