Performance Policy
Concerts, Festivals and other Performances are considered Group Performance Tests (GPT). Students are not just learning musical skills in music courses, but accountability to a team, organizational skills, forward planning skills, and communication skills. When students don't show up, it lets their team down. Each individual musician contributes to the success of the group as a whole.
On extremely rare occasions students may have an irreconcilable conflict with a concert. Unlike other tests, it is impossible for students to "make up" a GPT. If a student does not show up for a GPT without prior notification, they risk being ineligible to attend future trips and activities. Students may be excused from a GPT if they have met the following conditions.
Students are required to stay for the entire concert not just their ensemble’s performance. Learning to be a respectful audience member and supporting one's fellow musicians is another part of our curriculum.
Performance Anxiety:
Nervousness about performing is a completely natural feeling and something musicians deal with their whole lives. Some strategies to help overcome and persevere through these feelings are making sure students are prepared, have practiced their parts, and are feeling confident in their abilities. Parents can support their students by having them practice performing. This is a skill, just like learning how to play an instrument. It can be very helpful to simulate a mock performance at home in front of trusted, encouraging family members. The more often students perform, the better they will understand their bodies natural reactions to being in a stressful situation, like sweaty palms, racing heart, laughter, etc. There are many similar situations in life where students will have to deal with these feelings. For instance, like when going for a job interview, or giving presentations in class or other types of public speaking events. When you know what to expect, it can be easier to identify and overcome these feelings and nerves. Positive self talk can also help persuade your brain that you are safe, that you know what you are about to do because you have adequately prepared, that your muscle memory may even be able to take over for you, and that you will survive the performance. Usually, for my most anxious students, after they make it through their first concert, it’s the highlight of their year! You will be so proud of yourself when it is done and that is a great feeling!
Concert Attire Reminder:
How an ensemble dresses for concerts is extremely important. A group who comes onto the stage well-dressed shows personal pride, respect for their audience, and gives off an aura of “something special is going to happen.” For all performances, students are required to wear the “uniform” of the professional musician: Concert Dress Black. The overall look is classy and semi-formal, casual attire is not appropriate. Students are free to choose the components of their dress blacks within the following guidelines:
*This is not intended to “break the bank”, many of these items can be found at local thrift stores. For students needing assistance, a small collection of black clothing is available for emergencies in the Band Room's "Black Box".
If you have appropriate black clothing/shoes you would like to donate to "The Black Box," we would greatly appreciate it!
For JAZZ BAND and CHOIR ensembles, students can coordinate with Mrs. McDowell an accent color piece in the form of a tie or a scarf to go with their concert dress blacks.
MARCHING BAND students will wear the designed parade T-shirt which will be made available for purchase during marching season. Proper footwear of good walking shoes is required for marching band, no sandals allowed for your safety!
On extremely rare occasions students may have an irreconcilable conflict with a concert. Unlike other tests, it is impossible for students to "make up" a GPT. If a student does not show up for a GPT without prior notification, they risk being ineligible to attend future trips and activities. Students may be excused from a GPT if they have met the following conditions.
- The student must demonstrate that he/she has made every possible effort to resolve the conflict.
- The student communicates with Mrs. McDowell in writing (email) two weeks in advance so the student’s part can be covered in order that the student’s absence will not damage the performance of the ensemble. If a student is so ill they cannot perform on the day of a concert, they must get in contact with Mrs. McDowell as soon as possible, even if it is the next day to confirm their excused illness.
- The student had a family emergency occur and notice was given at the first possible moment.
Students are required to stay for the entire concert not just their ensemble’s performance. Learning to be a respectful audience member and supporting one's fellow musicians is another part of our curriculum.
Performance Anxiety:
Nervousness about performing is a completely natural feeling and something musicians deal with their whole lives. Some strategies to help overcome and persevere through these feelings are making sure students are prepared, have practiced their parts, and are feeling confident in their abilities. Parents can support their students by having them practice performing. This is a skill, just like learning how to play an instrument. It can be very helpful to simulate a mock performance at home in front of trusted, encouraging family members. The more often students perform, the better they will understand their bodies natural reactions to being in a stressful situation, like sweaty palms, racing heart, laughter, etc. There are many similar situations in life where students will have to deal with these feelings. For instance, like when going for a job interview, or giving presentations in class or other types of public speaking events. When you know what to expect, it can be easier to identify and overcome these feelings and nerves. Positive self talk can also help persuade your brain that you are safe, that you know what you are about to do because you have adequately prepared, that your muscle memory may even be able to take over for you, and that you will survive the performance. Usually, for my most anxious students, after they make it through their first concert, it’s the highlight of their year! You will be so proud of yourself when it is done and that is a great feeling!
Concert Attire Reminder:
How an ensemble dresses for concerts is extremely important. A group who comes onto the stage well-dressed shows personal pride, respect for their audience, and gives off an aura of “something special is going to happen.” For all performances, students are required to wear the “uniform” of the professional musician: Concert Dress Black. The overall look is classy and semi-formal, casual attire is not appropriate. Students are free to choose the components of their dress blacks within the following guidelines:
- No ripped jeans, sweatpants, t-shirts, or runners that are not fully black.
- Shirts with long sleeves, collars and/or modest necklines are encouraged
- If students choose to wear skirts/dresses, they must be knee length or longer or be accompanied with black stockings/leggings.
- Fabrics must be muted, nothing too shiny or sparkly
- All students must wear black socks or stockings (going sans-socks is not appropriate) and fully black shoes.
*This is not intended to “break the bank”, many of these items can be found at local thrift stores. For students needing assistance, a small collection of black clothing is available for emergencies in the Band Room's "Black Box".
If you have appropriate black clothing/shoes you would like to donate to "The Black Box," we would greatly appreciate it!
For JAZZ BAND and CHOIR ensembles, students can coordinate with Mrs. McDowell an accent color piece in the form of a tie or a scarf to go with their concert dress blacks.
MARCHING BAND students will wear the designed parade T-shirt which will be made available for purchase during marching season. Proper footwear of good walking shoes is required for marching band, no sandals allowed for your safety!
