Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit

Subject: Case Study: Let's Do Your Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jul 02 - 10:01 AM

In the past, I've done a number of press kits, for various people or organizations. Now I want to learn how to transfer these skills to helping musicians plan their press kits (and website copy). I've been practicing on myself, for our band and for our folk-society-in-the-making, and now I need to practice on someone else.

Is there a volunteer to work out, with me, right here in the thread, so people can see how we did it?

We will think in terms of a total package, and how the pieces would be used. Although I am not a graphic designer, we will choose fonts, etc., and we will end up with something that can easily be transferred to the drawing board for finishing touches.

If this becomes workable, perhaps we can do more of these. If people like my work, I'll want to be paid, and we'll give a generous cut to the Mudcat.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From:
Date: 21 Jul 02 - 11:11 AM

Excellent idea. Hope you have a good time at it. I'd volunteer myself, except that I am not a musician.

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jul 02 - 12:38 PM

OK George! It wouldda been fun, eh?

The person who volunteers needs to already have a CD or tape to send me.

~S~

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Robin2
Date: 21 Jul 02 - 08:00 PM

Ok I'm game. My band has been together almost 20 years, we have three CD's, and I am TERRIBLE at writing press kits. I've never had one that I though explained our music or our style....maybe an outside perspective would help? Want to give us a try?

Robin

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jul 02 - 10:06 PM

Robin2, you're on. Please see PM for mailing address.

Please also see reports of local publicity paying off in our town, in the "Growing a Folk COmmunity from Seed" thread. I'll also be glad to itemize my PR experience if you like. Heck, maybe I need myself a website about it....

Once I hear the CD and look over the packaging, and anything else you enclose, like clippings, reviews, existing promo material.... then I'll be able to pose some questions to tease out what you've been trying to say about it all. OK?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 11:18 AM

Robin, I enjoyed cruising around your website briefly.

The first thing I noticed is that it does a GREAT job of promoting the band to fans. I think the addition of a section for press and presenters will only enhance what you already have. I'll make sure that as we plan, the copy can be used in print or in your website, and that the two forms relate well.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 11:36 AM

Robin, here is the first of MANY drafts about the band and your music. I'll steal come more verbiage when I see what you send me, and in the meantime, please be thinking about (drafting here in the thread) language for the areas indicated below.

~S~

===================================================================

TEN PENNY BIT

Fast-paced Celtic music with a lively Southern feel!

"Ten Penny Bit knows how to have a great time, and they take the audience with them!"
~ (Insert big name reviewer here)

Ten Penny Bit draws on Kentucky's rich traditional music heritage, as well as the Celtic music of their Scottish, Irish, and English ancestors who settled the Appalachian area.

There is a great sense of fun in their music, and it breaks loose in riotously funny songs, driving reels, and mellow vocals. Among the six members [blah blah blah], hammered dulcimer, guitar, bouzouki, fiddle, tin whistle, flute, upright bass, mandolin, tenor banjo. Their sound [insert new copy].....

[insert copy about kinds of gigs-- include dance angle]

Founded in 1984, Ten Penny Bit has played in 21 states, and has served as staff musicians for The Lloyd Shaw Foundation and The Kentucky Heritage Institute. In 1993, they were sponsored by the Danish government to present a two week program of American music and dance in Denmark. They have performed at numerous festivals, sharing the performance stage with artists like Arlo Guthrie, Tom Paxton, Tommy Makem, and Jean Ritchie. They are currently based in Louisville KY.

==================================================================

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 11:55 AM

I guess it would not be a good case study unless we also post the copy that resulted in the above. So here it is, taken from the website.

~S~

================================

Fast paced Celtic music with a lively southern feel!


