What choral conductor has not received numerous requests for programs from various groups in the community? Each conductor must determine how many and on what basis these programs should be accepted. Throughout the country a wide range of practices exists. Some directors accept relatively few programs because they wish to focus their efforts in rehearsals upon the development of musicianship, while other directors strive for the highest possible performance standards which they believe is most readily achieved through extensive performance. These two goals are not incompatible; however, a balance must be maintained.
Many school music directors express the philosophy that one of the objectives of the school music program is to serve as a bridge of understanding between the school and the community. In striving toward this goal, as well as maintaining a balance between the development of musicianship and performance standards, the director needs specific information about all the program requests received.
The following is a suggested procedure: 1) Prepare a standard form including such pertinent information as date, time, place, sponsoring group, contact person and phone number, length and type of program desired, the size and nature of the performance hall, estimated audience, the condition of the piano (how recently was it tuned?), and the admission charge, if any. 2) Relate to the inquiring party that you will send them a performance request form to be completed, and that when returned it will receive the prompt attention of both yourself and the choir council (usually consisting of the officers).
In the initial conversation make clear that all engagements are dependent upon the students’ schedules, including examinations and other commitments that might not be readily known to you. The use of such a form enables the director to secure all necessary information at one time and eliminates, or at least minimizes.
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