The choirs have spent months preparing, the risers are up, the chapel is decorated -- it is finally concert week. I will conduct six rehearsals in five days, plus the Christmas Festival itself. And as surprising as it may sound, I look forward to this week all semester long.If one prepares properly, the final days leading up to a much anticipated performance will focus on fine tuning the music and "choreographing" the movement of each choir as they move into place to perform. It is crucial that everyone knows who is standing next to who and are comfortable with their movement from one singing arrangement to another. There should be a definite plan and pacing of the final rehearsals, especially the dress rehearsal. Of course, the quality of the music is of utmost importance, but if the choirs present themselves as disorderly and unprofessional to the audience, the performance itself is greatly diminished.
I recommend that all choral directors enter this last week with a definite game plan. Have seating arrangements prepared, think througth the movement of the choirs as they move from piece to piece, instruct your singers on how you would like them to file on and off the stage, when to lift their folders, and how you plan on acknowledging the singers and accompanists. The choirs, director, and accompanists must present themselves to the audience in a professional and confident manner. The audience should feel at ease and should never wonder if the choir can "pull off" one of the pieces, nor should they feel uncomfortable with any visual aspect of the performance. It should all appear effortless. However, make no mistake, it takes a lot of effort to make a performance appear effortless.
So, to my singers, enjoy the music. To my accompanists, thank you for the tremendous contribution you make to the choral program. And to our audience, thank you for your support and please accept this performance as our Christmas offering to you.
I look forward to seeing all of you on Saturday evening, December 5th, at 8:00 p.m.!