Hotel arrangements need to be made. Caterers need to be hired for pre-concert meals. Directions to concert halls have to be secured. As performance time comes closer, instruments need to be unpacked and set up for band members. There have to be meetings with concert hall crews on procedures, security, and what kinds of lights are needed.
Microphones have to be installed and sound checks conducted.
Then, there are the even smaller details like making sure each of the musicians has a bottle of water and the tune list for the evening. Yes, it's the music that's important, but for the band to be ready to perform at its best, it takes a group of efficient, dedicated people that you never see on stage. UMaine graduate Nathan George '93 is one of those people. And it's never just routine. George has to think through and anticipate problems at every venue.