This is a "grandparents' post" . . . one of those posts of most interest to grandparents and other close relatives!
John (8) and Mary (6) have been preparing to play at the National Federation of Music for the first time and their dates are coming up in one and in three weeks. Apparently, nobody is allowed in the judging room except the judges, student, and accompanist, so I will sit in the hallway wondering how it is going and I certainly won't videotape the children.
Last night, the children played in a recital their Federation songs.
Mary played Suzuki's "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" Variation A on violin.
Mary played Suzuki's "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" Theme on violin.
Mary played "Lightly Row" on violin.
Mary played "Chimichanga Cha Cha" on piano.
Just 24 hours in advance of recital, Mary's piano teacher decided that her second piano piece wasn't ready for performance and wouldn't be ready in time for Federation. So Mary played a song from her last recital: "Jingle Bells." It remains to be seen if she'll quickly learn another song for Federation or play this one.
John played "Indian Dance" on piano.
John played "Pyramid Power" on piano.
One disappointment at this recital--which was very lengthy with 26 performers and lasting 90 minutes--was the rude behavior of a significant number of parents. The recital began at 6:30 and the teachers begin promptly. I noticed there were 26 performers scheduled and only about four families present. The rest of those families arrived between 6:30 and 7:00, just barging into the room, walking right past the performers within one or two feet of them, crossing between them and the audience. I was particularly sensitive because the performers are arranged mostly by age, youngest first, making my Mary the very first player (and most interrupted) and my John the third player. How challenging to expect such young performers to remain concentrating because adults couldn't bother to arrive fifteen minutes early! To add salt to the wound, the door to the studio is made of glass, so people can see and hear easily that someone is performing and could choose to wait to enter until between pieces . . . but they did not do so.
I noted that the late parents were those parents of performers playing late in the event: the advanced performers. Somehow I imagine they would have been livid if I'd let my little children get up, wander around, and distract their precious babies during performance! I say this only knowing the basics (being new to the music scene) but I hope that the other parents will receive some training in recital etiquette.
Oh, I am sorry! That is so difficult and yes, rude! It would be appropriate for the teacher to mention this basic etiquette to the parents before the next recital. We have been to several, and the players are broken into smaller groups with a small break in between groups. Maybe with a reminder and some restructuring this could be fixed. It seems worth asking after, as that would really bother me!
ReplyDeleteThe children did a great job! I can't believe the behavior of parents; we never experienced anything like that in our 15 years of recitals! I wonder if it's the setting? Is it in her home? Our recitals were always in a church or synagogue small auditorium, so that may encourage more concert-like behavior from parents. I was amazed, year after year, at how well all the young children did at sitting through the long recital after they were finished. And I sometimes wished I could leave with my little one when he was done, I never did, and neither did anyone else. I'm not aware of the teacher ever doing anything to instruct us---other than the children at their lessons.
ReplyDeleteNot just for grandparents! I loved watching the children, they are so good Katherine! I can't believe at the rude behavior of the parents though! So terrible!
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
ReplyDeleteAs a somewhat veteran to the piano recital scene, I have to say that there are always "those" parents who really only care for their precious gems, and arrive late every. single. time. Or who talk on cell phones or receive text bings during the performance. Seriously?!?!
But I am happy to report that although I notice every interruption, my kids never seem to, being so taken with the overall experience. Hope it's the same with yours!