Summer at Belleayre

This summer I have a friend who is fortunate enough to have received an internship in New York City doing our dream job. When this news came to her attention so did many previous employees' experiences and some advice. One girl in particular told my friend that "the hours are indeed long, but gratifying, and it is amazing experience. In looking for a job in music administration the internship lets you get a hand in every aspect of concert production. You will do everything from ticket sales to artist contracts to stage management to hospitality." She went on to say how great of a learning experience it was and how it really helped her to decide which aspects of the music business she liked and disliked. This opportunity also set her up for success in finding a job post-internship. The company's owners have many connections, in New York especially, and she could not say enough good things to prepare/excite my friend more about her upcoming venture to the city herself this summer.

After these initial e mails came in she got some from those that she would actually be working for so that she knows what is expected of her the kinds of tasks she is responsible for. In the first month and a half she is going to be booking bands, selling tickets, making travel arrangements for artists, going to tons of places with fliers, finalizing contracts, arranging and running charity auctions, and many crazy other things. After that is when the music starts. Mel, who she will be working under, said that by the 3rd concert he will be sitting in the crowd while her and the other intern handle EVERYTHING. There are two titles that they will have and they will switch each concert. One intern will be in charge of the 40-50 volunteers for each show and will supervise them in their duties of parking, vending, catering, merch, etc. That includes everything front of the house. The other intern will be in charge of everything back of the house. On stage working with the sound crew, lights, stage hands, artists lounges, the artists themselves. Pretty much stage management. On top of that they will have 4 junior interns who are in high school that they will be responisble for all day until their parents come to pick them up after the shows. A lot of the show will be held in tents which seat up to 900 tickets and she will have to set up each chair according the the ticket sales and make sure they are measured correctly and labeled. A lot of nights there will be receptions after the concerts where they will have to act as hostesses. Other responsibilites include renting bands the proper equipment for the show, setting up lodging for them, getting what they want in their dressing room, finding transportation, etc.. she says that it is a lot of "crazy, hard work" but that she is beyond excited.

Having heard from one that has already been through this internship and from another who is about to embark on her journey to the big city it excites me to someday find an internship/job just as exciting!