About The Music:
Kentucky's rich traditional music history owes much to the Scottish, Irish, and English peoples that settled in the Appalachian areas of the state. Ten Penny Bit repertoire draws on their own state's music heritage, as well as the the music of their ancestors from the Celtic regions of Europe. There is a great sense of fun in their music, and it shows in riotously funny songs, driving reels, and mellow vocals. The one comment heard over and over at concerts is "Ten Penny Bit knows how to have a great time, and they take the audience with them!"

Band History:
Ten Penny Bit was formed in 1984. Since then, they have played in 21 states, and have served as staff musicians for The Lloyd Shaw Foundation, and The Kentucky Heritage Institute. In 1993, they were honored to be sponsored by the Danish government to present a two week program of American music and dance in Denmark. They have performed at numerous festivals, sharing the performance stage with artists like Arlo Guthrie, Tom Paxton, Tommy Maken, and Jean Ritchie. They are currently based in Louisville KY.

Discography:
Live At The Thomas Family Winery One Night On Earth Productions 1998
Dance Of The Haymakers One Night On Earth Productions 2000
Paddy On The Railway TNT Productions 2002

Ten Penny Bit's music is available online at:
www.Cdstreet.com
Members:

Robin Loeffler; hammered dulcimer, vocals
One of the founding members, Robin is the producer of The Ten Penny Bit Tunebook, and the former music director of the Louisville Country Dancers.

Bob Loeffler; guitar, bouzouki
Bob is also one of the founding members, and adds the drive behind Ten Penny Bit. A rock solid beat!

Mark Cannon; fiddle, tin whistle, flute, mandolin, tenor banjo, vocals
Mark Has been with the band since it's start in 1986. He is a multi-instrumental wizard! Mark is the current music director of The Louisville Country Dancers

Todd Morgan; fiddle
Joining the band in 1997, Todd has added wonderful harmonies and counterpoint, along with great leads!

Sonny Prentice; mandolin, guitar, vocals
Sonny is a 35 year music veteran who brings the "Doobie Brothers" to Contra! Great drive and life to his playing!

Blue Murphy; upright bass
It never sounds complete until you add Blue on the bass! Again, rock solid playing, and great bass solos!

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Mac Tattie
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 02:40 PM

I have had to read through many "Press kits" and have long since came to the conclusion that .....The sliker, the glossier and the thicker the presentation......the drearer, the drossier and the more disapionting the CD and artist. cheers

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 08:38 PM

*G*

In answer to a PM from Robin--

Yes, draft up something about band strengths, yes.

Just send whatever you have, and be thinking about who we can ask for some snappy review comments. Do you have a list of events you have played, by venue? (I know, pain in the ass.) Maybe your e-mail trails would give a clue. The idea is, some presenters want to know what other presenter they can call for a reference, or which of their competition has hired you even if they do not call up, once they get serious, unless they know you. So your most-frequently-played places ought to be listed, as well as your "best" venues for size or prestige.

Is there a local reporter who can access any old reviews or press for you?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 08:41 PM

Oops, PS-- I don't need all three CDs if supplies are short, but I do need to see a xerox or scan of the covers so I can see what else has been written. OK?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Robin2
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 08:41 PM

Susan,

Material on the way, as I said in you PM.

I see first thing done is, SIMPLIFY, am I correct?

Mac Tattie, what do you look for in a press kit from someone?

Robin

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 09:55 PM

Robin,

Well, simplify, yes, but mostly to allow the most powerful statements to pop through. I find many times, people will say something really clearly and then don't realize the impact of the words. I like the good images to go POW... POW.... POW.

The other thing is to take the important ideas and turn some of the nouns into adjectives. This not only shortens the distance the mind must travel to get to the point you want to leave them with, it also makes the leftover nouns even more evocative.

Notice, also, that I took a powerful, descriptive quote out of a paragraph where it belonged in context but was lost-- and made it one of the eye-grabbers. We may come up with something more accurate for the quote, and for the "identity" line above it, but these were good ones, and now it goes POW. Now, ALL the rest of the copy follows from having put that quote in the reader's mind, and illustrates it.

