I can’t tell you how many times a student has told me, “Don’t worry Mr. De Leon, I will get into it at the performance.”
It is common for students to be shy about performing during rehearsals unless you get them used to it from the beginning. They always feel that when that day comes and they are on stage with thousands of people cheering for them, they are going to remember to perform. It’s not that easy!
When students as well as professionals get on stage many other thing come into play because of nerves. Trumpet players get dry mouth, string players hands sweat, singers forget words and the list goes on and on. If you do not practice performance, there is no way your students will be able to come up with gestures and positioning on the spot. This should be treated like every other aspect of practice and rehearsal. Students should learn performance techniques, posture, gritos, and how to use the stage and practice them all regularly.
Remember directors, we are setting our students up for success! Students should be focused and in performance mode during every rehearsal.
Tell me what you think or share a story by commenting below.
I strongly agree with the aspect of practicing performance. Having worked with most of the students in the Mariachi Academy, one of the things we worked on aside from the music itself was performance. Not only that, many of the children have been exposed to the performances of their teachers and other professional groups. This is important because then they build a sense of confidence and have a role model to emulate. I feel that the student – teacher relationship must be rich in trust, encouragement, feedback, exposure and enthusiasm. The more they do it (practice performance), the more it becomes second nature, even for the shyest child, believe me.
Here are a few things that I feel that are a must when it comes to building a group towards the practice of performance:
1. Teach them how to play their instrument correctly.
2. Teach them how to read music, play in tune and confidently. 3.Constanly have them play in front of eachother.
4. Advocate a positive group trust.
5. Sing, sing, sing!
6. Stress posture at all times.
7. Practice performing on a stage or a make believe one.
8. Run through transitions, establish section leaders, produce the best possible blend for your front 3 mics.
9. Singers – learn how to utilize the stage, use hand gestures, facial expressions and entertain the audience.
10. Oh yeah, and have lots of fun doing what you do!
Thank you for your comments Mrs. Martinez. Well said!!! Your influence on our students has always been greatly appreciated.
I cant remember how many times I have said and heard that!! And It is so hard to actually get as into it as you think you can be.Always try to practice something that you feel like doing on stage, so that the group that you are with isn’t thrown off by your actions on stage.Never be afraid to use that stage! Its all yours! Just have fun up there and it will make everything seem a whole lot easier
I have heard the same thing with my students a million times or the say “We’re saving it for the performance!” They couldn’t be more mistaken, the way you practice is the way you perform. I will always be that way. So Get your groups in front of mirrors, peers, parents, or who ever wants to watch them para “que se le quite la verguenca”, and have them perform.
Gritos and everything.