ABSTRACT
Lack of understanding, ignorance, fear of the unknown—all inhibit musicians from taking the first steps towards hugely exciting and rewarding experiences. Programme planning lies at the heart of the preparation. This chapter discusses presentation techniques and the tools used to attract and emphasize the presentation techniques. The best compliment that any audience can pay is the quiet concentration of positive listening. Listening (hearing plus attention) is a skill that, like any other, needs to be practised. Programme notes are the accepted way in which an audience is informed about the music they are going to hear. For a number of reasons, a printed programme in this area of work is unlikely to be appropriate. Concentration is often at a premium in community venues. Learning difficulties, sensory impairment, illness, the hubbub of institutional life, can all affect the length and depth of an audience’s concentration.
