'Dos' and 'don'ts' after a choir performance
Following weeks or months of preparation before a performance, the days afterwards can seem like the perfect time to down tools and take a break. Before you do so, however, it's worth taking some time to reflect, communicate with your singers and make sure everything is taken care of. Here's some 'dos' and 'don'ts' to ensure this process runs smoothly:
Do give your choir some positive feedback. Thank them for their efforts and for the time they took before and on the performance day learning, perfecting and performing their repertoire. If there were any stand-out moments (just the good ones) make sure you tell them. Also thank anyone who took on additional tasks such as organising the choir back of house, sound, bar etc.
Don't point out any things that didn't go right. Your singers want to be pleased and proud with their effors; it's not the time to lingers on the negatives. It can really damage your choir's morale if your response to a performance is to point out all the things that they could do better next time. No one goes on the stage with the intention of going wrong and there is always the element in live performance where nerves can get in the way of even the best prepared singers. Instead, make a note to yourself of any areas which you think you can improve on next time and work on these as part of your following rehearsals.
Do make notes for yourself about the performance and its logistics. Did the venue work for your choir? Was the sound system good? Did the timings work? Was the programme the right length/balance of songs. Make your own judgements and also note any feedback you may have got from choir or audience members. This information will prove important when planning future performances. It's much better to make these notes when everything is still fresh in your mind rather than a few days later.
Don't forget to check the financial outcome of the concert against your budget. As well as judging the musical success of a performance it's also important to check the finances, make sure they are correct and then pay any outstanding costs you may have such as final balances for roomhire, staff or equiptment promtly.
Do make sure that once you have covered all of the above you take a moment to reflect and feel proud of arranging a great performance and give yourself a well deserved rest so that you are fresh and raring to go for the next rehearsal.
Do give your choir some positive feedback. Thank them for their efforts and for the time they took before and on the performance day learning, perfecting and performing their repertoire. If there were any stand-out moments (just the good ones) make sure you tell them. Also thank anyone who took on additional tasks such as organising the choir back of house, sound, bar etc.
Don't point out any things that didn't go right. Your singers want to be pleased and proud with their effors; it's not the time to lingers on the negatives. It can really damage your choir's morale if your response to a performance is to point out all the things that they could do better next time. No one goes on the stage with the intention of going wrong and there is always the element in live performance where nerves can get in the way of even the best prepared singers. Instead, make a note to yourself of any areas which you think you can improve on next time and work on these as part of your following rehearsals.
Do make notes for yourself about the performance and its logistics. Did the venue work for your choir? Was the sound system good? Did the timings work? Was the programme the right length/balance of songs. Make your own judgements and also note any feedback you may have got from choir or audience members. This information will prove important when planning future performances. It's much better to make these notes when everything is still fresh in your mind rather than a few days later.
Don't forget to check the financial outcome of the concert against your budget. As well as judging the musical success of a performance it's also important to check the finances, make sure they are correct and then pay any outstanding costs you may have such as final balances for roomhire, staff or equiptment promtly.
Do make sure that once you have covered all of the above you take a moment to reflect and feel proud of arranging a great performance and give yourself a well deserved rest so that you are fresh and raring to go for the next rehearsal.
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