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!