At Canyon High School, we strive to create unforgettable experiences for our students and their families. One such recent event was our “in-rehearsal concert.” We decided to open our doors to parents for the last thirty minutes of our evening band rehearsal. This allowed them to sit beside their children and experience firsthand the hard work and dedication that goes into each performance.
We’ve done something similar during the Fall when we invited parents to learn how to march alongside their students, but never something quite like this during the Spring semester.
The Idea Behind the In-Rehearsal Concert
The inspiration for this event came from Facebook posts of similar events held by band directors Matthew Black and Joshua Lott, respectively. By inviting parents to witness the rehearsal process, we aimed to:
- Foster a deeper connection between students and their families.
- Provide parents and siblings with an opportunity to witness the skills and effort required by their student to play their band music.
- Peel back the curtain on what it takes to be successful during the less-visible “Concert Band” portion of our year.
The idea was further solidified by heartfelt Facebook posts from our band community, highlighting parents’ joy and pride when they saw their children perform. In the age of social media, we’re more than happy to give parents something positive to post about our Band Program!
A Night to Remember
We tacked the concert onto the end of a two-hour band clinic. The rehearsal (with a special guest clinician) ran from 6-8pm. We invited parents to join us at 7:30, but many arrived by 7 pm and were able to observe the end of the high level rehearsal. Then at 7:25, we took a break, had parents come find their child and we played through the program. The students, dressed in their normal attire, were eager to showcase their progress. As parents took their seats next to their children, a sense of excitement filled the room.
A Parent’s Perspective
One parent shared their thoughts on Facebook: “The kids’ band director invited parents to sit in during the final run-through of tonight’s rehearsal. Their little brothers thought it was so cool to listen to their siblings play! I’m thankful for this opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes and to get a better idea of how hard my children have to work to play such difficult music!”
This sentiment was echoed by many parents, who expressed gratitude for the chance to be a part of this special moment. Seeing their children in action, working hard, and collaborating with their peers, was a moving experience that deepened their appreciation for the band’s efforts.
These moments of family connection and pride are what make events like the in-rehearsal concert so meaningful. They remind us of the powerful impact music can have on our lives and relationships.
The Impact on Students
Having their parents present during the rehearsal was exciting and motivating for the students. Knowing their loved ones were watching pushed them to perform at their best. It also allowed them to share the joy and challenges of being in the band with their families.
One student remarked, “Having my parents here made me feel proud of what we’ve accomplished. It was nice to show them how hard we work and how much we care about our music.”
This sentiment was shared by many of the band members, who felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination after the event. The presence of their parents not only validated their efforts but also inspired them to continue striving for excellence.
A Tradition in the Making
Given the overwhelmingly positive response from both parents and students, we plan to make the in-rehearsal concert an annual tradition at Canyon High School. This event has proven to be a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between our band and the community, while also celebrating the dedication and talent of our students.
Looking Forward
The in-rehearsal concert at Canyon High School was a resounding success. It provided a unique opportunity for parents to see the hard work and dedication that goes into each rehearsal, while also creating special moments of connection and pride. And all it really took was an invitation and about four dozen extra chairs!
Eric Rath is an active educator, guest conductor-clinician, adjudicator, arranger and composer. Under his direction, the Canyon HS Band (Canyon, TX) has been a finalist in the UIL State Marching Contest, the TMEA Honor Band Contest, and the ATSSB Outstanding Performance Series. As a composer, his works are published by Alfred Music, FJH, Tapspace, and TRN. He co-authored the widely used percussion series “Beyond Basic Percussion” and “Five Minute Drill” (Tapspace) and performs as a percussionist with the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra. In 2024, Mr. Rath was honored with the UIL Sponsors Excellence Award. He lives in Canyon, Texas, with his wife and five children.
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