Programming and Preparing for an AMEA Performance Gene Inglis, Saks High School Band
First of all, I am thankful to AMEA for placing their confidence in me and the Saks High Band and selecting us to perform at the 2012 In-service conference. It was a rewarding musical experience which our students will always remember. During my tenure in Rome, Georgia, various ensembles performed at the Georgia Music Educators Association’s Conferences, as well as the International Association of Jazz Educators Annual Convention. Each experience was well worth the effort put into it.
The first thing one should consider when applying for state conference is who will still be in the group the next school term. During my term as the GMEA State Instrumental Chair, we extended performance invitations for the conference to several groups.
One director
responded, “I’m not sure we can produce the same level of performance next year. The majority of the students will be gone!”
Preferably this should be considered before the tape was sent. (Middle School directors should have a clear understanding of this since the turn- over is so fast.)
Why do it? “It’s just a lot of extra work,” one might say. It is work, but with good planning and proper motivation success can be achieved. The whole process from preparing live recordings to the event itself elevates the musicality of all involved to extraordinary heights. As the director, my goal is to provide those
students involved an opportunity to create and experience a sense of musical joy. This goal should not in any way exclude the listening audience.
After the excitement of being selected to perform is realized, one must put into action the ideas made before the tape was sent for evaluation. For me, the whole process is about planning. I do not always share the idiosyncrasies of the process with the band, but it is constantly evolving in my mind. Once the letter of acceptance has been received, the loosely formed plan must begin to take shape.
After you have established your program, you must put your rehearsal plans into action immediately. As we gathered for the summer fun of “band camp,” I informed the band we were selected to perform in the 2012 In-service conference. They received the news with smiles and the excitement of being recognized as worthy to perform! While viewing their
smiles, I began to remind them of how we prepared for the recording we submitted (MPA recording). They seemed proud and focused as I laid out the framework for our new challenge.
Due to the pressures of marching season, parades, and Christmas concerts, a couple of not too familiar pieces might be good to use. For instance, if you are thinking of sending a tape, you should consider playing something on your spring concert which could be used at conference. This will allow you plenty of time for preparation.
Create a clinic experience for your students. Several years ago, I decided to do a winter concert band clinic for my band. My goal was to provide additional time for sections and full band rehearsals on the weekend to develop new music. I invited instructors for each instrument to teach master classes and run sectionals. I was concerned that the students would
Here are some points to consider in preparing your program:
What pieces are technically and musically attainable by Christmas or early January? This is a great opportunity for goal setting, but the goals must be attainable. Students need to feel that the experience is a reward for good work and then accept the challenge of greater musically, confidence, and future reward. When considering difficult music, do not forget the basic tenets of musical performance: tone, intonation, balance, technique, rhythm, balance and musicianship. Our desire to extend our students technical ability may leave us with an insufficient amount of time for preparation. We cannot lose sight of the elements of musicality which allow the ensemble to perform great music! Remember who the audience will be: members of your own professional association. You have been selected to represent the best our state has to offer. What new literature might be appropriate to perform? A varied selection is acceptable and encouraged. Many events require you to perform a certain percentage of new music. Program your selections in an order which makes listening sense to you and the audience (i.e. varying tempo, dynamics, and styles). Do not over program. Some may tend to think it is impressive to play this or that, but remember, most listeners respond to how it sounds!
Guest soloists? Guest conductors? It’s all about planning. First of all, if you plan to have guest conductors and/or soloists, secure them with all pertinent information, including location, date and time. Make a decision on the logistics of the performance as it relates to hotel reservations, buses, and expenses. Take necessary actions as soon as possible for these things can fill up quickly and become a nightmare! Announcer or not? I think less is more here, but it can serve as a way to carry the audience from piece to piece with few words. Let your students’ musical offerings be the focal point for the concert.
28 May/June 2012
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