When you start a new music teaching job, you might get very little direction about what to do about your concerts, except what the dates are. Here are some things to consider:
1. First things first.
- Check if date has been planned.
- Check if an evening concert will include a stipend.
- What has been done in the past?
- Expectations of teachers/parents?
- Philosophy of building (Do they want a simple program only involving the music teacher; do they expect a grand production with other teachers/parents helping?)
- What songs are available? appropriate? educational? (Is there a budget to order music?)
- Check if classroom teachers do programs/ themes.
- Add extras: movement (motions, hand jives, sign language, dances), instruments, narration, costumes
- Assign parts and send note home to parents. Find a time to rehearse with those students and/or ask parents/teachers to help.
- Balance program: folk songs, songs the audience will recognize, and newer composed songs.
Chorus ideas
3. Reserve risers
- How many and from where?
- Need them to rehearse a few days prior?
- 3 or 4-step risers? With shell? With guard rail?
- Fill out a work order?
4. Reserve space
- What set up do you need?
- Equipment? (instruments, mike, podium, music stand, stage)
- Fill out a work order?
- Scenery - work with parents or art teacher
5. Find accompanist. Pay? (Ask school or PTA.)
6. Communicate!
- Let principal, teachers and secretaries know well in advance what you are planning, especially if there are any schedule changes.
- Give parents plenty of notice through newsletters and notes home. I usually send two notes home: one several weeks in advance that announces the date and time, and one about a week in advance that gives details. Even give them a gentle reminder of what the audience etiquette is.
- Put it on the website!
7. Dress rehearsal
- Special schedule during the day? Let teachers know in advance!
- Before/ after school rehearsal: permission slip to go home.
- Mandatory chorus rehearsals before a concert; remind parents.
8. Programs
- Cover: buy, art teacher or student design, computer-designed.
- Inside: Who will type? Write names of any volunteers, accompanist, instrument players, chorus students. Also include composers/arrangers.
- Who will photocopy? fold?
9. Discuss with students
- Arrival time and place to meet
- What order to line up in
- How to get on/off risers
