How to get into the school dance game?

[DJ Higgumz]

I really want to know what type of things I should present at the meeting; they want me to bring something. What do you do to book a gig?

[RodneyL]

Examples of your previous gigs, pictures of the setup, perhaps pics of people dancing and having fun at your previous parties.

Some sort of proof that you are semi-professional and not just a kid with a stereo. Emphasize that you have all radio-edit music... they frown upon dirty lyric obviously.

[SockoPro]

It's not a wedding, so you won't need the same kind of prep involved with it.

Calculate your expenses, decide how much u want to clear for the party. is it a Saturday gig? I could book a $1000 wedding on that night, make it worth it... Do u have enough equipment to cover the number of students? Will u have lights? Video? If not, can u sell them on it?

Really? I have just as much prep for a school function as I do a wedding. I have a pre-meeting, design, and contract signing to do. I have to provide all clearances to work in the school. Not to mention I am using 4x the equipment to do a school job then a wedding....

[DJ Higgumz]

So basically I should bring in a jump drive of my setup vids and pics?

[SockoPro]

Bring your own laptop, don't depend on their equipment.

[DJ Higgumz]

I don't think that would work, I'm meeting with them during a study hall, and they don't allow laptops in school.

[DYM]

If your trying to get hired, they AT LEAST need to like you. You need to be friends with administration (from a student standpoint). On top of that you need to have your stuff together and present yourself as a pro. Search google for stuff regarding Power Points, contracts, etc. You can't just say "Oh yea, I got the big speakers for the good sound. I'll try to keep the curse words low, people will get so crazy and dance to my music."

For that laptop situation, if they like you as a student and you already set up a meeting and they know that you will be presenting something, I do not see the problem. Keep it locked in your locker all day...

There is a lot of risk here for you as a "DJ company" and you need to do everything the right way.

[Djsmylez]

Really? I have just as much prep for a school function as I do a wedding. I have a pre-meeting, design, and contract signing to do. I have to provide all clearances to work in the school. Not to mention I am using 4x the equipment to do a school job then a wedding....

For me, it's a lot easier to plan a playlist for 300-400 energy charged 16-18 year olds than a wedding with ages ranging from 8 to 80. Don't have to deal with the occasional bridezilla, I don't have to dress up. Don't have to worry with clearances in Louisiana... I am moving soon so it may become a factor later.

I think I enjoy it more because I like spinning hiphop and pop more than anything else too...

[DJ-NVY]

Just to clarify:

You do not need a DJ license (they don't exist)

Depending on how strict your school is, you do need to be part of a registered organization. This could be a sole proprietorship (owner operated), or some form of incorporation. At age 16 it's impossible in most cases to have this as an option, unless you're DBA (doing business as) under another company.

Since you can't legally register as a company, liability insurance isn't going to work.

This kind of thing really depends on the school. Since you're underage idk if you can even be sued for liability damage.

[SockoPro]

Here's a dumb question do they have DJ's that are current students now or do they use outside DJ companies?