“If we don't get ourselves out of the rehearsal room and in front of a real audience, we are simply harmonizing the walls, not harmonizing the world.” - Author Unknown

Sweet Adelines is a musical organization whose primary objectives are set out in its Mission Statement: “Elevating women singers worldwide through education, performance, and competition in barbershop harmony and a cappella music.” Public performances are a key factor in “harmonizing the world” as noted above. While each chorus defines its own priorities in terms of types and frequency of performances, all choruses share the challenges of show development. Creating and presenting a successful performance incorporates musical, educational, and social aspects of the chorus in a process that is rewarding on multiple levels.

This module identifies the skills needed for a performance as well as the logistics of putting on a show - whether an informal community performance or a big show with guest acts. There are also inspirational suggestions from some of our organization’s finest leaders in performance preparation as well as tips on mental preparation and dealing with stage fright.

A short quiz is provided at the end of each article which can help you self-assess how well you’ve learned the information provided in that article. It is HIGHLY recommended that all learners take these quizzes prior to attempting the final module assessment.

11.1 - Building Performance Skills
Many factors are involved in developing the skills needed for a successful performance. This includes creating a solid and versatile foundation - image, music selection, vocal basics, visual basics, energy, costuming/makeup, show commit­tee, and rehearsal activities.

11.2 - Planning a Performance
Next, you need a plan! Where is this performance taking you - to your annual chorus show or a community event? This article will help you with the logistics of creating an appropriate and effective ­performance, including the theme/format, choice of guest performers, song order, visual considerations, venue considerations, and other matters.
 
11.3 - Performance Day
This stage is what we all love: performance day! With effective preparation and planning, all that remains is for the chorus members to provide the audience with a polished performance and to enjoy their moment in the spotlight. This article covers aspects of on-site preparation as well as the performance itself.

11.4 - Managing Stage Fright
This article discusses the physical impact of stage fright on the body. It also provides helpful tools for directors and singers to understand and deal with these natural, physical reactions.

11.5 - Mental Preparation
It is just as important to be mentally prepared for a performance as it is to know the notes, words and choreography. This article explores the concept of mental preparation and provides guidance on building a positive mindset in your singers.

11.6 - Sound Advice
This article provides some basic guidance in using a sound system, microphones, monitors and other equipment during a performance. It helps to demystify some of the jargon around this essential technology and gives tips on how to work with sound engineers.

Show development and production can be a highly rewarding process for a chorus, offering many opportunities for growth not only as performers but as writers, choreographers, costume designers, emcees, and marketers. Indeed, the experience of presenting a performance is great preparation for competition, as it helps the singers (and the director) develop the confidence to regard competition as “just another performance.”

Ultimately, the chorus director takes primary responsibility for the quality of the chorus’s performances. However it is not necessary or even ideal for the director to take on - alone - all the areas of responsibility outlined above. Sweet Adelines is a “team sport” and the wise director will search out appropriate individuals within the chorus to lead or facilitate the many tasks and processes of building and launching a great performance.

With the goal of creating and presenting a successful performance, let's take a look at performance skills and logistics in the following articles, keeping in mind the end result: a thrilling barbershop show!

“Performances are usually the best way that Sweet Adelines is introduced to the public and for this reason, a director who can oversee and direct a successful performance becomes one of the most important ambassadors of vocal barbershop music.” - Pat LeVezu

Contributors for the articles in this module were:
● Judy Pozsgay
● Donya Metzger
● Jan Carley
● Susie Safarian
● Lorraine Barrows
● Betty Lou Coleman
● Debbie Cleveland
● Carol Grimmer
● Liz Hardcastle
● Pat LeVezu
● Marsha Massey
● Jan Muck
● Dede Nibler
● Barbara Nielsen
● Chris Noteware
● Tori Postma
● Julie Starr
● Valerie Taylor
● Joanne Oosterhoff
● Sweet Adelines International Education Department