The Complete Guide to Playing in a Band at a School Festival | From Song Selection and Practice Schedules to Equipment and the Day's Flow - A Must-Read for Student Bands

1. Why are school festivals and cultural festivals the most memorable experiences in a band's life?

Many people vividly remember their first experience on stage at a school festival in junior high, high school, or university, even as adults. Performing on a specially constructed stage within a familiar school building, together with friends, classmates, and upperclassmen/underclassmen—people with whom they already have established relationships—this "extraordinary experience within the ordinary" is what makes school festival bands special. Note that the terminology varies depending on the type of school; junior high and high schools often call them "cultural festivals," while universities often call them " university festivals ," but in this article, we will refer to them collectively as "cultural festivals" or "school festivals."

This article was written by the Membo editorial team for students who are aiming to perform in a band at a school festival or cultural event. We will explain step by step the journey from being selected to performing, from recruiting members and choosing songs to practice schedules, equipment, the flow of the day, and how to continue the band after the festival is over.

If you haven't yet decided which instrument you'll play, we recommend reading our guide on choosing an instrument based on your personality and lifestyle before coming back here. We also have a guide for people starting a band after becoming working adults, but this article is the "student version." We hope you'll read on while keeping in mind both the freedom you can only experience as a student and how to continue playing in a band after graduation.

There are several unique conditions that adult bands don't have. The preparation period is clearly defined by the unchangeable deadline of the "school festival date," most of the audience are already familiar faces who will watch with warmth, and above all, it's a stage that can only be created by "the members at this moment." In a few months, the members' lives may change drastically due to exams or future plans, and that very fact creates an intense sense of "this is the only time we can do this."

2. Timeline leading up to the performance | Reverse schedule and checklist

The success of a school festival band largely depends on how well they plan and execute their activities by working backward from the performance date. Here, we introduce a guideline based on a typical school event schedule. The preparation period leading up to the school festival will vary from school to school, so please adjust it according to your school's schedule.

One common pitfall for bands performing at a school festival for the first time is that deciding on a song takes longer than expected. A common mistake is that half the practice period passes while members are discussing until they reach an agreement. It's reassuring to set a deadline for song selection and to establish a rule from the beginning that a decision will be made by majority vote or rock-paper-scissors if a decision cannot be reached.

3 months ago | Cast entries and member confirmation

• Entry for performances by the organizing committee, light music club, and volunteer groups (please be sure to check the application method and deadline)
• Final confirmation of band members (checking for any shortages or excesses in parts)
• Align your goals and vision for the performance (whether to prioritize creating excitement or performing the songs you want to play).

Two months ago | Song selection and tentative setlist decided

• We each suggested potential songs, and the final decision was made by majority vote or through discussion.
• Check the allotted time (usually around 20-30 minutes) and create a tentative setlist.
• Determine the roles and arrangement policies for each part.

One month ago | Intensification of individual practice + group practice

• Secure 1-2 practice sessions per week (see Chapter 6 for details).
• Share your individual practice progress
• We coordinated the MC's structure, costumes, and overall presentation style.

1 week ago | Final adjustments

• Run-through of the setlist (with the same time allocation as the actual performance)
• Final equipment check (spare strings, batteries, cables, etc.)
• Final meeting with the school (delivery route, time, power supply)

The day before | Final preparations

• Final check of packing list
• Maintaining good physical condition (avoiding sleep deprivation during the actual performance)
• Final check of MC lines and song transitions.

On the day | The actual performance

• Please allow ample time before the meeting time.
• Final checks during rehearsals and sound checks (explained in detail in Chapter 9)
• From the actual performance to the dismantling.

This timeline is just a guideline. Some schools may only have about a month's notice for performance entries, so start by checking the guidelines for your own school festival.

3. Tips for recruiting members | On-campus recruitment, club activities, through friends, and external recruitment

Recruiting members for a school festival band offers a significant advantage compared to forming a band with working adults. This is because you can approach people you already know—those in the same classroom, the same club, and the same commute route.

Start with something close at hand.

• Light music clubs and music-related clubs —they are the easiest places to approach people who already have experience playing instruments.
• You often find friends in your class or grade who have unexpected talents, such as "actually playing a musical instrument."
• Connections between seniors and juniors —vertical connections through clubs and circles are also a powerful route.
• Recruiting within the school via social media —you can also recruit through unofficial school groups or class social media groups.

