How can I plan the perfect Teenage House Party/Jam?

Question

I'm turning 15 in August 2008 and I just want to know what I'm going to deal with first in order to make a house party/jam with people my age.

All the people that I plan to invite go to my High school and mostly likely know each other. I plan on making this party/jam in my basement which can fit about 35 people, but i plan on inviting maximum 30 people.

I want to know what music I should start off with while the people arrive. Then what music I should put on that will start to heat up the party and get the dancing started.Then I need music to keep the party going and then end it.

It's mostly Black and Latin people. Any advice? Any music to help me with this party?

Answer 1

 My daughter is 17 and I have a suggestion that has worked so well for her that she and her friends do it almost every weekend at one of their houses....it may be a little different than what you're thinking so bear with me!  Here it goes...

She and her friends started out wanting dance/loud/typical teenage parties and they had them - BUT - things started happening that, let's just say were not going to end well.   They all still wanted to be fun and a little crazy and let's face it have anything to do that didn't involve hanging out with their parents!  

One of the guys absolutely loves the show "The Office".  They decided to throw an "Office" marathon party.  They got some pizza, soda, candy, chips and all got in front of the tv.  They watched "The Office" for hours and had so much fun it turned into a regular event.  This might sound a bit "lame" but let me tell you...they've had so much fun, have built some very real relationships and I know they'll never forget these Friday and Saturday nights!

Tips from my 17 year old daughter....

1. keep it small (they usually have about 12 - about 1/2 guys, 1/2 girls). They made it bigger....only once and never again : )

2. clean up the house quick when everyone leaves...your parents won't mind them coming back!

3. be yourself...the girls in her "group" talk about this aLoT!  They say, "it's so nice that we can just be ourself, we don't have to "be" or "pretend to be" anything. We can dress up or come in our sweats!"

4. Make it your own! Find something you all have in common (maybe it IS dancing) and go with it!  The Office just happened to be what works for this bunch.  

Tips from this old mom of 43...

1. Be safe & keep your friends safe.

2.  Enjoy high school.....for some reason those memories stay with you forever so try to make choices that won't embarrass you 5 years from now : )

3.  Good Luck and make it fun!