It is safe to say that any music teacher who has traveled with their performing ensembles has experienced some sort of disappointment when it comes to a performance, but we’re not talking about the student’s actual performance itself. No, we are talking about some of those terrible “venues” that really just feel more like a flat spot that happened to be free at 1:30 on a random Tuesday and your travel company booked it for you.
Taking performing ensembles on trips is a great retention strategy and helps keep your students fresh, with additional new places to perform. The problem exists when your group shows up to the venue and it’s not at all what you expected. Let’s talk about the things that make your venue feel more like an opportunity and less like an obligation.
Audience Is Everything
Audience is everything, and your students will have a completely different approach to the performance if more than a few random mall workers are your only audience. When choosing a venue, we always consider natural foot traffic in the area so that the audience is built in. Playing in a place that has people there already makes it so much easier to draw them in once your group begins performing. I mean, who can resist a group of well-trained musicians pouring their heart and soul onto the stage, right?
Easy Load-In and Load-Out
Performing in an unfamiliar environment can be stressful enough, so when choosing a venue, we always look for the load-in and load-out procedures. There is something about carrying a tuba out of its case 9 city blocks just before playing that takes the sparkle out of a performance. We make sure that each venue has proper spaces to store coats and cases, and that it isn’t so far away from the performance area. You want to focus on the music, not the half marathon of walking you just did to get to the venue!
Everything You Need on Stage
Having everything you need on stage is a big part of performing in new and unfamiliar venues, and we make sure you have everything you need, from concert percussion, chairs, and even that 10-foot Steinway you requested. Not all venues have these things inherently there, so we lean on our relationships with backline vendors, percussion rentals, chair rentals and whatever else you may need to make your performance truly memorable and rewarding for everyone involved.
The Performances Your Students Will Remember
Your most memorable performances aren’t always the biggest ones, or the ones that give you the most tokens and trophies. It is likely the performances where you connected with the audience. There was a genuine appreciation for the group on stage, and the energy comes alive! That blender making noise in the background at the mall food court doesn’t do anything to add any ambience, only distraction and competition for the audience’s attention. You’ve spent multiple hours rehearsing these performances, and we want your students to have a positive experience in the end, and something they will never forget!
Ask the Right Questions Before You Book
When choosing your next performance trip, be sure to ask all of the important questions. You want your audience to be there and appreciative, your logistics to be easy, and your equipment is all there and ready for you. All of these make sure the performance feels intentional, meaningful, and special. Give your students the amazing performance they deserve.
The best performance opportunities don’t just showcase your students; they validate all the work it took to get them there.
Ready to Plan Your Next Performance Trip?
From venues with a built-in audience to backline, percussion and seating, our Performance team handles the details so your ensemble can focus on the music.