If you can't find enough members within the school, one option is to create a recruitment message targeting other classes and grades, using a guide on how to write band member recruitment messages . Limited-time events like school festivals are particularly appealing because they tend to attract people who don't usually participate in band activities, making them think, "I'd like to join just for this opportunity."

How to think about when you're short on part-time staff

Especially for drums and bass, it's not uncommon for a class to have no one with any prior experience. In such cases, entrusting the role to someone who says, "I have no experience, but I'd like to try," is a unique option for a school festival. How to get started with each part is summarized in the "Becoming a Participant" guides for keyboard , drums , bass , guitar , and vocals , so please refer to them if you're trying that part for the first time. Even with short, intensive practice sessions, there are many songs that can be completed in 20-30 minutes for a school festival.

If you can't find all the members you need within your school, or if you want to team up with friends from other schools, a multilingual member recruitment service like Membo is a good option. Schools with international students or classmates involved in international exchanges can also use it to find people to play music with, overcoming language barriers.

The option of a joint band that transcends grade and class levels.

Especially in schools with fewer students or grades where there is an imbalance in instrument parts, it is becoming more common to form joint bands that transcend grade and class boundaries. One of the unique charms of school festival bands is that they create vertical connections that don't usually occur in everyday school life, as upperclassmen and underclassmen play together. In the case of joint bands, coordinating practice times becomes more difficult, so it is recommended to share the scheduling method introduced in Chapter 6 as early as possible.

4. The Golden Rule for Choosing Songs: The Balance Between Upbeat Songs and Songs That Match Your Skill Level

The most common mistake when choosing songs for a school festival band is that they push forward without considering three things: "songs they want to play," "songs that will get the crowd going," and "songs that they can play with their current skill level." If you keep these three things in mind from the beginning, you will greatly reduce indecision during the practice period.

Think along three axes

• The songs we want to play —the songs that the members truly want to perform. They are the source of our motivation.
• A song that gets the crowd going —a song that the audience (classmates, underclassmen, teachers) knows and can enjoy together.
• A song that matches your skill level —a song that you can refine to performance quality within the remaining practice period.

Ideally, you'd want to find a song that satisfies all three criteria, but if there isn't a song that meets all of them, you can try to balance things out within the setlist. For example, the first song could be one the members want to play, the middle could be a well-known classic that the audience is familiar with, and the last song could be one that you can confidently perform well. The overall structure of the setlist will be explained in detail in Chapter 5.

Typical song genres suitable for school festivals

Typical choices for bands at school festivals include fast-paced rock and pop songs with simple chord progressions, songs with choral parts or call-and-response sections, and theme songs from well-known anime and dramas. However, due to copyright restrictions, there are songs that can be performed and others that require caution regarding recording or streaming, so be sure to check the next section.

When choosing songs, narrowing down the candidates based on the following criteria will help the discussion proceed more smoothly.

• Tempo – Extremely fast songs are difficult to play, so if you have a short practice period, it's safer to choose songs at a medium tempo.
• The complexity of chord progressions —songs with many key changes and chord shifts can be a challenge for less experienced band members.
• A sense of unity among the audience —songs that encourage clapping and singing along during the chorus directly contribute to creating excitement throughout the venue.
• Popularity —While well-known songs offer a sense of security, there's also the enjoyment of deliberately choosing lesser-known songs that you like and "conveying their merits."

Regarding copyright of cover songs

Many people wonder whether they need to go through the process of paying copyright fees when performing cover songs at school festivals. According to JASRAC's explanation page , if a school festival meets three conditions—that no admission fee is charged, that no compensation is paid to the performers, and that it is not for profit—then no procedures are required for the performance itself. However, please note that if you later publish footage of the performance on social media or video sites, separate procedures will be necessary. For more detailed information on copyright for cover songs in general, please refer to the "Basic Knowledge of Cover Performances and Copyright" section .

How to proceed with transcribing by ear

Sometimes, sheet music for songs to perform at a school festival isn't available commercially. In such cases, you'll need to transcribe the music by ear , which means repeatedly listening to recordings and trying to understand the performance. It might seem difficult at first, but by listening to each part little by little and discussing any parts you don't understand with other members, you can create a complete version of most songs.

