Full-Production Showcase Events: Protocols and Expectations
Fun game: Take a deep breath and YAWN for as long as you can while reading the following. (I got about halfway through #3):
I. THE PROCESS:
Modernized with #HashTagReinforcement
(1) Repertoire is taught individually in our private lessons. #Learning
(2) Student practices, drills, memorizes songs. #HomeFun
(3) Student is organized into ensembles, likely comprised of other students they've never met before. #Networking #SocialSkills
(4) Students and parents in respective ensembles try to organize informal rehearsals on their own time, without teachers present. #GroupProject #PersonalResponsibility
(5) Students get ONE official group rehearsal with teachers a week before the show to ensure the songs are up to par. Anyone not prepared by this time will have their part taken from them and given to a Section Leader. #Deadline #Consequences #RealWorldScenario
(6) Students show up on time for the performance and execute a respectable rendition of their repertoire. #RockStar
(7) Students learn the magic of live performance, and are encouraged to continue with their bands on their own time; quality of life improves; the world is saved. #FlyingFromTheNest #WorldPeace
This is an invitation - you earned this because you worked hard for it. The merit-based nature of these events is what makes them so special. Congrats on being super dope, Fam. <3
The Three Things
1. You're doing something epic, which requires an epic amount of preparation. Don't let yourself or anyone else down by showing up unprepared. Some schools coddle and make excuses for poor performance - we don't do that here. Personal responsibility is paramount. Read this for inspiration - particularly the 4th verse.
2. You're not selfish, inconsiderate, or otherwise unconcerned with what your peers are doing - you are a good person. You need to show up on time, play your part in the show, and stay until the end of your session to watch everyone else's performance. The problem with the world today is nobody listens, but instead waits for their turn to speak - we don't do that here. Listening is often more important than playing!
3. You're going to see some students all over this showcase, performing in almost every band. If you want to be like them, follow the first two “Things”. Play your part, stay for other's parts, and you'll learn the magic of live music performance. Bomb your part, leave early, and you'll learn the tough lesson called "This Is How The Real World Really Works". Whichever critical life curriculum you choose, you teach it yourself.
This is a truly magical event unlike anything anyone else in the area is doing. If you are accepted into this awesomeness, understand that it is an irreversible commitment because you are an irreplaceable component to something beautiful. It is important to honor this sacred space with your best effort!