How frustrating is it being a DJ at a class reunion? These events are probably the most annoying parties for DJs due to the egos of the guests trying to look and sound “cool” to classmates who thought they were “cool in 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 to attend 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, get ready for a night of bad requests, people telling you how to do your job and what to play, some name calling, and possibly the longest night of your life!
This article will teach you how to choose the right music, ways to format your music program, 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 will actually have a LOT of fun DJ class reunions. Learn to stay cool and have fun because you are in total control!
Hour 1: Choose music
What year did they graduate? Search the internet for the “Best Songs” from the year they graduated. For example, “Best Songs of 1994” if the class graduated in 1994. Make 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 songs
Hour 3 – Open the dance floor with current beat music (current hip-hop and some current rock rhythm music)
Hour 4 – Play some slow love songs for couples to dance to and then reopen the dance floor with some really good dance music (try different outfits and see how the crowd responds – old fashioned 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 it looks like it’s getting bored, change the stage).
I ended the night by asking the host which song was his class song. Musically, Play That and Your Night should have been a big hit.
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 things later” (smiles)
When 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). 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 equipment, pack up, and walk away. It’s not worth being emotionally destroyed or hurt. Stay cool and calm because you really are a great DJ!