5. Setlist Design | How to structure 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute sets

School festival bands typically have 20-30 minutes of stage time, but depending on the school and the performance slot, it can sometimes be as long as 45 or 60 minutes. The approach to creating a setlist that suits your time limit can be directly applied to the concepts explained in our complete guide to creating setlists .

For a 30-minute session (approximately 4-5 songs)

The basic structure is a simple mountain-shaped arc: grab the audience's attention with the first song, vary the tempo in the middle, and finish with a song that's sure to get them excited. With fewer songs, it's easier to allocate more time for MC segments.

For a 45-minute session (approximately 6-7 songs)

This is the time to create not just one, but two peaks in the show. It becomes easier to structure the show by warming up the audience in the first half, inserting some calmer songs in the middle, and then building up the excitement again towards the end.

For a 60-minute session (approximately 8-10 songs)

The performance is almost as long as a solo concert. It's even more important to make sure the audience doesn't get bored, not only in terms of the setlist, but also by incorporating things like short breaks during MC segments and encore-like performances. Long performances require a lot of stamina, so it's important to practice full run-throughs from the rehearsal stage to get a feel for how to manage your energy during the actual performance.

Things to keep in mind regardless of the time allotted

Regardless of the time allotted, I recommend choosing your first and last songs with particular care. The first song determines whether you can immediately captivate the audience, and the last song sets the tone for the entire performance. Conversely, in the middle of your set, you can experiment with slightly more experimental song selections and arrangements without significantly compromising the overall impression.

6. How to create a practice schedule | Tips for balancing practice and academics

The period leading up to the school festival often coincides with club competitions and regular exams, making securing practice time the biggest challenge. Time management techniques for continuing band activities while balancing academics are explained in detail in the Complete Guide to Balancing Band Activities and Main Job (Academics) , but here we will introduce points focused on the short, intensive period leading up to the school festival.

Estimated number of practice sessions per week

• Two months to one month before the performance : Weekly rehearsals + individual practice
• One month to two weeks before the performance : Increase rehearsals to twice a week.
• Two weeks before the performance to the day before : Focusing on full run-throughs and refining the details.

Make the most of the limited time after school

Depending on the school, classrooms, music rooms, or audiovisual rooms may be available as after-school practice spaces. If practice spaces within the school are limited, or if practicing on school grounds is difficult due to volume restrictions, you can consider using an external practice studio for a short period, referring to basic guidelines for renting a studio . Even just a few hours on the weekends, allowing for full-length practice at a volume that cannot be achieved within the school, can greatly improve your ability to visualize the actual performance.

Think of individual practice and group practice separately.

It's a waste to use the limited time for ensemble practice on things that can be done individually (memorizing sheet music for each part, practicing fingerings, etc.). By being mindful of this division of labor—focusing on things that can only be done by playing together during ensemble practice, and working on individual tasks in your own time—you can use the limited time efficiently.

How to handle situations where it clashes with regular tests.

In many schools, the period leading up to the school festival often coincides with mid-term and final exams. Whether to completely stop practicing during the exam period or continue practicing at a reduced frequency is something that should be discussed among band members well in advance. Many student bands share the desire to value both exams and the school festival, so setting a reasonable rule such as "only individual practice for the week before exams" can reduce feelings of guilt and differences in enthusiasm among band members.

7. Required Equipment | Distinguishing between school supplies and equipment to be brought in

The first thing you should check when choosing equipment for your school festival band is "what equipment the school provides." Many schools have the organizing committee or light music club provide drum sets, amplifiers, PA systems, and other equipment as shared resources. It's best to check with the school first, and then prepare anything else you need individually to avoid wasting time and money.

Many things can be covered by school supplies.

• Drum set (Percussion instruments are almost always shared equipment due to weight and transportation constraints.)
• Guitar amp/bass amp (often available to borrow from the light music club's equipment)
• Microphone, microphone stand, PA system

Things that individuals often bring in

• Instrument body
• Shield (cable), spare strings, picks
• tuner
• Stick drum key (if you are the drummer)

Basic information on choosing equipment, as well as detailed explanations of amplifiers, effects pedals, and cables, can be found in the "Band Equipment and Effects Pedal Introduction " section. To be on the safe side, it's a good idea to check the compatibility between the school's equipment and your own (number of amplifier channels, cable length, etc.) on-site about a month before the actual performance.

