Description

This episode provides tips on managing the day of performance at CPA (Concert Performance Assessment). Evan Burton and Carolyn Hankins (Page Middle School) join Jo Ann Hood and David Aydelott to discuss strategies for staying calm and managing stress, the importance of preparation and organization, logistics of performance day, structuring the schedule, dealing with unexpected situations, items to bring on performance day, stage etiquette and preparation, listening to other groups, handling parent chaperones, and communication with parents and teachers. The chapters cover topics such as sight reading preparation, teaching sight reading, handling sight reading on the day of the event, practicing sight reading throughout the year, obtaining sight reading music, preparing students for sight reading, checking music and instruments, ensuring students start and end together, understanding percussion requirements, prioritizing rhythm in sight reading, being professional in appearance, asking for help and being vulnerable, preparing percussionists for warm-up, dressing professionally for performances, surprising bands at CPA, and final thoughts and advice for directors.

Takeaways

• Stay calm and business-like to help students stay calm on performance day.
• Prepare and organize everything in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Create a schedule and plan for logistics such as meals and transportation.
• Practice stage etiquette and prepare students for listening to other groups.
• Communicate with parents, bus drivers, and teachers about missed homework and expectations.
• Consider warming up on stage if possible for an advantage.
• Choose parent chaperones wisely and communicate their roles and boundaries. Sight reading is a three-year process, so it is important to focus on rhythm and key signatures from the beginning.
• Practicing sight reading throughout the year is more effective than cramming right before the event.
• Directors should practice the procedures and techniques used during sight reading with their students.
• It is important to ask for help and not be afraid to admit when you don't know something.
• Dressing professionally and being well-prepared for performances creates a positive impression.
• Surprising moments can happen at CPA, but it is important to stay calm and find solutions.