Ideas for music to play at formal event?

[DisneyFan25863]

Hi everyone,
This Thursday, our school is having its grand opening dedication ceremony. This is going to be a really really posh event, with over 1200 people invited, including all the big faces around here. The Mayor, City Council, Superintendent, School Board, Congressmen Buck McKeon, and other dignitaries. I am producing the audio and television production of the event, which is going to be broadcast live to every classroom as well as Public Access Television. Part of my job is finding music to play for the event. I really am at a blank for what to play when people are introduced, moments where nothing is really happening, etc. I'm envisioning an "Academy Awards" style thing. Anyone have any ideas for songs, or even websites that have little clips to download? Thanks!

[Not Afraid]

Well (says the girl with 1500 cds) what "type" of music are you looking for?

[wendybeth]

I would like to personally recommend Pink Floyd's 'The Wall'.

[CoasterMatt]

Dead Can Dance - The Carnival Is Over

[Moonliner]

It's funny how easy it is to come up with an entire slew of sarcastic responses (The Wall: "We don't need no education..." etc..) but more challenging to come up with some helpful ones.

Humm, Behind introductions you should have something instrumental not too hard or soft. You want it to blend in not distract from the mucky-mucks.

Karaoke music (or however you spell that) can be a good source.

Perhaps Google for "graduation music"

Random thoughts:

"On my way" The Proclaimers (Shrek soundtrack)
"Weapon of choice" - Good song but the title would probably nix it in this case

"Locomotive Breath" - Jethro Tull (the first 40sec or so looped)

Good luck!


EDITED TO ADD: Yo! Wendybeth, please note I was writting at the SAME time as you and did NOT see your post before I posted.

[wendybeth]

Lol! Yet you knew soemone would post it....

[Not Afraid]

If I were you, I'd choose something sort of hip and sophisticated and fun. Maybe some Moby or Fat Boy Slim and some Propellerheads for energy........sheesh, there's so much!

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Do you have the new Disney CD collection? Maybe there are cuts such as Fantasmic, Indy, or Believe that you could pull snippets from. :)

[DisneyFan25863]

I should also note that this song has to be 100% entirelly school/family OK type of music. Most of my school, including the administration, is VERY, VERY conservative. We got in trouble for playing U2's "Vertigo" because it said someone had "Jesus 'round the neck".

I really like the suggestions so far. "On My Way" sounds pretty good, I think I'll use that at the end (you know...the school is on its way to a new future, etc).

Any sort of like rock or rap or anything won't really be right for the type of event its going to be, so I would really rather stay to stuff like soft jazz/60s/instrumental type music.

Thanks!
Sean

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Look up some standards. Sinatra, Big Band stuff. Harry Connick Jr. is a gold mine for high quality standards. Sometimes the older versions have low studio quality. Start with the When Harry Met Sally soundtrack. Swanky and sophisticated.

[Stan4dSteph]

I should also note that this song has to be 100% entirelly school/family OK type of music. Most of my school, including the administration, is VERY, VERY conservative. We got in trouble for playing U2's "Vertigo" because it said someone had "Jesus 'round the neck".Ahem. May I present the correct lyric?

I can’t stand the beats
I’m asking for the cheque
The girl with crimson nails
Has Jesus round her neck
Swinging to the music
Swinging to the music
Oh oh oh oh


i.e. she's wearing a cross, not strangling Jesus.

[DisneyFan25863]

Ahem. May I present the correct lyric?

I can’t stand the beats
I’m asking for the cheque
The girl with crimson nails
Has Jesus round her neck
Swinging to the music
Swinging to the music
Oh oh oh oh


i.e. she's wearing a cross, not strangling Jesus.

Hmm....I dunno. They just got mad at us for playing it so we don't anymore :D

[Kevy Baby]

Hmm....I dunno. They just got mad at us for playing it so we don't anymore :DIn my early DJ days, I frequently got in trouble for playing "White Lines" no matter how often I pointed out that it is an ANTI-drug song.

As far as music when people are announced, you are basically looking for fanfares. You can get by with a minimum of around five of them (people usually won't notice when they start repeating if you are using "generic" fanfares). You will probably need about a 20 second clip worth for each. If I had more time (which I don't), I could secure some for you. Whatever you do chose, stay away from vocals - nothing but instrumental!

One definite fanfare on the Disney front is the opening to the Main Street Electrical Parade. Just beware of the voice-over that kicks in (unless you are lucky enough to have the "no-voice-over" version).

As for background music, stay away from any vocals. You are trying to to create background and vocals will stick out. Keep things mellow without putting people to sleep. Look for music without a lot of dramatic changes in volume and "energy." Light jazz works well for this, but please don't use Kenny G, Yanni, or Enya.

Depending on the event, you may want to have a more "upbeat" exit mix. One things are done, having something lively to emphasize a good mood is good.

[Ghoulish Delight]

In my early DJ days, I frequently got in trouble for playing "White Lines" no matter how often I pointed out that it is an ANTI-drug song.
Teenage Suicide...Don't Do It!

[Moonliner]

Sooo, inquiring minds want to know. How did the event go? What did you play?

[Kevy Baby]

Sooo, inquiring minds want to know. How did the event go? What did you play?I think he just threw on a Lords of Acid CD and cranked it to 11

[DisneyFan25863]

We ended up having the Jazz band there to preform before and after. We talked to Mr. Vincent (our principal) and he said to not do music in between people, either (even though he wanted it last week :rolleyes: ). So our job was pretty much hitting "Celebration" at full blast when the confetti cannons launched and making sure there wasn't any feedback (which is really hard in our ampitheater at school since the sound reflects off the walls back to the speakers).

[mistyisjafo]

Being in the special events field, I find it's always difficult to make everyone happy with music selection. Sounds like the instrumental was probably the best fit and it helped promote the band.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Ah well. Still a resume builder though :D

[Not Afraid]

Can I just say the Celebrate is one oc the MOST overused songs in the universe?


We saw a preview for the new Shaggy Dog last night. They seemed to pick EVERY bad song with a dog theme and use it in the preview. UGH! "Who let the dogs out" is not cool even in a retro sense!

Now, "I wanna be your dog" would be cool.

[Kevy Baby]

Can I just say the Celebrate is one oc the MOST overused songs in the universe?As someone who is forced to play this song ad nauseam, I whole-heartedly agree.

[DisneyFan25863]

While I agree, I must say that the song fit the moment perfectly. Right when we hit the music, tons of confetti and streamers shot into the air, surprising everyone. It was really cool :cool: