First, I would like to thank Lib Hughston for recommending Piedmont Music Center for a possible recital location.
As I was scouting location for a winter recital location, I had to decide what was the best time for the event. Do I go pre-Thanksgiving or post-Thanksgiving? Almost everyone has winter/Christmas recitals. Usually these recitals are jammed into the first or second weekend of December. Now let’s hear the collective groan from the parents. Another event in December? Can we cry now? So rather an causing collective hyperventilation, I decided to go with an early November date.
I’ll admit that I will miss the Christmas carols at the recital. What I won’t miss are the half a dozen students who can’t attend because of other events. Teachers, I encourage you to schedule those big annual recitals at non-traditional times. Your students will thank you. 2 months is plenty of time for even beginners to learn a piece for a recital. New student participation is important. Older students can either present a new piece or pull one out of the rotation of performance ready pieces in their repertoire list.
Good luck to everyone with the recital preparation!