How to Hold a Musical Recital

Setting the date of a recital provides motivation for musical growth like nothing else can.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Poster Paints
• Amplifiers
• Microphones
• Printers
• Stage Lights
• Nonalcoholic Punch
• Poster Boards
• Printer Paper
• Computers
• Drawing Software
• Publishing Softwares
• hors d’oeuvres

1. Plan an advance date that will allow the performers to be well prepared and the general public to be well informed.

2. Determine a location for the recital that is central to the potential attendees and allows for the predicted audience size.

3. Approach the people in charge of the location (church, school, community center or private club or home) to reserve the time and date. Financial details should be mutually understood.

4. Test the recital hall piano for tuning and quality. Arrange for piano tuning or rental if this is necessary.

5. Create posters, ad copy and news articles that will inform the public about this event. Set the tone to make it clear if casual dress is encouraged.

6. Have responsible individuals distribute the posters in prominent and respectable locations where clientele would have an interest in such an event.

7. Prepare a printed program to be handed out at the door by friendly, well-dressed ushers. Recognize any underwriters or contributors.

8. Arrange for equipment, lighting, heating, ushering and seating setup.

9. Hold a rehearsal for the musicians and announcer if possible.

10. Plan a reception with light finger foods and refreshments following the performance. This will allow the musicians to get personal recognition.

Tips & Warnings

• Limit the program length to 1 1/4 hour.
• Combine your musicians with one or two other musicians or ensemble groups. This will add variety to the repertoire of the recital, and all performers will benefit from the audience "drawn" by the others.
• Inform local high school and community college music departments about the recital. Inquire if the music department has an outstanding instrumentalist, vocalist or chamber ensemble that would like to share the venue.
• Ask those directors who else should be informed and about any newsletters that might carry a story or an ad.
• Senior citizen groups, bed-and-breakfast inns and retirement homes love to attend and hear about these musical events.
• Set the "cultural tone" of the recital event as serious, yet potentially very enjoyable.
• Don't mix widely divergent musical styles such as rock or folk with classical.

[kmobigplanet]

on 12/28/2008 good stuff