2019 Multi-Piano & Guitar Christmas Festival

Last week I told you about our first performance of the year, and here I am already talking about the second! And that's because our first on-stage performance is just a little over a month after the Fall Video Recital.

On Saturday, December 14th our studio will be a part of the Multi-Piano & Guitar Christmas Festival. This annual show is a long standing tradition in McPherson, and a terrific way to kick off the holiday season with some piano ensemble and guitar ensemble Christmas music for an incredibly supportive audience.

How it works: 
We prepare the songs in lessons leading up to the show, and on the 14th will run rehearsals during the day leading up to the performance. (This means if you give me the go-ahead to sign up your student for the show, know that there will be a commitment earlier in the day to rehearse with their ensemble.) These rehearsals are mandatory, because as you can imagine, coordinating up to 16 pianists for each number can take some doing.

At performance time, we line the 8 pianos up on stage at Greer Auditorium (Central Christian College), and students of all levels, beginner through advanced, will assemble to perform prepared duets. The program will also feature some guitar ensembles from a local guitar studio. We wrap up the evening with the teachers accompanying a singalong of some favorite carols. 

One thing that so impressed me about this show last year was that it gave students some crazy positive performance energy. Performing ensemble music provides a special kind of musical rush because you become part of something bigger than your own playing, and the audience catches some of that rush as well. Positive performance experiences are so important in music study, not only for musical development, but because it helps build self esteem and confidence in front of an audience.

Over the past couple weeks, I've been approaching eligible students to confirm who is able to participate so that we can get all our studio's performers added to the roster. Whether or not you have a child performing, all are invited to attend the concert, especially if you're hoping for some musical motivation and exciting holiday music. Check out the event on Facebook, and feel free to RSVP or invite family and friends to attend with you!