6. "Three M's of Learning ..."

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"8. The Art Of The Folder"

A Note From Don .... .... "CONCERT TIME: More Than a Song" At a recent meeting of choral directors we had a discussion of the concept of "concert time," or what constitutes the length (time-span) of a concert. In music education, this problem is not often addressed at the undergraduate level--which I learned while working with student teachers. More attention is paid to this portion of performance at the graduate level of study and it is often included in music workshops and conventions. "Time" is usually included with "programing" which is basically the music selected for a particular group, and the order that music is presented on the program. However, programing presents an entirely different problem than what constitutes "concert time," and it will be covered in another article. A concert begins when the audience is presented with some type of structured activity. It may be curtains opening, a chorus processing to the risers, antiphonal singing from somewhere in the auditorium, or perhaps a master of ceremony with an introduction and text. This is where "time" begins. It is generally accepted that a two hour concert is a maximum time for an adult audience. (This was true even before our current TV mentality of everything in short spurts with commercials.) This includes all activities from the beginning of the single activity which opened the concert, and it ends with a final activity which may be applause, a closing statement by the master of ceremony, recessing of the performers, or curtains closing. All time from the opening activity to the closing activity is included within the two hour period. Many directors will time their songs and feel that the total minutes are the "concert time." This is an inaccurate conclusion. The two hours, including any intermission, is the time we have the audience within our control by what we are presenting. For example, if we begin at 7:30 we should end no later than 9:30. This time period has to include absolutely everything connected to the program. Somehow, directors must construct this time to include any speaking, moving, costume change, applause, special recognition, intermission, etc. All performance activity must be accounted for within this time frame. Studies have been done on audience psychology which suggest that even at two hours audiences begin to lose interest within the last half hour--and you will notice that applause becomes shortened except for the last song. You not only lose your audience here, but if you go over this time period you perhaps lose them for your next concert. It is better to finish short of the two hour time period. Solid pre-planned timing on any concert is essential. Our audiences haven't the vaguest idea what constitutes "concert time" but they do have a natural reaction to it. We need to keep them happy, and coming back for more. DWCrouch 3/4/04 Installed 5 March 04

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