‘Next level’ inspiration
Inspiration is what moves us to do something, and with everything going on right now, we could do with some. We know things are a bit different now – rehearsals moved online, travel plans halted – but it doesn’t stop us dreaming.
When normal life resumes (and it will), we’ll need something to inspire us. And a concert tour could be just the pick-me-up for your youth ensemble, both physically and mentally.
Alongside the musical and social benefits, touring can have an invaluably positive impact on young people’s self-esteem and personal development. Time and time again, party leaders remind us that there’s no better way to inspire young musicians than by taking them on tour, as Mr Duguid discovered on tour with St Ignatius College:
‘The students had a busy and varied trip, with a range of performance opportunities that stretched and challenged the ensembles. The performance at St Salvador’s Cathedral was very well attended and the pupils had the huge challenge of filling a longer concert on their own. This has had a big impact on performance standard and confidence for our pupils.’
‘The students had a busy and varied trip, with a range of performance opportunities that stretched and challenged the ensembles. The performance at St Salvador’s Cathedral was very well attended and the pupils had the huge challenge of filling a longer concert on their own. This has had a big impact on performance standard and confidence for our pupils.’
Working in harmony
Going on tour gives musicians the opportunity to bond as an ensemble and get to know each other on a new level, which is integral to the core activity of music making. Nothing reinforces trust and builds strong bonds like a trip away from home in exciting new realms.
This, together with a musical focus, will undoubtedly improve both the unity and blend of your ensemble. When on tour, groups must accommodate each other and look after each other, which is actually a kind of musical process in itself.
With time and space to rehearse and perform together every day, as opposed to weekly rehearsals, performing together in a condensed period of time allows young musicians to grow and develop as an ensemble, as well as giving them the time to polish and fine-tune those hard-to-crack music pieces.
There’s also something particularly rewarding about performing to an audience that isn’t solely comprised of parents, friends and teachers; the feeling of people other than their loved ones enjoying their music can give young musicians a real boost in confidence.
An exciting goal to work towards
Schools have been shut for months, which means students have either missed out on their regular rehearsals or had to move them online. So now more than ever, young performers need something to look forward to – an incentive to keep singing, playing and performing. Groups are still booking their international concert tours with us for 2021, and by working together, we can keep music education alive and as central as it’s always been to the curriculum.
Looking back on Tonbridge School’s tour to Paris, Julian Thomas commented on the musical benefits it had on his school choir:
‘Although it was only a short trip, it provided a real focal point for the choir to work towards, and seeing them blossom musically makes all the hard work worthwhile.’
‘Although it was only a short trip, it provided a real focal point for the choir to work towards, and seeing them blossom musically makes all the hard work worthwhile.’
Experiences like these, which teach young people about perseverance and dedication as they work towards a particular goal, are invaluable to their personal development. And a tour is a great way for students to end their school career on a high, leaving them feeling inspired to continue their music education.
Experience the wider world
Things may be on pause at the moment, but international travel will make a comeback, and it’s important to remember just how beneficial travel is for young people.
In a nutshell, it gives them the opportunity to experience another country and a different culture, granting them a bit of independence and responsibility away from home.
Whether it be to a nearby European city or somewhere further afield, a tour will open your students’ eyes to another part of the world. This is where we can help them experience the local culture to its full with recommended excursions to fit around their performances.
Taking your ensemble members out of their usual way of life, letting them face new challenges and giving them the opportunity to perform in new environments will increase self-confidence, self-esteem and resilience. And, of course, it’s really, really fun!
See for yourself…
Our film showcases the musical, social and personal benefits of touring from the perspectives of four ensembles. Seeing the groups perform in stunning venues across Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, this glimpse into a Rayburn Concert Tour says it all…
When you’re ready, we’re ready
Thinking about a concert tour for 2021 or simply want to talk things through? Visit our website or call our team on 01332 347 828 for more information.