Spring Concerts typically happen towards the end of the year. Here in Canada, many of our concerts happen in late May or early June. Our last day of school happens in June, so having a concert as close to the end of the year is a bonus because the students still have reason to be engaged and interactive. It can also be a bummer for you, the music teacher, because the burnout can be real intense. So, what are some easy ways to prep for a Spring concert?
Logistics
Start with the easy things! The big picture is typically the first impression before you get to see the details. Where will your performance be? Who will be involved? What will you need in that space? Do you need technology? Some of these questions will be answered depending on some decisions later on. But thinking about the end product helps. Do you want to lug out all 25 xylophones? Have you taught your students how to tune a ukulele? Also consider how much help or involvement you will have from your coworkers. This can be a determing factor as well. Grab this FREE Guide & Workbook to help you narrow down your thinking. A checklist is also included to give you the best possible strategies for easy concert prep.
What to Include
Now that you’ve had time to digest the big picture, what do you include in your lineup? Think about everything your students have learned throughout the past year. For example, the grade 3’s at my school do a medieval/castle unit near the end ot the year. I will be looking at choral songs, festival/folk songs, folk dances, anything that has to do with that theme or time period. Another thing my students will be performing is a song from their winter concert. They enjoyed the musical so much that they wanted another reason to sing it. However, they’s been given a challenge-rewrite the lyrics so that they make sense for summer vacation! Don’t make it more complicated than it has to be. . . these are supposed to be easy ways to prep for your Spring concert!
Brainstorm Performances
Here is a list of possibilities to give you a jumping off point.
- Rewrite a winter concert piece
- What instruments have your students experienced?
- Ocean theme
- Space theme
- Castle theme
- What topics have they learned about?
Conclusion
I wish you all the best as you are prepping for your Spring Concert. If you need more ideas or help creating arrangements, etc.. feel free to reach out! I’d love to help make your Spring concert prep easier!