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Re: Gaining performance experience

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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