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How to Make Floor Lights for a Band

Done properly, lighting can create just the right mood and transform your show into a full-blown concert experience. Done wrong, you can easily wash out the stage and end up looking like you're playing a show in an operating room. Lighting isn't just about overhead illumination, though --- floor lighting plays a significant role, shooting upward to give the stage and its inhabitants a grander, larger-than-life dynamic. It also illuminates the drum kit and gives your instruments a dramatic accent. With a little planning and some supplies, you can make inexpensive floor lighting for your band's next performance.

Things You'll Need

  • 6 can floor lights
  • 6-outlet power strip
  • 12-gauge extension cords, 6
  • 1 roll black gaffer tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Visit your band's performance venue and talk with the owner or manager. Find out where the outlets are in relation to the stage and how much power the outlets can handle. Determining the position of the outlets in relation to the stage will help you determine the length of your extension cords. A 12-gauge extension cord should meet your power and length needs, as it can stretch up to a 100 feet and handle 10 to 15 amps of power.

    • 2

      On the day of the show, set-up your band's equipment on the stage. Determine where the singer, guitarist and other band members will stand. You will need to see your equipment placement before you can illuminate it with your can lights.

    • 3

      Position your six can floor lights on the stage. A Pro Track Can Accent Floor Light can be made into a floor light for a smaller venue. Place two can lights in front of the drum set up, and the other four lights at the front of the stage. Make sure the cans at the front of the stage are tilted to strike where the band members will stand.

    • 4

      Run the power cords from the light as far as they will stretch. Plug the extension cords into the base power cord and lay them out to the power outlet. Plug the power strip into the outlet. Plug the extension cords into the power strip. Turn on the power on the power strip. Your floor lights will now illuminate the stage.

    • 5

      Adjust the positioning of the floor lights to your desired style. With your gaffer tape, secure the base of the lights to the stage. Be sure to also tape down the cords, extension cords and power strip to the floor. You do not want an audience or band member tripping over your lights and electrical cords.

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