Unless you're a professional event planner you'll likely only hire a band once or twice in a lifetime. As a result it's easy to get bamboozled by jargon you just don't understand. Some jargon is just unnecessary and confusing to the first timer looking to book function bands. Other terms are necessary for you to know as they do have a direct impact on what you are booking and the bottom line cost and fee. To stop the confusion here are the top 5 need to know technical terms you should understand:

1. PA System - An electronic amplification system used to reinforce a given sound eg all the Bands Backline and vocal microphones will be connected to the PA system in order that the Band's instruments and vocals can be made louder and hence heard by the guests.

Action point – make sure you are clear as to whether your function band quote includes the PA system (and lighting).

2. Backline - A general term that includes all necessary guitar, bass and keyboard amplifiers together with drums. Also known as an 'equipment list'

Action point – most function bands will include this in their quote but check anyway.

3. Load in - The act of bringing PA, lighting and Backline into a venue.

Action point – Be clear on whether your quote includes the time you want the band to load in. Some bands may charge a fee to load in early.

4. Mixing Desk - A device for combining or mixing, routing and changing the level, tonality and/or dynamics of audio signals. The audio signal will come from a microphone that is attached to an instrument and/or amplifier and/or is being sung through. The modified or mixed audio signals are then sent to the amplifier and onto the FOH speakers for the audio to be heard by the guests or by the band through their stage monitors.

Action point – Check to see if the band has an engineer or they operate the mxing desk from the stage.

5. Noise Limiter - A device that cuts off all noise or volume peaks that are higher than desired by the venue.

Action point – Check with your venue if they have any restrictions and feel confident the band has experience of working within the volume restrictions.

While the above technical terms are all important to understand when you book a function band, most importantly is that you keep an objective head when it comes to choosing the band you want. It's easy to base your decision on emotions alone. You may have spent weeks or months looking for your ideal function band so it's a relief when the one you find what you believe to be the right one. Before booking make sure you ask the right questions and understand what is being offered for the fee quoted. Some of the technical terms above will get you some way to understanding the function band market.