It's just good copy-editing. Your paragraphs were very good. And we will put back in the descriptive stuff about each band member, too-- I just wanted to hear them and come up with some deathless prose to describe each of them more individually.

Keep it coming! You have some good stuff there, and a product worth promoting, from the sounds of the success you are having. In what you have written, your love for what you do comes through and makes sense of it all. I can hardly wait to hear you for myself!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 01:58 AM

I like the good images to go POW... POW.... POW.

EXAMPLES PLEASE!!!

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Cappuccino
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 06:05 PM

I hesitate to mention that as an editor, I've been on the receiving end of this stuff ('press kits' seems to be an American phrase, never heard in the UK) for decades.

An interesting difference here is that what is 'simplified' to an American eye is still over-long to a British one. It's just national styles - American newspapers and magazines contain far longer stories than British ones do.

However, the unfortunate fact is that what looks great when it leaves your desk is still one of a thousand when it gets on to the editor's desk. With the best will in the world, they/we just don't have time to read these things, so if you don't get them/us with the first paragraph, they/we won't bother with the second. However good the second is, we/they may never reach the third.

So, please - when you've got it as short as you possibly can... shorten it a bit more. And, contrary to popular opinion, please don't use many adjectives, and certainly no flowery ones. The more there are, the less we believe them!

All the best and good luck with it...

- Ian B

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 07:13 PM

I am on Ian's side, here. My mom was on the local Arts Council (hires acts to come to the boonies and provide "culture") for several years, and you wouldn't believe the stuff she was expected to wade through. Enclosing a short video or cassette tape is nice--you can actually see/hear what you are going to get.

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 07:52 PM

Was there ever a thread more deserving of the BS prefix?

Like IanB, I have had to read news releases etc for a living - the only thing worse than which is to see here how they come to be like that.

Some people still insist on sending me their junk. Praise God (and I expect Susan will *G*) for the demise of Global Crossing - it means a few dozen letters a year less in my mailbox.

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 10:09 PM

Jaysus, Fionn! Little rough, eh? It is about Robin2's band, which certainly is not BS.

I am in agreement, though, about keeping it short and simple. A good hook line can be eye-catching and helpful such as this one from a magazine ad I did for my brother's classical music: Composers don't have to be dead to be good! With an upper righthand placement, that grabbed a lot of eyes. Sometimes just a good tagline will be the best thing to grab attention and get a second look...we used to brainstorm up as many as we could think of then sort through them for the best. We called it the "We build a better burger" process.*bg*

As far as reviews go, I preferred to include what listeners had to say about the music tapes, as that seemed to matter more to those who were considering buying them.

Good luck, Robin,

kat

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 11:24 PM

I was on a concert committee for years. Sometimes we would read the press releases "dramatically," especially if adjectives were abused. We never read all the review sheets that folks sent (this was all reviewed at monthly meetings).

For our own press kit, we keep things short. Ten Penny Bit has a great website. And they're fun folks to jam with.

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 11:26 PM

Hummm.....nearly 24 hours ago......an example of POW... POW... POW... was requested.

Must be hard digging through all of the collected "press-kits" for an illustration.

A lot like fortune telling and psychics. You know a charlatin, when they ask the client for the product.

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Robin2
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 11:44 PM

Thanks Phil! Wish we would have a chance to jam again, you guys were great fun!

Kat, the "composers don't have to be dead" line was excellent. I would love to come up with a line like that for Ten Penny Bit. It's hard to put us in a category sometimes. We do Celtic, but we have an oldtimey flavor (those KY roots showing!) that keeps us out of most straight Celtic Festivals. We play some bluegrass standards, but again, we're not true bluegrass, so that knocks us out of bluegrass festivals.That's why it's been so hard to come up with a press kit that works.

I'm learning quite a bit already from this thread, so BS or not, it serves a good purpose for gigging musicians (new and old) to learn more about PR.

