Performing is what learning an instrument is ultimately about. Students choose to play an instrument to well...PLAY. We schedule our annual Winter and Spring concerts at the elementary level and can tend to think that is it. There are other ways to give students opportunities to perform that:
1. Don't require much planning
2. Don't require teaching additional music
3. Do sell our program
4. Do give students opportunities closer to real life performing
Here are just a few quick and easy performing ideas that only take a little bit of advance effort and planning:
1. Students perform at lunch
Planning - talk to your administrator and lunch supervisor in advance
Music - use music students are currently working, preview concert or a previous concert's music
This type of performance is what we call the "captive audience". Students are eating lunch and your band/orchestra students perform for them. If your school has multiple lunch periods, having your students play for a younger grade can make them more comfortable.
2. Students perform at an already planned assembly
Planning - talk to whoever is in charge of the assembly/administrator
Music - again use whatever students are working on preview concert or previous concert music
This works great for all school sing-alongs, have students play a song or two as students are entering/exiting.
3. Students perform at Open House/Parent Nights
Planning - talk to administrator
Music - same as above, also I have had students sign up to just play solos or small groups as well. Excellent opportunity for advanced students to shine
I have students consider it like a street performance. Set up in a busy hallway and perform for parents walking by. Many will stop to listen and you will love the number of parents of younger grades who stop to ask "When can my student join?"
4. Students perform at local Nursing Home/Care facility
Planning - contact local senior centers/care facilities, fill out field trip forms/transportation/administrators
Music - same as previous
This takes more planning but it is a wonderful opportunity for your students and is great PR. Depending on your district's busing policies it should be a free field trip or very small cost. Students love field trips, senior facilities love having them perform. We do trips before winter break and play holiday tunes each year. It is a wonderful follow up to a winter concert!
What performance opportunities have you explored with your young students?