Basics of PA and Volume Control

One characteristic of school festival bands is that they often perform in venues different from typical live music venues, such as gymnasiums and auditoriums. Because the acoustics of these venues are significantly different from those of live music venues, understanding the basic mechanisms through an introductory guide to sound and PA systems will make it easier to know "what to check" during rehearsals.

How to acquire equipment without spending a lot of money

Students often have limited budgets for equipment. There are many ways to acquire equipment without spending money, such as getting equipment from senior members of the light music club, borrowing instruments that are gathering dust from family or relatives, or searching for used items on flea market apps. Extension cords and power strips are often necessary in large venues like gymnasiums, so it's a good idea to confirm the division of responsibilities with the school beforehand to avoid any last-minute rush on the day.

8. Communication with the school | Collaboration with the organizing committee and teachers

A school festival band is a project that takes place within the school organization. If you neglect to coordinate with the organizing committee and the teacher in charge, it's possible that the performance you've worked so hard on might be canceled at the last minute.

Items to check early

• Volume restrictions — Many schools have volume limits in place due to considerations for neighbors and limitations of the gymnasium facilities.
• Time allotted and transition time – Make sure to check not only the performance time, but also the time available for setting up and tearing down.
• Power source location and capacity – Checking in advance where you'll get power for your amplifiers and equipment will save you from panicking on rehearsal day.
• Application for bringing in your own equipment — Some schools require prior application if you wish to bring in personal amplifiers or effects pedals.

Building relationships with teachers

If the teacher in charge becomes wary and thinks, "It would be a problem if they made too much noise," it can make subsequent interactions awkward. Sharing your desired songs and performance ideas from an early stage, and demonstrating your commitment to adhering to volume and time rules, will make it easier to discuss things on the day of the event. Ensuring that the organizing committee, the teacher, and the performing bands all have the same information is the quickest way to minimize problems on the day of the event.

Coordination with other performing bands

When multiple bands perform on the same stage, coordinating equipment changeover times and shared equipment (such as drum sets and amplifiers) among the bands beforehand will ensure a smoother day. Drum sets, in particular, can be time-consuming to tune and fine-tune, so deciding in advance whose setup will be used as a baseline will help shorten changeover times.

9. Schedule for the Day | From Rehearsal to Dismantling

The general flow of the day of the performance is similar across many schools. The flow and basic structure are quite similar to your first performance at a live music venue, so reading the complete guide to your first live music venue performance will help you visualize what to expect on the day.

Gathering and delivery

Arrive well before the designated meeting time. If you are bringing your own equipment, it will be helpful to check the loading route and storage location in advance. Generally, about 30 minutes are allocated for gathering and loading, and 10-15 minutes per band for rehearsal and sound check, after which you will wait until it is your turn to perform. This is just an example, so be sure to check your school's timetable.

Rehearsal and sound check

At most schools, each performing band takes turns doing a short sound check. During this time, they make final checks on things like amplifier volume balance and microphone placement. Since the performance time is often short, it's efficient to make a list of things you want to check beforehand.

The actual performance

The big day has finally arrived. It's natural to be nervous, but all you need to do is focus on performing as you've practiced. Even if you make a mistake during your performance, the most important thing is to keep going without stopping.

Withdrawal

Once your set is over, quickly pack up your equipment and hand over the stage to the next band. Return any borrowed equipment to its original state and double-check to make sure you haven't forgotten anything.

The time after the performance is also important.

Even after the dismantling is complete, the school festival itself continues. Spending time thanking friends and juniors who watched your performance, and going to see other bands perform, are all important parts of the festival. It's important not to get so caught up in your performance that you forget to enjoy the festival itself.

10. MC's Approach | The Unique Atmosphere of Student Bands

The level of enthusiasm expected from MCs (talks between songs) differs slightly between bands of working adults and student bands. In the case of student bands, the audience is often made up of friends, juniors, and teachers from the same school, so there is a tendency to prefer friendly MCs that take advantage of the close-knit atmosphere.

