The Audience

Most middle and high schools don't seem to need to worry about building an audience. Most concerts are filled to the brim with supportive parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. Should we worry about building an audience?

The most important reason for having a concert is for the students. Concerts give the students the opportunity to share the music that they have worked on with the community. This can help to motivate students to work to their full potential. Concerts should also serve to give the students encouragement. I know from years of experience exactly how intimidating it can be to perform in front of an audience. I want my students to know the incredible sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming that hurdle when you give a beautiful concert, it can be incredible uplifting. It is also rewarding when you share music you love and it has an impact on the audience.

That being said, if the auditoriums are full and the focus is on the students, why should we bother worrying about getting a larger audience? Music should not be a solitary art form, it is meant to be shared. It can unite communities, inspire others to take up music, and expose people to different styles of music as well as cultures.

I've heard of high school directors who fill the concerts with "popular music" to fill the seats and keep the audience interested. While I think there is a time and a place for that kind of music, it should not be selected with only the audience in mind or to make the concert "fun". This choice contradicts the number one reason for having concerts. Repertoire should be selected to interest the students and audience, as well as developing their skills and teaching a variety of musical genres.

Here are some ideas for expanding an audience:

• Find new venues to perform at. For example, it may be possible to bring your ensemble to the local elementary schools or nursing homes. 
• Think about when the concerts are happening? What else is going on at that time? If the performances occur at a time when most people are working, or are unwilling to go out, your audience will be limited.
• Advertise to the community. People who don't have a child in that program typically don't know when performances are, so they do not attend.
• If you can, post videos of your ensemble performing. Give people an idea of what your ensemble offers so they are interested.
• Think about who would be interested in the program you offer. Not everyone will want to attend your concert, so know who your audience base is and make sure they know about it.