Who: My students and two guests per performer (approx)
What: A fancy-dress formal recital in two sections, emphasis on playing with expression
When: Saturday, May 21, at 10 am and 11:30 am
Where: Tallyn’s Reach clubhouse, 24900 E Park Crescent Dr, Aurora, CO 80016
Why: So many reasons! All the reasons! The humanity!
How: Rehearsal, baby, rehearsal

Preparation: Memorization/Timeline

Make a final choice on repertoire by the end of March at the very latest, and then choose whether to memorize. I recommend memorization, but it’s not a requirement to perform. If you choose to memorize, there are two weeks to be aware of: April 18 and April 25. I recommend being fully memorized by your lesson during the week of April 18 — you’ll be sitting pretty. If you do not have your piece fully and completely memorized by the following week, simply plan to have your music in front of you. No shame.

An expressive and lovely performance with paper is so much more effective and fun than a big memory struggle sans expression.

Preparation: Performance Classes

There will be four different days for your performance classes. Some performance classes will be in my basement studio and some will be out in the community. Whichever you choose, performing in a performance class is a prerequisite to performing at the recital.

You can sign up for your preferred recital slot only after signing up for your performance class.

By recital day, you will have had your piece memorized for weeks and will have already successfully performed it for an audience. Recital day will then just be a day to get all fanced up, show off a bit, and to cheer on the other performers. You’ve earned it! It will be so fun!

Crews

Adults are invited to sign up to help make recital day a roaring success. There are four teams: setup, cleanup, and refreshments A and B. Each crew will need a captain.

Setup crew will set up chairs, tables, and the stage area at 9 am. Cleanup crew will undo the setup crew’s work and take out the trash (after the second show, of course). Refreshment crews bring goodies and fill the tables after each show. (Does anyone have a chocolate fountain?)

What’s your strength? Do that. Signups are forthcoming.

The Venue

The Tallyn’s Reach clubhouse has a capacity limit, so performers are invited to bring precisely 2.25 guests each. Or, you know, two (or maybe three) guests per performer. We will communicate individually for more/less so we fill all the seats but don’t bust the fire code.

There are no stairs at the venue, so it is accessible, but there is a noticeable incline to the doors. Parking is somewhat limited, so carpooling is encouraged. There is a small kitchen with a fridge, stove, and microwave. There are restrooms with stalls. The performances will take place indoors, and refreshments will be served on the south patio under the overhang.

I am having a Yamaha grand piano delivered for the day, and it is a beautiful and fancy thing — I’m very excited about it.

Recital Day

Performers are asked to arrive at the venue twenty minutes before showtime in their fancy outfits. Choose an outfit that makes you feel super gorgeous while staying comfortable enough to perform. I’ll likely be in high heels and jewelry. Arrive in style, sit, breathe, read the program, warm up, and/or mingle with the other rock stars. Each show will last about an hour followed by outdoor refreshments.

At showtime on the dot, I will give a quick welcome speech (likely weeping), and then we’re off to the races. Performers will introduce themselves and their pieces before they play, following the order in the printed program. Graduating seniors will do their duets with me (me: tears). After the final performance of each session, I will invite performers to the front for a final congratulations and group picture. Then everyone can move to the patio for refreshments and high fives.

Remember

You are good at this. Everyone is rooting for you. Literally no one will explode or melt into a nervous puddle, no matter how much you may sweat, tingle, or shake. Even if your piece explodes, you will be okay. There are treats at the end.

And I’m really, truly, overflowingly proud of each of you.