3 Concert Mistakes I Have Made so You Don't Have to // Tips for Preparing for Performances

[@tammybehrens6468]

I am not a new teacher, but this is my first year teaching K-4 music. I decided to forego doing this type of "formal" concert for several reasons including some of the ones you mentioned here. Instead, I invited the parents from each class to join us for our 45 min. music class to see a variety of the things we do in music each week. I called them "In"formances vs. Performances. I just held the Grade 2 informances, and parents got to watch our fun vocal warm-ups, our Solfege singing and hand signals, and related fun activities. They got to hear their children sing two songs, which most didn't have committed to memory, but that was okay, because I decided to use the vocals/background music from the EEMC site I subscribe to. Things weren't perfect, but it was really good and really fun. They also got to see them playing the unpitched percussion instruments along with a song they learned on the Glockenspiels. They saw their kids have a great time in music, and it wasn't stressful for me at all. I didn't have to deal with set-up, decorations, props, or committing the majority of my classes for months prior to teaching kids songs so they could memorize them for 3-5 min. on stage. I simply moved our music room chairs to the side walls in the room, sent home an invitation "flier," and that was it. I had several parents tell me they loved this so much more than coming to a concert and watching their child sing on stage for 3-5 minutes. Win-Win!!

[@valeriecrawford7066]

Hi Jessie, love all of your videos. From mapping to lesson planning. A tip I could offer for outdoor performance is set up speakers front and back. If you can hire a sound person that would be even better, not only for outdoor, but indoor as well, you might be surprised that their cost may not be too high for all of the events in total, they may also have available a video photographer as well. In this way you could ask the parents to put their phone on airplane mode. Then, have the video photographer to create a video and have it upload it to the parent's email or another source. This way the parents can sit, relax and enjoy the concerts.

[@musicandmotivate1128]

Really great idea Valerie! Thank you for the suggestions. We will see if I can get my hands on another speaker!

[@musiceduca1]

Great tips! I would also add that students can help with setting up the stage and/or making sure items are in place, as well as handing out written programs if used, before the performance. Often they are very eager to help with the presentation in these ways. This involvement can also help to establish a greater sense of community within the music classroom/performance ensemble.

[@alleholcomb5142]

Perfectly timed! Thank you so much!

[@musicandmotivate1128]

Of course!!

[@longc.music20]

My admin asked me to prepare some songs for Veterans Day with my elementary kids... 2 weeks before... However, I do have a high school holiday concert coming up and I will remember to be the diva.

[@musicandmotivate1128]

That is quick turn around haha yes 🙌🏻 be the diva!

[@elainejohnson6488]

My 2 big takeaways: 1) keep it simple 2) BE THE DIVA! Thanks so much.

[@ashleeee31]

So happy I discovered your channel. Thank you!

[@musicandmotivate1128]

Yay! Thanks for stopping by!