Robin

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 11:59 PM

Thanks, Robin. Get you a big pad of paper, preferably one of those ones that sit on an easel, then a big marker. Get all of you together and start throwing out ideas. It doesn't matter how stupid or silly they sound, just throw them out, then start working with them , rearranging, going off on tagents, etc. until something clicks.

Just as a start, the phrase that keeps coming to my mind and makes no sense (which is OKAY when it comes to a tagline; after all MacDonalds didn't really "do it all for you" and Burger King didn't really "do it your way"*BG*) is "Ten Penny Bit will get you a Pound"...going off of that you could say a "TPB will get you a pounding something or other," again, it doesn't matter how silly it sounds. The idea is to get the creative juices flowing.

I like the "KY roots showing"...brought to mind a dyed blonde...maybe you could play off of that. From KY To Celtic and back again

Here's a few more brainstorms, well, mini-showers really, maybe they will help get you going:

Ten Penny Bit - Kentucky rooted in Keltic
TPB - we let our roots show!


thanks, again, this is fun, didn't realise how much I'd missed it!

kat

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jul 02 - 05:21 AM

The last one "we let our roots show!" could have some legs esp. with the right kind of visual...some blue grass with yellow showing at the base of it with a Celtic design superimposed or something. Alice in Montana is a freelance illustrator and could probably come up with some ideas.

Another idea would be to have a graphic with the grass at the bottom and the words in the tops of it, going from left to right in a kind of action mode changing from "Kentucky Blue...Celtic" with the tagline "we let out roots show!" at the bottom of the grass.

*shrug* just some thoughts:-)

kat

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: greg stephens
Date: 24 Jul 02 - 05:54 AM

Spot the difference!!!
Glad to see that you've paying attention to recent controversies in Mudcat, Susan.I was amused to see that the original Tenpenny Bit text has subtly changed from "ancestors from the Celtic regions of Europe" to "Celtic music of their Scottish, Irish and English ancestors". Good on yer.

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Jul 02 - 07:16 PM

Perfect Mudcat. Go offline for twenty-four hours when the modem burns out, and now a two-party project is a committee.

I thought it MIGHT make sense to hear their CD first....

~Susan

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jul 02 - 08:29 PM

If you wanted to keep it private, why have it on here, Susan? Obviously you knew that others would make comments; nothing stays exclusive in a public forum such as this.

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Jul 02 - 09:42 PM

No, Kat, I didn't want to "keep it private," I wanted to work with Robin as outlined in my offer, and provide something useful to others as it evolved in working with her. An unrealistic thought as is plain to see. But now the process of working with her through the material has been complicated considerably, and whatever YOU may find useful as a process, I don't find that the best work always happens in committee when writing is involved. I will continue to work with her in private and post results when we have them.

For example, I won't be writing a hook till I hear the band for myself, and I won't assume that the next thing she needs to do now is to go to band, pad and marker in hand to brainstorm, till I see what they already have... it may be that I spot a better starting point and choose to focus her on THAT before seeking band input, which of course is important in due time. That's why I asked for materials, so I can do my homework and prepare a quality product with her... not toss out instant answers in a thread based on no information.

It's simply a matter of personal boundaries-- I offered what I offered based on how I work and what I do best. That's the offer that was accepted. Now it's become something else I have not agreed to. I simply don't choose to go with what's morphed here in this thread, although I am sure people were trying to be helpful.

Robin, I will e-mail you when your materials arrive. If you still want to proceed with me then, you can let me know, and what you do with my efforts after that is up to you.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Robin2
Date: 24 Jul 02 - 09:44 PM

I see two groups of comments here...

those that just wish to trash what is being said, and those wishing to make constructive comments and brainstorm ideas... I feel we should embrace the latter, and ignore the former!

Susan, I will be mailing everything I have out to you tomorrow, hopefully when you return from vacation we can get down to the nitty gritty of writing this!

