Norwin Bands Concert Programs
Norwin Middle School, PA
10870 Mockingbird Dr, Irwin, PA 15642, USANorwin High School, PA
251 McMahon Dr, Irwin, PA 15642, USAAward: Gold, 2019
Project Description
Concert programs can be purely functional. But they’re a great way to capture parents’ and communities’ hearts and minds. Concert programs are a physical keepsake that every parent wants to have and hold for the 30 minutes or so before their child’s concert begins. It may even become a keepsake, tucked inside a yearbook and treasured years later for its musical memories. In between the students’ names and the repertoire listings, though, there is a lot more information to convey to parents.
The cover lists the important information about the concert itself: Location, performing ensembles, date, and conductors. Typically a one-color vector illustration will photocopy well. Many times that’s available for free (Norwin Middle School Winter 2017 program and NMS Spring 2018), can be modified slightly (Norwin Combined Concert May 2018), or can be created from existing fonts (NHS WInter Concert February 2018). When available, it’s a wonderful way to feature music student artwork.
Letters from the superintendent and building principal(s) serve multiple purposes. First, the email requesting the letters can pull double duty and allow you to invite the administrator to attend the concert. Second, once the request is accepted, the administrator will probably say something nice about the music program. Once they’ve committed to that publicly, research says they’re more likely to support your program for real!
Directors’ biographies introduce the parents and the community to the hardworking music educators who teach their students. They reinforce the idea that music educators are highly trained and qualified professionals who are typically musically active themselves. They also provide a road map to aspiring music educators. Whenever possible, every educator who has taught each child on that stage should be featured, beginning through high school. It reinforces that the music department is an interconnected team, and that none of them are expendable.
Use a page of your program book to thank the important people your music program depends on: students, parents, administration, school board, faculty, facility staff, and volunteers. It’s a great way to spread goodwill and let your community know that they are valued. This is especially important if your program has paid or in-kind sponsors. Make sure your community knows who they are!
Listing your student personnel and repertoire is required, of course, but also has educational value. Plus every parent turns right to their child’s name first—so double and triple-check those spellings!
Let your audience know about your music program’s history. Not only will it be educational, but it lets them know their child is part of an important legacy (and if they’re an alum, maybe they are, too!). Allow your booster program some space to promote their next fundraiser or share important reminders.
Use the remaining space to educate your patrons about the benefits of music education. Remind them about all the wonderful things music does for their children. Drop in quotes about the power of music, statistics about what music students gain, or even articles about the next level these students will be experiencing.