Key points to remember for MC

• The band name and member introductions should be simple at the beginning.
• A brief comment about the next song (even just the song title or a short message about your feelings towards it is fine) is sufficient.
• Words of gratitude (a message to friends who helped with the preparations and those who supported me)
• Don't talk for too long (since time is limited, MCs should keep their presentations short).

You don't need to have your MC script written word for word, but if you decide on the main points of what you're going to say beforehand, you'll be able to say at least the essentials even if you get nervous and your mind goes blank during the actual event.

Who will be the MC?

While the vocalist often handles the MC duties, it's not always the case. Having a member who's comfortable speaking in front of an audience, or having members take turns speaking during each song, are all valid and creative ideas unique to student bands. Having everyone speak a little also has the advantage of allowing the audience to get a sense of "the personalities of all the band members."

11. Attracting customers and spreading information on social media | Reaching parents, friends, and juniors

Since the school festival mainly attracts people from within the school, there's usually little difficulty in attracting an audience. However, if you want more people to see your performance or to create lasting memories, promoting it on social media can be helpful.

Timing and content of the announcement

• Once their appearance is confirmed, they briefly announce the band name and performance date and time.
• We'll show you a little bit of the practice session (following the process leading up to the actual performance will increase interest on the day).
• A reminder post made right before the actual event.

While the know-how for attracting audiences to live performances outside of school is explained in detail in the Complete Guide to Attracting Audiences to Band Live Performances , for school festivals, the primary objective is to "reach people you know within the school," so simple announcements directed at close friends, underclassmen, and parents are more effective than large-scale advertising. If you plan to film or stream, please also pay attention to the copyright rules mentioned in Chapter 4.

Linking with the school's official account

If the school or organizing committee operates official social media accounts, they may be able to post the list of performing bands and the timetable there. In addition to making your own announcements, it's a good idea to submit your information to the organizing committee as early as possible so that your band name is correctly included in the school's official announcements.

12. Troubleshooting | Preparing for equipment issues, absences, delays, and volume warnings

No matter how much you prepare, unexpected things can happen on the day of the event. Just knowing about common problems and how to deal with them in advance will make a big difference in how calm you feel on the day.

Equipment trouble

Broken cables, broken strings, and amplifier malfunctions are not frequent but can happen. Having one spare string and one spare cable will help you cope with most equipment problems.

Member absence

It's not uncommon for members to be absent on the day of the performance due to illness or other reasons. If possible, it's a good idea to have a simple alternative part in mind beforehand (such as filling in the sound with a keyboard or cutting the chorus part) so you don't panic when the time comes. If you still have several weeks until the performance and it looks like a part itself might be missing, you might also consider finding a member from Membo to temporarily support the group.

Time limit

Sometimes, the previous band's set change takes longer than expected, shortening your set time. If you decide in advance which songs you would cut from your setlist, it becomes easier to adapt to sudden time reductions.

Volume warning

You may exceed the volume limits mentioned in Chapter 8 and receive warnings during rehearsals or performances. When this happens, it's important to be prepared to adjust the volume immediately. Avoid getting emotional and focus on giving your best performance within the school's rules.

Responding to howling feedback

In large spaces like gymnasiums, feedback (a high-pitched squeal) is more likely to occur depending on the relative positions of the microphones and speakers. If feedback occurs, don't panic; calmly adjust the microphone direction and volume, and in most cases, it will stop quickly. Checking the microphone positions and speaker directions during rehearsals will help prevent feedback during the actual performance.

13. Frequently Asked Questions about School Festival Bands

Can I participate in the school festival even if I have no experience playing a musical instrument?

As mentioned in Chapter 3, it is entirely possible. The advantage of a school festival is that the timeframe leading up to the performance is clearly defined, making it easier to plan your practice sessions by working backward from the performance date. Parts like drums and bass, which have fewer notes but require precision, are known to be easier to master in a short period of intensive practice. Don't rush, and aim to be able to play one song from beginning to end first.

Can I perform even if I'm not in the light music club?

While the rules for eligibility vary from school to school, many school festivals offer performance slots for voluntary groups. First, check with the organizing committee to see if you can perform even if you're not in the light music club.

Is it okay to include one original song?

