A Concert Shout Out
By Jonathan Simonoff
Inspired by a post from the Band Director ’ s Facebook group , I decided to try a “ concert shout out ” for my winter concert this December . The idea is that parents or community members can fill out a brief shout out paper to give students a feel-good moment . They get the paper when they grab a program and leave them with a volunteer . It was a HUGE success .
I created my own template in about five minutes and made 90 copies to start ( one for each student performing that night ). I had to make an extra 150 more due to people wanting to extra notes to students ! I ’ d consider that a worthwhile activity .
I decided to hold the notes for a few days to make sure each student gets one . Unfortunately , I did have to fill 2 or 3 myself but the notes were fun , heartwarming , and sentimental . I think during this time of year when kids are perhaps feeling bogged down with school this will be a great “ pick-me-up ”.
I feel this was so simple yet so effective I want to do a similar activity at my spring concert except just for my seniors and perhaps my beginning band . It will be the senior ’ s last concert and the beginners first concert so it could send them off and start them off on a good note !
Jonathan Simonoff teaches general , vocal , and instrumental music at all grade levels at Ashland District School as well as conducting the University of Maine Presque Isle Community Band . Jon is also a founding member of the Aroostook River Voices , a 100 piece community choir , The County Combo , a jazz ensemble with music educators and students , and a member of the Star City Syndicates , a community member motown band . He may be reached at jsimonoff @ sad32 . org