As industry professionals we have been involved in both organising music for corporate events and performing in corporate event bands for many years. Our most recent corporate clients have included the Mayor of London, Jaguar, Five TV, MLS Business Centres, Anthony Gold Solicitors, Haworth UK Ltd, Modem Media Plc, Capital & Regional, Dorchester Hotel, Grosvenor Property & Partnership amongst many others.
During our extensive experience in corporate hospitality we have noticed that the success of a corporate event depends greatly on how well the organisers match the entertainment to their guests needs.
Most corporate clients who are organising an evening reception with dinner and speeches are keen to portray an atmosphere of class and sophistication. Therefore, experienced, qualified musicians are a must have! Professional musicians will not only look appropriate (e.g. lounge suits), but will choose appropriate repertoire and judge a room so as to play at the most suitable volume.
In our experience a Jazz Trio (Piano, Bass, Drums) or Jazz Quartet (Piano, Bass, Drums, Vocals/Saxophone) is ideal for this type of corporate event.
Example break-down of an evening reception:
"Meet and Greet”
We recommend using either the pianist or the pianist and bass player from the band to play light cocktail music for this part of the evening. Clients often ask for the music to start before the first guests arrive to “set the scene” for your guests from the outset.
Dinner
Usually, a jazz trio is perfect for dinner music. Again, playing light cocktail music / dinner jazz, which will be loud enough to be enjoyed by all guests but quiet enough not to disturb conversation.
Post Dinner
A Jazz Quartet is a definite recommendation for this part of the evening. In our experience, the later part of the event is when guests are more inclined to listen to the band so adding a singer and/or saxophonist adds another edge to the music.
The first question that one should ask when organising entertainment for a company party is “will my guests want to dance”? If the answer is yes then a larger band is essential. Asking a jazz trio to perform at your party and then insisting that they play the latest Kylie song will simply not work! It is essential that you find an ensemble who are experienced in playing music to dance to and who can entertain a crowd enough to get them onto the dance floor. In our experience, music from 60s, 70s & 80s will suit a wide age range and is always popular for dancing.
Example breakdown of a typical company party:
“Meet and Greet / Networking”
We recommend either a jazz trio or cocktail pianist for this part of the event. Light cocktail music is ideal when your guests first arrive as this is the time when people are most likely to be talking and networking.
“Dancing”
A professional function band is most suitable for this part the evening. Function bands are experienced at getting people up to dance and are much more visual than a dj.
The “brief” for a company fun day is usually to entertain your current workforce, entertain prospective clients or to increase your company branding. In any of these cases the overall effect of the entertainment needs to be one of fun.
Below are some possible ideas for music at a fun day:
Your choice of entertainment can certainly make or break your event, but before even beginning to select individual acts, it is important to understand the purpose of the entertainment.
Generally speaking of course entertainment should work to occupy your guests at all times, aid socialisation and lead to a memorable evening.
Entertainment can be divided into three categories according to its purpose. Factors such as entertainment budget, time restraints and number of guests will affect how much of each is required or decided upon.
Background entertainment usually works to create an ambiance in the venue. This could involve some light jazz or classical music to add an air of sophistication to a room. This will create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere for the guests to enjoy.
Comfortable guests will socialise more easily and therefore enjoy the evening better. Popular choices for background music would often include a jazz / swing quartet or jazz trio, string quartet, duos such as singer and piano, or accordion & mandolin or simply a solo cocktail pianist. Background music is often appropriate when receiving guests, whilst guests are eating or to accompany a cocktail reception.
Often the ‘big finish’ of a corporate event, the main act might be a big name band or well-known comedian. Big names give the impression of no expense spared, which often works to leave guests feeling special and looked after. The show element of your evening might equally be a tribute band, a function band or a big band designed to get people moving on the dance floor. Big acts might ‘wow’ the audience by incorporating spectacles such as pyrotechnic displays, axle grinding or laser light shows into their performance.
Entertainers who circulate might include magicians, caricaturists or dancers. Moving between groups of guests they are great icebreakers and talking points. Dancers often work to initiate dancing in others, either directly by selecting guests from the crowd to dance with them or even by offering mini classes during the evening. Professional dancers work very well particularly with rat-pack style bands, covers bands and latin bands and most other corporate entertainment bands.
If you haven't found the band that you were looking for in the list above then a good place to look would be our bands home page where you will find all of the bands that we offer at Last Minute Musicians:
We're always happy to help. If you need help choosing bands or musicians please get in touch...
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