What Is the First Performance National Day of Celebration?

Founded by the Music Achivement Council, an action-oriented nonprofit organization sponsored by the National Association of School Music Dealers (NASMD) and NAMM, First Performance is a short demonstration concert which is designed to show parents what their music students have learned within the first six to eight weeks of school. The first ever First Performance National Day of Celebration will take place November 15, 2018. Learn the inspiration behind this program, the benefits for educators, and how music educators can get involved.

What is the mission behind First Performance National Day?

The mission of the First Performance National Day of Celebration is to provide a singular opportunity for students, parents, administrators and the community to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of beginning instrumental students.

The Music Achievement Council (MAC) believes that a quality first performance experience for band and orchestra students, their parents, the school community and the community-at-large serves as the springboard for fulfilling, life-long experiences through active music-making. The Music Achievement Council has thus established the First Performance National Day of Celebration to honor and celebrate all beginning instrumental music-makers who, as a result of their participation, will “graduate” to become a full-fledged band or orchestra musician.

The program is being launched in the fall of 2018 with the complimentary materials needed to help reduce dropouts, encourage positive communication with parents, and strengthen administrative support through a memorable concert experience for the students.

The Music Achievement Council envisions a performance for beginning level instrumentalists that results in the students and their parents becoming aware of the musical achievements and gratifying, collaborative experiences that come about as a direct result of active music-making.

What is the main goal?

The ultimate goal is to reduce beginner dropouts, encourage positive communication with parents, strengthen administrative support for the program and create a memorable experience for the students. The sound of applause early in a musician’s life can encourage continued growth and eventually lead to a lifetime of music-making and this turn-key program will serve to provide an exciting first step in that musical journey.

How can music educators, parents, and students benefit by participating?

The First Performance National Day of Celebration is a scripted event that provides parents with the opportunity to hear their child’s progress in a fun and entertaining setting that requires little or no extra work for the teacher as all materials are complimentary and available to download at www.musicachievementcouncil.org.

There is a free First Performance Kit that contains all of the concert support teachers will need, including:

• A sample letter/invitation to parents.
• A sample letter/invitation to administration.
• A fillable PDF Certificate of Advancement.
• A complete 20-minute concert with scripted narration.

How do you connect with music educators?

The Music Achievement Council attends as many Music Educator Association (MEA) events as possible, bringing highly-qualified speakers to present motivating sessions on recruitment and retention sessions.

How do you create awareness?

The MAC attends events all over the nation, such as Midwest Clinic, ASTA, NafMe, NAMM, and state MEA’s.

How can people learn more?

www.musicachievementcouncil.org.