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Prepare for Success
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HELP YOUR STUDENT and YOURSELF

PREPARE FOR SUCCESS!

Solo and Ensemble Festivals are a time for butterflies and last minute preparation for our students.  Parents you can help by making sure your child is prepared for success.

  • Ask your students if they know their performance time and room number.   (Their directors have the times posted at least a week prior to the festival date.)
     

  • LEAVE EARLY - Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their performance time to navigate the building, check in with the directors/ accompanist/ etc. and to warm up..
     

  • Instruments and vocals - Build in time for tuning and warm up those vocal muscles.
     

  • Strings need extra time to *literally* warm up the wood from the cold or dampness.
     

  • Inspect musical instrument NOW, to make sure nothing is broken, frayed or missing.
     

  • Clothes washed and pressed? Make sure they have the right concert attire.   Costume pieces?  (swing choirs)
    No blue jeans - no sneakers.
     

  • ORIGINAL (not photocopied) Sheet music (if needed).
     

  • Teenagers need at least 9 hours of sleep.  Decrease the nervousness by avoiding or decrease caffeinated beverages starting the day before.  Focus on healthy nutrition in those days before the event. Plan for a light breakfast that morning, or pack healthy snacks for the car ride.  The Host school will have a concession available and will be open at 8am for breakfast.
     

  • PARENTS are welcome to attend!
     

  • Secure your Babysitter. The festival is not suitable for babies and small children as performance times sometimes change at a moment's notice. 
     

  • Silence your Cell phones!
    The festival judges are very serious about noise interruptions as our children have worked so hard for this one performance.
     

  • WHISPER!  Noise needs to be kept down around the judging areas, or you will be asked to leave.
     

  • The South Milwaukee Music Boosters will have a concession available.
     

  • MOST IMPORTANT - for Parents - Praise, Praise, Praise and Celebrate!  No matter what their final score is.  They had the courage to prepare and perform in front of a judge. Verbal and written praise really goes a long way.  Celebrate with their favorite meal, a special dessert, a movie, board game night, or whatever turns your child on.