A piano recital is a big undertaking for a teacher. Not only are you hosting a large and important event, but you are also prepping a bunch of the guests for exceptional performances! Even the most seasoned event planners would shudder at your task.
But did you know that you actually have a secret army of “Recital Elves” that are ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice… lifting a heavy load from your shoulders?
Who are these magical helpers? Your piano students!
Creating A Community To Host The Best Piano Recital Ever!
Involving your piano students in the planning and execution of your recital is one of the best ways to build a sense of community in your piano studio. In addition, a “community-built” recital will…
- instil a sense of pride in your piano students as they become an integral part of the recital
- add a personal touch to your recital that will be appreciated by parents and other guests
- increase your recital attendance (if your piano kids have an important role, they’ll definitely show up)
- build relationships between you and your piano students and their families
- create the opportunity for your piano students’ other skills to shine
- provide the “student power” needed to include things in your recital that may have just been “too much”
Through careful delegation with your Piano Recital Elf Committee your studio can reap all of the benefits listed above. Keep reading to discover how to get the most out of your special helpers!
How To Create A Piano Recital Elf Committee
Below I’ve listed a range of jobs that I’d recommend piano students take on as part of your newly-founded “Piano Recital Elf Committee”. Spend a few moments considering which students (ages 9 and over) in your studio would best suit each position. If you have a large studio, delegate jobs to pairs of students. Once you’ve made your “hiring” decisions, send an email directed to your students asking them if they would accept their new role as a Piano Recital Elf, and then outlining their responsibilities.
With just one “Recital Elf Committee Meeting” you can check in on everyone’s progress one week before your event. Include parents in the meeting to ensure that everyone is on track. Hand out little labels that your helpers can wear on their shirt to identify them to others as “Recital Assistants”.
And finally… learn to let go and give your elves the chance to be responsible and dependable. It’s tough… but important 😉
10 Jobs For Your Piano Recital Elves
- Program designers: These elves will design the front and back cover of your recital program. Will it look like something from a 5th Avenue shop window? No… but it’s much, much more meaningful.
- Decorators: These elves will design, create and put up the decorations before the recital begins AND take them down. The last part is important 😉
- Greeters: These elves will greet audience members politely at the door, hand out the recital programs and direct the performers to their seats (if you have them seated separately from the guests).
- DJ’s: These elves will provide background music (either on the piano or as a “DJ” with carefully-chosen recorded music as guests are seated).
- Donation Supervisors: Including a place for people to donate to your local food bank or a local cause gives your Donation Supervisor Elves the chance to set up their “booth” and thank those who contribute. These elves then also take the donations to the appropriate charity after the recital is over.
- Photographer: These elves take pictures and video (in a non-disruptive manner) of your event, to be used in your newsletter and on your website and social media (with appropriate permission from all involved, of course).
- Emcee: This elf gives a short welcome speech detailing how your students assisted in the organization of the recital. It doesn’t take the place of your own welcome speech, but instead describes how this was a collaborative event.
- Helpers: These elves assist your very young students in finding their seats, finding their music/pages and feeling excited and happy before their turn to play arrives.
- Caterers: These elves organize refreshments, bake goodies, distribute utensils, plates and napkins, set up tables and then clean everything up after the event.
- Prize Helpers: These elves help to hand out certificates, prizes and/or small treats to performers at the end of the recital.
What Might Your Recital Elves Do?
Have you ever included piano students in the preparations for your recital? If so, what tasks did your students help you accomplish? Do you have any tips gleaned from your experiences? We’d love it if you would share in the comments below!
