Happy HalloThanksMas

• Mallory Tully
• Posted 11/11/24
• 0 comments

Holiday Concert Planning

While it may be “back to school” season, many music teachers are already thinking ahead to their big performances of the year. In many schools, one of the most anticipated performances of the year is the annual holiday performance. Here are some things I try to keep in mind when planning my own performances.

Consider Your Audience

If this is your first large program like this in your school, talk to your administrators now about what the expectation is. Who is involved? What does the audience look like? Is there a building or district policy on the type of music that should be included (sacred vs. secular, multicultural, specific holidays, etc). 

Another great resource to tap into is an experienced classroom teacher. Ask this teacher what past performances have looked like. These teachers can be a wonderful resource to help you with the procedure, organization and flow of the event. Some things you may want to consider asking are: 

• Do classroom teachers typically assist during the performance? 
• Is there traditionally a rehearsal time during the school day? 
• Where do students wait when not on stage? 
• What is the dismissal process like at the conclusion of the performance? 

Song Choice

Think about your students when selecting repertoire for your performance. How many classes do you have to teach this material? I prefer to start teaching the repertoire earlier in the school year by spending just a small portion of our time on it each class. Other teachers prefer to allot a longer amount of the time over fewer classes to teach the material. Be sure to leave time for the “unexpected” including snow days, assemblies or fire drills that may interrupt your class time.  

When thinking about our youngest performers, I like to do songs that have repetitive lyrics and melodies. Students are excited and nervous when they get on stage in front of their families and friends. Help them be successful! If you have older students remember that many of them may not have the same amount or type of performance experience you would previously expect due to canceled or virtual performances during the pandemic. Not sure where to start to select songs? Consider a pre-arranged holiday program. West Music has a variety available. 

Accompaniment

Once you have selected your songs, think about how, or if, your students will be accompanied during their performance. If you are using an accompanist, when will they be available to rehearse with your students? If you are accompanying them, do you feel comfortable playing the piano while also giving cues and offering support to your students? If you are using a pre-recorded accompaniment, be sure to find it before you begin teaching songs. Listen to the recording. Is it in an appropriate key for your students?  

How many verses does it have? Are there any instrumental breaks you need to prepare your students for? How is the tempo? It is much easier to know the answer to these questions before you begin teaching. 

Movement

Lastly, consider whether or not you will incorporate movement into your performance. Will every song have movement? Will only a handful?  

If you decide to incorporate choreography, how are you going to teach it? Will you teach the movement and the song at the same time or teach them separately? Ask yourself if the movements are enhancing or hindering the performance. Families are excited to see their students perform! Be sure your movements aren’t going to interfere with music making or hide your performer’s faces.  

While it may seem far away, the holiday season will be here before we know it! Start planning now for your best program yet!