Hi Chris -

When our March concerts were moved to the same evening several years ago, the middle school performed at 6:00 pm and the high school followed at 7:30 pm.  That allowed audience members to attend one or both of them, but still didn't tie up two dates on the school calendar.

Best wishes,

Mike

Chris - You were doing fine until you got to the "This is my program . . ." sentence. You might want to rethink that.

 

A good many years ago I was asked to plan and conduct a combined concert of upper elementary, middle school/junior high, and high school students for a suburban school district -- it ended up involving nearly 600 choral students, along with instrumental ensembles as accompaniments. Because of the size of the performing forces it was held in the gymnasium, with all of the choirs on the bleachers on one entire side, and family and friends on the gym floor and filling the bleachers on the opposite side. It was called the "Big Sing," and was intended to showcase the choral music program of the school system. It did more than expected, in that the upper level students commented on how great it was to see the younger versions of themselves perform, and to realize how far they had developed -- while the younger students were in awe of what their role models had accomplished in a few years. And importantly, school board members and parents commented similarly in verbal and print communications -- to the press.

 

This probably isn't a substitute for what you want to hang on to, but it served a less ego-centric purpose. It was limited to just over one hour, but it included selections by each age-group chors (combined elementary, combined middle, combined high school), selections by age/gender groups (elementary girls, elementary boys, etc.), a selection for ALL or males, and then for ALL of the females, and a couple of pieces including the audience (Allis Parker's evocative "Shenandoah" was one of them.)

 

Rather than fighting for "your program," you might find a creative way to demonstrate its positive value across the school system. Just a thought . . .

 

Charles Q. Sullivan

cqsmusic(a)hotmail.com

I think the 6:00 MS, 7:30 HS is by far the most workable solution. And you are quire right in being upset - it is completely CRAZY for administration to decide when your concerts can be. That being said, I'd try to throw out the two different times scenario. If that doesn't work, you'll have to decide to either grin and bear it or take on the fight. It sounds like you have parents on your side, so if you decide to fight, use their help in any ethical way you can! Hang in there!

 

Mary Jane Phillips

Chris - I think that Robert Reck's comments are, ALL of them, right on.  There is one additional comment, though, which I think needs making and which, while implicit in the various comments made above, needs to be stated plainly.  Bob talks to the language of the administrator - rational, not emotional.  Indeed; but what administrators too frequently forget is to bring in the teacher in the discussion over changes.  Dictating changes without consulting the person most affected by it, or at least seeking his/her input, is guaranteed to have only emotional responses.  Perhaps a discussion with the administrator in question (if that person is in your school, as opposed to a system-wide administrator) would be useful in pointing out that, while you understand his/her problems in scheduling a wide range of classes, it would be helpful to him/her to incorporate the thinking and the experience of the teachers affected.  Yes, it does mean perhaps more time to discuss a wide set of problems, but also the benefit is that the teachers in question can be brought on board with the necessity for the changes.  The problem is, NOBODY likes change they've had no part in determining.  What needs to be pointed out to this administrator as well is that the parents are upset by the change, and feel powerless - and what the administrator needs to realize is that asking for parental participation and involvement means nothing if the parents feel dispossessed of their valid concerns and input (never mind yours!).  He also should be reminded, ever so gently, that parents pay the taxes that pay his salary, and he is accountable to them - and that's a power most parents don't remember they own.  He might like to sweeten the bitter pill by being willing to discuss options such as has been offered above.  My concern, frankly, is that if you propose a 6:00/7:30 p.m. joint concert, you'll get the administrative "Nope, can't do that; we've got XXX group scheduled that day" or "Nope, can't change other things," yada, yada, yada.  At that point, you send in the booster parents.  One thing you haven't mentioned is whether this administrator is a normally cooperative sort, willing to listen.  If he/she is not, then this may all be moot.  The worst thing you could do is to boycott the event - that'll just give this administrator fresh ammunition to say, "Then we don't need this program" and then shut down the choral programs in both schools completely.  And let's be honest about this, too many administrators out there are under pressure to save bucks, and they do it on the back of the arts, especially the performing arts.

 

Another thought:  whatever your final concert looks like, invite this administrator to the concert - SPECIFICALLY and PERSONALLY.  Hey, a little "people politics" isn't out of order here.  He/she needs to see the strength of the program and what has been the fallout of his/her decision - especially if you have to put both programs together at one time, and you've got people swinging off the rafters.  Nothing like seeing the consequences of your decision with your own eyes....!!!!

