Do you think a trio of high schoolers who play clarinet could make some money...?

Question

Playing as an sort of independant thing outside of the Blueberry Festival in Plymouth Indiana, Labor Day weekend? I have a group of friends who are trying to plan to do a sort of street perfomance and play as a clarinet trio. Would that even be possible, or is it against the festival's policies or maybe even the law? Can't find anything about it.

Answer 1

I believe that if you are inside the Festivals perimeter they have the right to kick you out.

Contact the director of the festival and see if you can get a permit to perform.

(I know that if you are a vendor these rules apply, so I assume they apply for performances too)

and, yes, I believe that you might be able to make some money. It all really depends on the pieces that you pick to perform.

Play to the audience. Are there going to be more older people, or younger? a broad variety?

if its going to be older people, pick something like a classic tv show themes. We did this piece called "Comedy Classics", and it was a big hit with the older generations.

or something like songs by Irving Berlin: Puttin' on the ritz. (now that would be a great performance piece :))

something Big Band.

or for the baby boomers : some classic rock! the Beatles, led zepplin, etc. I am sure you can find sheet music somewhere. your band director might even be able to lend you some.

now if its a younger crowd, anything fast should do.

my advice, what ever you pick, would be to pick something upbeat and fast, even if its not perfect by musical standards, people will be less likely to care if they like the selection.

oh and pick a well populated area; more chances to get money.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

HI Pringles.  I think the festival might be very excited to have a young group such as yours to entertain the festival goers.  The problem is... I don't really think they would want to pay you, as you are not a professional group.  I assume they would not even have allocated the budget to pay you with.   I still think it is a good idea.   And if you really want to make money... start getting a show together...  enough songs for at least 2 hours with a couple of breaks inbetween.   Advertise your group with the craig'slist.org in your city as well as with churches and banquet events.   You have a great idea... you just need to get your group name out there... and do plan way ahead.   What you can charge?  Probably $75.00 to $100.00 an hour.   Good luck.

PSS;  If you can manage to get approved by the leaders of the festival event.... that would be GREAT.. even if they do not pay.  Be sure to have made and hand out your business cards.  People hearing might go wild and know of venues that you would be perfect for.  Those business cards and the festival could be your ticket to MAKING GOOD MONEY!!