RECITALS (for parents): This is the time of year that students are preparing for recitals coming up at Christmas time. Being comfortable on stage in front of an audience is an important part of being a musician. I do believe it is best to start this when the children are young. Yet, if they are not ready they should not be pushed to perform. Tell your children how much you enjoy when they sing or play their instruments for you. They will be proud to be on the stage and be performing for you and the family. If you do not know the melody to the songs your children are preparing for the recitals simply help them with the lyrics. The younger ones especially will benefit from simply sounding out the words. Once they are with their group and hear the melody it will all fit naturally. If your child makes a fuss about going on stage on recital day, go up and sit with them. Or, if they are still fussy, simply allow them to sit with you and watch the others.
RECITALS (for teachers): When rehearsing for recitals I like to have at least THREE dress rehearsals. During the dress rehearsals go over everything involved in putting on the concert. Rehearse the passing out and collecting of instruments, the movement on the stage, actions. Rehearse the song in a variety of ways to keep it interesting. An example is to have the children turn backwards and perform the song ‘without looking’. Keep the rehearsals fun, laugh and joke and remember that they are children and that there is no need to pressure them for perfection. Parents will enjoy the performance however the children perform.
