JP Honk: How to Prepare a Good Setlist

[Suggested “Best Practices”]

Be sure to understand what the organizer wants (see “how to be the contact person for a gig”)!

• Include the number of songs that will fit in the designated time, plus 1-2 additional in case the performance goes longer than expected
• Songs usually last about 3-5 minutes each, including the transition time between

If there will be multiple components of the gig (a stationary component, and a separate parading component) then do a separate setlist for each

Be aware of what musicians and instruments will be attending the event

• If needed, avoid songs that rely heavily on a certain instrument, if few or none of that instrument are planning to be there
• Strive to put the name of at least one musician (who is confirmed to be attending), and possibly two, next to each song on the list as the designated leader of that song
• Alternatively, on day of event at call time, gather all around and for each song on the set list get a commitment to lead it from one person present

Things to consider when choosing songs – balancing factors

• Simple songs requiring no sheets VS songs needing stands/sheets
• Unless entire set is stationary, probably best to group the two types separately
• Raucous energetic VS more on the mellow side
• We have many energetic tunes, generally want to start and end with them
• Sprinkle the mellower quieter ones alternating through middle of set as possible
• Vocals VS instrumentals
• Old faves VS newer tunes we’ve been learning
• Eventually, “old faves” may become stale, so might need to be avoided
• Tunes mainly featuring improv solos VS mainly played straight from sheet as written
• Alternating songs from different general genres is usually a good approach
• Some people like to avoid putting songs in the same key before/after each other

When you come up with a draft setlist, before posting it be sure to have at least one bandmate look it over and make suggestions

• Or the entire band, though that can be problematic (too many chefs in the kitchen)
• Then post it at Gig-O as soon as you possibly can!!
• Adjustments to it later are fine
• But try not to change/adjust it closer than about 2 days to the event, particularly for songs that require sheets (because some people may be using it to bring only the sheets for the songs listed on it)