My first big concert

Last weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to my first big concert as a music teacher with the Maribo Music School at the Nakskov Teater Hall. It was a spring concert, and the experience was fantastic. The production was massive, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well everyone handled the situation. My colleagues and students worked together seamlessly, and the students were exceptionally well-prepared. The entire event was pure joy, though it was also quite tiring. We had two concerts on Saturday, each lasting three hours, totaling six hours of performances. Keeping the focus and adrenaline going from 3 PM until well past 11 PM, including packing up afterward, was a real challenge. However, we managed it beautifully, and both our leader and the audience were thrilled. I’m eagerly awaiting the video recording to relive the experience from the audience’s perspective. The concert involved a lot of preparation, including frequent costume changes to match the themes of different ensembles. This was totally different from my usual classical concerts, but it added a unique and enjoyable element. One standout moment was performing a peace-themed song in all-white attire, symbolizing our wishes for peace.  

Preparation and challenges

The preparation for this concert was different from my usual approach. Typically, I build up material step by step for beginner students, gradually introducing more complex concepts. However, this time, our conductor assigned a challenging piece that required a leap of faith. The students had to tackle music theory and repertoire I usually reserve for those with two or three years of experience—all within just six months of playing.  To my surprise, most of my students handled it remarkably well. I chose not to emphasize the difficulty of the material, and this strategy paid off. They learned a lot without feeling overwhelmed, and some even played solos in the band—an impressive feat for every flute student.  

Efficiency and Gratitude  

One of the specific challenges during the concert was managing the stage setup. Each ensemble required a different arrangement, and we had to ensure smooth and efficient transitions. While the first concert had some hiccups, we improved significantly by the second performance, cutting the setup time by 15 minutes. It was great teamwork and adaptability. Throughout the concert, I felt immense pride in my students. Despite their nerves, they performed beautifully and overcame their fears. Of course, there were mistakes—both from the students and myself—but these are learning opportunities for future lessons. Being part of this production was an unforgettable experience. The energy and joy of the event have stayed with me, even two days later. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to do it again!  Thank you for reading, and see you in the next post!