the most wonderful time of the year…or is it?Holidays got you holi-dazed? Take a ginger-breath and try some of these suggestions!
The holidays are almost here! These can be some of the happiest times of the year…and the most stressful. As musicians, it often comes down to us to provide a cozy and festive atmosphere, put on holiday concerts, participate in services, etc. Though all of these events can be absolutely delightful, it can be very difficult to juggle all of these stressors. Read on for some tips on how to do more with less, and get through a busy season while still remaining jolly!
Whether you are a director, a singer, an instrumentalist, or all of those, the holidays can be super overwhelming. I have filled all of these roles at one time or another—running elementary school holiday programs, performing as a cocktail pianist at holiday parties, accompanying church and school choirs, sometimes all in the same week! The holidays are an excellent source of work for professionals musicians, but trying to keep all of those plates in the air can be really hard. Here are a few suggestions that have worked for me to keep everything from catching fire.
Make sure you get your calendar straight in advance, and CONFIRM. There are few things more awkward than double booking. If you’ve been casually asked to perform for an event, make sure that you confirm in writing beforehand with both dates and times as soon as you are able. I’ve had instances occur where I’d casually accepted a gig, and didn’t get the date. Then I’d take on another event, only to discover later that the two conflicted. I’ve also had the opposite happen—I’d have an event planned and prepared for, only to discover the day before that it was cancelled or I was no longer needed. I’d recommend reaching out at least a week in advance, and then following up the day before if this is the first time you’ve participated. It’s not always possible to get all the details immediately upon accepting a gig. However, there is nothing wrong with checking in regularly and getting things nailed down as soon as possible. Your time is valuable and important—don’t let someone else waste it!
When it comes to repertoire, work smarter and not harder! Decide your rep as far in advance as you can, and don’t worry about double dipping. If you run two choirs (perhaps for a church and a school), there is absolutely nothing wrong with using the same music so long as it fits the concert/age group/setting. If you are performing for a Christmas party, and also a background gig, put together a setlist and reuse it—carols don’t get old. I’ve made a set list that I go back to every year. Of course, you may have to pick and choose which pieces fit the venue. Most of the time the standards will work. Once again, there’s nothing wrong with checking in and asking what kind of music would be preferred by the event organizer (if it isn’t you). In my experience, especially with background music gigs, it’s up to the musician. I find that having a mix of sacred and secular music, upbeat and slower material, and major/minor tunes seems to do the trick. You don’t necessarily want everything to sound the same, so make sure you’ve got options. I tend to avoid taking “requests,” but if this is something that could be expected of you try and have those pieces or charts ready in advance.
Start prep as far in advance as you can. As a teacher, I usually like to start working on holiday material in late October. I find that one can never be too prepared! That way there is plenty of time to make sure things are truly ready. I like to let my private students have some input in what they play, though usually that means I give them a few options or have first right of refusal if a pieces seems out of their ability level. As a performer, I’m able to wait a little longer to get started in holiday music. I do like to try and get music sorted out at least a month before performances. It’s also important to think through everything logistically. I’ve had years in which multiple concerts happened on the same day. Plan what time you need to get to the venue, how long it will take you to park, what the setup will be. Thinking through the entire event in advance including timing how long it takes to transition between pieces (this is especially important for different ensembles or age groups if you are directing a school event) makes things run so much more smoothly on the day of the event. Communicate all of this strategizing to anyone who might benefit from knowing it! Make a list of all the materials you will need and prepare them as far in advance as makes sense. If I’m able to get into a venue early, I like to get things prepared as much as I can so that there’s less to think about on concert day. Decide what you/your students will be wearing within plenty of time to locate, clean and/or acquire said clothing. I have definitely encountered events where I didn’t think about what to wear beforehand (or never asked) and then was scrambling the night before to find something appropriate. Whatever the dress code is, think about it and prep your outfit beforehand…and make sure it fits!
You know yourself and/or your students best! For some reason, the holidays seem to bring out lots of opinions. I know I’ve both heard about and experienced lots of “helpful suggestions” that end up complicating things much more than necessary. Trust your gut—will that piece of advice actually make things easier? Do you really believe that person will stick to their commitment? At the end of the day, you only have so much freedom as allowed by the event. However, you are most likely the musical/directorial expert in the room. Take ownership of that! What will work best for your students? What is best for you as a performer? I have noticed that most of the time, making decisions in advance and then communicating those decisions seems to work better than asking for input. Now, that’s not to say you should completely abandon the dictates of the events you are participating in: know what you are singing up for before accepting a gig or position. But once again, after you have been apprised of what is expected of you, you are the expert. Own it!
Do accept help if you need it. As directors, musicians, performers—this season can be a lot to take on. It’s ok to ask for help! Colleagues, family members, fellow musicians, volunteers: oftentimes if you need help, there are people around willing and able to do so. Running large concerts with sometimes hundreds of participants is a lot to do by yourself! There’s nothing wrong with sharing the load. The one point of caution I would make is to communicate your expectations clearly and in advance. Just asking for help and not telling the helper what exactly you want them to do can lead to frustration, miscommunication, or even mistakes. You may have a volunteer with lots of opinions left to their own devices—not always a great situation! If possible, I find it’s helpful to do practice runs with the assistants: have them attend the dress rehearsal, or meet with them separately in advance and make sure they are aware of where they need to be and what they need to do. I also like writing out a script or plan for the whole concert, with stage directions and color coding—very extra I know, but it gives me peace of mind!
Be merry! I think one of the most tricky parts of this whole crazy time of year is that it’s supposed to be fun. I mean it is “the most wonderful time of the year” after all, right? Within the mix of concerts and craziness, try and find some time to soak it all in. Don’t forget to take care of yourself! I know some of these events end up being really fun—I’ve been known to enjoy a delicious hot cocoa or tasty cocktail courtesy of the event organizers. Seeing the smiles on faces as parents watch their little ones sing on stage for the first time, performing an impromptu song with carolers walking by during your gig, watching older couples dance together to your music: it is an amazing gift we have as musicians to bring so much joy to the season. Imagine the holidays without music…it wouldn’t be the same at all. What you do is so important—don’t forget that! You are a huge part of making the holidays merry and bright!
I hope these suggestions take away a little bit of stress from your holiday season. Best of luck and happy holidays! Thanks for reading!
—Charissa Garrigus, Instructor at Vibe Music Academy