Robin

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: greg stephens
Date: 24 Jul 02 - 09:57 PM

Havent seen much trashing...hasnt everyone been trying to be helpful? Anyway, like katlaughing said, it's a public thread, Theres a PM facility,or email, for one-to-one chats.

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Robin2
Date: 24 Jul 02 - 10:33 PM

Greg,

I have gotten a lot of helpful comments from this thread...

I think it has been very constructive so far :)

Robin

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jul 02 - 11:28 PM

Good for you, Robin.

Susan, twist it anyway you want.

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: greg stephens
Date: 25 Jul 02 - 04:23 AM

Thanks for that Robin..we were only trying to help.

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Robin2
Date: 25 Jul 02 - 09:00 PM

Susan,

Attempts to PM you have failed. I have sent out the info you asked for, hope to hear from you after your vacation! Let's continue with what we agreed to, and see where it goes, OK?

Robin

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Jul 02 - 11:12 PM

Robin, dunno whassup with PMs-- been online all day, have not seen one from you. I have your e-mail-- I'll let you know when it arrives. (I'm taking it along for car music!) *G* I will have online access while gone, but sporadic... picture me writing, tho-- I will have lots of down time.

~S~

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 26 Jul 02 - 02:09 AM

Is there something bi-polar going on here?

Mellow out!!!Its just a thread!!!

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Play Hard, Have Fun, Be Safe

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jul 02 - 09:40 PM

What is it....about the thread name.... that reminds me of a Mickey Rooney movie?

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 27 Jul 02 - 09:40 PM

I heard Robin last night, AND HER GROUP IS GREAT! I can't wait to see what kind of promotion is cooked up.

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jul 02 - 10:06 PM

Mary, can you write me a review I can quote? If so please post it here.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 27 Jul 02 - 10:13 PM

*BLUSH* I don't like to be quoted in public...also, I'm not a good writer...but I'll work on it.

Also, last night I met Bill Staines, but don't tell Paul (Musicman). We have a surprise for him!

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 27 Jul 02 - 10:44 PM

Susan, I'm still thinking...several thoughts here...

The CD I chose, Dance of the Haymakers, had songs on it that I love:

Battle Cry Of Freedom
Soldier's Joy/ Red Haired Boy
The Girl I Left Behind Me
Shawnee Town
Waiting For the Federals/ Kingdom Comin'
Lorena
Hard Times Come Again No More
Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine/ Flop Eared Mule/ Liberty
Darling Nelly Gray
Horse and Buggy-o/ Dinah
Good Old Rebel Soldier
Dixie

But I know some people are tired of some of these. In fact I've been reading some Mudcat threads where people are really repulsed by some of the old standards and don't want to hear them again. I'm reminded of going to a Christmas Concert at a University where very few of the songs were familiar, not very enjoyable for me, even though the songs were beautiful, and I later learned to love them.

All this to say...if I made a comment which got quoted on some promotion materials, I'm not sure if I would help or hurt the promotion. It seems that we have to consider our target audience, all the while remaining true to ourselves. Am I making any sense?

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jul 02 - 11:38 PM

Yes, you are making sense. But you also have good taste-- I can tell by your MIDIs I have heard. How about you PM me what you thought, and I'll edit it so it's snappy and check with you, and then post it if you OK it. Of course it's up to Robin if she uses it, but you never know what inspiration you may give me as I work this up with her. See? So write it to me, and we'll see where it goes past that. OK?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 27 Jul 02 - 11:52 PM

Ten Penny Bit_ Not as desperate to please you as our press agent is!

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Robin2
Date: 28 Jul 02 - 12:55 AM

*blush*

Thanks Mary for the kind comments...it was really great to meet you on Friday.(On a side note, I wish there would be a Mudcat gathering somewhere close to me! Getting to meet Mary, after talking to her for so long on line, was such a treat! What fun it must be to meet other mudcatters at gatherings!)

