2024 Fall Semester Area Concerts

Thursday, August 29, 2024 by Paula Augustine | Uncategorized

2024 Family Friendly Concerts and Recitals

Getting out to one or more area concerts is an important part of a young student's desire to play music. Once they experience a live concert the magic of what they are learning comes alive. Students experience how music makes them feel, how the instrument can be used, and experience live artists. Kids love to imitate and the only way they can fully understand what they are to imitate is by experiencing it first-hand. We are very fortunate to have Milligan University and East Tennessee State University right at our back door. You can always check their websites as student recitals pop up frequently. 

Not much happens in September as college is just beginning, but I would like to highlight Eva Polgar, pianist, recital. Faculty recitals at ETSU are generally free. Many students will meet local ETSU faculty members as faculty members are very active in educational programs Miss Paulas' Music Studio takes part. Students will gain a deeper appreciation for these adults and respect.

Here are some tips to get the most out of a concert experience:

1. Teach them how to listen to music ahead of time. Play a short piece from YouTube, maybe even a piece they are working on, there are many videos of students playing. Ask them to listen to the music carefully and be able to tell you after it is finished what they thought. It is OK if they do not like how the performer played. I usually ask what they would change and what they would like to be able to do. 
2. Know the limits of your children. Sitting through a 2 hour recital may not work! But, planning to attend and sit through the first 30 minutes may work. It is OK to leave early, just make sure you sit towards the back and leave in between pieces. 
3. Prepare yourself and the students that clapping generally happens after the entire piece is done. So, if it is listed in the program Sonata in C# minor and then several sections are listed, usually using Roman Numerals, the clapping will happen after all the sections are done, and the performer will give a pause between each.
4. Not all performances are 2 hours and if you can stay to the end, plan to stay a little longer after and meet the players. Prepare everyone for this ahead of time. After the concert ask them what they liked. Let them know you want to meet the performer and tell them what you liked. Lead by example and when you are congratulating the performer, then an give your child an opportunity to shake hands prompt them to share. Just make it a normal part of attending the concert.

Suggested Free Family Friendly Area Recitals and Concerts

SEPTEMER

• Éva Polgar Recital: Pianist Éva Polgar performs her faculty recital at the ETSU Powell Recital Hall in the Martin Center for the Arts on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
• Summer's End: Johnson City Symphony Orchestra will perform at Winged Deer Park by the lake, this is a free outdoor concert. Bring supper and have a picnic! Sunday, September 8, 6:00PM