Concert FAQ's

Q: What should I wear to a choir concert? 

A: FHS singers wear choir robes and stoles provided by the school.  Singers must provide "dressy" shoes that can be comfortably worn for at least 30 minutes of standing.  Please bear in mind that wearing shorts under your robe give the appearance of a skirt. 

Q: What should I wear to a daytime performance? 

A: Our typical daytime performances are more informal than our night concert.  Singers should wear their choir t-shirts (purchased through our online spiritwear store) and jeans, leggings, or other pants/skirts without holes.  In the interests of uniformity, shirts cannot be modified to show midriffs or bare shoulders in performance settings.

Q: When is the concert?

A: The FHS Winter Concert is Tuesday, December 10 at FHS Saber Center (6:40 call, 7:00 curtain). The FHS Spring Concert is Tuesday, May 13 at FHS Saber Center (6:40 call, 7:00 curtain). 

Q: How long is the concert?

A: Each high school concert is between 45-60 minutes in length. 

Q: When does the Saber Center open to the audience? 

A: The house manager will open the Saber Center to the audience between 20-30 minutes prior to the performance. 

Q: I have a nervous singer. How can I support and encourage them leading up to Concert Day?

A: Focus on the positives of the experience. Remind them they will be surrounded by the rest of the choir, and everyone is working toward the same goal. Give them examples from their lives or from your own when doing a difficult or scary thing ultimately led to a positive end.  Have them take deep, slow breaths (in through the nose, out through the mouth), which helps calm the "fight or flight" response. Celebrate them when they overcome their fears and perform! (This choir director recommends Post-Concert Ice Cream.)

Q: Why do performances matter? 

A: Concerts are a valuable education experience for singers and audiences, alone and collectively.  Here are some reasons why: 

• Builds confidence: Performing in front of an audience can be daunting, and doing so helps your child develop self-confidence and strategies for overcoming performance anxiety.

• Enhances teamwork: Choir members learn the importance of cooperation and teamwork as they respond and react in real time as a musical unit.

• Creates and strengthens community: The experience of performance creates a bond among members of an ensemble. In sharing their music, musicians create a community with the audience in building traditions and community that extends beyond our classroom walls.