Help with photographing friends baby + band

I have an EOS350D, with the original lens and a 70-200mm USM(canon). I also have a 430EX II speedlite flash. I don’t photograph that much, and when I do its usually not people. I’m pretty amateur.

My friend tasked me with photographing his new baby, and I’d like some tips on how to get good photos of babys, intressting photos. Guides, things to think about and etc would be appriciated.

He also tasked me with photographing his band, it’s a 8-10man reggea group. Now I’ve photographed a band before. But the outcome was really disappointing. All the pictures were really dull and unintresting.

Thanks!