 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2006-02-21 11:50
This weekend I sponsored an event that gave beginning to intermediate musicians a stage on which to perform in front of an audience. This was for a mix of instruments - for this first occasion we had clarinet, piano, viola, violin and flute. We almost had a cello as well but she backed out at the last minute. We had 14 performers ranging in age from 7 to about 50, most of whom had little or no experience in playing in public. Several of these have their Conservatory exams coming up in June. So the purpose was to give them an opportunity to play in front of an appreciative audience before appearing before their examiner, to develop their "stage legs". Afterwards they were all presented with certificates for their participation in the event.
Several things came out of this: The young ones were especially pleased that they were received well, even with their short pieces. Some of the very young players were very good indeed! Also, some realized that they needed far more experience in public performance before they could play their exams. So we discussed the possibilities of inviting family and friends to the house with the purpose of making them nervous while they played, to ask to go to the homes of family or friends, to go to nursing homes to play, anywhere where there are people around. Being only February this gives them enough time to get the practice needed to overcome, somewhat, their fear of performance.
For the audience members it was an inspiration. There were three very young children who were all eyes when they saw other small children playing. Also, one of the Moms was inspired when she saw an older woman playing her exam pieces, she realized there's musical life after children. I phoned up this performer and told her how much she was an inspiration to this Mom and she was impressed, she hadn't realized how she could affect others.
We're planning to do this again next year. With word of mouth, it shouldn't be too hard to put together another group, and a better audience. I just wish I had something like this when I was going through my exams.
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Author: johng ★2017
Date: 2006-02-21 14:22
What a great idea, Brenda. How did you go about finding the players? Did you advertise in any way, and did you charge for admission? I would like to hear some of the details of how you set it up.
Thanks, johng
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-02-21 14:55
WOW, Brenda, great work.
For my part, though, having my dog in the house makes enough nervousness.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2006-02-22 00:19
It's a case of "build it and they'll come". I booked a room at the local library 12 weeks earlier than the recital date - they provided a stage, the piano (in tune, none the less!), coffee, and 100 seats set up, with a 4-hour time frame to work with.
Then I advertised - the library sent out my notices to all their branches, and I sent e-mails and letters to all the music teachers I could think of including those in our orchestra. Each letter contained a one page form explaining what this was all about, the time and date, the cost ($5.00 to compensate for what I spent on renting the room), and three registration forms for the students. Besides the name & address & phone, I asked for the name and composer of the piece, the approximate # of years the student has been playing in order to know what playing level they were, the name of the teacher (that was listed on the program under the instruments played).
The Board of Education didn't want to send it throughout the school system only because there was a price attached. I guess they'll only accept these things if the students don't have to pay, but they don't have a problem with the Kiwanis Music Festival that asks for between $10. to $60. Hmmm... So next year I'll submit a notice to the Board that doesn't mention a fee. That should attract a few more students.
But I think next year I'll have two sections - the first hour will be for beginners, and the next hour for intermediate level players. That way those with more experience don't have to be there from the beginning but can arrive during intermission. Also, the parents and kids have the choice of listening to the better players during the second half if they wish. Third, the same group of people doesn't have to stay for two full hours, and fourth, it's a better use of the four hours rent I pay for. This year that wouldn't have happened since it was the first year, but judging from the response after the recital, with word of mouth in addition to more publicity I'd have a problem keeping the attendance to only 14 students next year!
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