Save Those Recital Programs!

So, teachers, what do you do with the stacks or drawers full of recital programs that accumulate over the years? I came up with a way-cool idea. I'm about to show you step-by-step how to do turn THIS:

...into THIS:

READY?

STEP 1: Collect all of your programs, and put them in chronological order. I had a stack of 29 programs, so I decided to divide them into two volumes. Take your programs to a full-service copy place like Kinko's or the UPS Store. I went to the UPS Store. For less than $5 each, I was able to have each of my two volumes bound with comb binding and covered with a clear plastic front and black plastic back. It took about 30 minutes for the shop to get it done.

STEP 2: Make tabs for each program so that you can find the one you're looking for quickly. This step is entirely optional, but it took my cool book of programs and turned it into an amazing volume of awesomeness, so I highly recommend it. You can make your tabs using cardstock or maybe buy some pre-made tabs somewhere. I made mine from scratch. Note: I have a Cricut cutting machine, so I didn't have to cut the tabs out by hand. They are a REALLY SIMPLE design, though, so you could sketch out your own tabs and cut them with scissors instead. If you do happen to have a Cricut, you will want to know what cartridge and size I used. The "From My Kitchen" cartridge has loads of different tabs. The one I used was on the "cow" button. :) Really, there's a cow button. You select the tab function and then select the cow. Set your size to 1 3/4 inches. Since I had 29 programs, I cut out 29 tabs using different patterns of scrap cardstock I had on hand. Here's what the tabs looked like before they were folded:

STEP 3: Print a list of dates or other type of label for your tabs. I printed two of each date in order to have labels for both sides of the tabs. I wanted to print my labels on patterned cardstock, but before I ran the good paper through the printer, I printed a sample page on multipurpose paper to make sure the font size was going to fit the tabs. I ended up using a font called "The Last Something That Meant Anything" and font size 14. After you print the date labels, you have to cut them out.

STEP 4: Attach your printed labels to your tabs. I used a strong craft glue because some of the tabs were cut out of glitter cardstock which can be difficult to attach things to. Also, you will notice in the next picture that I ended up cutting the tabs in half. That was just my preference, because the folded tabs had sort of a bumpy edge that I didn't like. 

STEP 5: Attach your tabs to each program cover. You could do this any way you like but I staggered mine so that there would be four tabs visible at a time.

This is the reverse side of the same tab shown in the previous picture.

Continue adding tabs until each program is labeled.

STEP 6: Make a title for the spine of your program book(s). I used the same polka dot cardstock, font, and font size I used for the labels and included my studio logo as well. To adhere your spine label, you could use any type of strong adhesive you have on hand. I tried two different methods for my two volumes. For one, I used the craft glue shown above. I think it's made by Making Memories. For the second, I ran the title through my Xyron sticker maker. Both worked, but I think the glue was a little more effective with the plastic comb binding.

Before removing the title "sticker" I wrapped it around
a pen to help shape it for the comb binding

I really like how these turned out! It took two to three hours to make the tabs for one volume, but it probably would have gone quicker if I had not used glitter cardstock (which made craft glue necessary) and had printed my labels on sticker paper or tiny Avery labels. But it was a fun project, and what are summers for anyway?!

Recital Programs Through the Years

The Piano School Spring Recital: Everything You Need to Know

Basic Info

The Spring Recital is on Sunday, June 2, 2013 in Talmadge Recital Hall at Hollins University.  At 2:30, students should go to the front porch of Main Building (the building with rocking chairs outside) to have their individual pictures taken. We will line up for the group picture on the steps of Main at 2:45 and go up to the recital hall in adjacent Bradley Hall just prior to 3:00. The entire program should be over by 4:30. Please enter and exit the hall only during applause.

What to Wear

Students, please dress nicely. Here are a few examples:

      

     

Of course, you should wear what seems right for you, but try to be dressy about it, and consider how your wardrobe might affect your ability to play piano comfortably. If you use pedal in your piece, try your shoes out with pedal at home. You should be able to feel the pedal somewhat through the sole of your shoe, and try to select shoes that won't slip off the pedal. Bracelets should not be worn. Fingernails should be trimmed short.

What to Bring

1. Your recital music
2. Any materials on loan that you need to return.
3. Paper and pen for young children, or a book, or a quiet toy.

Just for Parents

I think all of you are terrific! Just a few reminders:

1. Please escort crying or discontented children from the recital hall.
2. Please settle your account for the semester (see invoice in your email if applicable).
3. Allow your pianist to feel relaxed and unhurried before the recital if possible.

Handicap Access

We have no adequate handicap access at this venue, but here is an option which may help you: There is a back door to the recital hall which will place you behind the stage in the green room. To enter this door, you will need to have someone in your party go through the front entrance, walk onto the stage, and go through the stage door marked "Exit." They will be able to open the back door from inside. The back door is not free of steps (I believe there are 2 or 3 outside), and you will have to walk through an uneven grassy landscape to get to it. You will also need to be prepared to descend three steps from the stage into the audience seating area. I regret that access is so limited, but until Hollins makes improvements (as they have vowed to do), we must make do. Also, the restroom is downstairs. Eek.

Restrooms and Water

Restrooms are available on the ground floor of Bradley in the lobby area (downstairs from the recital hall). A water fountain is located downstairs as well. Go through the double doors and down the hall.

Crying Babies

Please do your best to make sure babies and toddlers do not disrupt the program. Every pianist who performs in the recital will be a bit nervous, and he/she will need to concentrate fully while playing. It is extremely difficult to be alone on stage performing a solo piano piece. (Personally, I find it easier to give a speech.) Let's help these brave musicians perform without disruption, and I'm sure they'll be grateful.

Before you Leave Home

Students should plan to be ready early so they can warm up at home. You will almost certainly play better if you have warmed up in a relaxed fashion at home before coming to Hollins.

Before you Leave the Recital Hall

Do a quick survey of your seating area and make sure you have picked up any programs, awards, music books, or personal items that belong to you. Unwanted programs can be left by the recital hall door. We want to leave the facilities in good shape! Hollins provides us with a discounted rental rate, and we would do well to show our appreciation by leaving things tidy.

Okay, I think that about covers it. If you think of any questions that I have not addressed, do send me an email so I can help. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you Sunday!