Outreach Performance
Preparation Guidelines
The following guidelines apply whether an FMMC Outreach volunteer or an activity professional initiates the contact. A discussion between the volunteer and the activity professional in advance is critical to a mutually satisfactory performance.
- Ascertain if there is a piano: type, condition, recently tuned? Keys and pedals in working order?
- Ascertain room size, acoustics, temperature, quietness.
- Identify the audience: low or high functioning, a mix of both? Likely size? Would they like interaction with the performer, such as a description of each program item?
- Describe the length and type of program you have in mind and confirm that this is what is desired by the audience.
- Alternatively, find out what type of program would be enjoyed by the audience: all classical, a mix with popular, old favorite songs, or simply background music? If songs, are they likely to want to join in singing?
- Find out if there will there be another activity taking place at the same time, such as a tea, or a wine and cheese event?
- Find out whether the activity professional or another staff member will introduce the performers and be on hand to close the performance?
- Call a day or two beforehand to confirm date and arrival time, directions to the site, and to whom the performers should report.
Program and Ensemble Creation
Volunteer performers are responsible for making contacts with other musicians to set up a program of more than one player. Musicians who are not FMMC members may perform with you.
Should you wish to seek other players for the purpose of forming an outreach ensemble, please write to outreach@fmmc.org to request a list of other FMMC volunteer performers. You may also request a notice in the FMMC monthly newsletter about your interest in creating an ensemble.
For more helpful information, read the Outreach Performance Program article on page 5 of the December 2018 Newsletter!
