Concert etiquette and other matters. Please page down for other FAQ’s
Let's make the performance as professional, and as special, as we can. Smart casual dress, please - not everyday jeans and trainers.
Please don’t hog the piano during the morning run-through sessions. Once you’ve tried out your piece on the instrument and with your
accompanist where appropriate, please allow other people a turn.
Please remember to bow at the end of your performance. And please don't forget to thank your accompanist.
Please remember - you don't have to play, but you do have to listen.
It would be nice to have some photographs to remember the occasion BUT
· Please don't photograph people while they are performing or while they are walking up or preparing to perform. It's horribly distracting.
· Please don’t photograph anyone who would prefer not to be photographed.
· Photographs while bowing are fine.
· Photographs of the social side are also fine.
Accompanists
I will try to match people who need accompanists with people who volunteer to accompany. Please make sure you get your music to your accompanist in good time (i.e. at least 2 weeks beforehand) or you may find yourself in difficulties.
If you have a regular accompanist you wish to bring with you to play for you on the day, please feel free.
Allocation of slots
I want to try to include as many activities as possible, and will push the length of the concert out as far as I can to accommodate everyone's wish to participate in solos and ensembles and with different instruments. This will, of course, be a lot easier if you keep your choice of work well within the 5 minute time limit.
However, in the event that I absolutely can't fit everything in, priority will be given as follows:
And within each of these categories
Please note that volunteering to accompany others will not affect the availability of solo or ensemble performance opportunities in any way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How good
do I have to be to take part?
There is no minimum level for performers. Even if you’ve only been playing a
few weeks you are welcome to play if you wish. This is about meeting other
adult music students and enjoying making music.
Do we perform together in a band that rehearses in the morning?
The performances are mainly solo or in small, previously organised ensembles.
If you
don’t like the idea of performing a solo then you can get together with a
friend or maybe another of your teacher’s adult students to play a duet or even
in a slightly bigger group.
What do I do about an accompanist?
These events can provide a learning experience for new accompanists
who may have limits on what they can prepare and accompany at the time, and
excessively difficult material may not be accommodated. People should aim to
perform something that can either be accompanied by someone less experienced,
or to play unaccompanied. Beginner/intermediate level accompaniments are
usually able to be accommodated.
Performers are welcome to bring their own accompanist if they wish.
How is the day organised?
Performers arrive when they can during the morning to socialise and rehearse.
Those who have been paired up with an accompanist will be able to have some
time practising with their accompanist. Those needing to do this will have
priority on the piano above pianists. Lunch is taken when you like prior to the
start of the afternoon concert. Drinks and light snacks are available
throughout the day.
How do I choose what to play?
Some people find that their teacher is helpful with this task.
If you are a nervous performer (most of the people taking part) it may be best
to choose to play a piece which is not too difficult for you technically. Do
choose something you really enjoy playing as this will show in your
performance.
Those preparing for exams may like to air one of their exam pieces.
How big is the audience likely to be?
The concert is not open to the general public and is made up of the other
performers and their families, close friends and teachers. There may also be
some adult learners who have not yet plucked up the courage to perform at a
concert.
Why do I have to pay a fee to perform?
The concerts are non profit making and the fee is set to cover the days
expenses based on a minimum numbers of performers to make the concert viable.
Any surplus is donated to a nominated charity.