Public Performance

Many organizations around the world are coordinating opportunities to share our music with our friends, our neighbours, perfect strangers....safely.

Regardless of how much fun an idea is we MUST make sure we are practicing social distancing (staying 6 feet apart) and not meeting in groups larger than 10.

But music is LOUD....so.....with a little planning, and perhaps some technology the whole world is your stage. And your audience...well they may be small...and far away from you....but all great things start with something small.

Porch Concerts

Band Directors Talk Shop (a North American organization that supports music education) has issued a challenge. Using the hashtag #MUSICCONNECTSUS we are encouraging Monday evening porch concerts.

The focus is on participation and the joy of music...so even if you can only play a simple tune...get out there on your porch Monday evenings at 6pm (the suggested time to coordinate across the continent) and play your little heart out.

Safety Rules....

1. Only play your instrument.

2. Musicians who are not currently self isolating together can not be closer than 6 feet apart (so maybe it's a front yard concert, or in a park) and there can be no more than 10 people in attendance.....so think duets...trios max....

3. It is safe to play outside as long as you follow social distancing guidelines.

Suggestions....

1. Choose your pieces in advance. Plan for 5-10 minutes of music at most...short simple and hopefully sweet...and if not sweet then go for enthusiastic

2. Advertise - get it out on social media to expect you... People may time their nightly dog walk so that they can catch your performance from a yard or two away. Other neighbours can join you on their porches a safe distance away with home made percussion.

3. Video your event and promote it on social media with the hashtag #MUSICCONNECTSUS

4. Email or share your post with us on social media and we will help spread your joy across the internet.

5. You can add signage introducing yourself to your porch...the Seymour Family Band...or WHS Flutes unite...be creative but it helps all of us to brag about where we are from.

6. If your turn out isn't amazing the first night...do it again next week.... people need to know to expect you.

7. Family and friends can also watch you from a safe distance in parked cars. Many famillies are desperate for something...anything to take their small children to see. Mention your performance times on social media as a kid friendly show and encourage audience participation.....

8. And if you are in Wainwright...Ms. Seymour is ALWAYS game to put on her inflatable dinosaur costume and dance a safe distance away from your event....just shoot her a time and place!