Last Thursday I attended a Musical Review at a local elementary school. The 70 or so children in the cast worked so hard to perform well. They loved the music, that was obvious. They showed that they enjoyed singing and dancing to the best of their abilities. The show presented examples of some of the best music Broadway has to offer, and most of the songs were very familiar and famous. The show should have been very enjoyable for the audience.
The problem was that not all of the songs they sang were arranged to fit children's voices. The ranges were too wide and the busy-ness of the recorded accompaniments very LOUDLY overpowered their singing.
The problem was that not all of the songs they sang were arranged to fit children's voices. The ranges were too wide and the busy-ness of the recorded accompaniments very LOUDLY overpowered their singing.
Another problem was that it did not flow like a musical. There was loud music playing for a long time as the audience came in, but it was not related to the show. (Just random popular upbeat songs played excruciatingly loud.) This was unnecessary because it defeats the purpose of having an Overture. Yet, at the opening, there was no Overture. Then, when they needed to change sets, there was no INCIDENTAL MUSIC to cover that business and keep the audience engaged and looking ahead to the next act.
It is so awkward for the audience and performers to have DEAD spaces.
The enjoyment factor for the audience could have been boosted immensely by using the standard parts of a Broadway Musical. In addition to great songs and a good script, having TRANSITIONAL bits of music can really help the flow of the presentation. The OVERTURE helps settle the audience and get them focused on and ready to sit back and enjoy the show. Then INCIDENTAL MUSIC helps cover set changes while stitching the different scenes together. A great FINALE helps reiterate the message of the tale and ties up any loose ends. (It basically allows the performers leave to beg for applause.) Then, you need music for the BOWS and of course, EXIT MUSIC that puts a catchy melody (melodies) in the minds of the audience members and compels them to go out singing the songs. There are good reasons why these elements have become STANDARD.
It is so awkward for the audience and performers to have DEAD spaces.
The enjoyment factor for the audience could have been boosted immensely by using the standard parts of a Broadway Musical. In addition to great songs and a good script, having TRANSITIONAL bits of music can really help the flow of the presentation. The OVERTURE helps settle the audience and get them focused on and ready to sit back and enjoy the show. Then INCIDENTAL MUSIC helps cover set changes while stitching the different scenes together. A great FINALE helps reiterate the message of the tale and ties up any loose ends. (It basically allows the performers leave to beg for applause.) Then, you need music for the BOWS and of course, EXIT MUSIC that puts a catchy melody (melodies) in the minds of the audience members and compels them to go out singing the songs. There are good reasons why these elements have become STANDARD.
Sadly, at the end, the Drama teacher explained to the audience that this was the last show of its kind in the school because funding was being cut. Did that mean that there would be no more after school Musicals or that all Arts related classes or activities were being cut? No art? No Drama? No Chorus? No General Music classes? No Band or Orchestra? If that is the case, what a shame!
Nevertheless, it is clear that the families in this school value Arts Education. 70 kids and many parent volunteers made the effort to support this program. Besides helping these kids develop talents and give them a chance to perform, it likely provided a reason to keep these children wanting to come to school.
What a shame to loose their funding!
Nevertheless, it is clear that the families in this school value Arts Education. 70 kids and many parent volunteers made the effort to support this program. Besides helping these kids develop talents and give them a chance to perform, it likely provided a reason to keep these children wanting to come to school.
What a shame to loose their funding!
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