Most musical groups can put together a set or two of dance music. A school band may strike up a 1920s big band set or a church group may go for an upbeat and positive set of modern music. Either way, you can create a dance event to include your group. This requires that you advertise heavily to the right people. If this is for your school, be sure it is among the daily announcements for at least a month prior. Creating a theme for the event will generate more interest. The theme should represent the group it will support. For example, if you are raising money for your school's jazz band, create a theme of 1940s Jazz clubs. Encourage everyone to dress the part and decorate accordingly. A marching band may call for a traveling theme, including maps of the world and snacks from different cultures. Charge admission based on your economic group. Poorer areas cannot afford high-price events, but a few dollars for a night of fun to support the local band is acceptable.
Music Boosters can successfully raise money through a community collection parade for the band. This works particularly well for marching bands or other bands that can be mobile. With the help volunteers, canvass neighborhood businesses to tell them the date and time of the community parade to support the band. Ask for donations as the parade passes. Announcing the event on local radio and television will increase donations from private citizens as well. At the parade, designate collectors to walk beside the band with collection jars. As the band marches down the street playing upbeat music, hold out the jars for collections from merchants and the public as you pass.
Most sporting events sell drinks and snacks to spectators. Whether at school or community sporting events, ask the person in charge of concessions to let the music boosters to use the activity as a fundraiser. You may need to ask for donations of drinks and snacks to sell. Let band members work in the booth serving the spectators. Keep prices low to encourage more sales.