How to Select Music for Homecoming

You'll want your homecoming dance to be an event to remember, a mix of school spirit, fun and romance. The music you select will definitely have an impact on how enjoyable the dance is, which means you'll need to create just the right balance of fast and slow, upbeat and ballad tracks to keep the mood light and the energy high.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Music "hit lists"
• DJ or sound system

Select the Right Music Mix

1. Consider what's popular in music right now. If you don't know, check out top chart hits in Billboard, or on your local radio station's website.
2. Remember that many people come to homecoming to slow dance, so you may want to break up a long series of fast songs with a number of slower dance tunes.
3. Ask a local DJ what he or she considers a good mix of fast and slow music. One common rule of thumb for wedding receptions and school dances is 75 percent fast, or pop, songs, and 25 percent ballads, or slow songs.
4. Be sure to select short, fast dance tunes to begin the night. This will get everyone on the floor and dancing as soon as they come in the door.

Cater to a Diverse Student Body

5. Remember that your student body will have a range of musical tastes. If you are choosing music for your homecoming dance, you'll want to make sure you choose a broad, yet popular, selection that will appeal to everyone.
6. Know that you may not be aware of some of your fellow students' more eclectic tastes. This is where taking a short poll of classmates can come in handy, and may prove fun and enlightening as well.
7. Ask students with diverse interests to lend you some CDs several weeks before the dance. This will give you an idea of what to look for, and you can even choose to make a music mix that will appeal to everyone.
8. Be one of the first on the dance floor. Even with the best music in the world, many people won't have the courage to go out on an empty floor, and it's your responsibility to ensure that everyone feels welcome to cut loose.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid music that's difficult to dance to, even if it's popular. Some hardcore rap and heavy metal selections may provide great listening, but may leave party goers sitting on the sidelines.

Who Can Help:

• Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.