It's 12:35 AM, and just got in from Kentucky Music Weekend, and jamming with friends. A note on the CD that Mary mentioned...Mary is right, this CD had a very specific target audience, the civil war reenactor (a large part of our summertime work).

Need to turn in...day started too early. Again, Mary it was great to meet you! PS Bill Staines is a nice guy, isn't he?

Robin

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: p.j.
Date: 28 Jul 02 - 08:08 PM

Forgive me if this has been mentioned already, I didn't see it in this thread...

There's a VERY valuable resource out there that I believe every professional (or semi-professional) musician should have. It's a book by Jeri Goldstein called "How To Be Your Own Booking Agent". It's about $30.00US but a very worthwhile investment.

There's a wonderful chapter devoted to creating a promotional package, as well as PILES of useful information about all aspects of managing your music career.

I think it's extremely important to put your package together with the end users in mind, rather than simply creating something that looks good to you. You have a lot to gain from learning how professional agents, managers and promoters approach their work, and what guidelines would best suit your type of operation.

Here's the contact informtion in case you're interested:

Published and distributed by The New Music Times, Inc. P.O. Box 1105 Charlottesville, VA 22902 Phone [phone] Fax [phone] E-mail [e-mail] Web www.nmtinc.com

best of luck,

pj

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: Bert
Date: 28 Jul 02 - 08:38 PM

For those of you who need a photographer, here's a plug for Tom Levy. You've seen him on Mudcat Radio playing an Upright Bass along with Marti Rogers.

He specializes in photography for performing artists.

Email him at [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Jul 02 - 09:53 PM

There was also an excellent past thread on doing press kits. Most of the advice sounded exactly like the other kinds I had done and like the wonderful ones I have seen from other musicians.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: GUEST,Marion
Date: 15 Aug 02 - 08:00 PM

Is anyone still in constructive criticism mode? If so, please take a look at this brochure which I am planning to make to look for work in nursing homes/retirement homes etc.

Thanks, Marion

So... an 8x11 sheet folded in three.

Page one:

Marion Parsons
Voice-Guitar-Violin
phone number
some graphics which I haven't decided on yet - maybe sheet music or drawing of instruments

Page two:

Marion Parsons specializes in musical programs which cater to the tastes and needs of senior citizens. These programs may take one of the following approaches:

SING-A-LONGS:
- songleading with guitar accompaniment
- material is entirely based on requests
- Marion provides large-print lyric books of well-known songs and rhythm instruments
- The tempo, pitch, and repetition of songs is aimed towards maximizing participation

PERFORMANCES:
- concert, or background for special event
- vocal, guitar, and violin selections; piano selections where piano is provided by the facility
- requests are honoured as far as possible
- songs are chosen from a wide range of genres and decades

OTHER:
- one-on-one room visits
- "troubadour" approach (playing for shorter periods in many locations within a facility)
- providing music for music therapy activities

page three:

Besides general programs that are appropriate at any time, Marion offers thematic programs:

-Christmas
-Valentine's Day
-St. Patrick's Day
-Christian or Jewish programs
-music for memorial services

Programs may be built around other themes on request.

pages four and five:

Sample Song List:

Sing-a-long standards
Classic popular songs
Instrumental selections
Country and folk tunes
Celtic ballads
Broadway themes
Sacred music

[and I would list six or seven sample titles in each category]

page 6

For further information or booking, please contact:

Marion Parsons
phone number
address
email

Rates are negotiated according to the budget, location, and equipment needs of each facility. References and demo tapes are available upon request.

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Aug 02 - 10:41 PM

I'm still on vacation, but I like it. I might be able to punch it up a bit when I get back and caught up, if you are still interested.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From:
Date: 21 May 03 - 11:13 AM

Curiosity abounds. (or boredom).....

Did this ever get finished off?

Subject: RE: Case Study: Let's Do a Press Kit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 May 03 - 11:56 AM

Robin fell ill and we suspended operations.

~Susan