ABSTRACT
Concerts are our most public presentations. In one evening they showcase months of preparation for an audience of family, students, teachers, and administrators, all of whom are likely to form opinions on the quality of our teaching from what they hear and see, regardless of whether it actually reflects what we do in the classroom. Most professional orchestras require their players to have a variety of concert dresses in their wardrobe, since not every performance is given at 8:00pm in an air conditioned concert hall. It is in the music program’s best interest to have administrators, board members, and faculty attend our concerts and witness for themselves the achievements of music program. Audiences will judge our concerts not only by the music, but also by overall experience, which length plays a major role. Many local newspapers publish free public service announcements for school events. Concerts offer a captive audience for our announcements, but be careful not to tax their patience.
