How do Bands get Sponsors??
Peter Anderson
Our band (The Surrey Pipe Band -UK) has been going for just over two years
and although we have bought some second-hand No: 1 kit we would like to find
a sponsor for some nice new kit and maybe a mini-bus.
Perhaps our background may help paint a picture - we have 24 pipers
available (at a pinch) in the main band and about 6 drummers, we run
beginner courses for pipers & drummers and have about 8 piping students and
two drummers, all of mixed aged (11 to 65). We are extremely fortunate to
have an ex-Scots Guards P/M and lead tip of the Irish Guards as our senior
instructors. We have performed at numerous charity & corporate events and
other 'special' events such as with the Scots Guards Association in
Whitehall, the War Widows remembrance day at the Cenotaph London, Rod
Stewart concerts, Lord of the Dance - Hyde Park London, Royal Albert Hall,
and tonight we take the place of the Ghurka Pipes & Drums (there are in
Bosnia or wherever) at some Tattoo thingy in front of Dame Vera Lynn.
Although a grade 4 band we compete in the Mini Band competitions and this
year came 4th in Grade 3 and 5th in Grade 4. I think we have something to
offer someone, but how do we go about it.
Any suggestions most welcome
--
Peter Anderson
Don Robertson
doesn't want sponsorship and is constantly being approached by businesses to be
our sponsor. It also sound like your going to get some major exposure tonight,
so perhaps something there will develop. You might just try putting an ad out
stating that your looking for someone. Be bold I guess is what I'm trying to
say.
cheers
Don
Peter Anderson
--
Peter Anderson
Don Robertson <pi...@pacwest.net> wrote in message
news:377C0BC3...@pacwest.net...
> Hi Peter and group, I find in a bit "funny" that a band like the one I'm
in
> doesn't want sponsorship and is constantly being approached by businesses
to be
> our sponsor. It also sound like your going to get some major exposure
tonight,
> so perhaps something there will develop. You might just try putting an ad
out
> stating that your looking for someone. Be bold I guess is what I'm trying
to
> say.
Bob + Ng
Thanks for that - 'be bold', we will. We are trying and so far have one
Insurance Company that will give us 4 x Ł1,000 jobs, which is nice but for a
20-30 strong band we need at least Ł60,000 which is a lot of money.
Ah yes, we did get some good exposure but the Royal Marines were there and a
100 strong Junior Royal Marine Band and by god did they show us up -
marching. We will now spend the next few weeks practicing marching on
grass. BTW marching/playing on grass is not the best thing to do, the grass
sucks up all the sound and playing long sets whilst marching up and down a
grass slope is also not a good thing to do. The tip we learned is march on,
stop, form a semi circle - do your thing - then march straight off. We also
made another mistake - we formed the band so we had a strong front rank and
strong pipers at the end of each rank and the two rear corners, but when we
formed a 'V' formation I found myself alongside 3 'dummies/novices' who were
in the centre of the band and found myself very exposed, so another tip
learned is look at the final placement of pipers in the circle (especially
if it is large circle).
Ccc31807
we are supported generously, so I have no experience with sponsers.
In general, however, if I were looking for sponsers, it would occur to me to
approach marketing people, and have them "sell" sponserships. The band tarten
should be worth complete uniforms with all upkeep. The badges ought to be
worth all instrument requirements, drums, sticks, reeds, etc. The name should
be worth permanent traveling expenses. Your marketing guy would be compensated
on a percentage basis, to give him an incentive to raise as much money as
possible.