In the past, a common way of organizing dances in Maine was around a "house
band", who really were the committee, the hosts, the go-fers, what-have-you.
In short, you were throuwing a public dance party. Our monthly dance in Blue
Hill (ME) still functions this way (after 32 years - the longest-running dance
in the state).
We are a band of 4 members, and with some help from various volunteers
(mostly spouses and friends), we book the hall, collect the gate, do the
publicity, open, set up, pick up, what-have-you. We book a rotating collection
of callers, and an occasional visiting band when we have other commitments, but
essentially we are the house band doubling as committee.
The model is perhaps less common now than in years past, but still occurs
with several venues in this state. On the plus side: continuity from month to
month, regular sharing of ideas (usually at rehearsals), long experience
working with each other, comfort in the routine. A few drawbacks: more work
for some members if others are absent, a certain staid comfort with the status
quo that could become (but hasn't so far) a bit of stagnation, a certain amount
of exhaustion from time to time. But ...... "if it ain't broke; don't fix it"
Best to all,
George Fowler
