Putting together a program for a concert can be lots of fun but also surprisingly challenging. Here are some suggestions to take into consideration when you are deciding what to play and some or our favourite pieces for end of year concerts and the HSC.
- Timing of the program and individual pieces. Take into consideration the time in between pieces especially if there are multiple performers.
- Entertaining program for your audience. Think about what they might like to hear as well as what you like to play.
- Balance between achievable and challenging in the time you have to prepare. If you are playing with your students then consider their skills and how long it might take to prepare with them.
- Range of styles. This doesn't have to be music from different periods but you probably don't want everything on the program to be a slow romantic.
- It's great to include music that represents the world we live in so consider including some Australian music and female composers.
- Talk to your audience. They love to hear about the stories behind the music especially if the style is challenging. If you can, talk to them about the music they are about to hear.
- Think about the order of the program. What you might like to open the program with and the grand finale!
AUSTRALIAN FLUTE MUSIC
If you are preparing for the HSC you will probably need to include an Australian piece written in the last 25 years. Fluteworthy have recorded two albums of beautiful music for you to explore. The Australian Music Centre has HSC lists on Australian flute music from the last 25 years.
FAVOURITES
To help you choose pieces for your program our YouTube channel showcases our repertoire collection with performances by Christine, Jocelyn and Lamorna. Some of our favourites include:
- Kohler - The Butterfly from Repertoire Book 4. Grade 6 level, really fun to play because it sounds so technically impressive.
- Trad. Chinese - Jasmine from Repertoire Book 1. This is about Grade 2 level and a lovely piece to include if you have an audience with a Chinese background.
- C. Draeger - Into Forever from Repertoire Book 2. Grade 3 level and a charming piece by our very own Christine Draeger.
- Abreu - Tico Tico from Repertoire Book 3. Grade 5 level with a fun Latin style to mix up the music.
- Anna Bon di Venezia - Sonata from Party Pieces. Grade 6 or 7. As a female composer from the Baroque period the music of Anna Bon has been neglected but this is a lovely piece that deserves to be better known.