WHAT ARE CRESCENDO CLASSES?

 

Crescendo Classes are an integral and unique part of SJMS programs. They are "Practice Performance Classes". Learning to perform is a separate skill from learning to play or sing, so we take some time to do that!

 

Several times per year, students prepare a song to perform for their class. It is intended to provide an opportunity to ease into singing or playing in front of others so that recitals don't feel so scary, but rather, exciting!

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Benefits:

It normalizes playing in front of others. 

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It helps students not only practice a performance but shows them how to prepare and what is expected for a an excellent performance.  

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It provides a goal! If a student isn't faithfully practicing, Crescendo Class is a great way to incentivize practice! 

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It gives a feeling of accomplishment!

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Requirements: 

Students will use the "Recital Sandwich" method any time they perform. 

Introduction, Perform, Bow

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Students will memorize their introduction and learn to say it with confidence and poise.

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Students will memorize their songs on piano and for singing for all performances. 

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Students will become good audience members and learn good audience etiquette. 

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Attire: 

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A step up from what students would normally wear to class is recommended for Crescendo Classes so that their is a distinction in importance. I also believe that we are affected by how we feel about ourselves, so when we dress the part, we often perform more confidently.

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Audience: 

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Sometimes we do invite parents, but generally Crescendo Classes are contained within the normal class schedule or we combine with another class as well. 

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We find that most students LOVE Crescendo Classes and can't wait to share their songs with their peers, especially after they've done it a few times. 

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