How to be a great groupmuse emcee
When the musicians are ready to begin playing, it’s the emcee’s job to gather all the guests and get them seated quietly in the performance space. This is usually pretty easy, but if you’re having trouble, recruit a couple helpers!
Once everyone is gathered, the emcee gives a speech to explain how Groupmuse works, how to pay the musicians, and how they can host the next groupmuse themselves. If you’re emceeing, this is your moment to inspire the room and get them ready for music!
Here's Sam Bodkin, Groupmuse founder, giving a spiel:
Sample script:
“Hi everyone! Thanks so much for coming. Welcome. My name is [NAME], and I’m the [HOST and/or EMCEE] for this groupmuse. Groupmuse is a platform that lets anybody host events just like this. It’s all about building community around music and supporting musicians through community. I’d be happy to answer questions about it later!
We’re about to hear some amazing music by [MUSICIANS’ NAMES]. Afterward, I’ll come around with a bowl to collect payments for them. We ask that everyone give at least [$ MIN SUGGESTED CONTRIBUTION]. However, if you are moved to give more, please feel free to. Without further ado, let’s enjoy the music! Please join me with a warm welcome to the musicians."
(If you’re having trouble getting everyone quiet before the spiel, get a couple friends to say “Shhh” with you at the same time. We call it the “Group Shush,” and it works wonders.) Right after the introduction, the musicians will introduce themselves and the music.
After the performance concludes, the emcee reminds everyone to pay the musicians. As the party restarts, the emcee brings around a hat or bowl to politely collect cash payments from the guests.
Emcees remind audience members that they, too, can host their own groupmuse. We're always looking for more hosts - they're the lifeblood of the project!
The emcee can also take a short video or picture of the performance and throw it on Instagram and Twitter. Make sure to @groupmuse! If you don’t do social media, no problem. If you do, this is a huge help in spreading the word.