High/middle school Band, Orchestra, choir gigs

[SynthLine09]

So I'm looking to record some public school groups in my area, but I'm not entirely sure how to get my foot in the door. I'm not looking to make money here (though some pocket change would be nice) as much as I am looking to hone some skills, make connections, and build a resume for future endeavors.

If any of you have any advice on how to approach band or choir directors please let me know!

[Thomas W. Bethe]

Originally Posted by SynthLine09

So I'm looking to record some public school groups in my area, but I'm not entirely sure how to get my foot in the door. I'm not looking to make money here (though some pocket change would be nice) as much as I am looking to hone some skills, make connections, and build a resume for future endeavors.

If any of you have any advice on how to approach band or choir directors please let me know!

You should probably read this first Perect Storm - what's going on in the remote business?

[NorseHorse]

Originally Posted by SynthLine09

If any of you have any advice on how to approach band or choir directors please let me know!

Have you done your research? Can you answer the following questions about your nearest high school?

- Does the band and choir record regularly?
- Whom do they record with?
- How does other engineer / company charge?
- Do they sell CDs to parents?
- How many per concert?
- What does their product look and sound like?

There are three main scenarios here:

1. The school does NOT record their concerts. In which case, your primary job is to A) convince the director to let you record at all and B) start building a community of parents that expects you to be at all concerts and comes prepared to purchase a CD.

2. The school DOES record their concerts and already has an engineer they like. In which case, your primary job is to A) get your name to the director and the other engineer and to B) do a good job if one of them calls you up as a sub.

3. The school DOES record their concerts and is looking for alternatives to their current engineer(s). In which case, your primary job is to A) get your name to the director and B) produce a more compelling product than the other engineer(s).