Coffee / Morning Concerts

Hi Kimberly,

We have morning performances.  Although in our case it is a final rehearsal with paid admission.  We call the program Finishing Touches and it is presented on Friday mornings at 10:00 AM.  While we have eighteen weekends of classical concerts we only have four Finishing Touches events.  Our guild members serve complimentary coffee and pastries in the lobby.  Seating is general admission and the balconies are closed.

We try to give patrons an understanding that because it is still a rehearsal the conductor may stop the orchestra during a piece, repeat a portion of the music, and perhaps not even play everything that will be on the evening program.  We remind the conductor to acknowledge the audience and, if possible, address them and even give them some explanation of what he is doing and how the musicians adjust to these last minute refinements.

There are some extra challenges when scheduling which weekends will be part of the Finishing Touches series.  We try to avoid programs with a chorus because the choir rehearses only in the evenings and they would never be available for a morning appointment.  We also have to work things out with the conductor and guest artist.  Sometimes they aren't available or comfortable with an open rehearsal.

The crowds are small but appreciative.  Some patrons come for the behind the scenes aspect, some for a seat closer to the front at a lower price, some because they don't want to be out late or drive after dark, and I think others are there just for the free treats.

For us the Finishing Touches series isn't a money maker but it is fun and the patrons who attend look forward to each one.  It is one more thing on top of everything else we do so we rely on our guild volunteers more than usual and they make it a good experience for everyone.

Jared

Hi Kimberly,

We have morning performances.  Although in our case it is a final rehearsal with paid admission.  We call the program Finishing Touches and it is presented on Friday mornings at 10:00 AM.  While we have eighteen weekends of classical concerts we only have four Finishing Touches events.  Our guild members serve complimentary coffee and pastries in the lobby.  Seating is general admission and the balconies are closed.

We try to give patrons an understanding that because it is still a rehearsal the conductor may stop the orchestra during a piece, repeat a portion of the music, and perhaps not even play everything that will be on the evening program.  We remind the conductor to acknowledge the audience and, if possible, address them and even give them some explanation of what he is doing and how the musicians adjust to these last minute refinements.

There are some extra challenges when scheduling which weekends will be part of the Finishing Touches series.  We try to avoid programs with a chorus because the choir rehearses only in the evenings and they would never be available for a morning appointment.  We also have to work things out with the conductor and guest artist.  Sometimes they aren't available or comfortable with an open rehearsal.

The crowds are small but appreciative.  Some patrons come for the behind the scenes aspect, some for a seat closer to the front at a lower price, some because they don't want to be out late or drive after dark, and I think others are there just for the free treats.

For us the Finishing Touches series isn't a money maker but it is fun and the patrons who attend look forward to each one.  It is one more thing on top of everything else we do so we rely on our guild volunteers more than usual and they make it a good experience for everyone.

Jared