My Fourth of July Picnic and a Lesson for Party Music

Thanks in advance for reading this article. I appreciate your interest and hope you get a few good ideas. I'd love to hear what you liked. Please write me a little COMMENT below. Start a conversation. Tell me what you think, and I'll reply. Promise.
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At a recent Fourth of July picnic, the kids taught me a great lesson for planning party music.  Simple but powerful.

Thanks to Babies Can’t Wait for the picture.

This was a Fourth of July family affair, and easily half the crowd was less than 10 years old.  We played on a bandstand, and I had a great time watching everyone enjoy the party music.  Especially the youngest kids.

When the kids first caught sight of us, they stood perfectly still, eyes wide open and staring at us.  Here we were — six grown men with bright outfits, hands moving, feet tapping, smiles and glances, shiny instruments creating all that lively sound!  What a spectacle!

Then within a moment, the kids began dancing.  I’d better call it “bobbing in place”.

You ever watch a child respond to rhythmic music?  This is what they do.  And the longer they dance like this, the more enthusiastic they get — arms flapping, spinning in place, stepping forward or back.  Falling down and getting right back up.

Something inspired me, and when the first kid began dancing I got the band’s tempo to match his.  That seemed to really get him going, and his example encouraged more kids to begin, too.

Like my grandfather used to say, “Monkey see, monkey do”.

All the families loved watching, and they’d often join in the dancing.  Bystanders caught the excitement, too.  What a party!

What did I learn?  Simple.  The more everyone participates, the more everyone enjoys the party.  And it just takes a few people to get things started.

Brides and grooms often include a few really good dancers among their guests, to encourage everyone to dance at their reception.  Primes the pump, you see.

So whenever there’s children at a party, I know how I’ll plan the party music!

YOUR turn. What do YOU control, the way I manage party music?

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Thanks for reading this article. I appreciate your interest and hope you get a few good ideas here. Got one or two? I'd love to hear what you liked. Please write me a little COMMENT below. Start a conversation -- I'll reply. Promise.

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Meanwhile, the Magnolia Jazz Band entertains at weddings and parties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are ever nearby, you’ll love catching us in action, seeing and hearing us create a great mood.

How can I help you? Call 408-245-9120 or use Robbie@MagnoliaJazz.com. Planning a celebration? Ask about our availability.

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