 

Ron Duquette

ronart.assoc(a)cox.net

Director of Music

Ft. Belvoir Catholic Community

Good Morning Chris,

 

I'm sorry to hear that this has happened to you.  Here are some thoughts that may assist you.  It has been my experience that when administration proposes a change that I vehemently disagree with, the best way for me to approach it is to make a list of ALL of the reasons and scenarios why it's detrimental to the STUDENTS.  Charles is correct, in my opinion, you need to lose the "This is my program" approach.  If you take that approach, you will immediately lose the battle with your administration.  I would recommend that you make a list of all of the reasons why combining the concerts affects the kids and the parents:

 

1.  Overcrowding in the auditorium

2.  Even if you split the concerts into a 6PM and a 7:30PM, you will have many parents that have students in both groups, and that's a very lengthy evening for the parents.

3.  If in the past, both concerts attend well over 600 people, even if you split the concerts into a 6PM and and 7:30PM, parking issues will be a nightmare, especially as the first concert dismisses and the next concert enters.

4. This is the biggest and most proactive reason.....If you combine the groups into one concert, the concert will be significantly shorter, thus the students aren't performing as much material.  The contraction in performance time doesn't allow for your students to present the material that meets your curriculum and standards.  While you are able to meet this curriculum in your classroom, the students deserve the opportunity to perform this material.

 

It is always a shame when school districts cut back on music programs.  Here's a comparison using this example.  Here you have a school district combining concerts, which will limit and reduce the material performed.  Would a school ever say to a football coach, "You will have the same number of practices, but we're going to combine games with the Varsity and JV teams.  You will share the field, so each team will play only one half of football rather than a full game." ????

 

Chris, good luck to you, and remember, make it about the STUDENTS!!!!  If you can't convince administration to see the light of day on this issue, the only other things would be to follow what they ask, and then let your parents be the voice of opposition.  It has also been my experience that the voice of a parent (especially at a Board of Ed Meeting and constant phone calls to administration) hold much more influence then that of the teacher.  Just be careful when having parents become "the voice".  It must be done in a way where it "doesn't come from you."

 

Good Luck!!

Having recently had my own kids in school music programs with a few Monster Concerts, I understand the aggravation for parents.

 

I'd consider Craig's suggestions of concerns to bring to the administrators.  I'd encourage you to practice the talk at home so you'll feel cool, calm & collected for the talk.

 

Then, I'd consider closing with:  "Usually, the high schoolers perform for about 80 minutes, and the younger folks for about 45.  So let's plan for a little over 2 hours, to factor in changing groups on and off the stage."

 

I think one long overcrowded concert full of noisy younger siblings will generate enough parent feedback to change future concert plans.  After the event, hint to any complainers that they might want to take their advice to those above you.

 

Gail Mrozak

Board Member & soprano

Elmhurst Choral Union

www.elmhurstchoralunion.org

Craig really hit the nail on the head here.  Will this new concert schedule:

 

-- limit your ability to meet curriculum requirements?

-- cause a problem with parking requirements?

-- cause a problem with seating and capacity issues (read: FIRE CODE)?

-- limit your choirs' chances to perform?

-- bore parents?

 

First things first, ASK your administrator why the date was changed.  There are any number of potential reasons, and you need to know the specific reason before you can appropriately respond to it.  Also, is the arrangement just for this year?  Or for all future years?  And as Ronald pointed out -- ask the boosters of both groups.  Are they in favor or opposed?

 

Charles pointed out that having combined concerts can be positive for the choral program at large.  Many school choirs accomplish this through the yearly "Pyramid Concert".  The concert is hosted by the high school and includs performances by the choirs from the high school, the middle school(s) that feed into it, AND the elementary schools that feed into those.  It's just one or two songs per group, but it can be a fantastic showcase and helps to create a sense of community and progress.  The concerts usually feature several collaborations too.  It should be noted, however, that the Pyramid Concert is never a replacement for the regular separate concerts.

 

If you cannot get the concerts separated, I encourage you to seek other performing opportunities and venues for your ensembles.  Think churches, galas, special holiday programs, fundraisers (Relay for Life), and collaborations with community ensembles and nearby collegiate groups.  Never EVER let an administrator limit your ability to serve your students.

 

Cheers!