A popular song from long ago went "Little boxes on the hillside, little boxes made of ticky-tacky. Little boxes on the hillside and they all look just the same..." While on my walk the other day, I really took a look at the houses in my neighborhood. Apparently my house was the first built in our section of the area and it was constructed in 1947. That means it is 75 years old now.
Not all of the houses were built by the same builder, but it is obvious that many were. So many are ranchers made of red brick with the same low profile. The few windows are trimmed in white and the nondescript front door opens out to a few steps down to a narrow cement walkway through an indifferent patch of lawn. Some poor houses really show their age due to lack of upkeep. However, some have fared better and show a surprising amount of pride of ownership.
What is more interesting, though, is seeing how many of these little brick homes (that remind me of the story of the "Three Little Pigs"), have been renovated over the years. The brick has been painted or lime-washed and porches have been added in various styles from old English Cottage to Mid-century Modern. Others have been totally transformed into styles more fashionable (like mine which is now a classy craftsman bungalow). So, 75 years later, the little houses made of "ticky-tacky" that started out looking all the same, over the years have been modified. They now provide quite the show as I take my morning walks around the neighborhood.
Not all of the houses were built by the same builder, but it is obvious that many were. So many are ranchers made of red brick with the same low profile. The few windows are trimmed in white and the nondescript front door opens out to a few steps down to a narrow cement walkway through an indifferent patch of lawn. Some poor houses really show their age due to lack of upkeep. However, some have fared better and show a surprising amount of pride of ownership.
What is more interesting, though, is seeing how many of these little brick homes (that remind me of the story of the "Three Little Pigs"), have been renovated over the years. The brick has been painted or lime-washed and porches have been added in various styles from old English Cottage to Mid-century Modern. Others have been totally transformed into styles more fashionable (like mine which is now a classy craftsman bungalow). So, 75 years later, the little houses made of "ticky-tacky" that started out looking all the same, over the years have been modified. They now provide quite the show as I take my morning walks around the neighborhood.
In music, as in architecture, variety is key. Just like taking an enjoyable walk about the neighborhood, a composition or a show or program should provide an interesting adventure. It's all about good design.
Christmas shows are fun to plan, but there are a lot of parameters that must be understood and planned around ahead of time. Who will be performing (ages, experience)? When and Where will the performance be held? What are the limitations of the venue (stage, piano, power, lighting, access to the stage, sound, technology)? Budget (for music, costumes, sets, props, seating, posters, handbills, tickets, refreshments, sound or lighting technician, etc.)? Will you need rehearsal space and how much time will you need in the venue?
With all of these questions you may also be asking yourself "WHY would I even try to do a Christmas performance!"
For musicians, the WHY is the easy part -- it is a chance to perform! It's as simple as that. And Christmas music is the best! So get your theme song picked and start planning!
Here is a fun theme song for an Elementary School Holiday Program. "Under the Christmas Tree" for 2-Part Children's Chorus.
With all of these questions you may also be asking yourself "WHY would I even try to do a Christmas performance!"
For musicians, the WHY is the easy part -- it is a chance to perform! It's as simple as that. And Christmas music is the best! So get your theme song picked and start planning!
Here is a fun theme song for an Elementary School Holiday Program. "Under the Christmas Tree" for 2-Part Children's Chorus.
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