The Beginning Instrumental Informance

The first performance for beginning instrumentalists is a topic frequently debated. Some believe it should take place as soon as possible, in as little as eight weeks, while others think beginners should not perform until the end of the school year when the group is more “polished.” I can see the rationale in both approaches, but I don’t think it’s as simple as one being better than the other. Often it depends on the structure of the program. Regardless of these details, the biggest thing to consider is the purpose of the performance. For me, the goal of the first performance is to give beginning instrumentalists the opportunity to share what they have been working on in a positive environment and for the parents to gain a better understanding of what we do in class and the (potentially strange) noises emerging from their child’s room during practice sessions! 

The Informance

I think of an Informance as an informational-performance or an informal-performance. About ten years ago I began making the switch from a 4th-grade band Concert to an Informance. Most years the Informance took place during the school day (often during our regularly scheduled rehearsal) with parents being invited to attend. Other years the Informance has been part of the winter concert. It just depends on the situation. 

Structuring Your Informance

I usually structure the Informance like an open rehearsal. The event consists of demonstrations of everything we would do during a typical band or orchestra rehearsal with the addition of an audience and applause! The band would demonstrate breathing exercises, long tones, rhythm pattern echoing, 5-note scale exercises, and some basic songs (rote or from a method book) that we have been practicing. The orchestra would do similar things but with the addition of bowing exercises. Many times I have also introduced a new concept or exercise during the Informance, merely to show parents the process we go through to learn something new. Between each demonstration, I would explain to the parents what we were doing and why. I find the “why” to be very valuable, especially for parents who never played an instrument themselves. The entire event is very positive for the students. 

Another Twist

Last year the beginning band and orchestra Informance was scheduled as part of the Winter Concert with the Chorus, including an assembly for the school and an evening performance for parents. This was more formal than I typically would prefer. So, instead of structuring it like an open rehearsal, I turned it into a story: “Adventures in Beginning Band” and “Once Upon an Orchestra.” We demonstrated all the same concepts, but students narrated a story throughout. 

“At the beginning of the school year, 38 students chose to embark on an adventure – an adventure in Beginning Band! Our goal was to perform at the winter concert, but in order to achieve it we had several challenges to face.”

It was a hit! The parents enjoyed it, and the students had a confident first performance. Since my administration is particular about what concert programs look like, I also came up with cute song “titles” such as, “Do I Hear an Echo?” and “DA Dances” to go along with it. It was a great success.   

A Student-Centered Informance

My goal this year is to make this Informance more student-centered.  I know that sounds challenging in an ensemble setting (welcome to my world!), but I do believe it’s possible. I plan to ask the students what they would like to share; which songs, exercises, and activities. The students will also be encouraged to write the narrative introducing each part of the Informance, which will not only be informative for the parents, but me as well! It will be interesting to hear what the students have to say about each exercise and activity we do. 

Links for Further Reading: 

Planning With Not For: Involving Students in Concert Preparations

Student-Centered Performances

NAMM Foundation: First Performance National Day of Celebration 

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