Activities

The following activities have been reported to be successful at All-Night Party events:

Music/Dancing

At some schools, dancing is very popular while other schools report less success. To increase success, try the following:

• Construct a magic, exciting dance floor area with special lighting and decorations. The dance area should not look like a poorly decorated High School Gymnasium.
• Carefully choose a Disk Jockey (DJ) or a live band. A live band can be great but a good DJ can also put on a great show using special effects, wide variety of music, large screen live pictures of the dancers, dance contests, etc. Watch out for bargain DJ’s. A top-of-the-line DJ is worth every nickel.
  Note: Smoke or fog machines, used as part of a performance by many live bands and DJ’s, might not be allowed by the fire marshal. Check with your local fire marshal prior to approving these items.
• Prior to hiring a DJ or a live band, attend a performance and watch the interaction with young adults.
• Live music can be a major “hit” or a “disaster.” If a live band is desired, attend a band performance with the senior advisors. Beware that bands picked by the seniors sometimes turn out to be unpopular at the party.
• Build a “small” dance floor. Guys typically won’t dance unless they can hide in a crowd. A small, crowded dance floor offers a better place to hide.
• Invite a local dance studio to teach the graduates one or two unfamiliar dances (e.g., a swing dance). Beware of trying to teach too many steps at one time.
• Consider broadcasting the music to other parts of the party. Nothing sets a party mood faster than music. Be sure this is OK with local residents.
• Songs glorifying drugs or alcohol should not be used.
• The band or DJ must wear appropriate clothing. No shirts with inappropriate language or artwork should be allowed.

Karaoke

• Typically private vendors provide this. Some vendors will provide tapes of graduates’ performances as a souvenir, usually at an additional cost. This can be done individually or as small or large groups.

Audio Recording Studio

• Recording booths are available for rent or may be built. Use voice eliminator (many bands have them) to tape desired music. Use cassette tape equipment at the party. Give each group a tape of their performance.
  
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Modified: Friday, September 30, 2005