How frustrating is it to be a DJ at a class reunion? These events are probably the most annoying parties for DJs due to the ego of the guests trying to look and sound “cool” to classmates who thought they were “cool at school”. This is an informative article that offers tips on effective music programming techniques and perfect answers for upset guests. By the end of this article, you should be confident and excited about attending DJ class reunions.
The ego of the party really depends on the age of the crowd. The larger the crowd, in general, the tamer the crowd. The younger the crowd, be prepared for a night of bad requests, people telling you how to do your job and what to play, some insults and possibly the longest night of your life!
This article will teach you how to choose the right music, ways to format your music show, and what to say when guests approach you with requests and what to say to guests who are trying to tell you how to do your job. If you follow this tip, you’ll actually have a LOT of fun DJ class reunions. Learn to stay cool and have fun because you are in full control!
Hour 1: Choosing music
What year did they graduate? Search the internet for the “Best Songs” of the year they graduated. For example, “Best Songs of 1994” if the class graduated in 1994. Be sure to gather a bunch of songs from that year and some of the best songs from “around” that period. EX. From 1993 to 1995. For the first hour you want to play this kind of music.
Hour 2: Play some of today’s top 40 rock tracks
Hour 3: Open up the dance floor with current beat music (current hip-hop and some current rock beat music)
Hour 4 – Play some slow love songs to get the couples dancing and then reopen the dance floor to some really great dance music (try different sets and see how the crowd responds – Old Hip-Hop, Motown, Classic Rock Dance Set design, music in Spanish if the crowd likes Spanish (if the crowd seems to like it, move on, if they seem to be getting bored, change the setting).
End the night by asking the host which song was their class song. Play That and your night should have been a huge hit musically.
What do you say when guests request songs? “I’ve already played that” or “I’ll work on it later”
What do you say when a guest tells you what music you should play? You can politely say, “Thanks for the suggestion, but let me be the DJ and have fun with your friends, we’ll take care of your business later” (smiles).
When the guests really want a song and are aggressive but not rude, they say things like; “Come on, if you play (this song), everyone will dance to it.” (people almost never do it). Say good. Play your song and announce that this person requested (THAT SONG) and said everyone would dance to it. Then people will be hesitant to request songs, leaving you in control of the party.
What do you do when a guest gets aggressive with requests? With a smile say: “Would you like to be a DJ?” Show them your mixer and say, “okay, have fun.” Then walk away leaving them behind your stand, see how quickly they panic.
This is your party, your music, and you will never see these people again, so be very confident in your choices and decisions. Always be as polite as possible and never get angry (this shows that you are losing control). If people ever get really mad at you and may pose a danger, turn off your gear, pack up, and leave. It’s not worth being destroyed or emotionally hurt. Stay cool and calm because you really are a great DJ!