Of course, there's no problem with that. It's not uncommon for bands to include an original song in their setlist alongside cover songs at school festivals, and it can be an unforgettable experience, including the audience's reaction. The basic process of songwriting is summarized in the guide on how to write original songs , so please try it if you're interested. However, you need to consider the overall balance of your practice period and be careful not to spend too much time on original songs and let it negatively impact the quality of your cover songs.

What should I do if I end up playing the same songs as another band?

When multiple bands perform at the same school festival, there's a chance that some bands will want to play the same songs. Some schools have an organizing committee that consolidates and coordinates song selections during the registration process, while others allow the participating bands to discuss and decide directly. Even if overlaps are unavoidable, it's possible to differentiate yourselves by changing arrangements or tempos to express your own unique style.

Is it okay for parents and community members to come and watch?

Many schools open their cultural festivals to parents and local residents. However, rules regarding who can attend vary from school to school, so it's best to check with the organizing committee or teachers beforehand. In addition to the communication with the school mentioned in Chapter 8, be sure to check early.

I'm nervous because it's my first time, and I'm worried about whether I'll be able to play well.

Feeling nervous is a sign that you're taking it seriously. Prioritizing "playing through to the end without stopping" over a perfect performance can help ease your mind. If you practice full run-throughs from the beginning, simulating the actual performance, your body will move more naturally even when you're nervous.

Should I record or film it?

If possible, we recommend having someone record your performance using a smartphone or other device. A performance at a school festival is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and you'll often discover things you didn't notice during practice when you look back at it later. If you plan to share or stream the performance on social media, be sure to check the copyright rules introduced in Chapter 4 before publishing.

14. After the school festival | A roadmap for continuing the band

After their performance at the school festival, many student bands face a crossroads: do they disband, or do they continue? If all the members feel they want to do more, that's a great first step in their musical career.

Continue activities within the school

If there is a light music club, you can continue as an club activity; if not, you can aim to perform at the next school festival or other school events as a volunteer band. If you want to plan a joint live performance or a joint show with a light music club from another school, you can use Membo to connect with bands of the same generation.

Continuing after further education/graduation

Many bands continue to play music together, even when members are separated due to further education or employment, by getting together during breaks. In fact, there are examples of musicians whose musical careers have lasted for decades, starting with friendships formed during high school in their hometown. An article introducing bands from Gunma Prefecture highlights an example where high school encounters became the starting point for their later band careers. Even among famous bands, there are cases like RADWIMPS , who honed their skills by performing at music events aimed at students in their early days. The stage you're standing on right now at this school festival might be the first step in such a long musical journey.

For those considering continuing or restarting a band after becoming a working adult, please refer to our guide on starting a band as a working adult , or our guide on restarting a band in your 40s or 50s after a break. It may seem like a distant future now, but the experience of playing in a school festival will be the first page of your long band life.

Reorganizing with new members

If you'd like to form a new band separate from the members of your school festival band, you can also find new bandmates through Membo . Membo's recruitment list features bands of various ages, experience levels, and goals, and can be used as a platform to leverage the experience gained at the school festival for the next stage.

15. Summary | The school festival stage is the beginning of a long band career

This article has covered the entire process of performing as a band at a school festival, from the timeline leading up to the performance, to gathering members, song selection, setlist design, practice schedule, equipment, communication with the school, the flow of the day, MCing, attracting an audience, dealing with problems, frequently asked questions, and even a roadmap after the festival.

The greatest appeal of a school festival band lies in the process of creating a single stage performance with friends you've already formed relationships with, within a limited preparation period. Don't aim for perfection; instead, focus on carefully refining each sound you can produce with your current members. If you haven't decided on a setlist yet, or are unsure which instrument to play, please also read our guides on how to create a setlist and choose an instrument .

If you want to continue making music after the school festival, try finding bandmates to play with on Membo . Membo's recruitment list features a variety of opportunities, from students just starting out to bands that have continued playing even after becoming working adults. Reading the guides on band equipment and effects pedals, balancing band activities and studies , a complete guide to attracting audiences to live shows , and the basics of cover performances and copyright will help you plan ahead after the school festival. If you're unsure how to use it, be sure to check out Membo's help page , user guide , app usage page , announcements page , and author information page. The school festival stage is just the first page of your long band life.